In this episode of the cityCURRENT Show, we dive into a transformative conversation with Leonard Cochran, Chief Engagement Officer of UpWords Unlimited and author of Relational Leadership: An Introduction and The Four Constants of Success. With decades of experience helping individuals and organizations elevate their leadership impact, Leonard brings a fresh, people-first perspective to the table.

We explore how traditional leadership models are being challenged by today's rapidly evolving workplace and why relational leadership is the key to unlocking deeper engagement, stronger teams, and more sustainable success. Leonard shares personal insights, research-backed strategies, and the core "constants" every leader needs to thrive in today's dynamic environment.

Whether you're leading a company, a nonprofit, or your own personal growth journey, this episode is packed with wisdom, practical takeaways, and a powerful call to lead with intention, empathy, and consistency.

Tune in to discover why leadership for the next generation starts with building relationships that matter.

Learn more and purchase his books: https://upwordsunlimited.com/

In this episode of the cityCURRENT Show, we sit down with Brandon Tendler, the innovative founder of Bactose®, a groundbreaking probiotic that’s changing the game for anyone who struggles with lactose intolerance.

Brandon shares the personal story and scientific journey behind Bactose®—a supplement that introduces a specialized super strain of lactobacillus acidophilus, which produces lactase enzymes directly in your gut. Just 7 days of use each month trains your gut to digest dairy with ease—no more daily pills, no more discomfort, just the freedom to enjoy the foods you love.

We explore how Bactose® taps into the power of the microbiome, what makes it different from anything else on the market, and how it’s helping people live healthier, more unrestricted lives. Whether you're curious about gut health, lactose intolerance, or entrepreneurship in the wellness space, this episode is packed with inspiration and science-backed insights.

Learn how a dad, husband, and visionary created a solution that empowers people to enjoy real food without compromise.

Learn more at https://bactose.com and get ready to experience dairy differently.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Marcie Smeck Bryant, who recently was honored with the Social Justice Impact Award at the 2025 Strobel Volunteer Awards hosted by Hands On Nashville powered by United Way of Greater Nashville. Marcie Smeck Bryant is a retired strategic communications professional, who has been actively involved with The Nashville Food Project for over a decade, helping to establish and manage a weekly community meal program at Trinity Community Commons that focuses on food security and community building.

Through her work with The Nashville Food Project, Trinity Community Commons, and Feedback Nashville, Marcie has been instrumental in addressing food deserts, waste reduction, and supporting urban farming initiatives while emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and community engagement.

During the interview, Marcie shares her story and passion for serving others. She describes The Nashville Food Project's mission to grow, cook, and share food, focusing on community building and hunger relief. She highlights their three main components: providing 7,000 meals weekly, recovering and collecting donated food from various sources, and supporting urban farming initiatives. Marcie also details the partnership with Trinity Community Commons, which offers free meals, wraparound services, and neighborhood support through a community garden and upcoming supportive housing development.

Marcie then talks about serving on the board with The Nashville Food Project and their engagement in Feedback Nashville, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and addressing food deserts and waste in the city. She shares her personal experiences and insights gained through volunteering, emphasizing the power of taking action. Marcie wraps up talking about the significance of the 2025 Strobel Volunteer Awards' Social Justice Impact Award, and encourages others to find their passion and get involved in community organizations like The Nashville Food Project and Trinity Community Commons.

Visit https://www.thenashvillefoodproject.org to learn more about the Nashville Food Project. Visit https://www.trinitycommunitycommons.org to learn more about Trinity Community Commons.

On this episode of the cityCURRENT Show, host Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Keisha Walker, Community Affairs Manager for Vitalant, to explore how one of the nation’s leading nonprofit blood providers is turning compassion into action—and giving students an opportunity to save lives and earn scholarships.

Keisha shares Vitalant’s mission to maintain a steady, lifesaving blood supply for patients in need and sheds light on the challenges in cities like Memphis, where only one in four blood units needed by hospitals is donated locally. With stories that highlight the real-world impact of donation—from trauma care to sickle cell treatment—Keisha emphasizes the critical role every donor plays in the healthcare system.

The conversation dives deep into Vitalant’s 2025 Student Leader Scholarship Program, a summer initiative (June 1–August 31) that empowers students across the region to host virtual blood drives and earn up to $1,000 in scholarship funds. Keisha explains how easy it is for students to get involved, the leadership skills they gain, and how they can build a legacy of generosity starting now.

Whether you're a student, parent, educator, or simply someone looking to give back, this episode will inspire you to take action, get involved, and recognize the power in just one donation.

Learn more and sign up: https://vitalant.org/scholarship

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Karen Briscoe, Executive Program Director with PLAY NICE, who highlights the nonprofit organization focused on "providing a holistic youth development experience that prepares students for life beyond the classroom - equipping them with real-world skills, entrepreneurial mindsets, workforce readiness, and the confidence to lead with purpose, engage in their communities, and build meaningful futures through hands-on learning and mentorship."

During the interview, Karen shares how the nonprofit organization started in 2019 by Tye Coleman and Kenny Cohen as an anti-bullying program, "Imagine It's You and Do Something," with the Police Athletic League (PAL) in New Jersey and Florida, and then how PLAY NICE was brought to Nashville when Tye Coleman moved back home to Tennessee. Karen highlights how PLAY NICE has grown in Nashville through partnerships, including Boys & Girls Clubs, Kid Power, YMCA, and Metro Nashville Schools, and how their programs still focus on anti-bullying, but have evolved to provide a holistic youth development experience with character education for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The organization's initiatives include building self-esteem, workforce development, and entrepreneurship through mentorship programs, along with year-round activities like summer camps and after-school programs. Karen discusses the positive impact of their programs and talks about the importance of their volunteers, called "Champions for Change." Karen highlights the positive impact on participants, noting increased confidence and improved behavior, and encouraged community support through donations and volunteer opportunities, emphasizing that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve success with the right support.

Visit https://www.nbztv.com/ to learn more about PLAY NICE and how to get involved, or you can call Karen Briscoe at 615-755-9718. PLAY NICE is located at The Forge, 217 Willow Street in Nashville, Tennessee.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with JR Robinson, CEO and Co-Founder of JustMy, who discusses how their platform helps organizations share and distribute content through digital business cards and an InfoHUB in order to better connect and engage with the community. During the interview, JR explains how JustMy started in 2019 to give nonprofits a voice and has since expanded to create digital magazines, a newsstand, a virtual studio service, and now digital business cards and their InfoHUB. He discusses the InfoHUB's ability to consolidate content for expanded reach, with examples including a custom application for the Shelby County Sheriff's Office that provides incident cards for accident victims and traffic violations.

JR discusses the mission of JustMy, emphasizing its focus on community service and affordable, educational tools to help individuals and businesses share their stories. He highlights the platform's unique feature of allowing users to control their content and branding, unlike other platforms like Facebook. JR also introduces the slogan, "All Eyes on You," which he believes reflects the inherent greatness in everyone and encourages individuals to showcase their best selves. He plans to further develop this concept and its narrative as part of a larger effort and movement with JustMy.

JR then introduces "JustMyGrants," a program offering full-service marketing support to businesses and nonprofits for 12 months, covering up to $14,000 in in-kind services. The program includes monthly check-ins, planning sessions, and support for events, with a focus on helping nonprofits prepare for events and create engaging content. JR explains that the goal is to distribute 6,000 grants, providing $84 million in in-kind services, and emphasizes that the program is available nationwide due to advancements in technology.

JR encourages listeners to learn more and take the next steps by visiting justmy.com or the local Memphis and Nashville websites, and JR highlights the availability of a free "myCARD X" to get started.

Visit www.JustMy.com to learn more.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Patrick McGuire, Nashville Chapter Coordinator with Guitars for Vets, who highlights the nonprofit organization focused on sharing the healing power of music with our Veterans. Guitars for Vets (G4V) serves at-risk United States Veterans impacted by PTSD and other service-related trauma. Through their unique, 10-week structured guitar instruction program, G4V puts the healing power of music in the hands of our nation’s heroes, helping to foster renewal, connection and community.

During the interview, Patrick shares how the organization was founded in 2007 by guitar instructor, Patrick Nettesheim, and his student, Vietnam era Marine, Dan Van Buskirk, after realizing the guitar and lessons were a catalyst for positive human interaction and joy where it had once been lost. Patrick discusses the model and how guitars and lessons are provided at no cost to US Military Veterans who are referred by their doctor or a case/social worker at The Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. Ten private lessons are taught using practice guitars donated by the local community. Upon completion, the Veteran/student is awarded a new acoustic guitar and accessories. Patrick emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of learning guitar, citing its ability to help Veterans rewire their brains and find joy, while also highlighting the importance of volunteer instructors who possess patience, acceptance, gratitude, and empathy. The organization, which has about 170 chapters nationwide, relies on word-of-mouth and volunteer efforts to expand its reach and impact.

Patrick wraps up explaining the need for financial contributions, donated guitars, and volunteer instructors to support the mission and continued growth of the organization. He emphasizes the importance of financial transparency and encourages listeners to visit the website for more information and to contact local chapter coordinators to get involved.

Visit https://guitars4vets.org to learn more and to get involved with Guitars for Vets.

https://www.facebook.com/GuitarsForVets/
https://www.tiktok.com/@guitars_for_vets
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1zjBS5JiYhOeVLprWb8q_A

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Drü Collie, Co-Founder and Director of Philanthropy for Sole Hope, who highlights the nonprofit organization and their efforts to provide shoes and medical care and to restore dignity and hope for children in Uganda. The organization's mission is to "equip the vulnerable to walk in freedom from life-threatening diseases and exploitation through education, empowerment, and medical relief." During the interview, Drü shares how Sole Hope was founded after he and his wife discovered the devastating impact of jiggers, a parasitic infection impacting children in Uganda, through a YouTube video. The organization focuses on combating this neglected tropical disease in Uganda, where it is often stigmatized as witchcraft. Drü and his family moved to Uganda for six years to establish the organization, and the organization is now based in Nashville, Tennessee, with a team of employees working directly in Uganda.

Drü explains the process of Sole Hope's work in Uganda, which involves weekly village visits to wash children's feet, remove jiggers, provide education, and distribute shoes. The organization employs 48 Ugandans, including tailors and shoemakers, who create shoes from recycled denim sent from America. Drü emphasizes the importance of providing shoes, as it helps keep children in school, protects them from parasites and injuries, and addresses the stigma associated with jiggers. The organization has distributed over 370,000 pairs of shoes and operates a residential facility for severe cases.

Drü discusses Sole Hope's expansion into mental health and addiction treatment, as they've found that many of their patients in Uganda face non-physical challenges due to poverty. He explains various ways the community can support their efforts, including a $10 monthly donation program and participating in shoe-cutting parties, which are being relaunched as team-building events for businesses. Drü emphasizes the importance of taking action when seeing a problem and shares how this journey has transformed his family's perspective on life and making a difference.

Drü shares the story of Joy, a 10-year-old girl who was severely affected by jiggers, a parasitic infection. Joy was initially nicknamed "Little Duck" due to her abnormal walk caused by over 720 jiggers in her body. After receiving treatment at the Hope Center, Joy's physical and mental condition improved dramatically within a week. Her transformation not only changed her life but also impacted her village's perception of the jiggers problem, demonstrating the effectiveness of their intervention in combating this treatable disease.

Drü wraps up highlighting the ways the community can support their efforts through financial contributions, Shoe Cutting Parties, Team Building Experiences, or visiting Uganda to see the impact firsthand.

Visit https://www.solehope.org to learn more and get involved with Sole Hope.