In our conversation with Sam Davidson from the Nashville Entrepreneurial Center (EC), I found myself reflecting on how deeply personal entrepreneurship can be. Sam and the EC are doing something remarkable—they're not just helping Tennesseans build businesses; they’re providing a lifeline to those daring to take risks, make mistakes, and grow from them

Sitting down with Melissa Trevathan, the founder of Daystar Counseling Ministries, was a moment of both awe and reflection. Melissa isn’t just a leader; she’s a legacy builder. Over the past 40 years, she has devoted her life to meeting the mental health needs of children and families in Middle Tennessee, long before society was ready to openly discuss such topics. Her story isn’t just one of vision—it’s a masterclass in humility, resilience, and faith-driven service.

Sometimes, the most impactful conversations come from the moments when people allow themselves to be fully seen—scars and all. That’s what stood out most to me during a recent conversation with Chris and Elaine. Their openness about their journey, including their experience with food insecurity, was humbling and deeply relatable.

In a recent conversation with Brian Straessle from the Sycamore Institute, we gained insights into how real data uniquely affects Tennessee’s communities. Unlike broad national statistics, which can feel disconnected from local experiences, Sycamore Institute’s work is grounded in the specific needs and challenges of Tennesseans. It's not data for data’s sake—their mission is to provide context that decision-makers, from legislators to community leaders, can use to improve lives in meaningful ways.

Recently, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kelly Magill, an eighth-generation Tennessean and filmmaker producing a documentary on the Tennessee maneuvers—a largely overlooked aspect of World War II. As Kelly explained, Tennessee played a pivotal role in training troops for the European Theater, and for a logistics enthusiast like myself, the conversation was a reminder of how crucial logistics were to the war effort. Without supplies, food, ammunition, and personnel, a war machine can’t function, and Tennessee’s unique topography made it the perfect training ground for the European landscapes of Germany and France.

Think tanks often feel like mysterious, exclusive institutions—a place for academics to ponder complex ideas behind closed doors. They can seem distant from our daily lives, focusing on topics that feel hard to relate to. However, our recent conversation with Avik Roy, president of the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP), gave us a fresh perspective on what think tanks can be. Avik’s approach with FREOPP is making waves by making research relevant and accessible. Here’s a deep dive into what we learned about think tanks, how FREOPP is different, and why Avik’s work could impact all of us.

Sitting down with Major General Brian Winski, President and CEO of the Fort Campbell Historical Foundation, was an unforgettable experience. His insights and stories revealed profound lessons on military service, leadership, and the values that define our nation. Here are the top five things I learned from this remarkable conversation with a truly inspiring leader.

In a recent podcast episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Charles Hatcher of Hatcher Family Dairy, a farm that has been in his family for 200 years. A 13th-generation farmer and passionate advocate for agriculture, Charles gave us a glimpse into the Hatcher family's journey, the challenges facing today’s farmers, and the role of community and innovation in keeping their legacy alive. From cutting-edge technology to preserving Tennessee farmland, here’s what we learned.

Carli and I recently connected with Sherry Deutschman, founder of BrainTrust. Sherry’s mission is to empower female entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, and she’s changing the conversation around entrepreneurship, shedding light on the unique challenges—and advantages—that women bring to the table. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation.

In a recent conversation, we had the extraordinary honor of sitting down with Joe Bradford, known affectionately to many as “Papa Joe.” Joe is the founder of Elijah’s Heart and Walk of Love, two nonprofits that have touched countless lives in Nashville’s inner-city neighborhoods. Joe and his wife, Denise, have spent over 20 years in some of Nashville’s most impoverished communities, providing food, resources, and hope to families in need. Their mission isn’t just about alleviating hunger but breaking cycles of poverty, hopelessness, and neglect—one small act of love at a time.

I connected this fall with Brian Hicks, co-founder of Harvest Hands and Humphreys Street Coffee Company. Brian’s journey from buying an abandoned crack house in South Nashville to building a multi-million dollar social enterprise is a powerful example of community-focused entrepreneurship. His story highlights the power of unique skills, resilience, and partnership in driving meaningful, lasting change.

In a recent conversation on the podcast Signature Required, I sat down with Tennessee State Representative Gino Bulso to unpack a looming issue that's been a part of American history for decades but now has reached a tipping point: the national debt. Representative Bulso, a constitutional conservative and strong advocate for a limited federal government, believes the $33 trillion national debt is more than just numbers on a page. It’s a threat to the nation’s financial stability and our children’s future.

During my conversation with Judge Sheila Calloway, I encountered an extraordinary perspective on justice, compassion, and the power of holistic care. Judge Calloway has been Nashville’s Juvenile Court Judge since 2014, where she tackles some of the toughest issues facing our youth and families. Through her insight, I was reminded of how interconnected family dynamics, mental health, and systemic support (or lack thereof) are, especially for young people navigating complex circumstances.

Adoption is a journey filled with love, hope, and the promise of family. Yet, for many prospective adoptive parents, the path can be riddled with overwhelming financial hurdles. In the U.S., the cost of adopting a child can range from $35,000 to over $70,000. This financial burden often discourages families from pursuing adoption, but organizations like Both Hands are stepping up to help bridge the gap.

In a recent conversation with Rachel Freeman, President and CEO of Nashville’s Sexual Assault Center (SAC), we gained insight into the vital services provided by this organization, its impact, and the ongoing need for community support. The SAC has been a lifeline for survivors of sexual violence and a proactive force for prevention and awareness across Tennessee. Here, we highlight key takeaways from this impactful discussion, underscoring why community involvement in this mission matters now more than ever.

Building a thriving economy begins with unlocking the untapped potential within our communities. In Tennessee, one organization is doing just that—empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs to transform their lives, their families, and their neighborhoods. I recently had the privilege of speaking with Will Acuff, co-founder of Corner to Corner, a Nashville-based nonprofit dedicated to equipping underestimated Nashvillians with the tools to launch and grow their businesses. Through our conversation, Will painted a vivid picture of how communities can foster entrepreneurial growth and create pathways to economic equity.

When I sat down with Will Acuff, co-founder of Corner to Corner, I was struck by the depth of his passion for people. Corner to Corner isn’t just about teaching entrepreneurship—it’s about rewriting the stories we tell ourselves, transforming communities, and redefining what’s possible.

Talking with Steven Gentile, Executive Director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), offered me a much clearer perspective on the complex yet essential role that higher education plays across Tennessee. Steven’s insights into THEC’s role, their focus on workforce alignment, and the challenges they face in supporting students and institutions gave me a deeper understanding of the true scope of his work—and why it matters. Here are a few of my key takeaways from our conversation.

Carli and I recently had an enlightening conversation with Jennifer Turner, CEO of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC). Since 2019, Jennifer has been instrumental in leading TPAC through a transformative journey, marked by the pandemic, an aging facility, and the organization's evolving business model. Under her leadership, TPAC has embarked on a capital campaign to build a state-of-the-art, $600 million facility along Nashville’s East Bank, ensuring the arts remain a vital part of Tennessee’s culture and economy. Here’s a look at some key takeaways and milestones from our conversation.

Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Diana Batarseh, the Head of School at King’s Academy, to explore the heart and mission of this unique institution. Located in Nashville, King’s Academy is no ordinary school; it’s a Christ-centered, culturally and socioeconomically diverse, and classically inspired learning environment. Diana’s passion for creating an inclusive, kingdom-focused community was evident throughout our conversation, and I walked away with a profound respect for how King’s Academy is redefining what education can look like.