Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.
Jarrod Barry
I believe in my soul I’m doing what Jesus wrote out for me. I really feel such an incredibly full heart in every moment of my journey. Even this interview and getting to express who I am and what I love. I’ve been doing and going at my music career since I was in 3rd grade. Read more>>
Logan Sanders
I laugh way too much to keep track of them all. The proudest moments are when I sang on stage with Keith Urban on Broadway and I’m proud right now that me and the band are about to start recording a few new songs. We’re all looking forward to new music. Read more>>
Ron Creech
Yes, the public version of me is the real me. What you see on Next Rung Radio or in business conversations is who I am at home and behind closed doors. I do not believe in having two separate identities, one for the stage and one for real life. Consistency matters to me. Read more>>
Tami Daylami
For the most part, I would say yes. I’m pretty silly most of the time. Have an overall joyful demeanor. I am serious about my work, but I’m still having fun with it. I seldom wear make up. I dress like a boy. I have other sides to me and you see that too. But you see the real me. Read more>>
Kate Sykes
If there is anything I would say about myself, it is that I am authentic. Anything put online or in my music is derived 100% from my life and my experiences good or bad. I really can only write about what I know and sing about what I believe. Now that I’ve said that, please don’t judge my life choices or my taste in boys. Read more>>
Amanda Bauch
Although I love collaborating with my author clients, I cannot deny that over the past couple of years, I’ve been feeling called to something that terrifies me: focus more on writing and publishing my own work. I have published my own work. Read more>>
Rae Sanchez
Suffering taught me that life doesn’t stop for your pain,there are no pauses for either pain or success. I learned that there is a way to suffer, and that even pain can be approached with intention and growth. Success can be blinding because you fear its impermanence you can become distracted by the knowledge that it won’t last forever. Read more>>
Jon Wilson
A life well-lived is not about oneself and concerning himself about his legacy. It is about serving others, impacting others, and helping others reach their potential in life. Read more>>
Lindsey Plevyak
That I lived deeply and loved people well. That I made them feel something, hope for something. That I challenged the surrounding narratives and offered a different way of seeing the world. I truly tried to always leave people better then when I found them. Even if it was seemingly small, maybe just a lighter spirit, one that felt heard, seen and being deeply understood. Read more>>
Lexi Jordan
This question reminded me of ‘How They Remember You’ by Rascal Flatts. They have always been a huge inspiration of mine. I had the opportunity to meet Gary Levox and tell him how much their music helped and inspired me. He was so kind and appreciative, and I will never forget that moment. Read more>>
Ta-Tanisha Thomas
I am deeply committed to building a tourism and hospitality enterprise that becomes a generational legacy for my family. The vision is bigger than any single business. Through Officially Crowned Travel, Nashville Flying Dress, Flying Dress Getaways, and Royal Journey Apparel & Accessories, I have created a group of brands that naturally complement one another and elevate the overall customer experience. Read more>>
Kazuri Arai
A couple of things that I would love to make fruitions of. 1) Equal opportunity for female and genderfluid producers, engineers and studio techs and have a safe place to work. This is one of my long-term goals where I become a provider. Read more>>
Bernice Marsala
I think the minute I started writing about it, I realized that it was a therapeutic practice. Once I used whatever I was feeling to create something, I felt less affected by it because now I had this wonderful song (or songs) that I was really proud of. Read more>>
Jonathan Yudkin
My father. His work ethic, understanding of the job description, diversity and upward momentum influenced me from day one. After his service in the Navy he became a public school music teacher until he advanced to a vice principle and finally full elementary school principle. Read more>>
Gabbi Rae
All of the time. It comes down to the daily tasks for me. Like, not rushing my morning coffee ritual or slowly applying my skincare. I’ve started to pause and ask myself, why I’m frantically applying my moisturizer like the world is ending when I HAVE enough time to treat myself with care for a few minutes before heading out the door? Read more>>
Heather Hillhouse
I have been asking myself more future driven questions lately, and this one just sparks so many thoughts and emotions. The thought of having immortality and the option of photographing human history on this earth from now on? That may be the single most exciting thought I have ever had. Observing is just my whole world. Read more>>
Steve Kuzma
Great question. I’m born in Philadelphia and Came into a family with ukrainian parents. I went to school to study the language culture. Scouting and soccer as a boy and also lived in Kiev.. I’m a painter illustrator and musician networks professionally after Some especially deep loss, you Havey. I was able to go to the homeland country during Easter. Read more>>
Glenai Gilbert
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned about our couples is how much they rely on their photographer and videographer emotionally throughout the day. Of course, they hire us to document their wedding beautifully. But what many people don’t realize is that we are with them during some of the most intimate, vulnerable, and high pressure moments of their lives. Read more>>
RaShaye Freeman
I want to begin by being fully transparent: I had a very blessed childhood. There was never a shortage of hugs, cuddles, or encouraging words to comfort me when I felt sad or scared. I recognize that many people did not have that experience, and I never take it for granted. At the same time, our experiences are still our experiences. Read more>>
Khara Lord
I’m learning how to loosen my grip — to pause, to breathe, and to trust that life can meet me without me chasing, fixing, or managing every detail. It’s a slow burn, but it’s becoming a sacred part of my journey. My son, Rhodes, has been my greatest teacher in this. Read more>>
Erica Passic
Absolutely, I’d hire me in a heartbeat! I’m a relentless go-getter with a ‘find a way or make one’ attitude—if the answer doesn’t exist yet, I’ll manifest it. I bring a rare blend of deep empathy and a visionary lens; I can see the end goal clearly and effortlessly pull it into reality. Read more>>
