Interesting conversations with genuine people who have successful careers, overcame challenges, and can provide life lessons that we all can use every day. This business-based podcast focuses on what makes a happy life. Find out what’s in my guests’ morning cups.
…
continue reading
Words To Win By* takes listeners on a journey around the globe with renowned communications researcher and campaign advisor Anat Shenker-Osorio as she unpacks real-world narrative shifts that led to real-world victories. *Formerly called Brave New Words
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E85 - Gerald McCormick's Morning Cup
53:23
53:23
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
53:23
Most people know Gerald McCormick from his time with the Tennessee General Assembly… but he didn’t start there! In this episode, we discuss his early career in the billboard and commercial real estate industries, joining the National Guard, and running for office when he returned from deployment. Gerald also shares about his infatuation with Elvis …
…
continue reading
Chris Hopkins is a lifelong learner, committed to helping others and keeping an optimistic view on life. In this episode, Chris shares his career highlights - all the way back to age 6 when he was selling vacuums with his grandmother, to being a plant superintendent right out of college, and selling his business and getting into the finance industr…
…
continue reading
From Preservation Planner to Mayor’s Liason in Indianapolis, and now President and CEO of River City Company in Chattanooga, Emily Mack’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping downtown developments in both cities. In this episode, Emily shares how volunteering at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio ignited her passion for architecture …
…
continue reading
Tom Henderson is a longtime broadcast journalist who now spends his days as a gentleman farmer, where the most stressful part of his day now is tending to tomatoes. Tom shares why journalists and reporters should want the right people to be mad for the right reasons, how he switched from radio to TV and then left his dream job to come back to Chatt…
…
continue reading
Peppo Biscarini broke a swimming world record at just 15 years old and felt invincible, but his world came crashing down when he suffered a literal back-breaking accident. In this episode, Peppo shares how the devastating loss of his swimming career led him to start several businesses, including a shoe-import business and a fin manufacturing compan…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E80 - Bridgett Massengill's Morning Cup
56:01
56:01
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
56:01
Bridgett Massengill has many roots across East Tennessee, which has played a major role in her community development career. In this episode, Bridgett shares her professional zigs and zags, including the time she was promoted from intern to Executive Director. We also talk about the challenges she faced as a young woman in leadership positions, how…
…
continue reading
Jeff Lyash grew up in a small coal mining town and decided to follow in his grandfathers’ footsteps, never imagining that his path would lead him to become CEO of the largest public power company in the United States. In this episode, Jeff shares which three qualities he implements every day for success, why everyone should be fearless about change…
…
continue reading
Jay Shaffer has had a dynamic career path, from starting in oil rigging and pivoting to lending, then tech and startups, and now angel investing… In this episode, Jay shares why he’s always prepared to play the cards he’s dealth, how a 4am realization changed the trajectory of his career, and how connections play a big part in finding new opportuni…
…
continue reading
You may recognize Calvin Sneed from his many years as the main anchor on the 6pm news for Channel 9, but he didn’t start his journey there… In this episode, Calvin shares how he worked his way up from photographer to main anchor, how he’s the only African American man in East Tennessee to be a main anchor on the news (and why that shouldn’t be the …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E76 - Christian Höferle's Morning Cup
53:22
53:22
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
53:22
Christian Höferle is a native of Germany who made his way to the States through a student exchange program. After returning to Germany and growing a career as a journalist, Christian and his wife made a huge decision to move to Cleveland, Tennessee. In this episode, Christian shares how he dealt with his family’s disappointment when he didn’t take …
…
continue reading
Hal Bowling is on a mission to grow Chattanooga’s entrepreneur community one business at a time with LAUNCH, which makes intergenerational wealth possible for anyone, not just an elite few. In this episode, Hal shares how after graduating college he went looking for adventure and ended up in Australia, how he spent the beginning of his career worki…
…
continue reading
Bill Priestley is a 27-year sports broadcast veteran. His journey started when he was forced to go (at least) five hours away for college and opened the “wrong door.” In this episode, we talk about taking major gambles with career moves, putting dreams on pause, and the magic formula for finding a job that aligns with your interests and abilities. …
…
continue reading
This special edition of the podcast was recorded with a live audience during Chattanooga Entrepreneur Week - so of course this week’s guest is Barry Large, the quintessential Chattanooga entrepreneur! In this episode, Barry shares how he grew up with a front-row seat to entrepreneurship, seeing his parents own and operate a brick business. This spa…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E72 - Susan Vandergriff's Morning Cup
45:13
45:13
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
45:13
Susan Vandergriff can give us an inside look into what it’s like to work in each of the corporate, non-profit, and small business worlds thanks to her unique blend of career experiences. But that’s not the only thing with a unique blend… Her business, The Happy Birdwatcher Co., is the only company in the country that uses data to create a unique bl…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E71 - Sheriff Austin Garrett's Morning Cup
46:41
46:41
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
46:41
Sheriff Austin Garrett has had a long career in law enforcement, following (somewhat) in the footsteps of his father, Austin “Cowboy” Garrett. In this episode, Sheriff Garrett shares his three reasons for doing the job, why the HCSO uses social media to share the good and the bad, and how he maintains a work/life balance despite having to always be…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E70 - Jacinda Woodward's Morning Cup
45:40
45:40
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
45:40
Unlike many of My Morning Cup’s guests, Jacinda Woodward has worked at the same organization for her 39-and-a-half-year career. However, like many guests, she’s held several different and diverse roles at TVA. In this episode, we talk about how a co-op opportunity opened the door for her at TVA while she was in college, how she didn’t skip steps as…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E69 - Ted and Kelly Alling's Morning Cups
48:28
48:28
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
48:28
Ted and Kelly Alling join the podcast for a double-guest episode to share about the work they’ve been doing at Chattanooga Preparatory School, an all-boys public charter school. In this episode, they reflect on the steps they’ve taken that got them to this point, including how they both grew up abroad, the success and sale of Access America, and a …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E68 - Matt Hullander's Morning Cup (Part 2)
47:43
47:43
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
47:43
This week I welcome back our first repeat guest, Matt Hullander, who shares everything he’s been doing since he was last on the podcast in episode 3. Matt shares how a health scare in 2018 made him realize he wasn’t living his life “on purpose” and motivated him to write his book: The Daily Climb. He also shares advice for business owners, such as …
…
continue reading
No one thinks their marriage will end in divorce, and certainly no one thinks they will turn it into a career - but Brenda Bridges is a successful divorce coach, mediator, and financial advisor. In this episode, Brenda shares how sometimes you just need to get your foot in the door in order to prove yourself, how her definition of success has chang…
…
continue reading
Long-time Chattanoogans will know Jed Mescon from his 28 years anchoring the morning news on WRCB-TV. After a brief 7-year break from media, Jed is back on-air… but this time, on the radio (Talk 102.3). In this episode, Jed shares how he became “King of the Passover Candy Sale” while in school, how he started his broadcasting career at the age of 1…
…
continue reading
Bo Drake is drawn to creating opportunities for others, which is what led him to pursue a career in higher education. In this episode, Bo shares how his first career in insurance started by working in the family business (with a warning), how he used LinkedIn to get a foot in the door for higher education, and why it’s important to align your paych…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E64 - Dr. Elaine Swafford's Morning Cup
46:28
46:28
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
46:28
Dr. Elaine Swafford blooms where she’s planted. Throughout her life and career, opportunities have been presented and she seized them each time. In this episode, Elaine shares with us her path from Teacher at Soddy Daisy High School to CEO of CGLA and every stop in between. She also tells us the story of her “Michael Jordan” moment, how 4-H speeche…
…
continue reading
For Cam Doody, the corporate path was just too clear and unappealing. Instead, he found a solution to a problem, and started, along with his partners, his own company, Bellhop - the fastest-growing moving & relocation brand in the U.S. Now, 13 years later, he helps other founders “burn the ships” and make it through “the trough of sorrow” - if they…
…
continue reading
Growing up on a farm in Iowa, Marj never dreamed of leaving her hometown. Nevertheless, with three babies under the age of 1, she moved across the country to California and began her career. In this episode, Marj shares what it was like “dressing” chickens in Correctionville, how she moved up the ranks at a company for 19 years, and why she started…
…
continue reading
Patrick Wells got an early taste of the startup world when he won a business plan competition in college. From there, he’s grown businesses in the legal, auto salvage, and stone industries. In this episode, Patrick shares how one good idea changed his life’s path, what he learned from pole vaulting (and the adjustments former athletes must make to …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E60 - Valoria Armstrong's Morning Cup
50:37
50:37
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
50:37
Growing up, Valoria Armstrong wanted to be an attorney. She never imagined that she would have a career in HR or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In this episode, Valoria shares how she was elected President of the NAACP board at the age of 26, how she evaluates opportunities before committing to them, and why inclusion comes before diversity at U…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E59 - Virginia Anne Sharber's Morning Cup
34:34
34:34
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
34:34
Virginia Anne’s career did not start in the art world, despite a passion for the performing arts. She originally followed in her father’s footsteps as a lawyer, but her involvement in the community grew, leading her to the Hunter Museum nine years ago. In this episode, we discuss what it was like to be the second woman ever hired at Miller & Martin…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
From the Fight for $15 to Hot Labor Summer: Working Class Wins to Win Over the Working Class - United States
38:49
38:49
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
38:49
In 2012, the Fight for $15 and a Union launched, catalyzing a mass movement of low wage working people that helped raise wages across the country and plant the seed for today's resurgence of the power of working people in union. In this episode, hear how the Fight for $15 and a Union got folks across the country to walk out despite the precarity of…
…
continue reading
Entrepreneurship has always been in Craig Fuller’s blood. From a young age, he’s been starting and growing businesses. In this episode, Craig shares the ups and downs of his career, starting with growing Xpress Direct to $140 million in revenue within two years, then getting fired from the family businesses (twice), and now leading FreightWaves and…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Don't Buy It: The Trouble With Talking Nonsense about the Economy - United States
42:13
42:13
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
42:13
Voters consistently rank the economy as their top issue. And despite the fact that Democratic administrations routinely deliver far better economic outcomes, voters credit Republicans with better handling of the economy over Democrats. In this episode, we delve into what it means to manage the economy well, what’s behind voters’ distrust of Democra…
…
continue reading
Matt Rasmussen originally wanted to be an archeologist (thanks, Indiana Jones!) or a forester, but after settling into engineering in college, he never looked back and has had a wildly successful career with the Tennessee Valley Authority. In this episode, Matt shares his many steps up the corporate ladder and what makes someone stay at one company…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Speak Yourself: Mobilizing Youth to Win Elections - Brazil
34:06
34:06
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
34:06
In 2022, Brazilians faced a match-up between far-right incumbent, Jair Bolsonaro, aka ‘Trump of the Tropics’, and progressive Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. In the end, Lula triumphed by a fraction of a percent. That hard fought victory was thanks in no small part to youth voters and the campaign that increased their participation by 47%. Listen in on …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E56 - Dr. Ternae Jordan’s Morning Cup
44:47
44:47
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
44:47
Dr. Jordan is not a “pulpit pastor” - he’s active in the community. He’s the pastor of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church and some will tell you he is the pastor of Chattanooga. He founded an anti-violence program called Stop the Madness, which combatted the crack epidemic in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1992. Now, Stop the Madness is a national non-profit. In th…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Maintaining a Ban on Fossil Fuel Exploration - Costa Rica
34:59
34:59
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
34:59
Costa Rica is an international icon in all things environmental, and mitigating climate change is no exception. But when Rodrigo Chaves Robles assumed the presidency in 2022, he put this policy into peril. Savvy strategists and campaigners have flexed the power of Costa Rican identity and dedication to conservation to get businesses, activists and …
…
continue reading
Charles Wood is a self-proclaimed “class clown” turned salesman. Despite an unstable childhood, he’s built a solid career in Economic Development. In this episode, we discuss how backpacking through Central America changed his perspective on life and his pit stops in Mobile, College Station, and Pensacola before arriving in Chattanooga 12 years ago…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Can You See Me Now? Legal Status for Ireland’s Undocumented Immigrants - Ireland
32:01
32:01
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
32:01
In 2022, Ireland granted legal status to undocumented immigrants who had been in the country for at least four years. This landmark achievement was ten years of fearless undocumented leadership and constant campaigning in the making. Thanks to the courageous coming out of undocumented leaders, supported and sustained by Migrant Right Centre Ireland…
…
continue reading
With a passion for music and comedy, no wonder Eric Foster became an on-air personality for a radio station! In this episode, Eric shares his process for writing his stand-up acts, how he got started in radio, and what it’s like to donate a kidney?! Eric is the Program Director and an on-air personality for Brewer Media Group. You can learn more ab…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Protecting Our Freedoms: Defeating MAGA Republicans in the 2022 Midterms - United States
41:45
41:45
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
41:45
In the 2022 Midterms, Americans defied polling, pundits and precedent to stave off the predicted Republican “Red Wave” takeover. Despite significant challenges, Democrats were able to hold the Senate, minimize House losses, and flip or retain key battleground state legislatures and governorships. In this episode, we delve into why conventional wisd…
…
continue reading
Most people would get tired of traveling if they lived in 7 states during their childhood, but it only grew Sybil Topil’s love of seeing new places. In this episode, we discuss her role of “putting Chattanooga on the map,” her resourcefulness that helped her find jobs in France and Nashville, how introverts can create a persona for networking, and …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Coming Soon: Season 3 of Words to Win By
1:43
1:43
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
1:43
We’re back again with Season 3 of Words to Win By. We head to Brazil where young people sealed the deal to oust Bolsonaro and bring Lula back to power, unpack how Democrats won across battlegrounds in the 2022 US Midterm, consider what comes in Costa Rica’s fight to ban fossil fuel extraction and trace how undocumented immigrants in Ireland won leg…
…
continue reading
This week’s guest needs no introduction! Everyone knows his political story, from mid-size city mayor to US Senator and Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee. How did he get there? In this episode, we discuss his early career days on construction sites, the formation of Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, and the importance of having bold visio…
…
continue reading
This week my good friends, Chip Baker and Roy Vaughn, return to My Morning Cup to turn the tables on me. I open myself up to their invasive questioning. Was my plan to be a broadcaster or did I stumble into the industry? Why did I start the My Morning Cup podcast? And, of course, what would I tell my 25 year old self that is important for a happy l…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E50 - Reflections on One Year of My Morning Cup
49:35
49:35
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
49:35
This week, we’re doing things a bit differently on the podcast! We look back on the past year to celebrate the first anniversary of My Morning Cup. In this episode, we discuss the unexpected themes that emerged, what happens behind the scenes to bring the podcast to life, and what’s in store for 2024. Stay tuned for the entire episode to hear an ex…
…
continue reading