Behind The Curtain

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

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

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

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

Connecting Cities & Elevating Economies | Vicki Lea | Behind the Curtain

In Episode 38 of Behind the Curtain, hosts Steve Luther and Van Hohe sit down with Vicki Lea, Senior Director of Regional Air Service for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, to explore the powerful link between air connectivity, economic growth, and regional business development. With decades of experience in both the airline industry and economic development, Vicki shares her unique perspective on what makes a city fly—literally and figuratively.
From influencing global routes to working with Fortune 500s on relocation strategy, this episode sheds light on the behind-the-scenes efforts that help Nashville (and other metros) scale with strategy.
Highlights:
🌍 Why Air Access = Economic Access: How nonstop routes impact a city’s ability to attract business, talent, and tourism
🏙️ Growth, Congestion & Coordination: The challenge of balancing infrastructure with population and business boom
✈️ Inside Airport Development: What most people don’t know about route planning, airlines, and regional air strategy
“If you can’t get there, you can’t grow there.” – Vicki Lea
 
If you care about where Nashville—and cities like it—are headed, this episode offers key insights into the mechanics of regional success. Subscribe to Behind the Curtain and share with a business owner, policymaker, or frequent flyer who loves smart growth.
Connect with Vicki Lea:
🌐 Nashville Chamber: https://www.nashvillechamber.com📇 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blueskiestv/
📢 Hashtags:
#BehindTheCurtainPodcast #VickiLea #NashvilleChamber #EconomicDevelopment #AirConnectivity #BusinessTravel #SmartGrowth #NashvilleBusiness #SteveLuther #VanHohe #TastemakersPodcast

Transforming Visions, Building Leaders & Giving Back: The Journey of Doris Dunn | Behind the Curtain Nashville

In this inspiring episode of Behind the Curtain: Nashville’s Movers, Shakers & Tastemakers, hosts Steve Luther and Van Hohe sit down with Doris Dunn—founder of Dunn Wise Consulting, leadership coach, corporate veteran, community champion, and lifelong Red Cross advocate.
Doris brings more than 30 years of corporate experience in learning & development, marketing, community relations, and culture-building to her coaching practice. She shares how her early passion for teaching began at age 14 as a Red Cross volunteer, why she left the corporate world to launch Dunn Wise, and how she now helps small and mid-sized businesses turn vision into reality through strategic planning, accountability, DISC facilitation, and leadership development.
The conversation also takes a heartfelt turn as Doris recounts the serendipitous moment she met Steve and his wife, Ashley, and how Ashley’s powerful Red Cross story led her to join the Tiffany Circle—an elite global network of women committed to philanthropy and humanitarian impact.
From mindset and resilience to culture and community, this episode is a masterclass in leading with clarity, compassion, and purpose—all delivered through Doris’s warmth, humor, and signature storytelling.
🔍 HIGHLIGHTS:
🌱 How Early Service Shaped a Career in Leadership Doris began teaching first aid to children as a teenager and later grew into corporate leadership roles that taught her culture, marketing, HR, design, community relations, and more—skills she now brings directly into her coaching practice.
🧭 Why Businesses Get “Stuck” & How Coaching Fuels Growth Doris explains how vision casting, forward-thinking, strategic planning, and accountability help business owners move from stagnation to measurable progress—especially when they’re too busy working in the business to work on it.
❤️ The Power of Listening, Culture & Engagement She shares insights on employee engagement, the importance of truly hearing your team, and why culture surveys only help if leaders act on what they learn.
🩸 Red Cross, Tiffany Circle & A Life-Changing Story Doris tells the emotional story of meeting Ashley Luther, how Ashley’s blood donation saved Steve’s life, and why that moment led her to join the Red Cross Tiffany Circle.
"Imagine it's the year 2030… Now let me help you get there." — Doris Dunn
If you’re a business owner, leader, or someone hungry for clarity and growth, this episode is packed with insights to inspire your next step. Subscribe to Behind the Curtain, share this episode with someone who needs Doris’s wisdom, and explore ways to support the American Red Cross and Nashville’s thriving business community.
Connect with Doris:
🌐 Website: https://dunnwise.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Search “Doris Dunn – Dunn Wise Consulting” 🎙️ Podcast: Leader-ish: Leadership Lessons Straight Up
🏷️ HASHTAGS:
#BehindTheCurtainNashville #DorisDunn #DunnWiseConsulting #NashvilleBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #MindsetMatters #SmallBusinessGrowth #TiffanyCircle #AmericanRedCross #NashvilleEntrepreneurs #CommunityLeadership

From Farm Girl to Fintech Leader & Times Square Model | Angela Cherry | Behind the Curtain

In this inspiring episode of Behind the Curtain, hosts Steve Luther and Van Hohe sit down with Angela Cherry, President of Secure Stream Solutions, to discuss her unlikely journey from a 100-acre farm in Tennessee to the boardroom of a thriving fintech company—and the billboards of Times Square. Angela opens up about building a business from scratch as a single mom, what truly sets Secure Stream apart in a crowded payments industry, and why servant leadership is the heartbeat of her success.
From business breakthroughs to runway dreams, Angela proves you can be both fierce and fearless—whether you're leading a team or walking New York Fashion Week.
💳 Fintech with Heart: Angela’s rise from paralegal to president in the payment processing world
👠 Fashion Meets Finance: How a childhood dream led her to modeling, Times Square billboards, and Miami Swim Week
🤝 Relationship-Driven Leadership: Her philosophy of “add value before asking” and how it built a 90.7% client retention rate
 
“Build something authentic.” — Angela Cherry
 
Love stories of grit, growth, and glamor? Hit subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend in business, fintech, or fashion. You never know where their dream might lead.
📬 Connect with Angela Cherry:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelacherry/
🌐 Secure Stream Solutions: https://www.securestreampaysolutions.com
🎙 Podcast: Fierce Frequency on Spotify and Apple Podcasts📘 Book Feature: Top 50 Fearless Leaders
📢 Hashtags:
#BehindTheCurtainPodcast #AngelaCherry #SecureStream #NashvilleBusiness #WomenInFintech #FierceFrequency #TimesSquareModel #ServantLeadership #SteveLuther #VanHohe #NashvilleTastemakers

The Secrets of Strategic Pricing | Scott Green | Behind The Curtain Podcast

How do companies set prices, and why do some businesses thrive while others struggle? Steve Luther and Van Hohe sit down with Scott Green, Founder & CEO of Profit Drivers, to pull back the curtain on the world of strategic pricing. With decades of experience helping major corporations like Stanley Black & Decker, BP, and IT Corporation optimize their pricing models, Scott shares his insights on what makes or breaks a company’s profitability.
 
In This Episode:
✅ How pricing strategies impact businesses of all sizes—from startups to Fortune 500s✅ The biggest mistakes companies make when setting prices✅ Why pricing isn’t just about numbers—it’s about perception, strategy, and profitability
"Turning your business over to an algorithm to figure out pricing? That’s crazy." — Scott Green
 
Connect with Scott Green:
Website: https://www.profitdrivers.com
Email: scott.green@profitdrivers.com 
Phone: (954) 242-5608
 
📢 Don’t miss this one! Subscribe to Behind the Curtain and uncover the strategies behind Nashville’s biggest movers and shakers.
 
Connect with:
Van Hohe
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanhohe/ 
http://www.chordrealestate.com/ 
Steven Luther
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scluther   
http://www.chordrealestate.com/ 
 
Love Behind the Curtain? Don’t miss a single episode, hit subscribe on your favorite podcast app!
 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/27BCCO9fgSldtIczoeZ6i0
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-curtain/id1733093503
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CHORDrealestate
Podbean: https://behindthecurtainpodcast.podbean.com/
 
Follow Behind the Curtain on social for updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes content.
 
Developed by Titan Media Worx – making podcasting easy and professional. Learn more about our video editing services and how we can help you grow! Visit our website: https://titanmediaworx.com/  
 
#BehindTheCurtain #RealEstate #InternationalLiving #Nashville #ChordRealEstate #AffordableLuxury #SubscribeNow #NashvillePodcast #RealEstateInvesting #Podcast #SteveLuther #VanHohe

Catch the Wave of Panama’s Real Estate Boom | Behind The Curtain Podcast

Today we pull back the curtain swapping Nashville’s skyline for the ocean views of Panama. That’s right—this episode, we’re diving into the world of Panama real estate with a top-notch team of agents and legal pros who know every corner of the market.
 
Our guests Yadi, Carol, Maria Alexandra, and Jose aren’t just selling you a place—they’re breaking down exactly why Panama is catching everyone’s eye right now. From a warm climate and a stable economy to seriously affordable luxury (think condos from $150K and beachfront cottages at $300K), Panama’s got options for every kind of lifestyle. And did we mention Margaritaville is setting up shop? Yup, you could own a villa in Margaritaville.
 
Highlights:
Residency by Investment: A $300K property investment can get you residency in just 45 days. Perfect for retirees, expats, and investors looking for a “Plan B.”
Ocean Reef Islands: Panama’s version of a luxury paradise—these man-made islands offer high-end living right in Panama City, complete with stunning views and a private marina.
Panama’s Perks: Affordable healthcare, U.S. dollar currency, no natural disasters, and a lifestyle that’ll make you feel like every day’s a vacation.
Steve and Van also dive into the team’s stories—how a chance visit to Panama turned into long-term investments for Steve and Ashley, and how this team has helped investors around the world find their own slice of paradise.
 
Whether you're thinking about a second home, a retirement spot, or just want to learn about international real estate, tune in for some fresh perspective on why Panama’s attracting attention.
 
Connect with:
 
Van Hohe
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanhohe/
Website: http://www.chordrealestate.com/
 
Steven Luther
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scluther/ 
Website: http://www.chordrealestate.com/
 
Love Behind the Curtain? Don’t miss a single episode—hit subscribe on your favorite podcast app!
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/27BCCO9fgSldtIczoeZ6i0
- Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-curtain/id1733093503
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CHORDrealestate
 
Follow Behind the Curtain on social for updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes content.
 
Developed by Titan Media Worx – making podcasting easy and professional. Learn more about our video editing services and how we can help you grow! 
Visit our website: https://titanmediaworx.com/ 
 
#BehindTheCurtain #PanamaRealEstate #InternationalLiving #NashvilleToPanama #ChordRealEstate #ExpatLife #AffordableLuxury #ResidencyByInvestment #CatchTheWave #SubscribeNow #NashvillePodcast #RealEstateInvesting #TropicalLifestyle

Eugene Lee: Navigating Sports, Integrity, and Faith | Behind The Curtain

We pull back the curtain with Eugene Lee, the CEO and Managing Director of 3 Strand Sports & Entertainment. With over 20 years of experience, Eugene takes us on a journey through the highs, lows, and everything in between, sharing the hard-earned wisdom that has shaped his path. From contract negotiations in the NFL to managing personal and professional challenges during the pandemic, Eugene's story is packed with insights you won’t find in any textbook.“It’s not so much about the triumphs but the trials... Character is revealed through adversity.”
Join us as we explore the real stories behind Eugene’s work in sports management, how his faith, integrity, and commitment to serving others guide his every decision, and the fascinating transition to his new life in Nashville. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, there's something here for everyone.
Episode Highlights:
The role of faith in Eugene’s decision to move to Nashville.
Navigating complex NFL contracts and protecting player health.
Building a media production career and transitioning to storytelling.
Thanks again to Eugene for sharing his inspiring journey. We’ve got even more exciting conversations lined up in the coming episodes, so stay tuned!
Van Hohe
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanhohe/
http://www.chordrealestate.com/
Steven Luther
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scluther/
https://www.chordrealestate.com
Eugene Lee
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-lee-20016468/
https://3strandsports.com/ 
Produced by Titan Media Worx.
This episode was brought to you by the Chord Real Estate team, your source for insightful discussions with leaders who are transforming their industries. Tune in for more episodes featuring stories of innovators and entrepreneurs.
#SportsManagement #NFL #FaithInBusiness #NashvilleLeaders #MediaProduction #BehindTheCurtainPod