Talkin' Tennessee with Yvonnca

Dr. Alfred Degrafinreid II, President and CEO of Leadership Tennessee, is a natural born leader and a true champion for the community. He brings purpose, passion, and powerful insight into every space he steps into and his impact runs deep. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! 

If you are looking for a Realtor, don't forget to call The Landes Team to help you buy and sell! 

Yvonnca Landes
 Realty Executives Asso...

What makes a village, and why do we need one at every stage of life? In this profound conversation with Dr. Katrina Hall-Smith, we explore the enduring power of community across generations.

Dr. Hall-Smith's remarkable journey takes us from her roots in a close-knit Tennessee neighborhood to her 32-year military career, then to becoming a physician—all shaped by the villages that supported her along the way. Born two ...

This episode is dedicated to Pat Summitt and Joan Cronan.

What does it take to carry forward the legacy of a Tennessee icon? Morgan Vance never played basketball and never met Pat Summit, yet today she stands at the helm of the legendary coach's foundation, expanding its reach far beyond state lines.

Morgan's story defies conventional career narratives. At 33, this mother of five from a blended family has transfor...

What happens when a first-generation college student from a small Pennsylvania coal mining town becomes a university dean? In this captivating conversation, University of Tennessee's College of Communication and Information Dean Joe Mazer joins host Yvonnca to share his remarkable journey and vision for higher education. 

You all will enjoy this conversation! 

If you are looking for a Realtor, don't forget to call The Lande...

Dr. Avice Reid, brings a lifetime of wisdom to this captivating conversation about breaking barriers and building bridges in Knoxville. After 34 years at TVA—where she started as a co-op student from Knoxville College and rose through the ranks despite facing discrimination as the only Black female at the engineering lab—Dr. Reid now serves as the interim President and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League.

She works dill...

Beyond the logistics of planning, this conversation uncovers the profound personal connection driving Jordan's commitment to excellence. With remarkable transparency, he pulls back the curtain on his process for March Madness planning, where he simultaneously books venues in eight different potential tournament cities, prepares comprehensive run-of-shows for each, and then pivots instantly when brackets are announced. "Th...

Jordan Brantley Prewitt's journey from a small-town kid to becoming a driving force behind University of Tennessee's alumni athletic events reveals what truly makes someone a Volunteer. Attending his first UT football game at just two years old planted seeds that would eventually blossom into a career dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for the Vol Nation.

You will be inspired for this conversation! 

I...

A powerful conversation unfolds as Matt Ryerson, the new CEO of YMCA East Tennessee, shares his courageous journey to a renewed purpose. After 15 years in the United Way network, Matt found himself successful on paper but disconnected from the direct impact that originally fueled his passion. His candid admission about wrestling with the fear of "what will people think?" resonates with anyone who's ever felt trapped ...

From the rich tapestry of Southern life to the vibrant community of the University of Tennessee, join us as we sit down with Dr. Tyvi Small, the inspiring Vice Chancellor of Access and Engagement. Tyvi’s journey from Pahokee, Florida, to his impactful role in Tennessee is filled with lessons on leadership, family, and faith. The conversation extends to creating supportive environments, like the one fostered at the University of Ten...

This week you will hear the heartwarming journey of Emily Houston, a remarkable East Tennessee native, and how her personal mantra of "grit and grace" shapes her life. In this episode of Talkin' Tennessee, Emily opens up about wearing many hats—Christian wife, mother, and business owner—while passionately serving her community. Her story inspires us to embrace life's challenges with resilience, recognizing mista...

Discover how the University of Tennessee is redefining student success with Dr. Amber Williams at the helm. She outlines transformative initiatives like deploying the CliftonStrengths assessment to help students capitalize on their unique capabilities and build self-assurance. Dr. Williams also shares her innovative approach to reshaping the orientation experience, stretching it throughout the year to foster a nurturing and inclusi...

Picture a mother of two making the bold move from Kansas to Nebraska to chase her dreams as the youngest admissions director in the nation. This episode unravels the challenges and triumphs of balancing a trailblazing career in diversity recruitment with personal life, including the supportive relationships like her marriage to Dr. Dedrick Williams that have been her cornerstone. We highlight her passion for college students and he...

What happens when deep faith, and resilience combine? Join us as we welcome Carla Burrows from Genesis Real Estate Title who shares her remarkable journey of overcoming generational curses and revealing the unexpected gifts life can offer.

To work with Genesis Real Estate Title, give them a call at 854-454-8000. 

If you are looking for a Realtor, don't forget to call The Landes Team to help you buy and sell! ...

This week we welcome Pastor Chris Battle, owner of BattleField Farm Gardens! In part 2 we discussed the food insecurity in our community. Pastor Battle is partnering with community members to make fresh food accessible and to cultivate land-based sovereignty through education, workforce development, and direct relationships to land.

To connect with Battlefield Farms, go to their site at https://battlefieldfarm.org/about/

This week we welcome Pastor Chris Battle, owner of BattleField Farm Gardens! We had a great conversation about his journey In ministry, and how he is bringing fresh food and spreading love to the community in such an amazing way! 

Battle Field Farm is working to end food insecurity by partnering with community members to make fresh food accessible and to cultivate land-based sovereignty through education, workforce development, and ...

This week we welcome Mayor Glenn Jacobs back to the show for Part 2! In this episode, our conversation is about inflation, he importance of local elections, what is needed in Knox County and what's next for Mayor Glenn Jacobs. 

Mayor Glenn Jacobs took office in September 2018. Since that time, he has worked diligently to tell the rest of the world what he already knows: that Knox County is the best place to live, work, and rais...

This week we welcome Mayor Glenn Jacobs to the show! We are excited for you all to hear the various topics we discussed…personally and professionally. He tells us about his journey from WWE to Mayor. Get ready to enjoy Part 1! 

Mayor Glenn Jacobs took office in September 2018. Since that time, he has worked diligently to tell the rest of the world what he already knows: that Knox County is the best place to live, work, and raise a f...