Nashville Game Changers

In this episode, President/CEO of UPSHOT Nashville Nancy VanReece opens up about starting a professional women’s basketball team and how the UPSHOT development league creates more opportunities for players trying to reach the WNBA. VanReece discusses the growing popularity of women’s basketball and Nashville’s deep history with the sport. VanReece also reflects on her time as a former Metro Councilmember and the steps this city has taken to grow women’s sports. 

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In this episode, former Nashville Predators star Ryan Johansen opens up about retiring after 14 years in the NHL and why it was “not a difficult” decision. Johansen looks back on his seven-plus years in Nashville and discusses his favorite memories with the franchise, what made the 2017 Stanley Cup Final team so special, and why he has Pekka Rinne’s signed jock strap. Johansen also reflects on being a dad and how youth hockey is becoming increasingly popular in Nashville.

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In this episode, former American Idol contestant Kimberley Locke opens up about being the executive director of Girls on the Run Middle Tennessee and what inspired her to help lead the next generation of young girls. Locke discusses the various programs of the non-profit and how the goal is not only to encourage girls to run, but also to make an impact at a critical age when confidence and physical activity decline. Locke also reflects on her time with "American Idol" and her favorite memories from season two of the iconic show.  

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In this episode, Tennessee girls' flag football coaches Malek Holman and Thomas Porter open up about the rapid growth of the sport and why it’s quickly taking over Tennessee. Holman, who plays flag football himself, is the head coach of the Lady Blaze flag football team at Blackman High School and discusses the differences between high school flag football and the flag football that will be played in the 2028 Olympics. Porter opens up about leading the first-ever all-girls Tennessee flag football camp and how the sport will hopefully open up more doors for girls at the middle school, high school, and college levels.

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In this episode, country music singer and songwriter Madden Metcalf opens up about his journey into country music, including how he went from playing football to playing at CMA Fest in Nashville. The Florida native reflects on growing up on the Florida Gulf Coast, and how it inspired his debut EP Saltwater Southern. Metcalf also discusses some of his favorite fishing spots and the best beaches on the Gulf Coast.

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In this episode, bestselling author Bonnie-Jill Laflin opens up about becoming the first female NBA scout and her time working for the Los Angeles Lakers. Laflin reflects on being a part of the Lakers’ dynasty, including the five championship seasons and the advice that Kobe Bryant gave her. Laflin also discusses her love for country music and the upcoming shows she has on the American Country Network, “Nashville Smoke Show” and “Lady Legends of Country Music.”

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In this episode, 102.5 The Game radio host and MTSU Football analyst Joe Dubin discusses Nashville being awarded Super Bowl LXIV in 2030 and the events that helped the city win the bid, such as the 2019 NFL Draft. Dubin reflects on when the Oilers first moved to Tennessee and how that changed the evolution of Nashville as a sports city. Dubin also discusses the upcoming 615 Open, a charity golf tournament that raises money for Folds of Honor.  

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In this episode, co-founder of Playmakers Nashville Erin Ryder reflects on the growing Nashville sports scene and how it inspired her and Emma May-Bradley to build a non-profit organization designed to elevate women who work in sports. Ryder opens up about how she first realized there was a need for guidance and support, and how the Playmakers’ community helps create fun and meaningful opportunities for women in sports. Ryder also details the support from their board members, as well as their partners, which include the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, Nashville Sounds, Vanderbilt University, and Rebel Girls. 

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In this episode, Titans' senior writer and editor Jim Wyatt discusses the new era for the Tennessee Titans and why he is excited for first-year head coach Robert Saleh and his staff. Wyatt breaks down the Titans' 2026 draft class and why he believes the No.4 overall pick Carnell Tate will be a special weapon for QB Cam Ward. Wyatt also reflects on his 20-plus years covering the team, including the Titans' first season in Nashville, and what it was like covering legendary running back Eddie George and the Music City Miracle.

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In this episode, Tennessee Titans rookies Carnell Tate and Keldric Faulk open up about being selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft and their expectations for year one with the Titans. Tate, taken at No.4 overall, is the highest the Titans have selected a receiver in the common draft era. Tate discusses his football journey, including his time at Ohio State and winning the 2024 National Championship. Faulk discusses his time at Auburn and the lessons he learned throughout his career with the Tigers.

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