Squeeze The Day

Monica Holmes started her catering business in her home kitchen as a single mother seeking to provide for her family. From waiting tables at O'Charley's to crafting her love for cooking into a 44+ year-old catering business that employs three generations of her family, learn about her tenacity, creative flair, and succession planning as she follows her wanderlust to travel the world.

H. Beecher Hicks has been an investment banker, a private equity investor, worked in the executive branch of government, and is an entrepreneur, public speaker, and writer. He facilitated the design and construction of the National Museum of African American Music and recently became President/CEO of the National Black MBA Association. In this podcast, learn why he's intent on leaving a legacy in everything he does.

Gina Keltner built her dream career as a talent booker for the legendary Grand Ole Opry, but that passion is far surpassed by the love she has as a single parent.  In this podcast, she underscores the importance of work/life balance, relationships, and motherhood by sharing inspiring stories including her daughter's adoption, meeting Shaun Cassidy, and forging friendships in the entertainment industry.

Megan Barry embodies resilience and advocacy. Her journey through triumphs and challenges has led her to be a guiding light for others. In this podcast, learn about her life including the lessons she's learned, the passion that drives her, and why she is intent on building awareness about substance use disorders that claimed the life of her only son.

Deborah Evans Price is a trailblazer in the world of entertainment journalism. She captures the artists and their stories with depth and insight. From her early days as a music journalist to her acclaimed book, “Country Faith,” she's witnessed the evolution of country music. A beacon of inspiration for those seeking to follow their passions, at any age, she embodies the essence of squeezing the day, embracing every opportunity, and overcoming health challenges to leave a lasting impact.

James Ivey spent much of his life as a minister in the U.S. and as a missionary around the world. In his later years, a health incident brought him back to Middle Tennessee. Join us to learn what keeps James Ivey motivated to help others and himself, how he continues to minister and mentor those around him, and the role his daughter's friends, the Sister Circle, play in his life.

Rhonda Clark was not expected to live 48 hours much less 50+ years. Born with cerebral palsy, she demonstrates daily that everyone in life has a purpose and that life with a disability is just another way of living. Let's learn how this entrepreneur is living her best life and why she intends to create better transportation options for adults in Middle Tennessee who are living with disabilities.

Grand Ole Opry icon Bill Anderson's career spans seven decades. He is one of the most awarded songwriters in country music history, a million-selling recording artist, a beloved onstage performer, a television game show host, a network soap opera star, and an author. Anderson flirted with a baseball career in his youth and dabbled as a journalist and a deejay. His moniker, Whisperin' Bill, speaks loudly of his accomplishments.

Kathy Mattea has Grammys, CMAs, gold albums, hit singles, and a platinum for her music ranging from country and Celtic, to folk, gospel, and bluegrass.  She explains how her performance career nearly ended when – in her 50s – her voice began to change. In this podcast, she underscores the power of perseverance, tenacity, faith, and music.

Larry Cox shares how hard work as a sharecropper caused him to seek new horizons in Chicago, where his love for the harmonica led him to the blues scene. There he rubbed shoulders with greats including Muddy Waters. Now, he has traded the Windy City for Music City.  In this podcast, he shares his inspiring story of how perseverance and life skills – from swimming to scouting and a harmonica – have been lifesavers.

Grammy-winner Tricia Walker has performed with Shania Twain, Paul Overstreet, and Connie Smith. As a singer and songwriter, her passion is music rooted in the American South. In this podcast, she speaks on her friendship with Opry legend Roy Acuff, her success in country and gospel music, being a founding member of the Bluebird Cafe's Women in the Round, and establishing a Grammy Museum in her home state of Mississippi.

“Granny” Elnora Terry lost her only son to a tragedy. Her new beginning as an AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program has given her life new meaning. This podcast shares some of the most uplifting and powerful messages for all of us as she demonstrates her commitment to mentoring and tutoring children in high-need elementary schools and learning centers to create brighter futures.

Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia as a teen, Ray Lay shares how battling mental illness and substance abuse forced him to live on the streets. Learn how joining the Marines and getting his GED paved the way for his success. Today, he provides peer support for veterans, is a board member of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), and is an advocate for those struggling with mental health and homelessness.

A widow, after a happy marriage of almost 58 years, Marilyn Nevens found new beginnings at a senior center in Brentwood, TN. Today, she is matriarch and co-founder of the FiftyForward Card Crusaders, a group of women, who find support and purpose by creating gorgeous hand-crafted greeting cards. Marilyn's sense of self and story demonstrate anything – including starting a new business -- is possible at any age.

Edward Morris is a prolific writer, author, poet, playwright, and renowned country music journalist. A longtime editor of “Billboard Nashville”, he also wrote for Country Music Television into his 80s until COVID caused layoffs. This music industry insider offers an intriguing look at his career as well as his unconventional love story and caregiving journey for his late wife Norma.

Andy Andrews has been hailed by the New York Times as someone who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America. His books have been translated into 40 languages. Four U.S. presidents have asked him to present as an inspirational speaker. He has worked with some of the world's largest corporations and sports teams. Learn how being homeless helped push him to read, learn, and craft a new beginning. Today Andrews is at the top of his game inspiring others to do the same.

Singer-songwriter Tom Grant has written songs for Tammy Wynette, Eddy Arnold, Ray Price, and Mickey Gilley. He sang with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, on Hee Haw, Pop! Goes the Country, and for years was a regular performer on Ralph Emery's morning show, and The Nashville Network's Nashville Now. In this interview, learn about Grant's career, health challenges -- including living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease -- and how growing up in a “Happy Days” type environment gave him a solid foundation for life.

Barbara Kimbro helps us learn about navigating life with a disability and describes how serving as an All of Us Research Program peer ambassador, volunteering, and being part of a senior community contribute to her well-being. This conversation illuminates her passion for precision medicine, people, and engagement to live life to the fullest. 

Coach Bill Courtney is known for his inspirational leadership as a high school football coach in West Tennessee. His story, as told in the Oscar-winning documentary “Undefeated,” is a shining example of encouragement to create winners on and off the field. Learn how “Undefeated” was a game changer for Courtney and how today he's recognizing “an army of normal folks” who make a difference in life.

AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer Ed Batsel received a lifetime achievement award from President Biden for 25 years of service and 4,000 plus hours delivering meals. A FiftyForward Fresh Meals volunteer, he is soon to be 90. Despite recently losing his wife, Ed has a positive attitude and is a model for active aging. He loves learning from his children and grandchildren and is enthusiastic about health, hobbies, and engagement (especially for retirees).

Dr. William Schaffner is the Professor of Preventive Medicine and Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. As a spokesperson for the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, he is an often-tapped resource for infectious disease education and is passionate about health, vaccines, and disease prevention. When not teaching or doing clinical trials he volunteers at The Elephant Sanctuary outside of Nashville. In this Squeeze the Day, we learn about his drive for health, and educating others as well as what he learns from his students and from life.

Robb Holland is a professional race car driver, auto journalist, and tv personality with records in the British Touring Car, Pikes Peak, and the World Touring Car Championships. A former collegiate cycling champ, Robb talks about preparing for the Nashville Grand Prix, the similarities between cycling and auto racing, and how the drive for competition delivers results in all aspects of his life especially when competing against folks half his age.

T.J. Tennent is a forensics expert, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur who has channeled negativity for the greater good. He's a natural-born teacher who uses his longtime passion for all things automotive to create a global tire forensics business that is building momentum. In this Squeeze the Day, let's learn how anger management, valuing relationships, and leveraging expertise have created a booming business.

Lidia Bastianich is a household name for those who follow Italian food and cooking. She's won countless accolades including an Emmy as a television host and seven James Beard Awards. As a best‐selling cookbook author, and celebrated restaurateur (Becco - New York, Lidia's - Kansas City, and as a partner in Eataly locations in the U.S. and Sao Paulo, Brazil) her story as an immigrant, entrepreneur, and Italian food connoisseur, is an inspiration that continues to unfold.

John Guider is an adventure seeker, photographer, and author who delights in the outdoors. His work is in museums, corporate and private collections, as well as in the Arts in Embassies program. His water journeys - by canoe and later a 14.5 foot sail-equipped rowboat he built - have gained him recognition as he explores waterways bringing history to life. In this interview, learn how respect for nature drives this storyteller to craft a career of exploration and discovery of self and the world around us.

Nashville power couple Linda Davis and Lang Scott have excelled in country and Christian music. As parents of Rylee Jean and Lady A's frontwoman Hillary Scott, their story is inspiring as is their love for life and learning. In this podcast, they share how they met, married, and balanced careers and a family. Learn how a talent series win and work with Reba McEntire and Kenny Rogers propelled them.  Their advice on the music business and their desire to leave a legacy are compelling.

Bernie Sheahan had a storied career in PR, radio, and as a columnist at the “Nashville Scene.” When her editor encouraged her to write an account of her very personal mental health journey, the cover story received incredible response and community support. In this inspiring podcast, we'll learn how she manages her mental health, why coaching middle schoolers is a calling, and how being a family caregiver sparked a whole new interest in life.

Cardiologist Dr. David Sabgir felt he was failing to help patients improve their health. So, he invited them to walk with him to reverse the effects of a sedentary life and offered health education while walking. From that idea, Walk with a Doc was born inspiring doctors across the world. It has now spread to 500+ communities in 40+ countries. Dr. Sabgir was even recognized as a CNN Hero. Join us to learn how one spark ignited a global effort and why Dr. Sabgir is shifting the pulse of healthcare.

Mario Andretti is considered to be one of the most successful racers in history. His roots and early life in a refugee camp likely contributed to his strength and determination. Today, the Andretti brand extends well beyond racing. Mario has a winery, a petroleum business, and a growing global motorsports presence. His intense drive to be victorious in life and on the racetrack demonstrate how resilience and determination are key to keeping his motor fine-tuned and his brand vibrant.

Tina Chilton is 85 years young. She can out-plank people half her age… including a young intern who was blown away by Tina's drive to excel. Born in Texas to parents from Mexico, she has lived in many states and traveled the world while in the military. Her service to our country and her drive to stay relevant and engaged with others across the generations are invigorating. Learn how this remarkable woman finds time to care for herself and her independence.

Fabian Bedne credits his parents, Argentinian roots, and his desire to help others as factors in his quest to make the world a better place. After a dictatorship dramatically changed life in Argentina, a work exchange program led him to Ohio, and later to Tennessee. Bedne became a citizen, a council rep, a highly-requested wedding officiant, and a member of the mayor's office. Learn how his life's work is devoted to building strong communities and advocating for others.

Edgar Struble is a film producer, music director, author, performer, and public speaker who has worked with Kenny Rogers, and directed or composed music for the Academy of Country Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. He has rubbed shoulders with stars ranging from Lionel Ritchie, Taylor Swift, and Dolly Parton to actor Christopher Lloyd. Today, he's mentoring younger creatives, expanding his film production, and working to balance life, entertainment, and health to ensure the beat goes on.

Janet Jernigan has won countless awards in her life. Her more than 50-year career as a nonprofit leader is legendary as are the records she currently holds as an athlete. However, her true advocacy for others may be rooted in the mid-1960s when, as a student at Vanderbilt University, she began to advocate for equality by playing a role in the civil rights movement in Nashville. Let's hear how this remarkable woman finds time to care for herself and others in this Squeeze the Day. 

Brad Schmitt is lucky to be alive and to have a purpose. In this interview, this journalist shares how owning his decisions has brought him full circle. This compelling conversation touches on how bullying and abusive parents led him to alcohol and drug abuse. He shares how job loss brought him new beginnings. His redemption came from a support team of friends, 12-step programs, and coping mechanisms to turn his life around. Now he's using his forum to give back and positively impact the lives of others.

Mark Edward Dickerson married his partner, Chef Kevin, after almost 40 years together. Learn more about how this small business owner and father works to build a strong community to lift up the lives of others. From birth to adulthood, in this interview, we learn the role adoptions have played throughout his life and how family, fostering connections, and the internet, have brought new meaning to family and building relationships.

Darline Lewis built a career bringing life into the world as a labor and delivery nurse. Forced to retire early due to a botched medical procedure, life has now come full circle as the daughter she welcomed into the world years ago has stepped in to help her. The aha moments for these two are eye-opening as more children are becoming youth caregivers for older family members. Despite life's ups and downs, this inspirational interview is full of gratitude.

A Grammy winner and Grand Ole Opry member, Jeannie Seely, speaks about the hallowed institution and candidly shares about her life and how she is not hesitant to challenge status quo to bring about change for women. Her love for performance, including theatre, shines as does her desire to explain why an education in business is an asset in the music industry. In this podcast, Jeannie addresses health and wellbeing, her desire to preserve history, and to make the entertainment business better for everyone.

As a Hee Haw Honey on one of the longest-running comedy/music series, Mackenzie Colt shares snapshots of her life including how as a teenage mom she found her way to Music City, landed on Hee Haw, and was influenced by the program and music icons including Buck Owens. Mackenzie later launched what today is now the oldest chocolate business in Nashville. In this podcast she shares how as a young female entrepreneur and business owner she leveraged everything to create Colt's Chocolates.

Eric Jackson is a four-time world champion who has dominated the whitewater kayaking scene for the past three decades. Despite the challenges of hearing loss, he spent 26 years on the U.S. Kayak Team (1989-2015) winning on an international level. In 2017, well into his 40s and now at 57, he qualified for the U.S. Team. At the age of 6, Eric got hooked on kayaking and credits swimmer Mark Spitz for igniting the fire in him to be an Olympic competitor. Today, Eric is a sports nut, husband, father, coach, and entrepreneur intent on redefining aging.

Originally from Ghana, Dr. T. Kwami credits his parents for instilling in him the love of music. In this podcast, he shares priceless stories about moving to the U.S., finding Fisk University, and becoming a Fisk Jubilee Singer. Now a faculty member and director of the legendary singing group, Dr. Kwami is dedicated to preserving the heritage of this 150-year-old group as they take jubilee music and its message to audiences across the globe.

Larry Talley grew up with music in his heart. Now he uses his love for playing music, especially the clarinet, as therapy for himself and others. He discovered that sharing music – especially with seniors in the community  – could be a transformative gift to others. Talley has been called an icon, an inspiration, and a living miracle. Learn more about the courageous battles he has fought and the lessons he has learned in life, while serving in Vietnam.

Nashville songwriter turns to film and video after the tragic loss of his daughter. Meet John Hamlin who demonstrates how a real-world tragedy can be the catalyst for positive change and new direction at any age. In this podcast he speaks to the searing loss and how, today, his late daughter leaves “breadcrumbs” to help him navigate a new life of advocacy through visual storytelling.

Artist Phil Ponder has been capturing our Nashville for 50+ years leaving a lasting legacy. As a community servant, he cites the late Vic Varallo and Judge Randy Kennedy as mentors during his early Metro Council service.  Learn from Ponder about the challenges of bringing our community its first major sports team; fun tidbits about the “Batman” building and Nashville's iconic L&C Tower; and how this family man and former Navy minesweeper (now fighting cancer) redefines retirement to keep calm and carry on. 

For more than 36 years, Barry Coggins has served up food, and sometimes a song or two, to lift-up and nourish older adults in his home communities of Dallas and Nashville. That's approximately 13,000 meals! Coggins doesn't know a stranger. As a longtime ally and advocate for others, a friend of the singer/songwriter said, “giving is Barry's middle name.” Learn more about this man with a heart of gold.

Vera Coleman is an inspiring octogenarian who worked in pathology at Meharry and later as a biologist at Vanderbilt. At the time (late 1950s and early 60s) few women and fewer women of color worked in the sciences. Using her lifetime of experience, she is now an ambassador for the All of Us Research Program. A lifelong learner Vera is an advocate for health and wellness, a passionate community volunteer, as well as a teacher and mentor who loves working with younger adults to lead future generations. 

Sarah Martin McConnell found a calling to launch nonprofit Music for Seniors after she witnessed the transformational effect it had on lives – including that of her mother  –  when she performed for her and other participants of FiftyForward's Adult Day Services program. Today Sarah's focus is to light up the lives of older adults because she has witnessed the true gift of music as holistic therapy.

Metro Nashville Councilmember Nancy VanReece is bringing community together and challenging status quo in so many ways. She's never met a stranger and seems to always be on the frontline advocating for diverse groups of our population. A great connector and mentor to many, this Oklahoman moved to Nashville in 1986 and has continued to give back to our community to make it a better and brighter place for everyone.

Nashville's Spashionista Alicia Searcy embarked on an exciting new chapter prompted by the traumatic loss of her possessions in the Nashville flood of 2010. Today she is changing the face of fashion with her advocacy for inclusivity.

Tennessee Crossroads host Joe Elmore explains how the original vision to produce a show that might last 2-4 years turned into a 30+-year adventure that is still going strong today. The winning formula was to explore destinations in our own Tennessee backyard, including places not on the tourist maps, that would lead to what Joe says, “a kind of discovery so that people can be in on the surprise.” Listen in as Elmore shares some funny and interesting tales of his adventures off the beaten trail.

Octogenarian Ossie Jefferson-Corley shares how health, nutrition, and a positive attitude feed her love for life. A lifelong learner, she explains her secrets to success as an entrepreneur, as a nurse, and how she inspires others through motivational messages when they may most need it.  A friend of civil rights activist, Rosa Parks, Jefferson-Corley explains how their lives became intertwined and the lessons she learned along the way.