Labor and Workforce Development Podcasts

Host Chris Cannon speaks with Pat Mitchell Worley, CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, to discuss Stax Records’ pivotal role in shaping the state’s cultural identity and its contributions to workforce development through youth programs. He also speaks with Isaac Daniel of Stax Music Academy, which has been empowering teens to explore their musical talents for two decades, and Denetra Gee with the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

In this episode, Dr. Leslie Cowell, Dean of the College of Education at Lipscomb University, and Melanie Shinbaum from the Nashville Early Education Coalition discuss the urgent demand for educators serving children up to age 5. Cowell and Angela Goddard of the Joe C. Davis Foundation explore how teacher apprenticeships at Lipscomb are opening doors for aspiring educators.

Lastly, Misty Vetter Parsley and Becky Sullivan from the Lipscomb IDEAL Program share how they’re preparing individuals with developmental disabilities for meaningful employment and greater independence.

In this episode, representatives from the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) discuss the vital role the Bureau plays in supporting workers and employers. We discuss how the BWC helps Tennesseans through services like mediation, the ombudsman program, and return-to-work initiatives designed to assist injured workers in regaining stability and purpose.

We also highlight how the Bureau partners with employers to ensure compliance and promote safer workplaces. We wrap up the episode with a closer look at the BWC’s Medical Unit.

In this episode, Michael P. Davidson from the Skilled Careers Coalition discusses the urgent demand for skilled workers. Next, JJ Owens shares strategies for reaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha to inspire the next generation of talent in the skilled trades. We also spotlight Skills Jam, a unique conference where young people experience hands-on opportunities to explore career paths.

Finally, we head into the kitchen with The Sow Project, where chef Ben Vaughn highlights culinary apprenticeships in Memphis.

In this episode, we sit down with Timberly Russell from the Martha O'Bryan Center in Nashville to explore a critical issue facing many working families: the benefits cliff. 

Russell shares how the Martha O'Bryan Center is working to address this issue through advocacy and policy efforts. We also learn more about the center’s wide range of support services, including an on-site food bank.

In this episode, we spotlight UpRise Nashville, an organization reshaping lives through its innovative workforce development program. Carole Peterson and Al Brady share how UpRise supports individuals who are unemployed or underemployed and facing barriers. Through credential training and holistic support, UpRise empowers participants — known as “leaders” — to build new career pathways and long-term stability.

We also speak with Diamond, a current leader in the program, who shares her goals, her experience, and her vision for a future career.

In this episode, we explore Tennessee’s growing nuclear energy industry with the Tennessee Board of Regents. Chancellor Flora Tydings and Teresa Duncan, TBR’s Nuclear Workforce Lead Strategist, discuss how Tennessee continues to lead the nation in nuclear innovation and workforce development and how the state is preparing and recruiting the next generation of nuclear professionals.

Next, we head to the Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Dickson, where students are training for high-demand careers that will shape the future of energy in Tennessee. 

In this episode, we head to The Peabody Hotel in Memphis, an iconic Tennessee landmark, to explore what it takes to build and sustain a world-class hospitality workforce.

Doug Browne, President of Peabody Hotels & Resorts, and Karen Thompson, Director of Human Resources, share how the Peabody invests in its people, creates pathways for career growth, and maintains excellence in customer service. The conversation highlights workforce development in hospitality, leadership, and the culture that helps the Peabody remain a premier destination while preparing employees for long-term careers in the industry.

In this episode, we spotlight Go Build Tennessee and the growing demand for skilled trades professionals.

First, Nick Lawrence, President of the Go Build Board of Directors and the Christman Co., discusses Tennessee’s most in-demand skilled trades occupations and why the industry is critical to the state’s economic future. Next, we talk with Brent Davidson, a Go Build member and Instructor at the Construction Trades Academy, about preparing the next generation of skilled workers.

Finally, we hear from electrician student Jackson Art, who shares why he chose to pursue a career in the trades.

In this episode, we explore the growing nuclear renaissance in Tennessee, with a focus on the innovation and opportunity emerging in Oak Ridge and across East Tennessee.

Tracy Boatner, President and CEO of the East Tennessee Economic Council (ETEC), and Braden Stover, Chief Policy Adviser for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, discuss why this is such an exciting time for the nuclear industry and its workforce.

We also talk with Brandon Phinx, State Apprenticeship Deputy Director, about the importance of expanding apprenticeship programs to build the next generation of skilled workers.

In this episode, we spotlight Thistle Farms, a nationally recognized social enterprise dedicated to helping women survivors of trafficking, addiction, and exploitation rebuild their lives.

CEO Tasha Kennard reflects on nearly 30 years of impact in Nashville and the organization’s growth. What began in 2001 with a small workforce program making candles, lotions, and other products has expanded into a 25,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, equipping women with transferable skills for a wide range of careers.

We also speak with Lacey Stone, a graduate of the program.

In this episode, we visit Kofee Broz, a coffee shop that is doing far more than serving drinks in Robertson County. Kofee Broz is creating opportunities by opening its doors to individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, providing workforce experience, hands-on training, and valuable skills that prepare them for future employment.

Owner Elecxus Ellis shares how her dream of opening a coffee shop began when she was just 10 years old. Guided by faith and a passion for helping others, Elecxus built Kofee Broz with a mission to “bridge the gap where coffee meets education.”

In this episode, we explore how Career and Technical Education (CTE) is preparing Tennessee students for successful careers.

We begin at the new Williamson County Innovation Center, where hands-on learning and industry partnerships are equipping students with the skills and credentials needed for today's workforce.

Next, we visit the PIE Innovation Center in Bradley County, where students are gaining real-world experience through partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions.

In this episode, our Workforce Focus takes us to Tile Valley, where nearly every piece of tile produced in America has a connection to Tennessee.

We explore the skilled workforce needed to produce this specialized product with Michael Kephart, President of Kephart Group Inc., and Cliff Wightman, President of TCAT Upper Cumberland. They discuss their partnership to develop the next generation of skilled workers for Tennessee’s tile industry and how these careers can create generational opportunities for families.