Chuck discusses Gray Line Tennessee's initiatives supporting education, veterans, and diabetes awareness, while explaining the American Diabetes Association's mission and its impact in Tennessee. Chuck serves as the 2025 State of Diabetes Chair for the American Diabetes Association, and shares why and how he personally got involved in supporting the organization that focuses on preventing and curing diabetes and improving the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Chuck discusses their work in funding research, driving advocacy, providing education and building connections and networks of support. The conversation concludes with details about Camp Sugar Falls, a diabetes camp for children, and various association events focused on fundraising, education, and community involvement.

Summary

Gray Line Tennessee's Community Support Initiatives - Chuck Abbott, President and CEO of Gray Line Tennessee discusses the company's community-focused values and its partnership with the American Diabetes Association. Chuck explained that Gray Line Tennessee, a 52-year-old sightseeing and motor coach company with over 320 employees and 250 vehicles, prioritizes employee health and education, particularly regarding diabetes awareness. The company's involvement with the American Diabetes Association aligns with its mission to educate employees about maintaining a healthy, balanced life, especially given the sedentary nature of many of their roles.

Chuck also discusses the company's involvement with PENCIL, an organization supporting Metro Nashville Public Schools, and Operation Stan Down Tennessee, which helps veterans transition to civilian life. He emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and supporting education and veterans, noting that employees are encouraged to promote their preferred charities within the organization, as well..

American Diabetes Association Overview - Chuck provides an overview of the American Diabetes Association's mission to prevent and cure diabetes, improve lives of those affected, and advocate for policy changes. He highlights that the organization, celebrating 85 years, has over 500,000 volunteers and funds critical research, including at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. In Tennessee, diabetes affects over 820,000 people, with significant healthcare and productivity impacts, and Chuck shares his personal connection to the cause through his granddaughter's diagnosis.

Understanding Diabetes: Types and Treatments - Chuck and Jeremy discuss the personal impact of diabetes, with Chuck explaining the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Chuck describes type 1 as an autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells, while type 2 involves the body's inability to effectively use insulin. They discuss advancements in technology and research for diabetes treatment, including potential future developments like an artificial pancreas. Both express optimism about ongoing research and the hope for a cure.

Diabetes Camp Volunteer Experience - Chuck shares his experience volunteering at Camp Sugar Falls, a diabetes camp for children aged 6 to 15, where he first became involved when his granddaughter, who was diagnosed with Type 1 in 2016, was too young to attend but could go with a family member. Chuck, who was the counselor in charge of 6- and 7-year-old campers during his first year, describes the camp as a welcoming environment where children learn to manage their diabetes while forming lasting friendships. He highlights the involvement of medical professionals from Vanderbilt and counselors from Belmont School of Pharmacy, and notes that the camp, founded in 1982, provides not only diabetes management education but also a supportive community for families dealing with the condition.

American Diabetes Association Initiatives - Chuck discusses various events and initiatives organized by the American Diabetes Association, including the Step Out Walk, State of Diabetes, and Camp Sugar Falls, highlighting their focus on fundraising, education, and awareness. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement and volunteering, noting that the association efficiently manages funds to support research and aid individuals with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Resources for Diabetes Awareness

Visit diabetes.org to learn more about the American Diabetes Association and to access resources, information and upcoming events.

Visit graylinetn.com to learn more about Gray Line Tennessee and their community initiatives and focus on customer service.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Debra Sunderland, CEO of Sunderland Coaching, who shares her personal journey from competitive cycling to executive coaching, emphasizing the importance of conscious leadership and self-awareness in driving transformation. She discusses her work in transforming organizations through communication and leadership, using various tools and techniques to help individuals and teams achieve personal and professional growth. The conversation concludes with Debra sharing her approach to leadership, focusing on positive aspects and relationships, and inviting listeners to connect with her through her podcast and website, https://www.sunderlandcoaching.com.

Summary

Journey to Conscious Leadership - Debra Sunderland, CEO of Sunderland Coaching, shares her personal journey from a competitive cyclist to an executive coach, highlighting her transformation after a life-threatening accident. She emphasizes the importance of conscious leadership and the need to become aware of one's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to drive change. Debra explains that while people often try to change outcomes directly, the key to transformation lies in addressing the underlying patterns and thoughts that lead to those outcomes. She concludes by discussing the role of the unconscious mind in resisting change and the power of self-awareness in personal and organizational development.

Transformative Communication and Leadership Strategies - Debra discusses her work in transforming organizations through communication and leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence. She explains her use of tools like the Enneagram, breathing exercises, and cognitive reframing to help individuals and teams break free from limiting patterns and achieve personal and professional growth. Debra highlights the power of feeling emotions fully to gain wisdom and overcome cognitive looping, which can lead to new opportunities and possibilities.

Leadership Through Positive Mindset - Debra shares her approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of giving people grace and focusing on positive aspects rather than negative assumptions. She discusses how this mindset can improve relationships and lead to better outcomes. The conversation concludes with Debra providing her contact information and inviting listeners to connect with her through her podcast "Shut Up and Thrive" and website for Sunderland Coaching, https://www.sunderlandcoaching.com.

Discovery Park CEO Discusses Memphis - Jeremy C. Park interviews R. Scott Williams, author of "Town Mania: Marcus Winchester and the Making of Memphis," and President and CEO of Discovery Park of America. Scott discusses his background as a Memphian and his role at Discovery Park of America, which inspires visitors through exhibits on history, science, and technology. He mentions the park's upcoming focus on America 250 and Tennessee's celebration in 2026, which ties into the themes of his book.

Marcus Winchester's Early Life and Legacy - Scott discusses his research and writing process for his book about Marcus Winchester, a key figure in the early development of Memphis. He explains how Winchester's connection with David Crockett, whom he funded in congressional campaigns after a financial setback, piqued his interest. The book begins with Winchester as a 17-year-old prisoner of war, detailing his early life and the challenges he faced. Scott highlights Winchester's role in establishing Memphis and his journey from a prisoner of war to a prominent figure in the city's development.

Interracial Marriage and Social Struggles - Scott and Jeremy discuss the complexities of Marcus Winchester's life, focusing on his marriage to a woman of mixed racial heritage and the challenges they faced due to societal racism. Winchester, despite his contributions to building the city, was forced to move outside the city limits after laws prohibiting interracial marriage became stricter. The couple had eight biracial children, and their relationship was later portrayed negatively, with evidence of their marriage being erased or misconstrued over time.

Marcus Winchester's Legacy in Memphis - Scott discusses his ancestors' lives in Haywood County and the impact of slavery on their community. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how slavery affected individuals like Marcus Winchester, highlighting the legal restrictions on freeing slaves and the dangers faced by free African Americans. Scott also describes Marcus as a visionary in logistics, business, and commerce, particularly in the development of Memphis. He notes Marcus's contributions to transportation, entertainment, hotels, and tourism, as well as his role as the first mayor and the founder of the city's first charged ferry service.

Marcus Winchester Historical Research Challenges - Scott discusses the challenges of researching and writing about Marcus Winchester, noting the difficulty of piecing together an accurate story from limited historical records and making necessary assumptions. He highlights Winchester's community-focused actions, such as requesting vaccines during an outbreak and seeking permission to use wood during a harsh winter, to illustrate Winchester's character. Scott emphasizes the importance of including relevant historical context to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of early Memphis and its settlers.

Preserving Memphis's Historical Legacy - Scott discusses his hopes for readers of his book about Memphis, emphasizing a deeper appreciation for the city's history and the importance of preserving historical sites. He highlights the story of the Winchester Cemetery, which was neglected and desecrated, to illustrate why historical preservation matters. Scott expresses hope that readers would understand the significance of preserving Memphis's historical buildings and the contributions of previous historians and researchers.

Marcus Winchester's Historical Legacy - Scott discusses the historical significance of Marcus Winchester and the role of transportation in shaping Memphis. He highlights the upcoming anniversary events in 2026, including the bicentennial of Memphis's incorporation and the 230th anniversary of Marcus Winchester's birth, which he hopes will spark public interest in history.

Visit https://rscottwilliams.info/ to learn more about Scott Williams and visit https://discoveryparkofamerica.com to learn more about Discovery Park of America.