HAWKS TALK PODCAST

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of HAWKS Talk , students from Johnson Learning Center sit down with world-renowned keyboardist, composer, and innovator Jordan Rudess. Known for his work with Dream Theater, Rudess brings decades of musical excellence and creative exploration to a conversation that goes far beyond music. Students lead an engaging dialogue that explores Rudess’s journey fro...

Send us Fan Mail In this impactful episode of HAWKS Talk , students from Johnson Learning Center sit down with Nashville community leader and public servant Howard Jones for a powerful conversation about leadership, justice, and serving with purpose. Students lead the discussion as Jones shares his journey through education, the juvenile justice system, and community advocacy, offering real insigh...

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of HAWKS Talk, we sit down with Alana McLaughlin , a Nashville-based journalist, storyteller, and community voice dedicated to amplifying the stories that matter most. Alana shares her journey as a media professional committed to highlighting the voices of “movers and shakers” across Nashville, using storytelling as a tool to connect communities, challenge...

Send us Fan Mail Pynk Beard is an artist who defies categories and follows purpose wherever it leads. Long before he stepped into the country music space, he was already shaping the sound of a generation through songwriting, production, and creative direction for major artists across the industry. What makes his journey stand out is not just the accolades, but the courage to keep evolving and to c...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of HAWKS Talk, our student hosts sit down with Cameo Carlson, a powerhouse in the Nashville music industry and the CEO of mTheory. Known for championing artists and elevating underrepresented voices, Cameo brings decades of experience working with some of the biggest names in music, including Lil Wayne, Drake, Jelly Roll, Amy Winehouse, Mickey Guyton, and the Zac B...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of HAWKS Talk , our student hosts sit down with Dr. Shanna L. Jackson , President of Nashville State Community College , to explore her journey as a trailblazing leader in higher education. Dr. Jackson shares personal reflections on perseverance, equity, and the importance of access to education—especially for students who need a second chance. Listeners...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of HAWKS Talk , we sit down with TK Fayne, the newly elected MNPS Board of Education representative for District 5. With a background in business analytics, supply chain optimization, and grassroots community advocacy, TK brings a bold and data-driven voice to educational leadership in Nashville. Join us as we explore her journey from professional strategist to pub...

Send us Fan Mail In this insightful episode of HAWKS TALK, students engage in a meaningful conversation with Mr. Robert Taylor, current MNPS board member and longtime advocate for equitable education. With a legacy of public service and a deep commitment to student voice, Mr. Taylor shares his journey into educational leadership and his vision for schools that truly serve all learners. From policy...

Send us Fan Mail In this soul-stirring episode of HAWKS TALK, students sit down with renowned author, speaker, and life coach Dr. Michelle McKinney Hammond for a powerful dialogue on purpose, identity, and faith. With over 40 books to her name and a global platform inspiring millions, Dr. Hammond brings wisdom, wit, and real-life lessons to the table. From navigating relationships to walking boldl...

Send us Fan Mail In this legendary episode of HAWKS TALK we welcome The Wooten Brothers —a powerhouse family of musicians whose influence spans jazz, funk, R&B, and beyond. Known individually and collectively for their musical genius, the brothers share stories of their upbringing, the power of brotherhood, and the role of music as both expression and healing. From tales of performing with ico...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of HAWKS Talk, students engage in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Shree Walker—educator, motivational speaker, and author of the acclaimed memoir Resilient Walker . Dr. Walker shares her journey of transforming a life once marked by poverty and abuse into one of empowerment and purpose. She discusses the importance of resilience, the process of healing,...

Send us Fan Mail The HAWKS Talk interview featuring Lelan Statom, NewsChannel 5's Emmy Award-winning meteorologist and co-host of Talk of the Town , offered an inspiring glimpse into his journey from a curious young person to a trusted voice in Nashville broadcasting. ​ During the conversation, Statom shared how his early fascination with weather led him to pursue a career in meteorology, emp...

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of HAWKS Talk, students from Johnson Learning Center sit down with members of SiriusXM and Save The Music Foundation for an inspiring conversation on music, mentorship, and making a difference. 🎧 Our student hosts lead an authentic and insightful dialogue with visiting professionals, reflecting on the impact of music in education, the role of creativity in...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the students at Johnson Learning Center had the honor of hosting Bishop Joseph W. Walker III, Senior Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and International Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship. Bishop Walker shared his incredible journey, leadership insights, and impactful work in the community, offering inspiration and valuable life lessons....

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of HAWKS Talk, the hosts sit down with Tae Lewis, a rising star in the country music scene. Tae shares his journey from humble beginnings to making waves in Nashville, offering insights into his creative process and the stories behind his heartfelt lyrics. Listeners will get an exclusive look into the challenges and triumphs of an emerging artist, as well as a snea...

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of HAWKS Talk, we sit down with Nashville’s very own Mayor Freddie O’Connell to discuss his vision for the city and the role young people play in shaping its future. From his high school memories to bold plans for Nashville’s growth, Mayor O’Connell shares stories, wisdom, and advice that will leave you inspired to make a difference. We dive into the values...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of HAWKS Talk, we’re thrilled to sit down with Megan Barry, former mayor of Nashville and current congressional candidate, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and community. Megan shares her journey from local government to running for Congress, her vision for a stronger future, and the challenges she’s faced along the way. As she opens up a...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for this episode of HAWKS Talk to learn about TN House Representative Harold Love ,Jr. of District 58, who got into politics; early in life, he learned the importance of dedication to community service. After overcoming personal academic challenges at Tennessee State University, Love Jr. graduated in 1994 and later followed his father’s legacy into public office. Elected t...

Send us Fan Mail In this engaging episode of HAWKS TALK Part 2, we're honored to host Dr. Battle, a dedicated Nashville native and a proud alumna of MNPS. Dr. Battle has devoted her career to enhancing the district through personalized education, a positive school culture, and recruiting top-tier talent. With her leadership, MNPS achieved the highest Level 5 rating in the Tennessee Value-Adde...

Send us Fan Mail In this engaging episode of HAWKS TALK, we're honored to host Dr. Battle, a dedicated Nashville native and a proud alumna of MNPS. Dr. Battle has devoted her career to enhancing the district through personalized education, a positive school culture, and recruiting top-tier talent. With her leadership, MNPS achieved the highest Level 5 rating in the Tennessee Value-Added Asses...

Send us Fan Mail "In this engaging episode of HAWKS TALK, we're honored to host Dr. Battle, a dedicated Nashville native and a proud alumna of MNPS. Dr. Battle has devoted her career to enhancing the district through personalized education, a positive school culture, and recruiting top-tier talent. With her leadership, MNPS achieved the highest Level 5 rating in the Tennessee Value-Added...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on this inspiring episode of **HAWKS TALK** as we dive into the vibrant world of Nashville's arts scene with two esteemed guests, Mr. Franklin Willis, Director of MNPS Visual and Performing Arts, and Mr. Bryson Finney, Director of the We Are Nashville Festival. Discover their groundbreaking visions for nurturing artistic talent and expanding cultural horizons in our c...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for this episode of the HAWKS Talk Podcast with Lauren Hickman, Supplier Diversity Leader at DPR Construction. With over 13 years of experience in multi-million dollar companies, Lauren excels in marketing, logistics, and project management, and is known for her strategic and analytical approach. We'll discuss how her leadership enhances DPR's mission to deliver...

Send us Fan Mail Meet Christiane Buggs, a proud Nashville native and alumnus of Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS). Christiane's journey in education has been remarkable, starting with a bachelor's degree in physics from Tennessee State University and two master's degrees in education from Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University. She returned to MNPS as a dedicated m...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Principal Lovejoy is interviewed by two Johnson students, B. Oggs and A. Riad, both of whom are Antioch HS students. This inspirational talk and uplifting tone was a meaningful experience for all involved. Please enjoy the episode.