Nashville Game Changers

About Nashville Game Changers

Nashville isn’t just the Music City—it’s a rising powerhouse in the sports world, filled with inspiring stories that go far beyond the game. Nashville Game Changers, hosted by Emmy-winning sports reporter Jill Jelnick, takes you inside the lives of the city’s most influential sports figures from teams like the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, and around the SEC. From career-defining moments to personal challenges, fitness routines, and favorite Nashville hot spots, this podcast offers fans an all-access pass to their favorite sports stars. Each episode goes beyond the game, exploring how these athletes give back to the community, navigate the pressures of the public eye, and embrace leadership in one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports cities.

Publisher

WZTV

Category

society & culture · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Apr 2025

Latest episode

22 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

58 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Jul 2026

   UPSHOT Nashville CEO Nancy VanReece on starting a professional women’s basketball team, creating opportunities for women, and embracing women’s sports in Tennessee

   In this episode, President/CEO of UPSHOT Nashville Nancy VanReece opens up about starting a professional women’s basketball team and how the UPSHOT development league creates more opportunities for players trying to reach the WNBA. VanReece discusses the growing popularity of women’s basketball and Nashville’s deep history with the sport. VanReece also reflects on her time as a former Metro Councilmember and the steps this city has taken to grow women’s sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2. 

   15 Jul 2026

   Former Preds star Ryan Johansen on retiring from the NHL, becoming a dad, and why he still has Pekka Rinne’s jock strap

   In this episode, former Nashville Predators star Ryan Johansen opens up about retiring after 14 years in the NHL and why it was “not a difficult” decision. Johansen looks back on his seven-plus years in Nashville and discusses his favorite memories with the franchise, what made the 2017 Stanley Cup Final team so special, and why he has Pekka Rinne’s signed jock strap. Johansen also reflects on being a dad and how youth hockey is becoming increasingly popular in Nashville. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3. 

   8 Jul 2026

   American Idol star Kimberley Locke on leading Girls on the Run, growing up in Nashville, and her favorite Idol memories

   In this episode, former American Idol contestant Kimberley Locke opens up about being the executive director of Girls on the Run Middle Tennessee and what inspired her to help lead the next generation of young girls. Locke discusses the various programs of the non-profit and how the goal is not only to encourage girls to run, but also to make an impact at a critical age when confidence and physical activity decline. Locke also reflects on her time with "American Idol" and her favorite memories from season two of the iconic show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who has been a guest on Nashville Game Changers

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Teresa Walker
• Langston Patterson
• Adam Schefter
• Isabelle Harrison
• Will Perdue

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

95,401

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

9 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 27 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

5

Social presence

0

YouTube

72

Engagement

51

Contact Nashville Game Changers

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.