
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sam Davidson on Increasing Entrepreneur Success
Sam Davidson, CEO of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center (EC), joins Spencer and Carli to discuss how the EC empowers entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. Sam shares insights into the EC’s mission to increase the success rate for startups through education, mentorship, and capital resources. He also reflects on his own entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of risk-taking, and how the EC fosters community and connection for Tennesseans pursuing their dreams. Tune in to hear how the EC is shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Tennessee.
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.
Charles Hatcher on Modern Farming in Tennessee
Charles Hatcher, a sixth-generation farmer at Hatcher Family Dairy, shares the remarkable legacy of his family's 200-year-old farm in Williamson County, Tennessee. In this episode, Charles delves into the challenges and joys of modern farming, from running a fully integrated dairy operation to the alarming loss of farmland across the state. Passionate about inspiring the next generation of farmers, Charles highlights how his family has embraced cutting-edge technology to remain viable in an industry where the average farmer is nearing 60 years old. He also discusses the impact of the Hatcher family's appearance on National Geographic's docuseries and their mission to maintain their land despite pressures from development. Get an inside look at the future of farming in Tennessee and the importance of agricultural sustainability in a changing world.
Sherry Deutschmann on Women and Entrepreneurship
In this episode, you'll hear from Sherry Deutschmann, founder of BrainTrust, a collective of diverse women business owners committed to building financial independence, wealth, and influence. Sherry shares how she and her fellow BrainTrust members leverage their collective experience and networks to help one another scale their businesses. Before founding BrainTrust, Sherry built her own company, LetterLogic, into a $40 million enterprise using an innovative employee-first approach. Tune in to discover Sherry’s insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the power of community in driving business growth.
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.
Will Acuff on Entrepreneurship & Underestimated Nashvillians
Will Acuff is a born and raised pastor’s kid and has long had a servant’s heart. More than a decade ago while on a mission trip to Kenya, Will felt called to return home to Nashville and think critically about how to best love his neighbors. Will and his wife, Tiffany, founded Corner to Corner in 2011 to help underestimated Nashvillians increase their economic participation through business and entrepreneurship. Providing education, tools and networking, Corner to Corner has helped over a thousands of entrepreneurs since its creation.
Katie Marchetti On Working with Community Foundation
Katie Marchetti connects people with resources with those in need. A deep believer that a rising tide should lift all ships, she's committed to nonprofit work in Middle Tennessee. She is also co-founder of Voices for a Safer Tennessee and a board member at Fisk University. In this episode, Spencer and Carli talk openly with Katie about finding a middle ground in a polarized climate. Together they dive into the importance of entrepreneurship, the significance of Nashville's key HBCU, and complicated conversations on gun rights.
Sondra Noble On Growing A Business
Sondra Noble, co-founder of Hip Hues, a custom swag bar event activation based in Nashville, goes way back with Spencer and Carli Patton to their college days at Vanderbilt. The trio go deep on what it takes to be an entrepreneur, the sacrifices involved and the ways the next generation can get a leg up as they forge their own path.