You Matter Nashville

Joe Adams, founder of “Relentless Pursuit,” joined us to share the gripping story behind his mission. After surviving a near-fatal motorcycle accident that left him with multiple fractures and internal injuries, Joe discovered that gratitude, determination, and faith could transform even the darkest of circumstances. Despite the pain and uncertainty of his recovery, he focused on seeing each momen...

We had the privilege of sitting down with nonprofit leader, Marcus Meniz, whose organization, Stronger Than My Father, provides much-needed mentorship to fatherless youth. He explained how his own upbringing, with both parents in a stable home, fueled his passion to help kids who don’t have that same support system. What began with Marcus mentoring a young cousin quickly evolved into a larger miss...

In our latest conversation, we had the pleasure of hosting Stephanie Barca, a licensed social worker, therapist, and Vice President of the Children’s Kindness Network. She introduced us to the lovable Moozie the Cow, an engaging mascot that helps children grasp the value of kindness at an early age. Through reading programs, puppet kits, and joyful community events, Moozie encourages kids to explo...

We were thrilled to sit down with Chris and Elaine Whitney, founders of OneGenAway, to learn about their incredible mission to fight hunger throughout Middle Tennessee. Hearing their story of humble beginnings—starting with a single car trunk full of bread—and watching it grow into a multifaceted operation was truly inspiring. They shared how OneGenAway rescues perfectly good food from local groce...

In this inspiring episode of You Matter Nashville, we had the pleasure of speaking with Alan Long, the Executive Director of High Hopes Development Center. High Hopes has been serving children and families in Middle Tennessee for over 40 years, providing an inclusive preschool alongside a pediatric therapy clinic.  Their unique model supports children with and without special needs, fostering a nu...

In this episode of You Matter Nashville, we had the privilege of hosting Kay Kretsch and Jessica Guzman, two extraordinary leaders from Dismas House of Nashville. Their organization is a beacon of hope for formerly incarcerated individuals, providing them with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to reintegrate into society successfully. Kay and Jessica shed light on how their work is m...

We had the privilege of welcoming two extraordinary guests from My Friend's House: Executive Director, Tenasa Pillow, and Fundraising and Development Coordinator, Christine Foell. My Friend's House is a Middle Tennessee organization dedicated to providing safety, structure, and a nurturing environment for at-risk boys aged 12 to 17. Through counseling, therapeutic programs, and an abunda...

We had the privilege of speaking with Anna and Elmer Hill, the husband-and-wife team behind the nonprofit Art Helps Cancer. During our conversation, they shared how their personal experiences with cancer motivated them to form this organization, which focuses on alleviating everyday burdens for families undergoing treatment. We learned about their annual art auction, which brings together local ar...

In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Allison Gamble from Needs of Our Kids (NOOK), a nonprofit organization in Franklin, Tennessee, dedicated to providing immediate, essential support to students in our local schools. We learned how NOOK’s all-volunteer team steps in to offer educational resources, clothing, hygiene items, and even assist with fees for school activities. By ensur...

In this episode of You Matter Nashville , we are excited to sit down with Erika Gorman, founder of the Three Strands Family Center in Columbia, Tennessee. Erika shares her incredible journey of moving from California to Columbia and her heart for creating a nonprofit that supports new and expectant families. The Three Strands Family Center offers classes, workshops, and resources that help familie...

Welcome to another episode of the You Matter Nashville podcast! On this episode, we’re excited to bring you a conversation with Amy Saffell, Executive Director of ABLE Youth. ABLE Youth is an amazing organization that empowers kids with physical disabilities to gain independence and confidence through adaptive sports. We dive deep into Amy’s personal journey, her passion for making a difference, a...

In this episode of "You Matter Nashville," we have a heartfelt conversation with Kara Edwards, the founder of the Starfish Infertility Foundation. Kara opens up about her own challenging journey with infertility, sharing the emotional and financial hurdles she and her husband faced, including the lack of insurance coverage for treatments. These experiences inspired her to create the foun...

In this episode of the You Matter Nashville podcast, we had the pleasure of interviewing Melissa Smith, the founder and executive director of Backlight Productions. Melissa shared the inspiring story of how Backlight Productions began in the upstairs of a thrift store in Franklin, Tennessee. What started as a small show for a group of friends has blossomed into a full arts program that serves indi...

Kara Puckett (along with husband Justin Puckett), founder of Nashville Foster Love Closet, shares her journey of starting the nonprofit organization and the impact it has on foster families and children in Middle Tennessee. The organization provides resources and material goods for foster families, including clothes, beds, and other essential items. Kara emphasizes the importance of ensuring that...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Kayla Torti, the founder of Franklin Challengers, on our You Matter Nashville podcast. Franklin Challengers is a special needs baseball team in Franklin, Tennessee, that provides opportunities for kids ages 5-18 with physical or intellectual disabilities to play baseball. Kayla shared with us how the organization focuses on inclusivity and creating a joyful and...

In this heartfelt episode of You Matter Nashville , Jason and Mindy Hoover spotlight the incredible work of Project Healing Waters , a national organization dedicated to helping military veterans heal through the therapeutic art of fly fishing. The episode features a conversation with special guest Marilyn Rogan, a longtime volunteer and leader in the program. Marilyn shares her personal story of...

In this episode of the You Matter Nashville podcast, we interview Raquel Babb and Connie Gulley from Love the Dress TN, the nonprofit organization we’re deeply passionate about that provides prom dresses to girls who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford them. We explore the history of Love the Dress, the incredible impact it’s had on the community, and the challenges we've faced in organ...

In this episode of You Matter Nashville , Mindy and I had the privilege of interviewing our dear friend, Blandina, someone who has become like family to us through our shared experiences in music, theater, and community service. Blandina opened up about her incredible journey of giving back to the community and how her work has evolved over the years. She talked about her late son, Raymond, who ba...

In our very first episode of You Matter Nashville , we dive deep into the heart and soul of our community. I'm Jason Hoover, and I'm honored to co-host this podcast alongside my wife, Mindy Hoover. Together, we're on a mission to share the inspiring stories of individuals who are making a positive impact in Middle Tennessee. This episode is special as we kick things off with an incr...