Nashville isn’t just the Music City—it’s a rising powerhouse in the sports world, filled with inspiring stories that go far beyond the game. Nashville Game Changers, hosted by Emmy-winning sports reporter Jill Jelnick, takes you inside the lives of the city’s most influential sports figures from teams like the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, and around the SEC. From career-defining moments to personal challenges, fitness routines, and favorite Nashville hot spots, this podcast offers fans an all-access pass to their favorite sports stars. Each episode goes beyond the game, exploring how these athletes give back to the community, navigate the pressures of the public eye, and embrace leadership in one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports cities.
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Nashville isn’t just the Music City—it’s a rising powerhouse in the sports world, filled with inspiring stories that go far beyond the game. Nashville Game Changers, hosted by Emmy-winning sports reporter Jill Jelnick, takes you inside the lives of the city’s most influential sports figures from teams like the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, and around the SEC. From career-defining moments to personal challenges, fitness routines, and favorite Nashville hot spots, this podcast offers fans an all-access pass to their favorite sports stars. Each episode goes beyond the game, exploring how these athletes give back to the community, navigate the pressures of the public eye, and embrace leadership in one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports cities.
In Part 2 of our episode with Scott Hamilton, the Nashville resident opens up about when he was first diagnosed with cancer in 1997, how it inspired him to start the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, and how it eventually led to him meeting his future wife, Tracie. Hamilton also discusses the health care community in Nashville, including its work with proton therapy, and how much the skating community has grown in the Music City.
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In Part 1 of our episode with Scott Hamilton, the world-renowned figure skater opens up about becoming an Olympic Gold medalist, his battle with cancer, and how he was inspired to start the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, which funds patient-centered and targeted treatments that fight cancer while preserving quality of life. Hamilton, who was adopted and battled a childhood illness, shares how he first fell in love with skating and how it served as a way to honor his mother, who died of cancer. Hamilton also previews his upcoming charity event, Scott Hamilton & Friends, on November 23rd at Bridgestone Arena.
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In this episode, Belmont University men’s basketball guard Tyler Lundblade opens up about his unique journey and how he quickly became one of the best stories in all of college basketball in 2025. Lundblade shares how he walked on at three different schools and got his scholarships pulled before leading the nation in 3-point field goal percentage (.481) for Belmont during the 2024-25 season. The graduate student also opens up about his faith and how betting on himself helped lead to success with the Bruins.
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In this episode, Nashville native and former Vanderbilt Baseball star Tony Kemp reflects on his nine years in the MLB, including winning a World Series title with the Houston Astros and the infamous cheating scandal that followed it. Kemp opens up about being part of the first Vandy Boys team to make it to the College Baseball World Series, being named the 2013 SEC Player of the Year, and his favorite memories with Head Coach Tim Corbin. Kemp also discusses the evolution of SEC Baseball and how Nashville would be a great city for an MLB team someday.
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In this episode, Belmont star guard Tuti Jones opens up about the success of the women's basketball program, playing in the 2025 MVC Tournament Championship, and coming back to play for a sixth season in Nashville. Jones, who set the program's NCAA era career steals record in the MVC Tournament quarterfinal, discusses her relentless work ethic in the offseason, improving her skillset, and how her mother influenced her love for basketball at an early age. Jones was named the to the All-MVC Third Team and All-Defensive Team for the 2024-2025 season, and as also named a DI-AAA ADA Scholar-Athlete.
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In this episode, the play-by-play voice of the Nashville Predators, Pete Weber, opens up on his journey in the broadcast booth and beginning his 28th season as the “Voice of the Predators.” Weber reflects on the Preds’ very first game, hosting the Stanley Cup Final, and how Nashville became “Smashville.” Weber and long-time broadcast partner, Terry Crisp, will be inducted into the Preds Golden Hall in Nashville’s game on November 1st vs. Calgary.
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In this episode, the head coach of Tennessee Tech Women's Basketball, Kim Rosamond, opens up about the legacy she has helped build at TTU and advancing to their 12th NCAA Tournament in 2025. The Golden Eagles are coming off one of their best seasons in program history, having captured both the OVC regular-season and tournament championships for the first time in 25 years. Rosamond also discusses the new team, the move to the Southern Conference next year, and how NIL has impacted modern-day college athletics.
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In part two of our conversation with Joe Dubin, the 102.5 The Game radio
host discusses Suicide Awareness Prevention Month and why he signs off
of every show by letting his listeners know they are loved. Dubin opens
up about his own mental health struggles and what ultimately helped him
deal with his own "demons." Dubin is the author of five different books
that you can find in store and online: Create the Chaos, We All Walk Together, Nashville We Still Love You, Screaming at God, and Lord Please Don't Hit That Mailbox.
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In this episode, Nashville native and radio host Joe Dubin opens up about his journey into sports broadcasting, spending 25 years in local news, and how he got the nickname "Big Joe on the Go." Dubin, widely known as "Nashville's Media Darling," discusses the game-changing moment that led him down the path of TV broadcasting and how he got his first job in Nashville. Dubin has been nominated over 20 times for an EMMY, but arguably his most memorable submission was when he won for drawing "stick figures" for the Tennessee basketball game during March Madness. You can listen to Dubin on the Chase & Big Joe Show on 102.5 The Game and also hear him as the radio color analyst for MTSU Football.
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In this episode, Nashville Christian head football coach Jeff Brothers opens up about coaching the Eagles for the last 16 years, how he first got into coaching, and the life lessons he learned while playing for Vanderbilt Football. Brothers reflects on winning the 2024 Div. II-A State Championship, and the "game-changing" moment that helped the team overcome adversity early in the season. Brothers also discusses 5-star quarterback and UGA commit Jared Curtis, and how the high school football world is being affected by the changes at the college level, specifically NIL and the transfer portal.
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In this episode, head football coach of Oakland High School, Kevin Creasy, discusses expectations for the 2025 TSSAA high school football season and keys to defending the Class 6A State Championship. Creasy enters his 11th year as the head coach of the Patriots, where in that span he has led the team to five state championships and two runner-up finishes. Creasy reflects on winning the Class 6A State Championship in 2024, including celebrating the moment with his son Kyler. Creasy also discusses how the high school football world has evolved over the last several years, and the effect that the college football transfer portal has had on the high school level.
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In this episode, Team Penske driver and two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Josef Newgarden previews the upcoming Music City Grand Prix and opens up about growing up in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Newgarden, who is a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, reflects on his 14th season in INDYCAR, how much the sport has evolved over the years, and how he fell in love with racing at a young age. Newgarden recently started the Newgarden Family Foundation (NFF) and discusses his passion for helping kids, including writing two children's books, "Josef's BIG Dream" and "Goodnight Racetrack."
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In this episode, NTT IndyCar driver Colton Herta opens up about his journey with Andretti Global, how he first got started in racing, and why he continues to love the sport despite the brutal travel schedule. Herta, who won the 2024 Music City Grand Prix, lived in Nashville for several years before moving to Las Vegas. Herta notes his favorite places to eat in Nashville and why IndyCar belongs in the Music City.
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In this episode, Tennessee native Jordan Thomas opens up about the traumatic boating accident that cost him both his legs at 16 years old. Thomas reflects on the “game-changing” moment in the hospital that led him to start the Jordan Thomas Foundation, which provides prostheses for children living with limb loss. Thomas discusses how the foundation serves over 150 kids and provides a positive community of support, while also tirelessly advocating for insurance fairness.To watch full story on FOX17 click here: Life after limb loss: FOX 17 News wins Emmy Award for "Best Local Sports Story"
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In this episode, head coach of MTSU women's basketball Rick Insell is joined by his son and associate head coach Matt Insell to preview the upcoming NCAA women's basketball season and discuss why the Blue Raiders' program has experienced so much success over the past two decades. Rick, who was recently inducted into the CUSA Hall of Fame Class of 2025, opens up about this year’s new team, recruiting, and what he learned from coaching against legendary Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt. The Insells also discuss the evolving landscape of college athletics and why Nashville is deserving of a WNBA team someday.
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In this week's episode, the new head coach of Tennessee State University men's basketball, Nolan Smith, opens up about his coaching journey, expectations for the program, and why he believes TSU can compete for an OVC Championship in his first season. Smith spent his entire playing career at Duke University under Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski and helped lead the Blue Devils to the 2010 NCAA national championship. Smith also played two seasons in the NBA and spent time playing overseas in the NBA G League before starting his coaching career at Duke. Smith most recently was an assistant coach at the University of Memphis under Penny Hardaway for the 2024-2025 season.
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In this week's episode, former Tennessee Titans All-Pro offensive tackle Brad Hopkins discusses playing for the Tennessee Oilers, the franchise's move to Nashville, and what it was like protecting former quarterbacks Warren Moon and Steve McNair. Hopkins also discusses how much NFL training camp has changed, Titans' rookie quarterback Cam Ward, and how the team's offensive line can create more cohesion up front. Hopkins currently lives in Nashville and plays an integral role in the NFL Alumni Association's Nashville chapter. He currently has his own luxury ride business LuxNashRide.com and is opening a new bar in Nashville soon.
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Description: In part two of our conversation with Kevin Dyson, the former Tennessee Titans' receiver discusses his path to becoming a high school principal, including going back to school to get three different degrees. Dyson also discusses the pressure of being a first-round pick in the 1998 draft, and how the lessons he learned throughout his career helped him become a better leader, coach, and administrator. Dyson recently released his first book, “Qualified, so I am Justified: Redefining Success: From the Playing Field to the Principal’s Office," and is also starting a new charter school in Nashville.
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In this episode, former Tennessee Titans wide receiver Dr. Kevin Dyson opens up about scoring the winning touchdown in the “Music City Miracle,” the Titans falling "one yard short" in Super Bowl 34, and what it was like playing with former quarterback Steve McNair. Dyson discusses his transition from the NFL to life away from the field, and how he eventually carved his path to becoming a high school principal. Dyson recently released his first book, “Qualified, so I am Justified: Redefining Success: From the Playing Field to the Principal’s Office," and is also starting a new charter school in Nashville.
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In this episode, Nashville Predators President and COO Michelle Kennedy opens up about her past 15 years with the club and her journey to becoming one of just two female presidents in the NHL. A former Vanderbilt women’s basketball player, Kennedy shares insight on her career, what led her to attend law school, and how she went from interning with the Predators to becoming their first General Counsel, and eventually, their President and Alternate Governor of the Nashville Predators.
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Nashville isn’t just the Music City—it’s a rising powerhouse in the sports world, filled with inspiring stories that go far beyond the game. Nashville Game Changers, hosted by Emmy-winning sports reporter Jill Jelnick, takes you inside the lives of the city’s most influential sports figures from teams like the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, and around the SEC. From career-defining moments to personal challenges, fitness routines, and favorite Nashville hot spots, this podcast offers fans an all-access pass to their favorite sports stars. Each episode goes beyond the game, exploring how these athletes give back to the community, navigate the pressures of the public eye, and embrace leadership in one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports cities.
