You Matter Nashville

08/14/2025

🎙️ In our latest You Matter Nashville episode, we sit down with Graham Thomas, Chief Community & Government Affairs Officer for tnAchieves, to dive into the incredible story behind the Tennessee Promise program.

From its humble start as Knox Achieves to becoming the nation’s largest college access and success program, Graham shares how mentorship, community service, and breaking down both financial and non-financial barriers are helping thousands of Tennessee students achieve their dreams.

We cover:
✅ The “secret sauce” of the program’s success
✅ Why technical and career pathways matter as much as four-year degrees
✅ How YOU can make an impact as a mentor in just one hour a month

This episode is packed with inspiring stories, practical insights, and ways for all of us to get involved. 🎓💡

In this inspiring episode of You Matter Nashville, we sit down with Graham Thomas, Chief Community & Government Affairs Officer for Tennessee Achieves, to

08/07/2025

We just dropped a new episode of You Matter Nashville featuring Buddy Teaster, President & CEO of Soles4Souls—and friends, this one’s powerful.

Buddy shares how Soles4Souls went from a simple shoe donation nonprofit to a global force that’s distributed over 80 million pairs of shoes and pieces of clothing while helping launch small businesses in developing countries. He also opens up about leading the organization through financial crisis, rebuilding trust, and staying anchored in purpose.

This conversation is all about redemption, resilience, and the ripple effect of generosity—and we think it’ll inspire you like it did us.

In this episode of You Matter Nashville, we sit down with Buddy Teaster, President & CEO of Soles4Souls, to explore how shoes—and the people behind

07/25/2025

We are excited to share the latest episode of You Matter Nashville, featuring Evan & Jenny Owens—co‑founders of REBOOT Recovery. Together, they have poured years of passion into helping people heal from trauma through faith‑based, peer‑led community (serving over 30,000 across 7+ countries)

In this episode, they talk candidly about launching REBOOT Recovery from their home, blending Jenny’s clinical background in occupational therapy (with experience caring for active-duty military and first responders) with their shared vision for trauma recovery. They also discuss their book Healing What’s Hidden, offering practical steps to turn pain into purpose.

We hope this conversation inspires you as much as it moves us. Listen now and discover how recovery doesn’t just restore—we rebuild.

👉 Please like, share, and tag someone who needs to hear this message.

In this episode, we sat down with Evan and Jenny Owens to hear how Reboot Recovery is changing lives around the world. What started in their living room is

07/10/2025

We’re celebrating fresh starts! 🎙️✨ Today’s You Matter Nashville episode features Tash Weddle, Master Strength Coach and CEO of The New Beginnings Center, a women-only fitness nonprofit that empowers women—no matter their income—to discover their strength inside and out.💪

Tash shares how their social-enterprise model lets paying members subsidize training scholarships so every woman can access personalized coaching in fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. Twenty percent of every paid session is allocated directly to funding a sister’s health journey, and the ripple effect is truly remarkable.

Join us as we discuss breaking stereotypes, rebuilding confidence, and creating a Nashville where every woman can thrive.

In this episode of You Matter Nashville, we sat down with the incredible Tash Weddle, founder of The New Beginnings Center in Nashville. Tash is a master

06/12/2025

❤️ NEW EPISODE ALERT ❤️

We’re excited to share our latest You Matter Nashville podcast episode featuring Milton Bartley, CEO of ImageQuest! Together, we dive into how leaders can truly build a culture where people matter—sharing insights from Milton’s journey as a former Army combat leader and community champion in Franklin.

In this conversation, we explore:
✅ How to lead with empathy and purpose
✅ Why prioritizing people strengthens organizational resilience
✅ Real-life examples of Milton’s approach at ImageQuest and beyond

We believe this episode offers actionable inspiration for anyone in leadership, coaching, or community-driven work. Join us in celebrating the power of culture that values every person.

🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and let the conversation guide how you lead: share your biggest takeaway in the comments!

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Milton Bartley, CEO of ImageQuest, who shares his incredible story of service, leadership, and purpose. From his

05/31/2025

Who is someone in Middle Tennessee that you consider a local hero?

ANNNNND - If you're willing, share a little bit about how they’ve made a difference in your life or community.

05/29/2025

We're thrilled to share our latest You Matter Nashville podcast episode featuring Melissa Spradlin, Executive Director of Book'em! Melissa's passion for children's literacy shines as she discusses how Book'em is making a difference in Nashville by providing books to children in need and fostering a love for reading.

Join us in celebrating the incredible work being done to ensure every child has access to books and the joy they bring. Let's support this mission together!

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://youmatternashville.com/podcast/bookem-with-melissa-spradlin/

In this inspiring episode of You Matter Nashville, we sat down with Melissa Spradlin, executive director of Book’em, a nonprofit dedicated to boosting

05/09/2025

This week on the You Matter Nashville podcast, we sat down with Jenny Rustioni and Natalie Lemarbre of ELI's House—a beautiful nonprofit dedicated to providing a safe haven for women facing crisis pregnancies and homelessness. 💛

Their stories are powerful, their mission is life-changing, and the impact they’re making in Middle Tennessee is something we all need to hear.

🎧 Join us as we talk about hope, healing, and the courage it takes to rebuild a life.

➡️ Listen here: https://youmatternashville.com/podcast/elis-house-with-jenny-rustioni-and-natalie-lemarbre/

In this episode of You Matter Nashville, we sat down with Jenny Rustioni and Natalie Lemarbre of Eli’s House, a life-changing nonprofit based right here in

04/24/2025

🚗 Mechanics on a Mission: Restoring Hope One Vehicle at a Time 🚗

We recently had the privilege of sitting down with Brian Sweatt, Executive Director of Mechanics on a Mission. Brian shared how this incredible nonprofit is transforming lives across Middle Tennessee by providing free, reliable transportation to those in need.

From single parents striving to make ends meet to individuals seeking stable employment, a dependable vehicle can be a game-changer. Mechanics on a Mission isn't just about fixing cars; it's about restoring dignity, independence, and hope.

🎧 Tune in to hear Brian's inspiring journey and learn how you can be part of this mission:

In this heart-filled episode, we sat down with Brian Sweatt, founder of Mechanics on a Mission, to explore how something as practical as a car can become a

04/03/2025

We just had the incredible opportunity to speak with Keith and Misti Sammons on our latest You Matter Nashville podcast episode.

Their journey with “Wild Hope” is truly inspiring—full of faith, resilience, and the power of facing life’s challenges head-on. We’re excited to share their story with you, and we believe you’ll walk away feeling uplifted and encouraged.

Listen in, and let’s keep fueling hope together!

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Keith and Misti Sammons—two individuals who turned unimaginable grief into a mission of hope. After losing

03/13/2025

🌟 New Episode Alert! 🎙️

We had an incredible conversation with Tia May, a dedicated mental health advocate who is making a real difference in our community. In this episode of You Matter Nashville, Tia shares her personal journey, the importance of mental health awareness, and how we can all support those struggling.

This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about breaking the stigma and fostering a culture of care and understanding.

🎧 Tune in now: https://youmatternashville.com/podcast/mental-health-advocacy-with-tia-may/

Let’s spread the message—because mental health matters, and so do you! 💙

In this powerful episode of You Matter Nashville, we sat down with Tia May—an Army veteran, mental health advocate, and motorsports enthusiast—who shared her

03/06/2025

🚨 New Podcast Episode Alert! 🎙️

We had the privilege of sitting down with Benjamin Holmes from Switchback Counseling Services, and wow—this conversation was powerful. 💬✨

Switchback Counseling is doing incredible work in our community, helping people navigate life’s toughest moments with guidance, compassion, and hope. In this episode, Benjamin shares how his journey led him to serve others in such a meaningful way.

Whether you’re looking for mental health resources, inspiration, or just a great conversation about overcoming challenges, this episode is for you!

🎧 Listen now: https://youmatternashville.com/podcast/switchback-counseling-services-with-benjamin-holmes/

Let us know your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️ And don’t forget to share—someone you know might need to hear this today. ❤️

In this powerful episode, we sat down with Benjamin Holmes, owner and CEO of Benjamin Holmes Counseling and Switchback Counseling Services, to explore the