Applaudable Perspectives

PLA Media
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At PLA Media, we have always loved talk radio. Our founder thought it would be a welcomed challenge to do a radio show someday. So, with the advent of podcasts, this is PLA's version, Applaudable Perspectives. We welcome a myriad of guests from the arts and various walks of life for what we hope will be an engaging, thought provoking conversation. Join us in this podcast for a laugh, a bit of knowledge and a chance to meet some interesting people as we share our human experience. If you like what you hear, have a topic or a suggestion for a possible guest, let us know at info@plamedia.com.

  1. Julie Brown on Preserving an Iconic Landmark in Franklin, Tennessee

    APR 17

    Julie Brown on Preserving an Iconic Landmark in Franklin, Tennessee

    Some places hold a community's memory in their walls — and the Five Points Post Office in Franklin, Tennessee is one of them. Built in 1925, it was Franklin's very first post office, and over the decades it served not just as a mail hub, but as a gathering place woven into the fabric of the city. Williamson Source In 1991, when the USPS chose to sell the building, it was listed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the country's most endangered post office locations. Williamson Source It survived — but just barely. Then came Julie Brown. When the previous operator announced his departure, Julie didn't hesitate. As she recalls it, her husband Matt came home and said, "Do you know anyone who wants to run the post office?" — and she simply said, "I'll do it." Her mission was clear: save the post office, save the zip code, and give Franklin back a piece of itself. On December 1, 2023, Julie and Matt Brown reopened the Five Points Post Office as a Contracted Postal Unit — one of only a handful of privately operated USPS-authorized locations remaining in the entire country.  But Julie's vision goes far beyond stamps and P.O. boxes — she's turned the space into a community hub that highlights local nonprofits, student entrepreneurs, and local artists.  In this episode of PLA Media's series on important women and their connection to history, host Pamela Lewis sits down with Julie Brown to talk about what it really means to be the keeper of a living landmark — and why one woman's "yes" gave an entire town back its heart. Five Points Post Office | 510 Columbia Ave, Franklin, TN | fivepointspostoffice.com

    36 min
  2. Come Hungry, Leave Connected; A Conversation with Scarritt Bennett Center Director of Technology, Dr. Michael Vaughn

    APR 9

    Come Hungry, Leave Connected; A Conversation with Scarritt Bennett Center Director of Technology, Dr. Michael Vaughn

    In this episode of Applaudable Perspectives, Pam Lewis sits down with Scarritt Bennett Center's own Dr. Michael Castellaw-Vaughn for an impromptu conversation about radical hospitality, fellowship, community, what makes Scarritt Bennett Center special, and more about his journey to becoming the Center's Director of Technology. Guest Bio: Dr. Michael Castellaw-Vaughn is a minister, musician, scholar, and technology leader based in Nashville, Tennessee. He currently serves as Director of Technology at Scarritt Bennett Center.

    39 min
  3. Turning Pages & Building Community: A Women’s History Month Conversation with Jessica Jeffers

    MAR 31

    Turning Pages & Building Community: A Women’s History Month Conversation with Jessica Jeffers

    As Director of the Williamson County Public Library, Jessica Jeffers leads one of Middle Tennessee’s most dynamic and community-focused library systems, serving a rapidly growing population with innovative programming, expansive collections, and forward-thinking services. Under her leadership, the library has evolved beyond books—offering everything from digital learning tools and cultural programs to resources that support lifelong learning for all ages. In this conversation, Jeffers opens up about the realities of leading a six-branch system on a limited budget, balancing the needs of a diverse and growing community while continuing to expand access and opportunity. She shares insight into her day-to-day work, her approach to building collections and selecting books that resonate across generations, and the importance of encouraging a love of reading at every stage of life. She also reflects on the evolving role of libraries as true community centers—hosting programs like the “Salon Series with Eric Jacobson,” welcoming a broad multicultural audience, and creating spaces where people can gather, learn, and connect. Along the way, Jeffers discusses the personal side of leadership, including maintaining work-life balance and navigating the challenges that come with sustaining and growing a vital public resource.

    38 min
  4. An Intimate Conversation with Lillian Stewart, The first female Mayor of Franklin, TN

    MAR 26

    An Intimate Conversation with Lillian Stewart, The first female Mayor of Franklin, TN

    In this episode, we honor Lillian Stewart — the first and, so far, only female mayor of Franklin, Tennessee — through an intimate conversation with Pam Lewis. A sixth-generation Williamson County native and former French teacher, Stewart brought a deep sense of place and long-term vision to city leadership. During her tenure she championed historic preservation, transformed the look of downtown Franklin's streetscape, and helped establish the state's first impact and adequate facilities fees on new development — policies that allowed Franklin to grow without sacrificing its character. As she put it herself, "Quality costs money. I wanted to keep Franklin's idyllic quality of life, and create policies that were good for everyone."

    31 min
  5. Applaudable Perspectives: Good Trouble & Great Towns with Franklin Tennessee’s “First Lady of Preservation” Rudy Jordan

    MAR 19

    Applaudable Perspectives: Good Trouble & Great Towns with Franklin Tennessee’s “First Lady of Preservation” Rudy Jordan

    In this special Women’s History Month episode, we sit down with Franklin, Tennessee’s “First Lady of Preservation,” Rudy Jordan, whose bold vision and fearless leadership helped transform Franklin into one of America’s most beloved Main Streets. As a driving force behind the town’s historic preservation movement, Rudy championed revitalization efforts that protected its character while sparking economic growth—proving that progress and preservation can go hand in hand. From sparking festivals to saving storefronts, her story is one of “good trouble,” grit, and a deep belief in the power of place to shape community.

    56 min
  6. Where Stories Live: Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel on Writing History

    MAR 14

    Where Stories Live: Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel on Writing History

    In honor of Women's History Month, Applaudable Perspectives sits down with award-winning author and historian Mary Ellen Pethel for a conversation that brings the past to life. Mary Ellen shares her journey as a historian and storyteller, exploring the voices and stories that have shaped her work — and why preserving history matters now more than ever. From her award-winning writing to her passion for uncovering untold narratives, this episode is a celebration of the power of women in history — both those who made it and those who write it. Whether you're a history lover, an aspiring author, or simply someone who believes every story deserves to be told, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🎙️ Tune in, listen closely, and let history speak.

    44 min
  7. Ink to Impact: A Career Reinvented with Matt Bjorke

    MAR 3

    Ink to Impact: A Career Reinvented with Matt Bjorke

    In this episode, Pam Lewis talks to Matt Bjorke about his remarkable evolution from globe-trotting country music journalist to strategic publicity specialist, and the unlikely road that shaped his perspective along the way. From living and teaching in China and South Korea to covering country music’s biggest names and emerging voices, Matt reflects on how his global experiences informed his storytelling, sharpened his industry instincts, and ultimately led him to pivot from reporting on artists to representing them. It’s a candid conversation about reinvention, risk, and the enduring power of a well-told story.

    55 min
  8. Defining Community and Hospitality: A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Sondrea L. Tolbert , J.D., M.Div.

    FEB 13

    Defining Community and Hospitality: A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Sondrea L. Tolbert , J.D., M.Div.

    On today’s episode, Pam Lewis sits down for a heartfelt, in-depth conversation with the Scarritt-Bennett Center’s Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Sondrea L. Tolbert, to explore the true meaning of community and the transformative power of hospitality. Set against the spirit and legacy of Scarritt-Bennett Center, this special video edition invites viewers into a thoughtful dialogue about belonging, welcome, and the sacred work of creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. It’s a rich, visually engaging episode we hope you’ll watch wherever video podcasts are available. Please visit https://scarrittbennett.org/ for more information!

    19 min
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About

At PLA Media, we have always loved talk radio. Our founder thought it would be a welcomed challenge to do a radio show someday. So, with the advent of podcasts, this is PLA's version, Applaudable Perspectives. We welcome a myriad of guests from the arts and various walks of life for what we hope will be an engaging, thought provoking conversation. Join us in this podcast for a laugh, a bit of knowledge and a chance to meet some interesting people as we share our human experience. If you like what you hear, have a topic or a suggestion for a possible guest, let us know at info@plamedia.com.

Information

  • Creator
    PLA Media
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    136
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © PLA Media
  • Show Website
    Applaudable Perspectives