Former MLB player Ben Zobrist is committed to building strong emotional intelligence and mental health in young athletes. Reflecting on his own challenges after achieving his World Series dream, Ben stresses the importance of learning how to navigate the emotions, setbacks and fame that accompany sports success. As founder of Champion Forward, a nonprofit that helps athletes, parents and coaches improve their mental health and confidence, Ben advocates for a team-first mindset, building healthy connections and embracing one's unique qualities, believing that integrating heart, soul and mind is the key to true fulfillment in both sports and in life.

Cody Fry, Belmont alumnus and accomplished musician, blends joy, hope and creativity into his craft, making orchestral music accessible and inspiring for younger audiences. Influenced by a musical upbringing and supportive mentors, Cody shares how he's crafted a unique style that fuses classical and contemporary elements, epitomized by his viral hit I Hear a Symphony. While navigating challenges like anxiety and the pressures of success, Cody has remained grounded through live performances, focusing on his family life and building meaningful connections. His advice to aspiring musicians emphasizes authenticity, community and the importance of staying true to one's artistic voice, reminding us all of the transformative power of music.

Entrepreneur and leader, James Archer, built a successful business based on dedication to values-based leadership and aligning his core values with those of his employees. James shares his intention to lead with a collaborative mindset, utilizing hope to execute his business ventures to inspire others to fulfill their dreams. His involvement with Belmont's Archer Presidential Scholars program and support for the College of Medicine, highlights his commitment to investing in the future generations. Archer's story exemplifies the power of pouring into the passions of others.

A true Agent of Hope and CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville, Rusty Gaston has uncovered the equation he lives by. In this episode, Rusty emphasizes the importance of relationships believing that love and fun are key components to finding success. An ambitious Belmont student who went on to become a prominent leader in the music industry, Gaston's passion for music and his belief in the power of songs to change the world drives his work and leadership style. Gaston dreams of Nashville becoming a creative hub for all genres of music and other industries, with Belmont playing a crucial role in inspiring students to chase their dreams.

Former NBA star, philanthropist and businessman David Robinson shares powerful insights from his journey transitioning from the basketball court to the boardroom, highlighting the critical roles of leadership, hope and education. David also offers a look at some of the challenges he had to overcome changing careers, the faith he's maintained as a guide throughout and explains how he hopes to leave a legacy as an athlete and a humanitarian.

Will Acuff, founder of Corner To Corner, and Executive Director Shana Berkeley, share their inspiring journey to create economic opportunities for marginalized communities through entrepreneurship. Will's experience in Nairobi sparked a realization of the importance of neighborly relationships, while Shana, a lawyer turned entrepreneur, emphasizes the value of community engagement and individualized support in their programs. The duo's God-sized dream of launching 10,000 Black-owned businesses in Nashville reflects their commitment to meaningful impact and highlights the importance of self-awareness, mentorship and strategic planning in achieving entrepreneurial goals.

In a world that feels more chaotic than ever, with conflicts and uncertainty at every turn, hope remains the force that drives us forward, uniting us as a community to strive for more and to do better together. Now in its second season, Belmont University President Dr. Greg Jones returns with more powerful interviews that continue to highlight those who demonstrate what it means to rise above adversity. This season, The Hope People dives even deeper into the stories of entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, business executives, and community influencers who, despite the growing turmoil, lean into hope and the lessons they've gathered along the way. These conversations reveal how embracing hope not only gives life greater purpose but can inspire all of us to become Agents of Hope in our own right.

Social entrepreneur Dr. Kim Tan joined Dr. Greg Jones to discuss his approach toward addressing environmental and societal needs in a way that accommodates human needs. Dr. Tan also emphasizes the importance of collaboration in problem-solving.

As Chief of the Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Nahuel Arenas García spends most of his day responding to conflict. As he shared with Dr. Greg Jones, in spite of the chaos, it is the power of human resilience that unites us all and provides hope for future generations. Nahuel discusses the vitality of understanding risk through a lens of inclusivity and highlights how empathy is the key to aiding vulnerable communities.

In this special episode, Founder and Executive Director of Porter's Call, Al Andrews, and prominent gospel artist and Porter herself, Janice Gaines, sat down with Dr. Greg Jones for a live recording at this year's Hope Summit. The duo illustrated how God's presence led them to their true callings and demonstrated the power of connection through meaningful conversations. They reaffirm it's only through nurturing empathy and authentic relationships that we gain the perspective and understanding needed to make a meaningful impact on those around us.