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

Health and Human Services Amber Jackson Health and Human Services Amber Jackson

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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Health and Human Services Amber Jackson Health and Human Services Amber Jackson

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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Health and Human Services Amber Jackson Health and Human Services Amber Jackson

Melanie Shinbaum on Fixing the Early Childhood Education Crisis

Melanie Shinbaum, Executive Director of the Nashville Early Education Coalition Fund, joins us to discuss the critical challenges facing early education in Tennessee. From systemic issues like low wages and limited accessibility to the economic and emotional toll on families, Melanie shares innovative solutions, including public-private partnerships, scalable childcare models, and the role of businesses in creating flexible, high-quality childcare options. With insights from her extensive nonprofit experience and personal stories as a mother, Melanie sheds light on why early education is essential for Tennessee’s families and economy. Tune in to explore actionable steps toward solving this pressing issue and the coalition’s efforts to bring together businesses, policymakers, and communities to make a lasting impact.

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Health and Human Services Alix Still Health and Human Services Alix Still

Christine Rosen on Protecting Kids in a Digital Age

In this episode, we dive into one of the most pressing issues facing families today: the impact of social media on children. With mounting evidence showing the risks tied to online platforms, what can parents do to safeguard their kids while navigating the digital world? Christine Rosen, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and expert on technology, culture, and society, offers insight into how we can create safer online environments for the next generation.

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Health and Human Services Amber Jackson Health and Human Services Amber Jackson

Melissa Trevathan on Counseling Children Through Trauma

Melissa Trevathan, founder of Daystar Counseling Ministries, joins Spencer and Carli to share her 40-year journey of bringing hope to children and families in Middle Tennessee. Founded in 1985, Daystar provides counseling, group therapy, and a summer camp in a uniquely welcoming environment. Melissa discusses rising anxiety in younger children, the importance of relationships, and how Daystar’s sliding payment scale and therapy dogs create a safe space for healing. From responding to crises like the Covenant School shooting to fostering lifelong impact, Melissa’s story is a testament to the power of faith and service.

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Health and Human Services Kylie Larson Health and Human Services Kylie Larson

Chris and Elaine Whitney on Food Insecurity in Tennessee

Chris and Elaine Whitney, founders of One Generation Away, join Spencer and Carli to discuss their nonprofit food ministry that began out of the back of a Hyundai Santa Fe and now distributes millions of pounds of food annually. With a mission to bring hope, honor, and dignity through food, the Whitney’s share their deeply personal journey from facing food insecurity themselves to creating a logistics-driven solution that serves thousands across multiple states. In this inspiring episode, they discuss the faces of hunger, the power of collaboration among nonprofits, and their innovative approach to rescuing and delivering food same-day.

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Health and Human Services Kylie Larson Health and Human Services Kylie Larson

JT Olson On Funding Adoptions

JT Olson founded Both Hands in 2008 to support adoption funding through service projects for widows, having been orphaned as a child himself. The average project raises $22,000. helping over 1300 families nationwide. In this episode, JT Olson and Jared Delong (Executive Director) discuss Both Hands' successes, its business model, and the growing challenges in adoption.

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Health and Human Services Kylie Larson Health and Human Services Kylie Larson

Rachel Freeman On Supporting Sexual Assault Victims

Rachel Freeman is the President and CEO of Nashville’s Sexual Assault Center (SAC). She leads the SAC in creating a safe, compassionate environment for survivors to begin their healing journey. In this episode, Freeman discusses the SAC's role in the community, key sexual assault statistics, and preventive initiatives like the Safe Bar program and campus outreach efforts.

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Health and Human Services Kylie Larson Health and Human Services Kylie Larson

Jim Ward on Homeless Veterans

In this episode of Signature Required, Jim Ward shares insights from running the 49-bed homeless shelter in Nashville's Vine Hill area for the past four years. He discusses the challenges of helping veterans navigate poverty, addiction, PTSD, and mental health issues to rebuild their lives. From eye-opening statistics on homeless veterans to inspiring success stories, Jim sheds light on a nationwide issue that demands our attention.

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