Anything is Possible "The Podcast"

Frank Robinson faced significant challenges growing up in a segregated community. With a mother who worked as a domestic and a father who suffered from a brain injury sustained during World War II, life was tough. Tragically, his father passed away just as Frank came of age. Despite these hardships, he attended the Tuskegee Institute and became active in the civil rights movement ... and just as his engineering/draftsman's career was taking off, he was drafted into the Vietnam War. The life he built "post-war," however, truly exemplifies the Power of Possibility.

Mark Pancratz, a partner at Axiom Wealth Management in Knoxville, TN, grew up just outside of Chicago in a "Sports Family." Like many young men in the area, he played High School basketball and had dreams of "Being Like Mike." After high school, he continued his academic journey at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he played under Coach Bruce Pearl. When a knee injury cut his playing days short, he embraced an unexpected opportunity to coach, igniting a passion within him that unveiled a world of possibilities he had never imagined.

Brian Rice grew up in Knoxville, TN, where he developed a deep passion for sports. He dreamed of attending the University of Tennessee, majoring in sports management and possibly becoming a sports agent. His path shifted, however, when he began working for Associate AD for Media Relations, Debby Jennings, where he also had the opportunity to work with the legendary Coach Pat Summitt. This experience, along with his skills in P.A. announcing and Radio Broadcasting, led him to his true calling. In August 2023, he was named the "Voice of the Lady Vols."

Yvonnca Landes' journey was filled with trials and trauma, yet she emerged resilient. Her parents' divorce left her future uncertain, and at age 19, she faced her own divorce and the heart-wrenching loss of a child to crib death. When she finally discovered true love, another challenge arose—she couldn't have children. After enduring 10 miscarriages, she felt "less than" a woman, but despite these hardships, she never lost hope. She and her husband, David co-founded The Landes Team and they have a beautiful daughter and adopted son. Her life is a Wonderful testament to the "Power of Possibility."

Yvonnca Landes, co-owner and co-founder of "The Landes Team," was born and raised in a small, close-knit community in Harriman, TN. Though her parents were loving, supportive and nurturing, they were also strict, teaching her the values of both hard work and discipline. When they divorced and her life became unstable and uncertain, it was her grandfather's wisdom that ignited her spirit, driving her to embrace and pursue new possibilities.

Michael Grider's journey wonderfully illustrates the Power of Possibility. Growing up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, he earned a degree in Journalism and Media from the University of Tennessee. After gaining experience in news radio and television, he pursued his dream of moving to a large media market, telling impactful stories, and winning awards. Unexpectedly, however, his experiences led him from top communications official in Knox County Government to a Chief of Staff in the U.S. Congress ... and is now the founder of Foothills Strategies.

After his parents rejected his desire to become a priest—driven by a heartfelt wish to guide and "transform" lives—Dr. Oscar Grandas redirected his passions and discovered his true calling in medicine. Now a leading vascular/transplant surgeon and professor at the University of Tennessee, he holds in his hands each organ with gratitude, recognizing the profound opportunity he has to literally "transform" lives for the better.

Dr. Oscar Grandas grew up in Colombia, attending an all-boys Catholic school during a time of government instability, poverty, drug cartels, and violence. While there, he cultivated a deep desire to serve and help others. Although his parents strongly discouraged his dream of becoming a priest, he reluctantly agreed, but chose not to let their disapproval deter him. Instead, he redirected his passion and ultimately found his true calling as a leading vascular surgeon at the University of TN Medical Center, where he heals others and gives the gift of new life.

Todd Kelly Jr., the son of Renee and Super Bowl Champion Todd Kelly Sr., is an exceptionally talented and gifted athlete. His remarkable football career at the University of Tennessee was "skyrocketing" ... that was until an injury forced him to "hit that reset button." Though it was a painful challenge, enduring this pivot opened up a world of all-new possibilities.

Joe Hollingsworth, Founder and CEO of Hollingsworth Companies, is a remarkable businessman with a heartfelt commitment to revitalizing his East Tennessee community and the broader region. Driven by this passion, he created "Aspire Park," a beautiful space where families can gather to "create cherished memories" and "discover the spirit of adventure through a profound connection with nature and local history."

Joe Hollingsworth, Founder and CEO of Hollingsworth Companies, is a very successful businessman. His firm is the "largest industrial development company focused on economic growth in semi-rural areas" of the Southeast. He has built private homes, industrial properties, and commercial buildings nationwide. But one of his most impactful and rewarding building projects is Junior Achievement's Capstone Program, BizTown, which was created to inspire and prepare young people for success in a global economy.

Kumi Alderman grew up in Iwakuni City, a small town in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Her initial dream was to become a teacher, but after graduating from college, she embarked on a journey around the world as a tour conductor, immersing herself in diverse cultures. The invaluable lessons from her travels ignited her passion for uniting people from different backgrounds. It was, however, a car accident that ultimately led Kumi, the Director of the Asian Culture Center of TN, to discover her true purpose.

Kumi Alderman grew up in Iwakuni City, a small town in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Her initial dream was to become a teacher, but after graduating from college, she embarked on a journey around the world as a tour conductor, immersing herself in diverse cultures. The invaluable lessons from her travels ignited her passion for uniting people from different backgrounds. It was, however, a car accident that ultimately led Kumi, the Director of the Asian Culture Center of TN, to discover her true purpose.

After battling Acute Respiratory Syndrome and lying in a coma for nearly two weeks, WOKI Radio Producer Eric Glasgow faced the daunting challenge of overcoming two lower leg amputations. Though he felt ready to give up, the unwavering prayers of his mother and aunt ignited a spark of hope, paving the way for his future possibilities.

Tammy White's role as President & CEO of Leadership Knoxville embodies the fulfillment of a lifelong passion and calling. At a young age, she was driven by a desire to serve and uplift those around her, as well as enhance her community. It all began in middle school when she became involved in student government and that desire deepened in high school, where, as Student Body President, she spearheaded service projects to enrich the lives of folks in her hometown of Walhalla, SC. Tammy's journey is a wonderful story of faith, family, service, and the endless possibilities that arise from...

If your life journey has included challenges like homelessness, becoming a mother at 17, a cancer diagnosis, and the heartbreaking loss of a child, you might question whether there is any possibility of a new beginning. Dr. Kimberly Hill Davis' story of loss, pain, uncertainty, loneliness, hope, resilience, and unwavering faith serves as a powerful reminder that "Anything is Possible."

At just 16, Kimberly Hill-Davis found herself expelled from high school and sent out of state for behavioral issues. By 17, she found herself pregnant, alone, and homeless in Atlanta, Georgia. Today, she stands tall as Dr. Kimberly Hill-Davis, Community Engagement Director for the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) at the University of Tennessee. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the belief that Anything is Possible!

Although her path was littered with trials, upheavals, losses and challenges, Resilience, Toughness, Strength and Faith are all tools that Heather Harrington used on her journey to becoming Mid-day Radio Host for Country Music Radio Station, WIVK 107.7. She had dreams of transitioning to TV broadcasting after over 10 years of co-hosting Sports-talk radio shows, but God had Bigger and Better plans for her.

Heather Harrington is a former SEC Championship winning Volleyball Player at the University of TN. And with her majoring in Journalism and Electronic Media, her matriculation into Sportstalk Radio was almost a given. But after Motherhood, Shifting Priorities and Fervent Prayers for change ... change happened. She's now Midday host for one America's most successful Country Music Radio Stations, WIVK.

(Honoring the life, legacy and memory of our friend and former TN State Senator, Frank Samuel Niceley.)

Frank Niceley was born and raised on a farm in East Tennessee and he is "about as Appalachian as you can get." It was the lessons learned on the farm and the East Tennessee Values he absorbed that paved the way for him to serve as TN State Senator.

Eric Glasgow serves as producer for The Yarbrough Show, a Newstalk radio show in Knoxville, TN. All along his life's journey he had unseen speed-bumps, huge hurdles and tough challenges to navigate; many of them self inflicted. He dropped out of High School as a teen and made Huge mistakes along the way. He was a self-described "Screw-up" ... but he found validation over all of those mistakes and challenges when he achieved and Earned the title United States Marine.

A.R. "Rick" Johnson grew up on a farm along the French Broad River in East TN. His entire professional career has been in business ... and although he's been Exceptionally successful as a executive leader with extensive experience in the c-suites of large corporations, he never strayed far from his East TN roots. He's now become an Exceptional Poet and Author, writing "poems that reflect a deep connection to the land, its people, and the seasons that shape it."

Chris Martin is Founder and President of the Knoxville Leadership Foundation. He's always had a heart for serving and for ministry. Along his journey, he grew and learned from many inspiring mentors and leaders ... but it wasn't until he moved into a majority black community that he learned the most valuable lesson of all from an older black lady ... How to Depend on God.

"He's a Winner." That's the common theme when referring to Defense Attorney, Gregory P. Isaacs. For several decades he's "made it his life’s work to protect his client’s legal rights while defending their individual freedoms." ... and as a man of faith who's been inspired by great historical leaders, he's successfully connected what he does to a much higher purpose.

Dr. Jody Griffin has been extremely Successful in both his dental practice, Cornerstone Dental Arts and in his career. With a heart for Ministry, “Smiles for Recovery,” the initiative he and his friends created allowed him to move from Success to Significance.

Dr. Jody Griffin's whole reason for going to dental school was to "have BMW's and live on the lake." ... that was until he met Dr. Jim McKinney and the dentists at Cornerstone Dental Arts in Knoxville, TN. They changed the way he "looked at life in general." He never saw dentistry as a means to ministry, but that's exactly what it was ... and Is.

Whether it's because of infertility, because of age or genetic concerns, there are so many stories of beautiful young couples having difficulties starting a family. WVLT News Co-Anchor, Casey Wheeless' journey is one of those stories. Although her and her husband's lives we're centered around their faith in God, after having difficulties and losing two babies during pregnancy, Casey began to feel that "it might not ever happen" ... but God had different plans. This is a beautiful Mother's Day story of Love, Hope, Family and Faith.

The Wallace family has been in the Real Estate business since 1936. George Wallace, who is now CEO of Wallace Real Estate, joined the business in the mid 80's and the business has been very successful. His journey getting there is a beautiful story of "discovery of purpose" and "re-imagining of possibilities." He found all new possibilities and purpose when he began his work in helping to bring people together across racial lines.

It all started in a University of Georgia Television Production Class. "The Macaque is Back." That was the title of Lori Golden-Stryer's first news story. Producing that piece ignited a fire and passion for Story-Telling that would later lead her to executive produce several TV Shows and Series' for HGTV, TLC and many others. She now serves as CEO of RIVR Media, the southeast's leading independent television producer.

It all started in a University of Georgia Television Production Class. "The Macaque is Back." That was the title of Lori Golden-Stryer's first news story. Producing that piece ignited a fire and passion for Story-Telling that would later lead her to executive produce several TV Shows and Series' for HGTV, TLC and many others. She now serves as CEO of RIVR Media, the southeast's leading independent television producer.

When Albert Dockter, Jr. began taking his grandson, Warren, to visit historical sites, they had no clue that those trips were the beginning of a journey that would lead to Dr. Warren Dockter becoming a world renowned historian and President of the East TN Historical Society.

For the vast majority of his life, Dr. John Avant has been ministering, mentoring, encouraging and building. At times, navigating societal issues, cultural differences and political views have presented enormous challenges. But "as a follower of Jesus," Dr. Avant says he firmly believes he has a "Kingdom Calling;" fulfilling the Great Commission, "which is far bigger than a national calling."

"The Lord has spoken to me and he's calling you to ministry and you're gonna preach Sunday." At age 17, those were the words spoken to Dr. John Avant by his Pastor/Principle. He says: "It had to have been the worse sermon in the history of christianity, but when I stepped down, I knew he was right. This is what I'll do the remainder of my days."

Unbeknownst to neither him nor his family, Shawn P. Turner's journey to becoming Director of both Sevier Heights Baptist Church's Choir & Orchestra and the University of TN's Gospel Choir actually began at the age of 6, when he volunteered to lead the choir at his "Granny's" church in Memphis, TN.

Judy Balloff's journey to becoming an Author, Speaker and Motivational Coach has been littered with challenges; Open Heart Surgery, 5 strokes, Divorce and Loss of a Job are just a few of them. Her life, however, has been revolutionized as she's dedicated it to levering all of those challenges to help others realize their possibilities.

Judy Balloff woke up from open heart surgery to discover that during the procedure she experienced 5 strokes. Although she lost the ability read or write; lost the use of her right hand and lost her complex thinking, she didn't lose her faith.

Rhea Carmon's journey to becoming the City of Knoxville's Poet Laureate is a beautiful example of how Challenges can lead to Purpose. Her Loss, Pain, and Health Challenges "can't win." They only served as fuel for her Passion, Faith and Poetry.

Rhea Carmon made history becoming the City of Knoxville Tennessee's first Black Poet Laureate. Her Life and Journey is a beautiful story of Passion, Perseverance, Purpose, Possibility and Poetry.

Through the years, we've had the opportunity to talk with some of America's greatest Veterans. Many of them live in the East Tennessee Community. In this episode we celebrate and honor Sam Hardman, WWII // Baffin Harper, Sr, US Army-Vietnam // Bill Weigel, Air National Guard // Lt. Ashley Nickloes, TN Air National Guard // Wes Stowers, US Air Force // Pastor Gerald McGinnis, US Army- Vietnam // Captain Bill Robinson, US Air Force, former prisoner of war.

Pastor Chris Battle moved from Pulpit to the Garden. He founded Battlefield Farms, a ministry/farm that fights food insecurity and creates community ... and because he firmly believes "God wants His Kingdom to be established here on earth," the way Pastor Battle is "establishing it is thru food."