New show’s guests to include entrepreneurs, artists and leaders from various sectors who embody undeniable hope
First two episodes launch Oct. 2 with Former Govs. Bill Haslam and Phil Bredesen and business partners Annie F. Downs and Kelli Haywood
Belmont University announced today the launch of an uplifting and inspiring podcast "The Hope People," hosted by University President Dr. Greg Jones. As described in the show’s trailer, the podcast will explore the power of hope through engaging conversations with a diverse range of influential guests. The first two episodes will be released Oct. 2 in conjunction with the University’s annual Hope Summit, featuring former Governors Bill Haslam and Phil Bredesen on Episode 1 and Annie F. Downs & Kelli Haywood on Episode 2.
Seeking to illuminate the transformative power of hope in our lives, The Hope People will feature thought-provoking discussions and heartfelt stories, with new episodes releasing every other Wednesday through January. Dr. Jones and his esteemed guests will share insights, wisdom and experiences that inspire listeners to find hope, even when facing extreme obstacles.
“Our world is facing significant challenges, and at every turn, another conflict seems to await. Yet, we survive, we overcome, we even thrive – by relying on an intangible and undeniable gift: Hope,” Jones says in the podcast’s trailer. “It fills us, connects us, highlights our individual purpose and unites us in our goal to do more together. Hope fuels us toward flourishing as people and as a community.”
The lineup of guests for the inaugural season of the podcast includes an impressive array of leaders, artists and changemakers:
- Phil Bredesen & Bill Haslam: former Tennessee governors
- Annie F. Downs: bestselling author, speaker and podcaster & Kelli Haywood: owner of KCH Entertainment and co-founder of the “That Sounds Fun” podcast network
- Marcus Whitney: author and founder and general partner of Jumpstart Nova
- Betty Wiseman: trailblazer for women’s athletics in the Southeast & Rick Byrd: Top 12 NCAA D1 winning basketball coach and College Basketball Hall of Fame inductee
- Anderson Spickard: dean of the Belmont Frist College of Medicine
- Jon Roebuck: director of the Reverend Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership & Mark Schiftan: rabbi emeritus of Congregation Ohabai Sholom in Nashville
- Cordia Harrington: Founder and CEO of the Bakery Cos.
- CeCe Winans: Best-selling female gospel artist of all time
- Al Andrews: director of Porter’s Call & Janice Gaines: American gospel singer—which will be recorded live at Belmont’s annual Hope Summit Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.
Jones expressed his enthusiasm for the new series, stating, "In times of uncertainty and adversity, hope becomes our guiding light. We aim to explore the various dimensions of hope and share stories that inspire resilience, trust and joy. As you’ll see, each of our guests brings their own unique insights and wisdom to the show, and I am honored to have the privilege of facilitating these meaningful conversations."
Each episode of The Hope People will delve into topics such as personal triumphs, community building, faith and the power of storytelling to impact human flourishing. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how hope can lead to personal growth, transformation and the capacity to effect positive change in the world.
The podcast will be available on all major podcast platforms.
Stay connected with The Hope People by visiting www.belmont.edu/hope-people.