Discovering 615

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In this episode of Discovering 615, host Rob Thacker sits down with Margarett Kernell, the owner of Topstitch Embroidery Plus.

Margarett shares how she turned her creative passion into a thriving boutique embroidery business, the unique advantages of running a boutique operation, and the importance of networking and building authentic relationships in Middle Tennessee.

She also opens up about her heart for supporting first responders and how community connections have shaped her journey as a business owner.

If you love inspiring small business success stories and want to hear how one entrepreneur stitched together heart, hustle, and hometown pride — this episode is for you!

🎧 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform!

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In this special episode of Discovering 615, Rob sits down with actor James Stokes, best known for stepping into the mask as Jason Voorhees in Voorhees: Night of the Beast, and for memorable roles in Stranger Things and the upcoming film The Forest Through the Trees.

They dig into the real story behind the scream—what it takes to make it in the film industry, the mental and emotional highs and lows of acting, and how perseverance and community support are the true keys to surviving Hollywood. James opens up about the challenges of typecasting, building a career outside the mainstream, and the surprising generosity of the horror film community.

He also shares his passion for charity work, often appearing at events either in full Jason costume or simply as himself, using his platform to support causes that matter. This conversation is equal parts behind-the-scenes, personal growth, and inspiration.

Whether you're a movie buff, a fan of the horror genre, or someone chasing your own creative path, this episode is packed with stories, insight, and heart.

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In this episode of Discovering 615, Rob sits down with veteran and local entrepreneur Justin Greene, the heart and hustle behind Back Forty Print Shop in Hendersonville, TN. As a proud veteran-owned business, Justin brings the values of discipline, service, and dedication from his military background into the world of custom merch—whether it’s outfitting a local softball league, supporting community events, or producing gear for country legends like Montgomery Gentry.

Justin shares what it really takes to run a successful print shop built on quality, relationships, and hometown pride. The conversation dives into the power of local networking, the importance of giving back, and why Hendersonville isn’t just a place to work—it’s home.

Whether you're a small business owner, an event planner, or just someone who loves seeing passion turned into product, this episode is full of insight, inspiration, and a little Southern grit.

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In this episode of Discovering615, host Rob Thacker sits down with the lovely Blair Lindsey, a rising country/blues singer-songwriter. Originally from Las Vegas, Blair has found her musical home in Nashville, where she’s making waves with her heartfelt storytelling and soulful melodies.

Blair shares her journey from Vegas to Music City, the inspirations behind her hit singles, and the passion that drives her songwriting. With tracks like "No Dice," "South of Anywhere," "My Party," "Too Late to Change My Mind," and her latest breakout hit "One More Ride," Blair is proving to be a force to watch in the country and blues scene.

Tune in to hear her behind-the-scenes experiences, songwriting process, and what’s next on her musical horizon! 🎶

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In this episode of Discovering615, Rob sits down with Angie Taggart, the creative force behind Hello Again Box! Angie’s journey began in 2008 when she founded Bridging Connections, helping real estate agents strengthen client relationships through handwritten cards.  After relocating to Germany and selling the business, she and her family returned to Middle Tennessee for a fresh start.

Now, Angie is on a mission to help businesses stand out, stay connected, and show appreciation through personalized gifts that show appreciation. Learn how her Hello Again Box is transforming client relationships and why personal touch points matter in today’s competitive business world. Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or business owner, this episode is packed with valuable insights! 

#Marketing #Entrepreneurship #ClientRelationships #SmallBusiness #CustomerAppreciation #Discovering615

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In this inspiring episode of Discovering615, Rob sits down with the incredibly talented David Ask, whose journey from the snowy landscapes of Minnesota to the vibrant heart of Nashville is nothing short of remarkable. Fueled by a passion for music, David took a leap of faith to pursue his dreams in Music City, carving out his path as an accomplished singer while also becoming a dedicated family man and successful entrepreneur.

But David’s story doesn’t end with music. He’s the visionary behind Statguard Plus and Lockbox Pro, two thriving businesses that highlight his innovative spirit and commitment to excellence. Rob and David look into what it takes to break into the music industry, the challenges and rewards of starting a small business, and how he balances it all while raising a family in the heart of Middle Tennessee.

They also explore what makes Nashville such a unique place to live, work, and grow — from its supportive creative community to the everyday joys of life in Middle Tennessee. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, budding entrepreneur, or simply love hearing stories of family, resilience and passion, this episode is packed with valuable insights and heartfelt moments.

Grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired by David Ask’s incredible journey of following dreams, building businesses, and creating a meaningful life in Music City. 🎵💼🏡

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What if flowers could tell a story? 🌿✨ On this episode of the Discovering 615 Podcast, host Rob Thacker sits down with Jennifer Edwards Templin, the creative mind behind Spry Lifestyle Floral & Entertaining, to dive into her fascinating journey through the floral and event design industry.

Jennifer’s love for flowers started early, leading her to study horticulture—first at the University of Tennessee, then completing her degree at Mississippi State University. But what happened next is truly inspiring. From designing floral arrangements for hit TV shows like Days of Our Lives and Friends to traveling the world with Colin Cowie, one of the most sought-after event designers, Jennifer’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. 🌍💐

But Jennifer’s story isn’t just about high-profile events and celebrity experiences—it’s about passion, creativity, and sharing the beauty of flowers with everyone. She opens up about how she came up with the name Spry Lifestyle, what it truly means to her, and how she’s on a mission to bring floral joy into everyday life. One of her most innovative ideas is the After Hours Haus Flowers—a “Milkman Concept” that reimagines flower delivery, making fresh blooms more accessible to people in a unique way. 🌸🚪

Throughout this conversation, Jennifer speaks with contagious enthusiasm about the power of flowers—not just in event design but in creating moments of beauty and connection for everyone. Whether you’re a flower enthusiast, a small business owner, or someone who loves hearing inspiring entrepreneurial journeys, this episode is packed with insights, creativity, and a deep love for nature’s most beautiful art form.

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In this episode of Discovering 615, host Rob Thacker sits down with Derek Jaworski, a Marine veteran and owner of Happy Hollow Wellness Gym in Goodlettsville, TN, and Alloy Personal Training Capitol View in Nashville, TN. Derek shares his journey from the Marines to the fitness industry, how he made his way to Nashville, and his passion for helping people over 40 build strength, stay active, and achieve long-term health.

They dive into the world of powerlifting, fitness, and nutrition, discussing customized training plans for longevity and overall wellness. Whether you're new to fitness or looking to optimize your routine as you get older, this episode is packed with expert insights, motivation, and practical advice!

🔹 Topics Covered:
✅ Strength Training for People Over 40
✅ Powerlifting & Longevity
✅ Nutrition Strategies for Optimal Health
✅ Personalized Fitness Plans
✅ Derek’s Journey from the Marines to Nashville

🎧 Listen now and take your fitness journey to the next level!

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Kick back and relax with us in this episode of Discovering 615, where Rob Thacker chats with Adrienne Hitch, the spirited owner of Beach Waves Salon in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Adrienne shares her journey from California to Tennessee, how she built her thriving salon, and some funny stories about diving into Instagram reels with her friend Emma Matthews. Expect laughs, laid-back vibes, and some golden nuggets of advice for anyone dreaming of starting their own business. It's all about community, creativity, and good times!

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In this episode of Discovering 615, host Rob Thacker interviews Branan Logan, the creative force behind the docuthriller The Harmonica Man. Branan shares his incredible journey—from pursuing music in Nashville, to a transformative stint in Honduras, and finally returning to Nashville with a passion for videography. He talks about working with Realtors, collaborating with B3, and producing The Harmonica Man, a gripping film based on a 1948 trainwreck in Middle Tennessee. You can find the movie streaming now on YouTube @HarmonyHillsStudios. Tune in to hear Branan’s inspiring path and the fascinating story behind his latest film.