Downright Mindful

Downright Mindful Media
  • 5.0 (13)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Real conversations. Real people. Real life. Hosted by Matt Parris and Paul Sausville, Downright Mindful is a long-form podcast that blends humor, reflection, and storytelling. From small-town life and teaching to fatherhood, faith, and the human condition — every episode aims to slow things down and think a little deeper. Produced by Downright Mindful Media in Cleveland, Tennessee.

  1. 1D AGO

    36 Years in the Jail and Still Laughing | Allan Walsh | Downright Mindful Ep. 82

    Episode 82 of Downright Mindful features a conversation between Matt and Allan Walsh, a longtime leader in corrections who spent 36 years with the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office. Allan started in 1983 and went on to serve as a Captain, spending many years as the jail administrator. During his career, he played a major role in the transformation of the county’s jail system, helping guide the move from a small linear jail to a much larger 408-bed direct supervision facility. He later helped facilitate the addition of a 100-bed workhouse within the same complex. But more than anything, Allan is a storyteller. The conversation moves through memories of working inside the jail, transporting prisoners across the country, and the kinds of moments you only get from years on the job. Allan brings humor, perspective, and a personality that makes it hard not to laugh along with him. If you’ve ever wondered what life inside a jail really looks like from the people who worked there, this episode offers a firsthand look. Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3sANbCaTFQag9nMCnR01N7?si=d4a1f013aab04481 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/downright-mindful/id1776503597 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@downrightmindful Contact the showdownrightmindful@gmail.com

    1h 41m

  2. APR 26

    Low Voter Turnout… Does It Even Matter? | Downright Mindful Ep. 81

    Episode 81 of Downright Mindful dives into local politics, civic engagement, and the impact of decisions made closer to home than most people realize. Matt and Paul talk through the reality of low voter turnout in local elections and what that says about engagement at the community level. The conversation explores how local policy decisions affect everyday life and why those decisions often receive far less attention than national politics. Matt shares a strong perspective, explaining that while he doesn’t necessarily sympathize with the frustration people express about low voter turnout, he does feel a sense of concern over the lack of deeper engagement in local policymaking and civic involvement. Paul pushes back, leading to a more direct and honest disagreement between the two. The result is a candid conversation about responsibility, participation, and what it really means to be involved in your community. Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3sANbCaTFQag9nMCnR01N7?si=d4a1f013aab04481 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/downright-mindful/id1776503597 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@downrightmindful Contact the showdownrightmindful@gmail.com

    55 min

  3. APR 19

    What Actually Makes Students Workplace Ready? | Downright Mindful Ep. 80

    Episode 80 of Downright Mindful focuses on the skills that matter beyond the classroom. Matt shares a recent project he designed for his Criminal Justice students — a scavenger hunt with a breakout-style format that challenged students to work together, solve problems, and think on their feet. The activity was built around the SkillsUSA framework, emphasizing workplace-ready skills like teamwork, adaptability, integrity, and communication. The conversation moves beyond the activity itself and into a broader discussion about what students actually need as they prepare for the real world. What does teamwork really look like? Can integrity be taught? How do students respond when they’re forced to adapt in real time? Paul also shares more about recent conversations happening in his classroom with local leaders, including Gary Davis, Steve Lawson, Andrew Morgan, and Denny Collins. These moments continue to reinforce the idea that real leadership is often closer and more accessible than people think. This episode is about preparing students for more than a test — it’s about preparing them for life. Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3sANbCaTFQag9nMCnR01N7?si=d4a1f013aab04481 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/downright-mindful/id1776503597 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@downrightmindful Contact the showdownrightmindful@gmail.com

    56 min

  4. APR 12

    20 Conversations Later: The People We’ve Met | Downright Mindful Ep. 79

    Episode 79 of Downright Mindful is a look back at the people who have helped shape the podcast. Matt and Paul take a stroll down memory lane, revisiting the guests they’ve had on the show and reflecting on the conversations that have stood out along the way. From community leaders to educators, law enforcement, and everyday people doing meaningful work, the episode highlights how those relationships have continued beyond the recording. The conversation circles back to Episode 1, “Call the Mayor,” when Matt made the claim that the county mayor was only a phone call away. Paul tested that idea by reaching out to Gary Davis, who not only responded but showed up to speak to his U.S. History class. Paul also shares about Steve Lawson visiting his class and investing time with students. Along the way, Matt and Paul reflect on conversations with guests like Zech Pike, J. Adam Lowe, Rob Blackaby, Derrick Frazier, Aaron Hayes, and Bill Estes, among others. More than anything, this episode is about relationships — how conversations lead to connections, and how those connections continue to grow over time. Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3sANbCaTFQag9nMCnR01N7?si=d4a1f013aab04481 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/downright-mindful/id1776503597 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@downrightmindful Contact the showdownrightmindful@gmail.com

    52 min

  5. APR 5

    Local Legends, Leaders, and the Story of Cleveland, TN | Downright Mindful Ep. 78

    Episode 78 of Downright Mindful is a conversation about local history, community, and the people who have helped shape Cleveland and Bradley County over the years. Matt and Paul talk through stories, speculation, and the lasting impact of individuals who have made a difference in the area. The discussion includes local philanthropists like Lynn Jones, the Tarvers, and Steve Wright, as well as current leaders who continue to serve the community today. They also discuss several officials who are scheduled to visit Paul’s history class in the near future, including Steve Lawson, Gary Davis, Andrew Morgan, Denny Collins, and Phil Cook. The episode blends storytelling with reflection, looking at how leadership, generosity, and decision-making leave a mark on a place over time. If you’ve ever wondered how a community becomes what it is… and who helps shape it along the way… this conversation is for you. This is a discussion that sets up the questions to be asked and the people who can answer them with speculation and story-telling littered throughout.  Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3sANbCaTFQag9nMCnR01N7?si=d4a1f013aab04481 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/downright-mindful/id1776503597 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@downrightmindful Contact the showdownrightmindful@gmail.com

    56 min

  6. MAR 29

    State Championship Runs, Big Wins, and 25 Years at Walker Valley | Downright Mindful Ep. 77

    Episode 77 of Downright Mindful is a catch-up conversation between Matt and Paul after a busy and eventful couple of weeks. Paul talks about his son and the Walker Valley basketball team making a run all the way to the Tennessee State Championship game, including a big Final Four win over Whitehaven. Along the way, there was a tense moment when his son went down with what they thought could be a clavicle injury, but after being evaluated and cleared by medical personnel, he was able to return and play through it. Matt shares about taking his students to the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His CSI team fought through a difficult crime scene scenario and brought home gold, while another group earned bronze in Promotional Bulletin Board. The conversation also turns to Walker Valley High School’s 25-year celebration, where Paul was selected to share the story of the school with community leaders — a moment that led to reflection on legacy, growth, and the people who help shape a place over time. It’s a conversation about competition, pride, teaching, parenting, and the moments that stick with you. Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3sANbCaTFQag9nMCnR01N7?si=d4a1f013aab04481 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/downright-mindful/id1776503597 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@downrightmindful Contact the showdownrightmindful@gmail.com

    54 min

  7. MAR 22

    Life Lately and Where Our Minds Have Been | Downright Mindful Ep. 76

    Episode 76 of Downright Mindful is a simple catch-up conversation between Matt and Paul. There wasn’t a strict plan for this one. The two sit down and talk about life lately, what’s been happening behind the scenes, and some of the things that have been on their minds recently. Like many episodes of the podcast, the conversation moves naturally from one idea to the next as they reflect on work, family, and the everyday experiences that shape the way we think. Sometimes the best conversations aren’t tightly structured. They’re the ones where you simply sit down, talk, and see where it goes. Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3sANbCaTFQag9nMCnR01N7?si=d4a1f013aab04481 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/downright-mindful/id1776503597 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@downrightmindful Contact the showdownrightmindful@gmail.com

    46 min

  8. MAR 15

    A Life Built on Mentoring Others | Aaron Hayes | Downright Mindful Ep. 75

    Episode 75 of Downright Mindful features a conversation with Aaron Hayes, a coach and mentor who has spent much of his life helping people grow into leadership. Aaron’s story begins in some tough environments. He started his career teaching in an alternative school in California working with students who had already faced serious challenges in life. That experience eventually led him into youth ministry, where he began developing mentors for young people who needed guidance and stability. From there, Aaron continued scaling his impact. What started as mentoring youth grew into building and leading a successful nonprofit organization in California focused on developing mentors and supporting young people. Over time, his work expanded beyond youth programs into leadership coaching. Today Aaron works with leaders across the country…from nonprofit directors to public officials and business leaders… helping them think more clearly about leadership, responsibility, and influence. His clients now include owners and operators of senior living communities who are responsible for leading large teams and caring for vulnerable populations. About five years ago Aaron moved his family from Redding, California to Cleveland, Tennessee. During the conversation he jokes about one of the first things he saw after moving here…a bumper sticker that read, “Don’t California My Tennessee.” That moment sparked a broader discussion about culture, leadership, and what it looks like to bring your values with you when you start over somewhere new. Aaron is also a committed Christian whose work has consistently centered around mentorship, personal responsibility, and investing in the next generation. This episode explores Aaron’s journey and the lessons he has learned along the way about leadership, mentoring, and scaling your influence. Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3sANbCaTFQag9nMCnR01N7?si=d4a1f013aab04481 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/downright-mindful/id1776503597 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@downrightmindful Contact the showdownrightmindful@gmail.com

    2h 6m
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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Real conversations. Real people. Real life. Hosted by Matt Parris and Paul Sausville, Downright Mindful is a long-form podcast that blends humor, reflection, and storytelling. From small-town life and teaching to fatherhood, faith, and the human condition — every episode aims to slow things down and think a little deeper. Produced by Downright Mindful Media in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Information

  • Creator
    Downright Mindful Media
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    83
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Downright Mindful Media
  • Show Website
    Downright Mindful