Brentwood, TN February 2022

F E B R UA RY 2 022 | TH E LO C A L LOV E I S S U E

Twin Sister Love Carried Sarah Sharp and Cathey Stoner Through Cancer and Surrogacy LI F E + C U LTU R E

STO RIES O F LOVE AN D GIV I NG IN OU R CO M MU N IT Y

Life Set Apart

s o m e w h e r e , a m o n g t h e a g i n g oa k t r e e s , a m i d t h e r o l l i n g t e n n e s s e e c o u n t ry s i d e , l i e s a p l ac e t h at s i n g s a t i m e l e s s s o n g . a p l ac e t h at i s q u i e t a n d s e t a pa rt. t w e n t y o n e exqu i s i t e h o m e s i t e s st retch e d ac ro s s t h e poet i c la n d s c a pe o f b re n t wo o d t e n n e s s e e .

$

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LET'S GET YOUR HOME on the MARKET IN 2022!

2021 CLOSINGS 7220 Birch Bark Dr. Nashville 2470 Old Shannon Rd. Lebanon 4132 Mirrasou Crt. Franklin 9527 Glenfiddich Trace Brentwood 900 Villa Place Nashville 8416 Heirloom Blvd. College Grove 849 Windstone Blvd. Brentwood 4441 N. Chapel Rd. Franklin 9277 Fordham Dr. Brentwood 900 20th Ave. S #1601 Nashville 1211 Dallas Ave. Nashville 4015 Laurawood Ln. Franklin 713 Pendragon Crt. Franklin 1012 St. Hubbins Dr. Spring Hill 2439 Mission Ridge Dr. Murfressboro 611 Fair St. Franklin 345 Stephens Valley Blvd.Nashville 121 Amherst Way Nashville 3102 Brimstead Dr. Franklin 756 Sinclair Circle, Brentwood 9524 Edenbrook Crt. Brentwood 1229 Nichol Lane, Nashville 753 Sinclair Circle, Brentwood 752 Sinclair Circle Brentwood 2006B Galbraith Dr. Nashville 1361 Sweetwater Dr.Brentwood 1161 Olde Cameron Ln. Franklin 544 Sydenham Dr. Franklin 6358 Shadow Ridge Crt. Brentwood 752 Sinclair Circle Brentwood 1017 Warren St. Nashville 6473 Peytonsville Arno Rd. College Grove

PAULA HINEGARDNER

8211 Heirloom Blvd.College Grove

ABR, CRS, ASP, LUXURY HOMES REALTOR

®

6252 Wild Heron Way College Grove 1370 Sweetwater Dr. Brentwood

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KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY 9175 Carothers Parkway Franklin, Tn. 37067 #1 Keller Williams Agent in the Southeast Scan Here to learn about the Paula Hinegardner Group’s unique approach and investment made for every listing represented:

1309 Keystone Crt. Franklin 405 Founders Pointe Blvd.,Franklin 1925 Campfire Crt. Franklin 1403 Leeds Dr. Franklin 628 Overton Way, Spring Hill 1205 Jepson Crt. Franklin 1860 Charity Dr. Brentwood 1828 Tyne Blvd. Nashville 103 Wyn Oak Circle, Nashville 5325 Cherry Blossom Way, Brentwood 1925 Campfire Crt. Franklin 5004 Buds Farm Lane, Franklin 114 Allenhurst Circle, Franklin 7129 Brandon Park Crt. Franklin 200 Eiderdown Dr. Franklin

LIFESTYLE LETTER

February Local Love

February 2022 PUBLISHER

Jennifer Downs | jennifer.downs@citylifestyle.com MANAGING EDITOR

Our February issue is dedicated to sharing about locals in our area. As you read about a few famous locals in our community and their stories of passion and self-expression, we hope you are inspired to pursue what you love. After all, February is the month of love. With the hectic schedules we often keep, it is easy to let our hobbies, talents and special interests fall by the wayside. We just have to be deliberate about allowing ourselves time to pour into interests that we love and that fill us up.

So, while you fill your home with chocolates, flowers and valentines (and perhaps college basketball) this month, remember to give yourself some time to do what you love. Find what makes you feel alive, and don’t forget to share it with us. And while you are at it, don’t forget to shop local and support our local makers and artists right here in our community.

Jennifer Kaufman jennifer.kaufman@citylifestyle.com COPY EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Sue Baldani, Julie Brown Patton, Lacey Johnson, Jennifer Kaufman CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Molly Peach, Cameron Jones, Canaan Kagay from Details Nashville, Solomon Davis, Ese Morrison, Ashley Hylbert

JENNIFER DOWNS, PUBLISHER @BRENTWOOD_LIFESTYLE

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER Bruce Ianni DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/BRENT WOOD |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Brentwood Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Brentwood area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Brentwood Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

LIFE ADORNED

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A N N A BY G R O V E PA R K. C O M

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FEBRUARY IS FOR SWEETHEARTS

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2

inside the issue The Local Love Issue

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64

40

86

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

24 Community Connections

6

Lifestyle Letter

14

City Scene

18

Business Monthly

24

Financial Buzz

30

Local Limelight

36

Healthy Lifestyle

40

Our Town

48

Must See

54

Culinary Creations

58

Inspired By

64

Giving Back

ST YLE + B EAU T Y

72

Open House

HO ME + DES I GN

80

Chef ’s Selection

86

Expert Help

This Experienced Financial Team Focuses On Growing Wealth While Building Relationships

40 Love and Motherhood, Reimagined:

Sarah Sharp believed her dream of growing her family was over, but her twin sister, Cathey Stoner, made the selfless decision to help rewrite her fate.

64 #PIMPINJOY and Living on Purpose With Radio Amy

Amy Brown has inspired millions of listeners to be led by humor and heart.

86 Meet Realtor Austin Anderson

Make Home Buying Or Selling Process As Easy And Satisfying As Possible

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Details Nashville Cathey Stoner and her twin sister Sarah Sharp as they discuss their surrogacy journey. On location at The Harpeth Hotel in Franklin.

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FI NA NC E + LEGA L SE RV IC E S ENT ERTA I NMEN T WELLNES S

EDU CAT I O N

LI FE + C U LT U R E FO O D + B E V E R AG E

ENT ERTA I NMENT

FO O D + B EV ER AG E

R EA L ESTAT E

LET US C R E ATE THIS VIEW FOR YOU!

Smith Lake Alabama only two hours South of

We LOVE Smith Lake and we LOVE our Tennessee

Brentwood. One of the cleanest lakes in the Country!

Buyers and Sellers! Come join us here at Smith Lake!

Justin Dyar, the leading Realtor® on Smith Lake with over 1 Billion in Waterfront Sales.

Smith Lake Alabama | (205) 468-6375 | justindyar.com

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen in the city.

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3

6

4

2

7 5

1: Ann Young, Jon Trusty, Patrick Poling 2: Marci and Brian Waller 3: Adrianna and Tony Mansolino 4: Chris Guay, Michael Longley, Jon Trusty 5: Ryan Wilson, Sara Stocstill, Ryan Payne 6: Alyson and Patrick Poling 7: Hunter and Blair Ball, Jessica and Kyle Kamrath All Images Courtesy of Solomon Davis

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your social media photos with @brentwood_lifestyle

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C I T Y SC E N E

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R E N T WO O D

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LET OU R T EAM BE YOUR T EAM

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Erin Krueger Team Leader, Realtor® ABR, ASP, CRS, CLHMS, Affiliate Broker, MBA M:615.509.7166 | O:615.475.5616 | erin@erinkrueger.com erinkrueger.com | @theerinkruegerteam The Erin Krueger Team is a team of real estate licensees affiliated with Compass RE, a licensed real estate broker and abides by equal housing opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only.

Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside of the realm of real estate brokerage. To reach the Compass RE office, call 615.475.5616.

615.794.7415 • TENNESSEEVALLEYHOMES.COM FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R E N T WO O D

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Photography Nashville Wine Auction

Photography Jessica Petersen

Cheers To 10th Annual 'Pairings' This Month

Woodmont Realty Charity Committee Gives Back In Big Way

Parks, Pilkerton, Village Integrate In Real Estate

During 2021, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Woodmont Realty Charity Committee gave back to middle Tennessee through collaboration efforts and donations made by 150-plus real estate professionals to provide more than $20,000 to four charities in Nashville. From monetary donations and special events to raise additional funds, the charity committee raised $10,000-plus from the agent community within the real estate brokerage. The nonprofits: Safe Haven, Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee, Nashville Humane Association and Operation Stand Down.

Representatives of Pilkerton Realtors, Parks Realty and Village Real Estate announced that the companies merged. Exact terms of the agreement weren't disclosed, however the deal reportedly creates an overall entity with 1,400 agents and $6.5 billion in annual sales volume. According to a release, the firm’s combined market share in Middle Tennessee will equal about 15 percent, nearly twice as much as the percentage figure of any area competitor in the sector.

For Feb. 24-26, Nashville hosts a wine and food weekend. Thirty wineries will be featured at this event organized

by Nashville Wine Auction. Intimate dinners will be hosted by vintners in private homes throughout Nashville.

Party with vintners from the West Coast while bidding in the a silent auction. Indulge in a five-course gourmet wine dinner and bid in a live auction.

Beneficiaries are nine, cancer-related charities. View more details at NashvilleWineAuction.com/pairings.

If you want to be included, send us a message!

Visit CityLifestyle.com/Brentwood to get in touch.

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Photography courtesy of Compassus

Compassus Names New CEO Brentwood-based home health care services provider Compassus appointed David Grams as CEO. He succeeds Jim Deal, who continues as the company’s chairman of the board. David previously served as Compassus president, leading strategic direction, growth, innovation, clinical and financial performance.

Before joining the company in 2020, he was a senior vice president at DaVita Healthcare Partners. He held several positions during his decadelong tenure, including leading payer contracting, business development and regional operations.

Mark Rood

NMLS# 1564850 Branch Manager (615) 863-7110 office | (615) 585-8884 cell (844) 556-5338 fax | MRood@loandepot.com www.RoodLendingTeam.com #MarkRoodTheMortgageDude

We understand that purchasing a home is one of the biggest purchases in a lifetime. We’ve streamlined our process to ensure that the experience of obtaining your mortgage is as smooth and stress-free as possible CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R E N T WO O D

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It’s time that you your home Designing & Remodeling Luxury Kitchens, Bathrooms & Basements since 1999

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Mixed-Use $1.2M 'Haven' To Usher In Live-Work Spaces A mixed-use complex of residential and live-work spaces is coming to a site of 7.53 acres east of Mack Hatcher Parkway and north of Cool Springs Boulevard.

The Haven at Cool Springs is slated to be a community with 297 proposed multifamily residential units and 8,595 square feet of commercial space. The future neighborhood will sit southeast of Vanderbilt Legends Golf Club, directly neighboring Aspen Grove Medical Plaza.

Spero Health Expands Services, Locations Brentwood-based outpatient addiction treatment company Spero Health launched new services for 2022, and its representatives announced intentions to expand into West Virginia and North Carolina. Spero currently operates 70 locations, and in 2021 alone, opened 24 clinics across Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Virginia. The expansion reportedly is supported by Nashville-based Heritage Group, Health Velocity Capital, South Central and Frist Cressey Ventures.

Brentwood Firefighters Offer Free CPR Classes During the month of February (Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 6:30 p.m.), Brentwood Fire & Rescue Department professionals will offer free cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library. Through November 2021, the Brentwood Fire and Rescue Department was dispatched to 23 calls where CPR was in progress. Fourteen of those needed CPR when crews arrived and of those, six people were saved and able to breathe on their own.

Photography Brentwood Fire & Rescue Department

If you want to be included, send us a message!

Visit CityLifestyle.com/Brentwood to get in touch.

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

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THIS EXPERIENCED FINANCIAL TEAM FOCUSES ON GROWING WEALTH WHILE BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

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F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FIN ANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS SOUTHERN OAK WEALTH GROUP

When investing money and developing a portfolio, one wants a certified financial planner who understands unique needs and goals. Someone nearby who can sit down and carefully come up with a strategy to make the most of money now, and in the future, is helpful.

“Everyone is a little bit different,” says J. Patrick Poling, founder, managing director and senior portfolio manager of Southern Oak Wealth Group, which opened in Brentwood in 2019. “There is a formula that calculates if someone is this age, then they need to be invested in this much stock, this many bonds.

But this formula doesn’t always apply to everyone, so we like to dig a little deeper.”

As an independent firm, the advisors at Southern Oak (all of whom came from Merrill Lynch and are from the area) have the freedom and knowledge to go beyond these formulas and steer clients in the right direction for their unique needs. Patrick and his partners, Jonathan Trusty and Ann Hollis-Young, have been together for 10-plus years, although Jonathan and Ann were with Merrill Lynch/ Bank of America in some capacity for 13 and 14 years, respectively.

“We brought our whole team with us, and clients made the move with us,” says Patrick.

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

“Most of our business has grown through referrals from these and other current clients. We’ve also gotten a lot of new business from people who have moved into the area from out-of-state, because we are able to set them up right here where they live.”

Southern Oak also believes in helping clients by connecting them with other local advisors, such as estate planning attorneys, accountants, and bank executives. “We are able to point them in the right direction, whether that be finding an attractive mortgage rate, setting up an estate plan, or finding a good local bank for a business loan,” he says. “I think that’s one of the big advantages of being tapped into not just the community, but other businesses around town as well.

When everyone is local, it makes that team more cohesive, which benefits our clients.”

He adds that most of their clients are small business owners based in Tennessee. “It helps to connect them with these other advisors, other clients and other business owners right here in their own community.”

Another advantage of knowing the area is having the ability to make clients aware of the many local commercial and industrial real estate investment opportunities. “Much of what we deal with branches outside of just

CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R E N T WO O D

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the normal stocks and bonds,” says Patrick. “A lot has to do with local real estate opportunities in Tennessee that we are familiar with and clients who live here are familiar with, so they can speak to us freely about those things. We can help weigh in on these investments.”

He says the relationships he and his team have developed with clients through the years have been a nice bonus.

“We’ve gotten so close to some of our clients that we go to their kids’ weddings, we have them over for lunch, or go to parties with them, so there is a big social aspect.”

615.246.5510 SouthernOakWealthGroup.com

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F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FIN ANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

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We bring together the capabilities & resources to integrate your financial life.

Opportunity, efficiency, strategy - uncover the possibilities of integrated advice.

- INVESTMENT SERVICES - FAMILY LEGACY PLANNING - TOTAL FINANCIAL INTEGRATION

What Sets Us Apart - TRADITIONAL & NON-TRADITIONAL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES - FORMULATED SOLUTIONS FOR RESTRICTED STOCKHOLDERS - SPECIALIZED STRATEGIES FOR BUSINESS OWNERS - THE FAMILY LEGACY EXPERIENCE

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HENTIC PLATF T U A OR M AN

SHARING JOYS AND CHALLENGES OF EVERYDAY LIFE

FOR CHANGE

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | EN T E RTAI NME NT

Ashley Houston of Brentwood loves being a work-from-home mom to daughters Keatyn, who is 9, and Charlie, who is 5, and a wife to husband, Matt Houston. One of her favorite pastimes is spending time with them and her four-legged kids: Piper, a Pug mix, and Ginger, a King Cavalier Spaniel. But, she also loves to write, to share, and to lift up other women, and does so in a way that reaches thousands, in and out of Tennessee.

“I started Nashville Wifestyles in 2016 as a creative outlet,” she says. “I didn’t feel like I had my own identity and needed some way to express myself. I have always loved to write and took this as a chance to jump on something on the front end since there weren’t a lot of bloggers saturating the industry at that time.”

While many of her posts and videos are upbeat and fun, such as creating a kid’s charcuterie board, new and hot fashion trends, and romantic date night ideas, others are deep and soulful. “I enjoy being able to have a platform to discuss things with women that aren’t typically discussed,” says Ashley. “I love that I’m able to start opening up about issues like childhood trauma and anxiety and instead of feeling ashamed, I’m helping other women process and heal as well. We are talking about what obstacles in our lives are keeping us from feeling like we are reaching our full potentials in life.”

Ashley went through many challenges in her childhood, and has suffered from mental health issues most of her life, especially anxiety, which can be an everyday battle for her. “I wanted to connect with other women who were going through the same struggles that I was going through and use this platform to support them as well.”

Ashley hopes the women who follow her encourage others to join in these conversations and let them know that it’s a safe space to share their stories. In turn, she is very open and honest about her life as well. “I want it to be a community where we can get real and talk about the good and the bad that we face each day as women,” she says. “The number one feedback I get from my audience is thanking me for being so real, honest, and vulnerable in a world full of influencers who portray their lives in a perfect, Instagram-worthy manner.”

Some recent feedback has included, “You’re one of the most authentic influencers I follow," “I feel like we would be great friends,” “I love how real you are,” and “When I watch your stories, I feel like I’m sitting down with a girlfriend having coffee or a glass of wine."

This is exactly what she hopes to convey when people think about and interact with Nashville Wifestyles. “I want them to say exactly what my audience says now -- that I feel like a best friend that they can tell anything to because sometimes that’s all we need after all the stress we encounter each day of our life,” she says. “We just want someone to listen and someone to relate to so we don’t feel so alone in our struggles.”

As an influencer, Ashley also loves trying out new recipes (she loves food, especially chocolate), dabbling in do-it-yourself CONTINUED >

ASHLEY HOUSTON:

@NASHVILLEWIFEST YLES FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R E N T WO O D

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projects, reviewing restaurants (especially if they serve wine!), and testing products that she thinks other women will be interested in. “I honestly love all the beauty products and love to play with so many of them,” she says. “I get asked to do tutorials a lot, but the truth is I rarely wear makeup during day-to-day life.”

Some of her favorite products right now are The One & Done Volumizing Mascara by Lawless and Fenty Beauty Ease Drop Blurring Skin Tint. For home products, she says she’s absolutely obsessed with her Ninja Food Grill. Find more of what she loves under the “Shop” tab on her website. With categories that include Home Décor, Accessories, Hair Products, and Kids’ Fashions, there’s something for everyone.

In 2020, Ashley was voted one of the Top Nine Bloggers in the Southern United States by Yahoo Business. The amount of time she spends blogging varies greatly and she tries to fit it in wherever she can. “It depends on deadlines and content for the week, but I work full-time hours and more trying to fit it all in while balancing my kids and home workload,” she says.

Her family and friends believe strongly in what she’s doing.

“My friends and family are extremely supportive and proud of what I do,” says Ashley. “They know I’m on a mission to make a difference and end the stigmas of mental illnesses, childhood trauma and every day struggles we face as women. I haven’t had

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any friends or family that are reluctant to be a part of my social media sharing, but I also respect their privacy and try to keep it low key about featuring those around me.”

Nashville Wifestyles allows her to have a huge impact on others while still being there for her family, who find themselves in a lot of her posts. She and Matt, whom she calls a handsome science geek, are both from Eastern Tennessee. “We were great friends here in Nashville before we dated, so I definitely recommend marrying your best friend,” she says.

Spending time with her family is a priority and something she prefers to do over most other activities. This might include something as simple as snuggling on the couch with her kids watching a movie. “I know my time with them at home is short, so I try to relish every moment,” she says.

So, if realness and authenticity are what you’re longing for on social media, she hopes you’ll connect with her and travel along on the journey. “I’m always sharing recipes, home décor, travel, fashion and beauty tips, but I also talk about gritty stuff that truly opens your soul,” says Ashley. “I am a hardcore advocate of manifestation and healing our trauma so we can be the best versions of ourselves.”

Ashley can be found at @nashvillewifestyles on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok and on her website NashvilleWifestyles.com.

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ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Wellness Row Of Brentwood THESE SEVEN BUSINESSES ASSIST WITH LOCAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

1.

Courtesy of Cycle Bar

CYCLEBAR 205 Franklin Road, Suite 100, Brentwood 615.727.7797 Cyclebar.com CycleBar Music City, with locations in Maryland Farms, The Gulch, and West Nash, offers a high energy, low impact, full body workout for people of all ages and fitness levels in a judgment-free environment, and has been named Nashville’s “Best Indoor Sweat Session” by Nashville Scene and most recently Nashville’s “Best Cycling Studio” in 2020 by Nashville Fit Magazine. With amazing instructors, trackable results, and extensive safety measures in place, there’s no better place to sweat than here!

2.

Courtesy of Pure Sweat + Float Studio

PURE SWEAT+FLOAT STUDIO 213 Franklin Road, Suite 130, Brentwood 615.661.5267 PureSweatFloatStudio.com/Brentwood Destress and kickstart overall health goals while purging toxins and burning hundreds of calories. This community-oriented team aids clients in boosting their immune systems, in addition to alleviating aches and pains. The studio is conveniently open seven days a week for those 15 years and older. They also have gift cards, which would make a unqiue Valentine’s Day gift.

CORE POWER YOGA 211 Franklin Road, Suite 135, Brentwood 866.441.9642 CorePowerYoga.com/Yoga-Studios/Tennessee/ Brentwood/Brentwood

3.

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Courtesy of Core Power Yoga Brentwood

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | W E LLNE S S

Discover the magic that happens when physical meets mindfulness through CorePower Yoga. Corepower combines consistent, quality class formats for all levels of experience with a supportive community and feel-good energy, on and off the mat. Present this to redeem 20% off of your monthly All Access Membership.

4.

Courtesy of Clean Juice (Brentwood)

5.

CLEAN JUICE BRENTWOOD 205 Franklin Road, Brentwood 615.649.8866 CleanJuice.com/locations/Brentwood As the only USDA-certified organic juice bar in Brentwood, the owners say they believe in the power of organic and love. They offer fresh juices, juice cleanses, sandwiches, protein smoothies, acai bowls, wraps, greenoa (think salad) bowls, snacks, avocado toast, wraps and cold press juices from their Hill Center Brentwood development location. A kids’ menu also is available.

6.

WELL HEALTH & CHIROPRACTIC BRENTWOOD 213 Franklin Road, Suite 140, Brentwood 615.490.3676 WellHealthCenters.com Dr. Ben Sweeney and staff share that they provide an all-inclusive health and wellness experience, with a primary focus on convenient, routine corrective Chiropractic care. They list the following conditions as ones that typically respond favorably to chiropractic: fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, whiplash, infant colic, sinusitis, sciatic pain, infertility, high blood pressure, ear infections, low back pain and asthma. They provide comprehensive nutrition programs and Well Health workshops on a variety of topics such as gut health, cancer prevention and optimizing immune systems.

EAT THE FROG FITNESS 205 Franklin Road, Suite 150, Brentwood 615.431.3764 EatTheFrogFitness.com Eat The Frog Fitness brings together the best of personal training and small group fitness in a fully-immersive, 55 minute session packed with industry leading equipment and certified coaches to give members the most results driven and personal experience possible. At Eat the Frog the mission is to meet members where they are in their fitness journey and identify their wants and needs. Dedicated coaches help every step of the way. Personalized workout plans include a mix of cardio, strength, and agility sessions, designed to equally benefit the first timer, as well as a seasoned veteran.

7.

Courtesy of StretchLab Brentwood

STRETCHLAB BRENTWOOD 205 Franklin Road, Suite 140, Brentwood 615.905.0875 StretchLab.com/location/Brentwood This team reminds that the benefits of proper stretching include reducing stress; improving sports performances; reducing muscle and joint pain; improving posture; as well as increasing range of motion and flexibiity.

They provide one-on-one and group stretch sessions with professional-assisted stretching routines. They provide traditional and E-gift cards.

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S I S T E R S 40

LOV E A N D MOT H E R HO OD, R E I M AG I N E D :

O UR TOWN | ED U CATION

A TWIN GIVES HER SISTER THE GIFT OF SURROGACY AFTER CRUSHING CANCER DIAGNOSIS ARTICLE BY LACEY JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY CANAAN KAGAY OF DETAILS NASHVILLE ON LOCATION AT THE HARPETH HOTEL IN FRANKLIN

Less than a year after making her entrance into motherhood, having given birth to her daughter, Charlotte, Sarah Sharp, then 30, started dreaming about filling her house with more children. A twin to sister, Cathey Stoner, and raised in a closely-knit family of four children in total, she and her husband, Richard, who is also a Franklin, Tennessee native, and from a family of four siblings, started swapping their plans about the future.

The beach vacations they’d take with tiny toes scurrying along the shoreline. The conversations and prayers they’d exchange around the dinner table. The stockings they’d fill with surprises at Christmastime.

Sharp left a high-stress corporate career behind to float peacefully into stay-at-home motherhood, a decision she never second-guessed. Bringing new life into the world was everything she’d ever wanted. She knew it all the way down in her bones.

That was, until life tossed her a shock of a plot twist.

“It was a season where I was feeling excited about the future, but I started bleeding excessively, and it lasted for about 30 days. That was when I finally said to myself, ‘Okay, something isn’t right,’” Sharp says.

There began what Sharp calls “months of bloodwork and question marks.”

Her life, which she’d intentionally slowed down to focus on her newfound role, was suddenly whizzing at full-speed. She was going in and out of doctor’s offices for testing, ultrasounds and emergency procedures before being diagnosed with choriocarcinoma, an exceedingly rare and aggressive form of cancer in the uterus that’s caused by a prior pregnancy.

Her twin sister, Cathey Stoner, a dietician nutritionist who specializes in women’s health, and a mother of two, was often by her side. Or, at the very least, glued to her phone, holding her breath, awaiting updates. “It turned all of our lives upside down. It wasn’t just Sarah’s crisis; it was a family crisis,” Stoner says.

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CONTINUED >

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O UR TOWN | ED U CATION

M O T H E R H O O D A N D L O V E

While at the hospital ER for her first procedure, when doctors told Sharp that they might have to take her uterus, Stoner rushed to her bedside. To lighten the mood, she jokingly said to her, “If they take your uterus, don’t worry. I’ll carry your babies!”

Initially, Sharp thought she was in the clear, but a week later, she got the kind of call that plays out in nightmares: a tissue sample revealed that she had cancer.

After six months of intensive chemotherapy, in February 2019, shortly after the sisters celebrated their 31st birthdays, it became evident that Sharp required a partial hysterectomy. Her eggs could stay, but her uterus had to go. Urgently.

"Life was suddenly dark. My dream of our future would never be more than that: a dream. The desire to grow my family was no longer possible,” Sharp says.

Except Stoner began to revisit the joke she’d made at the ER that night, privately discussing the idea with her husband, Alex. “I feel like God planted that seed in me in that tiny moment of heartache when we had no idea what was to truly come,” Stoner says.

The day of her hysterectomy, Stoner told Sharp, in a far more serious tone, "I don’t know if you remember me saying this a year and a half ago, but if we can make it out of this, I’ll give Charlotte a sibling for you.”

“It was the biggest act of unconditional love I’d ever received. At that moment, she gifted me with a new vision for the future–something I hadn’t had in nearly a year,” Sharp says.

Less than a year later, Sharp underwent an egg retrieval that produced three highly viable embryos with her husband. After a series of intensive physical and psychological screenings, one of the embryos was transferred into Stoner’s uterus in December 2020. Sharp stood at her sister’s bedside in the operating room the entire time, holding her hand and wiping away tears.

Throughout the pregnancy, either Sharp or her husband joined Stoner for each of her doctor’s appointments. And as Stoner’s belly waxed, her sister brought her delicious meals and pies, and pampered her with foot massages.

She had her house cleaned often, and helped out with Stoner’s two children. A few months before the due date, both couples ventured to Cancun, Mexico together for a "babymoon.”

Stoner recalls the moment she felt her nephew’s first kick in her womb. “It kind of took my breath away. It was this feeling like, ‘Okay, we’re on this journey together and we

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share an end goal, which is to get you to your parents. I’ve got you and you’ve got me. We’re going to finish this. We’re good.’”

In August 2021, Stoner gave birth to her perfectly healthy nephew, John Ryder Sharp, with her sister, husband and brother-in-law surrounding her.

Stoner claims she had no instinct at all to reach for him, understanding that her body had simply served as a vessel for his life to grow and land earthside–an honorable and supernatural assignment that she’ll never take lightly. "My heart had longed for him to be in Sarah’s arms. My job felt accomplished,” she says.

After Sharp cut the umbilical cord, she scooped her son into her arms, whispering to him, "I love you so much. We've been praying for you," over and over again.

Most graciously, his aunt would pump breast milk for him for six weeks straight.

At the time of our interview, John Ryder is 4 months old and napping peacefully at home with his parents. As for the twin sisters, they’re busy sifting through media requests, as well as unpacking their heart-warming story on their podcast, Talk to Me Sister. They’re also deep in the process of writing a book about their life-changing experience, and the ripple effect of hope and gratitude that it’s created for so many others.

"There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t remember where we were, but we’re so grateful for where we are now." she says. "I feel like John Ryder’s life is proof that, no matter what terrible things might come, there’s always the possibility that things will get better again."

Stoner adds, “I also hope that our story serves to remind others that there’s nothing more meaningful than being in service to those who mean the most to you. That’s the foundation of what family, and love, truly means.”

Photography Courtesy of Cameron Jones

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O UR TOWN | ED U CATION

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Practically Divine ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

Inspiration, Hope And Healing Comes Through Dynamic Storytelling

48

M UST SE E | L IFE + CU LTURE

Becca Stevens

Many people know Becca Stevens and the amazing work she and others have accomplished through Thistle Farms in Nashville, a global movement for women’s freedom. It has changed the course of many women’s lives, especially those who have experienced emotional and physical traumas.

“I’m part of a large circle where hands are holding hands,” she says. “I love being a part of a larger story, of a community doing that healing work, so it’s not just me as an individual. The circle keeps expanding and inviting more people in for healing.”

Another way she's inviting people in is through some good old-fashioned storytelling. Full of inspiration, insight and her mother’s own words, her new book, Practically Divine, released in October of 2021, is also deep, humorous and infused with love.

“If I distilled my faith down to a word, it is ‘love’,” says Becca.

“That’s why there are volumes, tomes, operas and books all based around it. The world is saying it’s the essence of who we are and Whose we are. It’s the most powerful force.”

One of her inspirations for writing the book came from running into her abuser’s grandson at the café she built at Thistle Farms (Becca was sexually abused at the age of 5). “That was a big one,” she says. “It triggered this whole idea of my past and my present and how I could see this divine thread throughout, and how it was easy to feel like I was coming from a place of really wanting nothing but the best in love and compassion for this young man. I was also thinking how my mom would have been so happy and proud if she would’ve lived to see it.”

Practically Divine, she says, is gleaned from 25 years of being in a community that’s learning to see the beauty in our imperfections, to see the wonder in our brokenness. “I thought it was time to really bring it all together,” says Becca.

“Not only the stories, but also the wisdom that I was able to be a part of and share. It’s a really hard time in our country, so it was the right time for remembering that we are practically divine.”

The book is threaded throughout with sayings from her mother, Anne -- which even 25 years after her death -- Becca still reflects on to get her through the challenges and vagaries of life. She wants these phrases to serve as jumping-off places for deeper thought and conversation.

“The one I started with is ‘In Broad Daylight.’ She used to say things like ‘Someone just cut me off in broad daylight!’ all the time, and it’s the idea of the audacity of people doing things like that in the light of day. How is it we think that if we do something in the dark it’s somehow better and we can get away with it?”

Another is 'Who promised you fair?' “And it has to be with her tone of voice,” says Becca. “She was a single mom to five kids – tell me about not fair.” (Becca’s dad died when she was a young 5 years.) “Basically, she was saying you might as well go look for something else like mercy, or compassion, or resiliency, because life isn’t fair.”

Of course, her personal experiences with childhood abuse and poverty played a big part in writing the book.

“Starting at around 5 years old, it influenced everything in my life,” she says. “It influenced how I got married, how I parented, how I chose my work. It influenced how I saw the world and how I read the news. But hopefully it also gave me the desire to dig deeper and find truth. It gave me some humor and it gave me some courage to speak the truth when I saw it. I was scared to write it because there were some people who were mad about some of the stuff I was writing. All of us want to be liked, but all of us also want to be free, and those don’t always go together.”

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“I love being a part of a larger story, of a community doing that healing work, so it’s not just me as an individual. The circle keeps expanding and inviting more people in for healing.”

In addition to healing others, writing the book was also a healing process for her. She found the solace and inspiration that she hopes to give to others who pick it up and read it. “I hope when finished with it, they have an insight into their own lives and are inspired to react to that insight in a different way,” says Becca. “It’s a call for reflection first, and then a call to action.”

She adds, “It’s a great book to give to someone who is going through a life transition or someone who is starting a new venture. Many times when people are starting something new, they are open to new ideas, and this might be a beautiful book to carry with them into that new venture.”

Order Practically Divine from Amazon, or at ThistleFarms.org/pages/practically-divine.

L E A R N M O R E : To purchase tickets to Thistle Farm’s next conference in Nashville in March, go to ThistleFarms.org.

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M UST SE E | L IFE + CU LTURE

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Show Your Love Whether you’re planning for the ultimate date night, a special Valentine’s Day dinner or an evening at home with the family and you need a delicious dessert to finish off the evening—these dessert recipes may be just exactly what you were looking for.

Thankfully, these can be made ahead of time so you can concentrate on the ones you love.

T HROUGH CHOCOL AT E YOUR VALENTINE WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH THESE EXTRA-SPECIAL DESSERTS

C H O C O L AT E C O V E R E D S T R AW B E R R IE S : DIRECTIONS 1. Wash and dry the strawberries.

2. Prepare desired toppings (nuts, toasted coconut, etc.)

3. Prepare your workspace with a parchment lined baking tray to place the dipped strawberries on.

4. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave.

5. Dip the strawberries in melted chocolate.

6. Coat in desired toppings.

7. Lay the strawberries on prepared baking sheet and allow them to rest until the chocolate has set.

8. Drizzle with melted white chocolate if desired.

TOPPING IDEAS FOR CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES: • Chopped Nuts (peanuts, pistachios, pecans, etc.)

• Toasted coconut • Sprinkles • Mini chocolate chips (any flavor) • Graham cracker crumbs • Crushed Oreo cookies • Melted white chocolate • Crushed candy canes

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C H O C O L AT E CANDY BARK INGREDIENTS • 6 ounces white chocolate, coarsely chopped • 2 ounces pink candy melts • 1/4 tsp. canola or vegetable oil • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped • Conversation heart candies and sprinkles, for decorating

DIRECTIONS 1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.

2. With a double boiler or microwave, melt white chocolate and candy melts together.

If using a microwave, stir chocolate every 20 seconds. Once melted and smooth, stir in oil, then set aside.

3. Melt semisweet chocolate the same way the melted white chocolate was prepared.

Pour onto prepared baking sheet and spread out into a large rectangle using a spoon or rubber spatula. Drizzle white chocolate mixture on top, then use a knife or toothpick to swirl layers together.

Sprinkle top of bark with conversation hearts and sprinkles.

4. Refrigerate to set, 2 hours. Once hardened, break into pieces as large or as small as desired and serve.

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER KAUFMAN

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Power Of One Museum NASHVILLE HOSTS ONLY MUSEUM AROUND THE GLOBE DEDICATED SOLELY TO PRESERVING AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC ESSENCE ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY ESE MORRISON (353 MEDIA GROUP)

After a long-awaited opening originally slated for 2020 and postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic conditions, the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville officially opened Jan. 18, 2021. Now it reigns as the only museum in the world dedicated solely to preserving African American music traditions and celebrating the central role African Americans played in shaping American music.

The museum integrates history and interactive technology to honor the musical heroes of African American music of the past and present. Tours begin daily at 9 a.m. and occur every half hour.

National chairs include musicians and singer-songwriters Darius Rucker, India Arie, Keb’ Mo’ and CeCe Winans. Modern country music artist Vince Gill is among the group's board of directors.

Background: In 2002, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce members proposed the idea of NMAAM as a way to celebrate and preserve the influence African Americans had on music. They established a task force to explore all of the possibilities. As the project matured, the scope changed from a local to a national initiative, and simultaneously narrowed its focus from music, culture and arts to focus exclusively on music.

Construction for the museum initially was slated for Jefferson Street, but in

2015, Nashville city officials announced plans to redevelop the former convention center site. Included in those plans was a prominent, state-of-the-art location for NMAAM. Since that time, NMAAM developed unique programs and offerings without a physical exhibit space.

The National Museum of African Ameri can Music broke ground in early 2017.

"As an educational facility, national tourist destination and economic development engine for Middle Tennessee, NMAAM is a vibrant museum where youth, artists and families find creative and cultural inspiration," says museum president and CEO Henry Beecher Hicks III. “We've been preparing for this for more than 20 years, but this museum has actually been 400 years in the making. We welcome music lovers from around the world. We also thank the thousands of people who've supported us, as we celebrate the history of African American music, which truly is the soundtrack of our nation.”

NMAAM’s state-of-the-art performance hall now screens films, host lectures and stages concerts. The library houses classrooms, along with a vital repository of digitally mastered African American music.

A boutique café and store provides additional ways for visitors to enjoy visits.

The museum offers volunteer roles, as well as a speakers bureau and capital campaign. Online donations can be made ranging from $25 to $1,000.

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During last April, NMAAM and the CMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association, announced a partnership that offers the museum’s collaborative project, Music Legends & Heroes, to select high schools within Metro Nashville Public Schools. As part of the Music Legends & Heroes program, several musicians, including country artists Breland, Willie Jones, Reyna Roberts and Tiera mentored students, sharing their histories and answering questions about the industry.

“NMAAM and the CMA Foundation have long shared the same mission of supporting Nashville schools through extensive music education and programs, so this partnership was a natural fit,” says Tamar Smithers, NMAAM education and public programs director.

“We were thrilled to partner with the National Museum of African American Music, which has become an important fixture in the downtown Nashville landscape,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA chief executive officer. “NMAAM’s mission to educate the world, preserve the legacy and celebrate the role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack goes beyond any single genre. We're delighted to work on the Music Legends & Heroes program, which provides students the opportunity to learn about all music.”

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PIMPINJOY AND LIVING ON PURPOSE WITH RADIO AMY AFTER FALLING INTO RADIO BY ACCIDENT, AMY BROWN INSPIRES MILLIONS OF LISTENERS BY HUMOR AND HEART ARTICLE BY LACEY JOHNSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY HYLBERT

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There’s a quote from one of Napoleon Hill’s books that reads, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” It lands in my consciousness as Amy Brown, co-host of iHeartRadio’s award-winning “The Bobby Bones Show,” doting wife and hard-working mom, lounges on a sofa in her cozy, light-filled Brentwood home.

Amy seems unequivocally kind. She’s modest, too, almost unaware of her status. Or, at the very least, she isn’t entangled in the glorification part of it.

She’s a real girl’s girl–the kind of friend you’d phone in a crisis because you’d know her doors would swing open for you. She not only wears her heart on her sleeve, but isn’t ashamed to let it bleed a bit–vulnerably but mostly generously. It’s clear that, more than anything else, she’s decided to be amongst the rare breed of human beings that make other human beings feel happy about being here, no matter how cold and scary the world might turn at times.

If you were to pass her in the produce aisle, it’d be a stretch to imagine that she’s an essential part of the weekday morning routines of millions upon millions of fans across about 180 radio stations in the United States and Canada. Or that she also co-hosts two wildly popular, nationally syndicated weekend programs as well: “Country Top 30 with Bobby Bones” and “Women of iHeartCountry.”

Somehow, miraculously, the recognition hasn’t wormed its way into her beautiful head. Of course, maybe that’s because she never saw it coming, and hasn't had much of a chance to slow down since.

“I try not to think about how widely syndicated the show is, because it can get overwhelming.

Mostly, I concentrate on connecting with individuals. Because, at the end of the day, that’s what we’re doing,” she says.

On an unremarkable day in 2005, a 25 year-old Amy, still living in her native state of Texas with no plans of ever leaving, naively Googled: “What do radio DJs make?”

Amy was single, childless and working in sales when her pal, Bobby Bones, asked her to join his established radio show as a co-host. His goal was to form a group of folks around the microphone who lacked formal training, and who were game to show up as nothing other than their colorful, quirky, unrehearsed selves. Ones who’d be willing to shine a spotlight over both the dazzling milestones and dirt-kicking realities of life, along with the unexceptional chapters in between. He had a hunch that she could champion exactly that.

Amy confesses that, early on, she never saw it as a professional move. “I didn’t see radio as a career at first, because it hadn’t been on my radar. At most, I thought it might be a fun experiment for a while,” she says, laughing.

A bit torn about stepping into an unfamiliar world, Amy sought guidance from her mother, who was quick to shout her encouragement. “My mom said to me, ‘Amy, if there’s ever a time in your life where it's a good idea to leave something secure and go try something fun, now’s the time.’ So that’s what I did,” she says.

Amy is a shining example that, though it’s common for humans to wait for the heavens to part and rain down with instructio, perhaps hoping for a sign on the side of the road or an audible voice that’ll reveal their divine purpose, that’s seldom how it happens. Because, most of the time, the answers are sneakily hidden within our innate talents, gifts and personality quirks.

Always at home in front of the microphone, Amy says she was often scolded for being chatty during classes at school, and that she never felt intimidated by an audience. “I didn’t have aspirations for a public presence, but I was at ease being on stage. So, really, I believe this is what I meant to do all along. It just took me a unique way to get here,” she says.

In the early days, “The Bobby Bones Show” was based in Austin, Texas, reaching a modest audience CONTINUED >

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within the pop market. Initially, Amy signed a contract for two years. Then for another two years. Then another. In 2013, IHeartRadio moved the show to Nashville, crowning it its own nationally syndicated entity in the country world.

Over the years, listeners have followed along with Amy’s highest of highs and hardest of lows–from becoming a giddy fiance to ‘Airforce Guy,” to then supporting her new husband from afar through several stretches in Afghanistan, to her mother’s relentless battle with cancer, to seven years of unexplained infertility, and to her unconventional entrance into motherhood by adopting two older children from Haiti.

She’s used her personal narratives as a tool to spark connection and empathy–inviting listeners to search for the resilience within themselves, no matter the struggles they might be staring down. “As we’ve shared our joys for listeners, they’ve found theirs. As we’ve shared our sorrows, they’ve felt less alone,” Amy says.

While some of her favorite memories on air include moments such as being surprised by George Strait or sitting side stage at the Ryman Auditorium, watching Brooks & Dunn perform “Neon Moon” With Bone’s band, The Raging Idiots, there’s one experience that goes down in history as the most unforgettable of them all.

To give some backstory, Amy’s mom, Judy, who was not only hell bent on keeping a tight grip on her sass during her fight against cancer, but to celebrate it, inspired a movement that would accidentally, but most fantastically, go viral.

Knowing her listeners were inspired by her mom’s fiery spirit and cheerful attitude, and that they appreciated being kept in the loop on her progress, and also knowing that her mom had long and daunting hours of downtime to be spent at the hospital while awaiting chemotherapy treatments, Amy decided to create a Twitter account for her. While setting it up, Amy jokingly typed in @Judybepimpinjoy, specifically because @ Judychoosesjoy wasn’t available.

It had a nice ring to it, so they rolled with it. Hilariously, listeners joined in with their virtual glasses held high, toasting to the spunky gleefulness of it all.

Soon after, Bobby started encouraging listeners to hashtag “PIMPINJOY.” Within months, it had become a full-on movement that was taking on a life of its own. Its message was simple: Infect the world with kindness. Spread joy to others anytime you feel inclined, as often as possible, in whatever means you can.

As the movement caught fire, Bobby had the idea to host a week-long challenge of joy-filled spiritedness. Listeners were encouraged to strike anyone from co-workers to strangers with a bolt of kindness. Things like opening a door for another patron at the shopping mall. Flashing your cashier a warm smile while in line at the grocery store. Hitting your barista with a sunny compliment.

One day, a woman called, spewing with awe and thankfulness. Except, strangely, she’d never tuned into the show a day in her life.

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While in line at the tire shop, the caller had learned that all four of her tires needed to be replaced immediately. A struggling mother, she didn’t have the funds to make that happen, mumbling to the service attendant, “I can only do one today, but I’ll come back and do the others when I can...”

But, as it happens, a fan of “The Bobby Bones Show” was listening from the back of the line, to which he responded, “I’d like to get all four tires for her!”

The woman, feeling a wave of embarrassment, tried to talk him out of it, but he insisted, saying, “It’s Joy Week on this radio show I listen to. I’ve got it.”

Amy says she and her co-hosts still don’t know who the listener is. He never called in to make himself known. But they were able to confirm this: The show was impacting not only listeners, but was seeping into the entire world in wonderfully altruistic and healing ways.

“I still get goosebumps, even now, telling that story.

I’ll never forget it. And I’m sure there are other amazing examples of generosity that the show has inspired– things we’ll never know about. I’m just grateful to play a role in it,” Amy says.

Sadly, in 2014, Amy’s mom succumbed to her fight against cancer. In response, Amy had “joy” tattooed onto her wrist, in her mom’s handwriting, in honor of her.

Because, in choosing joy for herself in such a dark time, her mother spread immeasurable joy to others as well, almost certainly in ways that continue to outlive her.

Amy is cautious to add that #PIMPINJOY isn’t at all about linking arms with toxic positivity, however, nor is it about denying the graveness of any situation. It’s about letting yourself have hard days or seasons, be honest about them, and then give yourself permission to find the light again, over and over again.

Since #PIMPINJOY's accidental inception, “The Bobby Bones Show” collaborated with The Shop Forward (founded by Meri Barnes), to make an apparel line with 100 percent of proceeds going to various causes and charities. This partnership was the springboard for another brand Amy co-founded with Barnes, she named ESPWA (meaning "hope" in Haitian Creole).

ESPWA is a clothing & accessories line that supports different organizations in Haiti, a corner of the world that is near to Amy's heart. After a visit to what she calls “a beautiful country” in 2012, Amy and her husband made the decision to start a long, fiveyear process of adopting their two children from an orphanage in Port-Au-Prince; Stevenson, now 11, and Stachira, now 14.

Having been a mom for four years, when she speaks of them, it’s clear she cares deeply for their safety and well-being in the same way any loving mother would.

And, though, to the world, it might appear that she rescued them, she emphasizes that they also rescued her.

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“Our children have given my husband and me the amazing gift of teaching us about some of our deepest wounds,” Amy says.

In addition to her national radio presence and joy-filled entrepreneurial ventures, she’s also got a terrifically successful podcast, 4 Things With Amy Brown, through iHeartRadio. Dr. Oz, Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman are among her roster of eminent guests. She covers topics such as navigating grief, the power of vulnerability and honing the magic of gratitude, to the proper way to dry brush. And, sometimes, she simply answers listeners’ emails.

Not surprisingly, in classic Amy Brown fashion, she continues to find new ways to create possibility within hardship. In 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic, with an ill father (who, heartbreakingly, would pass away the following year), she expanded her podcast presence, teaming up with iHeartRadio to launch The Amy Brown Podcast Network, which now features a slate of voices in the realm of health and wellness, including OUTWEIGH, which she co-hosts with her friend Lisa Hayim, a registered dietician and wellness expert, covering the nuances of recovering from disordered eating.

She’s so passionate in her mission to dash the world with hope, she once face-planted into a tree. “I was in downtown Austin for the iHeartCountry Festival and saw someone wearing a #PIMPINJOY hat. I shouted, ‘Oh my gosh, Hiiii!’ I was so excited that I ran right into the tree. It was one of those moments where a city street camera would have made for some funny material,” Amy says, laughing.

For Amy, all of this is to serve as a reminder that we’re never alone, and that we each move through unseen struggles as we trek along the path of our individual stories. It’s an invitation to remember that, while none of us are immune to despair, we can show up as evidence of compassion and empowerment for others, in the same way we’ll undoubtedly need someone to show up for us, too. And, most of all? It’s the audacity to find joy and laughter along the way, no matter what comes.

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When It Comes To Real Estate, Is There Anything More Important Than Location, Location, Location?

For CPS Land It Just May Be Legacy, Legacy, Legacy ARTICLE BY KAREN CREASON PHOTOGRAPHY BY REED BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

What first drew you to your current home? Was it the floorplan? The neighborhood?

The proximity to work or shopping? The schools? Sometimes it is the intangibles we don’t mention or notice daily, but the ones we feel when we come home - the overall layout of the community, meandering roads, well designed entrances, landscaped streets, decorative street lights, wooded backdrops, mature trees, walking and biking trails, and outstanding amenities. Land developer CPS Land’s mission is to incorporate those intangibles into their developments, to leave a legacy of having created communities that evoke positive feelings, provide a sense of pride for homeowners, and provide spaces for community engagement.

In 1990, Allen Patton was responsible for overseeing the development of Fieldstone Farms. At the same time, Dudley Smith was responsible for purchasing home sites in Fieldstone Farms for Fox Ridge Homes. After developing Fieldstone Farms, Allen and Dudley founded CPS Land in 1997 with the vision of creating outstanding master planned communities offering well designed, quality built homes featuring resort style amenities which offer residents not only a place to live, but a community in which to gather and enjoy.

CONTINUED >

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CPS Land is “in the business of creating special places for people and families to live and foster relationships. We create communities where residents are connected to one another and to their natural surroundings” states Dudley. Allen stresses the importance of developing “communities that are characterized by inviting streetscapes, coordinated design elements, open natural areas, and special amenities that bring people together.

We’re driven to raise the bar, exceed expectations, and make sure each of our communities contributes in a positive manner to the enduring legacy of our region.”

In 2017, CPS Land and Ford Classic Homes partnered to develop and build Witherspoon, an exclusive 263-acre enclave of 153 exceptional luxury home sites.

Ford Classic Homes, founded by Middle Tennessee native Mike Ford, chose CPS Land to develop the luxury community. By blending extraordinary architecture, exquisite attention to detail, and lush landscaping, Ford Classic Homes and CPS Land have created a prestigious lifestyle community that stands the test of time. CPS Land understands the key ingredients to creating great communities is more than just location (location, location). Witherspoon is highlighted by a stately entrance with a pond and roundabout, paved and natural walking and bike paths, and a resort-style amenity complex which includes a clubhouse with gathering spaces, kitchen and conference space, adult and children’s pools, as well as neighborhood greens and pavilions.

Gaven Smith, owner of Studio Gaven in Franklin, has purchased four homes in CPS Land developed communities. His first CPS Land developed home was in the Montclair community. Gaven states “I had great experiences with Ford Classic Homes and CPS Land so I jumped at the chance to build in Witherspoon.”

Gaven is quick to point out Witherspoon is the ideal location - close to Franklin, Cool Springs, and Nashville. Gaven enjoys that “I can leave my home and be seated in a restaurant in Nashville in 17 minutes.”

Most importantly, Gaven continues, “The sense of neighborhood is strong. The camaraderie among neighbors and the inclusiveness of the community cannot be beat. Everyone fits in and all types are welcome. I don’t see me ever moving from here.”

CONTINUED >

Homeowner Gaven Smith

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“My greatest desire is to create great places for people to live - people of all ages, to use and enjoy the community, to raise families, to enjoy social interactions, take pride in neighborhood, create neighborliness and encourage community. I want to be proud of our accomplishments years down the road” says Allen. “This is the legacy I want to leave behind.”

As the building scene changes over time so is the leadership at CPS Land. CPS Land Founding Partner and President Emeritus, Allen Patton, feels it is “the right time to step back from the day-to- day involvement” and let the “creative cream of the crop” employees-turned-executives take the lead.

Working alongside Founding Partner and Executive Vice President Dudley Smith, is the new President of CPS Land, Rob Pease. Rob started as a project manager for CPS Land 23 years ago. His experience and expertise in land planning, landscape architectural design, and land development has consistently created projects which have ranked in the top-10 among residential projects in the Nashville area over the last several years. Frank Horton also began his career with CPS Land as a project manager 21 years ago, and is currently serving as Vice President. With 30 years experience as a landscape architect, community developer and all-around problem solver, Frank is responsible for the coordination, planning engineering, permitting, marketing and construction of development projects.

Cliff Smith is a professional engineer with 23 years of progressive experience in real estate development, project management, business operations, and

contract negotiation. He has a history of producing strong financial results through superior project management, team leadership, and implementation of quality processes. Cliff’s responsibilities as Vice President include prospecting and land acquisition. Valued executive and CFO, Rob Humphreys is a creative entrepreneur with a diverse set of experiences rooted in finance. Much like CPS Founding Partner, Dudley Smith, Rob operates in both the analytical and the creative realms. From the corporate banking world to the co-founding of Railyard Studios, Rob brings a unique skill set to CPS Land. He is just as comfortable reading a P & L statement as he is vision casting for the company’s next development project.

With only 24 home sites remaining in Witherspoon and with great confidence in the highly skilled CPS Land team, Ford Classic Homes is again partnering with CPS Land to develop their newest community - RoseBrooke. Located off Sunset Road in Brentwood, RoseBrooke sales are expected to begin in Spring 2022.

RoseBrooke will also be the location for the October 2022 Parade of Homes - the fifth time a CPS Land community has been selected for this honor.

Although transitioning to new leadership, CPS Land remains confident in the strength and quality of their development of great communities. Having successfully developed 38 Tennessee communities and more than 6,000 homesites to date, CPS Land is leaving a lasting impact and legacy of communities that are more than just houses in a neighborhood, but rather homes in a community. cpsland.com

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SMASH BURGERS AND COMEBACK SAUCE

ARTICLE JENNIFER KAUFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY MARY CRAVEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Homemade Smash Burgers INGREDIENTS BURGER + Makes eight 4-ounce patties + 1 pound Hanger steak (cubed) + 1 pound New York strip (cubed) + Kosher salt + Ground black pepper SAUCE + 1 cup mayo + 2 1/2 tablespoons ketchup + 1 1/2 tablespoons hot honey + 1 tablespoon hot sauce + 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning + 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce *Mix all ingredients and place in fridge until ready to use.

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INSTRUCTIONS 01 Using food processor or food grinder, grind the cubed meat into a coarse grind.

02 Using your hands, form 4-ounce meatballs and place on a tray.

03 Heat griddle top to medium high, and place meat on griddle spaced out about 6 inches apart.

04 Using wide, rigid spatula, smash burger down flat (roughly 1/4-inch thick) and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on top of each patty. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the edges start to brown and crisp.

05 Flip burgers over and repeat salt and pepper.

06 Cook an additional 2 minutes or until burger is thoroughly done.

07 Remove and place on bun.

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DOUBLE FRIED FRENCH FRIES INGREDIENTS + Russet potatoes (figure 1 medium per person) + Pinch of sea salt + Oil for frying + Grated parmesan (optional topping) + 1/4 cup chopped parsley

INSTRUCTIONS 01 Hand-cut or use French fry cutter to cut raw potatoes into uniform size. Put into a bowl and cover with water and place in fridge overnight to soak. Drain water and place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.

Place back in fridge to dry out until ready to cook.

02 Set up your deep fryer with preferred oil (I use peanut oil) and heat to 300 degrees.

03 Working in batches as to not overcrowd the fryer and drop the temperature by too much, fry the potatoes for 5-6 minutes.

04 Once all the fries have been initially cooked, raise temperature of oil to 375 degrees.

05 Place fries back into oil and cook for 6 minutes or until preferred doneness.

06 Drain and dump into large mixing bowl and sprinkle on sea salt. Toss to coat.

07 Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B R E N T WO O D

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MEET REALTOR

AUSTIN ANDERSON Make Home Buying Or Selling Process As Easy And Satisfying As Possible ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MOLLY PEACH Austin Anderson prides himself on being an enthusiastic yet humble Nashville realtor at Parks Realty, 1610 West End Ave., Suite 115. "I'm also thorough and attentive," he adds. "Whether you're selling or buying a home, I love to see smiles my clients have on closing days."

He says being a real estate agent enables him to interact with clients on personal levels. "It brings me joy to walk alongside my clients when finding their ideal home or helping them sell their current home."

To make positive differences in people’s lives is why he says he became a real estate agent. "I've always enjoyed connecting with people, and get thrilled helping clients imagine how they'll make a space their own to build their lives. The saying 'you never work a day in your life if you love what you do,' really is true for me," he adds.

"I've had experience with properties in most Broadwest neighborhoods, making me an invaluable person to talk to when relocating to or within the area. I can save clients thousands of dollars, and a great deal of time and emotional energy," Austin asserts.

Austin recommends always first evaluating the following five considerations about location of a potential new home: schools, commute times, safety of neighborhoods along with any homeowners association parameters, quality of life options and area amenities.

The middle Tennessee housing market will remain busy during 2022, predicts Austin. "However, I don't anticipate we'll see quite the significant increase in housing prices as in 2021, when housing prices rose almost 20%. Nashville’s housing market is showing no signs of slowing down in 2022," he says.

"A home is where families are built, memories are made, and futures begin -- I keep that top of my mind when assisting my clients," assures Austin.

615.478.1328 AustinAnderson.ParksAtHome.com

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EXP E RT H E LP | R EAL ESTATE

Austin also serves as the Parks Realty liaison with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose Middle Tennessee supporters fulfill the wishes of children with critical illnesses who are between the ages of 2.5 and 18 years old. In 2021, Parks Realty donated a combined $219,292.40 to the local Make-A-Wish.

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