cityCURRENT Radio Show

What does it take to truly break the cycle of poverty, crime, and dependency? In this inspiring episode of the cityCURRENT Show, host Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Chris Blaney, Development Director of 4:13 Strong , to explore how this Nashville-based nonprofit is transforming lives through faith, workforce development, mentorship, and life-changing relationships. Built around the mission of creating Stronger Men, Stronger Families, and a Stronger Nashville, 4:13 Strong offers a residential workforce development program that equips men with the skills, discipline, confidence, and support they need to build successful careers and meaningful lives. Whether you're a business leader, nonprofit supporter, mentor, or someone passionate about creating stronger communities, this episode offers an encouraging look at what's possible when people are given the opportunity and the support to rewrite their future. Learn more about 4:13 Strong, volunteer, become a mentor, or support their mission by visiting www.413strong.org .

Tom shares his background and path from a corporate career with companies like, Deloitte and E&Y, to transitioning from seminary to ministry to business coaching, explaining how he and his wife Traci, who was a member of the original launch team of HGTV, moved from Chicago to Nashville in 2017. He details their six-system framework called the Scaling Results Operating System , which addresses people, strategy, operations, execution, leadership, and finances, and describes working with clients who are typically founders looking to transition leadership teams and scale their businesses. He describes how the framework helps businesses scale results and impact, particularly addressing challenges like market forces and AI automation that require companies to pivot and update their processes. Tom provides examples of his coaching approach, including a success story about helping a marketing agency refocus on fundraising for nonprofits after struggling during COVID, and discusses his life planning process called Strategic Life Map that helps clients gain clarity through examining past turning points. Tom shares recommendations for driving success, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset and achieving elite performance through intentional choices and addressing "head trash" that prevents organizations from reaching their full potential. He discusses their "Strategic Life Map" process, which involves analyzing past turning points to plan for the future, and explained their philanthropic work with nonprofits through strategic planning and leadership development. Tom recommends visiting navigatethejourney.com for more information about their services and next steps. Visit https://www.navigatethejourney.com to learn more and connect with Navigate the Journey.

He details their six-system framework called the Scaling Results Operating System , which addresses people, strategy, operations, execution, leadership, and finances, and describes working with clients who are typically founders looking to transition leadership teams and scale their businesses. He describes how the framework helps businesses scale results and impact, particularly addressing challenges like market forces and AI automation that require companies to pivot and update their processes. Tom provides examples of his coaching approach, including a success story about helping a marketing agency refocus on fundraising for nonprofits after struggling during COVID, and discusses his life planning process called Strategic Life Map that helps clients gain clarity through examining past turning points. Tom shares recommendations for driving success, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset and achieving elite performance through intentional choices and addressing "head trash" that prevents organizations from reaching their full potential. He discusses their "Strategic Life Map" process, which involves analyzing past turning points to plan for the future, and explained their philanthropic work with nonprofits through strategic planning and leadership development. Tom recommends visiting navigatethejourney.com for more information about their services and next steps. Visit https://www.navigatethejourney.com to learn more and connect with Navigate the Journey.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Mitch Gaylord , who discusses his Olympic gold medal winning gymnastics career, his transition into acting including roles in movies like Batman Forever, his keynote speaking, and his current work as a producer with Higginbotham Financial . Mitch shares his background, explaining that while he originally dreamed of playing football or baseball, his growth trajectory and the encouragement of his parents led him to discover his natural talent for gymnastics through tumbling and trampoline classes. He describes the feeling of "flying and defying gravity" that initially drew him to the sport. Mitch highlights what it takes to succeed in gymnastics, covering the importance of discipline, core strength, and mental strength beyond just physical talent. He shares a challenging experience at the Junior National Championships in New York, where he felt intimidated by the competition and made mistakes in 50% of his routines, as a result, missing a key opportunity to advance. This experience marked a turning point in his career, prompting him to commit to improving his mindset and confidence moving forward. Mitch talks about his transition from UCLA to becoming a top-ranked athlete, describing how Kurt Thomas' belief in his potential led to a pivotal decision to leave UCLA for a year of intensive training. During that year, Mitch went from being an alternate in 1981 to becoming number two in the country in 1982, and eventually reaching the top ranking in 1983 and 1984. Mitch discusses his decision to return to UCLA for the 1984 season and the team's historic NCAA championship win. He then describes the pressure and expectations during the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where the U.S. men's gymnastics team, including Mitch Gaylord, Tim Daggett, Peter Vidmar, Bart Conner, Jim Hartung, and Scott Johnson, competed with a home court advantage at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion. Although picked to place third at best, the team ultimately defeated the world champion Chinese team and won the gold medal, marking the first time in history that a U.S. men's team achieved this feat, and Mitch emphasizes the importance of team support and unity in their success. Mitch shares two special moments from his Olympic experience in the 1984. The first was scoring the first ever 10.0 in U.S. men's gymnastics during the compulsories, which created momentum for the team. The second was a personal disappointment when he failed on high bar, but was supported by teammate Peter Vidmar who reminded him of the team's greater mission. Mitch reflects on his Olympic gymnastics career, where he won gold, silver, and bronze medals, and he shares how his experience transitioned into a career in film and stunts, including working on Batman Forever. He talks about being a keynote speaker and explains his two signature keynote speeches: "Raising the Bar" and "Turning Fear into Fuel," which draw from his athletic career to inspire audiences about overcoming challenges and building confidence. He also discusses his current role with Higginbotham Financial, where he works in life insurance, particularly with high net worth clients, and emphasizes the importance of having conversations about life insurance protection for families. Visit https://www.higginbotham.com to learn more about Higginbotham and Higginbotham Financial. Connect with Mitch Gaylord on LinkedIn or email him at MGaylord@higginbotham.net to connect. To learn more about Mitch Gaylord's public speaking and presentations, visit https://www.executivespeakers.com/speaker/mitch-gaylord

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Robyn Householder , CEO of the Better Business Bureau Serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky , who highlights the organization’s efforts and mission “to create a marketplace grounded in trust, guiding people toward the best experiences while fostering stronger relationships between businesses and consumers.” Robyn provides an overview of the organization's efforts to build trust in the marketplace through pre-purchase education and dispute resolution, processing approximately 3 million information requests and 12,000 disputes annually with a 98% success rate. The organization hosts various community events, with Songwriters Night on October 1st at Marathon Music Works being their largest annual event that raises funds for educational services and small business grants, particularly supporting veteran-owned businesses this year. Robyn highlights the upcoming Nashville event and notes that tickets can be purchased through bbb.org/Nashville under the events section. She describes various educational initiatives including Coffee and Connections events and an upcoming September event in Clarksville with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Robyn emphasizes their mission of helping businesses grow and advised consumers to check with them before doing business with strangers to avoid potential scams. Robyn then starts discussing some of the different scams taking place and shares helpful tips to avoid them. She reports that nearly 5,000 consumers are scammed daily through online purchase scams, highlighting how scammers use technology and AI to target specific shopping behaviors. She provides specific safety tips including avoiding pop-up ads, verifying secure website indicators, checking URL spelling and grammar, and using credit cards instead of debit cards for online purchases. She talks about employment scams, noting that legitimate jobs are not offered to unsolicited applicants and advised checking company websites directly. She also discusses debt collection scams, which use fear tactics to intimidate victims into paying alleged debts, with Robyn sharing a personal example of someone who verified their warrant claim was false. Robyn also talks about government agency imposter scams that target the elderly. She emphasizes the importance of being cautious about sharing personal information on social media and warns about sweepstakes and lottery scams that aim to capture personal information under false pretenses. She highlights the resources available through the Better Business Bureau, including their ability to verify legitimate businesses, provide guidance on licensing requirements, and help connect with government agencies, with Robyn encouraging people to report scams through bbb.org/spamtracker to help track and combat fraud. Visit https://www.bbb.org/ to learn more or for additional questions email info@gobbb.org or call 615-242-4222.

Joni explains how the Germantown Education Foundation supports educational enhancements across schools by helping teachers get creative with standard curriculum to make learning more engaging. She describes examples including a middle school math teacher who created a black light math program to keep students interested and elementary schools that collaborated on a squid dissection activity tied to a shared reading book. The discussion focuses on how the foundation supports innovation at the classroom level to help drive student success. Joni explains the foundation's grant process, which includes mini-grants up to $500 per teacher and annual grants over $500 for larger school programs. Last year, they provided nearly 60 mini-grants totaling about $25,000 and multiple annual grants exceeding $75,000, with the foundation distributing over $115,000 back to schools while also adding $50,000 to their community foundation fund. Joni describes the positive impact of teacher grants on both students and educators, explaining how the funding creates excitement and demonstrates community support for teachers who often spend their own money on classroom activities. She emphasizes how the grants help reinforce that "the community has your back" and supports teacher creativity and passion. Joni discusses the growth of the mini grants program over the past couple of years, highlighting that they have increased from giving out $40,000 to $75,000 in annual grants. She explained the city of Germantown's matching program, which will match up to $100,000 raised by the foundation. Joni expresses hope to continue growing the funds and mentioned plans to use community foundation funds for a lasting impact across the entire GMSD school district, potentially benefiting students at the high school level. Jeremy emphasizes the importance of staying current with technology and facilities to provide students with the best opportunities for success. Joni explains the main events supporting the Germantown Education Foundation, including the Color Run, Lemonade Stand Day, and Summer Soiree. She describes how these events engage different community members, from students and families to parents and business leaders, and highlights the growing participation and financial impact. Joni describes the Germantown Education Foundation's annual teacher kickoff event where they award a $2,500 grant to a randomly selected teacher. She shares examples of successful grants, such as a learning garden at Forest Hill Elementary School that students maintain and sell produce from, and a storybook trail around a pond that serves the entire community. Joni provides contact information for the foundation, including their website germantowneducationfoundation.org and email GEF@GMSDK12.org, along with a phone number 901-230-3776 for potential partners and supporters to reach out. Visit https://germantowneducationfoundation... to learn more and connect with the Germantown Education Foundation.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Mickey Keaton , owner and operator of Bluff City Overwatch LLC , who highlights his drone education and training program and efforts to help equip youth for success in the growing industries and related job opportunities. Mickey explains how his experience with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office drone unit inspired him to launch Bluff City Overwatch to educate people about proper drone operations and FAA regulations, as many recreational drone users were violating safety rules. The program offers Introduction to Drone Operations classes where students can earn their FAA Recreational Pilot Certification and learn basic flight skills for $105 per student with a maximum class size of 12 participants. Mickey discusses the vast career opportunities in drone technology, from delivery services to construction, firefighting, and beyond, emphasizing how the program not only teaches STEM skills but also provides workforce development opportunities. He expresses particular interest in bringing the program to underserved communities like North Haven, where businesses could partner to sponsor classes and provide additional support like meals for students. The interview highlights how Mickey's personal and professional experiences, including his role as a Scoutmaster, have helped transform both his family's understanding of drone technology and the lives of young people in our community. Mickey provides his contact information, including their Bluff City Overwatch page on Facebook and email address mickey@bluffcityoverwatch.com for businesses and individuals interested in getting involved or enrolling in classes. Email Mickey at mickey@bluffcityoverwatch.com to learn more about Bluff City Overwatch LLC.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Kelly O. Finnell , Founder and President of EFS ESOP Consultants and author of "The ESOP Coach: Using ESOPs in Ownership Succession Planning," who discusses the importance and power of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). Kelly shares how he accidentally entered the ESOP field in 1979 while working at a law firm in Massachusetts during his first year of law school. After being assigned to research ESOPs for a white paper, he developed a passion for the topic and eventually built his consulting practice around it. Jeremy and Kelly discuss ESOPs, explaining that from a business owner's perspective it serves as an exit and succession strategy alternative to selling to private equity or strategic buyers. Kelly describes how ESOPs function as retirement plans from an employee's perspective, with the company fully funding them and the investment being limited to company stock. Jeremy notes the power of ownership, highlighting how it can transform employee perspectives and create a legacy for business leaders. Kelly discusses the performance benefits of employee-owned companies, citing academic studies and Higginbotham as examples of improved employee performance and business outcomes. Jeremy agrees with these points, sharing his firsthand experience of the positive impact on responsibility and ownership at all levels. Kelly outlines the criteria for determining if a company is a good candidate for an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), including financial metrics like adjusted EBITDA and employee count, as well as subjective indicators such as emphasis on company culture, legacy, and philanthropy. Jeremy agrees, highlighting how outside ownership often leads to changes in culture and philanthropy, making an ESOP a viable option for preserving a business's legacy and values. Kelly advises business leaders that implementing an ESOP or any exit strategy typically requires a minimum of three years of planning and preparation. He emphasizes the importance of becoming educated about different options, including sales to private equity, and involving trusted advisors like lawyers and CPAs in the process. Kelly discusses the positive outlook for ESOPs, highlighting the bipartisan support from both Democrats and Republicans. He explains that ESOPs function as an effective wealth distribution vehicle, offering tax benefits to companies and providing a way for business owners to sell to employees with government support covering 40% of the cost through tax savings. Kelly shares contact information, including the company website www.execfin.com and LinkedIn page for EFS ESOP Consultants. He discusses his book, which was written specifically for business owners and includes case studies in plain English to explain complex ESOP topics. Visit https://execfin.com/ to learn more and connect with Kelly Finnell and EFS ESOP Consultants.

cityCURRENT Nashville partner, Eric Jackson , Founder and CEO of Element 47 , who highlights the branding, marketing, and advertising agency that focuses on strategy and helping businesses grow through clear brand positioning. Eric defines brand as the gut feeling people have about a company, which cannot be fully controlled but can be influenced through identity elements like logo and colors, along with culture and user/customer experience. Eric emphasizes the importance of simplicity and culture in branding, explaining that businesses must clearly articulate what makes them unique and special in their market to be remembered. He talks about three questions every owner should answer fast: Who are you? What do you do? Why does it matter? Eric discusses how to create effective "wow statements" for businesses to clearly communicate their value and differentiation. He uses Skillway Founder and CEO Dew Tinnin's "We help you crush your sales goals and love what you do" as an example of a clear, impactful wow statement. Eric advises using simple language without industry jargon, focusing on outcomes rather than processes, and making the statement everywhere from physical spaces to social media. He emphasizes that people buy outcomes rather than processes, and the key is to create curiosity by highlighting what the business delivers, not how they deliver it. Eric discusses Element 47's strategic approach to using AI, particularly with Claude, where Eric treats it as a sparring partner rather than a copy-paste tool. Eric explains how he uses AI to conduct advanced research and generate referral lists through LinkedIn Sales Navigator, creating targeted referral lists for introductions from fellow cityCURRENT partners. The conversation concludes with Eric sharing contact information for Element 47, including their website element47.co, where interested parties can learn more about their services and connect with the team. Visit https://element47.co to learn more and connect with Element 47.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Betsy Wright , Partner, and Brandon Holley , Regional Vice President of Sales with IT Solutions , who both highlight how the company has become one of the fastest-growing IT firms with 14 locations across the country and Canada, specializing in small to medium-sized businesses with 50-300 employees. The company focuses on managed IT services, cloud solutions, and strategic technology guidance, particularly in areas like AI, LLMs, and cybersecurity. Their key verticals include legal, healthcare, manufacturing, and financial sectors, with special expertise in compliance areas like HIPAA, CMMC, and governmental contracts. During the interview, Betsy discusses her transition from running a small IT company in Nashville, Tennessee, to merging and joining IT Solutions, which has more than 500 employees compared to her previous 25-person team. She highlights the company's culture of clear objectives, metrics, and accountability, noting how she has learned from her sales leader Brandon. Betsy emphasizes the benefits of having specialized experts across different areas like cybersecurity and AI implementation, which was a key reason for selling her company to provide enhanced client services that would have been impossible to achieve otherwise. Brandon emphasizes the importance of understanding client needs before implementing AI solutions, highlighting the need for secure and effective AI implementation while addressing data protection concerns. He identifies key trends including cloud adoption, cybersecurity, and maximizing ROI, while Betsy notes that new regulations like HIPAA changes and CMMC are driving compliance-related conversations with clients. The discussion focuses on the challenges of helping clients navigate these complex technological and regulatory landscapes effectively. Betsy and Brandon discuss the unique culture and support system at IT Solutions, emphasizing how the diverse team, spanning different experiences and locations, collaborates effectively to solve challenges and drive growth. They highlight the remote work capabilities and the team's ability to support each other and clients alike, particularly in the growing Middle Tennessee market. To learn more and connect with IT Solutions, start by exploring their website at www.itsolutions-inc.com or engaging on LinkedIn. Visit https://www.itsolutions-inc.com or www.PickITS.com to learn more and connect with IT Solutions.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Ron Wade , Executive Director of HopeWorks who discusses the nonprofit organization's mission to provide "hope" in Jesus Christ and opportunities for sustainable "work" through education and lifelong services, along with their new Next Story facility. Ron explains that HopeWorks serves four main groups: individuals seeking high school equivalency diplomas, English language learners from 40 different countries, those experiencing generational poverty, and justice-involved individuals transitioning from incarceration. The organization operates across five locations in Memphis, including their Next Story, a new 21-bed transition facility for men coming directly out of prison, which aims to reduce recidivism rates from the national average of 70% to single digits. Ron discusses his experience working with HopeWorks, describing it as "the best seat in the house" from a faith-based perspective. He shares two examples of transformation: working with incarcerated individuals who are rebuilding their lives after release, and teaching English to immigrants from 40 different countries, who in many cases are highly-educated and have professional licenses. Ron emphasizes how he sees both immigrants and those struggling with poverty seeking acceptance and opportunities, noting the powerful impact of hospitality and welcoming them into American homes. He shares an inspiring story of a participant who transformed his life through HopeWorks, becoming a diesel mechanic after overcoming substance abuse and prison. Ron encourages community members to volunteer as mentors or "faith encouragers" for the transition program and provides contact information for those interested in getting involved with HopeWorks or touring the facilities. Interested community members can contact him directly via phone at 901-550-3338 or email at rwade@whyhopeworks.org to schedule a tour of the Next Story facility and to discuss mentorship/faith encourager opportunities. Visit https://www.whyhopeworks.org to learn more about HopeWorks.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Erika Sinner , who highlights her various entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropic efforts, along with her new podcast, book, and keynote presentation focused on the power of identity and empathy. Erika explains that her childhood experiences inspired her to focus on empathy and kindness, which led to her founding Directorie to help pharmaceutical and biotech companies access top talent and take drugs and treatments to market, and the nonprofit, Tiny Superheroes , to empower children facing illness and disability by helping them discover their inner superpowers. Erika discusses the Tiny Superheroes program, which provides children in hospitals with superhero capes and badges that they earn for each "mission" to help them feel empowered and supported during their medical treatments. The program aims to impact 5 million children over the next 5 years, with starter kits available for $29 that include capes, patches, and a monthly mission program focused on social-emotional learning. Erika explains that the program has expanded coast-to-coast and has received positive feedback from healthcare providers and families, with plans to bring it to Nashville, Memphis, and other locations. Erika and Jeremy talk about the importance and positive impacts of reframing medical experiences as superhero missions and how it also leads to increased hope, healing, and outcomes for the children. Erika highlights the podcast she launched this year, "The Blow Your Mind Podcast" and shares insights from a memorable interview with Mary Seitz, who rebuilt her company after being fired and now generates $100 million annually. Erika explains her "Blow Your Mind" framework, which consists of three steps: deciding who you want to be, building systems to support your future self, and tracking personal progress through evidence, which she shares as a keynote presentation. Erika discusses being founder and CEO of Directorie, which provides commercial services to small to mid-size healthcare companies, particularly those developing treatments for ultra-rare diseases. She explains how Directorie helps these companies by offering flexible commercial teams that can scale up or down based on FDA approval timelines and manufacturing delays. Erika also shares her experience as an author, writing a book about pet bereavement that has led some companies to update their bereavement policies to recognize pets as part of employees' families. Jeremy and Erika discuss corporate empathy and employee support, with Erika sharing insights from her work at Directorie and Tiny Superheroes on communication and performance coaching. Erika emphasizes the importance of building trust within teams, noting that her company made the Inc. 5000 list two years in a row due to these practices. She concludes by advising listeners to bet on themselves and not worry about what others think, encouraging them to pursue growth and fulfillment. Visit https://erikasinner.org to learn more and connect with Erika Sinner, along with Tiny Superheroes, Directorie, or The Blow Your Mind Podcast.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Matt Lloyd , co-founder and CEO, and Jeremy Apple , co-founder and CTO of Magic Apple Technology , who highlight their telecom company founded in 2008 and their expertise in phone systems, cloud-based solutions, and their specialized work in hospitality including hotel phone systems that integrate with property management systems. The company offers a comprehensive range of services including phone systems, data management, texting, and reputation management, with everything running on a cloud-based platform. Matt and Jeremy explore how the company assesses client needs, particularly focusing on how businesses communicate with their clients. Jeremy and Matt discuss some of their newer telecom offerings, focusing on reputation management and branded caller ID services. The reputation management product proactively tests phone numbers daily to verify if they appear as spam on different carriers and initiates remediation if issues are found. The branded caller ID service allows businesses to display their logo and phone number when calling from office numbers to cell phones, helping establish trust and differentiate from competitors in the market. Jeremy and Matt explain the complex regulations surrounding business texting, which evolved from robocall issues to strict compliance requirements including brand verification, content restrictions, and explicit permission requirements. They describe how Magic Apple Technology helps clients navigate this process by handling the complex forms and requirements, including guidance with website modifications and campaign setup. The discussion concludes with information about connecting with Magic Apple Technology through their website at magicapple.com. Visit https://magicapple.com to learn more and connect with Magic Apple Technology.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Waverly Ann Harris , President and CEO of Friends Life Community , who highlights the Nashville, Tennessee-based nonprofit organization and their efforts and mission "to provide adults with developmental disabilities the opportunities to grow personally, develop socially, and enjoy community as they experience life together." Waverly Ann explains that Friends Life Community was founded in 2008 by four families and a community advocate who were concerned about what would happen to their loved ones with disabilities after high school graduation. She discusses how the organization has evolved and grown to now have its own headquarters located at 4414 Granny White Pike where it serves over 100 individuals annually through programs that help adults with disabilities grow personally and socially while building community connections. Waverly Ann describes Friends Life Community's Weekday Program , which runs Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, with 70% of activities occurring out in the community. The program involves splitting participants into different classes and includes volunteering at over 12 different nonprofits in Nashville, partnerships with YMCA locations, and work experience at Edley's Barbecue, which has become one of their biggest employers and community supporters. She discusses how Friends Life Community's participants, whom they call "friends," actively engage in their community including at Radnor Lake, helping to break down stigmas and barriers. Waverly Ann explains that Edley's has been a good example of inclusive employment, having trained their management team on inclusive employment practices and hiring individuals with disabilities, which creates a positive impact on both employees and customers. The discussion highlights how the dedication and energy of individuals with disabilities inspire and motivate others in the workplace. Their visual and performing arts program , led by registered drama therapist Sarah Edwards, allows participants to discover their voice and tell their own stories through original works that are performed for the community. Waverly Ann discusses how Friends Life Community uses their arts programs as a key vehicle for building confidence and self-advocacy in the community. She explains that staff facilitate original creative work including poetry, songwriting, painting, and performing arts, allowing individuals to tell their own stories and express how they want to be seen. Waverly Ann notes that touring performances at nonprofits and businesses have been particularly successful in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to be leaders and storytellers in emotional, shared experiences. Waverly Ann explains that the Friends Treat Truck was launched after the pandemic to maintain community engagement when partnerships were lost during shutdowns. The ice cream truck, now in its sixth season, operates Thursday through Sunday and is hired by companies and nonprofits for events. The Friends staff greet customers with joy, making it a morale-boosting community activity that has become a highlight for regular customers. Waverly Ann discusses how Friends Life Community relies on community support for their programs, emphasizing that supporting adults with disabilities is a lifelong commitment. She highlights various ways companies can support the organization, including monetary sponsorships, donations, hiring the Friends Treat Truck, creating employment opportunities, and conducting facility tours. Waverly Ann discusses her experience with Friends Life Community and how it brings hope by creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. She highlights the community's ability to break down stereotypes and build connections, emphasizing the collective strength in addressing challenges. Waverly Ann encourages others to learn more about Friends Life Community by visiting their website at friendslife.org or contacting them directly for a tour. Visit https://friendslife.org to learn more and connect with Friends Life Community.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews cityCURRENT Memphis partner, Kiley Butler , Founder and CEO of ProductionOne and Principal AV Integration , who discusses how ProductionOne has evolved over the last 24 years and how the integration division has grown large enough to warrant its own identity and dedicated staff. Kiley details their approach to live event production with full service audio, video, lighting and staging services, and then how their focus on people and planning carry over to AV integration, emphasizing the importance of custom design work, having dedicated in-house designers, and creating seamless systems that work transparently behind the scenes. The conversation covers recent industry trends including immersive audio, advanced lighting capabilities, and video wall technology, with Kiley stressing the importance of matching the right technology to a client's specific needs rather than pursuing the latest features simply because they're available. Kiley stresses that the goal is to make all AV systems work transparently in the background, allowing events and spaces to be successful without drawing attention to the technology itself. Kiley and Jeremy discuss the importance of planning, skilled teams, and customized design in successful event and AV integration. Kiley emphasizes Principal AV Integration's advantage of having dedicated in-house designers who work directly with clients to create custom solutions, rather than relying on generic templates. The team's expertise in design, from power sequencing to data infrastructure, is highlighted as a key differentiator in delivering tailored results for clients. Kiley provides next steps for businesses interested in learning more about their services, including visiting their website at productionone.com or principalavi.com or contacting them at 901-881-2511.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Buddy Teaster , President and CEO of Soles4Souls , who discusses the organization's 20-year history, transformation, and global impact. Buddy shares how Soles4Souls began in 2006 responding to disasters like the tsunami in Southeast Asia and Hurricane Katrina, but faced significant challenges from 2011-2012 including leadership issues and financial problems that led to his appointment as CEO. Under his leadership, the organization has grown to serve over 130 countries, distribute 116 million pairs of shoes and clothing, keep 112 million pounds out of landfills, and is on track to create a billion dollars in economic impact by 2030. Jeremy and Buddy discuss leadership lessons from tough times and how organizations can build trust through transparency and clear values. Buddy explains how Soles4Souls, which has grown to about 100 employees after recently acquiring a European company, uses transparency to make difficult decisions and maintain trust among team members. Buddy explains the three main programs of Soles4Souls: 4Relief , 4Opportunity , and 4EveryKid . He describes how the organization responds to disasters and provides assistance to people in need globally under 4Relief, resells used items to create economic opportunities for entrepreneurs in under-resourced areas with 4Opportunity, and has distributed shoes to 550,000 homeless children across all 50 US states since launching the 4EveryKid program. Buddy shares that while he initially questioned the long-term impact of giving shoes to homeless children, the program has proven to be transformative for both the children and their communities. Buddy explains how the 4EveryKid program works through school liaisons under the federal McKinney-Vento program, which provides various services to homeless students, including shoes. He emphasizes that branded shoes are important for identity and confidence, noting that even though these children face stress and trauma, they still recognize the significance of popular brands like Nike and Adidas. Buddy highlights that while generic shoes could serve more children for the same budget, the program's focus on branded shoes helps maintain the dignity and confidence of the recipients. Buddy discusses Soles4Souls' approach to partnerships, emphasizing the importance of working with trusted local community partners rather than directly providing their shoes and clothing items. He explains how corporate partnerships benefit both companies and the organization, noting that Soles4Souls collected over 5.5 million pairs of shoes and 4.5 million pieces of apparel last year, with many items coming from companies seeking ethical solutions for excess inventory. Buddy highlights Bombas Socks as an example of a successful corporate partnership, providing 600,000 pairs of specialized socks annually, and mentions an upcoming Kids Dental Day event in July with Delta Dental of Tennessee and other partners. Buddy explains how the community can support Soles4Souls through donations of gently used shoes, clothes, and other items, as well as financial contributions to their 4EveryKid program which provides branded sneakers to children for $20 per pair. He emphasizes the high leverage of donations, noting that $100 could serve five children. When asked about one more thing people should know about Soles4Souls, Buddy highlights the importance of not throwing away usable items, as they represent opportunity for others in need. Buddy discusses the impact of Soles4Souls, highlighting how the organization enables people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in making a difference, including transforming lives through initiatives like shoe collection and distribution. He shares stories of generational transformation, such as entrepreneurs, mostly women, improving their lives and sending children to college. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on individual impacts to bring about global change and encouraged listeners to learn more about Soles4Souls through their website and social media platforms. Visit https://soles4souls.org to learn more and get involved with Soles4Souls. https://www.linkedin.com/company/soles4souls-inc-/ https://www.facebook.com/Soles4Souls/

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Coach Juan Adams , Program Director of Nashville Youth Basketball Association (NYBA) and president of Forever Don Foundation , who highlights Middle Tennessee’s largest year-round basketball program designed to build a better foundation for life and enhance the future for area youth. Coach Juan shares how he got involved with NYBA 15 years ago after bringing his son to a basketball drill, and how the organization has grown to now serve 1,500-2,000 kids annually through various programs including summer camps, clinics, an academy, tournaments, travel teams, and skills development, along with mentoring, educational support, leadership development, and community engagement initiatives. Coach Juan discusses the tragic loss of his son to gun violence in 2018, which led him to establish the Forever Don Foundation to focus on life skills and education beyond basketball. The foundation focuses on providing programming for at-risk youth and those with behavioral or home issues, but also emphasizes education for kids without such problems to help them interact with those from challenging environments. The foundation was created in response to learning that former basketball program participants had set up his son for the robbery, highlighting the need for continued support beyond basketball programming. Coach Juan discusses how his faith and a promise serve as the motivation to continue pouring into young people despite experiencing the loss of his son and personal challenges, including being a victim of gun violence himself. He explains that his commitment to supporting young people stems from a promise he made to God and his son after recovering from a shooting in 2003, and he continues this mission by uplifting and empowering young men to believe in their potential. Coach Juan defines success beyond basketball as seeing former players achieving life milestones like college acceptance and marriages when encountering them in public. He explains that their NYBA program focuses on developing character and skills that extend beyond sports, including teaching former players to referee games and manage tournament operations as part of their "give-back program." The coach emphasizes keeping former players engaged with the NYBA even after they stop playing basketball, offering them opportunities to work at the Academy and earn community service hours. The organization currently operates out of McGavock High School and their own NYBA Academy facility in North Nashville, with recent success including their 7th and 8th grade teams qualifying for the prestigious Peach Jam tournament on the Nike circuit. Coach Juan explains that their biggest need is staffing and compensation for volunteers, as they have maxed out their current volunteer network and want to transition to paid staff positions to sustain the programming long-term. The organization has been operating as a 501c3 for 15 years without receiving any government grants and currently relies on a volunteer model where parents with participating children provide services in exchange for their children's program access. Coach explains that this volunteer approach creates a challenge as children age out of the program, leading to a need for paid staffing to sustain operations. To learn more and get involved with Nashville Youth Basketball Association visit https://nashvilleyouthbasketball.org .

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Missy Acosta , Senior Vice President, Brand Experience with Delta Dental of Tennessee , who highlights Tennessee's largest dental benefits carrier and their differentiation as a not-for-profit 501(c)4 with a mission of "Ensuring Healthy Smiles" and a focus on philanthropy and community investment. Missy talks about Delta Dental of Tennessee's charitable arm, The Smile180 Foundation , which was founded in 2014 with three philanthropic pillars: to increase access to dental care for underserved communities, support children’s hospitals, and fund oral health education across Tennessee and beyond. Missy shares a number of examples how their support of charitable dental clinics, including Church Health and Christ Community Health Services in Memphis and Neighborhood Health and Interfaith Dental in Nashville are increasing access to dental care for underserved communities. She discusses why oral health is a top priority for children's hospitals, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, and explains why their support of oral health education covers everything from kids television programming to promote healthy habits to supporting colleges of dentistry in Tennessee to help equip the next generation of dentists and oral hygienists to be successful and to help address dental deserts across the state. Missy talks about how these efforts tie in with the Healthy Smiles Initiative, along with some of their other philanthropic efforts, including providing mouth guards to youth playing sports through various organizations and affiliations. Missy then highlights their fifth annual Kids Dental Da y, scheduled for Friday, July 10 at First Horizon Park , home of the Nashville Sounds. More than 500 youth from various nonprofits in Middle Tennessee will be attending the fun, festival-like event where they will receive free dental screenings, cleanings, new socks and shoes through a partnership with Soles4Souls, new books through Book 'Em, snacks, and more. Over 100 volunteers will be coming out to support the kids and a number of organizations will be providing interactive games and experiences, like PBS Kids, American Red Cross, Adventure Science Center, American Heart Association, Schenk Photography, and the Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures Program. The dental organizations participating include Neighborhood Health, Meharry School of Dentistry, South College, LINKS INC., and Hope Smiles. Partners for the event include Nashville Sounds, cityCURRENT, Signature Transportation, United Way, Kroger, OneGen, Henry Schein, and Dunkin. Missy talks about why this annual event is so important in the community and how this can serve as inspiration for other companies to give back and get more involved in making a difference. Missy closes by inviting youth-serving organizations and volunteers who wish to serve to connect with KidsDentalDay.com to learn more and to plan ahead for next year. Visit www.KidsDentalDay.com to learn more about Kids Dental Day and visit https://deltadentaltn.com to learn more about Delta Dental of Tennessee.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Lori Alhadeff , CEO of Make Our Schools Safe (MOSS) , who discusses the nonprofit organization's efforts to improve school safety following the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that claimed the lives of 17 people, including Lori's daughter, Alyssa. Lori explains how Make Our Schools Safe advocates for Alyssa's Law , which requires wearable panic buttons for teachers to quickly alert 911 during emergencies, and has successfully passed legislation in 12 states including Tennessee. The organization also operates student-led MOSS Clubs in schools to promote safety culture and awareness, with Lori encouraging listeners to start clubs in Tennessee and advocate for the law through the organization's website. The discussion covers practical safety measures schools should implement, including locked doors, security cameras, and regular lockdown drills, while highlighting the importance of mental health support and community involvement in creating safer school environments. Visit https://makeourschoolssafe.org to learn more and get involved with Make Our Schools Safe. Summary Make Our School Safe Organization - Lori discusses the founding of Make Our School Safe, a nonprofit organization established after the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where her daughter Alyssa was one of the 17 victims. The organization focuses on school safety, and its logo features an infinity symbol that represents Alyssa's soccer jersey number 8 turned sideways. Lori explains how the tragedy turned her family's pain into action, leading to the creation of "Alyssa's Law," which aims to transform school safety laws at both state and national levels. Alyssa's Law Implementation Discussion - Lori explains Alyssa's Law, a wearable panic button for teachers that can trigger emergency responses for medical situations, behavioral problems, or active shooter incidents. She describes how the law was first passed in New Jersey and has since been implemented in 12 states, with her goal to expand it nationwide to ensure consistent school safety standards. Jeremy asks about the implementation process across different states and shares insights from a previous discussion about active shooter drills, including how smoke from gunshots can trigger fire alarms, potentially confusing students. Make Our School Safe Program - Lori discusses the Make Our School Safe program, which includes student-led safety clubs that help create safer school environments through student leadership and teacher sponsorship. She highlights communication failures during the Parkland shooting in 2018, including problematic radios and delayed cameras, which led to tragic consequences including the death of her daughter Alyssa. Lori emphasizes the importance of learning from these mistakes and taking school safety seriously, noting that Florida has been a leader in creating school safety laws over the past eight years. MOSS Clubs School Implementation Discussion - Lori discusses the implementation of MOSS Clubs in schools, which focus on activities like anti-bullying, mental health awareness, and school safety through initiatives such as safety pep rallies and mental health journals. She reports positive feedback from schools, including plans for additional training like first aid and CPR. Jeremy inquires about community involvement in promoting both MOSS Clubs and Alyssa's Law. School Safety and Fundraising Initiatives - Lori discusses school safety measures including locked doors, single points of entry, cameras, and panic buttons, emphasizing the importance of regular lockdown drills involving all stakeholders. She highlights the organization's efforts to promote Alyssa's Act at both federal and state levels through their website and student engagement initiatives. Lori also mentions their fundraising activities, including the Live for Alyssa Gala, golf fundraiser, and tennis fundraiser, encouraging involvement through donations and starting MOSS Clubs at high schools. Alyssa's Law Implementation in Tennessee - Lori discusses the implementation of Alyssa's Law in Tennessee, emphasizing the importance of school districts having wearable panic buttons and conducting drills. She encourages the formation of MOSS clubs in high schools to promote school safety and urged parents to speak up about potential vulnerabilities. Lori provides information about getting involved with Make Our School Safe through their website, social media platforms, and offers thanks for the support in promoting school safety across Tennessee. Visit https://makeourschoolssafe.org to learn more and get involved with Make Our Schools Safe. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-alhadeff-802b02179/ https://www.facebook.com/MakeOurSchoolsSafe17

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Cecily Berry, Miss Shelby County 2026 and financial advisor with First Horizon Advisors , who discusses her journey in the Miss America organization and her work promoting financial literacy through Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South . Cecily talks about her ties to and passion for Memphis, her recent graduation from Union University with degrees in economics and executive leadership, and how her mother's previous competition 30 years ago inspired her to join, describing the organization's focus on developing professional leadership skills in women while serving their communities. The program involves various components including interviews, public speaking, and on-stage presence, with significant emphasis on community service and advocacy. Cecily discusses her work as a financial advisor and her decision to volunteer with Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South to address a lack of financial literacy in early education. She explains how Junior Achievement's experiential learning programs, from 3rd grade to high school, help develop essential financial skills like budgeting and investing. She shares how volunteering has transformed her as a leader, allowing her to better teach complex financial concepts to both children and adult clients, and demonstrating that financial education can be effective at all age levels. The conversation covers her experience competing at local, state, and potential national levels, emphasizing the personal growth in confidence and professional development that comes with representing the title, as well as the responsibility of representing the organization and cause. Cecily shares how she has built friendships and been inspired by the other contestants, and how the competition has brought her closer with her mother. She explains the differences between local, Miss Tennessee, and Miss America competitions, noting variations in scoring systems and the number of participants. She discusses how competing in these events has helped her grow in confidence and professional development, particularly in networking and public speaking situations. Jeremy asks how others can support and follow her journey, to which Cecily suggests following her on social media and providing support through likes and comments online and through support of Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South. Follow @MissShelbyCountyTN on Instagram.