At PLA Media, we have always loved talk radio. Our founder thought it would be a welcomed challenge to do a radio show someday. So, with the advent of podcasts, this is PLA's version, Applaudable Perspectives. We welcome a myriad of guests from the arts and various walks of life for what we hope will be an engaging, thought provoking conversation. Join us in this podcast for a laugh, a bit of knowledge and a chance to meet some interesting people as we share our human experience. If you like what you hear, have a topic or a suggestion for a possible guest, let us know at info@plamedia.com.
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam is joined by her mother on a reflective drive.
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam Lewis is joined by Eliza Warren with Old Town Trolley Tours. Historic Tours of America, with the motto of "Storytellers of America", give fact based tours across the country with their hop-on-hop-off trolleys. Tune in to hear about Warren's life journey and the beauty of these historic tours.
Pam is joined by vocalist, instrumentalist, songwriter and radio host, Angela Easley. In this week's podcast, Angela will speak on her past and the things that have helped her on her path to a successful career. Angela has been awarded the 2021 Female Vocalist of the Year Bronze by the International Singer Songwriter Association and fan nominated in six categories. Angela is known for her residency at the legendary Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar located in Printer's Alley in Nashville, TN. Tune in to learn more about Angela and the Nashville music world.
Going under the pen name Cleo Childs, Reese Zahner joins Pam Lewis on this episode of Applaudable Perspectives. Reese's upcoming project “Moving With” is about a journey with her mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis; 14 poems about grief. Tune in to learn more about her journey and a preview of some of her incredible work.
Today, Pam is joined by entrepreneur Sheila Tiller. A true Nashville native, Sheila grew up here and attended Belmont University, earning her degree in Business. She has a passion for fashion with experience in many facets of the beauty industry. Tune in to hear more about her journey and some Nashville styling tips!
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam Lewis revisits her conversation with Dr. Shamender Talwar after going to Covenant a year ago today in response to the school shooting that rocked the city of Nashville. The tragedy sparked local push back on Tennessee gun laws, but the effects of that day are still being felt around the area. Tune in to hear updates and reflect on their initial response.
Pam is joined by Stanford Law graduate, Deborah Wagnon. She is an entertainment and IP attorney and has represented internationally known clientele like Shakira, Gloria Estefan, Olivia Newton John, and Reba McEntyre. Additionally, Deborah is an author, most recently writing the Marie Sharp biography, Made in Belize. Tune in to hear more about her journey and the incredible Marie Sharp.
In celebration of Women's History Month, Pam Lewis is joined by radio host, Sharon Kay. Kay is the general manager at Fisk University's radio station JAZZY 88 WFSK. After starting her career in radio back in Kansas, she found herself in Nashville becoming the first woman ever to be hired to serve as GM in the station's history. Tune in to hear more about her incredible work and passions.
On this special edition of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam Lewis highlights Elder Hewitt Sawyers from the West Harpeth Primitive Baptist Church. The church's first members were people who had come out of slavery, with its founding around 1869. Since then, West Harpeth has had five pastors, with the most recent being Sawyers since 1983. Tune in to listen to music and a sermon from a Sunday service. The full sermon and officially recording can be found here: https://fb.watch/qu5yfOH5nU/
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam Lewis is joined by country singer-songwriter John Berry. With 20 singles on the country charts and six of those in the Top 5, John is back with new music and a new perspective. After going through chemotherapy and radiation for his cancer diagnosis in 2019, he went looking for songs of joy. Since hitting the road again after a brief hiatus, John has released faith based music and traveled the US on tour. Tune in to hear about his music journey, tours, and faith as a performer.
Pam Lewis is joined by Beth Brown, the owner of Rent-A-Rita, a frozen drink rental company based here in Nashville, TN. The Texas native moved to Nashville at the age of thirty all on her own. Frozen drink rentals were widely available back in Texas, but in Tennessee, Beth found herself in the niche market of margarita machine rentals. Tune in to hear about her journey as a female entrepreneur.
Bob Bullock began his career in Los Angeles training under legends such as Humberto Gatica, Reggie Dozier, and Roger Nichols. Over the course of his 40-year career, Bob shifted from engineering to producing and co-producing many artists. Bruce Tarletsky is the founder of High Mountain Breezes, a collection of lifelong music friends and behind-the-scenes heroes as legendary songwriters, producers, and players who tour, create, and write for country music royalty. Tune in to hear more about their journeys in the music industry and how they have found themselves in this musical collective together.
Originally from the Hudson Valley in New York State, artist Michael Johnathon moved to the border town of Laredo, TX to work at KLAR-AM. At the urging of folk singer Pete Seeger, he then moved to Mousie, Kentucky in the Appalachian mountains to learn folk tradition and music. He began his folk career performing at schools and fairs and touring with established artists including David Gates, Odetta, Janis Ian, Tom Paxton, Billy Dean and Judy Collins. Tune in to hear more about his musical journey, innovative ideas to help artists get paid, and overall advice as he sits down with Pam in this episode of Applaudable Perspectives. Photo Credit: Jason W. Ashcraft
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam is joined once again by musician, producer, and engineer Joe Hand, recording live from his studio. Tune in to hear more about his career in the music industry and even hear him play.
PLA Media President Pam Lewis records live at the Belmont Mansion featuring Mark Brown and Jerry Trescott to discuss the historical importance of the Belmont Mansion, its various interpretations, and the challenges faced with restoration and evolution. See how you can schedule tours at the Belmont Mansion by heading to its website.
Pam is joined by her longtime friends Chuck Rapp and Joseph Gregory. With roots in Nashville and Missouri, the two found each other in the salon business landing themselves celebrity clients. Author and historian Joseph Gregory is also the great-grandson of Evalyn Walsh McLean, the inspiration for his books, Queen of Diamonds and The Hope Diamond Evalyn Walsh McLean and the Captivating Mystery of the World's Most Alluring Jewel. Finding themselves in the fragrance industry, Gregory is the creator and founder of FABLE, the fragrance line that was inspired by the Hope Diamond. Rapp and Gregory just got married this past year in Tennessee, so tune in to hear more about their incredible careers and time together.
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam is joined by musician, producer, and engineer Joe Hand. Born in New York and raised in South Florida, he fell in love with music, watching people on TV in music studios. Hand knew he wanted to be making music at twelve years old, grew up a classical pianist, and ultimately found his home at Berklee College of Music. Tune in to hear more about his journey from his early years in music to now.
Pam is joined by the talented music engineer, John Merchant. Originally from Virginia, he grew up around educators as his dad was a professor. Merchant was always destined to be a teacher in the south, but before then, he worked with some incredible artists like Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, R. Kelly, Toni Braxton, Celine Dion and Lenny Kravitz. He is a lover of music and a teacher of music production at MTSU, so tune in to hear more about the Recording Industry Department chair's journey in the industry.
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam is joined by actor, writer, director, and producer Alan Dysert. He is most well known from his role as Sean Cudahy on ABC's, All My Children, but he has been doing amazing work since. “Lights, Camera, Cancer!” is Dysert's latest book all about his life from the show, to producing the Behind the Scenes, to fighting his battle against cancer, to now. Tune in to hear more about his incredible journey.
Gomez was originally born in England before moving with his family to Uganda, Africa. Making his way to the US in 1971, Gomez started his commercial photography business in Nashville at the age of 24 and has just moved his photography to Westlight Studios in Franklin, Tennessee. While working as a photographer's assistant, Michael started to gain clients by shooting for local and out of town modeling agencies. Tune in to hear more about his journey in the arts as he sits down with Pam Lewis.
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam Lewis is joined by Sytera Sanders. After meeting during a trip to the Amazon, the two sit down for a conversation live from the Amazon. Born and raised in Michigan, Satara found herself starting in the law enforcement field early on with encouragement from police programs at a young age. She led a full career as a police officer before recently retiring. Tune in to hear more about law enforcement in America, as well as life advice.
Pam Lewis is joined by tour guide Jose Alfonzo during her trip to South America. Jose received a five year degree in ecotourism learning how to complete projects in either ecotourism or ecology. He is knowledgeable in all things Amazon, from the protected animals and wildlife to illegal waste and mining practices they are trying to protect the environment from. Tune in to learn more about conserving the rainforest.
Pam Lewis is joined by singer, dancer, actor and entertainer, Nancy Hays, with a special guest, Joan Lewis. Hays, the Illinois native, started her musical career in her teens. She was exposed to country music at a young age through many different jobs, including Opryland. Hays has been a wife and mother and raised four children, all sharing their mother's love of music. Both a touring and top charting country artist as well as a successful university graduate, Nancy Hays is an inspiration. Tune in to listen as her and Pam discuss her journey and career in entertainment.
This episode of Applaudable Perspectives features PLA Media CEO Pam Lewis and 1/2 of the hosts from “Two Bottles Deep,” Wes Schmitz. A Central Illinois native, Wes was born in a deeply religious community of just under 6,000. It was at an early age that Wes came to terms with his sexuality. Listen in as he talks about shame, guilt, his coming out experience, and how expressing vulnerability can lead to self-acceptance and pride.
Originally from Toronto Canada, Eric Genuis is an acclaimed composer, pianist, and speaker. His first love was composing and performing original work, which has taken him to stages across the world. Living through the motto “never say no”, he found himself performing for people in the prison system. He continues to play for those who need music most through his non-profit, Concerts for Hope.
Pam is joined by President/CEO of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Yuri Cunza. Originally from Peru and attending school in Argentina, Yuri made his way to America, straight to Nashville. He came to the United States for the entertainment industry but ended up being the perfect fit for the Hispanic Chamber here in Nashville. Tune in as Yuri and Pam talk about travel and culture.
Pam Lewis calls to talk to producer Craig Brandwein with Center Sound Records. The native New Yorker has been surrounded by all genres of music his entire life. They were constantly playing music in the house and many of his family members had instruments. While he loved playing and writing, he found himself called to the studio. Tune him to hear about his career in music production, the recent influence of AI, and the importance of music in film.
This week, we sit down with Penny Gattis of Eclipse Music Group to talk about Music Publishing. Throughout her career, she has worked in publishing, A&R, and creative directing. Tune in to hear more about her industry journey and advice for songwriters.
PLA Media founder and CEO Pam Lewis sits down with Steve Baker to talk about video promotion and visual marketing in Nashville's music scene. Baker founded a successful music video promotion company, Visual Image Marketing, which has helped independent country music artists across the globe compete with major labels using their music video products. Tune in to hear more about his journey.
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam is joined by country singer Rex Allan Jr. Son of "the Arizona Cowboy" Rex Allan, Allan Jr. talks about his father's career in music and film and its impact on his own life. Tune in to hear the advice he received from his father and advice he'd give today about working in the entertainment industry.
Owner of Computer and Communications Innovations, Jones has been working on music row for over 15 years. Tune in to hear more about the IT consultant's journey in Nashville.
PLA Media president Pam Lewis sits down with the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and Tennessee native Pam Rose. Rose is popularly known as a member of Calamity Jane and Kennedy Rose. Tune in as she shares the memories of her illustrious career, starting with her mentorship in Atlanta under a Jazz musician who grew up with Ramsay Lewis to moving to Tennessee, and meeting Pete Drake, which then opened the doors to land a publishing deal with Capitol Records to eventually tour with the European superstar, Sting.
Mark, former VP of PLA, is joined by Scottish songwriter, Sean C Kennedy. While he is originally from Scotland pursuing a professional soccer career, he is now a successful Nashville based artist. His first EP, Let Life Love You, is all about the power of beauty and vulnerability, racking up over two million streams.
Doug Green, better known as Ranger Doug, is an award-winning Western music songwriter and Grand Ole Opry member. A member of the hit western group, Riders in the Sky, Doug is a skilled singer and guitarist. Tune in to hear more about his many many years of success, from getting his masters degree at Vanderbilt to hosting his own radio show.
Pam Lewis talks with Mary Ann Kennedy to discuss a professional career in songwriting and touring: the highlights, successes, and downsides of the music industry, including working in a male-dominated industry. Kennedy first signed a publishing deal upon arriving in Nashville in 1978, developing an original sound with co-writers Pat Bunch and Pam Rose. Tune in to learn more about her journey.
Pam Lewis is joined by artist, actress, TV host, and mom, Lisa Stewart. A singer for as long as she can remember, Lisa found herself in Nashville for the music industry, attending Belmont University. She launched her solo career after being noticed by Mark Thompson, recording demos and landing a record deal. Tune in to journey through her career leading her to become a television host on #1 Country, all while touring herself.
Applaudable Perspectives newest episode features Pam Lewis and Mark Logsdon in a journey through Mark's professional career in Public Relations and Publicity Coordination. Tune in to learn more about how this Senior Publicist navigates the industry and get professional advice for those looking to join the field.
With an election right around the corner, Mayor of Franklin, Ken Moore, sits down with PLA Media President Pam Lewis to reflect on his political career. First elected in 2007 as an alderman at large, Moore began to envision Franklin's future and its challenges. In both 2009 and 2011, Ken was elected Vice-Mayor by his peers. Eventually, in 2011, he was honored to become the 31st Mayor of Franklin and the only second physician to serve in this capacity.
Pam is joined by an old colleague Aaron Spradlin. Originally from Ohio, Spradlin found himself shifting from his education in theater and dance to security. Chris Clark was previously in law enforcement at Franklin's police department before starting a new security company and realizing that is where he needed to be. Clark and Spradlin teamed up by merging their security companies. Their unique perspectives and backgrounds gave them a skill set to create something entirely new, combining the need to help recovering veterans and stop child trafficking. Tune in to learn more about these important topics and learn more about their journeys.
Pam is joined by college friend and former New York neighbor, Michelle Morris. Originally working in banking, Morris knew she needed to be doing something more creative, leading her to a career in production. They discuss how being a cancer survivor has impacted Michelle's life and her career, as well as reminiscing on old times. Tune in to hear about Michelle's journey, career successes, and using AI positively and productively.
Pam is joined by President/CEO of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Yuri Cunza. Originally from Peru and attending school in Argentina, Yuri made his way to America, straight to Nashville. He came to the United States for the entertainment industry but ended up being the perfect fit for the Hispanic Chamber here in Nashville. Tune in as Yuri and Pam talk about travel and culture.
Pam is joined by music business legend Chuck Rhodes in the first installment of a two part interview. He has worked in production, as head of a record label, A&R, and more. Originally from Texas, Rhodes has been in Nashville for 38 years now. He was formerly a studio musician playing keys for a quick stint in LA, but now he works with the record label Audium Nashville. Tune in as he talks about the importance of social media in the music industry.
Pam is joined by Georgette Jones, singer, songwriter, producer, and so much more. Daughter of country legends George Jones and Tammy Wynette, Georgette has made a name for herself in the country music world. She's been being pulled onto huge stages since the age of three with her parents on tour. She is a mother of twins, a travel enthusiast, and biography co-author. With her most recent release, she can add whiskey connoisseur to her long list of attributes, as she sells her own Apple Sin Whiskey. Tune in to hear about her journey through music and life.
Pam is joined by New York native and sound engineer Eric Paul. Joining the first class of sound engineering students in the newest college program, Paul soon found himself interning in a studio working with the likes of Billy Joel, John Lennon, and more. Eric Paul then moved to Nashville to join the country music scene. Recently, in addition to his career in the music business, he began dabbling in Texas real estate. Tune in to hear more about his journey.
Pam is joined by renowned songwriter Roger Murrah. Since moving to Nashville in 1972, Murrah has written top charting songs like "Southern Rains" by Mel Tillis, "Life's Highway" by Steve Wariner and "We're in This Love Together" by Al Jarreau. In 2005, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame for his work. Tune in to hear about his journey in songwriting and publishing.
Pam is joined by the director of performing arts for the Williamson County Performing Arts Center, Victoria Reid. Growing up in Massachusetts and surrounded by music, Reid went on to attend University of Denver for theater. Her career took her all over the world, performing in national tours, then writing and directing shows for the USO. She settled in Franklin, Tennessee with the historic Performing Arts Venue which hosts children's theater, local productions, concerts and more. Tune in to hear more about her journey.
Pam is joined by Lovely Franklin's, Buffie Baril, and accounting professional, Lisa Garcia. In this week's podcast, Buffie and Lisa speak about their passion for historic homes and the preservation they do to protect Franklin's architectural history. Buffie currently runs Lovely Tennessee which elevates the brands of businesses across Middle Tennessee and Lovely Franklin which focuses on Franklin's historic preservation. She is also the former Director of Keep Gallatin Beautiful, a Tennessee Realtor and ASP Accredited Home Stager. Lisa Garcia is a real estate agent/investor, interior designer, and is currently restoring two historic homes in Franklin. For more information on Buffie and Lisa, please visit www.lovelyfranklin.com.
Pam is joined by doctor of epidemiology, Dr. Megan Warren. In this week's podcast Megan speaks on her journey around the world and her experience in the field of Epidemiology. Dr. Warren has over 20 years of clinical experience as a physical therapist. Her research expertise includes design and statistical analysis of studies, collaborating with colleagues across campus and the local health care community. She also has two primary areas of research: analysis of administrative data for the positive outcomes of physical therapy and association of clinically relevant, functional tests with non-contact injuries in athletes. Dr. Megan Warren is currently a senior program officer at Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.
Pam is joined by past president of Sister Cities of Franklin and Williamson County, Patricia Kriebel. In this week's podcast, Patricia will speak upon her involvement in the Sister Cities of Franklin and Williamson Country as well as her life which she has dedicated to service. Patricia has served on the board for Sister Cities for over fifteen years, and within her time, created a relationship with Germany to enable exchange students to have a foreign language component. She is an avid international traveler as she was an international flight attendant for nine years and her family has hosted eight foreign exchange students. Patricia has been involved in preservation and numerous community outreach efforts. She currently sits on the Franklin Sister Cities Board.
Pam is joined by social psychologist and co-founder of the Unity of Faiths Foundation (TUFF), Dr. Shamender Talwar. In this week's episode, Pam and Dr. Talwar reflect on their personal experience of the aftermath of The Covenant School catastrophe. When Pam was first told by Mark about the Green Hills active shooting situation, she called Dr. Talwar and picked him up in the Green Hills hotel he was staying in, and the two rushed to the scene to lend humanitarian support. Dr. Talwar offers some words of advice for children and families dealing with this horrendous tragedy. Dr. Talwar is available for counseling, workshops, and interviews. Please join us in helping in the implementation of positive mental health solutions.
Pam is joined by entertainment Business Manager, Erin Pettit. In this weeks podcast, Erin will speak upon her journey in the music industry, her career and the things that have helped her. Erin is a Miami, FL native who has called Nashville her home for the last 13 years working as a Business Manager. She currently serves the needs of a diverse roster of touring artists, songwriters, music executives and entertainment companies while also being involved with development, internal training and company planning. Her extensive experience has given her the opportunity to manage multiple high profile clients including overseeing multi-million-tickets-sold tours, worldwide fan clubs, custom merchandise retail lines, TV/film production, internationally based artists, royalty administration for both labels and publishers, tax accounting, and investment planning. She currently serves as the President of Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) Instagram: @erin_nashville @solidnashville