PODCAST · arts
Applaudable Perspectives
by PLA Media
At PLA Media, we have always loved talk radio.Our founder thought it would be a welcomed challenge to do a radio show someday. So, with the advent of podcasts, this is PLA's version, Applaudable Perspectives. We welcome a myriad of guests from the arts and various walks of life for what we hope will be an engaging, thought provoking conversation. Join us in this podcast for a laugh, a bit of knowledge and a chance to meet some interesting people as we share our human experience. If you like what you hear, have a topic or a suggestion for a possible guest, let us know at [email protected].
Episodes
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Tales from the “Tennessee Hill:” A Conversation With Claude Carmichael
In this episode, Pamela talks with longtime friend, daytime award winner Claude Carmichael about his musical journey, life and his new project “Tennessee Hill.”
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Special Episode: Pamela Lewis Shares Her Thoughts on Working With Dolly Parton and Dolly’s Lasting Impact
In this special episode, PLA Media’s Matt Bjorke hosts a special episode of Applaudable Perspectives with CEO Pamela Lewis discussing the brief time she worked with Dolly Parton (mostly around the film Rhinestone) and we briefly delve into the impact Dolly has had on the country music scene and…
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A Conversation with Loy Hardcastle, Franklin, Tennessee’s Reinaissance Man & Respected Musician
In this episode, Pam Lewis sits down with her friend and Franklin, Tennessee’s own respected businessman and musician, Loy Hardcastle. They discuss his lifelong ties to the iconic Middle Tennessee city and the many chapters of Loy’s own careers.
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Behind the Byline: Michael McCall's Country Music Journey
Behind the Byline: Michael McCall's Country Music Journey On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, veteran music journalist Michael McCall sits down with PLA Media founder Pamela Lewis to reflect on his storied career in country music. From the stories behind the stories to the artists and...
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Breathing Through the Fire: One Veteran's Fight for Truth and Healing - A Conversation with Kevin Hensley
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pamela Lewis sits down with Kevin Hensley, whose two decades of military service left him with constrictive bronchiolitis, a severe and irreversible lung disease caused by burn pit exposure. Kevin opens up about the maddening fight to get properly...
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Julie Brown on Preserving an Iconic Landmark in Franklin, Tennessee
Some places hold a community's memory in their walls — and the Five Points Post Office in Franklin, Tennessee is one of them. Built in 1925, it was Franklin's very first post office, and over the decades it served not just as a mail hub, but as a gathering place woven into the fabric of the city....
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Come Hungry, Leave Connected; A Conversation with Scarritt Bennett Center Director of Technology, Dr. Michael Vaughn
In this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam Lewis sits down with Scarritt Bennett Center's own Dr. Michael Castellaw-Vaughn for an impromptu conversation about radical hospitality, fellowship, community, what makes Scarritt Bennett Center special, and more about his journey to becoming the...
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Turning Pages & Building Community: A Women’s History Month Conversation with Jessica Jeffers
As Director of the Williamson County Public Library, Jessica Jeffers leads one of Middle Tennessee’s most dynamic and community-focused library systems, serving a rapidly growing population with innovative programming, expansive collections, and forward-thinking services. Under her leadership…
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An Intimate Conversation with Lillian Stewart, The first female Mayor of Franklin, TN
In this episode, we honor Lillian Stewart — the first and, so far, only female mayor of Franklin, Tennessee — through an intimate conversation with Pam Lewis. A sixth-generation Williamson County native and former French teacher, Stewart brought a deep sense of place and long-term vision to city...
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Applaudable Perspectives: Good Trouble & Great Towns with Franklin Tennessee’s “First Lady of Preservation” Rudy Jordan
In this special Women’s History Month episode, we sit down with Franklin, Tennessee’s “First Lady of Preservation,” Rudy Jordan, whose bold vision and fearless leadership helped transform Franklin into one of America’s most beloved Main Streets. As a driving force behind the town’s historic...
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Where Stories Live: Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel on Writing History
In honor of Women's History Month, Applaudable Perspectives sits down with award-winning author and historian Mary Ellen Pethel for a conversation that brings the past to life. Mary Ellen shares her journey as a historian and storyteller, exploring the voices and stories that have shaped her work…
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Ink to Impact: A Career Reinvented with Matt Bjorke
In this episode, Pam Lewis talks to Matt Bjorke about his remarkable evolution from globe-trotting country music journalist to strategic publicity specialist, and the unlikely road that shaped his perspective along the way. From living and teaching in China and South Korea to covering country...
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Defining Community and Hospitality: A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Sondrea L. Tolbert , J.D., M.Div.
On today’s episode, Pam Lewis sits down for a heartfelt, in-depth conversation with the Scarritt-Bennett Center’s Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Sondrea L. Tolbert, to explore the true meaning of community and the transformative power of hospitality. Set against the spirit and legacy of...
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The Power Journalist with Markos Papadatos
In this episode, Pam Lewis talks With the journalism legend himself, Markos Papadatos. Markos is an award-winning Greek-American journalist and educator known by the professional moniker "The Power Journalist". As of late 2025, he has authored over 24,000 original articles, primarily as the...
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A Conversation on Community Engagement with Derrick Solomon, Hard Bargain Association Executive Director
In this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, host Pamela Lewis walks the historic Hard Bargain neighborhood of Franklin, Tennessee with Derrick Solomon, Executive Director of the Hard Bargain Association, for a powerful, place-based conversation about history, housing, and hope. As they move...
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Bruno Pirecki - Multi-Faceted Author of “House of Long Shadows”
A native of Seattle, Washington, Bruno Pirecki spent his formative years exploring his Capitol Hill neighborhood, the magic of the San Juan Islands, and the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Following two decades as a Nashville entertainment executive, his love for writing character-driven...
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Rewrite Your Food Story: A Conversation with Judy Rivera Rosso
In this episode, we sit down with Judith “Judy” Rivera Rosso, author of the compelling and eye-opening book Junk Food Suicide, published by Balboa Press. Judy’s work dives deep into the hidden dangers of the ultra-processed foods that have become staples in modern life—uncovering how our everyday...
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Doggie Doodles with Dina Rae Capitani
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam Lewis is joined by Dina Rae Capitani, a multi-talented artist, musician, songwriter, community builder and visionary. She believes in the power of the arts to heal, unite and connect people to their hearts and one another. Tune in to hear about...
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A Special PLA Mother's Day
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam is joined by her mother on a reflective drive.
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Experience Historic Tours with Eliza Warren
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam Lewis is joined by Eliza Warren with Old Town Trolley Tours. Historic Tours of America, with the motto of "Storytellers of America", give fact based tours across the country with their hop-on-hop-off trolleys. Tune in to hear about Warren’s life...
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Nashville Music with Angela Easley
Pam is joined by vocalist, instrumentalist, songwriter and radio host, Angela Easley. In this week's podcast, Angela will speak on her past and the things that have helped her on her path to a successful career. Angela has been awarded the 2021 Female Vocalist of the Year Bronze by the...
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Reese On Grief
Going under the pen name Cleo Childs, Reese Zahner joins Pam Lewis on this episode of Applaudable Perspectives. Reese’s upcoming project “Moving With” is about a journey with her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis; 14 poems about grief. Tune in to learn more about her journey and a preview of some of...
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Shopping with Sheila
Today, Pam is joined by entrepreneur Sheila Tiller. A true Nashville native, Sheila grew up here and attended Belmont University, earning her degree in Business. She has a passion for fashion with experience in many facets of the beauty industry. Tune in to hear more about her journey and some...
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One Year After The Covenant Shooting
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam Lewis revisits her conversation with Dr. Shamender Talwar after going to Covenant a year ago today in response to the school shooting that rocked the city of Nashville. The tragedy sparked local push back on Tennessee gun laws, but the effects of...
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A Conversation with Deborah Wagnon
Pam is joined by Stanford Law graduate, Deborah Wagnon. She is an entertainment and IP attorney and has represented internationally known clientele like Shakira, Gloria Estefan, Olivia Newton John, and Reba McEntyre. Additionally, Deborah is an author, most recently writing the Marie Sharp...
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Celebrating Women with Sharon Kay
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Pam Lewis is joined by radio host, Sharon Kay. Kay is the general manager at Fisk University’s radio station JAZZY 88 WFSK. After starting her career in radio back in Kansas, she found herself in Nashville becoming the first woman ever to be hired to serve...
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Sawyers' Sermon at West Harpeth
On this special edition of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam Lewis highlights Elder Hewitt Sawyers from the West Harpeth Primitive Baptist Church. The church’s first members were people who had come out of slavery, with its founding around 1869. Since then, West Harpeth has had five pastors, with the...
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Joined by John Berry
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam Lewis is joined by country singer-songwriter John Berry. With 20 singles on the country charts and six of those in the Top 5, John is back with new music and a new perspective. After going through chemotherapy and radiation for his cancer diagnosis...
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Live With The Diva of Margaritas
Pam Lewis is joined by Beth Brown, the owner of Rent-A-Rita, a frozen drink rental company based here in Nashville, TN. The Texas native moved to Nashville at the age of thirty all on her own. Frozen drink rentals were widely available back in Texas, but in Tennessee, Beth found herself in the...
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High Mountain Breezes
Bob Bullock began his career in Los Angeles training under legends such as Humberto Gatica, Reggie Dozier, and Roger Nichols. Over the course of his 40-year career, Bob shifted from engineering to producing and co-producing many artists. Bruce Tarletsky is the founder of High Mountain Breezes, a...
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Michael Johnathon: Licensing Reimagined
Originally from the Hudson Valley in New York State, artist Michael Johnathon moved to the border town of Laredo, TX to work at KLAR-AM. At the urging of folk singer Pete Seeger, he then moved to Mousie, Kentucky in the Appalachian mountains to learn folk tradition and music. He began his folk...
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In The Studio with Joe Hand
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam is joined once again by musician, producer, and engineer Joe Hand, recording live from his studio. Tune in to hear more about his career in the music industry and even hear him play.
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Belmont Mansion Management with Mark Brown and Jerry Trescott
PLA Media President Pam Lewis records live at the Belmont Mansion featuring Mark Brown and Jerry Trescott to discuss the historical importance of the Belmont Mansion, its various interpretations, and the challenges faced with restoration and evolution. See how you can schedule tours at the…
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The Dynamic Duo Chuck Rapp and Joseph Gregory
Pam is joined by her longtime friends Chuck Rapp and Joseph Gregory. With roots in Nashville and Missouri, the two found each other in the salon business landing themselves celebrity clients. Author and historian Joseph Gregory is also the great-grandson of Evalyn Walsh McLean, the inspiration…
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Give A Hand for Joe Hand
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam is joined by musician, producer, and engineer Joe Hand. Born in New York and raised in South Florida, he fell in love with music, watching people on TV in music studios. Hand knew he wanted to be making music at twelve years old, grew up a…
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Music Engineering and Industry Professor, John Merchant
Pam is joined by the talented music engineer, John Merchant. Originally from Virginia, he grew up around educators as his dad was a professor. Merchant was always destined to be a teacher in the south, but before then, he worked with some incredible artists like Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson,...
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Lights, Camera, Action: Alan Dysert
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam is joined by actor, writer, director, and producer Alan Dysert. He is most well known from his role as Sean Cudahy on ABC’s, All My Children, but he has been doing amazing work since. “Lights, Camera, Cancer!” is Dysert’s latest book all about his...
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Photography and the Arts with Michael Gomez
Gomez was originally born in England before moving with his family to Uganda, Africa. Making his way to the US in 1971, Gomez started his commercial photography business in Nashville at the age of 24 and has just moved his photography to Westlight Studios in Franklin, Tennessee. While working as…
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Former Police Officer Sytera Sanders
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam Lewis is joined by Sytera Sanders. After meeting during a trip to the Amazon, the two sit down for a conversation live from the Amazon. Born and raised in Michigan, Satara found herself starting in the law enforcement field early on with...
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Live From The Amazon With Jose
Pam Lewis is joined by tour guide Jose Alfonzo during her trip to South America. Jose received a five year degree in ecotourism learning how to complete projects in either ecotourism or ecology. He is knowledgeable in all things Amazon, from the protected animals and wildlife to illegal waste and...
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None Other Than Nancy Hays
Pam Lewis is joined by singer, dancer, actor and entertainer, Nancy Hays, with a special guest, Joan Lewis. Hays, the Illinois native, started her musical career in her teens. She was exposed to country music at a young age through many different jobs, including Opryland. Hays has been a wife and...
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Wes Schmitz with Podcasting and Pride
This episode of Applaudable Perspectives features PLA Media CEO Pam Lewis and 1/2 of the hosts from “Two Bottles Deep,” Wes Schmitz. A Central Illinois native, Wes was born in a deeply religious community of just under 6,000. It was at an early age that Wes came to terms with his sexuality.…
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Concerts for a Cause with Eric Genuis
Originally from Toronto Canada, Eric Genuis is an acclaimed composer, pianist, and speaker. His first love was composing and performing original work, which has taken him to stages across the world. Living through the motto “never say no”, he found himself performing for people in the prison...
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The Nashville Hispanic Chamber with Yuri Cunza
Pam is joined by President/CEO of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Yuri Cunza. Originally from Peru and attending school in Argentina, Yuri made his way to America, straight to Nashville. He came to the United States for the entertainment industry but ended up being the perfect…
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Importance of Music with Craig Brandwein
Pam Lewis calls to talk to producer Craig Brandwein with Center Sound Records. The native New Yorker has been surrounded by all genres of music his entire life. They were constantly playing music in the house and many of his family members had instruments. While he loved playing and writing, he...
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Publishing and A&R with Penny Gattis
This week, we sit down with Penny Gattis of Eclipse Music Group to talk about Music Publishing. Throughout her career, she has worked in publishing, A&R, and creative directing. Tune in to hear more about her industry journey and advice for songwriters.
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Video Promotion & Visual Image Marketing with Steve Baker
PLA Media founder and CEO Pam Lewis sits down with Steve Baker to talk about video promotion and visual marketing in Nashville's music scene. Baker founded a successful music video promotion company, Visual Image Marketing, which has helped independent country music artists across the globe…
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Rex Allen Jr on a Lifelong Entertainment Career
On this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam is joined by country singer Rex Allan Jr. Son of "the Arizona Cowboy" Rex Allan, Allan Jr. talks about his father’s career in music and film and its impact on his own life. Tune in to hear the advice he received from his father and advice he’d give...
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Talking Tech with Chris Jones
Owner of Computer and Communications Innovations, Jones has been working on music row for over 15 years. Tune in to hear more about the IT consultant's journey in Nashville.
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Pam and Pam on the Music Industry with Pam Rose
PLA Media president Pam Lewis sits down with the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and Tennessee native Pam Rose. Rose is popularly known as a member of Calamity Jane and Kennedy Rose. Tune in as she shares the memories of her illustrious career, starting with her mentorship in Atlanta under a...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
At PLA Media, we have always loved talk radio.Our founder thought it would be a welcomed challenge to do a radio show someday. So, with the advent of podcasts, this is PLA's version, Applaudable Perspectives. We welcome a myriad of guests from the arts and various walks of life for what we hope will be an engaging, thought provoking conversation. Join us in this podcast for a laugh, a bit of knowledge and a chance to meet some interesting people as we share our human experience. If you like what you hear, have a topic or a suggestion for a possible guest, let us know at [email protected].
HOSTED BY
PLA Media
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Applaudable Perspectives have?
Applaudable Perspectives currently has 136 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Applaudable Perspectives about?
At PLA Media, we have always loved talk radio.Our founder thought it would be a welcomed challenge to do a radio show someday. So, with the advent of podcasts, this is PLA's version, Applaudable Perspectives. We welcome a myriad of guests from the arts and various walks of life for what we hope...
How often does Applaudable Perspectives release new episodes?
Applaudable Perspectives publishes regularly with 136 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Applaudable Perspectives?
You can listen to Applaudable Perspectives on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Applaudable Perspectives?
Applaudable Perspectives is created and hosted by PLA Media.
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