Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Ashley Landes, Chief Operating Officer with Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry (TPOM), along with Mary McCrary, Development and Recruitment Specialist, who both highlight the nonprofit organization with a Christ-centered mission "to support individuals in and leaving incarceration, as well as their families, with resources and services that empower them to build healthy, fulfilling lives."

During the interview, Ashley and Mary share how the organization offers transitional housing, workforce development, case management, and counseling services. TPOM builds relationships with individuals while they are still incarcerated, providing mentorship and classes. Upon release, TPOM assists with obtaining identification, healthcare, employment, and other necessities. The program aims to break cycles of incarceration by helping participants successfully reintegrate into society. Mary shares her personal experience and how Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry changed her life and now is allowing her to mentor and help others who need hope. Ashley and Mary discuss the importance of providing job search assistance, resume preparation, and interview coaching for program participants, and share how their program participants can benefit companies as hardworking and loyal employees. They wrap up talking about some of the ways they also support youth and how the community can support their efforts through volunteerism and donations, especially of food, clothes, and other necessary supplies for program participants.

Visit https://www.tpom.org to learn more about Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry.
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Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Maggie Schaumleffel, Director of Ministries at Barth House Episcopal Center, who highlights the center's history, mission and efforts. Located near the University of Memphis, Barth House Episcopal Center serves college students and the broader community, focusing on faith, arts, hospitality, and community building. The center aims to help young adults explore their identity and faith while encouraging all members to continually examine their role in the world as Christians.

Barth House Episcopal Center offers a wide variety of programming that invites campus communities and West Tennessee residents to discover the meaning of their faith and experiences. Barth House Episcopal Center serves as a multifaceted community space, offering various events and activities centered around faith, arts, and hospitality. The space hosts speakers, writers, film series, musical performances, and art shows, with a particular emphasis on supporting young adults in expressing their creativity. Maggie explains that the center provides a welcoming environment for discovery and reflection, stocked with food and open to anyone seeking a space to find comfort, respite, and community. Community groups also meet at Barth House Episcopal Center.

During the interview, Maggie also discusses the welcoming nature of the Episcopal Church and Barth House Episcopal Center, emphasizing their openness to diverse perspectives and willingness to engage in curious, questioning conversations. She highlights the value of admitting uncertainty and not having all the answers, which she finds particularly appealing to young adults. She expresses how working with young people has given her hope for the future and continuously challenges her perspectives, keeping her engaged and learning.

Maggie invites the community to participate in various activities at their location, including their Holy Eucharist and Healing Service held most Wednesdays at noon, followed by free lunch, and their community meetings and events. She encourages people to visit the space at 409 Patterson Street and consider using it for their own group meetings or book clubs. She provides contact information, including the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee website (edwtn.org), email (barthhouse@episwtn.org), and phone number (901-482-6760) for those interested in connecting or learning more about their offerings.

Visit https://edwtn.org/ministries/college/ to learn more about Barth House Episcopal Center.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Noah Glenn, a filmmaker in Memphis, Tennessee, who founded Like You Film Club to promote children's social and emotional development through family-friendly films and storytelling, building on his previous experience with Indie Memphis and the launch of Choose 901. The nonprofit organization hosts monthly screenings and is preparing to launch its first annual film festival at the Pink Palace in November, featuring a curated selection of films and interactive educational elements. The festival aims to introduce children to emotionally enriching stories while providing age-appropriate content for families, with opportunities for community involvement through volunteering and sponsorships.

Like You Film Club Launch

Noah Glenn, a filmmaker in Memphis, Tennessee founded Like You Film Club to focus on the social and emotional development of children through family-friendly films and storytelling. The nonprofit organization hosts monthly screenings and is preparing to launch its first annual film festival at the Pink Palace on November 22-23, 2025. Noah's background includes experience with Indie Memphis and the launch of Choose 901 with City Leadership, and his previous short film, "The Devil Will Run," won awards and was shown at children's film festivals across the country, inspiring the creation of Like You Film Club to bring similar experiences to Memphis.

Empowering Kids Through Film Stories

Noah discusses the mission of Like You Film Club, which is focused on using film and creative media to help children better understand themselves and find their place in the world. He emphasizes the importance of connecting kids with stories that resonate with them and broaden their perspectives, comparing the impact of films to travel for those who cannot afford it. Noah highlights the power of stories in showing young characters overcoming feelings of being misunderstood and discovering their worth.

Like You Children's Film Festival

Noah discusses the Like You Children's Film Festival, highlighting its focus on community and conversation beyond the film experience. He explains the selection process, which includes open submissions for short films and active searching for feature films that may not have a U.S. release. Noah emphasizes the festival's emphasis on educational context and interactive elements, such as Q&As with filmmakers and guided discussions about film themes. Jeremy inquires about the festival's details, and Noah provides information on its dates (November 22-23) and encourages attendees to learn more and get involved.

Like You Children's Film Festival

The Like You Children's Film Festival is scheduled for November 22-23, 2025, at the Pink Palace, and it will feature 8-10 feature films and blocks of short films, along with workshops and activities for all ages. The festival aims to introduce children to filmmaking and emotionally enriching stories while providing age-appropriate content for families. Noah invites community members to volunteer, support the festival through sponsorships, and get involved with the organization's year-round programming. More information on the film festival's lineup will be announced in mid-October.

Visit https://likeyoufilmclub.org to learn more about Like You Film Club and Like You Children's Film Festival.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Cindy Siler, CEO of Mercy Community Healthcare, along with Dr. Jesse Malott, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, who both highlight the Federally Qualified Health Center, which has evolved from a children's clinic to provide comprehensive healthcare services to adults and children, including primary care, mental health services, and financial assistance to approximately 14,500 patients annually across Middle Tennessee. The organization has significantly expanded its mental health services, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, and implements a "no wrong door" model that allows patients to access care through various channels. Mercy Community Healthcare operates on a sliding fee scale and relies on community support through fundraising events and partnerships to serve all patients regardless of insurance status, with a mission focused on providing compassionate healthcare services.

Mercy Healthcare's Comprehensive Services Expansion

Mercy Community Healthcare, founded 26 years ago as Mercy Children's Clinic, has expanded to provide comprehensive health services including primary care for adults and children, mental health services, and financial assistance through its patient and family support program. The organization serves approximately 14,500 patients annually with a significant increase in mental health services since the COVID-19 pandemic. Cindy and Dr. Malott explain that Mercy's evolution from a children's clinic to a full-service healthcare provider was driven by recognizing the need to care for families and adults in the community, leading to their designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center in 2013.

Regional Mental Health Care Improvements

Dr. Malott discusses the improvements in suicide rates and mental health services in the region, highlighting the success of a "no wrong door" model that allows patients to access mental health care through various channels, including primary care. He explains that trained mental health clinicians have been integrated into primary care settings to address mental health issues more effectively. He also mentions that relational problems and sleep issues, particularly among adolescents, are significant challenges, which he attributes to increased use of smartphones and social media.

Family Therapy and Telehealth Services

Dr. Malott discusses the organization's focus on family therapy and couples counseling, highlighting the importance of involving families in mental health care, even in cases of severe mental illness. He explains their extensive service area across Middle Tennessee, including school-based therapy services in 17 schools across two counties, and the use of telehealth to overcome transportation barriers. He also describes their team structure, including 16 counselors, 8 psychiatric nurse practitioners, and a supervising psychiatrist, emphasizing the diversity of skills and expertise within the organization.

Community Health Center Access Expansion

Cindy and Dr. Malott explain that their health center serves all patients regardless of insurance status, focusing on underinsured and uninsured individuals in their community. They operate on a sliding fee scale and generate revenue from insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare, with less than 10% of their budget coming from federal grants. They emphasize their ongoing efforts to expand services, such as adding pediatricians on Saturdays, to meet the needs of the 38,000 people in their area without access to care.

Mercy Healthcare Fundraising Initiatives

Cindy and Dr. Malott discuss Mercy Community Healthcare's mission to provide healthcare services to all patients, emphasizing their commitment to reflecting Jesus's love and compassion. Cindy highlights their three major annual fundraisers, including a golf tournament, a 10K/5K/1K run, and a fall dinner, as well as their need for community support and sponsors. Cindy also mentions their involvement in various community partnerships and their desire to bring people in for tours of their new building.

Visit https://mercytn.org to learn more about Mercy Community Healthcare.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Jeremy Qualls, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center at Williamson County Schools, who discusses the center's growth and success. Established seven years ago, the center initially had 72 students but now has 270 with a long waitlist. The program offers a unique, non-traditional education experience, exposing students to real-world entrepreneurship, including interactions with venture capitalists, mentors, and angel investors. Students spend one period a day at the center, learning through hands-on experiences and collaborations. Mentors include leaders from business, tech, medical and other industries in the community and specialists like a patent attorney.

Jeremy Qualls next highlights their pitch process where the student entrepreneurs compete for a grant, which is 100% funded by private donations. He mentions that the winner gets an opportunity to submit to Chicago and that they have had several students make the top 20 in the past. He shares the success story of Anthony Beckett, who created an educational technology product called Markify, which won the IncubatorEdu National Pitch Competition last July and already has gained 12,000 users worldwide. Jeremy mentions that Markify is now looking for angel investment to hire someone to market and sell the product.

Jeremy Qualls then discusses the success of a current student, Abby Goddard, who created Spikey, a spiked drink detection keychain. Abby was selected as the winner of their local Shark Tank this year. She recently fulfilled an order for 800 units.

Jeremy then introduces The Innovation Hub, a project funded by a grant from the State of Tennessee for vocational education. The Innovation Hub, which will be a 25,000 square foot facility, aims to shift the traditional educational model and create innovative partnerships. He discusses the new vocational pathways being introduced at the central facility. The aviation program, in partnership with Franklin Special School District and Hawkins Flight Academy, allows students to obtain a private pilot license at 16. The program also includes a partnership with MTSU, providing up to 12 hours of college credit. The entrepreneurial program, in partnership with Thompson Caterpillar, offers two post-secondary programs: heavy machine technology and electrical power generation. These programs are designed to provide direct-to-work opportunities and matriculate into post-secondary institutions. The Innovation Hub also will focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and hospitality, with a culinary arts program being the largest requested CTE program. The Innovation Hub will include a mock hotel lobby, a work-based learning site with Honest Coffee, and more. The project is expected to be completed by August 2026 for the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

Jeremy Qualls wraps up discussing the importance of partnerships in workforce development, particularly in the Middle Tennessee region. He emphasizes the need for business partners with a desire for a return on investment in the form of a future workforce. He also mentions the need for more partners offering apprenticeships or internships, and the possibility of in-kind donations. Jeremy encourages potential partners to reach out directly to him at jeremy.qualls@wcs.edu for more information.

Visit https://www.wcs.edu/secondary/entrepreneurship-innovation-center-eic to learn more about the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center at Williamson County Schools.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Jim Bartoo, Marketing and Public Relations Director with Nashville Zoo, who discusses the zoo's history, growth and development, and commitment to animal welfare, along with the importance of accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. He highlights the zoo's conservation efforts, both local and global, as well as their educational programs and upcoming events. The conversation also covers the zoo's unique features, including exhibit design and animal care, and ways for the public to support and enjoy the zoo's experiences.

Nashville Zoo's Philosophy and Developments
During the interview, Jim provides an overview of Nashville Zoo's history, location, and recent developments. He explains that the zoo, which moved to its current location in 1996, has been built from the ground up, allowing for the implementation of the latest philosophies and technologies for animal care and habitat development. Jim also discusses the shift in zoo philosophy from focusing on cleanliness and sterilization to prioritizing animal welfare and creating environments that promote animal happiness and comfort.

Importance of AZA Accreditation for Zoos
Jim discusses the importance of accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) for zoos in the United States. He explains that while all zoos must have a USDA license for animal care, AZA accreditation goes well beyond the minimum standards, focusing on animal health, veterinary care, education, and conservation efforts. This accreditation is a gold standard for animal care and is required every five years as the standards evolve. Jim emphasizes that AZA accreditation is crucial for visitors to ensure they are supporting zoos that prioritize animal welfare.

Nashville Zoo's Conservation and Education Efforts
Jim discusses Nashville Zoo's conservation efforts, which include local and global initiatives. The zoo works with organizations like TWRA and USDA to protect streams and environments in Tennessee, conducting head start programs and monitoring waterways. Internationally, they study animal migration patterns, such as giraffe movements in Africa, to address habitat fragmentation issues. The zoo also focuses on education, offering programs for all ages and taking ambassador animals to schools and nursing homes.

Nashville Zoo Upcoming Events
Jim also highlights upcoming events at Nashville Zoo, including the upcoming opening of a new exhibit, Leopard Forest, the Zzzoofari Slumber camp out on May 24, Brew at the Zoo on June 13, and Summer Splash Saturdays in July and August. Jim encourages public support through memberships, donations, and corporate sponsorships to help fund new exhibits and conservation work.

Visit https://www.nashvillezoo.org to learn more.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Jim Sybert, recipient of the 2025 Strobel Volunteer Award for Older Adult Volunteers, who shares his journey of community service, which began in childhood under the influence of his parents. He discusses his career in risk management, which led him to Middle Tennessee, where he has lived for 28 years and found a strong sense of community. Jim's association with Morning Pointe of Brentwood began when a friend required assisted living, and he has since volunteered over 12,000 hours, primarily in their assisted living facility. He was deeply moved by residents' requests to continue visiting after his friend's funeral and has maintained his involvement ever since.

Jim spends six days a week volunteering at Morning Pointe of Brentwood, where he interacts with residents by listening to their stories, playing games, and assisting with various needs. He enjoys forming connections with the residents, who consider him part of their family. Jim also organizes Christmas gifts for all residents, making the holiday special for those without strong family ties.

Jim shares his meaningful experiences volunteering at Morning Pointe of Brentwood, including his special friendship with a 104-year-old resident whom he helps connect with her family. He expresses humility about receiving the 2025 Strobel Volunteer Award, noting he initially wanted to decline the recognition as he views service as his duty rather than seeking recognition. Jim advises others to find meaningful ways to serve, particularly in assisted living facilities, suggesting simple approaches like bringing candy to start conversations.

Visit https://morningpointe.com/senior-livi... to connect with Morning Pointe of Brentwood.

Visit https://www.unitedwaygreaternashville... to learn more about Jim Sybert and the other 2025 finalists and recipients of the 2025 Strobel Volunteer Awards hosted by Hands On Nashville powered by United Way of Greater Nashville.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Cora Hageman, Founder of Wonderfill Refillery in Cookeville, Tennessee, who discusses her background in environmental conservation and transition to entrepreneurship through her sustainable, refillery business. Wonderfill Refillery operates as a bulk refill shop offering eco-friendly household products, emphasizing sustainability through closed-loop systems and clean ingredients while providing customers with alternatives to single-use packaging. Customers bring containers or select one from the business, refill what they need, and check out to cut down on single-use packaging. The business offers everyday refillable essentials including cleaners, bath and body products, sustainable home goods, and Tennessee-made items. Wonderfill Refillery maintains an online presence and offers a number of other items through Shopify Collective. Cora and her business focus on community education about sustainable living while maintaining accessibility and approachability in how it can be easily integrated into everyday life.

Environmental Entrepreneurship: Cora's Journey

Cora Hageman, Founder of Wonderfill Refillery, highlights her business that combines her background in environmental conservation with her entrepreneurial spirit. Cora shares her childhood experiences in a small town in Tennessee, where she was raised with a strong connection to nature and a focus on sustainable living. She discusses her transition from a career in wildlife and fisheries conservation to starting her own business, which she always envisioned doing. Cora's passion for the environment and her desire to make a positive impact through her business are evident as she describes her journey and the inspiration behind Wonderfill Refillery.

Eco-Friendly Bulk Refill Shop

Wonderfill Refillery, the seventh refillery in Tennessee, offers a retail shop where customers can buy bulk household goods by the ounce, bringing their own containers or selecting from the store's upcycled options. The business emphasizes sustainability by using closed-loop systems for product shipping, prioritizing clean ingredients, and minimizing plastic use. With about 50 refill products, including shampoos, soaps, and local farm goods, Wonderfill Refillery aims to provide eco-friendly alternatives for everyday essentials, encouraging customers to reduce single-use packaging.

Sustainable Shopify Collective Website

Cora shares how Wonderfill Refillery's website uses Shopify Collective, a sustainable alternative to traditional drop shipping, partnering with recognized brands while ensuring eco-friendly shipping practices. Cora focuses on listing and promoting a variety of sustainable products, with plans to list 1,300 more items. The website serves as a storefront to guide customers to these brands, while the local goods are handled directly by Wonderfill Refillery.

Refillery Education and Sustainability Impact

Cora discusses the educational impact of refillery businesses, highlighting how they help customers realize the importance of sustainable living by showing alternatives to single-use plastics. She emphasizes that their approach of kindness and historical context helps make sustainability accessible and non-intimidating, comparing refillery practices to traditional general stores. Cora explains that many people are unaware of the environmental impact of their consumption habits and appreciate the opportunity to learn about sustainable options and how easy they can be integrated into everyday life.

Wonderfill Refillery Plans for the Future

Cora expresses her vision for expanding the concept to other small towns across the United States, focusing on sustainability and community building. She provides details about the business's online presence, including the website and social media handles, and mentions upcoming exterior repairs to the building, which will include a new mural.

Visit https://wonderfillrefillery.com to learn more about Wonderfill Refillery.