Sweet Tea and Strategy

Can a single book change the trajectory of a child’s life? Jeff Conyers believes so—and with 150 million books mailed and counting, the data is on his side.

In this episode, you’ll learn the heartwarming personal story that inspired Dolly Parton to launch the Imagination Library and how a "turnkey" replication model allows local communities worldwide to gift books to every child from birth to age five.

Cathy Ackerman sits down with Jeff Conyers, CEO of the Dollywood Foundation. They discuss Jeff's unconventional path from Governor Phil Bredesen’s "body man" to the leader of a global literacy nonprofit. You'll hear about the foundation’s massive growth during the pandemic, the logistics of mailing 1.8 million books monthly, and what it’s really like to work with the "Little Engine That Did" herself—Dolly Parton.

Listen now to discover how the Imagination Library is lowering barriers to literacy one mailbox at a time.

Did you know that children aren't just "little adults" when it comes to medicine? From the way a bone heals to the emotional resilience required in a hospital ward, pediatric care is a world of its own—one built on trust, sun-steeped traditions, and a deep-seated mission to protect the next generation.

In this episode, you’ll discover the heart behind East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and how specialized pediatric care is evolving to meet families where they are, whether that’s through regional satellite clinics or the rapid rise of telemedicine.

Join us as Matt Schaefer, CEO of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, sits down to share his personal "why"—a journey sparked by his nephew’s battle with leukemia. We dive into the unique challenges of pediatric healthcare, the critical importance of family-centered care, and the hospital's strategic expansion across the region. Matt also tackles the "genie out of the bottle" reality of telehealth and the growing epidemic of pediatric behavioral health, offering a candid look at the future of medicine in our community.

Hit play to hear how Matt and his team are shaping the future of health for East Tennessee’s children!

Can a "side gig" fueled by artistic vulnerability evolve into a luxury brand featured on hit TV shows and red carpets? Moving from the art studios of Knoxville to the fashion competitive landscape of Manhattan requires more than just a creative eye—it requires a relentless business strategy and a willingness to reinvent yourself like Madonna.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to navigate the transition from artist to entrepreneur, the power of strategic networking with high-profile influencers, and why maintaining a "side hustle" is a critical safety net for any budding creative venture.

Join host Beth Parks as she sits down with renowned artist and designer Diana Warner. Diana reveals her unconventional path through the University of Tennessee’s fine arts program, the accidental birth of her jewelry line at the Knoxville Museum of Art, and the bold decision to relocate her studio to Gramercy Park. We explore her strategic partnerships with the cast of Gossip Girl and country music icons Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, as well as her recent expansion into home products and custom cabinetry.

Listen now to discover the persistence and logic behind Diana Warner’s global success.

In this episode of "Sweet Tea and Strategy," Kathy Ackerman sits down with former Governor Bill Haslam to reflect on his two terms in office and explore his current initiatives. Haslam shares insights from his upcoming book about civil discourse, emphasizes the critical link between education and Tennessee’s economic future, and discusses the impact of landmark programs like Tennessee Promise. He also offers a candid look at personal life after the governorship, including time with his 10 grandchildren and his reflections on navigating a polarized national landscape.

What if the key to managing chronic pain isn't lowering a "pain score," but baking three pies and cleaning a kitchen?

In this episode, you’ll learn why traditional pain management often fails and how a shift toward "Targeted Pain Treatment" focuses on restoring physical function and overall health rather than just masking symptoms.

Erin Freeman sits down with Dr. Stephanie Vanterpool, Director of Comprehensive Pain Services at UT Medical Center. They discuss the rapid evolution of telemedicine during the pandemic, the dangers of using opioids as a "bandage" for underlying issues, and the upcoming Focus on Function conference designed to educate all healthcare providers on restorative pain care.

Listen now to discover a more strategic, functional approach to pain management.

From retail management to leading a force of over 400—Chief Eve Thomas shares her unexpected journey into law enforcement and her vision for the Knoxville Police Department.

In this episode, you’ll learn about the evolving landscape of policing, from the impact of national events on local departments to the critical role of technology and community engagement in building a safer city.

Cathy Ackerman hosts Knoxville Police Chief Eve Thomas for an insightful discussion on the department's $56 million budget, the challenges and rewards of being a female leader in a male-dominated field, and the profound impact an officer can have on a single, routine call. They also explore the department's proactive recruitment efforts and new community ambassador programs.

Listen now to gain a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies and heart behind the Knoxville Police Department.

Listeners will discover how a legacy family business pivoted from local canning to global leadership by focusing on "Bean Goodness" and environmental sustainability.

Al Williams, CEO of Bush Brothers & Company, joins Cathy Ackermann to trace the company's fascinating history, from its 1908 origins in East Tennessee to the 1969 invention of their secret baked bean recipe. Al reveals how the company weathered massive changes—like the flooding of farmland by the TVA—and why they decided to focus almost exclusively on beans and cans for their long-term growth. Learn about the company’s deep commitment to being a "living company," its innovative water reuse and recycling practices, and its stakeholder-driven management philosophy that prioritizes employees, customers, and the community.

What happens when an NHL pro trades the Canadian winter for the Tennessee sun and becomes the heart of a city’s sports scene for 30 years?

In this episode, listeners will discover how professional sports strategies translate into resilient business leadership, especially when facing a global shutdown.

Mike Murray, President and CEO of the Knoxville Ice Bears, joins Aaron Freeman to discuss his journey from a 17-year-old NHL draftee to his recent induction into the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. Mike opens up about the financial gut-punch of COVID-19, his "unfinished business" mentality for the upcoming season, and why character off the ice is just as important as talent on it. We also dive into his passion for the Change Center and how sports serve as a vital economic and social driver in East Tennessee.

Did you know Tennessee ranks number one in the nation for its music industry workforce relative to size?

Listeners will understand the complex logistics of location scouting and how Tennessee competes with global entertainment hubs like LA and London.

Bob Raines, Executive Director of the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, joins Cathy Ackerman to break down the economic impact of the state's multi-billion dollar entertainment sector. From Knoxville’s non-scripted television dominance to Memphis’s independent film grit, Bob explains how Tennessee leverages its unique creative class to attract massive productions like Netflix's Brian Banks and NBC's Bluff City Law. He also dives deep into the "nuances" of the highly competitive incentives game, explaining why a grant-based approach often serves the state better than massive tax credits.

Tune in to discover how Tennessee is setting the stage for the next golden age of content creation!

Listeners will learn how a hyper-local retail experience in Gatlinburg provided the "engine of growth" for a global wholesale distribution network.

Joe Baker, the "serial entrepreneur" behind Ole Smoky Distillery and Yee-Haw Brewing Company, joins Cathy Ackerman to discuss his unconventional career path. Joe reveals the high-stakes risks of mortgaging his law office to fund a startup, the intense pressure of scaling up to meet Walmart's demands, and his strategic pivot into the hand sanitizer business during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also shares why he believes the relationship cultivated with customers at a physical location is the most powerful marketing tool a brand can possess.

Hit play to hear Joe Baker’s masterclass on entrepreneurial resilience and brand loyalty.