State of the Workforce takes an in-depth look at the many services each division within the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development offers and how they each work towards creating jobs or a safe work environment for Tennesseans. From American Job Centers to Tennessee OSHA and the state's Elevator Unit, the Department provides citizens with diverse services. Each month, guests will discuss these services and how they impact the lives of tens of thousands daily.
On this episode of State of the Workforce, we explore how Tennessee is helping justice-involved individuals find meaningful employment after incarceration.
We begin with Mandy Philyaw and Jeremy B. White, Grants and Programs Managers with the Tennessee Office of Reentry, who discuss the office's efforts to break down employment barriers and create pathways to successful reentry.
Next, we take a closer look at the LEAP (Linking Employment Activities Pre-Release) program, exploring how it prepares individuals for the workforce before leaving incarceration and the benefits employers can experience by hiring second-chance talent.
Finally, we hear from Jerrod Howse, owner of Professional Driving Academy, and Rico Gross, a PROWD (Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development) participant. Rico shares his journey to employment with Professional Driving Academy after nearly 23 years in prison, while Jerrod discusses the value of giving returning citizens an opportunity to build a career and a new future.
6 Oct 2026
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and on this episode of State of the Workforce, we highlight the importance of creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
We begin with 21-year-old Levi Armstrong, an employee at Stockdale’s in Paris, Tennessee, whose hard work and positive attitude make an impact on everyone around him.
Next,Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging Commissioner Brad Turner joins us to discuss employment opportunities and support for Tennesseans with disabilities.
We also explore MAPs (Medicaid Alternative Pathways), a program that uses technology to help people with disabilities succeed in the workplace and become more independent in their communities.We hear from Lorena, a MAPs participant who works at McDonald’s, about how the program has helped her develop skills such as using rideshare technology to get to work and the senior center.
We wrap up the episode with Commissioner Turner discussing how technology can continue to remove barriers and help people with disabilities achieve greater success in employment and everyday life.
7 Sept 2026
Tile Valley in Tennessee
Host Michael Kephart and Cliff Wightman discuss developing Tennessee's skilled tile workforce for generational opportunities in this interview.
Who has been a guest on State of the Workforce
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Michael Kephart
Cliff Wightman
Jeremy Qualls
Kris Schneider
Brittany Cannon
Podcast Authority Score: 10 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
20
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Contact State of the Workforce
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of State of the Workforce?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
