Applaudable Perspectives

In this special Women’s History Month episode, we sit down with Franklin, Tennessee’s “First Lady of Preservation,” Rudy Jordan, whose bold vision and fearless leadership helped transform Franklin into one of America’s most beloved Main Streets. As a driving force behind the town’s historic preservation movement, Rudy championed revitalization efforts that protected its character while sparking economic growth—proving that progress and preservation can go hand in hand. From sparking festivals to saving storefronts, her story is one of “good trouble,” grit, and a deep belief in the power of place to shape community.

In honor of Women's History Month, Applaudable Perspectives sits down with award-winning author and historian Mary Ellen Pethel for a conversation that brings the past to life. Mary Ellen shares her journey as a historian and storyteller, exploring the voices and stories that have shaped her work — and why preserving history matters now more than ever.

From her award-winning writing to her passion for uncovering untold narratives, this episode is a celebration of the power of women in history — both those who made it and those who write it.

Whether you're a history lover, an aspiring author, or simply someone who believes every story deserves to be told, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

🎙️ Tune in, listen closely, and let history speak.

In this episode, Pam Lewis talks to Matt Bjorke about his remarkable evolution from globe-trotting country music journalist to strategic publicity specialist, and the unlikely road that shaped his perspective along the way. From living and teaching in China and South Korea to covering country music’s biggest names and emerging voices, Matt reflects on how his global experiences informed his storytelling, sharpened his industry instincts, and ultimately led him to pivot from reporting on artists to representing them. It’s a candid conversation about reinvention, risk, and the enduring power of a well-told story.

On today’s episode, Pam Lewis sits down for a heartfelt, in-depth conversation with the Scarritt-Bennett Center’s Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Sondrea L. Tolbert, to explore the true meaning of community and the transformative power of hospitality. Set against the spirit and legacy of Scarritt-Bennett Center, this special video edition invites viewers into a thoughtful dialogue about belonging, welcome, and the sacred work of creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. It’s a rich, visually engaging episode we hope you’ll watch wherever video podcasts are available.

Please visit https://scarrittbennett.org/ for more information!

In this episode, Pam Lewis talks With the journalism legend himself, Markos Papadatos. Markos is an award-winning Greek-American journalist and educator known by the professional moniker "The Power Journalist". As of late 2025, he has authored over 24,000 original articles, primarily as the Editor-at-Large for Music News at Digital Journal. #PowerJournalist

In this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, host Pamela Lewis walks the historic Hard Bargain neighborhood of Franklin, Tennessee with Derrick Solomon, Executive Director of the Hard Bargain Association, for a powerful, place-based conversation about history, housing, and hope.

As they move through the neighborhood they’re discussing, Solomon shares the story of Hard Bargain—a historically Black community shaped by resilience in the face of post-Reconstruction challenges, including its designation as a sundown town. He explains how the Hard Bargain Association is working to preserve the neighborhood’s legacy while building a future rooted in opportunity, stability, and belonging.

Through home renovations, the construction of high-quality affordable housing, and community-centered programs, the organization is helping families remain in the neighborhood they call home and grow alongside it. Over the past five years, the association has built five new homes and rehabilitated ten others, continuing a long-standing commitment to preservation and community investment.

The episode also highlights the association’s impactful backpack giveaway program, which has provided more than 1,100 students—and their teachers—with fully stocked backpacks, made possible through the support of local foundations, churches, municipalities, and local businesses teaming with the Hard Bargain Association to offer them.

This episode offers a moving, on-the-ground look at what’s possible when community, collaboration, and purpose come together.

A native of Seattle, Washington, Bruno Pirecki spent his formative years exploring his Capitol Hill neighborhood, the magic of the San Juan Islands, and the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Following two decades as a Nashville entertainment executive, his love for writing character-driven stories took center stage. The multi-award winning Town Lawe, and The House of Long Shadows are the happy result. Bruno is a longtime resident of historic Franklin, Tennessee, where he lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their five rescue cats.

Join Bruno on IG @bruno.pirecki and brunopirecki.com

In this episode, we sit down with Judith “Judy” Rivera Rosso, author of the compelling and eye-opening book Junk Food Suicide, published by Balboa Press. Judy’s work dives deep into the hidden dangers of the ultra-processed foods that have become staples in modern life—uncovering how our everyday choices can quietly compromise our health and well-being.

With a blend of personal insight, research, and an urgent call to awareness, Judy challenges listeners to rethink what they consume and why it matters. Her mission-driven approach and powerful storytelling make this conversation both informative and inspiring.

Join us as we explore the origins of her book, the truths she’s determined to share, and the life-changing impact she hopes to make through her message.In this episode, we sit down with Judith “Judy” Rivera Rosso, author of the compelling and eye-opening book Junk Food Suicide, published by Balboa Press. Judy’s work dives deep into the hidden dangers of the ultra-processed foods that have become staples in modern life—uncovering how our everyday choices can quietly compromise our health and well-being.

With a blend of personal insight, research, and an urgent call to awareness, Judy challenges listeners to rethink what they consume and why it matters. Her mission-driven approach and powerful storytelling make this conversation both informative and inspiring.

Join us as we explore the origins of her book, the truths she’s determined to share, and the life-changing impact she hopes to make through her message.

You can support Judy Rivera Rosso by purchasing a copy of Junk Food Suicide at Amazon.com

Connect with us at:

Applaudable Perspectives (by PLA Media)

• Podcast homepage: Applaudable Perspectives Spotify for Creators+3plamedia.com+3plamedia.com+3

• Spotify: Listen on Spotify

• Apple Podcasts: Applaudable Perspectives on Apple Podcasts Apple Podcasts

PLA Media (Social Media)

• Instagram: @plamedia 

• Facebook: PLA Media on Facebook

Judith Rivera Rosso (Social Media)

• Facebook: Judith Rivera Rosso – Facebook 

• Instagram: @judith60120

On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam Lewis is joined by Dina Rae Capitani, a multi-talented artist, musician, songwriter, community builder and visionary. She believes in the power of the arts to heal, unite and connect people to their hearts and one another. Tune in to hear about Dina’s life journey, Doggie Doodles, the “Temple of Dog Oracle Deck:
Spiritual lessons from the heart of Dog with a little Cattitude” and much more!

On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam is joined by her mother on a reflective drive.