Talkin' Tennessee with Yvonnca

Knoxville talks a lot about being “the Volunteers” but what does service actually look like when nobody is handing you a script? I’m joined by Liz Stowers, a powerhouse community leader with deep roots in a military “service over self” mindset, and we get real about what it takes to show up, listen first, and build trust in East Tennessee.

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

We’re unpacking leadership that builds people up, leaves no one behind, and measures success by lives changed—not trophies. With Phyllis Nichols, we dig into the practice of leading from the back of the pack, where teaching, coaching, and empowering turn raw potential into real progress. It’s a candid, story-rich exploration of substance over sizzle and why the most effective leaders obsess over outcomes, not optics.

If you are look...

A single question reorients the whole conversation: what if success is measured by who you lift, not what you keep? We sit down with Phyllis Nichols—longtime Urban League leader, civil rights advocate, and relentless connector—to trace how faith, family, and practical tools turn good intentions into real outcomes. 

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

Yvonnca...

What happens when life gives you a second chance? Clarence Vaughn's story is nothing short of extraordinary—a powerful testament to how faith, community support, and personal determination can transform even the most challenging beginnings into a life of purpose and service.
 
 Expelled from high school after missing 86% of the school year with a shocking 0.7 GPA, Clarence could have become another statistic. Instead, ...

What happens when a man who once hit rock bottom finds himself in charge of one of Tennessee's worst natural disasters? John Matthews' journey from addiction to leadership reveals the extraordinary power of second chances.

Purchase his book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-At-Cost-Survival-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0F4XBTKF7

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

"Wisdom at a Cost" isn't just the title of John Matthews' book—it's the thread running through his extraordinary life story. In this deeply moving conversation, John opens up about growing up in a household dominated by his father's alcoholism and abuse, and how that environment set the stage for his own battle with addiction.

This is only part one of John's powerful story—tune in next Fr...

What does it really mean to build tomorrow's women leaders? In this illuminating conversation with Lynn Fugit from the Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians, we uncover the profound impact this historic organization has on young girls and the communities they serve.

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 Assoc...

A street bearing your name might seem like the pinnacle of recognition, but for Ann Furrow, it's just one chapter in a remarkable life story spanning athletics, business, and profound spiritual awakening. In this captivating conversation, Ann reveals how at age 35, despite appearing to have it all together, she discovered the transformative difference between religious appearances and genuine faith.

If you are looking for a Rea...

What does it take to go from a 9-year-old girl excluded from Little League to breaking barriers at every turn? Ann Furrow's story captivates from the moment she recalls picking up a sawed-off golf club and deciding if boys wouldn't let her play their games, she'd excel at her own.

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

Yvonnca Landes
 Realty ...

What does it take to remain grounded in your values while becoming an impactful leader? Dr. Alfred Degrafinreid, President and CEO of Leadership Tennessee, shares the profound lessons that shaped his leadership journey—beginning with sweating on Mississippi Delta rooftops alongside his grandfather.

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

Yvonnca Landes
 Real...

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! 

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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...