Gayle VanHooser has served Grundy County as Register of Deeds for decades — and in this episode, she gets personal. From her upbringing to a career built on community trust, Gayle reflects on the life she's built and what retirement looks like when your work has always been more than a job. A genuine conversation about legacy, family, and what comes next.

Garrett Cox didn't start in real estate. He started in car sales, learned how to sell, and carried that mindset straight into one of the most competitive industries out there. In this episode, we sit down with Garrett to talk about the current real estate market, how to market yourself as an agent, and what it actually takes to build a successful career in this business. If you're in real estate or thinking about getting into it, this one is for you.

What does it take to separate yourself in a crowded market? In this episode of Above The Noise, Justin Lusk sits down with Mandi Oakes, a realtor and antique shop owner who has built her business by doing things her own way. They get into the real estate market, what it's like running multiple businesses as a wife and mom, and the mindset shifts that helped Mandi stand out from the competition. If you're in real estate, business, or just trying to level up, you'll get a lot out of this conversation.

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Some people are defined by their lowest moments. Daniel Crabtree decided to be defined by what came after.

Born and raised in Grundy County, his path wasn't a straight line. He spent years battling drug addiction before choosing a different way forward. And that choice? It became the foundation for everything.

Today Daniel is a husband, a father, a leader in his church, and a former mayor of his hometown. He is proof that where you start, and even where you stumble, doesn't have to write the final chapter.

In this episode, Justin sits down with Daniel to talk about the road back, what real leadership looks like from the inside out, and why some of the most qualified people to lead are the ones who've had to fight hardest to get there.

Nathaniel Gallagher grew up right here in Grundy County, Tennessee and today he flies helicopters for the U.S. Coast Guard. Before that, he was behind the controls of an Army Black Hawk. In Episode 5, Justin and Nathaniel talk through the career path that made it all happen, from the early decision to serve to what life looks like juggling the cockpit, a marriage, and fatherhood. It's a Grundy County success story worth hearing.

Jacey Brady’s story is one of stepping into the unknown and figuring it out along the way.

In this episode of Above The Noise with Justin Lusk, we dive into her journey of traveling to other countries right out of high school, navigating life on her own terms, and becoming a first-time homebuyer independently. From taking risks early to shifting career paths, Jacey shares what it really looks like to grow through uncertainty.

We talk about the “noise” that comes with big life decisions, doubt, expectations, fear, and how she’s learned to push through it to build a life she’s proud of.

In this episode of Above The Noise with Justin Lusk, Justin sits down with Leshaye Sawyer — realtor, entrepreneur, military wife, mother, and community leader — for a conversation that goes far beyond real estate.

Leshaye opens up about the unique challenges and strengths that come with life as a military spouse, what the future of the real estate market really looks like, her take on where education is headed, and the journey that shaped her into the leader she is today.

This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and building something meaningful no matter what life throws at you.

Topics Covered:• Life as a military wife• The future of the real estate market• The future of education• Her path to leadership and success

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Curtis Brewer is an engineer turned financial advisor. He is also a husband, father, Ironman, and a leader in his community. In this episode, Curtis shares his story with us about how he made the jump to betting on himself and all of the pitfalls along the way.

Disclaimer:
Above The Noise with Justin Lusk is a conversational podcast. The opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and are intended for discussion and entertainment. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as professional advice.

In the very first episode of Above The Noise, Justin sits down with someone who knows him better than anyone — his wife, Jessica.

They talk about why they decided to start this podcast, the vision behind it, and the kind of conversations they hope to bring to their community. Along the way, they dive into topics like how the job market is changing, how technology and AI are shaping the future of work, and why it’s more important than ever for young people to think differently about careers.

This episode sets the tone for the show: real conversations, honest perspectives, and stories from people who are building something meaningful in their lives and communities.

Welcome to Above The Noise.