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Author: Spencer + Carli Patton
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A podcast for Tennesseans by Tennesseans. We talk with leaders—business owners, policy experts, educators, and more—who champion the entrepreneurial spirit and transform once-small ideas into big impact.
97 Episodes
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Jack Daniel’s is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, but its story is deeply rooted in a small Tennessee town, generations of family legacy, and an uncompromising commitment to doing things the right way. From the Bethel House at the entrance of the Lynchburg distillery, Chris Fletcher, Vice President, Master Distiller, and Director of Distillery Operations, shares what it really means to steward a brand that produces every drop of its whiskey in Moore County, one of the smalles...
Signature Required sits down with CJ Sentelll, CEO of the Nashville Food Project, to explore food insecurity from a community and systems perspective. The conversation goes beyond emergency food aid to examine why hunger exists, how food deserts and food swamps shape neighborhoods, and what it takes to build long-term access to nutritious food. Send a text
Weather becomes personal when it’s happening over your neighborhood, at night, with kids asleep down the hall. Andrew Leeper, Director of Broadcasting for Nashville Severe Weather, explains why hyperlocal, calm, two-way communication matters more than hype when storms hit Middle Tennessee. He shares how a volunteer, donation-supported team built trust by serving first, why tone and clarity save lives during tornado warnings, and what parents, schools, and communities often misunderstand about...
Public safety looks very different when you move past TV stereotypes and into real communities. Mark Davidson, District Attorney General for Tennessee’s 25th Judicial District, offers a candid look at what the justice system actually does and what it quietly carries. He explains why most of his work is not about locking people up, but about protecting communities, supporting victims, navigating limited resources, and making judgment calls in cases where the stakes are deeply human. From rural...
Patrick Sheehan, Director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, is one of the people most Tennesseans never see but rely on constantly. Drawing on decades of experience responding to disasters ranging from floods and tornadoes to pandemics and infrastructure failures, Patrick explains what emergency management actually looks like day to day, why preparation is mostly unglamorous and relational long before anything goes wrong, and how leadership, trust, and calm matter more than perfec...
Chief John Drake, Metro Nashville’s Chief of Police, joins us for a wide ranging conversation on leadership, trust, and what it actually means to serve a city that has changed dramatically over the last few decades. With nearly four decades in law enforcement and deep roots in Nashville, Drake shares how his early experiences shaped his view of policing, why community engagement is not a side project but a core pillar of public safety, and how MNPD thinks about precision policing, transparenc...
Screens are shaping childhood in ways most parents never connect until something feels off. Dr. Nidhi Gupta joins us for a clear, clinical conversation about screen safety, child development, and what she sees showing up in kids long before families realize technology may be playing a role. She explains why screens are often a symptom rather than the root issue, how device use affects sleep, hormones, behavior, and emotional regulation, and why fear based messaging misses the point. This conv...
Join us this week as we sit down with Rory and AJ Vaden, co-founders of Brand Builders Group. We talk about personal branding, entrepreneurship, and what it really means to build a meaningful business together. Tune in today! Send a text
This week, we sat down with Tasia Malakasis, CEO of The Company Lab, to explore her journey from tech executive to entrepreneur. She shares insights on Chattanooga’s startup scene, the importance of tenacity, and how The Company Lab supports mobility startups. Tune in today! Send a text
This week, we sat down with Dean Wegner, founder and CEO of Authentically American, to talk about how his company is producing 100% U.S.-made apparel while supporting veterans, maintaining American manufacturing, and leading with faith and values. Send a text
Join us this week as we sit down with Brian Clifford, Director of Tennessee’s Office of Outdoor Recreation, to explore the state’s outdoor opportunities. We dive into how Tennessee is improving quality of life, creating jobs, and conserving natural spaces—from rivers and trails to cave systems. Tune in today! Send a text
In this festive episode, Ellen Liston, PR Manager at Dollywood, takes us inside the park for its beloved Smoky Mountain Christmas. She also shares Dolly Parton’s vision for community impact and the stories of employees who bring the magic to life. Send a text
This week, we sit down with Lauren Clanton, Behavioral Specialist at Faith Family Medical Center, to dive into the key issues and opportunities influencing Nashville’s health landscape. We explore her work in community engagement, the importance of equitable access to resources, and the partnerships driving meaningful change across the city. Tune in today! Send a text
This week, we sit down with Mark Yancy, CEO of NashvilleHealth, to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping Nashville’s public health. We discuss access to healthier choices, how the city’s infrastructure impacts well-being, and the collaborative work needed to move Nashville forward. Tune in today! Send a text
Join us this week as we sit down with Joshua Haston, Development Manager at LDG Development's Nashville office, to unpack the challenges and solutions behind affordable housing. Tune in today! Send a text
This week, we sit down with Glenn Cranfield, President & CEO of the Nashville Rescue Mission, to talk about how the organization has been serving Nashville’s homeless community since 1953, offering not just shelter, but hope, restoration, and faith-driven transformation. Send a text
This week, we sat down with Danny Herron, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville, to talk about how the organization is building more than homes—creating stability through education, financial literacy, and community partnerships that strengthen Middle Tennessee. Send a text
In this episode, Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby shares her journey leading a rural community, tackling challenges like Hurricane Helene, supporting female leadership, and fostering resilience through partnerships and regional cooperation. Send a text
In this episode, Nashville's Mayor Freddie O’Connell shares his vision for the city’s future focusing on quality of life, affordable housing, and smart, balanced growth. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, community, and the next chapter for Nashville. Send a text
In this episode, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, also known as WWE Hall of Famer Kane, shares his journey from wrestling to politics and how he’s driving growth in Knox County through small business support, skilled trades, and collaborative leadership. Send a text























