We talk with Tennessee leaders—business owners, policy experts, educators, and residents—who champion the entrepreneurial spirit and transform once-small ideas into big impact.

Latest Episodes

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Jeremy Qualls on Entrepreneurship in Public Education

Jeremy Qualls is the Executive Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Williamson County Schools, leading naitonally recognized programs that prepare high school students for real-world business and career success.

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Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes

Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home (TBCH) is a faith-based organization that provides residential and foster care services for children in need. Their mission is to offer safe, nurturing environments for children who cannot live with their families due to various circumstances.

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Andy Holt on Tennessee Agriculture

Andy Holt serves as Deputy Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, overseeing operations, policy, and statewide programs supporting food safety, animal and plant health, consumer protection, forestry, and agricultural development.

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Sean Phipps on Visit Chattanooga

Sean Phipps serves as Director of Marketing for Chattanooga Tourism Co., leading storytelling, media relations, and strategic communications that elevate Chattanooga’s national profile and drive tourism-driven economic impact.

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Brittany Schaffer on Belmont's Role in Shaping the Music Industry

Brittany Schaffer is the Dean of the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University. With a background in law and leadership roles at Spotify, she is shaping the next generation of industry leaders through innovation, education, and industry partnerships.

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Lindsey Norton on Hope House

Lindsey Norton is the founder of Hope House, Tennessee’s first home for teen moms and their children. After recognizing the need for housing and support, she created a space focused on empowerment and breaking cycles of poverty.

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Rachel Guymon on The Tennessee Titans Stadium

Rachel Guymon is the Director of Special Events for the Tennessee Titans, where she orchestrates high-impact events and corporate partnerships at Nissan Stadium. In this episode, Rachel opens up about her role in transforming the stadium into a year-round entertainment destination and what fans can expect from the upcoming, state-of-the-art stadium set to debut in 2027.

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Sarah Mattson on Entrepreneurship in Chattanooga

Sarah Mattson, Director of Entrepreneurship for the City of Chattanooga, discusses the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Chattanooga. This conversation sheds light on Chattanooga’s unique blend of big city amenities with a small-town feel, driven by its exceptional digital and outdoor assets.

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Laura Scoggins and Jenny Haines Douglas on Nashville Real Estate

Laura Scoggins from Benchmark Realty and Jenny Haynes Douglas from Movement Mortgage delve into the current state of the real estate market in middle Tennessee. Discover the strategies behind home buying, the impact of economic trends, and the real stories of people making a difference.

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Becca Stevens on Thistle Farms

Becca Stevens is an author, speaker, Episcopal priest, and social entrepreneur. She is the founder of Thistle Farms, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women survivors of trafficking, addiction, and prostitution. In this episode, we explore the theme of women coming together to support, empower, and collborate with one another.

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Heather Middleton on Nashville Tourism

Heather Middleton is the Chief Marketing Officer for Visit Music City. Throughout the conversation, Heather shares insights into Nashville's booming tourism industry, touching upon the economic impact of visitors, including astonishing stats like the $29 million spent daily in Nashville.

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Rikki Harris on Mental Health Resources in Tennessee

Ricky Harris, CEO of Tennessee Voices, joins the conversation to discuss the pressing mental health issues Tennesseans face and the state's unique preventive measures. The episode delves into Tennessee Voices' mission, emphasizing collaboration and community-focused care, while also exploring the challenges of nonprofit leadership. Harris shares insights into effective self-care for mental health professionals, the importance of resilience in youth, and the critical role of parental support in improving mental health outcomes. This episode offers a deep look into the preventative strategies and leadership principles driving one of Tennessee's pivotal mental health organizations.

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Drew D’Agostino on Crafting an AI Workplace

In this episode, Drew D'Agostino, founder and CEO of Crystal, dives deep into the realms of AI and Bitcoin. Intended for Tennesseans by Tennesseans, the discussion explores Drew's journey in the tech space, from creating a popular Chrome extension for LinkedIn to navigating ethical dilemmas in AI application. Drew also shares insights on leveraging AI for business growth, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and his unique perspective on managing company finances using Bitcoin. With a blend of relatable stories and expert analysis, this episode sheds light on the future of AI, the principles of building a tech company, and the intriguing dynamics of deflationary technology.

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Brooks Herring From the Military to the Music Industry

Brooks Herring, a Navy veteran and Nashville-based singer-songwriter, joins Spencer and Carli to share his journey from military service to the music scene. Growing up with a passion for music, Brooks discovered its power as a constant during his deployments, even mailing himself a guitar to Iraq. His time in the Navy and as a contractor in Afghanistan shaped both his perspective and his music, leading him to write deeply personal songs like “Why Me?” about survivor’s guilt and resilience. Now performing full-time, Brooks also advocates for veterans through organizations like RunPhase and CreatiVets. In this episode, he reflects on the healing power of music, the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, and his decision to return to school to sharpen his songwriting skills.

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Jane Allen On Problem-Solving and Leadership

In this episode, Jane Allen, founder of Counsel on Call (now Legility) and former CEO of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, shares her inspiring journey from schoolteacher to legal industry trailblazer. Jane discusses the leap of faith that led her to law school, the founding of a company that pioneered flexible work options for lawyers, and the lessons learned from scaling and ultimately exiting her business. She reflects on balancing entrepreneurship and family life, the importance of adapting to challenges, and the power of collaboration with her husband, Greg. With relatable insights and candid stories, Jane offers a fresh perspective on risk-taking, leadership, and building a meaningful career while staying true to your values.

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Adam Comer on Addition Recovery in Tennessee

Adam Comer, CEO of S2L Recovery and Executive Producer of The Forgotten Pandemic documentary, joins Spencer and Carli to discuss his journey from addiction to redemption. Adam shares his powerful testimony, highlighting the transformative power of faith-based recovery and the importance of community in overcoming addiction. He delves into the challenges of addressing the opioid crisis, S2L's unique approach to breaking the cycle of addiction, and the life-changing impact on families and individuals. Tune in to hear about the hope and dignity found in recovery, the vision for S2L’s expansion, and how Adam’s personal story continues to inspire Tennesseans and beyond.

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Will Norton on the TN Symposium for Online Safety

Will Norton, Head of School at St. Paul Christian Academy, joins Spencer and Carli to discuss the challenges of parenting in the digital age and the impact of social media on adolescents. Drawing from his experience as an educator and organizer of the Tennessee Symposium for Online Safety and Health, Will shares insights on fostering digital citizenship, setting guardrails for smartphone use, and promoting community-wide solutions. He also reflects on his military background and passion for equipping families to navigate the minefields of the digital landscape. Tune in for practical advice and hope in addressing one of today’s most pressing parenting challenges.

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