Dr. Linda Silbert has dedicated more than 40 years to working with students of every age and ability.We discussed what can make school feel overwhelming for so many children.

She and her husband co‑authored the award‑winning, million‑copy bestseller Why Good Kids Get Bad Grades:What Parents Need to Know and Do.

A former teacher and principal, Dr. Silbert is a lifelong educator who has developed countless learning and study tools, contributed weekly educational columns to multiplepublications, and founded Strong Learning Centers.

Her doctoral research focused on self‑esteem in children, and she continues to champion the idea that positive reinforcement, nurturing, and confidence-building are the true foundations of academic and personal success. In our conversation, she explainshow chronic stress and pressure can frustrate children and derail learning, and why healthy expectations are what help kids thrive.

We also explore the role of report cards, effective teaching methods, and why it truly takes a village to motivate kids to read.

I’m joined by Jayla Thomas—Nashville Housing Trust FundCommissioner, businesswoman, community leader, and candidate for State House District 55.

With a strong background in systems, operations, andefficiency, Jayla has led work in mergers and acquisitions within the renewable energy sector. She’s also deeply committed to supporting entrepreneurs—helpingthem launch, restructure, and pivot for long-term success.

As an advocate for the communities she serves, Jaylasees firsthand the urgent challenges people are facing every day.

We dive into the issues that matter most right now—affordability and displacement—and explore her ideas around affordable housing, healthcare, childcare, job opportunities, infrastructure, and more for District 55.

In this episode, I am joined by Arlie Haddix, CEO of Operation Stand Down Tennessee. Arlie is an Air Force veteran, retired Lt. Col., and graduate of both the U.S. Air Force Academy and Vanderbilt University School of Business Management.

Under his leadership, OSDTN delivers coordinated services that reflect the full complexity of veterans’ needs — from urgent mental‑health support and emergency food & housing to career development, leadership courses, and community connection.

We talk about the stress many service members face during the transition out of the military, why that period can feel so destabilizing, and how OSDTN steps in with practical, immediate, and long‑term support. Arlie shares insights on the organization’s mission, the gaps they’re working to close, and the power of giving veterans a place to belong.p.s. Thank you to my niece currently deployed as a Captain in the AF!

PART TWO:

From Battlefield to Boardroom lessons in Leadership: We sit down with retired Marine Major Lee Stuckey — a three-time combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient, professional MMA fighter and the Founder & CEO of AHERO USA, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing veteran suicide and rebuilding lives through connection, purpose, and community. The powerful episode has 3 Marines talking!

Also, a sought-after keynote speaker, sharing hard‑earned lessons on leadership, resilience, and the mission-driven mindset that carried him through combat and his multiple businesses.

AHEROUSA.org

⁠Legacy Speeches - Lee Stuckey Legacy

PART ONE:

From Battlefield to Boardroom lessons in Leadership: We sit down with retired Marine Major Lee Stuckey — a three-time combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient, professional MMA fighter and the Founder & CEO of AHERO USA, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing veteran suicide and rebuildinglives through connection, purpose, and community. The powerful episode has 3 Marines talking!

Also, a sought-after keynote speaker, sharing hard‑earned lessons on leadership, resilience, and the mission-driven mindset that carried him through combat andhis multiple businesses.

AHEROUSA.org

Legacy Speeches - Lee Stuckey Legacy

This week, we’re joined by Jodie Howard, a Navy spouse of over 30 years, entrepreneur, author, and gifted chakra & energy healer.

Jodie opens up about the challenges of marrying young in the military world — the deployments, separations, uncertainty, personal growth, and how they stay deeply committed and connected through it all.

We dive into:

• 💙 What it really takes to keep a marriage strong through deployments, relocations, and the constant reinvention military life demands and the challenges of an interracial marriage- how has tolerance changed

• 🔥 How to maintain intimacy — emotionally, spiritually, and physically — even when life gets chaotic

• 🌿 Daily practices for re‑energizing yourself and your partner, including grounding, communication rituals, and energy work

• 🧭 The evolution of identity as a spouse, parent, entrepreneur, and healer

• ✨ Blending energy, spirituality, and resilience to create a thriving, long‑lasting partnership

It’s an inspiring, honest conversation about love, endurance, and the power of intentional connection.

Check her out at Jodie-Howard.com

PART TWO:

Please go back and listen to part one from last week!

Monica Sanford and retired Marine Lt. Col. David Sanford sit down with someone whose story hits the heart of service, music, and the veteran community—retired Marine Colonel Mike Corrado.

Fun memories and we hear impactful, powerful stories and how it has led to music and songwriting retreats & therapy for veterans.

Corrado has taken the stage with everyone from Toby Keith—yes, the Red Solo Cup legend himself—to the Black Eyed Peas, using music as a bridge between military life and the world beyond it. His work continues to uplift veterans across the country, blending artistry with advocacy in a way few can match.

This conversation was so powerful, so honest, and so full of heart that we had to split it into two parts.

An inside look at Corrado’s journey, his mission, and the stories behind the music that has inspired so many.

Let’s dive in.

Check out: Harmony Hill Entertainment and

Vet Tunes Podcast

This week on the show, Monica Sanford and retired Marine Lt. Col. David Sanford sit down with someone whose story hits the heart of service, music, and the veteran community—retired Marine Colonel Mike Corrado.

Hear about his impactful, powerful story and how it has led to music and songwriting retreats & therapy for veterans.

Corrado has taken the stage with everyone from Toby Keith—yes, the Red Solo Cup legend himself—to the Black Eyed Peas, using music as a bridge between military life and the world beyond it. His work continues to uplift veterans across the country, blending artistry with advocacy in a way few can match.This conversation was so powerful, so honest, and so full of heart that we had to split it into two parts. Today, you’re getting Part 1—an inside look at Corrado’s journey, his mission, and the stories behind the music that has inspired so many.

Let’s dive in.

Check out: Harmony Hill Entertainment and

Vet Tunes Podcast

Listen to the ladies of IMPACT100 Nashville Nancy Lamberton, Membership Director, Tara Waters, Board Secretary and Ginger Duncan Legacy Chair as they explain how the model of collective giving allows for millions of dollars in givingback to the community.

Hundreds of women come together each year by pooling individual contributions into large, high‑impact grants that transform local nonprofits. Each member typically contributes $1,000 annually, and those funds are combinedto award major grants to organizations serving the Greater Nashville community.The high-impact awards are intentionally large so the non-profit organization can make transformational changes in their programs with specific projects.

It’s simple, each member has one vote on which non-profit the grant will be awarded. This structure allows even first‑time philanthropists to participate in six‑figure giving. Larger membership equals many more grants forthe community.

Nashville is the cradle of entertainment from blues to bluegrass and is a booming hub of hospitality, high-tech innovation, technology, industrial expansion and world-classsports.

Metro City Councilwoman Joy Styles has set her sight on the executive leadership role as the Mayor of Music City.

Nashville prepares for transformative milestones— with Elon Musk, Tesla’s & The Boring Company tunnel to the airport, future of Oracle headquarters, a new NFL stadium, expanding high‑tech and industrial sectors, and world‑class soccer that will play a role in the 2028 Olympics.

She has been an outspoken voice on tough issues and a consistent advocate for residents across culturally and economically diverse neighborhoods.

The daughter of a Vietnam veteran, Styles shows determination and commitment to fight for her community. She meets tough conversations and decisions head on.

Styles emphasized the importance of steady, experienced leadership. During her tenure on the Metro Council, she demonstrates the ability to navigate complex budget demands and infrastructure challenges while prioritizing quality of life, public health, and public safety. Her record of service is shaped by advocating responsible growth.

This was a jam-packed session discussing Nashville’stransit system, affordable housing, East Bank development, surveillance, "Snowmaggedon", tree-gate, NES and emergency, crisis management. After an historic ice storm,she is calling for transparency and accountability and meeting with leadership at NES.

We also discussed her first love of singing and her non-profit that serves her community. We explored her journey, her vision, and what leadership looks like for Music City.