Second Cup of Joe...and John

Life had something wonderful in store for Elise Jenkins. She just didn’t know it yet. After surviving childhood leukemia, doctors told her she’d likely never have children. Today, she’s a happily married mother of two, helping other young women discover that motherhood and their dreams can go hand in hand. 

Pregnant at 21, Elise graduated from Auburn just 18 days before giving birth. She later co-founded Ella’s House, a Nashville nonprofit helping pregnant and parenting college students earn their degrees. The daughter of former Titans GM Mike Reinfeldt and her mother Susan, Elise also shares stories a...

How does a guy who has spent his career trying to fix healthcare somehow end up playing the Grand Ole Opry? Joe and John sit down with longtime friend David Osborn, whose personal family experiences led to a four-decade mission trying to make healthcare better. He explains why the American healthcare system can still be so frustrating, confusing and expensive. 

Then there’s the other David, the Memphis musician who got an unexpected call from acclaimed songwriter Tia Sillers and suddenly found himself playing guitar and singing on the Grand Ole Opry stage.  

Throw in wine...

Singer, songwriter, musician and longtime Nashville music insider Kyle Frederick has spent more than four decades on Music Row. 

He reflects on sleeping on a friend’s couch, playing with Earl Thomas Conley and Foster & Lloyd, working with Clay Walker, and eventually moving into management and publicity. 

His new album, The Force Majeure, was recorded at Johnny Cash’s legendary Cash Cabin. Kyle shares his connection to Dolly Parton, the story behind “Peace and Love,” and why recording at Cash Cabin ranks among the highlights of his career. 

It’s also a conversation about how Nas...

Getting older is mandatory. Moving like you're old isn't. 

Physical therapist Adam Wille has worked with everyone from weekend warriors to Olympic athletes and says staying active may be simpler than we make it. The former marathoner talks bad shoulders, good habits, walking versus running and why working out harder isn't always smarter. 

Now launching Move You Physical Therapy, Adam's goal is pretty simple: keep us moving and make sure we can still get off the floor.

AMONG THE TOPICS: THE WORKOUT MISTAKE TOO MANY OF US MAKE, WHY WALKING
COULD BE BE...

Long before the Titans, Predators and the push for Major League Baseball, Nashville was still trying to prove it belonged on the big stage. Few people watched that transformation closer than Jay Grider. The longtime Nashville Sports Council executive shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from nearly three decades of landing the city’s biggest sporting events, including frozen bowl games, stadium power failures, marching band mutinies, and the organized chaos that helped turn Music City into a major sports town.

AMONG THE TOPICS: THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THE SECOND UP IS MOVING, BUT STAYING PUT, THE COLDEST MUSIC CI...

What does it take to create a New York Times bestseller? Jonathan Merkh would know. 

The longtime publishing executive has helped launch more than 100 bestsellers, including 13 that reached #1, and now he's turning the publishing world on its head. 

Growing up as a missionary kid in France, Merkh shares how an unlikely path led him to Nashville and a career working with everyone from Brad Paisley and Mike Rowe, to Joan Lunden. 

He also explains why authors today don't necessarily need a
traditional publisher, why AI has every publisher paying attention, and what sep...

Usually, people work in the Nashville restaurant business to launch into an entertainment career. This Music City native
did it backwards and after 13 years on Music Row as a talent booking agent, opened the original Corner Pub in Green
Hills. Find out how this family-owned business survives in an ultra-competitive market and what’s behind a 105-year-old
recipe. A frequent YMCA visitor, the Father Ryan high school product reveals how he met his wife and why he should
have died 15 years ago. AMONG THE TOPICS: WHAT WILLIE NELSON, RHETT AKINS AND THE DIXIE CHICKS HAVE IN...

She’s a college communications Hall of Famer while he spent nearly four decades covering Nashville area sports for the
Daily News Journal, City Paper and Sports Illustrated among other publications. Married 31 years, their walk down
memory lane contains why they kept their romance a secret, the time she gave a ride to Shaquille O’Neal, his winning
the approval of a Veterans Stadium hot dog vendor and why a Houston Oilers memory ruins her day. Also, they weigh in
on why they foresaw Vanderbilt University baseball greatness and why the Titans can’t get their...

Building a recognizable audience with more than 34,000 Instagram followers, Alex continues her varied professional
journey posting quick-witted random thoughts of the day while walking in her East Nashville neighborhood. The
Brooklyn native’s resume begins with modeling, speaking candidly about the one job that helped her but also led to
typecasting. With twenty-seven music videos to her credit, along with TV shows and commercials, the former Nashville
Model of the Year details her most memorable movie role appearing in The Wolf on Wall Street. Add stand-up comic
and animal rights activist to her long li...

Anachronistic (Google it. It fits perfectly), Watterson explains how he was able to not just survive but thrive under six
Titans head coaches in four different decades. Coaching wasn’t even his first career choice for the Newport, Rhode Island Native and he reveals how a failed physical, of all things, led him to the NFL. Watch and hear who this ringleader of team pranks believes is the toughest Titan, the one who got the most out of the least effort, and why he had no posters on his bedroom wall growing up. You’ll enjoy getting to know...

Don’t throw a pity party for Chase, because he’ll just stand you up, even though he has a “dead leg” (Deadleg Media is
the name of his company). Born with cerebral palsy, this Nashville native leans into his disability with humor and
strength, explaining why he chooses confrontment vs. conformity. Breaking the social media code with recent YouTube
videos going viral, this son of a musician chronicles his motorcycle life on the road with relatable tales. You can almost
feel the wind in your face, while absorbing a life lesson or two from this lik...

You are hard pressed to find two words in Nashville more identifiable than “Thanks Paul!” Watch and listen as
the Pennsauken, New Jersey native explains his journey to the Bridgestone arena microphone. A day one
season ticket holder in 1998 tells how he met his wife as a nightclub DJ and what he does for a day job. 21-
years and counting, he reveals a few rare slip ups and his most scared moment in his center ice seat. You
don’t have to be a Predators fan to enjoy the insight of what it’s like to...

Hollywood royalty is alive and well at the Franklin Theatre where Patrick reigns as Artistic Director of the Studio
Tenn Theatre Company. Second of three sons of Broadway star Jack Cassidy and Oscar-winner Shirley
Jones, the former high school quarterback (he once led the nation in passing) delves into what it’s like growing
up along teenage heart throbs brothers David, Shaun and Ryan. This California transplant also explains how
Covid factored into his growing love for Middle Tennessee. AMONG THE TOPICS: A ROGUE SHOPPING
CART, BEING JACQUELINE BISSET’S LOVER, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, DTF...

Aside from Pro/College football games and the occasional NASCAR race, the biggest one-day sporting event
is Nashville’s spring marathon event. Now in its 26 th year, more than 25,000 participants are expected to flood
the city streets, not to mention thousands of volunteers and bystanders. Watch and listen to the guy who
helped launch the extravagance back in 2000, learning all the logistics it takes to pull it off. The co-hosts have
a combined 25 appearances (John 25 times /Joe 0 times) offering differing perspectives of being a participant
and spectator. AMONG THE TOPICS: WORLD MUSIC EXCLUSIVE ANNOUNCEMENT, UL...

Celebrating its 85th year, The Iroquois Steeplechase is Middle Tennessee’s social event of the year. Oh, it also
raises millions of dollars for charities including the Monroe Carel Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Learn
the incredible backstory of how it came to be, and what’s new for 2026 (hint: it involves live music). Hear
Autumn’s emotional connection to the horse racing extravaganza while Dwight, the 1977 Champion, reveals
what it takes to compete at the highest level. If you have attended or plan to, this is a must watch/listen tutorial
doing a deep d...

The daughter of a long-time Nashville Banner journalist, little did this Donelson native know she would follow in
her father’s footsteps, forging an even wider path. Becoming a “go to” print journalist covering the music
business for local and worldwide outlets, Beverly joined her alma mater MTSU in 1995 as a professor,
ascending to Dean in 2013. Responsible for media campaigns with the likes of Lionel Richie, Vince Gill,
George Strait and Shania Twain, she now spearheads college curriculum in an industry morphing at warped
speed. Find out how she does it and enjoy learning how a...

It was a health challenge that led this longtime California resident to write a book that’s now a best seller on
Amazon. The 1,000-mile walk (1,350 miles) spawned reflective standalone vignettes with each ending with a
question. Founding a creative agency now more than 40 years old, David’s professional and personal life
pivoted with a move to Nashville to be closer to his 3 daughters. Little did he know how disruptive his life
would become, challenging family relationships while starting new ones. Admitting he was a jerk at times, he
reveals a raw self-evaluation. AMONG THE...

Breaking her promise of never doing mornings in the media again led this uber-diversified entertainment
journalist to Nashville. The first full-time female announcer of the Grand Ole Opry, Kelly explains why being
fired (twice) actually catapulted her to multiple media platforms including morning co-host on iconic 650 WSM-
AM. Creator of the syndicated radio program “Y’all Access with Kelly Sutton”, she explains how her favorite
music morphed from rap to the country genre. Day brightener spoiler alert: There are simply too many laughs
to count in this episode. AMONG THE TOPICS: WHY YOU BETTER WAVE...

While roaming the field and intercepting passes for 11 years in the NFL, this former Titans #1 draft selection
now covers the Middle Tennessee business community and beyond. Owner of “Just Love Coffee” in Franklin,
Bulluck also hosts the podcast “Bullseye View” on YouTube. The Syracuse University graduate reflects on the
good and bad seasons in pro football and why he never was a trash talker. His boyish enthusiasm hasn’t left
him in this quirky, covering all subjects, conversation. AMONG THE TOPICS: MOVING TO ESPACES, NO
RULES MEDIA, A MONKEY AT THE ROCK OF GIBRALTAR, PREMATURE...

A happy scientific accident a couple dozen years ago led to Faulkner sending a seismic jolt through the holistic
health supplement industry. Creatine, the most important supplement you can take according to Mark, is at the
front of his business, but it also manufactures laundry detergent, acne medicine, feminine hygiene and pet pain
relief products. The Nashville resident (and hockey nut) reflects on his fascinating journey into holistic
products, and why they are game changers for those who use conventional bodybuilding and recovery brands.
Listen, and you’ll rethink your whole medicine cabinet. AMONG TH...

Revealing that “God put that brown thing with laces in my hands when I was about 7 or 8,” one of the best-
known Tennessee sports figures continues to have football a focal point of his life. But there’s so much more
including seven grandchildren (All call him Jeff). With 173 wins in nearly 20 NFL seasons, the California native
turned Tennessee ambassador reflects on the early days of trying to stabilize a nomadic NFL franchise with
rarely told anecdotes. Fast forward, Fisher explains why his current pigskin project should create lasting
memories for the next generation of Mid...

Little did the Florida native know that playing video games while toiling in the minor leagues would lay the
foundation for his broadcasting success decades later. Inherently likeable, the former Vanderbilt University
basketball recruit explains how opportunity and luck fused together leading to the Nashville TV and radio
airwaves. Also, he opens up with poise and grace how he copes with the recent death of his wife, Erin.
AMONG THE TOPICS: TURNING DOWN ERIN’S FATHER, DRAFTED BY THE WORLD CHAMPIONS,
WHY MAXIM KUZNETSOV IS A TRICKY HOCKEY NAME, TAKING A PUCK IN THE HE...

The 2-time PGA Tennessee Teacher of the Year continues to broaden his brand with popular TEDx talks,
corporate coaching and two podcasts, “On the Virg” and “The Whole Pro.” While golf is a backdrop, he
unlocks potential to achieve greatness for his clients, regardless of their career paths. He explains the
nuances separating great people, and superstars, and why many people chase the wrong things. AMONG
THE TOPICS, REMEMBERING CHAMINADE, TRIAL BY FIRE AT THE GOLF CHANNEL, HIS PERFECT
PICTURE, WINE APPRECIATION AT MISSISSIPPI STATE AND BE CAREFUL WHO YOU BRING INTO
YOUR LIFE.

Admittedly cheating death a few times, the longtime Nashville top-hatted music maestro explains why he’s
never been happier. Founder of the critic-described, “unapologetic indie punk outfit,” Government Cheese, the
prolific songwriter and author explores what it was like creating the band at Western Kentucky University 40
years ago. His two acoustic performances in-studio bookend a large bandwidth of soul-searching and silly

ballads, releasing his 9 th solo album which he calls his best work. Now with 63 years of treading this earth,
Tommy is well-known in Nashville music circles and beyond. AMONG THE TOPICS: WHY ROCK ‘...

Admittedly a 68-year-old trapped in a 12-year old’s body, Chapman reflects on his early Oklahoma/Texas
upbringing that led him to Nashville nearly 50 years ago. Almost kicked out of bible college, he found early
success in the contemporary Christian music scene, writing number one songs including one with former wife
Amy Grant. He parlayed his quick wit and likability into an 800-show run as host of TNN’s Prime Time
Country. The Dove Award winner explains what he would tell his 18-year-old self, and why he’s spending so
much time in Columbia, Tennes...

A “Big Sis” to many of the Tennessee Titans during the early glory years, Tresa admits that a career in football
was never on her radar. The New Mexico native, who moved to Nashville to (yep, you guessed it), has
parlayed her time in the NFL to a successful luxury brand consulting firm, her own. Revealing how a brief,
abusive marriage made her stronger and an expert in crisis management, Tresa gives simple advice for
navigating a PR nightmare. AMONG THE TOPICS: WARDROBE MALFUNCTION, KARAOKE GO TO,
SINKING SERVICE MERCHANDISE AND WHY STATUS QUO IS N...

John’s office view is an envious one, looking out at adoring audiences around the world celebrating The
Monkees incredible six-decade musical extravaganza. That’s a long way from being a fired pawnbroker, and
pizza delivery guy working the 80’s heavy metal scene in Los Angeles. This high energy, animated, often
hilarious conversation, now available on YouTube (Search: Second Cup of Joe and John and look for the
black/orange logo) reveals how he landed in bands for Donna Summer, Wynonna, Tanya, and Rick Springfield.
Details of how he met his wife will have you be...

Who can teach swimming lessons without a pool during Covid?  Brenda, that’s who.  The Marietta, Georgia native has loved the water since birth.  The Auburn University graduate explains why her career path to leading the Nashville Dolphins wasn’t a straight 50-meter freestyle race.  The nonprofits mission of teaching children and adults with special needs has impacted thousands of people since 2003.  As the only full-time staffer, Brenda explains the many (swim) caps she wears as she prepares to impact thousands more.  AMONG THE TOPICS: AN ALARMING DROWNING RATE, WHY SHE’S CONSIDERED “EXTRA”, CORN DOG DAY, SNOW TUBING, AND MEETING BOB...

“We can be broke anywhere, so why not Nashville?” were the fateful words from Tony’s wife Jamyi some 40 years ago.
Once packed up from Thunderbolt, Georgia it didn’t take long for the aspiring singer/songwriter (and UPS worker) to
have a chance run-in with Garth Brooks. Tony explains the quirky inspiration for writing “The Dance,” which is among
his four #1 country chart toppers and Brook’s admitted signature song. Dolly, Reba, Emmylou, Trisha, Patty Loveless and
Lainey Wilson have all recorded his songs. Not bad for a journalism major. AMONG THE TOPICS: WHY YOU CAN’T PICK...

Bagging groceries at Kroger to a Hall of Fame sportwriting career? Mike explains why there aren’t any steps in between
and takes a deep dive into why he has survives and thrives in an endangered profession. A Middle Tennessee native,
Mike has interviewed a Who’s Who including Muhammed Ali, Arnold Palmer, Walter Payton and Bo Jackson revealing
which basketball legend tops his list. Admitting to burn out, listen to why a world record deer helped rekindle his love
for reporting. Nobody in Nashville-area sports journalism has covered more games and met more deadlines than...

Don’t dare tell this self-made media business mogul that radio has gone the way of Blockbuster. Proof that Tony was
always going to be a high achiever, he built a radio station at 13-years old in his Ft. Wayne, Indiana basement. Every day
since he’s been either on the airwaves or managing radio stations, launching Kensington Digital Media in 2011.
Currently owning a dozen call letters including WHPY-FM Hippie Radio in Nashville, he’s half of “Nashville’s Morning
Show with Pam & Tony” on the Hippie. With five children and ten grandchildren, Tony and wife Leann c...

Jackie credits her career ascent to a late afternoon meeting with a boss who she thought was going to fire her. The
New Mexico native reveals what she said in that meeting, along with her other defining moments in a crowded Nashville
public relations scene. Her jam is “moment making that ends up in yielding press” for more than two decades, creating
a boutique and branding agency. Serving on several boards, including the American Music Association, Jackie’s passion
includes striving to break new ground for underserved members of the entertainment community. AMONG THE
TOPICS...

(Joe and John have wrecked a car and flown to London since the last recording and need a quick summer hiatus. Enjoy
the March 2 nd release with one of the best TV people in business).

Dan did his first weather forecast at age six and hasn’t stopped since (he is not kidding and has the tape to prove it). A
Boston area native, the Penn State student’s path to Nashville took more twists and turns than a wind-blown
tumbleweed in America’s heartland. A Captain in the U.S. Air Force, he didn’t...

The son of “Mad Men” advertising parents, the Queens, New York native was at the epicenter of the 1970’s California
music scene. Best known for his 1978 hit single “Magnet and Steel”, Walter has 15 solo albums to his credit and
exponentially more anecdotes reflecting on living the rock ‘n roll lifestyle. 77 years-young July 12th , Egan’s story of
tension in the studio while working with (and dating) Stevie Nicks makes you feel you are in the room with them.
AMONG THE TOPICS: WALT’S MUSIC VAULT, HIS CONNECTION TO A BOND GIRL, WHY HAVING ONE ICONIC HIT ISN’T
A C...

It’s another edition of the longtime buddies flying solo (or is that duo?) covering a ridiculous range of topics such as; the raging speed bump debate, fast food drive-thru hassles, the “YMCA” song, what it’s like to pilot a Lear jet at 45,000 feet, John’s romantic getaway that ends up with a rash, Don Shula’s death stare, that time Bryant Gumbel gave Joe the big blow off, why men flying in flip flops is just dead wrong, wild animals on the loose in Middle Tennessee, and offering free T-shirts.  Be part of a future shows by emailing seco...

This Hendersonville High School “Golden Girl” has a colorful, winding life journey, making her mark as a Nashville area talent
buyer and business owner. There aren’t many challenges she hasn’t answered. Booking a jazz series in Lebanon,
Tennessee? Check. Making a last-minute pitch to launch a shop at Nashville International Airport? Check. Playing with
Charlie Daniels? Check. Launching The Nashvegas Entertainment Group? Check. A must listen is why the “like” button
led her to her husband John Billings (bassist for The Monkeys). AMONG THE TOPICS: HOW A NASVHILLE JAM SESSION
CONCEPT MORPHED INTO REALITY...

Care to join a couple of guys shooting the breeze? They take the podcast to the next level, asking, begging, imploring
you to email them at [email protected] or engage on the show’s social media to add to future
conversations. Joe reveals what it was like to be a big-time DJ (John’s words, not Joe’s), favorite concerts, cars, throwing
away Emmy’s, favorite sandwiches, Cam Ward, Garanimals (you remember them), and Dads. Add your two cents.
Guest ideas? Send your thought on all and everything you heard, and they promise to read you...

When “Bulger’s Beat” came on TV, you stopped what you were doing to check it out. The Chicago native brought his
folksy storytelling to Nashville’s NBC affiliate in 1990. For nearly 36 years Terry profiled ordinary people with
extraordinary life lessons. After a road trip to Amarillo and a cup of coffee in Des Moines, Terry explains why Nashville
became home, with TV viewers adding one more smile to their day. His 2005 Taylor Swift interview has become an
internet sensation, but he reveals why he’s most proud of just getting in the car with no story a...

A self-proclaimed “vocal enhancer” Lisa wasn’t cynical enough to launch a career in journalism, her major at Western
Kentucky University (She was on the 5-year plan). The Elizabethton, Kentucky native landed in Nashville with several
singing opportunities including the heavy metal band Warning, only to depart in a dramatic business divorce. She is now
the long time co-owner of Suzie’s Café while her husband runs a non-profit helping people find furniture to restart their
lives. One music critic described her as a “Southern lady who sings with passion, conviction and severe skill.”
AMONG THE TOP...

An international hand therapist by trade, this Brentwood resident is among only 10 people to have competed in the
Rock “n” Roll Marathon (either running the full or half) every year since 2000. Admittedly a late bloomer, the 66-year-
old explains her goal is to be the “last man standing,” Mary also reveals why her husband is her inspiration. Her streak
includes fighting adversity, at 7,000 feet, a heartful thank you to a police officer and which competitors should be
tasered (not really). AMONG THE TOPICS: KICKING THE HABIT, WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO CHOOSE YOUR PARENTS
WISELY, WH...