We are excited to announce the launch of TennTalks, our brand-new podcast designed to uplift and inspire Tennessee residents through stories of education, leadership, and community support. Hosted by Ayers’ Director of IT Operations and Business Solutions Jesse Turner, each episode delves into the experiences of remarkable Tennesseans who are dedicated to making a difference in our state. Join us as we explore transformative ideas and initiatives aimed at creating a brighter future for rural communities. Here’s a sneak peek at our first few episodes:

In our very first episode, Jesse sits down with Janet Ayers, president of the Ayers Foundation Trust. Janet’s story is one of perseverance and impact, starting with her upbringing in rural Tennessee. She shares her early experiences in healthcare administration, the obstacles she faced as a young woman in leadership, and how her passion for education has shaped her career. Janet reveals the driving force behind the Ayers Foundation’s mission to remove barriers to education and highlights their newest initiative, “Come Home Tennessee”, which aims to bring young graduates back to their rural roots to strengthen local economies. Tune in to hear Janet’s reflections on the importance of personalized support for students and her vision for fostering positive change across the state.

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In this episode, Jesse welcomes State Representative Mark White to TennTalks. They dive into the key issues impacting Tennesseans today, from education reform to statewide economic development. Mark shares his perspective on the challenges facing our schools and communities, along with his vision for creating a more prosperous Tennessee for future generations. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on what it takes to build strong, sustainable communities across the state.

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In Episode 3, Jesse is joined by Justice Sarah Campbell of the Tennessee Supreme Court. Justice Campbell shares her inspiring journey from a small rural town in East Tennessee to her current role on the state’s highest court. Together, they explore the intersection of education, technology, and access to justice, especially for underserved rural populations. Sarah also reflects on balancing a demanding career with family life and shares her passion for making the judicial system more accessible to all Tennesseans. Listen in for an engaging conversation on how education and community support can empower rural communities and transform lives.

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In this episode of TennTalks, Jesse sits down with Mark Ezell, Tennessee’s Commissioner of Tourist Development. Their conversation dives into Ezell’s journey from the dairy industry to public service and explores how tourism can spark economic growth, particularly in Tennessee’s rural communities. Ezell shares how his work focuses on helping these areas thrive by attracting visitors and generating revenue, making tourism a key driver of development.

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In this episode of TennTalks, Jesse sits down with Brandon Gibson, Tennessee’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), to explore the often-unseen operations that help the state government serve its citizens. Gibson shares her journey from growing up on a farm in rural Tennessee to leading 43,000 employees across 23 state departments, emphasizing collaboration and effective operations. Her experiences as a lawyer and a public servant have shaped her approach to leadership and focused on bringing Tennessee’s diverse communities closer together.

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This week on TennTalks, Jesse sits down with Patty Woodby, the first female mayor of Carter County, to discuss her journey from rural Tennessee to a position of leadership. Tune in to hear Patty’s inspiring story of resilience, her dedication to public service, and how she’s working to break down barriers for future generations. From spearheading initiatives for clean drinking water to creating educational opportunities for local students, Patty shares the transformative power of community-focused leadership and collaboration. Learn how her experiences have shaped her commitment to building a brighter, more inclusive future for Carter County and beyond.

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