Signature Required sits down with Lance Villio, Executive Director of the Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative, to explore how government, churches, and nonprofits can work together to serve Tennessee’s most vulnerable neighbors. The conversation looks at foster care, prison reentry, and poverty through a systems perspective, and why lasting change requires more than policy alone.

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 conversation focuses on earlier awareness, healthier boundaries, and why prevention and education matter more than restriction in a world where screens are not going away.

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.

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.

Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home (TBCH) is a faith-based organization that provides residential and foster care services for children in need. Their mission is to offer safe, nurturing environments for children who cannot live with their families due to various circumstances.

Brad Turner serves as the first Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging, leading statewide programs serving 1.5 million Tennesseans with disabilities and agin needs.

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.

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.

Ricky Harris, CEO of Tennessee Voices, joins the conversation to discuss the pressing mental health issues Tennesseans face and the state's unique preventive measures. The episode delves into Tennessee Voices' mission, emphasizing collaboration and community-focused care, while also exploring the challenges of nonprofit leadership. Harris shares insights into effective self-care for mental health professionals, the importance of resilience in youth, and the critical role of parental support in improving mental health outcomes. This episode offers a deep look into the preventative strategies and leadership principles driving one of Tennessee's pivotal mental health organizations.

Brooks Herring, a Navy veteran and Nashville-based singer-songwriter, joins Spencer and Carli to share his journey from military service to the music scene. Growing up with a passion for music, Brooks discovered its power as a constant during his deployments, even mailing himself a guitar to Iraq. His time in the Navy and as a contractor in Afghanistan shaped both his perspective and his music, leading him to write deeply personal songs like “Why Me?” about survivor’s guilt and resilience. Now performing full-time, Brooks also advocates for veterans through organizations like RunPhase and CreatiVets. In this episode, he reflects on the healing power of music, the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, and his decision to return to school to sharpen his songwriting skills.

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.

Will Norton, Head of School at St. Paul Christian Academy, joins Spencer and Carli to discuss the challenges of parenting in the digital age and the impact of social media on adolescents. Drawing from his experience as an educator and organizer of the Tennessee Symposium for Online Safety and Health, Will shares insights on fostering digital citizenship, setting guardrails for smartphone use, and promoting community-wide solutions. He also reflects on his military background and passion for equipping families to navigate the minefields of the digital landscape. Tune in for practical advice and hope in addressing one of today’s most pressing parenting challenges.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most pressing issues facing families today: the impact of social media on children. With mounting evidence showing the risks tied to online platforms, what can parents do to safeguard their kids while navigating the digital world? Christine Rosen, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and expert on technology, culture, and society, offers insight into how we can create safer online environments for the next generation.

Kevin Menezes is the Founder and Senior Pastor of Every Nation India – a group that does church planting in India. With a commitment to seeing the gospel change the lives of the 1.4 billion people living in India, Menezes demonstrates the power of bravery and faith in his efforts to grow Christianity. While the challenges are significant, Menezes has a lightness to his leadership.

Josh Burch, Director of People at the Honor Foundation and a retired U.S. Army Green Beret, joins Spencer and Carli to share his remarkable journey from rural Tennessee to serving 16 deployments in Special Operations. In this episode, Josh discusses how the Honor Foundation helps transitioning veterans find purpose and fulfillment in civilian life by translating their military experience into valuable career opportunities. He reflects on the sacrifices of military families, the power of mentorship, and the importance of community. With stories of grit, resilience, and service, this conversation sheds light on the challenges veterans face and the transformative work of the Honor Foundation.

Melissa Trevathan, founder of Daystar Counseling Ministries, joins Spencer and Carli to share her 40-year journey of bringing hope to children and families in Middle Tennessee. Founded in 1985, Daystar provides counseling, group therapy, and a summer camp in a uniquely welcoming environment. Melissa discusses rising anxiety in younger children, the importance of relationships, and how Daystar’s sliding payment scale and therapy dogs create a safe space for healing. From responding to crises like the Covenant School shooting to fostering lifelong impact, Melissa’s story is a testament to the power of faith and service.

In this episode of Signature Required, Major General Brian Winski (Ret.), a 37-year U.S. Army veteran, joins Spencer Patton to discuss his post-military mission: the development of the Wings of Liberty Museum at Fort Campbell. The $40 million project will honor the history of the 101st Airborne Division, 5th Special Forces Group, and 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, offering visitors a chance to experience military history through immersive exhibits and cutting-edge technology. General Winski explains the museum’s vision to inspire future generations by making military history accessible and engaging. He also shares personal insights from his military career, his family's deep military roots, and the importance of ROTC programs in developing tomorrow’s leaders. Tune in for a compelling conversation about honoring our nation's military legacy and the entrepreneurial approach needed to bring this project to life.

In this episode, we sit down with Papa Joe Bradford, founder of Elijah’s Heart, to hear his incredible story of transformation and service. From a promising career in computer programming to serving time in prison, Papa Joe’s life took a dramatic turn when he and his wife moved into one of Nashville's most impoverished neighborhoods. There, they began supporting children in need, which led to the creation of the Walk of Love program. Papa Joe shares how his passion for helping others has evolved into a national movement, his fight against poverty, and the impact of the Hollywood film Unconditional, which is based on his life. This powerful episode highlights Papa Joe’s journey from hardship to hope and his mission to spread love and change lives.

A "Double Dore," Judge Sheila Calloway earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from Vanderbilt University before rising through the ranks as a public defender to become Nashville’s Juvenile Court Judge. She now hears over 1,000 cases annually. In this episode, Spencer, Carli, and Judge Sheila discuss factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency, family dynamics, and strategies for preventing misconduct.

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.