In this episode of the cityCURRENT Show, host Andrew Bartolotta, delves into the inspiring journey of Micah Dempsey and his co-founder Christopher Galbreath, founders of Belltower Coffee + Studio. 

Starting as high school best friends with a shared passion for pottery, they established Belltower in 2016 to pursue artistic careers. What began in a 100-square-foot storage unit has grown into a vibrant half coffeehouse, half pottery studio that supports local artists and promotes the creative economy in Memphis. 

Micah shares their story, from filling 5-gallon drums of water in college showers to operating a community-centric space that offers handmade ceramics, coffee, food, and a variety of classes for all skill levels across the Mid-South and beyond. 

What You'll Learn: 

• The origins of Belltower Coffee + Studio and its evolution. 
• How Belltower blends coffee and pottery to create a unique community space. 
• The importance of supporting local artists and the creative economy in Memphis. 
• Insights into running a successful coffeehouse and pottery studio. 
• Details about the ceramics co-working studio, classes, and wholesale orders. 

Join us as we explore the passion, creativity, and community spirit behind Belltower Coffee + Studio. 

Learn how Micah and Christopher have turned their artistic dream into a thriving business that enriches the local culture and supports fellow artists. 

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

In this episode of the cityCURRENT Show, host Andrew Bartolotta interviews Matt Butkus, son of the legendary Dick Butkus, one of the greatest and most intimidating linebackers in NFL history. Named the most feared tackler of all time by the NFL Network, Dick Butkus has left an enduring legacy in professional football. 

Matt Butkus carries forward this legacy as the President of the Butkus Foundation, promoting health and wellness. In this engaging conversation, Matt delves into the foundation's mission to inspire a deep appreciation for personal health and well-being, emphasizing heart health through initiatives like the Butkus Takes Heart™ program. 

He highlights the foundation’s impact, including the prestigious Butkus Award, which honors top linebackers at the high school, college, and professional levels. 

Matt also discusses TeamButkus, his personal company that hosts community events in Chicago to support local charities, and shares insights about his podcast, 'Butkus Beyond the Line,' which explores the intersection of football, entertainment, and philanthropy. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of Dick Butkus' legacy and the significant impact his son, Matt, is making through his various initiatives. 

The episode underscores the importance of promoting clean play, community involvement, and the transformative power of giving back. 

To learn more about the Butkus Foundation and how you can get involved, visit their website at https://www.butkusfoundation.org/ 

Additional Websites: 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/butkus-beyond-the-line/id1608621656 https://teambutkus.com/ https://www.thebutkusaward.com/

In this episode of the cityCURRENT Show, host Andrew Bartolotta interviews Tom Kirstein, the visionary Managing Partner of Mind Over Data. 

With nearly 35 years in IT, Tom has spearheaded the creation of interactive exhibits for prestigious institutions like the Grammy Museum, Blues Hall of Fame, and local giants such as First Tennessee and Hampton Hotels. Tom shares his journey of co-founding Mind Over Data, the evolution of interactive systems development, and the innovative projects his team has tackled across various industries. 

Tune in to explore how Tom's expertise is transforming the tech landscape in Memphis and beyond. Learn more: https://www.mind-over-data.com/

In this episode of the cityCURRENT Show, I'm sitting down with Stephen Green, the Chief Development Officer at Agape Child & Family Services.

Stephen discusses Agape's comprehensive approach to reducing poverty through their two-generation model, which supports both parents and children. By addressing the needs of the entire family, Agape aims to provide healing, support, permanency, and sustainability.

Stephen highlights Agape’s workforce development initiatives that help families achieve economic stability and the educational programs designed to ensure long-term success. He also shares success stories that showcase the profound impact of these initiatives on the lives of families in Memphis.

A portion of the conversation focuses on the Faith Family Festival, held on June 29 at Shelby Farms Park. This free event, featuring games, activities, food, and live music performances, is aimed to inspire collective action within the Memphis faith community. Stephen recaps the festival’s highlights and discusses its role in fostering community unity and inclusiveness.

He also explains how individuals and organizations can get involved with Agape’s various initiatives.

To learn more about Agape Child & Family Services and how you can support their mission, visit their website: https://agapemeanslove.org

#memphis #nonprofit #choose901 #ilovememphis #powertheGOOD

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Teresa Landrum Caswell, Owner and Founder of Caswell Group Driving School, who shares what led her to launch the company after recognizing the need to provide driver improvement and education classes. In July 2021, Caswell Group Driving School received approval to be a Driver Training and Testing Program with the State of Tennessee.

During the interview, Teresa discusses their process and different programs for teens and adults, along with why it is required that students must complete 30 hours of classroom training, two hour simulator training, and four hours of in-the-car training. She talks about the psychology of working with teens and adults, and working through past trauma associated with driving. Teresa then shares how Caswell Group Driving School is headed to Germantown, Tennessee, talks about the importance of community engagement, and shares advice for other entrepreneurs.

Visit www.caswellgroup.info to learn more.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Drs. Kevin and Taylor Reed, who discuss the importance of oral health and highlight the third-generation, family-owned practice that is celebrating 75 years of serving the Mid-South community. The dental practice is run by the father-son duo with offices in Millington and Covington, Tennessee.

During the interview, Kevin shares some of the history going back 75 years with his father, and then how he entered the business and now is working with his son, Taylor. They talk about their whole patient approach of "treating people, not just teeth" and why oral health plays such an important role in overall health and wellness, and preventing diseases. They discuss their dental services, which include preventative, restorative, cosmetic, periodontal care, TMJ disorder, and more. Kevin talks about the importance of their training and participation with the Pankey Institute, which is a renowned institution at the forefront of dental education and professional development, and why that training allows them to better serve and help the local community. They then highlight the importance of community engagement and giving back, discussing their support of Church Health, current efforts with Donated Dental Services (DDS) and how they provide free dental care to qualified patients in the community.

They wrap up with information and an invitation to their 75th anniversary celebration and community open house on Thursday, May 2 at their Millington Office and where you can watch a short documentary film honoring the family's legacy and the team's 75 years of service.

Visit www.reedfamilydentistry.com to learn more.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Alden Mills, a three-time Navy SEAL platoon commander, CEO of an Inc. 500 company, Division I athlete, top-ranked public speaker, and father of four with a deep passion for helping people realize their dreams, who highlights his third book and new release, "Unstoppable Mindset: How to Use What You Have to Get What You Want."

During the interview, Alden shares some of his personal background and why he chose to open the book with a pivotal moment at the doctor's office when he was 12 years old. He talks about his first two bestselling books, "Be Unstoppable" and "Unstoppable Teams," and how those became catalysts for a deeper dive into learning how to harness the power of your mind to achieve your goals and to activate your unstoppable potential with "Unstoppable Mindset." He discusses some of the main themes covered and resources offered, along with key takeaways, like how to identify and harness the power of your thoughts, focus and beliefs, and how to develop daily action plans. Alden also talks about how the book has personally helped him clarify his own process and unstoppable mindset, and how you can build the mental toughness to succeed and achieve more than you ever thought possible by creating your own concrete action plan for success.

You can purchase "Unstoppable Mindset" anywhere books are sold and learn more by visiting https://www.alden-mills.com.

About Alden Mills:
Alden Mills is on a mission to help 100 million people be unstoppable. He has more than 35 years of leadership experience as a three-time #1-ranked Navy SEAL platoon commander and as the CEO of Perfect Fitness, one of the fastest-growing companies in America. He invented the Perfect Pushup, along with more than 40 patented products, and is the author of "Be Unstoppable" and "Unstoppable Teams," along with "Unstoppable Mindset." He is a highly sought-after speaker and coach; Entrepreneur magazine ranked him #1 virtual speaker. When he is not helping others activate their potential, he is with his wife, four boys, and two Labradors, in the San Francisco Bay area.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Matthew Hooper, Managing Partner with IME Law, a division of Immix Law Group, who shares his background and focus in overseeing the firm's entertainment, interactive and immersive media, and artificial intelligence divisions. Immix Law Group, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is an industry change agent that serves as a catalyst for innovation by representing diverse, international, and trailblazing clientele at every stage of the business lifecycle. As Managing Partner of Immix’s IME Law division, Matthew represents some of the most prolific video game creators and development companies in the industry, as well as developers and financiers of XR technology and content.

When Forbes magazine recently listed the Top 20 Best-Selling Video Games of the Last Decade, Matthew’s clients topped the list – in fact, he represents the Lead Producer and Lead Designer of the #1 game of the past decade, and the Lead Director, Lead Writer and Lead Designer of the #2 and #3 games of the past decade. Matt also represents several developers and licensees of video games based on traditional IP, such as the Bond 007, Harry Potter, Matrix, DC Comics and similar franchises. Matt has led deal negotiations for developers opposite all major game publishers, including Sony, Microsoft, Bandai Namco, EA, Epic, and several others. In addition, Matt has represented game developers and UGC creators in negotiations with large brand partners, such as the NFL, Mattel, Hasbro, Viacom, Disney, WMG and several Fortune 100 companies

During the interview, Matthew talks about the process of developing and publishing and distributing video games, how the business and business model for the video game industry is evolving, and some of the major trends shaping the industry with AI, user generated content, and augmented and virtual reality. He also talks about the power and potential of games for good, and shares some examples of how video games are improving learning outcomes, helping to solve complex challenges and even re-train the brain to help people who are paralyzed regain movement.

Visit www.immixlaw.com to learn more or email [email protected] to connect directly with Matthew.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with David A. Pickler, who highlights his new book, "Pillars of Purpose: Leadership Lessons for Achieving a Life of Significance." David is a wealth advisor, attorney and public education advocate. He is also a philanthropist, focusing his efforts in the areas of public education and the arts. David was a member of the first-elected Shelby County Board of Education, and also served as President of the Tennessee School Boards Association. In 2013, he became President of the National School Boards Association. Upon retirement from elected office, David founded the American Pillars Education Foundation to help protect America’s economic interests through programs and services that support high-quality public education including financial literacy and workforce development.​

During the interview, David shares his background and passion for supporting public education and serving in the community, and he talks about launching his businesses with a focus on making a difference. He discusses what led him to write the book and shares some of the key takeaways for readers.

In Pillars of Purpose, David takes readers on a journey of self-discovery. He shares his personal experiences and the stories of others who have continually strived to live a life of significance. Throughout the book, he provides suggestions to help readers achieve their goals and to become a powerful force for bettering the lives of others.

All proceeds from the book support the American Pillars Education Foundation.

Visit https://www.pillarsofpurpose.com to learn more and purchase the book.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Joy Simpson, Executive Vice President - Business Insurance with Higginbotham, who shares her background and how she found her way to a specialty in fine arts and special collections insurance with Higginbotham. Higginbotham is an employee-owned and customer-inspired insurance and financial services broker specializing in business insurance, employee benefits, personal insurance, life insurance, risk management, and more. 

During the interview, Joy highlights how protecting fine art and special collections, like watches, sculptures, and artifacts, requires expertise as she discusses how "fine art" is defined in the insurance industry, the importance of up-to-date valuations, causes of loss, relationships with carriers, and different factors that come into consideration between working with museums, professional and personal art collectors, art transportation and storage companies, and other community organizations that feature or collect fine art. She also touches on working with museums and organizations on the experiential and programmatic side, like with kids' programming, and how those play a role in risk management. Then, Joy talks about some of the resources and events that Higginbotham hosts and participates in, like the Texas Association of Museums Conference in Lubbock, Texas.

Visit Higginbotham Fine Arts & Special Collections, or contact Joy Simpson directly here.