Signature Required with Spencer Patton
We talk with Tennessee leaders—business owners, policy experts, educators, and residents—who champion the entrepreneurial spirit and transform once-small ideas into big impact.
Episodes
In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Osborne, founder and executive director of the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center at Peabody College, discusses the importance of early childhood development and the impact of state policies on families and children. Dr. Osborne explains why the prenatal-to-3 period is crucial for brain development, highlights effective policies that support families, and shares the groundbreaking Begin Bright program a...
Dr. LaTonya Mouzon, Executive Director of Arise2Read, a Memphis-based literacy nonprofit, joins the conversation to discuss the critical importance of literacy in early education. Tune in today!
Join us this week as we dive into the Begin Bright initiative with Elizabeth Atack and Elizabeth Sherrard from the Nashville Public Library. Discover how this program is providing books, literacy resources, and crucial early education support to children and families across Davidson County. Perfect for parents, educators, and anyone invested in the future of our community's literacy and education.
In this episode, Dr. Lisa Piercey, a physician, healthcare entrepreneur, and the former Tennessee Commissioner of Health, shares her remarkable journey from a pediatrician to an influential healthcare leader and author of 'Natural Born Entrepreneurs.' Dr. Piercey discusses her passion for serving rural communities, the complexities of mid-career reinvention, and the intricacies of healthcare acquisitions. Learn how her un...
This week, we sat down with Dr. Leah Melber, President & CEO of the Adventure Science Center. She shares her journey from studying zoology to leading one of Tennessee’s largest science centers, highlighting the exhibits, community outreach, and events that make it a Nashville favorite. A must-listen for parents, educators, and science enthusiasts alike.
In this episode, Stacey Nickens, Vice President of Corporate Communications at Nashville International Airport (BNA), shares how one of the fastest-growing airports in the country is becoming a true reflection of Nashville’s culture. From live music and local dining to world-class art, discover how BNA is transforming travel into a uniquely Nashville experience—while undergoing a $3 billion expansion to connect Middle Tennessee to ...
In this episode, Sheila Noone, Communications Manager at the Museum of Science and History (MoSH), shares exciting details about the museum's rich history and diverse exhibits. Learn about the transformation of the historic Pink Palace mansion, originally built by entrepreneur Clarence Saunders, into a vibrant museum. Sheila delves into the variety of permanent and traveling exhibits, including geology displays, evolutionary e...
We’re kicking off Season 2 of Signature Required with a special episode featuring Thom Demas, Vice President and Chief Husbandry & Exhibits Officer at the Tennessee Aquarium. Thom shares his unexpected journey from managing auto parts stores to leading marine biology efforts, offering a behind-the-scenes look at animal care, conservation work, and the art of exhibit design. This episode is both educational and fun. Tune in now!
We’re taking a summer break and will return with new episodes on August 5th! Until then, we hope you enjoy this special anniversary episode where Spencer and Carli celebrate one year of Signature Required by reflecting on their journey and sharing highlights from 52 guests. From insightful conversations about the charm of Tennessee to heartfelt stories from nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs, it’s been a year packed with inspirati...
This week, we spoke with Dr. Jeremy Qualls, the Executive Director for the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center (EIC) and Career & Technical Programs at Williamson County Schools. Dr. Qualls shares the origin and growth of the EIC, an incubator space for student entrepreneurs. He discusses the unique educational approach of the EIC that emphasizes hands-on experience, mentorship, and soft skills. Tune in today!
Carli sits down with Darren Andrus, Lydia Burton, and Reese Greenman from the Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes to discuss their work with children and families in crisis. The conversation sheds light on the unique aspects of residential group homes, the process of reunification with families, and the challenges and rewards of working with children who have experienced trauma. The guests also share inspiring stories and the v...
This week, we are joined by the Deputy Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Andy Holt to discuss the vital role of agriculture and forestry in Tennessee. Holt shares insights from his personal journey, from working on a ranch in Wyoming, serving as a state legislator, and now promoting Tennessee agriculture worldwide. Learn about the state's rich agricultural history, the diverse commodities it produces, a...
This week, Carli and I are joined by Sean Phipps, Director of Marketing for the Chattanooga Tourism Co., as we explore the heart of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Sean shares the city's unique history, key attractions, and its incredible transformation from 'America's dirtiest city' to a National Park City. We discuss Chattanooga's burgeoning cultural and culinary scene, the International Bluegrass Music Associati...
What does it take to lead disaster relief across 98 counties—and rally thousands of volunteers to answer the call? In this episode, I sit down with Joel Sullivan, Regional Executive of the American Red Cross Tennessee Region, to talk about the mission behind the organization, the power of preparedness, and the incredible stories of service that keep it all moving.
In this episode, Commissioner Brad Turner of the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging shares insights into his groundbreaking role. Brad discusses the integration of the Department of Disability and Aging, the importance of advocacy for people with disabilities, successful programs like MAPS and the Katie Beckett Fund, and innovative partnerships aimed at improving the lives of aging Tennesseans. Tune in to learn how the de...
Brittany Schaffer, the Dean of the School for Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University shares her journey from high school debate team to Vanderbilt, and her transition from the legal field to academia. She discusses the unique educational opportunities at Belmont, such as the innovative 'Dolly U' program in partnership with Dolly Parton. Brittany dives deep into the collaborative spirit of Nashville's ...
Justin Maierhofer, Vice President for the Northern Region of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), joins Spencer and Carli to delve into TVA's role in energy generation, environmental stewardship, and economic development. Justin explains TVA’s diverse energy mix, the importance of public power, and how the organization is working towards a resilient and sustainable future.
This week, Carli sits down with Lindsey Norton, founder and executive director of Hope House, Tennessee's only home for teenage parents. She shares her journey from being a labor and delivery nurse to addressing the urgent need for housing and support for teen moms. Norton discusses the challenges, the vision for Hope House, and the unique trauma-informed design of the facility. Learn about the incredible resilience of teen mo...
This episode features Laura Scoggins, a seasoned real estate agent with Benchmark Realty, and Jenny Haines Douglas, Senior Loan Officer at Movement Mortgage. Together, they break down the current state of the housing market in Middle Tennessee, offering expert strategies on navigating high prices and interest rates. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or considering a market investment, learn valuable tips on financing, the ...
Rachel Guymon, the Director of Special Events for the Tennessee Titans discusses the diverse range of events hosted at the Titans stadium. She highlights the extensive use of the stadium for corporate, private, and community events, totaling nearly 300 days of activity annually. Rachel also shares exciting details about the new stadium set to open in early 2027, including its advanced facilities and potential for hosting significan...
Popular Podcasts
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
If you eat, sleep, and breathe true crime, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT is serving up your nightly fix. Five nights a week, KT STUDIOS & iHEART RADIO invite listeners to pull up a seat for an unfiltered look at the biggest cases making headlines, celebrity scandals, and the trials everyone is watching. With a mix of expert analysis, hot takes, and listener call-ins, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT goes beyond the headlines to uncover the twists, turns, and unanswered questions that keep us all obsessed—because, at TRUE CRIME TONIGHT, there’s a seat for everyone. Whether breaking down crime scene forensics, scrutinizing serial killers, or debating the most binge-worthy true crime docs, True Crime Tonight is the fresh, fast-paced, and slightly addictive home for true crime lovers.
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.