On The Virg

This week, we're reviewing and recapping the 2021 Ensworth golf season.

Joining me this week On The Virg is the Chairman of Silicon Ranch Corporation, Matt Kisber. We discuss cheap, renewable energy, storage, and the direction energy around the world are going. Matt served the TN House of Representative for 20 years, and he shares all of his influencers and processes he used to navigate the political scene and how it evolved into his entrepreneurial journey at Silicon Ranch. Plus we discuss wine, St. Louis Cardinals, Motown, and Hong Kong.

Joining me this week On The Virg is PGA Teaching Professional, Matt Walter. Matt shares his keys to success from starting his teaching career at Westhaven GC to now owning his own business. He shares how he has used social media to boost his income and status within the instruction community. Plus he talks about side hustles, Tiger and MJ, his mentors, and the importance of family.

Joining me this week is On The Virg is Metro Nashville Chief of Police John Drake. We talk about how he and his team navigated the civil unrest, Covid, and the Christmas bombing that all occurred at the beginning of his tenure. He shares all of his initiatives on what he and his board are putting together to keep Nashville safe and fun while it is experiencing unprecedented growth. We discuss our first meeting on lesson Ted and how golf not only brought us together but how it brings so many people from different backgrounds together. Plus we talk Prince vs. Michael Jackson, the Steelers, and his hero….his dad.

Joining me this week On The Virg is Elisha Hill. Elisha is the owner of Better You Med Spa. We discuss hormone therapy, mental health and wellness, and all the services she provides. We delve into the phenomenon of understanding aging and how to fight it off. How technology has moved many ideas to the forefront of wellness and why the next ten years will be huge for the wellness world. Plus we dive into some Reba, Turks & Caicos, Pat Summit, and the discipline it takes be a great athlete and CEO.

Joining me this week On The Virg is Merritt Black. Merritt is the Founder and Head of Trading for Apteros Trading. We discuss day trading, the mindset required for the job, and the keys to success for the job. We delve into the similarities between golf and day trading and how one helps the other. He also shares his love for The Crimson Tide, Pete Sampras, Federer, Coldplay and  Buffalo Trace.

Joining me this week for the third time On The Virg is President and CEO of CURE Michigan, John Merideth. We discuss everything from mental wellness and illness, to what direction the CBD world is heading, to a deep conversation on how and what we need to do to be the best version of ourselves.

This week, I'm taking a look at current events - specifically The Olympics, mental health, and how it relates to sport on a global scale. 

Joining me this week On The Virg is Beth Chase. Beth was named the 2020 Most Admired CEO's Lifetime Achievement Award, and is widely considered the one of the most valuable assets to the Nashville Community. Beth shares her journey from playing competitive tennis to IBM to turning to her entrepreneurial spirit. We discuss work culture, what is imperative for Nashville, or any city to continue to thrive while experiencing radical growth. Plus we delve into her favorite wines, places of travel, and the Mt Rushmore of ladies tennis.

Joining me this week On The Virg is my all-time favorite Marine, staff sergeant  (E6 ) Valerie Mannon. She discusses her time serving our country and  shares stories of her time in Iraq - stories of bravery and leadership as well as the hardships that come to service men and women after they get out. She is now on track to get her PhD in Organizational Development and her plans for the future. I can think of no one better to celebrate the freedom that our country share with my sister.

Joining me this week On The Virg is Brenton Harrison. Brenton is a Certified Financial Planner for Henderson Financial Group, a top 30 under 30, top 40 under 40, and a member of the Million Dollar Roundtable. We discuss the state of the financial world during this tumultuous time in history. He shares his vision for creating your own personal wealth, investing strategies, and his business plan. Brenton also discusses the importance to him of attending Oakwood College in Huntsville, as well as the importance of what appears to be a resurgence and love for Historically Black Colleges across the Nation. Plus he shares his love for his parents, the Titans, Jay-Z, Coldplay, and gospel music.  

Joining me this week On The Virg is Cincinnati Bengals tight end CJ Uzomah. We discuss the REAL difference between the elite SEC football teams and the NFL;  and what was the sharpest learning curve for him going into the league. We delve into the psychology of elite sport, the mindset of a winner, and all the little things that add up to big things. Plus we discuss the Steelers, Auburn Tigers, Lil Wayne, and the 5 most impactful people in his life.

Joining me this week On The Virg is Steven Rawson, owner of Happy Back Chiropractic. Steven shares his journey from Honolulu to Nashville and how Chiropractic care changed his life so much he decided to get into the profession. We discuss wellness, body/spine maintenance, and exercises that help keep your body performing optimally. We also discuss Def Leppard, 80's rock, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the magnificence of Hawaii.

Joining me this week On The Virg is Branding Professional James Muriel. We discuss branding and clarifying how and why it is a Pillar of a successful business. We delve into the psychology  of branding. He explains the love that brought him from London to Nashville. We also discuss flow state, Oasis, Blur, Manchester United and much more.  

Joining me this  week On The Virg is Master Hypnotist Steve Roehm. Steve helps us understand the subconscious mind, how it works, and how it can work for you. Plus he shares his ideas on transformative therapy in which he can release the pain from traumas of your past. He talks about his néw training courses for clients and aspiring hypnotist. Plus we talk Harley Davidson’s and life on the bike and his tours around the country.

Joining me this week On The Virg is Chairman and CEO of Truxton Trust Company, Tom Stumb. Tom shares his story and his beliefs that he has used to rise from a tech company to being the CEO of Truxton Trust. We talk work ethic, personalities, and systems approach to his leadership. He shares his thoughts on golf and business and how they intertwine. Plus we discuss music, movies, and his favorite athlete of all time

Joining me this week On The Virg is Katherine Cannata, dealer direct for Wyatt Johnson Automotive. Katherine shares her thoughts on mindset, attitude, and process that has helped turn Wyatt Johnson into such an amazing company. Now running the family company with her brother, she offers powerful insights on bursting through “glass ceilings” that were actually not even there. We discuss the importance of accounting and why should at least consider a minor in accounting while going to college. Plus we talk old school rock and roll, Chris Stapleton, UT Vols screaming War Eagle and much more.

Joining me this week On The Virg is former competitive figure skater, ballroom dancer, entrepreneur Christina Donelson. Christina is now a figure skating coach here in Nashville. She describes the differences in skating in her prime versus what it is today, and shares how she had modified her coaching style from her years of training in both figure skating and ballroom dancing. We also discuss REO Speedwagon, Gone with the Wind, and the ability to access flow in our life.

Joining me On The Virg this week is Christy Waller, owner of Christy Waller Luxury Travel. We discuss starting a luxury travel business during a pandemic, how she has navigated the situation to still provide her clients a great experience. We prognosticate the direction travel will be going and preparing for that BOOM!!We discuss wine travel, golf travel, and the many different types of travel anyone can book with her. We talk some rock and roll, Beyoncé, growing up in Bristol and life as a UT Vol.

Joining me this week On The Virg is Senior Vice President, PFA division of Truist Bank, Jeff Factor. Jeff discusses the current state of the economy and investments:  why or why not the banks having so much cash on hand is important. He also discusses playing tennis at Penn State University, the best players he faced, and the GOAT of tennis. He shares stories of how golf has influenced his business and why he wishes he had played earlier in his life.

Joining me this week On The Virg is Jose Garcia. Jose is the owner of Greenscene, a company that provides high end outdoor entertainment amenities. We discuss how COVID has exploded his short game and putting areas at people homes and businesses. We discuss his families courageous journey to America and how he got started in this industry. Jose is a wonderful player and he shares his journey from beginner to a low handicapper in just 3 years. Jose is one of the kindest and hard working man I know. I am excited to share his story.

This week, I'm discussing the 2021 Masters, a recap of the players, predicting good selections for winners of the Masters, travel golf in AZ, the best wines for the money in the last month, and some music I am excited about right now.

Joining me this week On The Virg is serial entrepreneur Brian Hoppes. Brian is the new Managing director at RH Travel and founding partner of Elevation Search Solutions. We discuss Nashville as an emerging market for businesses around the world, and how Elevation has blossomed into a very important business in Nashville. We also discuss his entrepreneurial spirit and where it may lead to next. Brian was a collegiate golfer at Lipscomb University, a lead singer of the rock band Weatherspoon, and a lover of wine......which makes him the perfect guest for On The Virg.

Joining me this week On The Virg is Davidson County District Attorney, Glenn Funk. Glenn shares stories from a very wild and stressful year in government. We talk BLM demonstrations, the Christmas Day bombing, and other challenges faced in 2020. He also shares his amazing vision for the future of law enforcement in Nashville, and the rest of the country, the future as it pertains to Nashville, and some amazing programs designed to keep non violent offenders out of jail and prison. Glenn also shares his live for golf, music, caddyshack, and some hilarious tales of family golf events.

Joining me this week On The Virg is luxury travel advisor Rachel Hoppes. She shares her courageous story of starting a travel company during a pandemic. She delves into her long standing passion of travel, its origination, and its evolution. She shares her remarkable recovery from cancer and how that has shaped her into who she is today. Plus she offers us her love for the UT Vols, The Bulls, MJ, Peyton Manning, France, Italy, and oh yes......wine!!!!

Joining me this week On The Virg is Jill Keeler. Jill is the Ensworth golf team trainer as well as one of the athletic trainers here at Ensworth. She discusses how TPI and ELDOA have really help her expand her knowledge and make massive gains in strength, recovery, and speed in her athletes. We do a deep dive on the main body issues for golfers. Plus she shares her favorite wines, athletes, and places to travel.

Joining me this week On The Virg is 2012 US Amateur Champion Steven Fox. We discuss his recent decision to regain his amateur status back, and what he gained from his professional playing career. He shares some really cool stories from his experience playing in the 2013 Masters. Plus we talk about his Celine Dion concert experience that nearly put him in the doghouse. We talk some Argentinian Malbec, his keys to his amazing short game, and who he considers the best ball striker he has ever seen in person.

Joining me this week On The Virg is former president of Bellsouth TN, Marty Dickens. Marty has played such a pivotal role in the betterment of Nashville by spearheading many initiatives with a highlight of the Music City Convention Center. Marty shares his beliefs on what it takes to be a great leader, servant, and mentor. We discuss his travels and he shares an amazing story about a family in Nicaragua. We talk some golf, Motown, his favorite movies, and much more.

Joining us this week On The Virg is the founder of Pure Sweat Float, Candice Bruder.She discusses her passion for floats and infrared saunas, as well as her reasons behind starting the franchise. Candice recounts her unique life story of living through 9/11 and COVID, and how 9/11 helped her prepare for COVID, itself. Virgil and Candace discuss her love of travel and how it is her ultimate recharge.

Joining me this week On The Virg is founder of Summit Golf and the club fitter here at Ensworth, Stephen Hodge. We discuss why club fitting is so important, gap testing, and the hot items coming out in the golf club market in 2021. Stephen also shares his love for basketball, Michigan Wolverines, and Dave Matthews Band.

Joining me this week On The Virg is Nick Johnson. Nick is the head track and field coach at Ensworth High School and former St. Louis Rams WR. We discuss his football career and his major influences on his way to the top. He delves into the importance of running track for football players, and how it usually is a key to having a player break out. He shares a very vulnerable story of perseverance that steeled his resolve for all future struggles. Plus, we talk 2Pac, rap today vs the 90’s and he also shares his take on racial tension and equality and how to help our world be better for all races, religions, and sex.

Joining me this week On The Virg is Jason Kestner. Jason is the co-owner of Kestner Health and Wellness. Jason’s company is the Rolls Royce of Chiropractic Wellness. He discusses how he went from a pain clinician to a wellness entrepreneur. We help you understand all the things you can do to promote health, wellness, and strengthen your immune system. Plus we talk about AC/DC, Dave Matthew’s, UT Vols, and so much more.

For Season 3, Episode 2 of On the Virg, Virgil reviews his favorite books, new music, best wines, and upcoming sporting events. Tune in to catch an inside look at some of the host's favorites.

Renowned hypnotherapist Steve Roehm comes On the Virg again to kick off 2021.Steve Roehm is a master hypnotherapist who is using hypnosis to change people’s lives in a multitude of ways. Virgil and Steve discuss how he can help trauma victims process their pain, help smokers quit, and help elite athletes use performance hacks.

Joining me for my Christmas edition of On The Virg is President/CEO of Tennessee Jobs for Graduates, John Dwyer. He shares the story of this remarkable venture helping at risk kids get jobs or get into furthering their education after graduating from high school. Due to COVID, so many kids in the public school system are being left behind in so many painful ways. His company is helping to mitigate this pain and all the issues that are leading to at risk kids getting farther and farther behind. We also discuss Notre Dame, his live for wine, and all the cool interviews and shows he was a part of as a Sports anchor and news anchor for Newschannel 2 here in Nashville. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Joining me this week On The Virg is Trackman Regional/Tour rep Lance Vinson. Lance shares stories of how COVID created an urgency for a new market in both the private and commercial business front as it pertains to simulators. We discuss the crazy year for golf, the tours, Trackman and life in general. He also shares his stories of watching TW, Rory, DJ, JT, Rahm, Phil, Reed, Bryson and so much more insight.

Jodi Dillman joins me this week On The Virg. We discuss how her early life limiting beliefs were woken up by mentors and life. Now a health and wellness coach, she shares her insights that she shares with all of her clients. She also offers all the steps to her health and wellness plan. Jodi graduated high school with me in 1992 at Littlestown High School. We shares some funny stories of our past as well as all the things she does to recharge her batteries.

Joining me this week On The Virg is managing director at Raymond James, Randy Woodward. Randy shares his lessons in the financial world, specifically bonds. He discusses his journey from being Mike Bloomberg’s right hand man at Solomon and Bloomberg. Randy shares stories from being a decathlete at Rider University and how it helped him in the financial world. Plus we dig into his love for golf, Metallica, and red wine. This is part 1 of a two part podcast.

Joining me On The Virg this week is rapper/musician Jelly Roll. We discuss his journey from a pretty bad place to the top. He shares heart warming stories of life on stage, to the rough ride that got his life right and allowed him to follow his passion. We delve into his lyrical work and how his songs help him and his fans equally. Plus we talk Cypress Hill, Tool, Pearl Jam, and all the players that have inspired him. Plus Titans, Preds, and all the fun things he does to recharge.

Joining me this week On The Virg is Paul Fassbender. Paul is the Managing Director of government affairs for a company here in Nashville. We discuss life on Capitol Hill and how working in D.C. shaped him into the person he is today. We discuss many misconceptions of government, the people that represent us, and the direction of the country. We also dig into rock and roll, St Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, and his love for golf.

Joining me this week On The Virg is manager/producer Matt Wallace. He describes the important of music artist's owning their catalog. He describes all the processes he uses to help his artists achieve the best possible business situation for them in this ever changing world of the music industry. Matt shares some amazing stories of rap artist Jelly Roll, and how they have patiently built an amazing following and success in this new model, Plus we cover his love for all music genres, golf, and who would be in his favorite foursome.

Joining me this week On The Virg is the CEO of the new Music City Grand Prix, Matt Crews. We discuss the long and winding road it took to get a road race here in Nashville. We delve into Grand Prix history, greatest racers, and historical venues. We also discuss his NCAA football career. Matt was the leading scorer his senior year at MTSU as a kicker. He shares his highs and lows and what he learned from his worst game ever. Plus he shares his favorite things to do like bicycling, listening to U2, golf, and traveling to Canada.

John Meredith joins me once again On The Virg this week. We discuss his Nostradamus-like prediction of what would happen to our country if we had a pandemic from last years podcast. We discuss what should be being done to help everyone navigate COVID 19. We also discuss why he gave up a very lucrative job at Johnson & Johnson to start CURE Michigan. He also shares all he has learned from the CBD business during the pandemic and how things may go in the future.

Joining us this week On The Virg is songwriter/artist Luke Laird. We discuss his new album, Music Row, and the motivation behind it. We also delve into his numerous number 1 hits that he has written for the who’s who of country music. He shares his love for basketball, the Cavs and the amazing night he enjoyed of game 3 in Cleveland as LeBron changed to history of the franchise forever.

Joining me this week On The Virg is singer/songwriter Kelly Lovelace. Kelly discusses his processes he goes through in a songwriting session. We discuss his favorite moments while writing with Brad Paisley, and he sings a song for us that he wrote for Paisley. We also dig into what golf means to him. K-Lo delivers in so many topics.

Founder of Akers Media Solutions, the production team behind both my podcasts OTV and Elevated, Chase Akers, comes On the Virg to talk entrepreneurship in the creative industries. With a long history of a dynamic career, Chase has become one of the most in-demand musicians and DJs in Nashville. Son of legendary musician and producer Tim Akers, Chase has broad exposure to many fields in the creative and music industries.We discuss the importance of diversification in skill sets - how the "old" methodology of the music industry is gone, and where the innovation will come from. He recounts his childhood and early years as a musician, stating that, "nothing is ever handed to you." Chase tells the story of how Covid-19 helped him to discover his own innovation and birth his podcast production company, Akers Media Solutions. He's a musical encyclopedia, so we dive into his undying love of hip hop, R&B, and soul music - leading to a fantastic conversation around his affinity for "diamonds in the rough" red wines and bourbons. Enjoy my interview with the show's producer, Chase Akers.

Joining me this week On The Virg is Gerry Keogh. As the sales manager for Twins Bordeaux, he is an expert on French wine with a specialization in Bordeaux. We discuss all things Bordeaux: from first growths to Cru Bourgeois. Gerry grew up in Ireland, so we also dig into links golf, Guinness, Irish Whiskey, U2 and amazing wine travel.

Joining me this week On The Virg is Wil Howard. Wil played college basketball at Belmont University and has fallen in love with the game of golf. Little did he know how golf would be a savior to him through a really difficult time. Now an SEC referee, he tells a story of perseverance and will power. Tune in to listen to one of the most amazing stories you could hear about love, perseverance, trust, and faith.

Joining me this week On The Virg is attorney Mike Dagley. Mike discusses his unique entrepreneurial venture and how it changes his life, and how the fundamentals he applies in trial law relate to competitive golf and life. He also shares his opinion on what he saw during the OJ Simpson trial and what he learned. We discuss how golf has played a huge role in his life. We discuss Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Larry Bird, Arnold Palmer and how one golf shot changed his ideas on competitive golf