John Hoomes is the CEO and Artistic Director of Nashville Opera. Since 1995, he has guided the organization from a budget of $340,000 to over $3.5 million annually in 2024. Under his leadership, Nashville Opera has staged more than 200 productions of opera and music theater. In this episode, Carli and Spencer talk with John about accessibility to the arts, upcoming productions, and how Nashville is uniquely positioned to produce cutting-edge work.

Jim Bartoo, Marketing and Public Relations Director at the Nashville Zoo for the past 25 years, talks with Spencer and Annalee about the zoo's rich history. He shares insights on its founding, conservation efforts, and the sourcing of animals, along with the story behind the giant pumpkin at Boo At The Zoo. Bartoo emphasizes the importance of places like the zoo in helping us disconnect from screens, engage with nature, and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.