Behind The Curtain

Presented by Chord Real Estate, with hosts Steve Luther and Van Hohe

”Behind the Curtain” is a podcast presented by Chord Real Estate, in which hosts Steve Luther and Van Hohe go deep into the heart of Nashville’s dynamic landscape. The show features deep conversations with the innovators, creators and leaders who are shaping the city through music, business and beyond. Each episode reveals the stories, passions and dreams that make Nashville unique.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Mastering Modern Marketing in a Fragmented Digital World with Valerie Pantaleo

    In this episode of Behind the Curtain, hosts Steve Luther and Van Hohe sit down with Valerie Pantaleo — a 22‑year marketing veteran, account executive at Comcast Advertising, and president of VPI Media. From New York print rooms at the dawn of the internet to pioneering early digital TV ad placements, Valerie brings a rare, insider perspective on how media, data, and consumer behavior have evolved over the last two decades. Valerie breaks down the real state of modern advertising — the rise of AI‑driven targeting, the dangers of fake data and bots, the fragmentation of consumer attention, and why so many businesses waste money on the wrong platforms. She also shares powerful stories from her career: helping small businesses scale from “one man and a truck” to local celebrities, navigating the Wild West of digital marketing, and advising brands across industries from home improvement to healthcare to luxury. This conversation is a masterclass in how to think about marketing in 2026 — what works, what doesn’t, and how business owners can protect their budgets, build brand equity, and reach the right audience across screens. Episode Highlights From Print to AI‑Driven Digital:   Valerie recounts her early days in New York newspapers — including the moment she realized the internet would change everything — and how she became one of the first reps to sell digital TV ads. “We were doing commercial insertions using AI 14 years ago… before most people even knew what AI was.” The Wild West of Digital Marketing:   She explains why so many businesses get “sucker punched” online — from fake bots to bad data to misleading metrics — and why real‑time, first‑party household data is the new gold standard. How Consumers Actually Watch Content Today:   From 18–34 year‑olds binging on-demand to 50+ audiences glued to live TV, Valerie breaks down the viewing habits that determine where your ads should (and shouldn’t) go. Branding vs. Lead Gen — Why Most Businesses Get It Wrong:   Valerie reveals why companies overspend on cheap clicks, underestimate the power of video, and fail to build long‑term brand equity. “Do you want to whisper… or do you want to shout?” The Power of Targeted, Multi‑Screen Campaigns:   She explains how Comcast uses household data, Experian insights, and premium placements to target ultra‑affluent buyers, golf enthusiasts, college football fans, and more — all with one vendor and one invoice. The Future of Social Media & AI:   Valerie shares her concerns about where digital content is headed — and why businesses must be more intentional than ever about their brand image. Featured Guest: Valerie Pantaleo Account Executive, Comcast Advertising   President, VPI Media, Inc. With over 22 years of experience across print, radio, TV, and digital, Valerie is known for blending creative strategy with data‑driven insights to help businesses grow. She has advised brands across industries including home improvement, legal, financial services, healthcare, and luxury — and has helped clients scale from local unknowns to household names. Connect with Valerie:   📧 valerie_pantaleo@comcast.com   📱 615‑427‑8018   🔗 LinkedIn: Valerie Pantaleo #MarketingStrategy #DigitalAdvertising #BrandBuilding #ComcastAdvertising #NashvilleBusiness #MediaBuying #AIinMarketing #SmallBusinessGrowth #BehindTheCurtain

    1hr 33min

  2. 24 APR

    The Dream Maker: Navigating the Evolution of Mortgage Lending with Tammie Gravlee

    In this episode of Behind the Curtain, hosts Steve Luther and Van Hohe sit down with Tammie Gravlee, President of Mortgage at Bank of Tennessee. With over 40 years of industry experience, Tammie shares her inspiring "Hotel California" journey—starting as a receptionist and working her way up to becoming one of the most respected leaders in mortgage banking. Tammie peels back the layers of the mortgage world, offering a simplified explanation of how rates are truly set, the impact of shifting political administrations on lending regulations, and the rising importance of "Non-QM" loans for today’s nontraditional workforce. From personal stories of passion and perseverance to insights on the future of AI in banking, this conversation explores what it truly takes to protect the American Dream of homeownership. Episode Highlights From Receptionist to President: Tammie recounts her 40-year career trajectory, proving that through long hours, a willingness to learn, and a passion for service, anyone can reach the top of the mortgage industry. The Truth About Interest Rates: A deep dive into the misconception that the Fed controls everything. Tammie explains why home buyers should actually be watching the 10-year yield and the bond market to understand rate fluctuations. The Rise of the Nontraditional Earner: Discover why "Non-QM" (Non-Qualified Mortgage) volume is projected to hit $80 billion as more people move away from 8-to-5 jobs toward flexible, remote, and self-employed income streams. "At the end of the day, I'm doing what I'm doing... to get someone in a home, create a job, raise a family, have a backyard... if you are not willing to serve, it’s not the business for you." — Tammie Gravlee Featured Guest: Tammie Gravlee, CMB®, AMP Tammie Gravlee is the President of Mortgage at Bank of Tennessee. She holds the prestigious Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation and is a dedicated advocate for the industry, frequently spending time in Washington, D.C., to discuss lending policy with senators. Connect with Tammie: LinkedIn: Tammie Gravlee Phone/Text: 205-296-9940 Email: tgravlee@bankoftennessee.com #MortgageBanking #Homeownership #NashvilleRealEstate #InterestRates #CareerJourney #FinancialLiteracy #NonQM #AmericanDream #Leadership #BehindTheCurtain

    1hr 14min

  3. 9 APR

    From Fine Art to Bespoke Build: The Art of Intentional Design with Kurt McKeithan

    In this episode of Behind the Curtain, hosts Steve and Van sit down with Kurt McKeithan, the creative force behind McKeithan Design Studio. A Nashville-based designer and builder with a background in fine art, Kurt shares his journey from growing up in Georgia and Europe to repairing Dutch masterpieces in Beverly Hills, and finally founding his own bespoke design-build firm. Kurt discusses the delicate balance between being an artist and an entrepreneur, the importance of "never stopping learning," and why he prefers high-end, one-of-a-kind projects over mass production. From drawing kitchen layouts directly on a client’s drywall to building secret doors with interactive riddles, this conversation explores how deep craftsmanship and a "photographic memory" for detail can transform a living space into a personal sanctuary. Episode Highlights The "Beverly Hillbillies" Move to Paris: Kurt explains how moving from Marietta, Georgia, to Paris and London during his youth provided a unique fine art education that would be impossible to find in the U.S. Repairing Masterpieces: Discover how a "fake it until you make it" moment led to a high-stakes job in Beverly Hills repairing 300-year-old Dutch still-life paintings. Design as Living Sculpture: Kurt shares the philosophy of "bespoke" design, where every project is tailored to the individual's personality rather than current trends like the "shiplap" craze. The Secret Doors of Nashville: A look into Kurt’s love for "interactive treasure," including a project featuring secret doors, dioramas, and a phone booth that responds when you pick up the receiver. The Future of Design: Kurt geeks out on the intersection of 3D printing and traditional materials, such as 3D-printing leather textures onto metal bathroom trim. "Money is not the thing for me. It's the creativity part of it... if you can wake up and do something different every day in that same field and feel like you're doing something to make that person have a better life, that's the stuff I like." — Kurt McKeithan Featured Guest: Kurt McKeithan Kurt McKeithan is the president and founder of McKeithan Design Studio. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Sculpture from Otis College of Art and Design. His firm specializes in custom furniture, high-end kitchens, and full-scale interior environments that prioritize originality and precision. Connect with Kurt: Website: mckeithendesign.com Instagram: @mckeithendesign Phone: (615) 424-5633 #BespokeDesign #NashvilleDesign #FineArt #CustomFurniture #InteriorArchitecture #McKeithanDesignStudio #BehindTheCurtain #Craftsmanship #LuxuryInteriors #3DPrintingDesign

    1hr 5min

  4. 26 MAR

    What Actually Drives Long-Term Value in Real Estate | John Boots | Behind the Curtain

    This episode pulls back the curtain on one of Nashville’s most disciplined and quietly influential real estate developers: John Boots, founder and CEO of Expedition Group. John has built a career around necessity-based development, long-term thinking, and a deep understanding of how capital, risk, and community needs intersect. This conversation is a masterclass in how real estate should be done: grounded in fundamentals, built on relationships, and focused on long-term value rather than short-term wins. Episode Highlights Why Necessity-Based Development Wins: A breakdown of why childcare, medical, and essential-service assets remain resilient—even as other sectors cycle.  The Truth About Market Cycles: Why “history doesn’t repeat, but it rhymes,” and what today’s economic signals mean for developers, investors, and everyday buyers.  Risk, Underwriting & Discipline: How John evaluates deals across development, acquisitions, and capital markets—and why disciplined underwriting beats speculation every time.  The Power of Tenant Partnerships: Why strong tenant relationships can make or break a project, and how alignment creates long-term stability.  Avoiding the Biggest Developer Mistakes: Overleveraging, overpromising, and chasing scale too fast — John breaks down the pitfalls he sees most often.  “Trying to grow too quickly without understanding the market is a recipe for disaster.” — John Boots Featured Guest: John Boots John Boots is the founder and CEO of Expedition Group, a Nashville-based real estate development and advisory firm specializing in necessity-based, single-tenant, and build-to-suit assets across the Southeast. With a background in banking oversight, distressed asset resolution, and private equity, John brings a uniquely disciplined, capital-first approach to every project. His work spans development, acquisitions, and strategic capital markets advisory, with a focus on long-term value creation and community impact. Connect with John: Website: https://ExpeditionGroup.co  LinkedIn: John Boots

    55 min

  5. 13 MAR

    The Business of Horses: Navigating the Intersection of Sport, Real Estate, and Capital | Behind the Curtain

    In this episode, we dive deep into the complex and often misunderstood world of the equestrian industry. While many see horse sports through a lens of pure passion, our guest reveals the high-stakes financial models and operational challenges that define the modern horse business. From Olympic-level training to luxury real estate developments featuring "equestrian assets," we explore what it takes to make a venture in this space financially sustainable and investable. Episode Highlights The Surprising Economy of Horses: Discover how the US horse industry contributes a staggering $177 billion to the economy—rivaling the music industry—and why it grew by 45% in recent years thanks to social media and "mainstream" exposure like the show Yellowstone. Profitable Business Models: Learn why the "Horse Show" model and event-driven real estate developments are often the most lucrative sectors, and how "syndicates" allow groups of investors to support high-level riders and horses. Technology & AI in the Barn: A look at how the equestrian world often adopts medical and tracking technologies—like stem cell therapy and AI-powered sensors—long before they reach human mainstream use. "The value proposition, I think, is the core of any business... And then does delivering that to a client make the business a profit?" — Elizabeth McMillan Featured Guest: Elizabeth McMillan Elizabeth McMillan is the founder and CEO of EquestrianProfessional.com. With nearly two decades of experience, she serves as a nationally respected horse business consultant, executive advisor, and equestrian athlete. She specializes in "pressure testing" business models at the earliest stages of equine ventures to ensure they become assets rather than liabilities. Connect with Elizabeth: Website: EquestrianProfessional.com LinkedIn: Elizabeth McMillan

    50 min

  6. 26 FEB

    Reimagining Mobility in Middle Tennessee | Jessica Dauphin | Behind the Curtain

    In this dynamic and wide-ranging episode of Behind the Curtain, hosts Van Hohe and Marlena Hitchcock sit down with Jessica Dauphin, President & CEO of the Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee, for a powerful conversation about the future of transportation in Nashville and beyond . Jessica shares how growing up on a dirt road in Cheatham County shaped her passion for mobility, access, and opportunity. From the failed 2018 transit referendum to the successful Choose How You Move transportation plan, she breaks down what’s changed, what’s coming next, and why mobility is about far more than buses and trains. This episode dives into smart traffic signals, 24-hour bus service, regional connectivity, housing affordability, and why infrastructure isn’t a political issue — it’s a people issue. If you care about economic growth, business development, quality of life, or simply getting to the airport without the headache, this conversation will shift how you see transit in Middle Tennessee. Episode Highlights: Smart Signals & Sexy Buses: How Nashville’s new investments — including 600+ smart traffic lights — will change daily life Mobility as Opportunity: Why access to transportation can determine economic freedom and generational impact “No one should be at the mercy of their ability or inability to get somewhere.” — Jessica Dauphin If you live, work, or invest in Middle Tennessee, this episode is essential listening. Subscribe to Behind the Curtain, share it with a friend who complains about traffic, and start thinking differently about how we move, build, and grow as a region. 📬 Connect with Jessica Dauphin: 🌐 Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee: https://www.thetransitalliance.org 📍 Learn about Nashville’s transit improvements: https://www.nashville.gov 📢 Hashtags: #BehindTheCurtain #VanHohe #MarlenaHitchcock #JessicaDauphin #TransitAlliance #ChooseHowYouMove #NashvilleGrowth #SmartCities #MiddleTennessee #UrbanDevelopment #TransportationLeadership #NashvilleBusiness

    1hr 23min

  7. 12 FEB

    Truth-Telling Through Trauma: Adrian Davis on Voice, Vulnerability & Victory | Behind the Curtain with Cheryl Farley

    In Episode 40 of Behind the Curtain, guest host Cheryl Farley and Van Hohe welcome poet, performer, and emotional wellness coach Adrian Davis, founder of Momentum University. Known for his raw storytelling, lyrical wisdom, and deep personal transformation, Adrian opens up about growing up in survival mode—and how he turned pain into poetry, isolation into impact, and silence into spoken word. This episode goes deep into the power of vulnerability, self-awareness, and emotional literacy—especially for Black men and creatives who are rarely given the space to unpack their truth. From school stages to national platforms, Adrian is on a mission to make healing normal—and honesty, heroic. Episode Highlights: 🧠 Unlearning Survival: How Adrian learned to stop performing strength and start practicing truth 🎙️ Healing Through Hip-Hop: Why storytelling and rhythm became his tools for transformation 🔄 Momentum University: A framework for mental and emotional wellness rooted in self-inquiry, accountability, and love “I was surviving in silence—and the moment I spoke, I started to heal.” — Adrian Davis If you’ve ever hidden behind your hustle, numbed your story, or questioned whether healing is possible—this episode will speak to you. Subscribe to Behind the Curtain with Cheryl Farley and Van Hohe and share it with someone rewriting their own narrative. 📢 Hashtags: #BehindTheCurtainPodcast #CherylFarley #AdrianDavis #MomentumUniversity #HealingOutLoud #EmotionalWellness #SpokenWordHealing #BlackMenHeal #AuthenticStorytelling #VulnerabilityIsPower #CreativeRecovery

    39 min

  8. 29 JAN

    Behind the Curtain – Episode 39: Ana Reisdorf | Cutting Through the GLP-1 Confusion

    In this eye-opening episode of Behind the Curtain, hosts Steve Luther and Van Hoy sit down with Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD — a registered dietitian, health content strategist, and founder of GLP-1 Hub, a fast-growing platform demystifying one of the most talked-about health trends today: GLP-1 medications. Ana shares her personal journey with GLP-1s, how she turned trial and error into empowerment, and why she created a trusted resource for others navigating the complex world of weight loss medications. With two decades of experience in clinical nutrition and a deep passion for evidence-based education, Ana breaks down common myths, media fear-mongering, and the importance of personalized health. We explore how her platform empowers users, the future of GLP-1 medications (including oral options), the real risks and benefits, and how her entrepreneurial spirit fuels her mission. Ana also shares how AI is changing content creation in health, why she hires fellow RDs, and the balance between science and story. From practical advice to industry insights, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about modern wellness, entrepreneurship, or simply how to better understand the tools shaping health today. 🔗 Learn more at: GLP1hub.com 📌 Topics covered: Ana’s career path and pivot from content marketing to health advocacy The science and misconceptions around GLP-1 medications Navigating misinformation and AI in health content How GLP-1s are impacting industries beyond health, including food and alcohol The real risks, benefits, and what the media gets wrong Building a family-run business and designing a purpose-driven life 💡 Quote from the episode: “If I’m making mistakes on this medication as a dietitian… what are other people doing who don’t have that background?” – Ana Reisdorf

    43 min
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About

”Behind the Curtain” is a podcast presented by Chord Real Estate, in which hosts Steve Luther and Van Hohe go deep into the heart of Nashville’s dynamic landscape. The show features deep conversations with the innovators, creators and leaders who are shaping the city through music, business and beyond. Each episode reveals the stories, passions and dreams that make Nashville unique.

Information

  • Creator
    Presented by Chord Real Estate, with hosts Steve Luther and Van Hohe
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Behind The Curtain