Squeeze The Day

Monica Holmes started her catering business in her home kitchen as a single mother seeking to provide for her family. From waiting tables at O'Charley's to crafting her love for cooking into a 44+ year-old catering business that employs three generations of her family, learn about her tenacity, creative flair, and succession planning as she follows her wanderlust to travel the world.

H. Beecher Hicks has been an investment banker, a private equity investor, worked in the executive branch of government, and is an entrepreneur, public speaker, and writer. He facilitated the design and construction of the National Museum of African American Music and recently became President/CEO of the National Black MBA Association. In this podcast, learn why he's intent on leaving a legacy in...

Gina Keltner built her dream career as a talent booker for the legendary Grand Ole Opry, but that passion is far surpassed by the love she has as a single parent.  In this podcast, she underscores the importance of work/life balance, relationships, and motherhood by sharing inspiring stories including her daughter's adoption, meeting Shaun Cassidy, and forging friendships in the entertainment indu...

Megan Barry embodies resilience and advocacy. Her journey through triumphs and challenges has led her to be a guiding light for others. In this podcast, learn about her life including the lessons she's learned, the passion that drives her, and why she is intent on building awareness about substance use disorders that claimed the life of her only son.

Deborah Evans Price is a trailblazer in the world of entertainment journalism. She captures the artists and their stories with depth and insight. From her early days as a music journalist to her acclaimed book, "Country Faith," she's witnessed the evolution of country music. A beacon of inspiration for those seeking to follow their passions, at any age, she embodies the essence of squeezing the da...

James Ivey spent much of his life as a minister in the U.S. and as a missionary around the world. In his later years, a health incident brought him back to Middle Tennessee. Join us to learn what keeps James Ivey motivated to help others and himself, how he continues to minister and mentor those around him, and the role his daughter's friends, the Sister Circle, play in his life.

Rhonda Clark was not expected to live 48 hours much less 50+ years. Born with cerebral palsy, she demonstrates daily that everyone in life has a purpose and that life with a disability is just another way of living. Let's learn how this entrepreneur is living her best life and why she intends to create better transportation options for adults in Middle Tennessee who are living with disabilities.

Grand Ole Opry icon Bill Anderson's career spans seven decades. He is one of the most awarded songwriters in country music history, a million-selling recording artist, a beloved onstage performer, a television game show host, a network soap opera star, and an author. Anderson flirted with a baseball career in his youth and dabbled as a journalist and a deejay. His moniker, Whisperin' Bill, speaks...

Kathy Mattea has Grammys, CMAs, gold albums, hit singles, and a platinum for her music ranging from country and Celtic, to folk, gospel, and bluegrass.  She explains how her performance career nearly ended when – in her 50s – her voice began to change. In this podcast, she underscores the power of perseverance, tenacity, faith, and music.

Larry Cox shares how hard work as a sharecropper caused him to seek new horizons in Chicago, where his love for the harmonica led him to the blues scene. There he rubbed shoulders with greats including Muddy Waters. Now, he has traded the Windy City for Music City.  In this podcast, he shares his inspiring story of how perseverance and life skills – from swimming to scouting and a harmonica – have...

Grammy-winner Tricia Walker has performed with Shania Twain, Paul Overstreet, and Connie Smith. As a singer and songwriter, her passion is music rooted in the American South. In this podcast, she speaks on her friendship with Opry legend Roy Acuff, her success in country and gospel music, being a founding member of the Bluebird Cafe's Women in the Round, and establishing a Grammy Museum in her hom...

"Granny" Elnora Terry lost her only son to a tragedy. Her new beginning as an AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program has given her life new meaning. This podcast shares some of the most uplifting and powerful messages for all of us as she demonstrates her commitment to mentoring and tutoring children in high-need elementary schools and learning centers to create brighter futures.

Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia as a teen, Ray Lay shares how battling mental illness and substance abuse forced him to live on the streets. Learn how joining the Marines and getting his GED paved the way for his success. Today, he provides peer support for veterans, is a board member of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), and is an advocate for those struggling with mental healt...

A widow, after a happy marriage of almost 58 years, Marilyn Nevens found new beginnings at a senior center in Brentwood, TN. Today, she is matriarch and co-founder of the FiftyForward Card Crusaders, a group of women, who find support and purpose by creating gorgeous hand-crafted greeting cards. Marilyn's sense of self and story demonstrate anything – including starting a new business -- is possib...

Edward Morris is a prolific writer, author, poet, playwright, and renowned country music journalist. A longtime editor of "Billboard Nashville", he also wrote for Country Music Television into his 80s until COVID caused layoffs. This music industry insider offers an intriguing look at his career as well as his unconventional love story and caregiving journey for his late wife Norma.

Andy Andrews has been hailed by the New York Times as someone who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America. His books have been translated into 40 languages. Four U.S. presidents have asked him to present as an inspirational speaker. He has worked with some of the world's largest corporations and sports teams. Learn how being homeless helped push him to read, learn, and cra...

Singer-songwriter Tom Grant has written songs for Tammy Wynette, Eddy Arnold, Ray Price, and Mickey Gilley. He sang with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, on Hee Haw, Pop! Goes the Country, and for years was a regular performer on Ralph Emery's morning show, and The Nashville Network's Nashville Now. In this interview, learn about Grant's career, health challenges -- including living with Charcot-Marie-...

Barbara Kimbro helps us learn about navigating life with a disability and describes how serving as an All of Us Research Program peer ambassador, volunteering, and being part of a senior community contribute to her well-being. This conversation illuminates her passion for precision medicine, people, and engagement to live life to the fullest. 

Coach Bill Courtney is known for his inspirational leadership as a high school football coach in West Tennessee. His story, as told in the Oscar-winning documentary "Undefeated," is a shining example of encouragement to create winners on and off the field. Learn how "Undefeated" was a game changer for Courtney and how today he's recognizing "an army of normal folks" who make a difference in life.

AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer Ed Batsel received a lifetime achievement award from President Biden for 25 years of service and 4,000 plus hours delivering meals. A FiftyForward Fresh Meals volunteer, he is soon to be 90. Despite recently losing his wife, Ed has a positive attitude and is a model for active aging. He loves learning from his children and grandchildren and is enthusiastic about health...

Dr. William Schaffner is the Professor of Preventive Medicine and Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. As a spokesperson for the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, he is an often-tapped resource for infectious disease education and is passionate about health, vaccines, and disease prevention. When not teaching or doing clinical trials he volunteers at The Elep...

Robb Holland is a professional race car driver, auto journalist, and tv personality with records in the British Touring Car, Pikes Peak, and the World Touring Car Championships. A former collegiate cycling champ, Robb talks about preparing for the Nashville Grand Prix, the similarities between cycling and auto racing, and how the drive for competition delivers results in all aspects of his life es...

T.J. Tennent is a forensics expert, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur who has channeled negativity for the greater good. He's a natural-born teacher who uses his longtime passion for all things automotive to create a global tire forensics business that is building momentum. In this Squeeze the Day, let's learn how anger management, valuing relationships, and leveraging expertise have created...

Lidia Bastianich is a household name for those who follow Italian food and cooking. She's won countless accolades including an Emmy as a television host and seven James Beard Awards. As a best‐selling cookbook author, and celebrated restaurateur (Becco - New York, Lidia's - Kansas City, and as a partner in Eataly locations in the U.S. and Sao Paulo, Brazil) her story as an immigrant, entrepreneur,...

John Guider is an adventure seeker, photographer, and author who delights in the outdoors. His work is in museums, corporate and private collections, as well as in the Arts in Embassies program. His water journeys - by canoe and later a 14.5 foot sail-equipped rowboat he built - have gained him recognition as he explores waterways bringing history to life. In this interview, learn how respect for...