Community Impact Episodes

Most people think a restraining order keeps someone safe… but what if a piece of paper isn’t enough? In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo sits down with the owner behind Smoky Mountain Offender Tracking and Best TN Server to go behind the scenes of the systems that keep our communities moving—and protected. From process serving and due process… to real-time GPS offender tracking… this conversation pulls back the curtain on a world most people never see until they’re in it. ...

Welcome to The Prosperity Lounge, where growth gets personal. In this episode, Joey Ruffalo sits down with returning guest and Knox County mayoral candidate Kim Frazier for a real conversation on leadership, growth, infrastructure, and the financial realities of running a county. From managing rapid population growth to understanding the balance between the mayor’s role and county commission, this episode breaks down how local government decisions directly impact your daily life—your commute, ...

What happens when someone who’s already led the department wants to lead again? In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo sits down with former Knox County Sheriff Jimmy “J.J.” Jones — the fourth and final candidate in this election cycle — to talk about leadership, experience, and what’s changed since his time in office. From implementing body cameras early to discussing modern policing, recruitment challenges, and the evolving expectations of law enforcement, this conversation g...

What if your business could change lives… not just make money? In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo sits down with Kelly West, founder of Abiding Faith Photography, to talk about how a simple creative passion turned into a powerful mission serving the special needs community. Kelly shares how she provides free portrait sessions, creates sensory-friendly experiences, and uses her business to make sure every family has the chance to capture moments that often go undocumented. ...

What actually makes a great sheriff—experience, leadership, or how they show up when everything’s on the line? In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo sits down with sheriff candidate David Amburn for a real, in-depth conversation about leadership, law enforcement, and the future of public safety. This isn’t politics. This is clarity. We cover: ✔️ Leadership inside a sheriff’s department ✔️ Proactive vs reactive policing ✔️ The Broken Windows theory ✔️ Transparency and shows li...

What does real leadership actually look like? In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo sits down with Knox County Commissioner Rhonda Lee for a powerful conversation on resilience, faith, and public service. From battling cancer while commuting to law school… to becoming an attorney protecting constitutional rights… to now serving thousands of families in Knox County — Rhonda’s story is one of determination, purpose, and unwavering conviction. We dive into: Her journey through ...

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo sits down with Nicole Curott of NikNak’s Ice Cream in Powell, Tennessee to talk about what it really takes to build a small business that becomes a community favorite. From humble beginnings to becoming a local gathering spot, Nicole shares the real story behind running an ice cream shop — the risks, the lessons, and the heart behind serving a community. We talk about: • The journey of starting NikNak’s Ice Cream • What it takes to run a ...

Welcome to The Prosperity Lounge Vault — where we occasionally open the archives and share moments from behind the scenes. In this special episode, Joey Ruffalo takes listeners inside the Farragut West Knox Chamber Auction Gala, one of the most anticipated community events of the year in East Tennessee. Recorded live during the event, Joey pulled aside several attendees — local business owners, chamber members, and community leaders — to capture their thoughts on why events like this matter. ...

What does strong law enforcement leadership actually look like in today’s environment? In this live episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo sits down with Mike Davis, a Knox County Sheriff’s candidate and former DEA agent with 25 years of federal service, for a thoughtful, non-political conversation focused on leadership, trust, and public safety. Rather than soundbites or attacks, this discussion centers on: Transparency and accountability in modern policing Officer safety, training,...

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo sits down with Rep. Monty Fritts, Tennessee State Representative and candidate for Governor, for a values-driven conversation about leadership, service, and stewardship — without the noise of typical political talking points. Monty shares his background in military service, the private sector, and public office, and how those experiences shaped his views on responsibility, decision-making, and the role of government. Rather than campaign sl...

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo is joined by Denise Rowe from The Dream Connection, a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit that has spent 40 years helping children facing chronic, life-altering illnesses experience joy, hope, and unforgettable memories. What began in the 1980s with volunteers listening to children talk about their dreams at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital has grown into an organization that has fulfilled more than 1,100 dreams across 16 counties in East Tennes...

In this special Prosperity Pulse, Joey Ruffalo reflects on a live Santa Show that didn’t go exactly as planned — and the powerful lesson that came from it. When technical hiccups threatened to steal the moment, community, generosity, and grace took center stage instead. This episode is a reminder that real prosperity isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, connection, and choosing joy and generosity even when things don’t go smoothly. A timely message on faith, action, and what truly matte...

At Liberty University’s CEO Summit, Joey sits down with Makyiah Sendelbach, a Financial Planning major and Peer Financial Coach, to discuss what the next generation of financial leaders are learning about faith, money, and stewardship. From helping fellow students create their first budgets to understanding that “God owns it all,” Makyiah shares how Liberty’s approach to faith-based financial education is shaping her future — and why she believes stewardship can change entire family trees. You...

In this heartwarming and laugh-filled episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey sits down with three cast members from the Last Call Theater Group in Lenoir City — Denise Helton, her son Nathan Helton, and castmate Rita Wessel — to pull back the curtain on the magic of community theater. From unexpected Elvis impressions, to backstage laughter, to stories of confidence and courage, this episode highlights the joy and transformation that happen when ordinary people step onto the stage. 🎭 What you’l...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — and The Prosperity Lounge is going full holiday mode! 🎄 In this heartwarming holiday episode, host Joey Ruffalo welcomes back Jessica Strunk and Gracie, the inspiring young entrepreneur behind Baked by Grace, for a special conversation about community, generosity, and the power of giving back. Together, they introduce the brand-new Holly Jolly Home Contest, a fun and free event lighting up neighborhoods across East Tennessee — sponsored by local busine...

When’s the last time your dog taught you something about life — or even about money? 🐾 In this heartfelt episode of The Prosperity Lounge, host Joey Ruffalo sits down with Samantha Spoto — Licensed Veterinary Nurse, Accredited Claims Adjuster, and host of Tell Me About Your Dog — for a powerful conversation about planning, purpose, and prosperity from a pet lover’s perspective. From the real costs of pet ownership to the lessons of loyalty, preparation, and love, this episode dives deep in...

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, host Joey Ruffalo sits down with Jeff Talman, longtime Knoxville banker, community advocate, and Rotarian, to explore how everyday leadership can transform entire neighborhoods. From revitalizing communities through homeownership to leading with faith and purpose, Jeff shares powerful lessons on responsibility, resilience, and the kind of leadership that starts right where you live. Joey also reflects on key insights from his recent Liberty University ...

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo sits down with Richard Swan—a seasoned professional with over 25 years in the mortgage industry and now a trusted real estate agent in East Tennessee. Together, they unpack the truth about renting vs. buying, 15-year vs. 30-year mortgages, and how to view your home as a long-term wealth strategy. You’ll learn: ✔️ The biggest myths about homeownership and mortgages ✔️ Why flexibility often beats locking into a strict 15-year loan ✔️ How th...

When you think of Tennessee sports, hockey probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But the Tennessee Ice Vols are changing that. In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo sits down with Patrick Green — President and Goalie of the Tennessee Ice Vols — to talk about what it means to play for the love of the game, how club hockey stacks up against NCAA competition, and why the future of SEC hockey may be closer than you think. Patrick shares his journey from Boston to Rock...

What does it really mean for a community to come together — not just to support small businesses, but to rally behind causes like Alzheimer’s disease? In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, host Joey Ruffalo talks with Julie Blaylock, President & CEO of the Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce, along with Sara Dickson from the Alzheimer’s Association Tennessee Chapter and Janice Wade from Alzheimer’s Tennessee. You’ll discover: ✅ How chambers of commerce build strong businesses and stron...

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, host Joey Ruffalo talks with Lisa Yount (Co-Founder) and Julie Scruggs (Executive Director) of Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee about the Tennessee Safe Haven Law and its impact on community care, family well-being, and prosperity. Discover how this law — updated in July 2025 to allow 45 days for safe surrender — is saving lives and providing mothers in crisis with a confidential and judgment-free option. We’ll explore the difference between ...

In this Community Spotlight episode of The Prosperity Lounge, we explore how Dog Daze IX is doing more than entertaining crowds — it’s driving small business growth and strengthening community connections. Every August, Farragut, TN transforms into the splashiest spot in East Tennessee as this nationally sanctioned DockDogs International event takes over the Village Green Shopping Center. With over 150 canine athletes competing and more than 10,000 fans cheering, it’s a weekend packed with exci...

What happens when you just keep showing up in the context of financial wellness and community leadership? In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo, engages with Knox County Commission Vice Chair Kim Frazier to explore how presence, purpose, and persistence can significantly impact wellness and community growth. From her small-town origins to become a community-first leader, Kim shares insights on leading with intention — even in uncomfortable situations. Whether you're looking to ...

In this special July 4th episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo gets personal. He opens with a powerful tribute to his father, Joseph J. Ruffalo Jr., a Vietnam War veteran, community leader, and advocate for the blind. You’ll hear Joey’s dad read the poem “It’s the Veteran” and learn how his life shaped Joey’s views on freedom, finances, and faith. Then, Joey dives into the Declaration of Independence, pulling out 5 key phrases and showing how they still apply today — not just to natio...