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You Matter Nashville

Jason and Mindy Hoover

35 episodes

1 month ago

What if giving a child the right book could change the trajectory of their entire life? Robin Griffin, founder of A to Z Learning Club, is proving this every day in Nashville. Her nonprofit tackles North Nashville's staggering incarceration rates by addressing the root cause—83% of low-income children are reading below proficiency. Through culturally diverse book distributions, student publishing opportunities, and innovative programs like putting books in barbershops, A to Z Learning Club bu...

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What if giving a child the right book could change the trajectory of their entire life? Robin Griffin, founder of A to Z Learning Club, is proving this every day in Nashville. Her nonprofit tackles North Nashville's staggering incarceration rates by addressing the root cause—83% of low-income children are reading below proficiency. Through culturally diverse book distributions, student publishing opportunities, and innovative programs like putting books in barbershops, A to Z Learning Club bu...

Show more...

Episodes (20/35)

You Matter Nashville

A to Z Learning Club with Robin Griffin

What if giving a child the right book could change the trajectory of their entire life? Robin Griffin, founder of A to Z Learning Club, is proving this every day in Nashville. Her nonprofit tackles North Nashville's staggering incarceration rates by addressing the root cause—83% of low-income children are reading below proficiency. Through culturally diverse book distributions, student publishing opportunities, and innovative programs like putting books in barbershops, A to Z Learning Club bu...

1 month ago

1 hour 9 minutes

You Matter Nashville

People Loving Nashville with Nathan Scarlett

What began with McDonald's apple pies shared on Nashville streets in 2007 has evolved into a life-transforming ministry. In this Nashville podcast episode, we sit down with Nathan Scarlett, outreach specialist with People Loving Nashville, who shares his remarkable journey from meteorology student to homeless advocate. Nathan reveals how this faith-based local nonprofit is revolutionizing homeless services through their four-pillar approach: relief, community, connection, and restoration. Nat...

1 month ago

1 hour 2 minutes

You Matter Nashville

AgeWell Middle Tennessee with Tiffany Mann

Caring for aging loved ones can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate this journey alone. In this episode of You Matter Nashville, we sit down with Tiffany Mann, Elder Care Coach and Community Partnerships Manager at AgeWell Middle Tennessee, a local Nashville nonprofit celebrating 40 years of serving our community. Tiffany shares how AgeWell connects older adults and caregivers with trusted resources through their comprehensive Directory of Services, free elder care coaching, and...

2 months ago

1 hour 2 minutes

You Matter Nashville

tnAchieves with Graham Thomas

In this inspiring episode of You Matter Nashville, we sit down with Graham Thomas, Chief Community & Government Affairs Officer for Tennessee Achieves, to explore the transformative impact of the Tennessee Promise program. Graham shares his journey from politics to nonprofit leadership and how Tennessee Achieves grew from a small county initiative into the largest college access and success program in the country. We discuss the program’s mentorship model, its focus on both tr...

3 months ago

1 hour 6 minutes

You Matter Nashville

Brain Injury Association of America TN Chapter with Stacy Mulder

In this inspiring conversation with Stacey Mulder, Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of America – Tennessee Chapter, we explore the realities of brain injuries, from concussions to life-altering trauma. Stacey shares the many causes—sports, accidents, strokes, military blast exposure—and the far-reaching effects on survivors and their families. We learn about Tennessee’s 25,000 new brain injuries each year, why helmets and early medical attention are critical, and how sympto...

3 months ago

50 minutes

You Matter Nashville

Soles4Souls with Buddy Teaster

In this episode of You Matter Nashville, we sit down with Buddy Teaster, President & CEO of Soles4Souls, to explore how shoes—and the people behind them—are making a powerful difference across the globe. From providing dignity and opportunity to children experiencing homelessness, to creating entrepreneurial pathways in developing countries, Buddy shares how Soles4Souls operates as a social enterprise fueled by both generosity and innovation. We also dive into his personal leadership jour...

3 months ago

1 hour

You Matter Nashville

REBOOT Recovery with Evan & Jenny Owens

In this episode, we sat down with Evan and Jenny Owens to hear how Reboot Recovery is changing lives around the world. What started in their living room is now a global movement helping people heal from trauma—military, first responders, and civilians alike. With deep compassion and transparency, they shared the heart and mission behind their faith-based, peer-led 12-week recovery program, which focuses on healing the soul wounds that traditional therapy often overlooks. From survivor’s guilt...

3 months ago

1 hour 8 minutes

You Matter Nashville

The New Beginnings Center with Tash Weddle

In this episode of You Matter Nashville, we sat down with the incredible Tash Weddle, founder of The New Beginnings Center in Nashville. Tash is a master strength coach who turned her experience in collegiate athletics into a mission to empower women—particularly low-income women—through fitness, nutrition, and mindset training. She shared how her background and personal setbacks fueled her desire to create a space where women can grow stronger from the inside out, no matter their income leve...

4 months ago

35 minutes

You Matter Nashville

Building a Culture Where People Matter with Milton Bartley

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Milton Bartley, CEO of ImageQuest, who shares his incredible story of service, leadership, and purpose. From his early days in the military to running a successful IT company, Milton opens up about how his life experiences have shaped his commitment to both his employees and his community. We dive into the many ways ImageQuest gives back, from providing free IT services to nonprofits like High Hopes and The New Beginnings Center, to financially supp...

5 months ago

55 minutes

You Matter Nashville

Book'em with Melissa Spradlin

In this inspiring episode of You Matter Nashville, we sat down with Melissa Spradlin, executive director of Book’em, a nonprofit dedicated to boosting children's literacy in Nashville since 1989. Melissa shared her journey from growing up with educator parents to finding her passion for literacy and community service. She gave us a look inside Book’em’s mission of getting books into kids' hands and fostering a love of reading through volunteers who serve as reading role models. We also talked...

5 months ago

50 minutes

You Matter Nashville

E.L.I.'s House with Jenny Rustioni and Natalie Lemarbre

In this episode of You Matter Nashville, we sat down with Jenny Rustioni and Natalie Lemarbre of Eli’s House, a life-changing nonprofit based right here in Franklin. Eli’s House is a faith-based two-year residential program where moms and their children heal together after trauma. Jenny and Natalie shared their heartfelt journey of turning personal pain into purpose, equipping families to not just survive but thrive. We talked about everything from equine therapy and emotional intelligence to...

6 months ago

48 minutes

You Matter Nashville

Mechanics on a Mission with Brian Sweatt

In this heart-filled episode, we sat down with Brian Sweatt, founder of Mechanics on a Mission, to explore how something as practical as a car can become a vehicle for dignity, opportunity, and life transformation. From a post-flood miracle at Lighthouse Christian School to launching a full-blown ministry that gifts vehicles to those in need, Brian’s journey is one of faith, community partnerships, and unshakable hope. Together, we dove into the beautiful, behind-the-scenes stories—veterans s...

7 months ago

50 minutes

You Matter Nashville

Wild Hope with Keith and Misti Sammons

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Keith and Misti Sammons—two individuals who turned unimaginable grief into a mission of hope. After losing their spouses (Keith to cancer and Misti in a tragic plane crash), their separate journeys of healing eventually brought them together through what can only be described as a divine appointment. Together, they now minister to others navigating grief, loss, and hardship. From spontaneous spiritual clarity to real-life miracles, Keith and Mis...

7 months ago

1 hour

You Matter Nashville

Mental Health Advocacy with Tia May

In this powerful episode of You Matter Nashville, we sat down with Tia May—an Army veteran, mental health advocate, and motorsports enthusiast—who shared her incredible journey of resilience, healing, and purpose. Tia opened up about her struggles with PTSD, the challenges she faced after her military service, and how she found new purpose through organizations like 22ZERO and Camp Southern Ground. She explained how mental health struggles can feel isolating, but healing is possible when you...

8 months ago

51 minutes

You Matter Nashville

Switchback Counseling Services with Benjamin Holmes

In this powerful episode, we sat down with Benjamin Holmes, owner and CEO of Benjamin Holmes Counseling and Switchback Counseling Services, to explore the importance of mental health and the incredible work his team is doing in Middle Tennessee. Benjamin shared his personal journey into counseling, from growing up with a mother struggling with severe mental illness to becoming a Baptist minister and ultimately transitioning into therapy. We discussed the challenges people face when seeking me...

8 months ago

59 minutes

You Matter Nashville

Hope Clinic for Women with Kailey Cornett

In this episode of You Matter Nashville, we sit down with Kailey Cornett, the CEO of Hope Clinic for Women, a nonprofit that has been serving women, men, and families in Nashville since 1983. Kailey shares her incredible journey—how she felt called at just 16 years old to support women facing unplanned pregnancies and how that led her to study nonprofit management, work in private equity, and ultimately return to her true passion. We dive into the many ways Hope Clinic provides holistic suppo...

8 months ago

46 minutes

You Matter Nashville

Relentless Pursuit with Joe Adams

Joe Adams, founder of “Relentless Pursuit,” joined us to share the gripping story behind his mission. After surviving a near-fatal motorcycle accident that left him with multiple fractures and internal injuries, Joe discovered that gratitude, determination, and faith could transform even the darkest of circumstances. Despite the pain and uncertainty of his recovery, he focused on seeing each moment—good or bad—as an opportunity for growth. His unwavering belief that this life-altering event w...

8 months ago

1 hour 1 minute

You Matter Nashville

Stronger Than My Father with Marcus Meneese

We had the privilege of sitting down with nonprofit leader, Marcus Meniz, whose organization, Stronger Than My Father, provides much-needed mentorship to fatherless youth. He explained how his own upbringing, with both parents in a stable home, fueled his passion to help kids who don’t have that same support system. What began with Marcus mentoring a young cousin quickly evolved into a larger mission: guiding students with structure, accountability, and above all, compassion. We heard about t...

9 months ago

1 hour 3 minutes

You Matter Nashville

Children's Kindness Network with Stephanie Barca

In our latest conversation, we had the pleasure of hosting Stephanie Barca, a licensed social worker, therapist, and Vice President of the Children’s Kindness Network. She introduced us to the lovable Moozie the Cow, an engaging mascot that helps children grasp the value of kindness at an early age. Through reading programs, puppet kits, and joyful community events, Moozie encourages kids to explore empathy, compassion, and self-care in a fun, memorable way. We were captivated by Stephanie’s ...

9 months ago

40 minutes

You Matter Nashville

One Generation Away with Chris and Elaine Whitney

We were thrilled to sit down with Chris and Elaine Whitney, founders of OneGenAway, to learn about their incredible mission to fight hunger throughout Middle Tennessee. Hearing their story of humble beginnings—starting with a single car trunk full of bread—and watching it grow into a multifaceted operation was truly inspiring. They shared how OneGenAway rescues perfectly good food from local grocery stores, restaurants, and caterers, then distributes it freely through mobile food pantries and...

9 months ago

56 minutes