Waves of Awareness - WOA it's A Podcast

Season 12 Finale: A Conversation with Mayor Anderson

Celebrate the Season 12 finale of Waves of Awareness with a conversation that takes you inside the heart of local leadership in Williamson County. This week, we're joined by Rogers Anderson, who sits down to share the path that led him to serve as county mayor—and what the role really looks like behind the scenes. From day-to-day responsibilities you may not expect to the biggest priorities shaping the county right now, this episode offers a closer look at how decisions are made and what's ahead for one of Tennessee's fastest-growing communities. Hosted by Staci Davis alongside co-host Johnny Sunshine, the conversation also includes a few personal updates and a glimpse into what's coming up at Waves. If you're curious about local government, community growth, or the future of Williamson County, this episode is a great place to start. 🎧 Press play to hear: -What the role of a county mayor actually involves -The biggest challenges and opportunities facing Williamson County -How leaders balance long-term vision with immediate needs -A look ahead at what could shape the county's future Thanks for being part of Season 12 of Waves of Awareness. Season 13 is on the way—make sure you're following so you don't miss what's next.

Mobilizing Communities: with Debby Rainey of United Way

This week on Waves of Awareness, we're joined by Debby Rainey from United Way of Greater Nashville, an organization dedicated to uniting the community and mobilizing resources so that every child, individual, and family can thrive. Debby—known for her work as a community connector, problem solver, and moment maker—opens up about her journey with United Way, the pressing needs she's seeing in our community, and a story that highlights why her mission matters. She also shares what excites her about the future of United Way and how everyday people can make an impact. Your hosts, Waves CEO Staci Davis and Waves adults Hannah, John, Jimmy, Jeff, and Adam, share their own personal updates at the end—including a wedding Hannah is attending and upcoming events Jimmy is excited about. 🎧 Listen now to hear insights on community impact, giving back, and how we can all play a role in building a stronger, more connected Nashville. ________________________________________ For more information about United Way of Greater Nashville: https://www.unitedwaygreaternashville.org/ [https://www.unitedwaygreaternashville.org/] Learn more about Waves: wavesinc.com [http://wavesinc.com/] Watch Waves of Awareness on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Waves_of_Awareness [https://www.youtube.com/@Waves_of_Awareness] Learn more about Spread The Positive: https://spreadthepositive.net/ [https://spreadthepositive.net/]

Special Olympics Impact: With Joanne Drumright

This week on Waves of Awareness, we're diving into the inspiring world of Special Olympics Tennessee! 🎉 Join Waves CEO Staci Davis and our Waves adults—Tripp, Eric, Jeni, and John—as they welcome Joanne Drumright, COO of Special Olympics Tennessee, and her son Matthew, a proud Special Olympics athlete. Hear firsthand why Special Olympics matters, what drives Joanne in her role, and the hopes she has for the future of this incredible organization. Matthew shares his favorite sports, the personal growth he's experienced through competition, and some unforgettable memories from the games. Plus, our Waves crew brings their own fun updates—from Jeni's WWE fandom to John's exciting announcement about our upcoming Breakfast Fundraiser! Whether you're a supporter, athlete, or just curious about how sports can empower people of all abilities, this episode is packed with heart, laughter, and inspiration. 🌊 What You'll Learn in This Episode: -The mission and impact of Special Olympics Tennessee -How sports help athletes grow on and off the field -Ways you can get involved and support the movement -Fun life updates from the Waves team Tap "Play" to be inspired and discover how inclusion and community can make a real difference! ________________________________________ For more information about Special Olympics Tennessee: https://www.specialolympicstn.org/ [https://www.specialolympicstn.org/] Learn more about Waves: wavesinc.com [http://wavesinc.com/] Watch Waves of Awareness on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Waves_of_Awareness [https://www.youtube.com/@Waves_of_Awareness] Learn more about Spread The Positive: https://spreadthepositive.net/ [https://spreadthepositive.net/]

Communication That Connects: with Charles Booth from the City of Brentwood

How does a city stay connected to its community? What does public service really look like behind the scenes? On this episode of Waves of Awareness, we sit down with Charles Booth, Community Relations Director for the City of Brentwood, to explore the strategy, heart, and responsibility behind municipal communication and community engagement. Charles shares what it truly means to serve a growing city — from managing public information and strengthening community trust to leading projects that help residents feel informed, heard, and connected. If you're interested in public relations, local government, leadership, strategic communication, or careers in public service, this conversation offers real-world insight you won't hear in a textbook. You'll also hear from Waves CEO Staci Davis and adult co-hosts Johnny Sunshine and Jeni Tanner as they share personal updates — including a Nashville Predators game experience and excitement for upcoming Waves fundraisers. Whether you're passionate about civic leadership, curious about how cities communicate during big moments, or simply love meaningful conversations about community impact, this episode will leave you thinking differently about the role communication plays in everyday life. Press play to go behind the scenes of public service — and discover how strong communication builds stronger communities. ________________________________________ For more information about the City of Brentwood: https://www.brentwoodtn.gov/Home [https://www.brentwoodtn.gov/Home] Learn more about Waves: wavesinc.com [http://wavesinc.com/] Watch Waves of Awareness on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Waves_of_Awareness [https://www.youtube.com/@Waves_of_Awareness] Learn more about Spread The Positive: https://spreadthepositive.net/ [https://spreadthepositive.net/]

From Classroom to Caregiver: Bridging Gaps Through Early Intervention

On this episode of Waves of Awareness, we're diving into the power of early intervention, school partnerships, and family collaboration. Early interventionists Alisha Kelley and Michelle Baker join us to share what it really looks like to support children inside the classroom — and how they help bridge the gap between teachers and caregivers to create consistency, confidence, and growth. What happens when school routines become meaningful developmental moments? How do early learning professionals partner with educators without disrupting the flow of the classroom? And what can families gain when everyone is truly on the same team? You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at early intervention in action — plus real stories that highlight why collaboration between schools and families matters more than ever. Waves CEO Staci Davis is joined by Waves adults Johnny Sunshine and Jeni Tanner as her co-hosts, who share personal updates, including Jeni's upcoming show with Backlight Productions and excitement around the Waves Annual Fundraising Breakfast, where Johnny will be giving the prayer. If you care about early childhood development, inclusive education, or building stronger connections between home and school, this conversation is for you. Press play and join us! 🎧 ________________________________________ For more information Waves' Early Learning Program, click here: https://wavesinc.com/early-learning-program/ [https://wavesinc.com/early-learning-program/] Learn more about Waves: wavesinc.com [http://wavesinc.com/] Watch Waves of Awareness on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Waves_of_Awareness [https://www.youtube.com/@Waves_of_Awareness] Learn more about Spread The Positive: https://spreadthepositive.net/ [https://spreadthepositive.net/]