Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Jordyn Hay, Program Director and Lead Facilitator at SongwritingWith:Soldiers, who highlights the Nashville, Tennessee-based nonprofit organization that works nationwide to pair professional songwriters with veterans to share their story and connect with others through the songwriting process. SongwritingWith:Soldiers (SW:S) holds nationwide creativity and wellness based retreats for veterans, active duty, and their families. The organization partners professional musicians and songwriters to lead collaborative songwriting sessions with participants to help put their stories into song, and rounds out the retreats with workshops in creative journaling, mindfulness, nature walks, strengths coaching, and peer to peer community building. Since its founding, the organization has served more than 2,000 combat veterans through retreats and partnership programs. In 2024, more than 1,100 songs were written with veterans and first responders.

During the interview, Jordyn discusses the SW:S model and talks about the power of the retreats, including the importance of the facilitators who bring a depth of understanding of positive psychology, post-traumatic growth, and how to use creative outlets to tell one's story. She shares how working with SW:S has allowed her to bring both her lived and learned experiences to help facilitate retreats, guide veterans in telling their stories, and empower both the veterans and their families along their healing journey. Jordyn talks about impact and how a pilot study conducted by Harvard University found participants experienced a 77% increase in hope and optimism post retreat.

Jordyn wraps up talking about some of their other programs, partnerships, and initiatives and how the community can get involved, which includes helping to spread the word, create connections, and listen to the music, which is meant to help bridge the gap between civilians and veterans.

Learn more about SongwritingWith:Soldiers by visiting https://songwritingwithsoldiers.org/.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Elaine Kay, Director of Rally Tennessee of Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, who shares how Rally Foundation began in 2005, the same year her 11 year old son, James, was diagnosed with a rare aggressive sarcoma, and how that lead her to launch the Rally Tennessee chapter in 2010.

Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research is a nonprofit that empowers volunteers across the country to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures.

During the interview, Elaine shares how the organization funds research, but also helps families going through a child's cancer diagnosis: (1) Rally has a national program called the Family Emergency Fund which directly pays bills for families. In Tennessee, all five hospitals treating pediatric oncology patients use this fund. (2) Rally takes meals to the hospitals for the patients, their parents, and their siblings. (3) Rally provides counseling for the families. (4) Recently, Rally set up a Travel Fund to help patients travel to their treatment locations. Rally also provides support and love to these families through social events, like a Christmas party and summer ice cream party.

Elaine wraps up by talking about how much the community support means to the children and families and how the community can get involved, like with their upcoming event, RALLY ON THE RUNWAY, a fashion show with the Tennessee Titans taking place on April 10, 2025 at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee.

Visit https://rallyfoundation.org to learn more.

/ rallyfoundation

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Tomeka Hart Wigginton, President and CEO of United Way of the Mid-South, who shares some of her background and why she was excited to be selected to lead and build on the legacy of the nonprofit organization that has been serving the Mid-South for more than 100 years. As the Mid-South’s largest public charitable foundation, United Way of the Mid-South continues to support area nonprofits with aligned grantmaking to the programs that address the region’s most critical issues. For almost 30 years, Tomeka Hart Wigginton has worked to improve education outcomes and increase social and economic mobility at the local, state, and national levels.

During the interview, Tomeka talks about being a Memphian with a deep passion to find and leverage power to support the community. She talks about her journey from education to becoming an attorney, to leading education policy and advocacy grantmaking to civil rights and equity organizations with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, becoming President and CEO of the Memphis Urban League, and serving two terms on the elected school board in Memphis, including a term as Board President. She shares how those experiences serving in the public and private sectors, education and philanthropy, have played a key role in shaping her leadership and providing the foundation for success in the role as President and CEO of United Way of the Mid-South. She then talks about the unique role that the United Way of the Mid-South plays in the community and her collaborative vision for the future. She talks about how the community can support her and the organization and to actively help craft the next 100 years for the organization and benefit the region.

Visit www.uwmidsouth.org to learn more and to get involved.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Robyn Householder, CEO of the Better Business Bureau Serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky, who highlights the organization's efforts and mission "to create a marketplace grounded in trust, guiding people toward the best experiences while fostering stronger relationships between businesses and consumers."

During the interview, Robyn shares some of the history for the Better Business Bureau and then talks about their model and focus on building better businesses. She talks about two of their awards programs: 1) The Torch Awards for Ethics (nominations close on February 14 and applications will close on March 21, 2025) and 2) The Spark Awards for entrepreneurs in business less than 3 years (applications close March 24, 2025). The Spark Award honors eligible social entrepreneurs, startup founders and new business owners that cultivate the Three C’s of Trust: Character, Culture and Community.

Robyn then discusses the organization's efforts to denounce unethical business practices and to help protect consumers from scams. She talks about some of the most prevalent scams taking place right now, including using QR code stickers at parking lots, using dating apps for romance and relationship scams, and storm chasers knocking on doors to solicit repairs. She shares some specific examples and ways you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Here are some things you can do to avoid scams this year:

• Be cautious: Be wary of unsolicited emails from a person or a company. Remember, scammers can make emails look like they’re from a legitimate business, government agency, or reputable organization. Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails.
• Never send money to strangers: Check prices and shipping times on reputable retail websites to ensure they align with the offer you're considering.
• Create Strong Passwords: Make them long (16 characters and random (symbols and letters))
• Use a Credit Card: Credit cards offer added protection for online purchases compared to other payment methods.
• Stay educated on the latest scams: visit gobbb.org, and sign up for our consumer newsletter
• Take time to breathe and not panic: scammers rely on the victims’ emotions Before making a move, think the situation through.
• Check with BBB, visit BBB.org to find out more about a business.
• Talk to a friend or family member- before making a decision about something that sounds to go to be true.

Remember to report any suspected scams to BBB Scam Tracker at https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker. Your reports help protect others. For additional questions, contact BBB at info@gobbb.org or call (615) 242-4222.

https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-middle-tennessee

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Marc A. Wolfe, President and Founder of Marc A. Wolfe Enterprises, who is an ICF certified executive coach, author, speaker, podcaster, and consultant helping to turn conversations into business outcomes.

During the interview, Marc shares some of his personal story and why he became an executive coach, then highlights his book, "Yeah But...Cut Through the Noise to Live, Learn and Lead Better." Marc was inspired to write the book drawing from his decades of experience as a management consultant and executive coach, as well as his real-life observations of how people limit themselves with "yeah, buts." The book is organized into chapters that address the 15 most common "yeah, buts," grouped into five core themes: time-based, path-based, worry-based, demographic-based, and perspective-based. This flexible structure allows readers to choose their own reading approach, focusing on the chapters most relevant to them.

Marc shares how writing the book was his own "yeah, but" and how it serves as a personal playbook for crushing self-doubt and embracing what you were created to achieve. He shares some specific examples and actionable takeaways, like his 1440 model and how being intentional with your time can better protect your energy and happiness, and lead to greater results. Marc wraps up by highlighting his podcast, The Yeah, But Podcast, where he highlights the impact of "yeah, buts" through real stories of individuals who've overcome them, offering powerful examples of resilience and growth.

Connect with Marc A Wolfe on Linkedin

/ marcwolfe Visit https://www.marcawolfe.com/ to learn more about Marc A Wolfe, his book, podcast and resources.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Gene Garcia, Outreach Director with Heartland Adult & Teen Challenge in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, who shares his personal story of how the nonprofit organization saved and transformed his life, and highlights their mission and efforts as a long-term, faith-based drug and alcohol treatment program for adult males, ages 18 and up.

During the interview, Gene discusses their highly structured program for men who have reached their rock bottom and are ready for a complete life change. Their program focuses on Christian principles while helping men develop life skills that will aid them in the practical side of their recovery. Interpersonal skills and healthy relationships are focused on to help heal broken bonds with family, and work skills are developed so men can not only maintain sobriety but also have the practical skills necessary to be productive members of society. Gene talks about their different locations between Memphis, Middle Tennessee and Murfreesboro, how they help and transition men through employment, how the community can support their efforts, and how individuals seeking help can take their first steps toward life transformation.

Call 833-462-8286 or visit www.atctn.org for more information. You can contact Gene directly at 615-624-7878.

Mike shares his incredible journey from creating faith-based entertainment for kids to launching a brand-new series that blends humor, history, and important biblical lessons. He reflects on his time writing and directing some of the most beloved VeggieTales episodes, including Silly Songs with Larry, and how those experiences shaped his storytelling approach.

We also dive into The Dead Sea Squirrels—where the idea came from, the challenges of bringing it to life, and how Minno, the faith-based streaming platform, is helping deliver meaningful, wholesome content to families. Mike talks about the importance of high-quality Christian entertainment for kids, why faith-based storytelling matters, and what’s next for his growing franchise.

If you grew up watching VeggieTales or are looking for safe, faith-centered media for your children, this episode is packed with insights, nostalgia, and exciting news about the future of The Dead Sea Squirrels.

Learn more: https://www.deadseasquirrels.com/

Dr. Irby shares her journey in psychology, what led her to start her own practice, and the challenges and successes of expanding mental health access in underserved communities. She also explains the importance of early intervention, how her team provides lifelong support, and what families should know about navigating autism diagnoses and treatment.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Irby provides valuable insights into breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, ensuring better accessibility for those in need, and how collaboration between schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations can improve outcomes for children and adults alike.

Tune in for an eye-opening discussion about mental health advocacy, neurodevelopmental care, and the future of psychological services. To learn more or connect with Dr. Irby’s team, visit www.irbypsychservices.net