
Signature Required with Spencer Patton
We talk with Tennessee leaders—business owners, policy experts, educators, and residents—who champion the entrepreneurial spirit and transform once-small ideas into big impact.
Episodes
77 episodes
Episode 66: Mayor Tim Kelly on Leading Chattanooga | Signature Required
In this episode, Chattanooga's Mayor Tim Kelly shares his journey from business to politics and how he’s driving the city’s transformation through economic mobility, early childhood education, and public-private partnerships.
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Season 2
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52:36
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Episode 65: Erik Schelzig on Tennessee's Political History | Signature Required
This week, we sit down with Erik Schelzig, editor for the Tennessee Journal and co-author of 'Welcome to Capitol Hill: 50 Years of Scandal in Tennessee Politics'. Erik shares captivating stories from his 20-year career covering the Tennessee St...
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Season 2
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50:33
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Episode 64: James Pond on Building a Home Library | Signature Required
In this episode, James Pond, CEO of the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation, shares why early literacy matters and how programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, book buses, and storybook trails are helping Tennessee kids thrive.
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Season 2
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56:58
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Episode 63: Mark Green on Politics in Review (and What’s Ahead)
In this candid conversation, recorded as part of an exit interview, former U.S. Congressman Mark Green (TN-7) reflects on his years in public service and his decision to step away from Congress. No topic or question was off-limits, as Green sha...
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Season 2
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Episode 62: Dr. Cynthia Osborne on Impacting Literacy Through Policy
In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Osborne, founder and executive director of the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center at Peabody College, discusses the importance of early childhood development and the impact of state policies on families and children...
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Season 2
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53:25
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Episode 61: Dr. LaTonya Mouzon on Improving Literacy Before 3rd Grade | Signature Required
Dr. LaTonya Mouzon, Executive Director of Arise2Read, a Memphis-based literacy nonprofit, joins the conversation to discuss the critical importance of literacy in early education. Tune in today!
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Season 2
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32:24
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Episode 60: Elizabeth Sherrard and Elizabeth Atack on the Nashville Public Library | Signature Required
Join us this week as we dive into the Begin Bright initiative with Elizabeth Atack and Elizabeth Sherrard from the Nashville Public Library. Discover how this program is providing books, literacy resources, and crucial early education support t...
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Season 2
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Episode 59: Dr. Lisa Piercey on Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition | Signature Required
In this episode, Dr. Lisa Piercey, a physician, healthcare entrepreneur, and the former Tennessee Commissioner of Health, shares her remarkable journey from a pediatrician to an influential healthcare leader and author of 'Natural Born Entrepre...
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Season 2
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43:46

Episode 58: Dr. Leah Melber on Nashville's Adventure Science Center
This week, we sat down with Dr. Leah Melber, President & CEO of the Adventure Science Center. She shares her journey from studying zoology to leading one of Tennessee’s largest science centers, highlighting the exhibits, community outreach,...
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Season 2
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Episode 57: Stacey Nickens on the Nashville International Airport
In this episode, Stacey Nickens, Vice President of Corporate Communications at Nashville International Airport (BNA), shares how one of the fastest-growing airports in the country is becoming a true reflection of Nashville’s culture. From live ...
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Season 2
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Episode 56: Sheila Noone on Memphis Museum of Science and History
In this episode, Sheila Noone, Communications Manager at the Museum of Science and History (MoSH), shares exciting details about the museum's rich history and diverse exhibits. Learn about the transformation of the historic Pink Palace mansion,...
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Season 2
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19:51

Episode 55: Thom Demas on The Tennessee Aquarium | Signature Required
We’re kicking off Season 2 of Signature Required with a special episode featuring Thom Demas, Vice President and Chief Husbandry & Exhibits Officer at the Tennessee Aquarium. Thom shares his unexpected journey from managing auto parts store...
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Season 2
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42:54

Episode 54: Reflecting on One Year of Signature Required with Spencer and Carli Patton
We’re taking a summer break and will return with new episodes on August 5th! Until then, we hope you enjoy this special anniversary episode where Spencer and Carli celebrate one year of Signature Required by reflecting on their journey and shar...
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Season 1
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Episode 54
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42:51

Episode 53: Dr. Jeremy Qualls on Entrepreneurship In Public Education | Signature Required
This week, we spoke with Dr. Jeremy Qualls, the Executive Director for the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center (EIC) and Career & Technical Programs at Williamson County Schools. Dr. Qualls shares the origin and growth of the EIC, an inc...
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Season 1
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Episode 53
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Episode 52: Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes | Signature Required
Carli sits down with Darren Andrus, Lydia Burton, and Reese Greenman from the Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes to discuss their work with children and families in crisis. The conversation sheds light on the unique aspects of residential group...
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Season 1
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Episode 52
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36:07

Episode 51: Andy Holt on Tennessee Agriculture | Signature Required
This week, we are joined by the Deputy Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Andy Holt to discuss the vital role of agriculture and forestry in Tennessee. Holt shares insights from his personal journey, from working on a ran...
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Season 1
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Episode 51
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48:21
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Episode 50: Sean Phipps on Visit Chattanooga | Signature Required
This week, Carli and I are joined by Sean Phipps, Director of Marketing for the Chattanooga Tourism Co., as we explore the heart of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Sean shares the city's unique history, key attractions, and its incredible transformatio...
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Season 1
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Episode 50
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36:07
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Episode 49: Joel Sullivan on the American Red Cross In Tennessee | Signature Required
What does it take to lead disaster relief across 98 counties—and rally thousands of volunteers to answer the call? In this episode, I sit down with Joel Sullivan, Regional Executive of the American Red Cross Tennessee Region, to talk about the ...
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Season 1
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Episode 49
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42:00
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Episode 48: Brad Turner on Disability and Aging In Tennessee | Signature Required
In this episode, Commissioner Brad Turner of the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging shares insights into his groundbreaking role. Brad discusses the integration of the Department of Disability and Aging, the importance of advocacy for...
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Season 1
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Episode 48
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Episode 47: Brittany Schaffer on Belmont's Role in Shaping the Music Industry | Signature Required
Brittany Schaffer, the Dean of the School for Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University shares her journey from high school debate team to Vanderbilt, and her transition from the legal field to academia. She discusses the unique ed...
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Season 1
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Episode 46
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35:06
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Episode 46: Justin Maierhofer on Energy and Economic Growth in TN | Signature Required
Justin Maierhofer, Vice President for the Northern Region of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), joins Spencer and Carli to delve into TVA's role in energy generation, environmental stewardship, and economic development. Justin explains TVA’s...
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Season 1
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Episode 47
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36:27
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Episode 45: Lindsey Norton on Hope House | Signature Required
This week, Carli sits down with Lindsey Norton, founder and executive director of Hope House, Tennessee's only home for teenage parents. She shares her journey from being a labor and delivery nurse to addressing the urgent need for housing and ...
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Season 1
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Episode 45
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39:20

Episode 42: Laura Scoggins & Jenny Haines Douglas on Nashville Real Estate | Signature Required
This episode features Laura Scoggins, a seasoned real estate agent with Benchmark Realty, and Jenny Haines Douglas, Senior Loan Officer at Movement Mortgage. Together, they break down the current state of the housing market in Middle Tennessee,...
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Season 1
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Episode 42
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34:18

Episode 44: Rachel Guymon on The Tennessee Titans Stadium | Signature Required
Rachel Guymon, the Director of Special Events for the Tennessee Titans discusses the diverse range of events hosted at the Titans stadium. She highlights the extensive use of the stadium for corporate, private, and community events, totaling ne...
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Season 1
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Episode 44
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33:24

Episode 43: Sarah Mattson on Entrepreneurship In Chattanooga | Signature Required
Sarah Mattson, Director of Entrepreneurship for the City of Chattanooga, discusses the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Chattanooga. This conversation sheds light on Chattanooga’s unique blend of big city amenities with a small-town feel, d...
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Season 1
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Episode 43
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39:48
