cityCURRENT Radio Show

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Ann Jarvis, Executive Director of USO Fort Campbell/Nashville, who discusses the organization's 85-year history of supporting military service members and their families through various programs and events. As a nonprofit, the organization provides morale-boosting activities and connects service members to resources and nonprofit partners through their 250 global locations, including their second-largest facility at Fort Campbell, which serves 400-500 service members daily. Ann, who leads a USO Fort Campbell/Nashville staff of five with numerous volunteers, oversees support across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas, with key centers at Fort Campbell, Nashville, and Little Rock. The organization runs various programs including care packages for deploying and returning service members, therapy dog visits, and music room access for service members, while also focusing on military youth with initiatives like the Month of the Military Child in April, which includes events like a military kid art show, a Military Kids Ball, and a mascot salute featuring corporate mascots.

Ann discusses Military Appreciation Month and Military Spouse Appreciation Day in May, and America 250 in July. She highlights the Coffee Connections program, a monthly event for military spouses to build community and learn about resources. Ann mentions plans for a 5K run in Nashville to raise funds, encouraging businesses and individuals to get involved.

Ann then highlights other USO programs, including Stuff the Trucks events with Kroger in Clarksville and Nashville, where community members can donate non-perishable items for service members. She details two types of care packages: "bye-bye bags" for deploying service members, which include small toiletries and non-perishable snacks (excluding chips), and larger "welcome home" bags containing essentials like toilet paper, and more substantial food items, like noodles, tuna, and utensils for service members returning at odd hours.

Ann shares some of her personal experience serving overseas, emphasizing the organization's impact on military families. She encourages individuals to volunteer by visiting volunteers.uso.org, highlighting opportunities in various locations including Nashville, Fort Campbell, Little Rock, and Knoxville. Ann shares her own journey from volunteer to full-time employee, emphasizing the vital role of volunteers in supporting the USO's programs and events. She highlights the USO's need for in-kind donations and financial contributions to support their programs, and encourages viewers to visit their website for more information on how to get involved.

Visit https://fortcampbell.uso.org for more details and to get involved.
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Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Dr. Mario Ray, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at UT Health Science Center and Medical Director for the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit and Federal Detention at Regional One Health, who highlights March of Dimes and the nonprofit organization's efforts to support healthy mothers and babies. Dr. Ray shares how his involvement with March of Dimes started years ago through his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, and discusses the organization's work in research, advocacy, and education. He highlights how prematurity is a leading cause of infant death in Tennessee, with rates higher than the national average in Shelby County. Dr. Ray explains that March of Dimes provides on-site support through staff like Ollie Johnson at Regional One Health in Memphis, offering training and support to families with premature babies in the NICU. He shares a personal story about a young family with premature twins to illustrate the significant impact March of Dimes has on supporting families during challenging times.

Dr. Ray presents concerning statistics and grades for the United States and Tennessee on the March of Dimes report card for preterm birth, with Shelby County performing even worse with 13.2% of babies born premature. Dr. Ray emphasizes that community support is crucial, particularly through donations, local and national advocacy, and participating in events, like the upcoming March for Babies Walk event scheduled for Saturday, May 30th at Audubon Park. He explains that the event aims to raise awareness about preventing premature births and supporting healthier babies and mothers, with healthcare providers, local leaders, and community organizations expected to attend. Dr. Ray highlights various ways the community can support March of Dimes, including participating in the walk, making donations, starting teams, volunteering, and advocating for policies that support mothers and babies. He encouraged people to visit marchforbabies.org for more information on how to get involved.

Visit https://www.marchofdimes.org to learn more about March of Dimes or visit https://marchforbabies.org to learn more about the March for Babies event taking place on Saturday, May 30, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Randi Smith, who discusses her background at Belmont University, where she studied publishing, her current role as a library assistant, and her debut young adult novel, "Ada Holloway's Had Enough." During the interview, Randi talks about the evolving role of libraries as community hubs offering various services beyond traditional book lending. She shares the inspiration behind her book, which began as a class project at Belmont University, and describes the story's focus on empathetic communication and self-expression. She emphasizes the book's appeal to young adults, parents, educators, and librarians, aiming to spark important conversations. The interview concludes with details about upcoming book events, including a signing at Parnassus Books in Nashville on April 24, and information on how to pre-order the book, which is set to release on April 21, 2026. For more information and to follow Randi's work, visit https://www.randismithwrites.com.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Hope MacGregor, a singer-songwriter, Americana artist, West Point graduate and US Army Aviation Veteran, who discusses her musical journey and charitable work to support other veterans. Hope shares how she transitioned from planning to drop out of high school to pursue music to attending West Point, graduating and serving 8 years as an aviation officer, and later returning to music after experiencing multiple personal challenges during law school. She explains how music helps her communicate complex emotions more effectively than words alone, and where she draws inspiration for her songwriting.

Hope discusses the unique position of being based in Jackson, Tennessee, which allows her easy access to both Memphis and Nashville while maintaining a strong connection to her local music scene. She highlights the authenticity of the musicians in Jackson and describes her current band setup, emphasizing their ability to deliver a powerful live performance. Hope also shares her involvement with CreatiVets, a nonprofit organization that provides art therapy and songwriting programs for veterans. Through this initiative, she volunteers as a guitar teacher, offering free lessons to veterans who participate in the songwriting program, aiming to provide them with a therapeutic tool to express their experiences and emotions.

Hope then discusses her involvement with the Airpower Foundation's Walk 22 event, a 22-mile walk in June to raise awareness about veteran suicide. She shares her personal experience with suicidal ideation after leaving the military and emphasizes the importance of combating veteran suicide. The kickoff event for Walk 22 will feature a performance by Hope MacGregor and take place on May 31st at Rhinestone Saloon in Fort Worth, Texas. Hope encourages listeners to reach out to her through social media platforms and streaming services to learn more about her music and upcoming performances.

Visit https://www.hopemacgregormusic.com to learn more about Hope MacGregor and her music. Visit https://airpowerfoundation.org to learn more about the Walk 22 event.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Brad Federman, Founder and CEO of PerformancePoint, LLC, and author of "Never Delegate Again: Uncover the SECRET to Growing Your Company, Your People, and Yourself." They discuss Brad's company, PerformancePoint, LLC, which focuses on reducing turnover, improving company valuation through culture, and enhancing employee and customer experiences. Brad shares insights on measuring and improving company culture, including a case study of a company that transformed its fractured culture into a unified one through PerformancePoint's guidance. They also explore Brad's book, which addresses the need to redefine delegation and growth in today's rapidly changing work environment. Brad highlights key concepts from the book, such as the growth matrix and investment feedback, and explains how writing the book helped him refine his own leadership approach. The interview concludes with a discussion of Brad's speaking engagements and how viewers can learn more about his work through his websites and social media channels.

Visit https://www.performancepointllc.com to learn more about PerformancePoint, LLC. Visit https://www.bradfederman.com to learn more about Brad Federman and his speaking engagements.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Pam Bryant, Executive Director of Begin Anew, a nonprofit organization that has been serving Middle Tennessee for nearly 30 years by empowering adults to overcome poverty through education, resources, and mentoring. During the interview, Pam discusses the nonprofit's three main programs: high school equivalency, English Language Learning, and computer and job skills training. She highlights the organization's impact, including helping students pursue further education or careers, and mentions specific success stories. Pam also explains their partnership with churches for facility use and emphasizes the importance of volunteers in teaching, tutoring, and mentoring roles. The interview covers how the community can support Begin Anew through volunteering, donations, and other means, and concludes with information on how to get involved, including visiting the website BeginAnew.org.

Andrés Martínez, Director of Policy & Communications with Conexión Américas, discusses their mission and efforts to build a welcoming community and create opportunities where Latino families can belong, contribute, and succeed in Nashville and throughout the state of Tennessee. Each year, the organization assists more than 9,000 individuals and their families in their desire to start businesses, improve their English, help their children succeed in school and go to college, and become an integral part of Nashville’s social, cultural and economic vitality. During the interview, Martínez also notes some of the pivots due to the pandemic, and how to help their efforts and participate in their virtual events.

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Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Brink Fidler, Founder and President of Defend Systems, who discusses his background in law enforcement and highlights his company's work in active violence mitigation training and security consulting. Based in Middle Tennessee, Defend Systems is a life safety and security consulting firm specializing in active shooter response training and physical security consulting. During the interview, Brink shares insights from his two decades in narcotics work and explains how his experience informs Defend Systems' approach to enhancing security and safety in schools, corporations, churches, and other organizations. He outlines the company's services, including training based on the DEFEND acronym (Deter, Evade, Fortify, Evaluate, Notify, Defend), and emphasized the importance of educating people on safety measures. Brink also highlights his work with the Tennessee General Assembly to pass school safety legislation and shares practical tips for individuals to enhance their safety, such as identifying multiple exit routes. The conversation concludes with information on how to learn more about Defend Systems' services and connect with Brink through various platforms, including their website, https://www.defendsystems.com.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Jenny Davis, Executive Director of the Memphis Youth Symphony Program (MYSP), who shares her personal connection to the program as a former participant, and how the nonprofit organization serves as the premiere youth symphony program in the Mid-South and celebrates musical development in a fun, inclusive, and collaborative community. During the interview, Jenny details the organization's history, structure, and impact, highlighting its inception in 1966 under the Memphis Symphony Orchestra to its growth and evolution becoming an independent nonprofit in 2006. She explains the MYSP's various ensembles, ranging from beginner to advanced levels, and emphasizes its focus on musical education, teamwork, and character development. She discusses the organization's operations, including rehearsals, concerts, and collaborations with professional musicians. Jenny also outlines ways the community can support MYSP through financial contributions, volunteering, and spreading awareness about the program.

Summary

The Memphis Youth Symphony Program (MYSP) is building on a 60-year legacy of music education and celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026 as an independent nonprofit. The program serves over 300 youth from more than 80 different schools, offering ensembles ranging from beginner to advanced levels, including two bands, three string orchestras, and two full orchestras. MYSP's administrative team includes Jenny Davis, who teaches flute at Rhodes College and performs with Blue Shift Ensemble, along with Courtney Fly as Operations Manager and Conductors who specialize in working with young musicians.

Music Education's Impact on Students - During the interview, Jenny discusses the benefits of music education and mentorship through MYSP, highlighting how students develop skills, character, and confidence through music. Jenny emphasizes the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and personal growth in musical performances, particularly in orchestra settings where students learn to take ownership of their parts and contribute to the overall piece. She notes that while musical progress is visible and concrete, these skills transfer to broader life experiences, including perseverance through challenges and the development of empathy and leadership qualities.

Youth Music Program Structure Overview - Jenny details the structure of their programs, starting with how they conduct auditions in May for ensemble placement and begin rehearsals in late August at the University of Memphis. The program holds four public concerts annually and organizes chamber music performances at community events, with rehearsals taking place every Sunday. The programs aim to develop character and leadership skills alongside musical abilities, with Conductors assigning students to ensembles based on their skill level.

Memphis Youth Symphony Support Opportunities - Jenny discusses ways the community can support the Memphis Youth Symphony Program (MYSP). They highlight upcoming concerts, including the Spring Concert on March 8, 2026, along with the importance of financial contributions and volunteerism. Jenny explains that students of all skill levels, including beginners, can participate as long as they can read music, and she stresses that the program is not just for future professionals but for anyone passionate about playing music. She encourages interested individuals to visit MYSPMusic.org or follow their social media accounts for more information.

Visit https://www.myspmusic.org to learn more about Memphis Youth Symphony Program.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Ethan Pretsch, Founder and President of WatchDog Robotics, which offers autonomous fire suppression systems using industry leading sensors and monitoring software combined with robotic nozzles to detect fires early and rapidly extinguish them. Ethan shares his some of his background and where the idea for the business started after searching for fire suppression systems that could be used in large tent structures that were up for long periods of time. He explains the limitations of traditional sprinkler systems, which have remained unchanged since 1874, and describes their autonomous alternative that uses sensors to detect and extinguish fires within 12 seconds using robotic water cannons. The system can detect fires up to 400 feet away and deliver water to a range of about 200 feet, making it suitable for large industrial spaces, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities. Ethan notes that while the technology is evolving, traditional systems still pose risks of extensive water damage and toxic cleanup, and the autonomous solution offers a more efficient and cost-effective alternative.

Jeremy and Ethan discuss the global adoption of advanced fire protection technologies, noting that while Europe and Asia have embraced these innovations, the US market is catching up. Ethan highlights the positive reception from fire engineers and code enforcement officials, suggesting that written codes will soon reflect the potential of robotic autonomous firefighting.

Ethan highlights the potential markets in Tennessee, including manufacturing, distribution, and forestry products, and mentions his ties to Memphis, where he has an employee and access to a robust industrial base with skilled professionals. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships to leverage shared knowledge and support, which is crucial for driving opportunities.

Ethan expresses interest in applying his technology to wildfire defense and improving plant uptime and safety. He shares advice on taking the first step towards achieving goals, emphasizing the importance of action and learning through available resources like CAD design and programming. He highlights the transformative impact of AI and current low barriers to entry, encouraging natural curiosity and willingness to learn. Ethan also provides details on how to connect with WatchDog Robotics, including their website, social media presence, and options for site visits, demonstrations, and risk assessments.

Visit https://www.watchdogrobotics.com to learn more about WatchDog Robotics.