Best Rod Hubbards Podcasts (2025)

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Lessons in Rejection with Gavin DeGraw 36:05

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7d ago36:05

36:05

Multiplatinum singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw sits down with Troy Vollhoffer for an at-home episode of "On the Bus" for an in-depth conversation about growing up in the Catskills, his family’s passion for music, and how Patrick Swayze’s character in Dirty Dancing was (allegedly) based on his grandfather! Gavin opens up about why supporting the troop…

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Life As A Worldwide Roadie With Tom Mayhue 30:22

21d ago30:22

30:22

After realizing he wasn’t destined to be a guitar player, Tom Mayhue found his true calling behind the scenes—solving problems on the road. Four decades later, he’s still living the dream, managing tours for some of the biggest names in rock. In this episode, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer sits down with his longtime friend Tom Mayhue to talk …

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The Hillbillies of the British Invasion With The Boxmasters 32:52

1M ago32:52

32:52

After growing up watching The Who on the Ed Sullivan Show, the members of The Boxmasters never dreamed of having the chance to tour with one of the greatest bands in the world, but here they are. Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer welcomes Billy Bob Thornton and JD Andrew of The Boxmasters to On The Bus. The duo walks Troy through their happenstan…

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A Lot Of Grit And A Little Bit Of Crazy With Cody Johnson 21:42

1M ago21:42

21:42

Cody Johnson grew up hunting and fishing in rural Texas with two dreams: to be a singer and a cowboy. Not only does CoJo continue to sell out stadiums, but he has his own ranch filled with horses, cows, and pastures. If only young Cody could see him now! Troy Vollhoffer, CEO of Country Thunder, is thrilled to welcome Cody Johnson on the bus this we…

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Dreaming Up Barbara with Old Dominion 21:07

2M ago21:07

21:07

The members of Old Dominion spent years in Nashville crafting a sound and trying to break through. After another label passed, their manager asked if they wanted to keep going. The guys had one answer: “If they don’t like it, that’s fine.” Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer welcomes one of his favorite country bands, Old Dominion, to the show. The…

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Paving a Path in Music with Larry Fleet 23:58

2M ago23:58

23:58

Larry Fleet’s father told him that if he learned a skill, he’d always have a job, which is how he made a living pouring concrete. After playing a bar for tip money, Larry learned that he might be able to pave a path into the music industry. Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer welcomes the world-traveling Larry Fleet to On The Bus. Larry and Troy di…

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Ep. 53: Addressing Nashville's Affordable Housing Crisis: An Interview with Angela Hubbard, Director of Metro Nashville's Housing Division 1:00:13

3M ago1:00:13

1:00:13

Nashville has a cost of living crisis. Less than 9% of Nashvillians can afford a typical home in Nashville. It's even worse for minorities. Less than 1% of Black and Brown communities can afford a typical home. The crisis has been exacerbated by our city's zoning code which limits affordable and middle income housing. There's a new push by the Plan…

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From the Merch Stand to the Stage with Cole Swindell 20:59

3M ago20:59

20:59

Cole Swindell was drinking beer on the porch at his college fraternity when an alum by the name of Luke Bryan stopped by to change his guitar strings. After moving to Nashville a few years later, Cole got his first job in the music business, selling t-shirts for his new favorite frat brother, Luke Bryan. Cole Swindell takes a break from the incredi…

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Going Solo and International with Tyler Hubbard 15:39

3M ago15:39

15:39

In 2012, Tyler Hubbard burst onto the music scene as one-half of the Florida Georgia Line duo. After pioneering a new wave of country music, over 20 hit singles, and selling out shows as a member of “the biggest band in the world,” Tyler knows what it’s like to reach the mountain top. And now Tyler’s on a new journey back to the top but solo. Count…

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Ep. 52: A Crypto Conversation: An interview with Rod Roudi, Founder of Bitcoin Park 56:05

4M ago56:05

56:05

Nashville has taken on many titles — Music City, Athens of the South, Smashville and Cashville, but tech bros have coined a new name, "Bitcoin City," in honor of the thriving crypto community that has formed. The city is home to Bitcoin Magazine, the world's largest web3 media outlet and Bitcoin Park, a globally renowned grassroots crypto community…

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From Hockey Fights to Festival Nights with Troy Vollhoffer 38:51

5M ago38:51

38:51

After realizing his dreams of playing in the NHL might not happen, Troy Vollhoffer went from scrapping with the captain of the Boston Bruins to fighting to get his production company off the ground. After decades of putting on the largest country music festivals in the world, Troy Vollhoffer has no signs of slowing down. It’s a special episode of O…

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Putting in the Work with Simon and Chief 45:47

6M ago45:47

45:47

It’s a tale as old as time: Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk say that when they met through a mutual lawyer, it was “love at first sight.” Since co-founding The Core Entertainment in 2019, Simon and Chief continue to find new and innovative ways to discover and develop artists. Simon and Chief join Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer to break down how…

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Ep. 51: The Face of Nashville Business: An Interview with Stephanie Coleman the CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce 1:00:58

6M ago1:00:58

1:00:58

Nashville is more than a hub for musicians. It's a hub for business. Over the last decade, corporations like Amazon and Oracle have flocked to the southern city. Pro business politics and tax incentives are part of the allure. But business isn't the only thing ballooning in our sunbelt city. Housing costs have skyrocketed. More than 50 percent of N…

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Never Growing Up With Jake Owen 15:12

6M ago15:12

15:12

After an injury ended any dreams of becoming a pro athlete, Jake Owen put down his golf clubs, picked up a guitar, and went on to create a brand-new era of country music. After two EPs, seven albums, and thirteen years as a household name, at 43 Jake Owen might have finally grown up, but he still isn’t slowing down. Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhof…

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The Road Back to Country With Blake Shelton 25:13

7M ago25:13

25:13

After taking a four year break on his Oklahoma ranch, Blake Shelton is back on the road and riding the high of his new album, For Recreational Use Only. After 29 number one hits, and a detour into Hollywood, Blake’s scorching hot single “Texas” proves he’s still got it. Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer recalls meeting Blake Shelton during a craz…

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That’s Hardy Looking for Arrowheads 25:57

7M ago25:57

25:57

Even with 16 number one hits to his name, Hardy still feels like his career is just getting started. After his breakout album, The Mockingbird & the Crow, Hardy continues to light up the stage and the charts with his unique mix of metal and Mississippi country. Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhofer is joined by his good friend and amateur arrowhead ar…

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Ep. 50: Meet Charles Robert Bone: "One of the most recognizable figures in Nashville's legal, political and development circles." 1:02:11

7M ago1:02:11

1:02:11

Every city has a family who shapes it. New York City had the Rockefellers. St. Louis had the Bushes. Boston had the Kennedys. Nashville has the Bone family. They are attorneys by trade but political powerhouses and real estate tycoons in practice. In this episode of Climbing the Charts, Angie Lawless and Brandon Miller sit down with Charles Robert …

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Grandparents, Grit, and Going Big: Justin Moore’s Rise 27:51

8M ago27:51

27:51

Justin Moore lasted just two weeks of college before dropping out. He left his tiny, 300-person hometown in Arkansas in search of a career in Music City. After a few years of hard work, he finally made it big by leaning on his modest roots, releasing the mega hit single, “Small Town USA.” Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhofer is thrilled to be joined …

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Ep. 49: Nashville Unhoused: Understanding Homelessness in Nashville 1:08:46

8M ago1:08:46

1:08:46

In March, the mayor's office announced the closing of one of the city's oldest and lagest homeless encampments — Old Tent City. The 40-year-old site sits just outside downtown, on Anthes Drive. 120+ people have called this area underneath I-24 home. The city says these individuals will be placed in transitional housing. Metro plans to provide the u…

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Every Night’s the Super Bowl with Jordan Davis 14:20

8M ago14:20

14:20

Having a hit-song writing uncle and a singer/songwriter older brother, Jordan Davis is living proof that some families have music in their DNA. With hits like “Singles You Up” and “Buy Dirt” and a new album out this summer, Jordan has country music running through his veins. This week, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer sits down with Jordan Davis…

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Ep. 48: Spirit of Bipartisanship: Nuclear Energy in Tennessee 59:29

8M ago59:29

59:29

Nuclear energy is part of Tennessee's past and present. Oak Ridge played an important role in the Manhattan Project during WW2, and today, 48% of our state's energy comes from nuclear energy. In this episode of the Spirit of Bipartisanship, hosts Angie Lawless and Brandon Miller sit down with Republican Rep. Clark Boyd, who chairs the business and …

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From Football to Flying Beers with Gavin Adcock 32:19

8M ago32:19

32:19

Growing up on his family’s cattle farm in rural Georgia, Gavin Adcock dreamt of becoming a professional bull rider. But the universe had other plans. After suffering a knee injury playing football in college, Gavin turned his attention to playing guitar and songwriting, and the rest, as they say, is history. In this episode of On the Bus, Country T…

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Ep. 47: The Spirit of Bipartisanship: Medicaid Expansion and Tennessee 50:32

9M ago50:32

50:32

Tennessee is 1 of 10 states that has not expanded Medicaid. It is estimated that more than 150,000 Tennesseans would qualify for coverage if the state opted to expand the program. In this episode of the Spirit of Bipartisanship, hosts Angie Lawless and Brandon Miller sit down with Republican Reps. Brock Martin and Pat Marsh and Democratic Rep. Jess…

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Better Together with Tigirlily Gold 39:33

9M ago39:33

39:33

Many new artists these days get their big breaks on TikTok. But unlike many of those viral sensations, sister duo Tigirlily Gold had already proven their chops in the bar and club scene in Nashville before being discovered. In this episode of On the Bus, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer talks with Kendra Olson and Krista Slaubaugh of Tigirlily G…

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Ep. 46: The Spirit of Bipartisanship: Unpacking the Partisanship in Tennessee's House of Representatives 59:23

9M ago59:23

59:23

American politics are polarizing, but in no place are they more polarizing than in the Tennessee State House. Two years ago, the Republican-ruled supermajority expelled two Democratic lawmakers after they led spectators in a chant "Gun control now!" and "No action, no peace!" The controversy was ignited by the Covenant School Shooting and Republica…

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From Backroom Bars to Broadway with Dustin Lynch 36:27

9M ago36:27

36:27

Not many artists actually hail from Tennessee, but the scenic valleys and rolling hills of The Volunteer State are part of Dustin Lynch’s DNA. In this episode of On the Bus, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer sits down with Dustin to discuss his journey from playing fraternity parties and weddings across the southeast to being the first country ar…

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Ep. 45: The Spirit of Bipartisanship: Discharging Mental Health Patients in Tennessee 58:22

10M ago58:22

58:22

Tennessee Republican State House Rep. Jody Barrett is proposing legislation that would change the discharge process of individuals who are involuntarily committed to mental health facilities in Tennessee. Under Barrett's bill, the CEO of an inpatient treatment facility would be required to notify the court when an individual is eligible for dischar…

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If Sh*t is Good, It’s Good with Koe Wetzel 13:27

10M ago13:27

13:27

Growing up in Texas, Koe Wetzel dreamt of a career in the NFL. But after a college football injury, he realized he could get more women and free beer by putting his music hobby front and center instead. On this episode of On the Bus, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer talks with Koe Wetzel about the plethora of music genres that influenced his sty…

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Ep. 44: The Spirit of Bipartisanship: Free School Lunches in Tennessee 54:23

10M ago54:23

54:23

17% of children in Tennessee face food insecurity. TN Democratic State House Rep. John Ray Clemmons proposed legislation to provide free school meals — breakfast and lunch — to all TN children regardless if they meet federal SNAP benefit requirements. This isn't the first time Clemmons has introduced this legislation. He's brought this bill forward…

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Backstage Pass with Legendary Music Agents Rod Essig, Curt Motley, and Nick Meinema 44:32

10M ago44:32

44:32

How do music artists make most of their money? From the smallest act playing dive bars, to the band that sells out stadiums and festivals, musicians earn the bulk of their living on events and tours. And behind every artist is an agent that books those gigs and helps them achieve meaningful financial success in their careers. For this special episo…

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Welcome Back to On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer 2:59

10M ago2:59

2:59

Have you ever wondered about what it’s like touring as a musician on the festival circuit? Or maybe about who discovered them, and just how the heck they helped them make it big? From Country Thunder Music Festivals, we invite you, the fans, to ride shotgun on the tour bus with us to find out all this and a whole lot more. Join host Troy Vollhoffer…

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Ep. 43: Inside the Tennessee Legislature with Longtime Nashville Lobbyist, Brian Bivens 1:05:26

11M ago1:05:26

1:05:26

Tennessee's legislature isn't just partisan—it's often polarizing. Inside the House chambers, Democrats and Republicans disparage one another, at times—outside, they rarely engage. Has the proverbial political aisle been stretched too far to reach across? It wasn't always this way. There was once camaraderie and compromise. Few understand this cult…

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Ep. 42: America the Polarized: How Personalities and Primaries Have Shaped U.S. Politics 1:11:02

12M ago1:11:02

1:11:02

David French is a dissenter. The attorney turned conservative political commentator abandoned the Republican party in 2016. His reason? Donald Trump. The evangelical Christian was disgusted by the controversial candidate, his lack of character and authoritarian beliefs. Since then, his critiques of the MAGA movement have only grown — so too has his…

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Ep. 41: He Steered the City Through COVID, Now, He's Reimagining Nashville 1:07:41

1y ago1:07:41

1:07:41

When Nashville identified its first case of coronavirus in March 2020, the city was between Public Health Department directors and as unprepared as the rest of the world for what was to come. Dr. Alex Jahangir, a trauma surgeon acting at that time as chair of the Metro Nashville Board of Health, unexpectedly found himself head of the city's COVID-1…

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Ep. 40: The State of Money: Tennessee Economic Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter Explains the State's Approach to Investing In and Attracting Business 1:01:52

1y ago1:01:52

1:01:52

Tennessee is an economic engine. Stuart McWhorter is one of the conductors. During his tenure as the Tennessee Economic Development Commissioner, McWhorter has overseen nearly 160 projects, which represent more than 21,700 job commitments and $10.9 billion in capital investment. In this episode of Climbing the Charts, Angie Lawless and Brandon Mill…

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Ep. 39: Resident Experts: Local Experts Discuss the Past, Present and Future of Real Estate in Nashville 1:02:56

1+ y ago1:02:56

1:02:56

Nashville has been in the top 10 hottest housing markets in the United States. The city has drawn attention from individuals and investors from coast to coast. However, over the last two years sales have slowed some due to high interest rates and uncertainty surrounding the economy. In this episode of Climbing the Charts, we sit down with Greater N…

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Ep. 38: Rehabilitate or Incarcerate? How Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk Approaches Crime 1:04:57

1+ y ago1:04:57

1:04:57

Glenn Funk balances safety and social justice in his role as Nashville District Attorney. The Nashville District Attorney was sworn in nearly a decade ago. Nashville's daily prison population is about half of what it was before he took office. The second term elected official says reducing incarceration increases rehabilitation and saves metro mone…

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Ep. 37: The CEO of Music City Business 48:58

1+ y ago48:58

48:58

The Nashville Chamber of Commerce is the front door to the region's business ecosystem. Ralph Schulz is the guide. The CEO has overseen the organization since 2006, steering it through the city's explosive growth. During his 18-year tenure, the median salary in Nashville has increased by more than 50-percent, city's skyline has reached new heights …

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Ep. 36: Paper to Playmaker: Meet Titans CEO Burke Nihill 54:33

1+ y ago54:33

54:33

Four years ago, Burke Nihill ran across a job listing on LinkedIn: General Counsel for the Tennessee Titans. He applied, but he didn't think he would be drafted. His sports "experience" included dreaming of "wanting to be the third baseman for the Chicago Cubs" and declining an offer to play basketball at a Division 3 College. Nonetheless, Nihill w…

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Ep. 35: Bob Mendes: Development Director Talks East Bank, Makes Clear His Role Covers the Broader Nashville Area 51:37

1+ y ago51:37

51:37

"I came to realize that I would never have the chance to work in an administration with somebody that I [am] so closely aligned with on issues. It makes it really easy to go to work." – Bob Mendes, speaking of his working relationship with Mayor O'Connell Climbing the Charts was excited to sit down with Bob Mendes, Chief Development Officer for the…

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Ep. 34: Housing Matters: Unpacking the Affordable Housing Puzzle 58:52

1+ y ago58:52

58:52

"My whole mission is just to affect positive change with people, and housing is such a key component to people's health, well-being, and safety." -- Andrea Prince According to Nashville's 2021 Affordable Housing Task Force, chaired by Mayor John Cooper, the city must create 52,498 new housing units by 2030—a daunting challenge, given that only 1,34…

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Ep. 33: Michael Briggs: Choose How You Move is More Than Transportation 1:03:51

1+ y ago1:03:51

1:03:51

"We're not building new roads (for the most part), so it's about trying to use that [existing] infrastructure in better ways that meet our modern needs." --Michael Briggs, director of mobility at Vanderbilt University's Transportation and Mobility Office, currently on loan to the City of Nashville as a director of transportation planning through 20…

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Ep. 32: Derrick "Moe" Moore: How One Slim and Two Husky Longtime Friends Created an Iconoclastic Pizza Empire! 56:55

1+ y ago56:55

56:55

"I knew that if I had a Plan B, I would be 50/50. I would be one foot in and one foot out, and I had to be fully dedicated." - Derrick 'Moe' Moore When the Climbing the Charts podcast first launched in 2022, the co-hosts created a list of dream guests – Moe Moore was at the top of that list, being a co-founder of Slim & Husky's. Almost two years an…

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Ep. 31: Judge Sheila Calloway, Lonnell Matthews and Julieanna Huddle: They Don't Work with Any "Bad Kids" 1:13:32

1+ y ago1:13:32

1:13:32

"What people don't understand about Juvenile Court is that literally two-thirds of the cases that we deal with are about the parents." –Judge Calloway Judge Sheila Calloway, Davidson County's Juvenile Court Judge, and Lonnell Matthews, Davidson County's Juvenile Court Clerk, are two of Nashville's most accomplished individuals. They are an entertai…

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Ep. 30: Jeremy Faison: The Rest of the Story from the Libertarian Chairman of the TN House Republican Caucus 1:06:37

1+ y ago1:06:37

1:06:37

"When you're in the middle of the battle, to be policy-driven is smart, to be politically-driven is dangerous." - Jeremy Faison Few people have had a closer seat to the important issues, drama, and national and international garnering headlines involving Tennessee politics than Representative Jeremy Faison, Chairman of the Tennessee House Republica…

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BONUS EPISODE: Nate Smith 17:27

1+ y ago17:27

17:27

We’re travelling back in time with this never-before-heard conversation between Troy and Nate Smith at his very first appearance at Country Thunder. Since then, he has blown up and become a household name with some of the catchiest tunes in country music.By Country Thunder | Pod People

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Ep. 29: Megan Barry: Here's Why Megan Barry Knows She Can Beat Mark Green 48:45

1+ y ago48:45

48:45

"It's already a presidential race and lots of people are going to come out and vote for the President…however, we know…that about 18% of the people who go into that booth don't keep going down the ballot… If you're in the voting booth, don't stop… Make your vote count all the way down." -Megan Barry In a hotly anticipated interview, Climbing the Ch…

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Ep. 28: Dr. Isaac Addae: Embracing the Uncomfortable in Order to Fly 50:12

2y ago50:12

50:12

"It's a diverse world. Companies sell products to consumers that are very diverse. Their teams and technical talent should reflect the communities that they sell products to." – Dr. Isaac Yao Addae Dr. Isaac Addae is a man with many hats – first-generation Ghanaian American, computer engineer, strategist, business professor, entrepreneur, investor,…

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Ep. 27: Sherry Deutschmann: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs So They Can 10X Their Companies 55:14

2y ago55:14

55:14

"If you give a man a fish, he eats for a day. If you teach him to fish, he eats for a lifetime. But if you teach a woman how to fish, she feeds the village for a lifetime. The ripple effect that women entrepreneurs have on communities and the global economy is phenomenal." — Sherry Deutschmann Climbing the Charts sits down with Sherry Stewart Deuts…

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Ep. 26: John Ingram: Nashville SC in Less Than a Year, and the Enduring Power of the Green Light 54:42

2y ago54:42

54:42

Former Mayor Karl Dean was known to ask, rhetorically and always in good humor, what Nashville would be without music (answer: Birmingham), but he could have substituted "the Ingrams" for music and arrived at the same punchline. There are few beloved things in Music City without fingerprints, known and unknown, that in some way trace back or connec…