Anything is Possible "The Podcast"

George and Michelle Solomon began Vacuum Technology, Inc. #VTI with nothing but hope, faith, and extraordinary courage. Investing every penny of their own—and all of George's mom's life savings—plus borrowing from every living relative, they bravely risked everything for their dream. With little more than an idea, optimism, and a belief that Anything is Possible, they turned those sacrifices into...

Allan Houston and his father, Wade, both faced their own battles with prostate cancer, walking through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Their shared journey was marked by resilience and dignity as they chose hope and action over fear at every step. Emerging from this challenge, Allan turned the experience into a catalyst for purpose, founding FISLL to inspire others through the values of faith,...

After years of navigating the entertainment industry and overcoming deeply personal challenges—including returning to her spiritual roots and battling self-doubt— Lisa Soland was inspired to write and star in the One-Woman play, "PAT: THE PLAY," about legendary coach Pat Summitt. This project became more than just a creative endeavor; she realized that by embodying Coach Summitt on stage, Pat actu...

From the basketball court to the boardroom, Alan Houston’s inspiring journey reflects the values of Faith, Discipline, and Perseverance that have guided him through every season of life. His achievements—whether becoming an NBA All-Star, winning a gold medal, or leading as a husband, father, and mentor—are rooted in principles that came from God, the Father ... modeled through the life and example...

Lisa Soland's journey began in a bustling household where determination was born out of necessity. After graduating from Florida State University with a degree in acting, she earned an apprenticeship at the Burt Reynolds Theater, where she relentlessly pursued her dream of becoming an actor, working with legendary mentors and honing her craft. Along the way, she discovered a new spark: a love for...

Denise Dean’s story is one of perseverance and purpose. From overcoming tough times and searching for meaning, to learning life’s lessons, whether through service at a Drug Rehab Center or her work at IBM, every step prepared her for something greater. Drawing on all she had learned, Denise founded East Tennessee Freedom Schools, where her passion for education and service empowers children and co...

Growing up as the youngest of seven in segregated Boston, Denise Dean navigated explosive social changes and found opportunity at a Connecticut prep school, where she was exposed to races and cultures from around the world. It broadened her horizons. Inspired by her mother’s revolutionary spirit and her father’s drive to climb life’s ladder, Denise dared to dream bigger. Against the odds, she was...

Vance Thompson, Director of the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, devoted his life to mastering the trumpet and sharing his music with the world, only to have his ability to play taken by focal dystonia. Though he faced anger, grief, and uncertainty about his future, the loving support of his wife helped him recognize the richness of his life beyond the trumpet. By bravely letting go of what he could no l...

Raised in a loving, music-filled home in Maryville, Tennessee, Vance Thompson discovered his gift for the trumpet and nurtured it through dedication, study, and the support of inspiring mentors. His journey led him from local family gatherings to college, from Chicago’s vibrant Big Band Jazz scene back home to Knoxville, where he founded the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra and now inspires the next gener...

Bruce Austin’s life proves that humble beginnings and strong values can shape a truly inspiring journey. Raised in the small town of Ashburn, Georgia, Bruce took to heart the faith, work ethic, and integrity passed down by his parents—memories of open arms and a well-worn Bible guiding his way. From finding his faith at age eight to serving his country in Desert Storm, pursuing excellence as a Whi...

Oscar Smith's journey began in a challenging environment that grew even tougher to navigate over time. Raised in Chicago, Illinois, with his brother by a single mother during a time of riots and political turmoil, Oscar turned to smoking pot at the age of 11. This choice eventually spiraled into more extensive drug use and finally full-blown addictions. For several years, he battled the harsh cons...

Dr. Joel Smith is a remarkable strategic leader and veteran aviator. "With over 32 years of military service as a standardization pilot, he has forged resilient aircrews, teams, and organizations." His journey began as a young boy, lying in his front yard, watching planes soar overhead and dreaming of one day taking to the skies himself. His story stands as a powerful testament to the limitless Po...

In 1972, the Miami Dolphins made history as the only NFL team to go undefeated. In many of those games, they demonstrated incredible resilience by coming from behind to win. Watching the Dolphins conquer adversity inspired Rick Russo, WVLT News' Sports Director and a proud Miami native, to embrace a powerful lesson: "the true sign of a champion is someone who can fight through adversity ... yet st...

Despite the highs and lows that shaped his journey, Frank Robinson's story is one of resilience and strength. Growing up in a segregated community during the Civil Rights era, he faced profound challenges, including the tragic loss of his father to a brain injury from World War II. His pursuit of an engineering career was halted when he was drafted into the Vietnam War. Yet, after enduring loss, p...

Frank Robinson faced significant challenges growing up in a segregated community. With a mother who worked as a domestic and a father who suffered from a brain injury sustained during World War II, life was tough. Tragically, his father passed away just as Frank came of age. Despite these hardships, he attended the Tuskegee Institute and became active in the civil rights movement ... and just as h...

Mark Pancratz, a partner at Axiom Wealth Management in Knoxville, TN, grew up just outside of Chicago in a "Sports Family." Like many young men in the area, he played High School basketball and had dreams of "Being Like Mike." After high school, he continued his academic journey at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he played under Coach Bruce Pearl. When a knee injury cut his playing da...

Brian Rice grew up in Knoxville, TN, where he developed a deep passion for sports. He dreamed of attending the University of Tennessee, majoring in sports management and possibly becoming a sports agent. His path shifted, however, when he began working for Associate AD for Media Relations, Debby Jennings, where he also had the opportunity to work with the legendary Coach Pat Summitt. This experien...

Yvonnca Landes' journey was filled with trials and trauma, yet she emerged resilient. Her parents' divorce left her future uncertain, and at age 19, she faced her own divorce and the heart-wrenching loss of a child to crib death. When she finally discovered true love, another challenge arose—she couldn't have children. After enduring 10 miscarriages, she felt "less than" a woman, but despite these...

Yvonnca Landes, co-owner and co-founder of "The Landes Team," was born and raised in a small, close-knit community in Harriman, TN. Though her parents were loving, supportive and nurturing, they were also strict, teaching her the values of both hard work and discipline. When they divorced and her life became unstable and uncertain, it was her grandfather's wisdom that ignited her spirit, driving h...

Michael Grider's journey wonderfully illustrates the Power of Possibility. Growing up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, he earned a degree in Journalism and Media from the University of Tennessee. After gaining experience in news radio and television, he pursued his dream of moving to a large media market, telling impactful stories, and winning awards. Unexpectedly, however, his experiences led him from to...

After his parents rejected his desire to become a priest—driven by a heartfelt wish to guide and "transform" lives—Dr. Oscar Grandas redirected his passions and discovered his true calling in medicine. Now a leading vascular/transplant surgeon and professor at the University of Tennessee, he holds in his hands each organ with gratitude, recognizing the profound opportunity he has to literally "tra...

Dr. Oscar Grandas grew up in Colombia, attending an all-boys Catholic school during a time of government instability, poverty, drug cartels, and violence. While there, he cultivated a deep desire to serve and help others. Although his parents strongly discouraged his dream of becoming a priest, he reluctantly agreed, but chose not to let their disapproval deter him. Instead, he redirected his pass...

Todd Kelly Jr., the son of Renee and Super Bowl Champion Todd Kelly Sr., is an exceptionally talented and gifted athlete. His remarkable football career at the University of Tennessee was "skyrocketing" ... that was until an injury forced him to "hit that reset button." Though it was a painful challenge, enduring this pivot opened up a world of all-new possibilities.

Joe Hollingsworth, Founder and CEO of Hollingsworth Companies, is a remarkable businessman with a heartfelt commitment to revitalizing his East Tennessee community and the broader region. Driven by this passion, he created "Aspire Park," a beautiful space where families can gather to "create cherished memories" and "discover the spirit of adventure through a profound connection with nature and loc...

Joe Hollingsworth, Founder and CEO of Hollingsworth Companies, is a very successful businessman. His firm is the "largest industrial development company focused on economic growth in semi-rural areas" of the Southeast. He has built private homes, industrial properties, and commercial buildings nationwide. But one of his most impactful and rewarding building projects is Junior Achievement's Capston...