Anything is Possible "The Podcast"

(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."

From preaching in the pulpit ... to plowing in the garden, Battlefield Farm founder, Pastor Chris Battle's journey is a true story of Faith, Courage, Discipline, Grace and Possibility,

It was always his intention ... and there was never a doubt in Lee Smith's mind that he would play in the NFL. So, passion and focus drove him to fight for and accomplish that goal. It was his post NFL life that concerned him most. Why? Because he knew he needed to find and embrace something that would give him Purpose. He found it ... Coaching, Training, Mentoring and Ministering to kids thru the company he founded and presides over; Triple F Elite Sports Training.

As a little girl growing up in Mexico City, Little Susana "knew she was different." Even at an early age, she was always Focused and Purpose Driven. It was that drive and focus that would allow her to earn a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Now, Dr. Susana Navarro serves as Founder, President and CEO of Navarro Research and Engineering, Inc., a $180 million firm that is one of the nation’s strongest, most successful women-owned small businesses, supporting the Department of Energy, NASA and Department of Defense.

From litigating Art Cases .... to serving as a Sports Agent ... to serving as Administrator of renowned artist, Beauford Delaney's estate ... to navigating Life, Loss and Love, Attorney Derek Spratley's journey is yet another testament to the Power of Possibility.

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.

Harry Boston's journey to founding Boston Government Services is a wonderful example of the Power of Possibility. He's been a teacher, a scientist, a manager and an executive with both government and industry. His Secret? ... When he came to "forks in the road," he "took them."

Serving as a conductor not only allowed Dr. Jeffrey Pappas to explore all his loves of music, it also provided complete clarity of purpose. He realized he needed something broader and deeper that would provide a way to "Harness" his "Own Ability," and "Serve More People.' That clarity and focus allowed him to move from a "Conductor in a University setting to Academic Leadership." He now has the distinction of serving as Founding Dean of the University of TN's Natalie L. Haslam College of Music.

When Clarice Phelps was a kid mixing substances and ingredients in her mother's kitchen, they had no idea that those days marked the beginning of her journey to becoming a Nuclear Engineer at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory; where she would also go on to help discover a new element for the Periodic Table.

A Dream, Drive, Optimism, Hope. Perseverance, Support and an amazing Work Ethic. These were all the elements needed to fuel Josh Ward's journey to becoming co-host of one of East TN's highest rated Sports-talk Radio/YouTube shows. His story is yet another Wonderful example of the Power of Possibility.

After growing up on a farm. Knox County Criminal Court Clerk, Mike Hammond invested well over 4 decades in the Radio Broadcasting industry, where he had a very rewarding and an extremely successful career. From On-Air Personality to Management, he achieved a lot ... to include winning an Edward R. Murrow award and induction into the Country Radio Hall of Fame. So, how do you go from Farm-Boy to Country Radio Hall-of-Famer to Criminal Court Clerk? "Possibility."

ICYMI: When he didn’t quite believe in himself, it was a College Dean who saw, mentored and believed in Dr. Keith Carver’s possibilities. Dean Don Carson's “Borrowed Possibility” was the spark that started Dr. Carver’s journey to becoming Sr. Vice Chancellor and Sr. VP of the University of TN’s Institute of Agriculture. (UTIA)

Jeannette Mills serves as Vice President and Chief External Relations Officer for the TN Valley Authority. (TVA) Her rise thru both Corporate America and the Power Industry is a testament to this fact: Love, Loss, Family and Support can be a Force Multiplier in helping to realize Possibility. No matter how tough her journey was; she felt she "could Always look up" for strength.

Jeannette Mills' rise through the ranks of Corporate America is a wonderful example of how being "Around Possibility" helps you to "See Possibility." As a result of the Strength, Hope, Direction, Conviction and Perseverance she absorbed from the Strong Women in her life, Jeannette was able to face and conquer every challenge and obstacle on her road to becoming Executive VP and Chief External Relations Officer for the Tennessee Valley Authority. (TVA)

Davis Tarwater has had an Amazing swimming career. He's won championships at every level. He's was a Jr. Nationals champion, a High School State champion and an NCAA champion. The Pinnacle of his career happened in 2012 when he won Gold in the 400-meter Freestyle relay at the Summer Olympics in London. None of those successes or "Possibilities" would have been realized without what Davis describes as a "blip of adversity." His bout with childhood epilepsy was the blip that "galvanized" his "edge.'

What possibilities could emerge from tragic loss? For University of TN Swimming & Diving Director, Matt Kredich, it was a Deepening and Affirming of Purpose. His journey is an inspiring and beautiful illustration of the Power Family, Love, Faith and Possibility.

As a competitor, when faced with one of the toughest challenges during his swimming career, Matt Kredich experienced the sustaining power of having both a team and coach support and encourage him.. As a Coach and Director of the University of Tennessee's Swimming & Diving program, his heart's goal is to do what had been done for him ... be a provider of those same Opportunities, Encouragement and Support.

"Life grants No exemptions" - Hallerin Hilton Hill // ...and Brittany Tarwater’s journey to becoming a Loving Wife, Exceptional Mom and Emmy Winning News Anchor/Journalist is no exception. Though her road was paved with Struggles, Love, Loss, Pain, Forgiveness, Self-Doubt and a host of other life challenges, her Faith allowed her to Go through and GROW through all of those seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Her story is a beautiful testament to the Power of Possibility.

Brittany Tarwater's journey to becoming an Emmy Award winning News Anchor and Journalist didn't come without it's challenges. When those challenges presented themselves, however, Brittany chose to Swim her way through them. Swimming at the University of TN became both the "Life-Line" and the fuel she needed to launch All New Possibilities.

Clarence Swearengen is a former college and pro basketball player, former basketball coach and current Talent Acquistion Specialist for Knox County Schools. His journey and life-circumstances are wide-ranging, to say the least. But those circumstances allowed him to set new all new Possibilities ... and since those possibilities were fueled and driven by Purpose, the results were so much Greater.