Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Nicholas Joy, who recently was honored with the Charles Strobel Legacy of Service Award at the 2025 Strobel Volunteer Awards hosted by Hands On Nashville powered by United Way of Greater Nashville. Nicholas was recognized for his more than 275 hours of volunteerism as an Emergency Department Ambassador at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. During the interview, Nicholas shares his journey from a high school volunteer in Houston, Texas, to his current role in Nashville, Tennessee, highlighting how his experiences, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, deepened his understanding of volunteering and its impact. He discusses his experiences connecting with patients, the importance of human connection in healthcare, and his efforts to support individuals during challenging situations, while also reflecting on the power and importance of volunteerism and how others can help make a difference in the community.

Emergency Department Volunteer's Journey
Nicholas Joy received the 2025 Charles Strobel Legacy of Service Award for his work as an Emergency Department Ambassador at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Nicholas shares his journey from a high school volunteer in Houston to his current role, highlighting how his experiences, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, deepened his understanding of volunteering and its impact. He describes the unique challenges and rewards of volunteering in the emergency department, where brief interactions can still make a meaningful difference.

Human Connection in Healthcare
Nicholas shares a meaningful experience from his work in the emergency department, where he connected with a lonely patient who had been isolated for several hours. He spent an extended period talking with her, providing comfort and a listening ear rather than medical care. The interaction highlights the importance of human connection in healthcare, as the patient simply needed someone to talk to and share her thoughts with during a difficult time.

Emergency Department Ambassador Experience
Nicholas discusses his experience as an emergency department ambassador, highlighting the significance of forming connections and supporting patients during their often unexpected visits. He reflects on the 275+ hours he dedicated to this role, emphasizing the variety of experiences and the impact of being present for individuals in challenging situations. Nicholas expresses hope that his efforts contributed to patients feeling cared for and supported during their time in the emergency room.

Volunteerism's Impact on Medical Aspirations
Nicholas discusses his experience transitioning from Houston to Nashville, where he found a strong sense of Southern hospitality and community. He highlights the impact of volunteerism on his personal and professional growth, particularly in his role as an aspiring physician. Nicholas was awarded the Charles Strobel Legacy of Service Award, which he views as an honor to continue the Strobel family's philanthropic legacy. He has been involved in various volunteer initiatives, including founding the Student Volunteers at Vanderbilt Medical Center program and serving as an ED lead volunteer, where he mentors new volunteers in patient interactions. Nicholas emphasizes the importance of building patient rapport and working collaboratively with families to meet needs more effectively.

Service Award and Volunteer Opportunities
Nicholas shares his perspective on the Charles Strobel Legacy of Service Award, emphasizing the importance of leveraging unique skills and interests to serve others, whether through healthcare, teaching, coaching, or other community activities. He highlights various volunteer opportunities at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, including the Emergency Department Ambassador program, and provided contact information for those interested in learning more about volunteering.

For more information on becoming an Emergency Department Ambassador or volunteering with Vanderbilt University Medical Center visit https://www.vumc.org/volunteer-vander....

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Mike Coffey, Founder and CEO of BlueCotton, along with Julie Denton-Price, Co-Owner and Chief Revenue Officer, who both highlight the custom screen printing and embroidery company located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, just one hour north of Nashville, Tennessee. BlueCotton ships custom orders all over the country to clubs, groups, organizations and businesses who are looking to Mark the Moment. Mike and Julie discuss BlueCotton's comprehensive apparel production capabilities and the power of focusing on the employee experience. They detail their personal development classes and investment opportunities for employees, as well as their community involvement and philanthropic efforts, which enable the success to the company to be a win for all involved. This focus on the employee experience has helped drive turnover down from 108% to just 33% in two years and has helped the company double revenue over the last three years and grow to 130 employees.

Blue Cotton's Entrepreneurial Journey
Mike Coffey shares how he started BlueCotton in 1991 as a temporary T-shirt selling venture while he awaited his CPA exam results, and how that "temporary bridge" found quick success and has grown and evolved to now employ 130 and serve thousands of customers weekly. Julie shares a personal story of appearing on Wheel of Fortune, which she pursued after her 4-year-old son encouraged her to chase her dreams, emphasizing the importance of getting out of your comfort zone to create special opportunities.

BlueCotton: Custom Apparel Experiences
Mike and Julie highlight BlueCotton, a custom screen printing and embroidery business located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, that specializes in creating personalized apparel for events, milestones, and causes. They emphasize the company's focus on customer experience, highlighting how their products can capture and preserve meaningful memories through apparel and "Mark the Moment."

BlueCotton's Apparel Production Capabilities
Mike and Julie describe BlueCotton's comprehensive apparel production capabilities, including their work with major brands, in-house design team, and production facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky, which employs 130 people with extensive experience. Mike highlights their ability to handle both custom designs and self-submitted graphics through their website, while maintaining quality control through having all operations under one roof. Mike and Julie then discuss the power of focusing on the employee experience, noting that their commitment to staff development has significantly reduced turnover and led to increased revenue and growth.

Reducing Turnover With Development Initiatives
Mike and Julie discuss how BlueCotton reduced employee turnover from 108% to 33% over the last two years through programs like personal development classes and a Bitcoin investment initiative. The company offers 1-hour life improvement classes to its workers, covering topics like finances, nutrition, and leadership. In addition, BlueCotton provides Bitcoin rewards to employees who stay for 5 years, as part of their investment strategy that began in 2020.

Employee Engagement and Personal Development
Mike and Julie discuss how their company's focus on employee engagement and personal development has transformed their culture over the past five years. They highlight initiatives including financial education, investment opportunities, and positive thinking programs, which have helped employees feel more invested in the company's success. They emphasize that this focus on personal growth has not only improved employee morale and performance but has also positively impacted their customer experience.

BlueCotton's Community Philanthropy Initiatives
Julie discusses BlueCotton's community involvement and philanthropic efforts, highlighting their work with nonprofits and support for responsible, fiscally-minded employees. Julie shares an example of an employee award that encourages charitable giving, and then provides website and contact information for those interested in learning more about BlueCotton's initiatives and how they have focused on the employee experience.

Visit https://www.bluecotton.com to learn more and connect with BlueCotton.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Ed Doyle, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region, who highlights the Covington, Tennessee-based nonprofit and their efforts to transform the lives and outcomes of youth. During the interview, Ed discusses his background in the automotive industry and how running a street ministry as an ordained minister with his wife led to his current role at the Boys & Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region. He talks about their summer camp serving 176 children and year-round programming for children and young adults, aged 5-18, which offers much more than just after-school care, including STEM programs, robotics, coding, and a recording studio. Ed also highlights the unique challenges faced by Covington's youth due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a recent tornado, which has created significant academic gaps for the children in the area.

Ed outlines three key programs including a Reading Success Academy to address the academic gaps, along with mental health support, and workforce development initiatives, highlighting the club's partnerships with local employers and educational institutions. The Reading Success Academy, launching in August, will employ two reading specialists to assess children, design custom curricula, and provide one-on-one and small group instruction to improve reading skills. The mental health initiative, called "Healthy Minds Equal Great Futures," will have two licensed mental health professionals available at the club to support children dealing with trauma or other mental health issues. Ed describes the Boys & Girls Club's partnerships with local employers like Unilever and Ford, which provide tours and exposure to career opportunities for the children. The Club also collaborates with TCAT for dual enrollment opportunities in high school. Ed emphasizes the importance of these experiences in changing outcomes for the children, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. He highlights the impact of their programs, including STEM activities and the Ford-sponsored Reading Success Academy, on the children's learning and aspirations.

Ed discusses how the Boys & Girls Club's programs are tied to core areas of growth for youth, which include character development, leadership, personal responsibility, community service, and exploration and fun with activities like robotics and drones. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement, sharing a heartwarming story about a child's interaction with a local business owner during a Club event. Ed outlines three ways to support the club: praying for the kids, spending time with them, and providing financial support, mentioning a matching grant opportunity. He also provides contact information, including social media handles, website, and his personal phone number for those interested in learning more or getting involved.

Visit https://www.bgchrr.com to learn more or call 901-800-6186 to reach Ed Doyle and get involved with Boys & Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Joshua Conley, Executive Director of Foster Village Memphis, who highlights the nonprofit organization's mission, efforts, and impact. Foster Village Memphis, established in Memphis, Tennessee, in 2019, aims to support foster families and caregivers and those who want to help by meeting practical needs and providing resources and holistic support beyond the system. Joshua explains that the organization works to address the gap between children in need of foster care and the available homes, offering support to families and creating opportunities for community involvement. He highlights the organization's expansion across multiple counties and its initiatives, including support groups, Welcome Packs, meal deliveries, and advocacy events. Joshua also shares statistics on the number of children in foster care and the current home deficit, emphasizing the need for more foster and kinship families in the region.

Joshua discusses the challenges and rewards of foster care. He shares personal experiences as a foster and adoptive parent, emphasizing the reciprocal benefits and the importance of supporting both foster children and their biological families. He introduces a campaign called "2025 Growing the Village is Sweet" and talks about the role of lemonade in this context, symbolizing turning lemons (difficult situations) into something positive through resilience and support. The campaign launched in June and runs until August 23rd, with proceeds supporting foster and adoptive families. He explains that the campaign aims to involve children in meaningful service activities, with various ways for individuals and organizations to get involved year-round, including drives for back-to-school items, Christmas events, mentoring, and packing Welcome Packs for families. Joshua encourages listeners to visit the website fostervillagememphis.org, follow them on social media, and sign up for their newsletter to learn more and get involved.

Visit https://www.fostervillagememphis.org to learn more and to get involved with Foster Village Memphis.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Matt Lloyd, CEO and Co-Founder of Magic Apple Technology, who highlights the cityCURRENT Nashville partner company focused on providing internet telephone services with an emphasis on phone systems and customer service for businesses. Matt explains their commitment to excellent service and strong company culture through their core values, while also detailing their national geographic reach and technical capabilities.

Matt discusses the importance of phone systems for businesses, emphasizing that phone communication remains crucial, especially for small to medium-sized enterprises. He highlights the benefits of cloud-based phone systems, including redundancy, enhanced integration with AI and other technologies, and improved accessibility. Matt notes that businesses are sometimes hesitant to transition their phone systems to the cloud due to a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality, but he emphasizes the advantages of cloud systems, such as reliability during power outages or natural disasters.

Matt discusses Magic Apple Technology's commitment to providing excellent service and maintaining strong company culture. He outlines five core values that guide the company, including John Wayne integrity, love for what they do, awesomeness, and not pointing fingers. Matt emphasizes that these values are ingrained in the company's DNA and are taken seriously, with new employees required to sign a core value oath.

Matt explains that his company provides comprehensive IT support, handling both hardware and telecommunications issues. He describes their geographic reach, noting that while 75% of their business is centered in Middle Tennessee, they can serve customers nationwide through remote support and pre-tested equipment. Matt highlights two key industry trends: the use of AI to automate routine tasks and improve backend operations, and the deployment of AI agents for customer service interactions.

Matt shares his experience as a CEO, highlighting the importance of implementing a structured business process using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and ensuring cultural alignment when onboarding new team members. He emphasizes the value of running a 100% remote operation to promote work-life balance and talks about being selective when adopting new trends, especially in the phone industry. Matt also recommends conducting annual business reviews with customers to explore underutilized phone system features and regularly reviewing phone contracts every 2-3 years to optimize costs and benefits.

Matt wraps up discussing the importance of community engagement for Magic Apple Technology, highlighting their partnerships with nonprofits and their partnership in cityCURRENT to facilitate community involvement. Matt explains that Magic Apple Technology, a small team of 12, focuses on providing low-cost solutions and maintains a strong commitment to community service. He encourages viewers to visit their website, magicapple.com, for more information about their products, services, and team.

Visit https://magicapple.com to learn more about Magic Apple Technology.
https://www.facebook.com/magicappletech/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/magic-apple-technology/

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Graham Honeycutt, Executive Director of Tucker’s House, who highlights the Middle Tennessee-based nonprofit organization and their efforts to provide home modifications for families of children and young adults with disabilities. The organization provides financial assistance, construction management, and functional home modifications, which include making bathrooms accessible, adding adaptive equipment, adding solid flooring, adding ramps and widening entry doors.

During the interview, Graham shares some of the history for the organization and how he and his family were introduced to Tucker’s House and were blessed by the organization’s efforts; and how he now has that same opportunity to help other families, after assuming the role of Executive Director five years ago, after Founder, Sunny Rosanbalm’s retirement. Graham describes their process and discusses the importance of pairing licensed therapists with architectural designers who understand inclusive design to ensure that the modifications made to a home will serve the children and families throughout their lifetime and assist them every day. They start with an assessment to create an individualized plan that accounts for a child's current and future needs, considering factors like prognosis and long-term accessibility. The pre-construction phase can take 3-6 months to coordinate all necessary parties, and the process involves details like installing solid flooring, widening doorways, and adding accessibility equipment like stair lifts.

Graham discusses bathroom modifications for disabled individuals, including accessible showers, sinks, and towel racks, emphasizing independence and dignity. He explains that these projects involve collaboration with various community partners, and talks about their House to Home video series on their website and YouTube channel, which showcases transformations of selected families' homes. Graham describes some of their current projects, highlighting a ramp installation for a Spanish-speaking family in Murfreesboro and another project in Spring Hill, with filming underway for the next House to Home episode.

Graham explains the organization's funding needs, including their "Thrive in 25" campaign to serve 25% more families, and emphasizes the importance of financial contributions and partnerships with construction professionals. Graham shares heartwarming feedback from families about the life-changing transformations their homes undergo, and provides various ways for the community to support their efforts, including visiting tuckershouse.org, watching their award-winning video series, and contacting them via phone or social media.

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

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Brink Fidler, Founder and President of Defend Systems, along with Tom Herring, Operator of Herring Technology, who both highlight the importance of taking proactive measures with comprehensive security solutions, including training, consulting, and technical support and equipment to save lives and protect people and property.

During the interview, Brink shares his extensive background in law enforcement, particularly in narcotics and tactical operations, which informed the development of Defense Systems' training curriculum focused on active shooter response and rapid medical intervention. The company offers various training programs, including active shooter drills, law enforcement training, and medical courses for both professionals and civilians, emphasizing the goal of equipping individuals with the skills to protect themselves during emergencies.

Tom explains how his company, Herring Technology, evolved from a data cabling business to offering a holistic approach to security systems, partnering with Defense Systems and conducting comprehensive assessments to then provide the technology and service needed to protect an organization and its people and property. Herring Technology focuses on proactive measures, including training and proper use of technology, to prevent security incidents rather than just reacting to them.

Brink emphasizes the critical importance of training staff to respond effectively during emergencies, highlighting that over 80% of school attacks involve current or former students/staff, and proper training could significantly reduce casualties. Brink explains that their training program, which lasts 4.5 hours including a lunch break, is customizable and includes a walkthrough of the facility to identify potential issues. He also notes that the training provides valuable life skills, such as medical pre-hospital trauma care, which participants have used outside of work, including in car crashes.

Tom discusses leveraging technology, including AI, to enhance security measures proactively. He emphasizes the importance of creating a deterrent environment without making buildings look like prisons and highlighted the use of AI for perimeter security and virtual guard systems. He also discusses testing new security technologies to ensure effectiveness, stating their company's commitment to finding reliable solutions regardless of brand.

Brink emphasizes the importance of identifying multiple exits in public places and pre-planning escape routes during emergencies. Tom highlights the need to utilize security equipment effectively, integrating it into daily routines for better monitoring and proactive management. Both stress the value of technology and collaboration in enhancing security and customer service.

Visit https://www.defendsystems.com to learn more about Defend Systems. Visit https://herringtechnology.com to learn more about Herring Technology.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Daniel Liu, who recently was honored with the Youth Volunteer Award at the 2025 Strobel Volunteer Awards hosted by Hands On Nashville powered by United Way of Greater Nashville. Daniel Liu, a pre-med student at Vanderbilt, founded the Peace of Mind program to address the shortage of volunteers for home hospice care in Nashville. He recognized that while many students wanted to volunteer, transportation was a significant barrier, particularly for reaching the 90% of cases requiring in-home visits. Drawing inspiration from his middle school experience with free bus rides to nursing homes, Daniel developed a solution by coordinating free transportation for Vanderbilt students to volunteer in home hospice care, providing them with valuable patient experience while meeting a critical community need.

Volunteer Uber Voucher Pipeline
Daniel created a simple pipeline that allows volunteers to apply for Uber vouchers to visit patient sites, considering factors like distance, time, and cost. Since its inception, 35 classmates have been trained to administer Hospice care, volunteering at patient homes and contributing to over 600 hours of service across nearly 200 patient cases. Daniel has personally volunteered for about 350 hours over two years, visiting around 20 patients, and finds the Uber voucher program to be one of the most impactful ways he has contributed to his community.

Volunteering Shapes Leadership Journey
Daniel reflects on how his volunteer experience has shaped him as a leader, emphasizing that it taught him the importance of taking the first step in community involvement. He explains that he now understands the process of initiating change, from writing grants to securing funding, which gives him confidence in future endeavors. Daniel also describes the unique nature of hospice volunteering, highlighting that each patient interaction is different and tailored to individual needs, ranging from playing piano to discussing art.

Vanderbilt Peace of Mind Initiatives
Daniel discusses his work with Vanderbilt Peace of Mind, which involves meeting people, understanding their experiences, and conducting educational training sessions with experts in hospice care. He expresses his vision to lead interventions in communities and emphasized the importance of finding partners, communicating effectively, and identifying community needs to create impactful solutions. Daniel was recognized as the Youth Volunteer Award winner at the 2025 Strobel Volunteer Awards, which he considers a significant honor. He encourages others, especially college students, to take leadership roles and create movements for community betterment. Daniel also shares his email address for those interested in partnering with or supporting his efforts with Vanderbilt Peace of Mind.

Email Daniel Liu at [email protected] to learn more and get involved with Vanderbilt Peace of Mind.

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, host Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Zack Orsborn, founder of Like Really Creative, to explore the intersection of mental health, creativity, and community. Zack opens up about growing up in a small Mississippi town where creativity was stifled, navigating mental illness, and the long road to rediscovering his artistic identity.

He shares the powerful story behind his framework—The Four Codes of Creative Energy—and how it's helping creatives overcome fear, reconnect with their passion, and build intentional, expressive lives. From Collage Parties to MUSE gatherings, Like Really Creative is more than a business—it's a movement for every artist who's ever felt like they didn’t belong.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone who feels stuck, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, encouraged, and inspired to create from a place of authenticity and courage.

Learn more: https://likereallycreative.com/

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Beth Wilson, Founder and CEO of Wilson Public Relations, who highlights her woman-owned, award-winning, integrated communications firm based in Memphis, Tennessee, and then discusses PR trends and offers tips to help organizations be more impactful with their efforts. During the interview, Beth shares her journey, which began with a major in public relations and various communications roles in Memphis. She credits her time at Mahaffey Event & Tent Rentals, the Executive MBA program at The University of Memphis, and Epicenter Memphis for her decision to start her own agency. Despite facing challenges, including the pandemic and personal loss, Beth expresses gratitude for the support she received from the Memphis community and her desire to use Wilson Public Relations as a vehicle to give back.

Beth discusses Wilson PR's focus on three areas of media: earned, owned, and shared. For earned media, they handle announcements, pitch clients as expert resources, and engage in community partnerships. Owned media involves website content, thought leadership, and sales collateral. Shared media uses social platforms to amplify stories. Beth emphasizes the importance of repurposing content across multiple channels and describes their onboarding process, which includes developing messaging guides and audience engagement maps. She also highlights the value of traditional media relations and the ethical use of AI in their work, as she talks about some of the important trends taking place in PR and then shares some tips for how organizations can start to create more stories and then repurpose and leverage them across multiple platforms to be more impactful with their efforts.

Visit https://wilsonpublicrelations.com to learn more and connect with Wilson Public Relations.