Deputy Governor and TNECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter joins Spencer and Carli to pull back the curtain on how Tennessee competes for major investments, creates jobs, and prepares communities for what’s next. From rural development and workforce challenges to the growing demand for skilled trades, nuclear energy, automation, and quantum computing, Stuart shares what goes into building Tennessee’s economy for the long term.

Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall joins Spencer and Carli to pull back the curtain on a part of the criminal justice system most people rarely see. From the difference between jails and prisons to rehabilitation, second chances, and the humanity of the people behind bars, Hall shares lessons from more than two decades as sheriff. He also tells the unbelievable story of how a convicted felon infiltrated Nashville’s new detention center and secretly hid weapons inside its walls before it ever opened.

Marcus Meneese, founder and executive director of Stronger Than My Father, joins Spencer and Carli to talk about fatherhood, mentorship, discipline, and breaking generational cycles. Marcus shares how the example set by his own father inspired him to spend more than 20 years showing up for boys growing up without present fathers, and why he believes being there consistently can shape the men, husbands, and fathers they become.

Kristin Allender, Executive Director of Tennessee Kids Belong and CEO of America’s Kids Belong, joins Spencer and Carli to share the stories behind the children still waiting for families and why everyone has a role to play. From foster families and churches to businesses and the “blueberry muffin man,” Kristin shows how ordinary people can help create a community where vulnerable children know they belong.

From catering Hollywood's biggest stars on movie sets around the world to saving one of Nashville's most iconic buildings, Tom Morales has spent his life betting on Nashville — and winning. But after surviving COVID, watching competitors multiply, and pouring everything into Acme Feed and Seed on Lower Broadway, Tom received a tax bill that jumped from $129,000 to $600,000 in a single year. In this episode, Tom shares his remarkable journey from one of ten kids in Madison to Hollywood sets to downtown Nashville visionary, and why he's now leading a coalition of 500+ small businesses in a fight that could determine whether Nashville stays Nashville — or becomes just another city of glass towers and hedge fund bars.

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!

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!

Join us this week as we sit down with Joshua Haston, Development Manager at LDG Development, to unpack the challenges and solutions behind affordable housing. We explore how LDG builds stronger communities, navigates complex regulations, and supports working families—plus the human stories that show why this issue matters.

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.

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.

Dr. Lisa Piercey is a physician, entrepreneur, and author who helps mid-career professionals find freedom through business ownership while investing in healthcare companies that strengthen rural communities.

Sarah Mattson, Director of Entrepreneurship for the City of Chattanooga, discusses the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Chattanooga. This conversation sheds light on Chattanooga’s unique blend of big city amenities with a small-town feel, driven by its exceptional digital and outdoor assets.

Laura Scoggins from Benchmark Realty and Jenny Haynes Douglas from Movement Mortgage delve into the current state of the real estate market in middle Tennessee. Discover the strategies behind home buying, the impact of economic trends, and the real stories of people making a difference.

In this episode, Drew D'Agostino, founder and CEO of Crystal, dives deep into the realms of AI and Bitcoin. Intended for Tennesseans by Tennesseans, the discussion explores Drew's journey in the tech space, from creating a popular Chrome extension for LinkedIn to navigating ethical dilemmas in AI application. Drew also shares insights on leveraging AI for business growth, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and his unique perspective on managing company finances using Bitcoin. With a blend of relatable stories and expert analysis, this episode sheds light on the future of AI, the principles of building a tech company, and the intriguing dynamics of deflationary technology.

In this episode, Jane Allen, founder of Counsel on Call (now Legility) and former CEO of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, shares her inspiring journey from schoolteacher to legal industry trailblazer. Jane discusses the leap of faith that led her to law school, the founding of a company that pioneered flexible work options for lawyers, and the lessons learned from scaling and ultimately exiting her business. She reflects on balancing entrepreneurship and family life, the importance of adapting to challenges, and the power of collaboration with her husband, Greg. With relatable insights and candid stories, Jane offers a fresh perspective on risk-taking, leadership, and building a meaningful career while staying true to your values.

Sam Davidson, CEO of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center (EC), joins Spencer and Carli to discuss how the EC empowers entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. Sam shares insights into the EC’s mission to increase the success rate for startups through education, mentorship, and capital resources. He also reflects on his own entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of risk-taking, and how the EC fosters community and connection for Tennesseans pursuing their dreams. Tune in to hear how the EC is shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Tennessee.

Spencer and Carli talk on Signature Required today with Brian Straessle, Executive Director of The Sycamore Institute, about property taxes, housing, and economic challenges facing Tennessee. Brian explains how Sycamore’s nonpartisan research helps Tennesseans understand the real impact of property taxes and highlights the connection between housing costs and financial stability across the state. With timely insights from Sycamore’s recent reports, this discussion reveals how data-driven analysis on taxes, housing, and economic mobility can inform smarter policies and support communities throughout Tennessee.

In this episode, you'll hear from Sherry Deutschmann, founder of BrainTrust, a collective of diverse women business owners committed to building financial independence, wealth, and influence. Sherry shares how she and her fellow BrainTrust members leverage their collective experience and networks to help one another scale their businesses. Before founding BrainTrust, Sherry built her own company, LetterLogic, into a $40 million enterprise using an innovative employee-first approach. Tune in to discover Sherry’s insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the power of community in driving business growth.