NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new wave of community empowerment is sweeping through Music City, and at the heart of it is Rise Up Nashville — a grassroots event created with purpose, passion, and a mission to uplift the city. On the latest episode of the NFM Podcast, hosts Blake Harris and Collin Schoen sat down with creators Terry Barga and Vanessa Hampton to unpack how the event came to life and why it’s already leaving a mark on Nashville.

What began as a simple spark of an idea quickly grew into a full-scale movement. Barga and Hampton shared how Rise Up Nashville was born from ongoing conversations about leadership, service, and the need for a unifying force in the city. With a vision anchored in community transformation, the duo rallied partners, volunteers, and local leaders to bring their concept to reality.

Behind the scenes, however, the journey was anything but simple. The episode takes listeners deep into the planning process — the late nights, unexpected challenges, and the teamwork required to pull off an event of this scale. Barga and Hampton spoke candidly about the emotional and logistical hurdles they faced, as well as the personal growth they experienced along the way.

But the impact of Rise Up Nashville extended far beyond logistics. Both guests described the event as deeply meaningful, noting moments that moved them, inspired them, and reminded them why they set out to build something for the greater good. The mission, they emphasized, is not just about a single event but about igniting long-term change within Nashville’s communities.

The episode also highlights the organizations making the movement possible, including OptimizeU, B2 Wellness Suites, and Clean Juice — all dedicated to fostering wellness, connection, and healthier living throughout Nashville.

For those looking to be inspired, this conversation offers a front-row seat to what happens when bold ideas meet dedicated hearts. And for Nashville, Rise Up Nashville may just be the spark that lights a citywide fire.

Author: Tala Shatara