We recently had the chance to connect with Buddy Clay and have shared our conversation below.
Buddy, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Absolutely. One of my proudest moments recently was hitting the one-year mark of a complete lifestyle change due to my Cancer diagnosis. I cut out alcohol, meat , fast food and basically turned into a raw vegan— making my health a top priority. This was not just for me, but for my family. It wasn’t always easy, but it’s been worth it. What’s really made me proud is how my daughters, Brooklyn and Bella, have also grown from this shift. They’ve become more active, more mindful about what they eat, and they even talk about things like “healthy choices” on their own now. It’s funny and kind of beautiful to see how the little things you model start showing up in your kids. That’s been the most rewarding part — knowing they’re watching and following in the steps I’m intentionally taking.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the CEO and co-founder of New Hope Healthcare Institute, an outpatient mental health and substance use treatment center based in Knoxville, Tennessee. We specialize in PHP and IOP services for individuals navigating some of life’s toughest seasons. What makes us unique is our focus on relational care — we combine clinical excellence with a deep commitment to creating a culture of safety, hope, and real connection.
I’ve worked in behavioral health for over a decade, but my passion for this work has only grown, especially as I’ve walked through my own health journey this past year. I know what it means to fight for your life, your health, and your family — and that’s the heart behind what we do at New Hope.
Right now, we’re focused on expanding services, refining operations, and staying true to our mission: to bring real hope to real people.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Without a doubt, my relationship with Jesus has shaped how I see myself more than anything else. It might sound cliché, but it’s true. Learning to root my identity not in what I do, what people think of me, or even how I view myself — but in what God says about me — has been transformational.
The writings of Paul in the New Testament really brought that to life for me. Especially when he talks about not even judging himself — that his confidence comes from being known and approved by God. That hit me hard. Tim Keller’s The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness took that even deeper. That little book flipped a switch for me. It helped me see that true confidence doesn’t come from thinking more or less of myself, but from thinking of myself less.
That shift has impacted everything — how I lead, how I parent, how I show up in hard seasons. It’s a daily practice, but it’s given me a sense of peace and purpose that I don’t think I could’ve found anywhere else.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me things success never even came close to. Starting a business from the ground up meant long days, sleepless nights, and the constant fear in the early days of not making payroll. That weight was real — knowing people were depending on me, and sometimes barely scraping by. But even that doesn’t compare to the moment I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.
That kind of suffering strips everything away. It taught me how little control I actually have and how precious each moment really is. It forced me to slow down, to surrender, and to find strength in places I never knew existed. It taught me to lead and live with more humility, more presence, and more dependence on God.
Success feels good — but suffering reshaped my values. It deepened my relationships, clarified my purpose, and gave me a peace that no achievement ever could. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, but I also wouldn’t trade what it’s taught me.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
It’s getting closer and closer. For a long time, I felt the pressure to appear polished, successful, like I had it all together — especially as a business owner and leader. But over time, and especially through some of the suffering I’ve faced, I’ve started caring less about maintaining a curated image and more about being real.
The fear of not looking like the “put-together, successful guy” is slowly fading. I’ve learned that vulnerability connects more than perfection ever could. So while I’m not fully there yet, I’m learning to let people see the full picture — the wins and the wounds — and I honestly feel more free because of it.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I’ve come to deeply understand just how fragile life really is. Facing a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis makes that reality hit different — it strips away the illusion of control and reminds you how quickly everything can change. Most of the things we stress about, chase after, or argue over feel so insignificant in the bigger picture.
What truly matters is eternal. Being present with the people you love. Living with purpose. Loving well. I used to think productivity or status defined a meaningful life — now I know it’s presence, peace, and people that matter most. That shift has changed how I live every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Newhopehealthtn.com
- Instagram: @foodieKnoxville
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buddy-clay
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FDh6UZaPH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
