The 21st District Recovery Court is proving that second chances work. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Judge Deanna Bell Johnson and Executive Director Connie Martin about a Franklin-based program that's transforming lives through comprehensive addiction treatment.

With a near-100% graduation rate and costs that are one-third of traditional incarceration ($15,000 vs. $45,000 annually), this two-year recovery program serves individuals in Williamson County's criminal justice system. Participants receive intensive inpatient treatment, mental health therapy, trauma counseling, and employment support—all while maintaining accountability through weekly court sessions and regular drug testing.

Judge Johnson shares powerful stories of transformation, including her Christmas tradition where participants celebrate the holidays sober for the first time in decades. Connie Martin explains how addressing childhood trauma and providing comprehensive mental health services creates lasting recovery. You'll also hear about the program's celebrity support from country music stars like Jelly Roll, Tim McGraw, and Martina McBride who've helped raise critical funds.

Key Takeaways:

• Why two-year programs succeed where shorter treatments fail
• How mental health therapy addresses the root causes of addiction
• The cost-effectiveness of treatment versus incarceration
• Ways Middle Tennessee residents can support recovery court initiatives

This local nonprofit is changing families, reducing crime, and proving that investing in people creates better outcomes than warehousing them in prisons.

21st District Recovery Court website and donation information: https://21stdc.org/

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What does it take to transform one of life's most stressful experiences into a compassionate journey? Justin Hammond, owner of Let's Get Moving, joins us to share how his Nashville podcast appearance reveals the heart behind senior move management services that go far beyond traditional moving.

With master's-level social work training and two decades serving seniors, Justin explains why his company isn't actually a moving company—and why that distinction matters deeply. From creating detailed floor plans to coordinating estate sales and facilitating large donations to local nonprofit organizations like AmVets, GraceWorks, and Habitat for Humanity, Let's Get Moving treats every Middle Tennessee client like family during major life transitions.

Discover honest insights about downsizing emotions, generational differences in what gets treasured, and why having difficult conversations about possessions while everyone's living creates the greatest gift. Justin shares touching stories of clients who lived 67 years in the same home, families navigating grief, and the surprising items that carry the most meaning across generations.

Whether you're planning proactively for the future or supporting aging parents through transitions, this conversation offers practical wisdom and genuine compassion for one of life's most challenging milestones.

Key Takeaways:

• Why social work training transforms senior moving services
• How Let's Get Moving supports Nashville's local nonprofit community
• The emotional realities families face during downsizing
• What adult children actually want to inherit (it's not what you think)

Contact Info:

• Let's Get Moving: https://letsgetmoving.net
• Email: info@letsgetmoving.net
• Phone: 615-599-6787

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What happens when a Nashville country artist with 18 Grammy nominations decides to use his platform to serve homeless shelters? In this inspiring episode, meet Steven and Kellee Cade, founders of Giving Guitars—a local nonprofit that's donated over 250 guitars to shelters across 24 states and three countries.

Steven and Kellee share the powerful origin story of how a backyard performance and a God-given vision sparked a movement that's transforming lives through music. Their son Levi describes the incredible moment when Steven strums the first chord in a shelter: "You can just kind of feel the cloud of darkness over the room. And when my dad strums the first chord, it's like the shift in the mood is so fast." Shelter directors report they've never seen such joy on residents' faces.

Discover how this Nashville podcast highlights a family mission where everyone contributes their unique talents—from video production to social media to IT management. Learn about the therapeutic power of music for vulnerable populations, the strategic approach Giving Guitars takes to maximize community impact, and heartwarming stories from 155 shelter visits, including a retired pastor who spent 15 years washing the feet of homeless individuals.

Whether you're looking for volunteer opportunities in Middle Tennessee, want to support a meaningful cause, or simply need a reminder that one family's faithfulness can create ripples of hope across the nation, this conversation will inspire you to use your own gifts in service of others.

Key Takeaways:

• How music therapy provides healing and hope in homeless shelters
• The strategic approach to selecting shelters and creating community awareness
• Current needs include mission vehicle funding and guitar donations
• How to volunteer at your local shelter or support Giving Guitars' mission

External Links:

• Giving Guitars: https://givingguitars.org
• Donate: https://givingguitars.org/donate
• Steven Cade Music: https://stevencade.com
• Beluga Web Hosting: https://belugahost.com

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What if the strength you're searching for is already within you? Join this Nashville podcast episode as we welcome Clyde Nolet, creator of Speaks of Strength, who reveals how bending steel can teach you to bend your limitations. This isn't your typical motivational conversation—it's a masterclass in emotional resilience that combines old-world strongman entertainment with cutting-edge human needs psychology.

Clyde shares his powerful journey from losing his father at age eight to becoming a certified practitioner trained by Tony Robbins. Discover the three elements that control every emotional state you experience: physiology, focus, and language. Learn why four weeks of intentional wins can rewire your entire central nervous system and how to break free from the invisible walls holding you back.

This conversation tackles post-pandemic mental health challenges we're all facing, the critical importance of your information diet in an age of doom scrolling, and why reasons must come before methods when creating lasting change. You'll hear unforgettable metaphors, practical strategies, and honest vulnerability about overcoming tragedy to find purpose.

Whether you're navigating life transitions, breaking limiting beliefs, or simply seeking inspiration from Middle Tennessee community leaders, this episode delivers actionable wisdom you can implement immediately. As Clyde reminds us: "You are the miracle you've been waiting for."

Speaks of Strength: https://speaksofstrength.com

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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 builds confidence one story at a time.

In this inspiring conversation, Robin shares her personal journey from struggling with an IEP in speech therapy to earning two degrees from HBCUs and how her twin boys, Aziz and Zion, sparked a movement. You'll hear about first graders creating their own published superhero book, why representation in children's literature matters desperately, and practical wisdom for parents navigating literacy challenges. Robin's honest discussion about her own son's testing struggles reminds us that even literacy advocates face the same battles—and that patient, persistent love makes all the difference.

Whether you're a parent worried about your child's reading, an educator seeking community resources, or someone passionate about breaking cycles of poverty through education, this episode offers hope and actionable ways to help. Robin needs volunteers (especially male mentors), book donations, and partners who believe every Nashville child deserves to see themselves as the hero of their own story.

Key Takeaways:

• How early literacy directly impacts incarceration rates and economic mobility
• Three programs serving Nashville families from pre-K through high school
• The "Heroes of Nashville" book created entirely by elementary students
• Why books in multiple languages matter for family engagement
• Practical advice for parents of struggling or reluctant readers
• Volunteer and partnership opportunities

Links:

• A to Z Learning Club: https://atozlearningclub.org
• Contact: robin@atozlearningclub.org

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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.

Nathan brings 12 years of street outreach experience and a unique perspective as a former competitive boxer who competed in Indiana Golden Gloves. He channels that fighting spirit into advocacy for Nashville's most vulnerable residents. With a bold goal to permanently house 503 people before retirement, Nathan has already helped 155 individuals find stable housing while working with People Loving Nashville and previous organizations.

Discover how People Loving Nashville mobilizes 80-100 volunteers every Monday night for comprehensive outreach services. Learn about their homefulness program that provides intensive care management, their Paradiso's Cafe restoration program offering employment opportunities, and the housing challenges facing Nashville's homeless community. Nathan also shares practical advice on supporting local homeless services, from acknowledging individuals at stoplights to donating essential items like socks and hand warmers.

This episode offers valuable insights into preventing burnout in social services, the importance of faith-based approaches to homeless care, and the secondary trauma that service providers face. Nathan's story demonstrates how personal calling combined with professional expertise creates lasting impact in community outreach.

People Loving Nashville: peoplelovingnashville.com

Purpose Gathering fundraiser:
October 21st, 6-9 PM at Sycamore Farms in Arrington, Tennessee

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Explore how AgeWell Middle Tennessee transforms aging experiences through 40 years of dedicated service to Middle Tennessee families. Elder Care Coach Manager Tiffany Mann reveals essential resources and professional support systems that help caregivers navigate complex aging challenges with confidence and dignity.

Learn about their comprehensive Directory of Services spanning 13 counties, free Elder Care Coaching consultations with master's level social workers, and the innovative RESET financial empowerment program supporting Davidson County seniors. This conversation uncovers vital community resources that provide practical solutions for families facing caregiving responsibilities.

Discover professional guidance that shifts overwhelmed caregivers from crisis mode to empowered navigation. Tiffany shares real stories of transformation, practical assessment tools, and expert insights about Medicare coverage realities, in-home care costs, and scam prevention strategies protecting older adults from financial exploitation.

Whether you're currently caregiving, planning for future needs, or supporting someone on their aging journey, this episode provides actionable information about accessing trusted, vetted resources designed to enhance quality of life for both older adults and their caring families.

Key takeaways include:

• Free 30-minute coaching consultations available through eldercarecoach.org
• Comprehensive resource directory available at every Middle Tennessee public library
• Financial assistance programs for residents 50+ in Davidson County • Critical Medicare coverage education and realistic care planning expectations

Links mentioned:

agewelltn.org - Main website and online resource directory

eldercarecoach.org - Schedule free coaching consultations

ncoa.org - National benefits checkup tool for seniors

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25,000 Tennesseans suffer new brain injuries every year, yet most people don't understand the "invisible injury" that survivors face daily. Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Stacey Mulder, Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of America Tennessee chapter, as we explore this hidden health crisis in Middle Tennessee.

Stacey reveals shocking truths about brain injuries: they're caused by everything from military blast exposures to youth sports, slip-and-fall accidents to strokes. We discuss why private insurance won't cover cognitive therapy for survivors and what's being done to change Tennessee legislation. You'll discover breakthrough technologies helping survivors communicate, critical prevention steps everyone should know, and free resources available right here in our community.

Whether you're a parent concerned about sports safety or someone who knows a brain injury survivor, this Nashville podcast episode will change how you think about brain health. Learn why 64 million Americans live with brain injuries, how Tennessee's support network operates, and simple steps that could prevent tragedy.

Key takeaways include understanding the invisible nature of brain injuries, knowing when to seek help after head trauma, and discovering how community advocacy creates real legislative change for local nonprofits serving our most vulnerable neighbors.

Related Links:

• https://www.biausa.org
• https://www.biausa.org/state-affiliates/tennessee
• Tennessee State Brain Injury Service Coordinators (contact info available on state chapter page)

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