Everyday People, Extraordinary Lives

When death was at the door, the Francofortes were blessed with life. Jill and Ryan Francoforte join Kerry to discuss the most challenging night of their family's life. Faced with the potential loss of their unborn child, Jill and Ryan managed to find themselves exactly where they needed to be.

Jena Beasley joins guest host Jill Freeze to discuss her experience with infertility and how she managed to form a community that shared the same challenges as her. Jena gives tips for women going through infertility and provides ways for loved ones to show support. To learn more about Nashville's Waiting In Hope community, visit https://brentwoodhills.org/waiting-in-hope or email Jena at jenabeasley1@gmail.com. 

Patti Silvers used to keep an active lifestyle, but after raising kids for 20 years, she realized she needed to live that life again. After picking up exercise again in her 40s, she has participated in races in every state (including Alaska and Hawaii), proving that age is just a number when it comes to fitness. To Patti, it's not exercise, it's living life.

Kate Hemby is an ordinary girl. She goes to work, sits as a board director at YoungLife, and volunteers at a special needs organization. With all she does, finding her way onto a Netflix series is just another day. Kate joins Kerry to discuss her time on the internationally acclaimed show Love on the Spectrum. She shares about the spectacle of production and the co-star she went on a date with. Catch Kate on Love on the Spectrum Season 3, out now on Netflix.

Bill Prady joins the show to discuss the three Ps that changed his life from a faith perspective: Pursued, Purchased, and Purposed. Bill explains how these three Ps worked in his life and how they have transformed him into the man he is today. Through these realizations, Bill found a new identity and purpose to live for Christ.

Against all odds, HK Derryberry not only overcame his disabilities but exceeded them. Despite blindness, cerebral palsy, and paralysis, HK graduated high school and now travels nationwide as a motivational speaker with his friend, Jim Bradford. HK and Jim join Kerry to discuss the incredible lessons they've learned from each other and how a chance encounter led to a deep friendship.

A musician, advertiser, and teacher, there doesn't seem to be a life Chuck Hicks hasn't lived. From performing with Willie Nelson and playing basketball with Pete Maravich to pouring himself into the lives of his students, he lives life to the fullest by embracing who he is in the present moment. Chuck never stops growing into his best possible self by rolling with all the dynamic changes throughout life.

Minister and former professor at Freed-Hardeman University Billy Smith joins Kerry to tell his extraordinary story and reflects on his career in the Church. Billy talks about the small town of Woodbury, Tennessee that made him who he is today, the many mentors he encountered in his youth at Freed-Hardeman, and his favorite memories in ministry.

Financial advisor and author Greg Luken joins the show to discuss his journey and the lessons he learned from it. Using analogies to music and his experience with "financial superpowers," Greg offers tips and advice for better financial literacy and wealth management. To learn more about Greg Luken, visit Luken Wealth Management at luken.pro or check out his book, "Unleash Your Financial Superpowers: How the First-Generation Wealthy Do It and How You Can Too."

For many, public speaking sparks thoughts of anxiety and fear. However, for podcaster and speaking coach Grant Baldwin, everything comes naturally with confidence and a voice fit for radio. Nonetheless, Grant believes that with enough effort, anyone can become an excellent speaker. In this episode, Grant dispels Kerry's “Ten Myths about being a public speaker” list and offers his best advice for anyone looking to improve their speaking skills.Grant is the Founder of The Speaker Lab which coaches people to become better speakers. Grant has earned over $2,000,000 from over 500 + speaking engagements all over the world without a booking agent or speaker bureau. To learn more about Grand and The Speaker Lab, thespeakerlab.com

Southern Illinois University assistant women's basketball coach Greg Brown joins Kerry to discuss decluttering. Although keeping physical spaces tidy is important for a nice home, keeping one's mental space tidy is crucial for intentional living. From "calendar days" to "long-term parking," Greg provides tips for cleaning up stressful thoughts in the brain that negatively hold people back from accomplishing what they want in their professional and personal lives.

Coach Ingle Martin from Christ Presbyterian Academy joins Kerry to discuss the nuances of today's young athletes. Emphasizing the importance of development off the field, Ingle focuses on things beyond workouts and practice such as proper sleep habits and good character. Ingle also reflects on his experience in the NFL and its impact on his perspective of modern sports.

Start the new year off on the right foot as Brooke Curry talks with Kerry about maintaining physical health through proper exercise and nutrition. Brooke discusses her motivations for healthier living and offers her perspective on successful food and activity mindsets to keep habits consistent.

Following a frightening accident that left runner Seth Oden temporarily paralyzed, Seth joins the show to talk to Kerry about his story and the long road to recovery. Seth discusses the hurdles he had to overcome to return to the sport he lives for and how his love for his son fuels his passion for running.

Adam and Catherine Terry join Kerry to talk about the life-altering accident that affected their son's life, the stress it put on their family dynamic, and the people who offered help through their time of need. The pair discuss how God blessed them with miracles when they needed them most and their son's progress in his healing journey.

From being featured in a televised baking competition and her recent collegiate volleyball offer to her cystic fibrosis diagnosis and the loss of her mother, Tori Church joins Kerry Stiles to discuss the ups and downs of her young life. But despite her rollercoaster of highs and lows, Tori emphasizes the one thing that remains constant in her life: her faith.

Jabari Greer returns to Everyday People, Extraordinary Lives to discuss living with emotional intention. He focuses on how his personal story impacts how he can relate to others emotionally and how his emotional intelligence has grown throughout his life. Jabari also talks about self-awareness and the importance of knowing when to detach and refocus one's emotions.

Join Kerry as he embarks on a new series about intentional living. For this series, Kerry will talk with professionals about their expertise in a specific area of life. In this episode, Meredith Portwood discusses late-life transitions and common misunderstandings surrounding hospice care. She emphasizes aging is natural; it's not something to be ashamed of, but rather something to embrace and plan for. 

Former Lipscomb President Dr. Randy Lowry joins the show to discuss his career as a lawyer and educator. The founder of the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University, Randy speaks on the spiritual worldview that drove his passion for conflict settlement and the benefits of reconciliation in political, professional, and educational spaces.

Featured on Dateline, Fox News, and 20/20 for solving the cold case of her college roommate's murder, Sheila Wysocki joins Kerry on Everyday People, Extraordinary Lives to discuss the driving force behind her occupation as a private investigator. Sheila also talks about PI training, the challenges of working a case, and her podcast, "Without Warning," which has garnered over 14,000,000 downloads. To learn more about Sheila's investigatory work or podcast, visit sheilawysocki.com.

Wife, mother, and writer, Sara Walker, passed away after battling cancer in 2012. Still, her parents tell the story of her well-lived life in this episode of Everyday People, Extraordinary Lives. Jody and Carol Pigg talk about their daughter's upbringing, her posthumous book, and the inspiration she left with many of her close friends and family. Sara's legacy lives on through the Sara Walker Foundation, which aims to assist African hospitals and orphanages and provide scholarship funds to students in Nashville. To learn more about the Sara Walker Foundation, visit sarawalkerfoundation.org.

From the Mets to the Braves, pitcher R.A. Dickey's knuckleball was a force to be reckoned with around the MLB. Now retired from professional baseball, Dickey joins Kerry to discuss his career in and out of the league, superstition, and the many talented players he's faced from the mound. Most importantly, he talks about his career-changing condition and how he adjusted his focus to become one of the rarest specialists in the majors. 

Kerry converses with entrepreneur Brent High about the many hats he wears including father and husband. As an owner of three businesses, Brent talks about the importance of failing small, being present in relationships, and taking advantage of and utilizing one's strengths. He also introduces the challenges of managing priorities and provides tips for success in life and business.

Former Williamson County Sheriff, Dusty Rhoades, joins Kerry to discuss his tenure as a deputy and sheriff in Williamson County. Dusty shares the toughest parts of the job and what makes the ideal deputy. Now retired, Dusty looks back at what made him become an officer in the first place and the most rewarding aspects of his storied career.

Kerry talks with Kimberly Edgeworth, the founder of Full Life Yoga, to discuss the heightened health benefits of implementing yoga into one's exercise routine. Kimberly clears up common misconceptions and explains how she keeps yoga accessible to anyone who steps into her studio regardless of age and experience.

Kerry invites the executive director of Agape, Chan Means, to discuss the organization he's passionate about and the many years of foster care he's provided to children in need. Chan's story is naturally full of challenges but also abundant in rewards through selfless love. To find out more about Chan and the mission of Agape, visit agapenashville.org.

Mike Knott proves deaf people can do anything hearing people can do but hear. Mike joins Kerry to walk through his life story. Through thoughtful anecdotes and experiences, Mike elaborates on deaf culture, the general challenges the deaf community faces, and the progress of accessible communication technology.For this episode, Mike is communicating through M.E. Hall, an interpreter. Hall communicates with Mike using ASL and relays Mike's words back to Kerry.

Stiles Edwards, a former University of Tennessee football team equipment manager, joins Kerry to discuss the job most fans overlook. While the average viewer only sees the action on the field, Stiles walks Kerry through the preparations that no one sees at Neyland Stadium. Stiles talks about gameday procedures, the dedication required to do the job, and the path he wants to take to stay in sports.

On this episode of Everyday People, Extraordinary Lives, Tim Thompson joins Kerry to discuss his career working for Converse and Nike and how he merged his corporate job with his passion for sports commentary. Tim walks through his time as the color commentator for Vanderbilt Men's Basketball and weighs in on the current direction of college athletics.

For this episode of Everyday People, Extraordinary Lives, entrepreneur Mark Stoner joins Kerry to discuss the mindset of a business owner. Mark explains the type of attitude an entrepreneur needs and discusses the importance of taking risks, failing, and pivoting.

Kerry invites former Lipscomb basketball player, Loren Kirklin, to discuss her battles against several injuries in college and how her community and the anti-inflammatory diet kept her playing to the best of her abilities. Now focusing on nutritional coaching, Loren talks about her own family's nutritional balance and the stigmas of "good and bad" foods.

Jerrie Wayne Barber and Christi Parsons join Kerry this week to discuss what life was like growing up as the children of the renowned preacher, Jerrie Barber. The pair talk about traditions within the family, the telescopic lens that always seemed to be on them, and the differences they appeared to experience while growing up compared to other kids. Nonetheless, the two speak highly of their childhood and elaborate on the experiences that made them who they are today.

On this episode of Everyday People, Extraordinary Lives, Kerry sits down with Lipscomb volleyball coach, Brandon Rosenthal. Brandon discusses what keeps the spirits high in the locker room, the type of character he looks for while recruiting, and the dos and don'ts surrounding his team's culture. Brandon also explores his beginnings as a coach and what he thinks he would be doing if he wasn't court side – you are not going to believe this!

Kerry interviews the multifaceted Kim Whitaker about the several endeavors that got her through COVID and the many people she's had the opportunity to work with. Kim discusses how small Facebook posts led to a whole book and reveals the writing process that inspired her to finish it. To learn more about Kim's book, "Finding the Pieces," and her other work, visit kimberlyswhitaker.com.

Kerry hosts Matt and Kendra Lawyer who lost their family home to a fire. The pair recall the events leading up to the incident and walk through their thoughts as everything they built and the memories they made vanished in an instant. Matt and Kendra discuss the challenges they faced following the fire and the blessings that followed to keep them going.

In this episode, Kerry interviews Tyler Summitt, son of eight-time NCAA Division I winning women's basketball coach, Pat Summitt. Tyler discusses the impact his mother had on himself and the players she coached, some of the memorable moments he had growing up, and Alzheimer's awareness. Inspired by Pat's exceptional style of leadership, Tyler also explains the mission of the Pat Summitt Leadership Group and the principles it revolves around. To learn more about Pat Summitt and the leadership organization, visit https://patsummittleadershipgroup.com/

Send us a Text Message.Kerry interviews 94-year-old Bob Mason about his life journey and the many contributions he's made in his lifetime. Bob reflects on his past years and shares the many memories he's made along the way. From serving in the Korean War to officiating basketball in the SEC and serving those in need across Nashville, Bob Mason's experiences may seem like something out of Forrest Gump. But to Bob, that's just life. 

Send us a Text Message.Jerrie Barber discusses his 63-year career of preaching with his wife Gail by his side. He reflects on his early years of starting as a teenager, getting fired, falling asleep during his own sermon and his eventual transition into interim ministry. Jerrie's analysis is:“When a preacher stays a long time, usually, the church doesn't like the next preacher. I volunteer to be the next preacher they don't like." 

Send us a Text Message.Kerry is joined by special co-host, Greg Eubanks, and coach Ricky Bowers' to discuss what it's like to make a career out of coaching. Ricky talks about his past as a competitive athlete and his transition into coaching basketball and football. Ricky also opens up about the grey line between being a parent and a coach and what he wishes he communicated better to his students.

On this episode of Everyday People, Extraordinary Lives, Kerry converses with his friend Larry Williams about the complexity of anxiety. Larry discusses his history of anxiety and the false face he would wear in public. But, following a series of panic attacks, Larry looked to set things straight. In this interview with Kerry, Larry reveals the steps he took toward a healthier lifestyle and how he eventually overcame the mental struggle that nearly consumed his life.

On this week's episode of Everyday People, Extraordinary Lives, Kerry interviews Lane Thomas, former SEC and ACC referee, and discusses everything from jaw-dropping moments to the changes he's seen in the game. Lane gives insight into what the weekend looks like for an official and the preparation required to get things right. Moreover, Lane talks about the lessons he's learned across his 35 years of officiating, emphasizing the humility it takes to own responsibility for one's actions in an occupation where getting it wrong can change the course of the game.

This week, Kerry invites therapist Tricia Thornton to discuss her new book, "Blessing From Fear, Embracing Your Journey, Discovering Your True Self," which aims to provide neurologically sound tools to help parents guide their children toward emotional integration. Tricia reflects on her childhood and how it shaped her into the therapist she is today and walks Kerry through some of the keywords and concepts from her book. Tricia's book is available from her website www.triciathornton.com, online on Amazon, or anywhere books are sold.

On this episode of Everyday People, Extraordinary Lives, Kerry has a conversation with former NFL cornerback, Jabari Greer. Jabari opens up about his football career as an underdog as well as the many valleys he was forced to face after his retirement. Jabari also offers insight into what allowed him to persevere and the lessons he took away from his experiences in and out of the league.

In this episode, Kerry gets the opportunity to talk with Abbie Vergne and her parents, Paula and Matt, about the battle against an eating disorder that tested the family's endurance. Abbie discusses how little thoughts can snowball into something much worse, her motivation throughout her recovery, and how she uses her experience to help others. Meanwhile, Matt and Paula discuss warning signs, support systems, and the hurdles they overcame to help Abbie through her hardship.

On this episode of Everyday People, Extraordinary Lives, former U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Thomas Swain talks with Kerry about his time in the Army and how his career has molded him into the man he is today. From enlisting in the Vietnam War to taking on one of the highest ranks in the Army, Thomas made a decorated career for himself until his retirement. Join Swain as he discusses the commitment, initiative, and courage it takes to serve one's country.

Content Warning: This episode discusses the topics of rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking.On this episode of Everyday People, Extraordinary Lives, Kerry invites veteran Aaron Spradlin, founder of the Mission America Foundation, to discuss the realities of sex and human trafficking in Tennessee and the United States. Aaron sits down to talk about recent victories, the future of the situation in America, and what everyone can do to help. The Mission America Foundation gives veterans something new to fight for by allowing them to assist in the eradication and prevention of child and human trafficking. Listeners can learn more or support the foundation by visiting missionamericafoundation.com.

This week on Everyday People, Extraordinary Lives, Kerry sits down for a conversation with Shark Tank contestant and entrepreneur Berlyn Haughton. Berlyn, the creator of The Table Tyke, shares her experience on the show. From the intimidating nerves beforehand to the shocking results that followed her out of the tank, discover how Berlyn handled it all in this interview. Listeners can view Berlyn's TV appearance on Season 15, Episode 4, of ABC's Shark Tank.

On this special episode of Everyday People, Extraordinary Lives, Kerry is joined by former All-Pro cornerback, Cortland Finnegan. Cortland sits down to discuss the importance of hard work and humility throughout his career, providing a look inside an NFL player's life off the gridiron. Now retired, Cortland also talks about his life mission beyond football.

In this episode of Everyday People, Extraordinary Lives, join Kerry as he interviews Pam and Stacy Pearson about their late daughter, Haley Sue. Pam and Stacy discuss grappling with loss as well as how to carry on the legacy of a lost one. Haley Sue lives on through the Haley Sue Foundation, a non-profit focused on giving back to the community in the way she would. The annual Haley Sue Legacy Ball for 2024 will be at the Embassy Suites, 820 Crescent Center Drive, Franklin, TN, on March 2nd starting at 5:00 p.m. https://www.thehaleysuefoundation.org/legacy-ball/p/legacy-ball-ticketsListeners can support the foundation by visiting thehaleysuefoundation.org.

In this episode, Kerry talks with Kay Pfeiffer, a breast cancer survivor, about how she got through this tough time and the loved ones who supported her throughout her fight. Join the pair in a vulnerable interview in which Kay recounts her trials and the four steps she believes anyone should take after receiving a cancer diagnosis: receive genetic tests, get a second opinion, record everything, and most importantly, let others help you.

On this episode of Everyday People, Extraordinary Lives, Kerry invites Lisa and Jimmy Bilbrey onto the show to discuss the worst thing any parent has to live through: the unexpected loss of a child. When Leigh Anne Bilbrey tragically died in a car accident, her parents Lisa and Jimmy were struck with grief. Nonetheless, Leigh Anne's legacy lives on through her parents who remember her for her kind spirit. Jimmy and Lisa talk about anger, forgiveness, and remembrance in this episode and how their faith and community continue to help them. Kerry invites his audience to participate in "Sprinkle Kindness Day" in remembrance of Leigh Anne on September 28.