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.

Brad Turner serves as the first Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging, leading statewide programs serving 1.5 million Tennesseans with disabilities and agin needs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Steven Gentile is the Executive Director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and teaches education policy at Vanderbilt University. THEC plays a crucial role in advocating for an increase in the number of Tennesseans who obtain postsecondary credentials. In this episode, Stephen discusses the decision of whether to attend college, the benefits of choosing a technical degree, financial aid and grants, and THEC's future plans.

Jennifer Turner joined TPAC in 2019, bringing over 20 years of nonprofit arts experience to the role of President and CEO. In her five years, she's guided TPAC through the pandemic, an aging facility, and a business model re-evaluation. In this episode, she shares her journey to becoming CEO, TPAC's developments, outreach and upcoming touring broadway shows.

Diana Beach Batarseh is an accomplished educator, trainer, and presenter with extensive experience working with students from preschool to high school. Currently, she serves as the Head of School at King's Academy, where she champions a Christ-centered classical education in line with the academy's values. In this episode, Diana discusses the essence of King's Academy, highlighting its diversity, financial assistance, and strategies for fostering the growth of both the school and its community.

Dr. Maria Cronley, Provost of Austin Peay State University, talks with Spencer and Annalee about higher education in America. She discusses the university's efforts to provide flexibility for students, particularly military-affiliated students. Dr. Cronley emphasizes the value of a college education, warns of the upcoming enrollment decline in US institutions, and aims for a better-educated Tennessee.