Episodes

  • Peabody Hotel

    Peabody Hotel
    Feb 2 2026
    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. We’re joined by Doug Browne, President of Peabody Hotels & Resorts, and Karen Thompson, Director of Human Resources, as they 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.
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    23 mins
  • TBR Nuclear

    TBR Nuclear
    Jan 5 2026
    (00:00:00) TBR's Chancellor Flora =Tydings and Roane State's Teresa Duncan
    (00:08:28) TCAT Dickson's Nuclear Program
    (00:14:39) Tennessee's Community Colleges are shaping how the nuclear industry will be in the future

    In this episode, we take a deep dive into Tennessee’s growing nuclear energy industry with the Tennessee Board of Regents. We’re joined by Chancellor Flora Tydings and Teresa Duncan, TBR’s Nuclear Workforce Lead Strategist, as they discuss how Tennessee continues to lead the nation in nuclear innovation and workforce development. We explore how the state is preparing and recruiting the next generation of nuclear professionals, then 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. To close, Chancellor Tydings and Teresa Duncan highlight the wide range of career opportunities within the nuclear industry and what lies ahead for this growing sector.
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    22 mins
  • UpRise

    UpRise
    Dec 1 2025
    (00:00:00) UpRise
    (00:11:02) Rachel, Carole Peterson, and Al Brady from UpRise Nashville
    (00:16:29) Diamond a current "leader" in the UpRise Nashville Program
    (00:22:34) Carole Peterson and Al Brady talk about the future of UpRise Nashville and an update on Rachel

    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—whether justice-impacted, in recovery, or navigating other challenges. 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.

    Finally, Carole and Al return to discuss the future of UpRise Nashville and provide an update on Rachel, a leader featured earlier in the show.
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    23 mins
  • TNWorks

    TNWorks
    Nov 3 2025
    (00:00:00) TNWorks - Commissioner Deniece Thomas and Deputy Governor Stuart McWhorter
    (00:16:19) TNWorks - Dr. Steven Gentile and Dr. Jeff Sisk

    In this episode, we explore a new way of building business in Tennessee through TNWorks, a groundbreaking initiative that unites six state agencies (Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development,Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Tennessee Board of Regents, Tennessee Higher Education Commission, Tennessee Department of Human Services, and the Tennessee Department of Education) to strengthen the state’s workforce and economy. Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Deniece Thomas and Deputy Governor & 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 and how it equips Tennesseans with the skills needed for long-term success.
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    23 mins
  • Benefits cliff with Martha O'Bryan Center

    Benefits cliff with Martha O'Bryan Center
    Oct 2 2025
    In this month’s 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. This phenomenon occurs when individuals receiving public assistance face a tough choice—accept a raise or promotion and risk losing essential benefits, or turn down career advancement to maintain support. Timberly shares how the Martha O'Bryan Center is working to address this issue through advocacy and policy efforts at both the state and federal levels. We also learn more about the Center’s wide range of support services, including adult education, health and wellness programs, and an on-site food bank.
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    21 mins
  • Skills Career Coalition

    Skills Career Coalition
    Aug 28 2025
    (00:00:00) Michael P. Davidson - Skills Career Coalition
    (00:08:07) JJ Owens - Skilled Career Coalition
    (00:16:23) Brian Vaughn - The Sow Project

    In this episode, we sit down with Michael P. Davidson to discuss the urgent demand for skilled workers as the industry faces a wave of retirements. 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 and the importance of hiring justice-involved individuals.
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    23 mins
  • Bureau of Workers' Compensation

    Bureau of Workers' Compensation
    Aug 4 2025
    In this episode of State of the Workforce, we sit down with representatives from the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) to explore the vital role the Bureau plays in supporting both workers and employers across the state. 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. The conversation also highlights 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 and their focus on best practices for the long-term care and recovery of injured workers.
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    23 mins
  • Lipscomb University

    Lipscomb University
    Jun 27 2025
    Workforce Focus: Building Tennessee's Early Childhood Education Pipeline In this episode of State of the Workforce, we shine a spotlight on early childhood education and the growing need for qualified teachers across Tennessee. Dr. Leslie Cowell, Dean of the College of Education at Lipscomb University, and Melanie Shinbaum from the Nashville Early Education Coalition join us to discuss the urgent demand for educators serving children ages 0-5. Dr. Cowell returns later in the episode alongside Angela Goddard of the Joe C. Davis Foundation to explore how teacher apprenticeships at Lipscomb are opening doors for aspiring educators. Finally, we believe everyone who wants to work in Tennessee should have that opportunity. 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.
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    22 mins