Applaudable Perspectives

On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, PLA Media President and Founder Pam Lewis sits down with country songwriter and entertainer, Bernie Nelson out of Fredericksburg, Texas. Bernie recalls the transformative childhood memories which shaped his musicianship, gives his take on Nashville’s music industry scene of the 80s, and shares stories behind his success that helped him land songwriting placements for legendary artists including Willie Nelson, Conway Twitty, Kenny Chesney, Randy Travis, Wynonna, Kris Kristofferson and more. Nelson also shares his advice to up-and-coming songwriters looking to break into the industry. For more information on “Weekends with Bernie” check out his website. For more Applaudable Perspectives episodes head over to www.plamedia.com.  snwMnPW0OaVj7Hal2GVx

In this episode, Pam Lewis talks to Matt Bjorke about his remarkable evolution from globe-trotting country music journalist to strategic publicity specialist, and the unlikely road that shaped his perspective along the way. From living and teaching in China and South Korea to covering country music’s biggest names and emerging voices, Matt reflects on how his global experiences informed his storytelling, sharpened his industry instincts, and ultimately led him to pivot from reporting on artists to representing them. It’s a candid conversation about reinvention, risk, and the enduring power of a well-told story.

On today’s episode, Pam Lewis sits down for a heartfelt, in-depth conversation with the Scarritt-Bennett Center’s Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Sondrea L. Tolbert, to explore the true meaning of community and the transformative power of hospitality. Set against the spirit and legacy of Scarritt-Bennett Center, this special video edition invites viewers into a thoughtful dialogue about belonging, welcome, and the sacred work of creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. It’s a rich, visually engaging episode we hope you’ll watch wherever video podcasts are available.Please visit https://scarrittbennett.org/ for more information!

In this episode, Pam Lewis talks With the journalism legend himself, Markos Papadatos. Markos is an award-winning Greek-American journalist and educator known by the professional moniker "The Power Journalist". As of late 2025, he has authored over 24,000 original articles, primarily as the Editor-at-Large for Music News at Digital Journal. #PowerJournalist

In this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, host Pamela Lewis walks the historic Hard Bargain neighborhood of Franklin, Tennessee with Derrick Solomon, Executive Director of the Hard Bargain Association, for a powerful, place-based conversation about history, housing, and hope.As they move through the neighborhood they’re discussing, Solomon shares the story of Hard Bargain—a historically Black community shaped by resilience in the face of post-Reconstruction challenges, including its designation as a sundown town. He explains how the Hard Bargain Association is working to preserve the neighborhood’s legacy while building a future rooted in opportunity, stability, and belonging.Through home renovations, the construction of high-quality affordable housing, and community-centered programs, the organization is helping families remain in the neighborhood they call home and grow alongside it. Over the past five years, the association has built five new homes and rehabilitated ten others, continuing a long-standing commitment to preservation and community investment.The episode also highlights the association’s impactful backpack giveaway program, which has provided more than 1,100 students—and their teachers—with fully stocked backpacks, made possible through the support of local foundations, churches, municipalities, and local businesses teaming with the Hard Bargain Association to offer them.This episode offers a moving, on-the-ground look at what’s possible when community, collaboration, and purpose come together.

A native of Seattle, Washington, Bruno Pirecki spent his formative years exploring his Capitol Hill neighborhood, the magic of the San Juan Islands, and the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Following two decades as a Nashville entertainment executive, his love for writing character-driven stories took center stage. The multi-award winning Town Lawe, and The House of Long Shadows are the happy result. Bruno is a longtime resident of historic Franklin, Tennessee, where he lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their five rescue cats. Join Bruno on IG @bruno.pirecki and brunopirecki.com

In this episode, we sit down with Judith “Judy” Rivera Rosso, author of the compelling and eye-opening book Junk Food Suicide, published by Balboa Press. Judy’s work dives deep into the hidden dangers of the ultra-processed foods that have become staples in modern life—uncovering how our everyday choices can quietly compromise our health and well-being.With a blend of personal insight, research, and an urgent call to awareness, Judy challenges listeners to rethink what they consume and why it matters. Her mission-driven approach and powerful storytelling make this conversation both informative and inspiring.Join us as we explore the origins of her book, the truths she’s determined to share, and the life-changing impact she hopes to make through her message.In this episode, we sit down with Judith “Judy” Rivera Rosso, author of the compelling and eye-opening book Junk Food Suicide, published by Balboa Press. Judy’s work dives deep into the hidden dangers of the ultra-processed foods that have become staples in modern life—uncovering how our everyday choices can quietly compromise our health and well-being.With a blend of personal insight, research, and an urgent call to awareness, Judy challenges listeners to rethink what they consume and why it matters. Her mission-driven approach and powerful storytelling make this conversation both informative and inspiring.Join us as we explore the origins of her book, the truths she’s determined to share, and the life-changing impact she hopes to make through her message.You can support Judy Rivera Rosso by purchasing a copy of Junk Food Suicide at Amazon.comConnect with us at:Applaudable Perspectives (by PLA Media)Podcast homepage: Applaudable Perspectives Spotify for Creators+3plamedia.com+3plamedia.com+3Spotify: Listen on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Applaudable Perspectives on Apple Podcasts Apple PodcastsPLA Media (Social Media)Instagram: @plamedia Facebook: PLA Media on FacebookJudith Rivera Rosso (Social Media)Facebook: Judith Rivera Rosso – Facebook Instagram: @judith60120

On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam Lewis is joined by Dina Rae Capitani, a multi-talented artist, musician, songwriter, community builder and visionary. She believes in the power of the arts to heal, unite and connect people to their hearts and one another. Tune in to hear about Dina’s life journey, Doggie Doodles, the “Temple of Dog Oracle Deck: Spiritual lessons from the heart of Dog with a little Cattitude” and much more!

Pam is again accompanied by Dr. (Sham)Talwar as she takes him around Franklin to show him some of her favorite spots. Along the way they run into Tommy Jackson, founder of the Rocky Top Revue dance troop. The Revue carries five square dance teams on any given competition weekend, Rocky Top Revue, Jackson Hollow, Little Texas, Little Harpeth, and the Hoe-si-dos. Their lessons and practices are always free and mostly take place open to the public in Downtown Franklin. The Revue has been blessed to grace some of the industries biggest stages including the Super Bowl and the Grand Ole Opry. Learn more about Rocky Top Revue and Tommy by going to www.rockytoprevue.com. Pam and Sham also make a stop at Franklin Hair Academy where they learned more about how Roxanne Wilson, the faculty, and the students at the academy can contribute their services to help with the mental health crisis. Franklin Hair Academy is located at 595 Hillsboro Road and online at franklinhairacademy.com.

Pam is joined by Canadian Country Music Hall of Famer, ACM and CCMA winner Michelle Wright. The two sit down to talk about Michelle’s upbringing and experiences in the country music industry, as well as her new album Milestone coming out August 26. Be on the lookout throughout the episode as we share some of the tracks from her new album as well. Michelle has been a powerhouse in country music industry taking home honors at the CCMAs for Single of The Year for “Take it Like a Man”, Female Vocalist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, and in 2011 was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. Check out more and stay up to date with Michelle at www.michelle-wright.com.

Pam is joined by The Unity of Faiths Foundation (TUFF) Co-Founder and CEO Dr. Shamender Talwar, FRSA and Head of Music Operations Daniel Xander to talk about their latest endeavor, Liverpool's International Song Contest– The Road to Nashville. The initiative that kicked off in May is providing an opportunity for singer/songwriters to submit their music with the top 10 finalists being flown to Nashville to perform at the legendary Exit/In. Along the way, any musician that is struggling with mental health issues is connected with 100% free resources with a mental health professional in their area. Over 600 contestants have been provided the resources they need since the kick-off.  To submit your music for consideration, visit roadtonashville.us for more information. There you will be given the option to fill out a confidential questionnaire to be connected with mental health professionals in your area, if needed.  TUFF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. To help contribute to their mission, please visit tuff.earth and click the donate button from the homepage. You can also visit them on socials at the links below.  Facebook: www.facebook.com/tuff.earth/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/tuff.earth/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/tuff_earth

On this episode, PLA artist Lia Caton joins Pam via phone to talk about upcoming projects and her new single "Trouble". Pam and Lia speak about the impact of mental health and how Lia has overcome obstacles in her personal life to lead a successful career in the music industry.  Be sure to check out all of Lia's music, streaming on all platforms and her website liacaton.com. And be sure to stick around for a preview of the new single "Trouble" that dropped July 1 after the episode. 

Pam is joined by Alicia King Marshall, Owner/Operator of Franklin Walking Tours. She shares her story of music, family, and stories from the job. Franklin Walking Tours offers experiences for all ages. Take a walk through historical battle locations, spooky haunted locations, or hear about the impact of some of the most influential women that have resided within the town. For more information, visit franklinwalkingtours.com.

Pam is joined by English singer, songwriter and record producer Roger Cook, who has written many hit records for other recording artists and has a successful recording career of his own. Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway first came to prominence when the Fortunes recorded their composition "You've Got Your Troubles," a Top Ten smash in both the U.S. and U.K. The two subsequently began writing advertising jingles, most notably for Coca-Cola. Cook was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1999 followed by the National Academy of Popular Music Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2009. To learn more about his contributions to some of music's biggest artist, such as Don Williams, The Hollies, George Strait and more, visit http://www.rogercook.com. 

This week Pam was able to sit down with the incredible songwriting duo Janis and Rick Carnes. Together with his wife Rick has recorded for RCA, Elektra Asylum, Warner Bros. and MCA records. They also work as a co-writng team and have co-written three top ten recordings for Bluegrass icons, the Whites. They penned the jazz ballad, Irresistible which was recently featured in the Sony Pictures Classic movie Saving Face, and the swing song, I'm Hanging' Around, which was recorded by Dean Martin. Rick has served as President of the Songwriters Guild of America since 2004. This is part 2 of 2.

This week Pam was able to sit down with the incredible songwriting duo Janis and Rick Carnes. We open the episode with a new song by them for an upcoming book project discussed in part 2 of the episode.  Together with his wife Rick has recorded for RCA, Elektra Asylum, Warner Bros. and MCA records. They also work as a co-writng team and have co-written three top ten recordings for Bluegrass icons, the Whites. They penned the jazz ballad, Irresistible which was recently featured in the Sony Pictures Classic movie Saving Face, and the swing song, I'm Hanging' Around, which was recorded by Dean Martin. Rick has served as President of the Songwriters Guild of America since 2004. This is part 1 of 2. 

Pam is joined by Friends of Franklin Parks (FOFP) Executive Director Torrey Barnhill. Torrey has a history of preservation and community outreach including being a former member of Franklin's Heritage Foundation. Torrey and Pam discuss current projects for the FOFP including Harlinsdale Farms, their fundraising efforts to establish all inclusive playground, Ellie G's Dream World and upcoming volunteer opportunities. For more information on FOFP, visit https://www.friendsoffranklinparks.org.

On this episode, Pam sits down with musician and religious expert for Spiritual Living Nashville, Dr. Mitch Johnson. They discuss both his music career and the influence religion has had on both of their lives. The organization is Now Streaming LIVE Sundays @ 11AM CST on Facebook and at CSLN.TV To find out more on the organization, visit http://www.CSLNashville.org/. 

Pam is joined by Laurie McPeak who is the Chief Development Officer of Franklin Battlefield Trust. The organization maintains historical pieces of the Battle of Franklin, most notably the Carter House, Carton Mansion, and the recently acquired Rippavilla properties. The trust provides tours and educational programs with the goal of telling the story of those affected by the Civil War. To learn more about the trust, please visit https://boft.org. 

President and CEO of The Land Trust for Tennessee sits down with Pam and talks about the various services offered by the organization. Since 1999, the organization has conserved more than 130,000 acres across the state of Tennessee. Their efforts continue to protect a wide variety of private and public land in both rural and urban areas, including farms, parks, forests, scenic views, and historic lands. Some of their projects range from conserving 4,000 acres on the Cumberland Plateau to a ¼ acre garden in downtown Nashville. For more information, visit their website at https://www.landtrusttn.org.