Latest Episodes
Tom Morales on The Taxes Killing Nashville's Soul
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.
AJ & Rory Varden on Marriage and Partnership in Entrepreneurship
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!
Tasia Malakasis on What It Takes to Scale a Startup
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!
Joshua Haston on Affordable Housing Development
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.
Glenn Cranfield on Homelessness in Nashville
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.
Danny Herron on Transforming Lives Through Homes
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 on Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition
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 on Entrepreneurship in Chattanooga
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 and Jenny Haines Douglas on Nashville Real Estate
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.
Drew D’Agostino on Crafting an AI Workplace
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.
Jane Allen On Problem-Solving and Leadership
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 on Increasing Entrepreneur Success
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.
Brain Straessle on Property Taxes and Housing Challenges Facing TN
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.
Sherry Deutschmann on Women and Entrepreneurship
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.
Will Acuff on Entrepreneurship & Underestimated Nashvillians
Will Acuff is a born and raised pastor’s kid and has long had a servant’s heart. More than a decade ago while on a mission trip to Kenya, Will felt called to return home to Nashville and think critically about how to best love his neighbors. Will and his wife, Tiffany, founded Corner to Corner in 2011 to help underestimated Nashvillians increase their economic participation through business and entrepreneurship. Providing education, tools and networking, Corner to Corner has helped over a thousands of entrepreneurs since its creation.
Sondra Noble On Growing A Business
Sondra Noble, co-founder of Hip Hues, a custom swag bar event activation based in Nashville, goes way back with Spencer and Carli Patton to their college days at Vanderbilt. The trio go deep on what it takes to be an entrepreneur, the sacrifices involved and the ways the next generation can get a leg up as they forge their own path.
Signature Required
Latest Episodes
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