EPISODE
112
112. Higher Standards in Higher Ed’s Hardest Era with Dr. Bill Hardgrave
In this episode of Driven By, Sam sits down with Dr. Hardgrave to discuss the future of higher education, leadership in difficult moments and what it means to make decisions with the long game in mind. They also dive into Hardgrave’s own story from growing up in rural Arkansas as a first-generation high school graduate to leading one of Memphis’ most important institutions.
EPISODE
111
111. Building Jobs Where Everyone Else Left with Andy Kizzee
Andy Kizzee didn’t set out to build a workforce model in one of Memphis’ most challenged neighborhoods. However, after moving into Binghampton and getting to know his neighbors, he began asking a different question: not just why people weren’t working, but what kind of work actually changes a life. A structural engineer by training, Andy spent six years in India before returning to Memphis with a conviction that a good job can solve more than just income: it can create stability, dignity and opportunity.
EPISODE
110
110. Burning the Ships in Memphis: The Fight to Keep a School in the City with Trent Williamson
Trent Williamson shares the remarkable story of Harding Academy’s counter-cultural decision to remain in Memphis — a choice that brought real hardship but lasting transformation. He also reflects with striking honesty on leading through a battle with stage IV pancreatic cancer, offering a powerful perspective on faith and resilience.
EPISODE
109
109. Buried $500K Drug Cash, Prison Plea with God, Bootstrapped Boarding School with Melvin Cole
Some stories don’t fit neatly into a redemption arc. Melvin Cole’s is one of them. This episode isn’t polished inspiration. It’s an honest conversation about trauma, responsibility, faith and what it actually takes to change outcomes: not just for individuals, but for communities.
EPISODE
108
108. “Blue-Collar Kid, $20k in a Garage, Second Mortgage, Big Exits” with Gary Stavrum
This Driven By episode features Gary Stavrum, a Memphis entrepreneur whose career reflects exceptional grit, discipline and vision.
EPISODE
107
“Entrepreneurship and Mom’s Garage” with JW Gibson
In this episode of Driven By, I sit down with JW Gibson, a lifelong Memphian whose journey is as remarkable as it is inspiring.
EPISODE
106
“Beyond Football: Saving Lives on and off the Field” with Coach Mike Mosby
In this episode, I sit down with Coach Mike Mosby from Oakhaven High, an inner-city Memphis school, to talk about what it means to lead beyond football.
EPISODE
105
“We’re Still Getting Homelessness Wrong — and How to Fix It” with Jarad Bingham
In this episode, I sit down with Jarad from The Hospitality Hub in Memphis to talk about redesigning how they serve people experiencing homelessness.
EPISODE
104
“From $20 Million in the Red to a Vision for Memphis Healthcare” Dr. Reginald Coopwood
EPISODE
