Monica Holmes started her catering business in her home kitchen as a single mother seeking to provide for her family. From waiting tables at O’Charley’s to crafting her love for cooking into a 44+ year-old catering business that employs three generations of her family, learn about her tenacity, creative flair, and succession planning as she follows…

H. Beecher Hicks has been an investment banker, a private equity investor, worked in the executive branch of government, and is an entrepreneur, public speaker, and writer. He facilitated the design and construction of the National Museum of African American Music and recently became President/CEO of the National Black MBA Association. In this podc…

Gina Keltner built her dream career as a talent booker for the legendary Grand Ole Opry, but that passion is far surpassed by the love she has as a single parent. In this podcast, she underscores the importance of work/life balance, relationships, and motherhood by sharing inspiring stories including her daughter's adoption, meeting Shaun Cassidy, …

Megan Barry embodies resilience and advocacy. Her journey through triumphs and challenges has led her to be a guiding light for others. In this podcast, learn about her life including the lessons she's learned, the passion that drives her, and why she is intent on building awareness about substance use disorders that claimed the life of her only so…

Deborah Evans Price is a trailblazer in the world of entertainment journalism. She captures the artists and their stories with depth and insight. From her early days as a music journalist to her acclaimed book, “Country Faith,” she's witnessed the evolution of country music. A beacon of inspiration for those seeking to follow their passions, at any…

James Ivey spent much of his life as a minister in the U.S. and as a missionary around the world. In his later years, a health incident brought him back to Middle Tennessee. Join us to learn what keeps James Ivey motivated to help others and himself, how he continues to minister and mentor those around him, and the role his daughter's friends, the …

Rhonda Clark was not expected to live 48 hours much less 50+ years. Born with cerebral palsy, she demonstrates daily that everyone in life has a purpose and that life with a disability is just another way of living. Let’s learn how this entrepreneur is living her best life and why she intends to create better transportation options for adults in Mi…

Grand Ole Opry icon Bill Anderson’s career spans seven decades. He is one of the most awarded songwriters in country music history, a million-selling recording artist, a beloved onstage performer, a television game show host, a network soap opera star, and an author. Anderson flirted with a baseball career in his youth and dabbled as a journalist a…

Kathy Mattea has Grammys, CMAs, gold albums, hit singles, and a platinum for her music ranging from country and Celtic, to folk, gospel, and bluegrass. She explains how her performance career nearly ended when – in her 50s – her voice began to change. In this podcast, she underscores the power of perseverance, tenacity, faith, and music.…

Larry Cox shares how hard work as a sharecropper caused him to seek new horizons in Chicago, where his love for the harmonica led him to the blues scene. There he rubbed shoulders with greats including Muddy Waters. Now, he has traded the Windy City for Music City. In this podcast, he shares his inspiring story of how perseverance and life skills –…

Grammy-winner Tricia Walker has performed with Shania Twain, Paul Overstreet, and Connie Smith. As a singer and songwriter, her passion is music rooted in the American South. In this podcast, she speaks on her friendship with Opry legend Roy Acuff, her success in country and gospel music, being a founding member of the Bluebird Cafe's Women in the …

“Granny” Elnora Terry lost her only son to a tragedy. Her new beginning as an AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program has given her life new meaning. This podcast shares some of the most uplifting and powerful messages for all of us as she demonstrates her commitment to mentoring and tutoring children in high-need elementary schools and learn…

Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia as a teen, Ray Lay shares how battling mental illness and substance abuse forced him to live on the streets. Learn how joining the Marines and getting his GED paved the way for his success. Today, he provides peer support for veterans, is a board member of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), and is …

A widow, after a happy marriage of almost 58 years, Marilyn Nevens found new beginnings at a senior center in Brentwood, TN. Today, she is matriarch and co-founder of the FiftyForward Card Crusaders, a group of women, who find support and purpose by creating gorgeous hand-crafted greeting cards. Marilyn’s sense of self and story demonstrate anythin…

Edward Morris is a prolific writer, author, poet, playwright, and renowned country music journalist. A longtime editor of “Billboard Nashville”, he also wrote for Country Music Television into his 80s until COVID caused layoffs. This music industry insider offers an intriguing look at his career as well as his unconventional love story and caregivi…

Andy Andrews has been hailed by the New York Times as someone who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America. His books have been translated into 40 languages. Four U.S. presidents have asked him to present as an inspirational speaker. He has worked with some of the world's largest corporations and sports teams. Learn how bein…

Singer-songwriter Tom Grant has written songs for Tammy Wynette, Eddy Arnold, Ray Price, and Mickey Gilley. He sang with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, on Hee Haw, Pop! Goes the Country, and for years was a regular performer on Ralph Emery's morning show, and The Nashville Network's Nashville Now. In this interview, learn about Grant’s career, health …

Barbara Kimbro helps us learn about navigating life with a disability and describes how serving as an All of Us Research Program peer ambassador, volunteering, and being part of a senior community contribute to her well-being. This conversation illuminates her passion for precision medicine, people, and engagement to live life to the fullest.…

Coach Bill Courtney is known for his inspirational leadership as a high school football coach in West Tennessee. His story, as told in the Oscar-winning documentary “Undefeated,” is a shining example of encouragement to create winners on and off the field. Learn how “Undefeated” was a game changer for Courtney and how today he's recognizing “an arm…

AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer Ed Batsel received a lifetime achievement award from President Biden for 25 years of service and 4,000 plus hours delivering meals. A FiftyForward Fresh Meals volunteer, he is soon to be 90. Despite recently losing his wife, Ed has a positive attitude and is a model for active aging. He loves learning from his children …

Dr. William Schaffner is the Professor of Preventive Medicine and Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. As a spokesperson for the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, he is an often-tapped resource for infectious disease education and is passionate about health, vaccines, and disease prevention. When not teaching …

Robb Holland is a professional race car driver, auto journalist, and tv personality with records in the British Touring Car, Pikes Peak, and the World Touring Car Championships. A former collegiate cycling champ, Robb talks about preparing for the Nashville Grand Prix, the similarities between cycling and auto racing, and how the drive for competit…

T.J. Tennent is a forensics expert, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur who has channeled negativity for the greater good. He's a natural-born teacher who uses his longtime passion for all things automotive to create a global tire forensics business that is building momentum. In this Squeeze the Day, let's learn how anger management, valuing rel…

Lidia Bastianich is a household name for those who follow Italian food and cooking. She’s won countless accolades including an Emmy as a television host and seven James Beard Awards. As a best‐selling cookbook author, and celebrated restaurateur (Becco - New York, Lidia’s - Kansas City, and as a partner in Eataly locations in the U.S. and Sao Paulo…

John Guider is an adventure seeker, photographer, and author who delights in the outdoors. His work is in museums, corporate and private collections, as well as in the Arts in Embassies program. His water journeys - by canoe and later a 14.5 foot sail-equipped rowboat he built - have gained him recognition as he explores waterways bringing history …

Nashville power couple Linda Davis and Lang Scott have excelled in country and Christian music. As parents of Rylee Jean and Lady A's frontwoman Hillary Scott, their story is inspiring as is their love for life and learning. In this podcast, they share how they met, married, and balanced careers and a family. Learn how a talent series win and work …

Bernie Sheahan had a storied career in PR, radio, and as a columnist at the “Nashville Scene.” When her editor encouraged her to write an account of her very personal mental health journey, the cover story received incredible response and community support. In this inspiring podcast, we'll learn how she manages her mental health, why coaching middl…

Cardiologist Dr. David Sabgir felt he was failing to help patients improve their health. So, he invited them to walk with him to reverse the effects of a sedentary life and offered health education while walking. From that idea, Walk with a Doc was born inspiring doctors across the world. It has now spread to 500+ communities in 40+ countries. Dr. …

Mario Andretti is considered to be one of the most successful racers in history. His roots and early life in a refugee camp likely contributed to his strength and determination. Today, the Andretti brand extends well beyond racing. Mario has a winery, a petroleum business, and a growing global motorsports presence. His intense drive to be victoriou…

Tina Chilton is 85 years young. She can out-plank people half her age… including a young intern who was blown away by Tina’s drive to excel. Born in Texas to parents from Mexico, she has lived in many states and traveled the world while in the military. Her service to our country and her drive to stay relevant and engaged with others across the gen…

Fabian Bedne credits his parents, Argentinian roots, and his desire to help others as factors in his quest to make the world a better place. After a dictatorship dramatically changed life in Argentina, a work exchange program led him to Ohio, and later to Tennessee. Bedne became a citizen, a council rep, a highly-requested wedding officiant, and a …

Edgar Struble is a film producer, music director, author, performer, and public speaker who has worked with Kenny Rogers, and directed or composed music for the Academy of Country Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. He has rubbed shoulders with stars ranging from Lionel Ritchie, Taylor Swift, and Dolly Parton to actor Christopher Lloyd. Today…

Janet Jernigan has won countless awards in her life. Her more than 50-year career as a nonprofit leader is legendary as are the records she currently holds as an athlete. However, her true advocacy for others may be rooted in the mid-1960s when, as a student at Vanderbilt University, she began to advocate for equality by playing a role in the civil…

Brad Schmitt is lucky to be alive and to have a purpose. In this interview, this journalist shares how owning his decisions has brought him full circle. This compelling conversation touches on how bullying and abusive parents led him to alcohol and drug abuse. He shares how job loss brought him new beginnings. His redemption came from a support tea…

Mark Edward Dickerson married his partner, Chef Kevin, after almost 40 years together. Learn more about how this small business owner and father works to build a strong community to lift up the lives of others. From birth to adulthood, in this interview, we learn the role adoptions have played throughout his life and how family, fostering connectio…

Darline Lewis built a career bringing life into the world as a labor and delivery nurse. Forced to retire early due to a botched medical procedure, life has now come full circle as the daughter she welcomed into the world years ago has stepped in to help her. The aha moments for these two are eye-opening as more children are becoming youth caregive…

A Grammy winner and Grand Ole Opry member, Jeannie Seely, speaks about the hallowed institution and candidly shares about her life and how she is not hesitant to challenge status quo to bring about change for women. Her love for performance, including theatre, shines as does her desire to explain why an education in business is an asset in the musi…

As a Hee Haw Honey on one of the longest-running comedy/music series, Mackenzie Colt shares snapshots of her life including how as a teenage mom she found her way to Music City, landed on Hee Haw, and was influenced by the program and music icons including Buck Owens. Mackenzie later launched what today is now the oldest chocolate business in Nashv…

Eric Jackson is a four-time world champion who has dominated the whitewater kayaking scene for the past three decades. Despite the challenges of hearing loss, he spent 26 years on the U.S. Kayak Team (1989-2015) winning on an international level. In 2017, well into his 40s and now at 57, he qualified for the U.S. Team. At the age of 6, Eric got hoo…

Originally from Ghana, Dr. T. Kwami credits his parents for instilling in him the love of music. In this podcast, he shares priceless stories about moving to the U.S., finding Fisk University, and becoming a Fisk Jubilee Singer. Now a faculty member and director of the legendary singing group, Dr. Kwami is dedicated to preserving the heritage of th…

Larry Talley grew up with music in his heart. Now he uses his love for playing music, especially the clarinet, as therapy for himself and others. He discovered that sharing music – especially with seniors in the community – could be a transformative gift to others. Talley has been called an icon, an inspiration, and a living miracle. Learn more abo…

Nashville songwriter turns to film and video after the tragic loss of his daughter. Meet John Hamlin who demonstrates how a real-world tragedy can be the catalyst for positive change and new direction at any age. In this podcast he speaks to the searing loss and how, today, his late daughter leaves “breadcrumbs” to help him navigate a new life of a…

Artist Phil Ponder has been capturing our Nashville for 50+ years leaving a lasting legacy. As a community servant, he cites the late Vic Varallo and Judge Randy Kennedy as mentors during his early Metro Council service. Learn from Ponder about the challenges of bringing our community its first major sports team; fun tidbits about the “Batman” buil…

For more than 36 years, Barry Coggins has served up food, and sometimes a song or two, to lift-up and nourish older adults in his home communities of Dallas and Nashville. That’s approximately 13,000 meals! Coggins doesn’t know a stranger. As a longtime ally and advocate for others, a friend of the singer/songwriter said, “giving is Barry’s middle …

Vera Coleman is an inspiring octogenarian who worked in pathology at Meharry and later as a biologist at Vanderbilt. At the time (late 1950s and early 60s) few women and fewer women of color worked in the sciences. Using her lifetime of experience, she is now an ambassador for the All of Us Research Program. A lifelong learner Vera is an advocate f…

Sarah Martin McConnell found a calling to launch nonprofit Music for Seniors after she witnessed the transformational effect it had on lives – including that of her mother – when she performed for her and other participants of FiftyForward’s Adult Day Services program. Today Sarah’s focus is to light up the lives of older adults because she has wit…

Metro Nashville Councilmember Nancy VanReece is bringing community together and challenging status quo in so many ways. She’s never met a stranger and seems to always be on the frontline advocating for diverse groups of our population. A great connector and mentor to many, this Oklahoman moved to Nashville in 1986 and has continued to give back to …

Nashville’s Spashionista Alicia Searcy embarked on an exciting new chapter prompted by the traumatic loss of her possessions in the Nashville flood of 2010. Today she is changing the face of fashion with her advocacy for inclusivity.By FiftyForward

Tennessee Crossroads host Joe Elmore explains how the original vision to produce a show that might last 2-4 years turned into a 30+-year adventure that is still going strong today. The winning formula was to explore destinations in our own Tennessee backyard, including places not on the tourist maps, that would lead to what Joe says, “a kind of dis…

Octogenarian Ossie Jefferson-Corley shares how health, nutrition, and a positive attitude feed her love for life. A lifelong learner, she explains her secrets to success as an entrepreneur, as a nurse, and how she inspires others through motivational messages when they may most need it. A friend of civil rights activist, Rosa Parks, Jefferson-Corle…