Find A Way with Matt Lavinder

A coaching legend with a gym named after him, local legend John Dyer shares insights from 40 years of coaching high school basketball. Sharing how high school boys have both changed and stayed the same, Coach Dyer describes how he continues to evolve, lead, and form relationships through changing times. A beloved coach and mentor, Coach Dyer offers up valuable and vulnerable thoughts on coaching,...

Bristol native and #9 overall draft pick for the Kansas City Royals, Gavin Cross, speaks candidly about his path to Virginia Tech and professional baseball. From the importance of a team in Little League to character development and the transformative college experience, Gavin offers insights from his own experience on the most important parts of his own development. 

Lee Hunsaker is the founder of Hoot and Holler Stories, a sold out weekly story telling performance where she coaches normal people to tell their stories in front of a live audience. It started with 8 people in a living room and has grown into a live performance with adoring crowds. It's packed with honesty, empathy, the challenges, and the transformational power of sharing stories. 

There's a lot of conversation around increasing homelessness, and today's episode is with Major Brooks Gilliam of the Salvation Army. Brooks provides a valuable perspective from the front lines, where his organization houses nearly 1,000 unique individuals every year in Bristol. He dispels many myths, clarifies the real problems, and offers insights into how Bristol might solve this important prob...

An extraordinary leader who happens to be a youth volleyball coach. Dale Casey shares what she's learned about building confidence, developing leaders, building culture, and creating healthy environments. Her honesty on how her own leadership style has evolved is both instructive and inspiring. I learned so much about the game and how she's doing so much more than just coaching volleyball.

Dr. Andy Tooley, the new president of King University, shares his approach to leadership along with the opportunities and challenges of leading a university. Dr. Tooley draws on his experience in leadership at Belmont University, one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, and how he's building a unique vision for King.

Author and founder of Isaiah 117 House, a national non-profit network of houses built to transform one of the most traumatic days of a child's life, the day foster care begins. From cleverly tricking her husband into foster care classes in rural Carter County to building houses around the country to ensure kids are surrounded by love and hope on "removal day". Ronda's story is about leadership, th...

Derk Cheetwood, Hollywood Actor to Tennessee Real Estate Mogul. Derk Cheetwood on becoming a professional actor, losing out to Matthew McConaughey for a part then later working together, life on major sets like The Postman, numerous television shows including 90210, and a long run as Max Giambetti on General Hospital. Derk describes moving to Tennessee, starting over, and reinventing himself into...

In this episode, Matt engages in an insightful conversation with Kim Kirk, the award-winning Principal of the Year in the East Region. Kirk discusses her journey from childhood in Bristol to her influential role in local education, advocating for the importance of supportive communities within schools.  She emphasizes fostering personal growth and understanding through leadership, teaching, and co...

In this episode, Helen Scott, the long-time Executive Director of Healing Hands Health Center, shares her journey from growing up in Bristol to leading one of the most impactful nonprofit organizations in the area. Helen discusses her early career in logistics and her transition to nonprofit leadership. The conversation delves into the challenges and strategic decisions involved in scaling Healing...

Rob Nunnery shares his remarkable journey from tennis to becoming a professional pickleball athlete. He delves into his competitive childhood, playing college tennis, initial struggles, and the discovery of pickleball. Rob highlights the significance of a supportive environment, strong mentorship, and the mental aspects of the game. He emphasizes the role of decision-making and mental strength in...

Leah Ross shares her journey and the growth of the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Festival. She highlights the unique atmosphere and community involvement that makes the festival special, resembling a magical reunion every year. Starting as a volunteer, Ross explains the festival's humble beginnings and how it grew to attract over 35,000 attendees, involving meticulous planning, volunteer engagement, an...

Kelly Vance dives into the inspiring efforts of Viking Academy, a groundbreaking alternative education program in Bristol, Tennessee. One of the highlights focuses on the remarkable journey of Austin, a student who overcame significant obstacles to achieve academic and personal success.  The conversation also outlines the innovative approaches Viking Academy employs to support students in difficul...

John Wright tells his own story of the decisions and mindset that led him to break a generational cycle of low expectations to become a business leader and coach. 

Join us as guest speaker Mark Pate discusses his climb in the world of finance and how he chose to step away to pursue teaching and founding an Alta Capital lending company with a twenty-four million dollar fund. 

Shawn and Sarah Carter talk standup comedy and the unpredictable journey that led them to open a comedy club together in the small town of Bristol, TN.  Originally from Boston, this couple played a huge part in bringing comedy as a new form of entertainment to the Tri-Cities area in East TN. 

A leadership consultant, coach, and parent to six, Jim Powell discusses the art of leadership, communication, and building trust.

Matt Yelton, 4-time national championship college soccer coach, discusses his perspective on youth sports, the growth of the game, and coaching. 

About the Guest: In this episode, we are joined by Derik Young , a seasoned professional within the real estate investment financing space. Currently affiliated with Vontiv , a financial technology startup, Derik works as a lending advisor, helping hundreds of investors monthly navigate the complexities of real estate lending. Hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with an educational background i...

About the Guest: Erica Vasquez hails from the windy and vibrant city of Chicago. She brings with her a wealth of experience from her background in the corporate supply chain and customer service sectors. Having held various positions in account management, sourcing, and demand planning, Erica has transitioned her career path toward real estate investment. Following a successful stint in the corpor...

About the Guest: Alex is a seasoned professional hailing from Harlem, New York, with an extensive background spanning various industries, including sales, finance, and real estate. With a strong emphasis on the value of communication, he has navigated his career with ambition and a knack for networking, allowing him to never have to formally apply for a job. His journey has taken him from the fast...

About the Guests: Ryan Lentz and Katy Lentz, a remarkable duo with an inspiring story, are individuals with a background in the corporate sphere who have transitioned into entrepreneurship. Ryan, previously immersed in the real estate domain, brings experience from a manufacturing background and a rich history in team sports. Katy, with a degree in chemical engineering, has an impressive portfolio...

About the Guest: Phil Dunbar is a seasoned Philadelphia native with a strong connection and identity with his city, largely shaped by his experiences with sports. He spent his earlier career working for faith-based non-profits, focusing on leadership development and training. Phil transitioned from his non-profit endeavors to start his own construction company and later ventured into the real esta...