Episodes

What if your business — or even your school — was sitting on tens of thousands to millions of dollars in available tax credits and settlements… and no one ever told you? In today’s episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey sits down with Dan “Uncle Dan” Evertsz — founder of Uncle Dan Consulting and College Money Smart — a man who has spent over 40 years helping families and business owners uncover financial opportunities they never knew existed. From helping over a thousand students attend colleg...

Full, polished version: In this powerful Prosperity Lounge episode, Joey sits down with Jason McCoy, President of Endex Archery, a nonprofit using archery as a pathway to healing for veterans, first responders, and others battling post-traumatic stress. Jason’s story is raw, honest, and full of purpose — and it all began with a bow, a breath, and a life-changing realization. Jason shares how he returned from deployment carrying trauma, survivor’s guilt, and destructive coping patterns — and how...

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...

At just 23 years old, Jake Sisk has already co-founded a commercial real estate company, scaled it to nearly $10 million in assets, built a faith-driven investor community, and developed a mindset that many entrepreneurs don’t reach until decades into their career. In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Jake sits down with Joey Ruffalo at Liberty University’s CEO Summit to share how he launched his business at 20, why he left the traditional career path behind, and how faith, discipline, a...

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey sits down with Coach Mike Wilson — founder of The Forge in East Tennessee — to talk about staying fit, focused, and grounded through the holidays. Coach Mike shares the simple, science-backed strategies he uses with athletes, adults, and even seniors (including his 76-year-old athletes!) to help them build strength, mobility, and confidence without overcomplicating fitness. Inside this episode: • Why holiday fitness goes off the rails • The “b...

In this powerful conversation from the Liberty University CEO Summit, Joey Ruffalo sits down with Lizette Arches — international speaker, certified leadership coach, and bestselling author of The Passionate Leader — to talk about how faith, self-awareness, and purpose can reignite leadership in a world that’s running on empty. Lizette shares the three powerful secrets that help leaders stay grounded, inspired, and connected: 1️⃣ Own it — You are a leader 2️⃣ Get to know YOU 3️⃣ Lead YOU Toge...

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...

What does it take to think big, act bigger, and lead with purpose? In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo sits down with Jeffrey Hayzlett — Chairman & CEO of the C-Suite Network, bestselling author, and host of All Business with Jeffrey Hayzlett — for a high-impact conversation on grit, growth, and the mindset behind billion-dollar leadership. Jeffrey shares how his journey from a small-town entrepreneur to a Fortune 100 executive shaped his philosophy on hard work, purpose...

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...

What if prosperity wasn’t just about money — but about peace, partnership, and purpose between nations? In this episode, former U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica S. Fitzgerald Haney joins Joey Ruffalo in The Prosperity Lounge to discuss faith-driven leadership, the creation of the Isaac Accords, and how the Genesis Prize Foundation is building bridges between Israel and Latin America. From growing up in Tennessee to serving in Israel, Ambassador Haney shares how faith, humility, and empathy guide...

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, host Joey Ruffalo sits down with Brent Gibson, former University of Tennessee football player, veteran law enforcement officer, and candidate for Knox County Sheriff, for a powerful conversation on leadership, integrity, and community service. Brent shares his journey from the gridiron to the badge, the lessons he learned from mentors like Coach Phillip Fulmer, and how those lessons shaped his philosophy of “service over status.” He opens up about trans...

What does real success look like when the game ends? In this Inside the Lounge episode, Joey Ruffalo takes you behind the mic to unpack lessons from his recent conversation with Caitlin Ryan, former Lady Vol softball player and Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development at the University of Tennessee. Caitlin helps lead the groundbreaking VOLeaders Academy — a program shaping student-athletes into global leaders who use their platform for positive change. In this post-show reflection, ...

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...

What if one week could change the entire direction of a child’s life? In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo sits down with Chris Tarver, co-founder of Camp Amplify, a summer camp designed for kids from foster care, shelters, and difficult home situations. Together, they explore how the camp’s “Four F’s” — Faith, Family, Food, and Fun — create safety, belonging, and joy for children who need it most. We cover everything from camp food to Dave Ramsey You’ll hear: ✅ Why camp exp...

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 sits down with Glenn Jacobs—WWE Hall of Famer and current Knox County Mayor—to explore essential lessons on leadership, trust, and legacy. Glenn shares his journey from the wrestling ring to public office, offering powerful insights on building trust, leading with purpose, and creating a legacy that outlasts titles. You’ll hear about Operation Heroes Hill, a transformative project for veterans, and how mentorship, humility, and communi...

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 ...

What if the lowest point in your life wasn’t the end — but the beginning of your greatest purpose? In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, host Joey Ruffalo sits down with Jessica Strunk — known by many as Gracie’s mom from Baked by Grace and as a top producer in East Tennessee real estate. But behind her success is a powerful story of faith, recovery, and encouragement. Jessica shares: What life looked like at rock bottom during her battle with addiction and despair How family, faith, and...

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...

In Part 1, Kent Morrell shared his 6,821-day struggle with chronic pain—and the miraculous healing that changed everything. Now in Part 2, we explore what comes after the breakthrough. Joined by his wife Jennifer, Kent shares how healing brought new questions, deeper purpose, and the unexpected weight of surviving what others didn’t. Together, they reflect on faith, marriage, identity, and learning to live every day like a bonus. You’ll hear about: The first days of life without pain Jennif...

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 ...

What happens when chronic pain controls your life for 6,821 days — and then, in a single moment, it's gone? In this powerful episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Kent Morrell shares how a life-altering accident, 52 spine procedures, and a failing medical system led him to the brink of giving up. But on Memorial Day 2019, everything changed. 🎙️ Tune in to hear: The accident that changed everything How Kent’s darkest night brought him to a miraculous turning point What “Bonus Day 2,245” really m...