cityCURRENT Radio Show

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Mickey Keaton, owner and operator of Bluff City Overwatch LLC, who highlights his drone education and training program and efforts to help equip youth for success in the growing industries and related job opportunities. Mickey explains how his experience with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office drone unit inspired him to launch Bluff City Overwatch to educate people about proper drone operations and FAA regulations, as many recreational drone users were violating safety rules. The program offers Introduction to Drone Operations classes where students can earn their FAA Recreational Pilot Certification and learn basic flight skills for $105 per student with a maximum class size of 12 participants. Mickey discusses the vast career opportunities in drone technology, from delivery services to construction, firefighting, and beyond, emphasizing how the program not only teaches STEM skills but also provides workforce development opportunities. He expresses particular interest in bringing the program to underserved communities like North Haven, where businesses could partner to sponsor classes and provide additional support like meals for students. The interview highlights how Mickey's personal and professional experiences, including his role as a Scoutmaster, have helped transform both his family's understanding of drone technology and the lives of young people in our community.

Mickey provides his contact information, including their Bluff City Overwatch page on Facebook and email address [email protected] for businesses and individuals interested in getting involved or enrolling in classes.

Email Mickey at [email protected] to learn more about Bluff City Overwatch LLC.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Mitch Gaylord, who discusses his Olympic gold medal winning gymnastics career, his transition into acting including roles in movies like Batman Forever, his keynote speaking, and his current work as a producer with Higginbotham Financial. Mitch shares his background, explaining that while he originally dreamed of playing football or baseball, his growth trajectory and the encouragement of his parents led him to discover his natural talent for gymnastics through tumbling and trampoline classes. He describes the feeling of "flying and defying gravity" that initially drew him to the sport. Mitch highlights what it takes to succeed in gymnastics, covering the importance of discipline, core strength, and mental strength beyond just physical talent. He shares a challenging experience at the Junior National Championships in New York, where he felt intimidated by the competition and made mistakes in 50% of his routines, as a result, missing a key opportunity to advance. This experience marked a turning point in his career, prompting him to commit to improving his mindset and confidence moving forward.

Mitch talks about his transition from UCLA to becoming a top-ranked athlete, describing how Kurt Thomas' belief in his potential led to a pivotal decision to leave UCLA for a year of intensive training. During that year, Mitch went from being an alternate in 1981 to becoming number two in the country in 1982, and eventually reaching the top ranking in 1983 and 1984.

Mitch discusses his decision to return to UCLA for the 1984 season and the team's historic NCAA championship win. He then describes the pressure and expectations during the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where the U.S. men's gymnastics team, including Mitch Gaylord, Tim Daggett, Peter Vidmar, Bart Conner, Jim Hartung, and Scott Johnson, competed with a home court advantage at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion. Although picked to place third at best, the team ultimately defeated the world champion Chinese team and won the gold medal, marking the first time in history that a U.S. men's team achieved this feat, and Mitch emphasizes the importance of team support and unity in their success.

Mitch shares two special moments from his Olympic experience in the 1984. The first was scoring the first ever 10.0 in U.S. men's gymnastics during the compulsories, which created momentum for the team. The second was a personal disappointment when he failed on high bar, but was supported by teammate Peter Vidmar who reminded him of the team's greater mission.

Mitch reflects on his Olympic gymnastics career, where he won gold, silver, and bronze medals, and he shares how his experience transitioned into a career in film and stunts, including working on Batman Forever. He talks about being a keynote speaker and explains his two signature keynote speeches: "Raising the Bar" and "Turning Fear into Fuel," which draw from his athletic career to inspire audiences about overcoming challenges and building confidence. He also discusses his current role with Higginbotham Financial, where he works in life insurance, particularly with high net worth clients, and emphasizes the importance of having conversations about life insurance protection for families.

Visit https://www.higginbotham.com to learn more about Higginbotham and Higginbotham Financial. Connect with Mitch Gaylord on LinkedIn or email him at [email protected] to connect.

To learn more about Mitch Gaylord's public speaking and presentations, visit https://www.executivespeakers.com/speaker/mitch-gaylord

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Betsy Wright, Partner, and Brandon Holley, Regional Vice President of Sales with IT Solutions, who both highlight how the company has become one of the fastest-growing IT firms with 14 locations across the country and Canada, specializing in small to medium-sized businesses with 50-300 employees. The company focuses on managed IT services, cloud solutions, and strategic technology guidance, particularly in areas like AI, LLMs, and cybersecurity. Their key verticals include legal, healthcare, manufacturing, and financial sectors, with special expertise in compliance areas like HIPAA, CMMC, and governmental contracts.

During the interview, Betsy discusses her transition from running a small IT company in Nashville, Tennessee, to merging and joining IT Solutions, which has more than 500 employees compared to her previous 25-person team. She highlights the company's culture of clear objectives, metrics, and accountability, noting how she has learned from her sales leader Brandon. Betsy emphasizes the benefits of having specialized experts across different areas like cybersecurity and AI implementation, which was a key reason for selling her company to provide enhanced client services that would have been impossible to achieve otherwise.

Brandon emphasizes the importance of understanding client needs before implementing AI solutions, highlighting the need for secure and effective AI implementation while addressing data protection concerns. He identifies key trends including cloud adoption, cybersecurity, and maximizing ROI, while Betsy notes that new regulations like HIPAA changes and CMMC are driving compliance-related conversations with clients. The discussion focuses on the challenges of helping clients navigate these complex technological and regulatory landscapes effectively.

Betsy and Brandon discuss the unique culture and support system at IT Solutions, emphasizing how the diverse team, spanning different experiences and locations, collaborates effectively to solve challenges and drive growth. They highlight the remote work capabilities and the team's ability to support each other and clients alike, particularly in the growing Middle Tennessee market. To learn more and connect with IT Solutions, start by exploring their website at www.itsolutions-inc.com or engaging on LinkedIn.

Visit https://www.itsolutions-inc.com or www.PickITS.com to learn more and connect with IT Solutions.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Waverly Ann Harris, President and CEO of Friends Life Community, who highlights the Nashville, Tennessee-based nonprofit organization and their efforts and mission "to provide adults with developmental disabilities the opportunities to grow personally, develop socially, and enjoy community as they experience life together." Waverly Ann explains that Friends Life Community was founded in 2008 by four families and a community advocate who were concerned about what would happen to their loved ones with disabilities after high school graduation. She discusses how the organization has evolved and grown to now have its own headquarters located at 4414 Granny White Pike where it serves over 100 individuals annually through programs that help adults with disabilities grow personally and socially while building community connections.

Waverly Ann describes Friends Life Community's Weekday Program, which runs Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, with 70% of activities occurring out in the community. The program involves splitting participants into different classes and includes volunteering at over 12 different nonprofits in Nashville, partnerships with YMCA locations, and work experience at Edley's Barbecue, which has become one of their biggest employers and community supporters. She discusses how Friends Life Community's participants, whom they call "friends," actively engage in their community including at Radnor Lake, helping to break down stigmas and barriers. Waverly Ann explains that Edley's has been a good example of inclusive employment, having trained their management team on inclusive employment practices and hiring individuals with disabilities, which creates a positive impact on both employees and customers. The discussion highlights how the dedication and energy of individuals with disabilities inspire and motivate others in the workplace.

Their visual and performing arts program, led by registered drama therapist Sarah Edwards, allows participants to discover their voice and tell their own stories through original works that are performed for the community. Waverly Ann discusses how Friends Life Community uses their arts programs as a key vehicle for building confidence and self-advocacy in the community. She explains that staff facilitate original creative work including poetry, songwriting, painting, and performing arts, allowing individuals to tell their own stories and express how they want to be seen. Waverly Ann notes that touring performances at nonprofits and businesses have been particularly successful in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to be leaders and storytellers in emotional, shared experiences.

Waverly Ann explains that the Friends Treat Truck was launched after the pandemic to maintain community engagement when partnerships were lost during shutdowns. The ice cream truck, now in its sixth season, operates Thursday through Sunday and is hired by companies and nonprofits for events. The Friends staff greet customers with joy, making it a morale-boosting community activity that has become a highlight for regular customers.

Waverly Ann discusses how Friends Life Community relies on community support for their programs, emphasizing that supporting adults with disabilities is a lifelong commitment. She highlights various ways companies can support the organization, including monetary sponsorships, donations, hiring the Friends Treat Truck, creating employment opportunities, and conducting facility tours.

Waverly Ann discusses her experience with Friends Life Community and how it brings hope by creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. She highlights the community's ability to break down stereotypes and build connections, emphasizing the collective strength in addressing challenges. Waverly Ann encourages others to learn more about Friends Life Community by visiting their website at friendslife.org or contacting them directly for a tour.

Visit https://friendslife.org to learn more and connect with Friends Life Community.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Buddy Teaster, President and CEO of Soles4Souls, who discusses the organization's 20-year history, transformation, and global impact. Buddy shares how Soles4Souls began in 2006 responding to disasters like the tsunami in Southeast Asia and Hurricane Katrina, but faced significant challenges from 2011-2012 including leadership issues and financial problems that led to his appointment as CEO. Under his leadership, the organization has grown to serve over 130 countries, distribute 116 million pairs of shoes and clothing, keep 112 million pounds out of landfills, and is on track to create a billion dollars in economic impact by 2030.

Jeremy and Buddy discuss leadership lessons from tough times and how organizations can build trust through transparency and clear values. Buddy explains how Soles4Souls, which has grown to about 100 employees after recently acquiring a European company, uses transparency to make difficult decisions and maintain trust among team members.

Buddy explains the three main programs of Soles4Souls: 4Relief, 4Opportunity, and 4EveryKid. He describes how the organization responds to disasters and provides assistance to people in need globally under 4Relief, resells used items to create economic opportunities for entrepreneurs in under-resourced areas with 4Opportunity, and has distributed shoes to 550,000 homeless children across all 50 US states since launching the 4EveryKid program. Buddy shares that while he initially questioned the long-term impact of giving shoes to homeless children, the program has proven to be transformative for both the children and their communities.

Buddy explains how the 4EveryKid program works through school liaisons under the federal McKinney-Vento program, which provides various services to homeless students, including shoes. He emphasizes that branded shoes are important for identity and confidence, noting that even though these children face stress and trauma, they still recognize the significance of popular brands like Nike and Adidas. Buddy highlights that while generic shoes could serve more children for the same budget, the program's focus on branded shoes helps maintain the dignity and confidence of the recipients.

Buddy discusses Soles4Souls' approach to partnerships, emphasizing the importance of working with trusted local community partners rather than directly providing their shoes and clothing items. He explains how corporate partnerships benefit both companies and the organization, noting that Soles4Souls collected over 5.5 million pairs of shoes and 4.5 million pieces of apparel last year, with many items coming from companies seeking ethical solutions for excess inventory. Buddy highlights Bombas Socks as an example of a successful corporate partnership, providing 600,000 pairs of specialized socks annually, and mentions an upcoming Kids Dental Day event in July with Delta Dental of Tennessee and other partners.

Buddy explains how the community can support Soles4Souls through donations of gently used shoes, clothes, and other items, as well as financial contributions to their 4EveryKid program which provides branded sneakers to children for $20 per pair. He emphasizes the high leverage of donations, noting that $100 could serve five children. When asked about one more thing people should know about Soles4Souls, Buddy highlights the importance of not throwing away usable items, as they represent opportunity for others in need.

Buddy discusses the impact of Soles4Souls, highlighting how the organization enables people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in making a difference, including transforming lives through initiatives like shoe collection and distribution. He shares stories of generational transformation, such as entrepreneurs, mostly women, improving their lives and sending children to college. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on individual impacts to bring about global change and encouraged listeners to learn more about Soles4Souls through their website and social media platforms.

Visit https://soles4souls.org to learn more and get involved with Soles4Souls.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Coach Juan Adams, Program Director of Nashville Youth Basketball Association (NYBA) and president of Forever Don Foundation, who highlights Middle Tennessee’s largest year-round basketball program designed to build a better foundation for life and enhance the future for area youth. Coach Juan shares how he got involved with NYBA 15 years ago after bringing his son to a basketball drill, and how the organization has grown to now serve 1,500-2,000 kids annually through various programs including summer camps, clinics, an academy, tournaments, travel teams, and skills development, along with mentoring, educational support, leadership development, and community engagement initiatives.

Coach Juan discusses the tragic loss of his son to gun violence in 2018, which led him to establish the Forever Don Foundation to focus on life skills and education beyond basketball. The foundation focuses on providing programming for at-risk youth and those with behavioral or home issues, but also emphasizes education for kids without such problems to help them interact with those from challenging environments. The foundation was created in response to learning that former basketball program participants had set up his son for the robbery, highlighting the need for continued support beyond basketball programming. Coach Juan discusses how his faith and a promise serve as the motivation to continue pouring into young people despite experiencing the loss of his son and personal challenges, including being a victim of gun violence himself. He explains that his commitment to supporting young people stems from a promise he made to God and his son after recovering from a shooting in 2003, and he continues this mission by uplifting and empowering young men to believe in their potential.

Coach Juan defines success beyond basketball as seeing former players achieving life milestones like college acceptance and marriages when encountering them in public. He explains that their NYBA program focuses on developing character and skills that extend beyond sports, including teaching former players to referee games and manage tournament operations as part of their "give-back program." The coach emphasizes keeping former players engaged with the NYBA even after they stop playing basketball, offering them opportunities to work at the Academy and earn community service hours.

The organization currently operates out of McGavock High School and their own NYBA Academy facility in North Nashville, with recent success including their 7th and 8th grade teams qualifying for the prestigious Peach Jam tournament on the Nike circuit. Coach Juan explains that their biggest need is staffing and compensation for volunteers, as they have maxed out their current volunteer network and want to transition to paid staff positions to sustain the programming long-term. The organization has been operating as a 501c3 for 15 years without receiving any government grants and currently relies on a volunteer model where parents with participating children provide services in exchange for their children's program access. Coach explains that this volunteer approach creates a challenge as children age out of the program, leading to a need for paid staffing to sustain operations.

To learn more and get involved with Nashville Youth Basketball Association visit https://nashvilleyouthbasketball.org.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews cityCURRENT Memphis partner, Kiley Butler, Founder and CEO of ProductionOne and Principal AV Integration, who discusses how ProductionOne has evolved over the last 24 years and how the integration division has grown large enough to warrant its own identity and dedicated staff.

Kiley details their approach to live event production with full service audio, video, lighting and staging services, and then how their focus on people and planning carry over to AV integration, emphasizing the importance of custom design work, having dedicated in-house designers, and creating seamless systems that work transparently behind the scenes. The conversation covers recent industry trends including immersive audio, advanced lighting capabilities, and video wall technology, with Kiley stressing the importance of matching the right technology to a client's specific needs rather than pursuing the latest features simply because they're available. Kiley stresses that the goal is to make all AV systems work transparently in the background, allowing events and spaces to be successful without drawing attention to the technology itself.

Kiley and Jeremy discuss the importance of planning, skilled teams, and customized design in successful event and AV integration. Kiley emphasizes Principal AV Integration's advantage of having dedicated in-house designers who work directly with clients to create custom solutions, rather than relying on generic templates. The team's expertise in design, from power sequencing to data infrastructure, is highlighted as a key differentiator in delivering tailored results for clients. Kiley provides next steps for businesses interested in learning more about their services, including visiting their website at productionone.com or principalavi.com or contacting them at 901-881-2511.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Missy Acosta, Senior Vice President, Brand Experience with Delta Dental of Tennessee, who highlights Tennessee's largest dental benefits carrier and their differentiation as a not-for-profit 501(c)4 with a mission of "Ensuring Healthy Smiles" and a focus on philanthropy and community investment. Missy talks about Delta Dental of Tennessee's charitable arm, The Smile180 Foundation, which was founded in 2014 with three philanthropic pillars: to increase access to dental care for underserved communities, support children’s hospitals, and fund oral health education across Tennessee and beyond.

Missy shares a number of examples how their support of charitable dental clinics, including Church Health and Christ Community Health Services in Memphis and Neighborhood Health and Interfaith Dental in Nashville are increasing access to dental care for underserved communities. She discusses why oral health is a top priority for children's hospitals, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, and explains why their support of oral health education covers everything from kids television programming to promote healthy habits to supporting colleges of dentistry in Tennessee to help equip the next generation of dentists and oral hygienists to be successful and to help address dental deserts across the state. Missy talks about how these efforts tie in with the Healthy Smiles Initiative, along with some of their other philanthropic efforts, including providing mouth guards to youth playing sports through various organizations and affiliations.

Missy then highlights their fifth annual Kids Dental Day, scheduled for Friday, July 10 at First Horizon Park, home of the Nashville Sounds. More than 500 youth from various nonprofits in Middle Tennessee will be attending the fun, festival-like event where they will receive free dental screenings, cleanings, new socks and shoes through a partnership with Soles4Souls, new books through Book 'Em, snacks, and more. Over 100 volunteers will be coming out to support the kids and a number of organizations will be providing interactive games and experiences, like PBS Kids, American Red Cross, Adventure Science Center, American Heart Association, Schenk Photography, and the Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures Program. The dental organizations participating include Neighborhood Health, Meharry School of Dentistry, South College, LINKS INC., and Hope Smiles. Partners for the event include Nashville Sounds, cityCURRENT, Signature Transportation, United Way, Kroger, OneGen, Henry Schein, and Dunkin. Missy talks about why this annual event is so important in the community and how this can serve as inspiration for other companies to give back and get more involved in making a difference. Missy closes by inviting youth-serving organizations and volunteers who wish to serve to connect with KidsDentalDay.com to learn more and to plan ahead for next year.

Visit www.KidsDentalDay.com to learn more about Kids Dental Day and visit https://deltadentaltn.com to learn more about Delta Dental of Tennessee.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Jenny Matthews, Executive Director of A Step Ahead Foundation of Middle Tennessee, who discusses the nonprofit organization's 10-year anniversary and mission to prevent unplanned pregnancies by providing education and access to free long-acting reversible contraception. Jenny explains how the foundation has served nearly 7,000 clients by breaking down barriers like cost and transportation through partnerships with over 120 community organizations and medical clinics, offering services like a well woman exam, STI testing, the cost of the device, and removal at any time. She highlights common questions from clients about eligibility and menstrual cycles, shares success metrics showing 96% of clients reporting decreased stress and increased happiness, and describes how the organization's educational outreach is particularly valuable in rural communities. Jenny outlines multiple ways the community can support their work through financial donations, volunteer opportunities at health fairs, sharing resources with organizations, and helping spread awareness about their services.

Summary

Jenny Matthews, Executive Director of A Step Ahead Foundation of Middle Tennessee, discusses the organization's 10-year anniversary and its mission to provide long-term contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancies across 29 counties. The foundation has served nearly 7,000 clients with contraception options including IUDs, hormonal and non-hormonal methods, and arm implants, aiming to eliminate cost and transportation barriers. Clients can contact the call center Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM to be connected with partner clinics within 2-3 weeks, with the foundation acting as the payer of last resort for costs not covered by insurance.

Jenny discusses their partnership approach, explaining they provide two types of education: clinical services at medical appointments and community outreach through over 120 partners in prevention. The clinical services include well woman visits, STI testing, Pap tests, device insertion and removal, while the community education reaches various settings including job training programs, substance use recovery centers, and universities. Jenny notes that their community education partners view A Step Ahead Foundation's services as supportive of their work and helping prevent plans from being derailed by unplanned pregnancies.

Jenny discusses common questions received regarding contraception options, particularly about IUDs and implants for women who haven't had children yet. She explains that these methods can be used before having children and addresses misconceptions about menstrual cycles stopping, clarifying that this is healthy when using contraception.

Jenny explains the importance of contraception work at both micro and macro levels. At the micro level, she noted that 96% of clients reported decreased stress and increased happiness due to contraception, allowing women to focus on education and careers while spacing pregnancies. At the macro level, she described positive community outcomes, including increased community involvement and independence for women. She also highlighted that 80% of the women served are unwed, indicating a significant need for pre-marital contraception services.

Jenny discusses the organization's work serving both urban and rural communities, noting that while most clients are in urban areas, there has been a 7% increase in serving rural populations over the past two years. She explains that education in rural communities is particularly valuable as these areas often have fewer resources and less frequent conversations about contraception. The organization is working to expand clinical partnerships in rural areas despite access challenges, with a goal of serving people closer to where they live or study.

Jenny discusses various ways the community can support their organization's efforts, including financial donations, community education, and providing resource guides to clients. She mentioned that it costs approximately $250 to serve one client with contraception without insurance, highlighting the impact of donations. Volunteer opportunities, such as tabling at community events, are also mentioned as a way for people to get involved, especially during the summer months.

Jenny highlights the apolitical nature of their services, which receives broad community support. She explains that they aim to complement rather than replace parent-child conversations, offering education through engaging activities like bingo while maintaining transparency with parents. When asked about future goals, Jenny expressed a desire to expand their services to reach more people in need, particularly in rural areas, while maintaining their commitment to never turning anyone away due to cost barriers.

Visit https://www.astepaheadmiddletn.org to learn more and get involved.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Leighanne Soden, President and Founder of West Cancer Foundation, who discusses the nonprofit organization's mission and efforts to break barriers to cancer care and provide access to free services for those in need, particularly in underserved areas of Memphis. Leighanne highlights that Memphis has some of the highest cancer mortality rates in the country, making it "Ground Zero" for cancer. She highlights the organization's growth from its inception in 2020 to its current state with 9 employees and a $4 million operational balance sheet. The foundation tracks patient data by zip code to understand and address disparities in cancer care.

The foundation's largest program provides transportation for cancer patients, having arranged over 7,500 rides in 2025. Leighanne shares heartwarming statistics for their transportation program, reporting 658 rides provided to patients in need of treatment this month alone. The program primarily assists patients receiving radiation treatment, ensuring they don't miss appointments that could affect their outcome. The program works by connecting with medical providers like Regional One Health, West Cancer Center, Baptist Memorial Health Care, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, and St. Francis who refer patients, and a team handles online booking and tracking of rides including wheelchair-assisted transportation. Each round trip costs $120, with staff ensuring patients are safely transported to and from appointments.

Leighanne also highlights their Sweet Wig Beauty Boutique, where patients can receive free wigs, hats, and scarves, noting that many find losing their hair to be one of the most challenging aspects of cancer diagnosis and treatment. West Cancer Foundation also offers mental health counseling for patients and caregivers, and funding for oncology nursing research at UT Health Science Center. Leighanne talks about working closely with area hospitals to provide comprehensive cancer care, and expresses hope for the future in clinical trials and research, specifically mentioning a new blood test for colorectal cancer that could provide an alternative to colonoscopies. She emphasizes the importance of mental health counseling, which has helped over 200 patients and their caregivers in the past year through a partnership with Alliance Healthcare Services. Leighanne touches on the significance of these types of collaborative relationships in the community and the need for funding support through donations and upcoming events.

The organization's signature fundraising event, West Fight On, will take place on September 12th at Shelby Farms Park, featuring a 5K run, cycling routes, and celebration of survivors and caregivers. She explains the foundation's other revenue streams including major gifts, planned giving, and corporate partnerships. Leighanne also describes the "Ride to Rosemary" cycling event, which began 16 years ago with 9 men and has since expanded to include an all-female team who raised $140,000 in March. She encourages listeners to visit westcancerfoundation.org or westfighton.org for more information and to support their programs.

So, visit https://westcancerfoundation.org or https://westfighton.org/ to learn more and get involved with West Cancer Foundation.