| No. |
Date |
Name of Episode |
Guests |
Host |
Description |
Duration |
|---|
| 01 |
2024-08-05 |
State of the Workforce - Commissioner Deniece Thomas (Premiere Episode) |
Thomas, Commissioner Deniece |
Chris Cannon |
Commissioner Deniece Thomas talks about current and upcoming projects, such as the building of the new Nissan Stadium, the Youth Employment Program and more. Later, Adult Education Assistant Commissioner Jay Baker talks about a new pathway to a high school diploma in Tennessee. |
22:01 |
| 02 |
2024-09-02 |
State of the Workforce - Tennessee Titans |
Duffield, Beth;
Matthews, Johari;
Rea, Garrett |
Chris Cannon |
Host Chris Cannon speaks with Johari Matthews, Vice President and Executive Director of ONE Community and the Titans Foundation for the Tennessee Titans. They discuss the workers who are building the new Nissan Stadium, as well as Titans Construction Training Camp (TC2), a workforce development center on-site where workers can get two industry certifications to further their careers. They also speak about efforts to keep workers safe and compliant with TOSHA's safety standards |
22:45 |
| 03 |
2024-10-07 |
State of the Workforce - Nissan Powertrain Assembly Plant |
Overbay, Matt; Garry, Nikki L. |
Chris Cannon |
Host Chris Cannon speaks with Matt Overbay of Nissan about the Nissan Powertrain Assembly Plant in Decherd, Tennessee. The plant has been praised for its forward-thinking approach, including its collaboration through the Nissan Centers of Excellence. This episode also includes Nikki L. Garry, a transformational speaker and educator. She discusses National Family and Work Month and the importance of a healthy work-life balance. |
22:38 |
| 04 |
2024-11-04 |
State of the Workforce - Apprenticeship TN |
Phinx, Brandon; Dickens, Larry |
Chris Cannon |
Host Chris Cannon sits down with Brandon Phinx, the Middle TN Apprenticeship Director, who provides insight into Registered Apprenticeships and Pre-Apprenticeship programs, explaining how they equip Tennesseans with essential skills and open pathways to rewarding careers. We also hear from Larry Dickens, Training Manager at North American Stamping Group, who shares his firsthand experience with apprenticeship programs. |
22:34 |
| 05 |
2024-12-02 |
State of the Workforce - Stax Records |
Mitchell Worley, Pat; Daniel, Isaac; Gee, Denetra |
Chris Cannon |
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.
|
22:13 |
| 06 |
2025-01-03 |
State of the Workforce - 2025: A Look Ahead |
Thomas, Commissioner Deniece; McWhorter, Commissioner Stuart; Berrones, Lyndi |
Chris Cannon |
Host Chris Cannon speaks with Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) Commissioner Deniece Thomas and Economic and Community Development (ECD) Commissioner Stuart McWhorter about how their collaborative efforts are driving growth and innovation. He also speaks with ECD Assistant Commissioner Lyndi Berrones about the remarkable achievements of the largest Governor's Conference (GovCon) event on record. |
22:26 |
| 07 |
2025-02-03 |
State of the Workforce - Tourism in Tennessee |
Ezell, Commissioner Mark; Urban, Sara Beth; Leatherwood, Jackie |
Chris Cannon |
Host Chris Cannon speaks with Tourism Development Commissioner Mark Ezell and Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association CEO and President Sara Beth Urban to explore how sales tax revenue from visitors is reinvested into communities, creating jobs, increasing wages, and expanding the state's tax base. He also speaks with Greystone Lodge on the River General Manager Jackie Leatherwood about hiring in the hospitality industry. |
22:54 |
| 08 |
2025-03-03 |
State of the Workforce - The Evolution of American Job Centers |
Jackson, Dr. Shanna; Rye, Marla; Allen, Sarita |
Chris Cannon |
In this episode, we explore how new partnerships are reshaping workforce development in Tennessee. In Nashville, the American Job Center has relocated to Nashville State Community College's East Davidson campus. We sit down with Dr. Shanna Jackson, President of Nashville State, and Workforce Essentials Executive Director Marla Rye to discuss the collaboration. We also speak with Sarita Allen about the Memphis AJC's new location and what it means for job seekers and employers. |
22:38 |
| 09 |
2025-04-02 |
State of the Workforce - Go Build Tennessee |
Van De Voorde, Steve; Crownowver, Clay; Gower, Leslie |
Chris Cannon |
In this episode, we spotlight the skilled trades industry in Tennessee. We sit down with Steve Van De Voorde, Board President of Go Build Tennessee, to discuss the urgent need for skilled workers. Next, we hear from Clay Crownover of Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Tennessee, who shares how making the switch from a desk job to a hands-on trade career is easier than many think. Lastly, Leslie Gower from Associated Contractors of East Tennessee introduces us to the Be Pro Be Proud trailer, an interactive experience that gives students a look at careers in the skilled trades. |
22:56 |
| 10 |
2025-4-25 |
State of the Workforce - Youth Employment Program |
Richardson, Cortney; Trull, Chris; Harrison, Kevin |
Chris Cannon |
The 2024 Youth Employment Program (YEP) was a major success, connecting nearly 5,000 young people with meaningful work experiences across Tennessee. We sit down with Cortney Richardson from Peer Power in Memphis, who shares how YEP participants gained hands-on experience in diverse fields. Then we hear from Chris Trull of Buffalo River Resort, who highlights the importance of supporting youth employment in rural communities. Finally, we recognize National Skilled Trades Day with Kevin Harrison, Vice President of TCAT Nashville. He talks about how careers in the skilled trades offer affordable, debt-free pathways to success. |
22:45 |
| 11 |
2025-5-30 |
State of the Workforce - ProStart |
Barragan, Brittany; Weatherford, Lyndsey; Mangrum, Audrey; Tracey, Evan |
Chris Cannon |
In this episode, we dive into the world of culinary arts and hospitality. We talk with Brittany Barragan from the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association and Chef Lyndsey Weatherford of Nolensville High School about the ProStart program, which allows students to explore real-world careers in the hospitality industry. Then it's off to the kitchen with the state culinary champions from Blackman High School as they showcase their award-winning dishes. Finally, we catch up with management competition state champions Audrey Mangrum and Evan Tracey from Nolensville High School to learn about their winning restaurant concept. |
22:46 |
| 12 |
2025-6-27 |
State of the Workforce - Lipscomb University |
Cowell, Dr. Leslie; Shinbaum, Melanie; Parsley, Misty Vetter; Sullivan, Becky |
Chris Cannon |
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.
|
22:11 |
| 13 |
2025-8-4 |
State of the Workforce - Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation |
Haley, Troy; White, Marion; Byers, Claudia; Wheaton, Lance; Jones, Marshay; Douglas, Suzy |
Chris Cannon |
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.
|
22:47 |
| 14 |
2025-8-28 |
State of the Workforce - The Demand for Skilled Workers |
Davidson, Michael P.; Owens, JJ; Vaughn, Ben |
Chris Cannon |
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.
|
22:59 |
| 15 |
2025-10-2 |
State of the Workforce - Martha O'Bryan Center Addresses Benefit Cliffs |
Russell, Timberly |
Chris Cannon |
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.
|
21:19 |
| 16 |
2025-11-3 |
State of the Workforce - TNWorks |
Commissioner Deniece Thomas; Deputy Governor and Commissioner Stuart McWhorter; Dr. Steven Gentile; and Dr. Jeff Sisk |
Chris Cannon |
In this episode, we discuss TNWorks, a groundbreaking initiative that unites six state agencies to strengthen the state’s workforce and economy. TDLWD Commissioner Deniece Thomas and Deputy Governor and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter share how this collaborative effort will help businesses thrive across the state.
Later, we hear from Tennessee Higher Education Commission Executive Director Dr. Steven Gentile and Tennessee Board of Regents Executive Director Dr. Jeff Sisk, who discuss the vital education component of TNWorks. |
22:54 |
