The Prosperity Lounge

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 into what our four-legged friends can teach us about emotional health, financial planning, and even leadership.

💬 Topics include:

• Why budgeting for your pet is part of true financial wellness

• The surprising link between emotional support animals and prosperity

• Pet insurance 101 — when to get it, how it works, and what to avoid

• The mental and emotional rewards of caring for animals

• How compassion connects leadership, caregiving, and community

Whether you’re a pet parent, a business owner, or someone simply looking to live more intentionally, this conversation reminds us that prosperity isn’t just about profit — it’s about purpose.

🎧 Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | YouTube
📅 New episodes Wednesdays at 6 PM EST + Live Fridays at 6 on Praise 96.3 FM and Youtube at www.youtube.com/@theprosperitylounge
🌐 Join the community: www.TheProsperityLounge.com

#ProsperityLounge #FaithAndFinance #FinancialWellness #PetCare #Leadership #Mindset #MoneyTips #DogLovers #BusinessGrowth #Podcast

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 his mission to bring nations together.

💬 Topics include:
• The Isaac Accords and Latin America-Israel relations
• Faith’s role in leadership and diplomacy
• Lessons from serving under Presidents Obama and Trump
• How empathy and understanding shape global cooperation

🎧 Listen on all platforms or watch full video on YouTube.

👉 Join the community: www.TheProsperityLounge.com

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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 CEO Summit and introduces the Prosperity Partners initiative — a movement designed to connect purpose-driven businesses and leaders across East Tennessee and beyond.

If you’re ready to discover what real leadership looks like and how faith and action can create lasting impact, this conversation will inspire you to start leading right where you are.

🎧 Listen now to learn:

• How local leadership builds stronger communities

• Why homeownership and small business matter for prosperity

• The role of faith and service in modern leadership

• How Prosperity Partners is helping leaders make a difference

🔗 Visit TheProsperityLounge.com to join the community, download free resources, and learn how to become a Prosperity Partner.

#ProsperityLounge #Leadership #Community #FaithInAction #Knoxville #ProsperityPartners #Podcast #PersonalGrowth

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 transparency in law enforcement, the importance of rebuilding trust between officers and the public, and the future of policing in Knox County — including the impact of On Patrol: Live, body cameras, and the Broken Windows approach to community safety.

They also explore the evolving relationship between the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the Knoxville Police Department, and what it takes to lead with faith, accountability, and heart in today’s world.

🎙️ Topics Covered:

• Leadership lessons from UT football and law enforcement

• How “service, not status” defines real leadership

• The role of transparency and trust in policing

• On Patrol: Live, body cams, and modern accountability

• The “Broken Windows” philosophy and crime prevention

• Collaboration between KCSO and KPD

• Building prosperity through community engagement

👉 Subscribe to The Prosperity Lounge on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more conversations on leadership, business, and community impact.

🌐 Learn more at TheProsperityLounge.com
💼 Guest: ElectBrentGibson.com

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, Joey breaks down:
✅ Why UT’s VOLeaders program is redefining leadership and success
✅ The untold side of student-athletes’ lives beyond the scoreboard
✅ How service and authenticity create stronger leaders
✅ The connection between preparation, purpose, and community
✅ Lessons business owners and everyday leaders can apply today

🎧 Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or anyone seeking purpose-driven growth, this conversation will challenge how you define success — and inspire you to lead beyond titles, trophies, and job titles.

👉 Watch the full interview with Caitlin Ryan on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/mG-CwtkhJEI?feature=share
👉 Join our community at TheProsperityLounge.com
👉 Follow Joey on Instagram @theprosperitylounge

#ProsperityLounge #InsideTheLounge #VOLeaders #UTVols #LadyVols #LeadershipDevelopment #StudentAthletes #LeadershipPodcast #TennesseeVols #FaithAndAction #PersonalGrowth #AthleteLeadership

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 the Knoxville and East Tennessee housing market is evolving
✔️ What first-time buyers should really know before making the leap
✔️ The role of intentional financial planning in successful homeownership

Joey also shares his personal experience with HonorAir Flight 37 and the moving Welcome Home event on Sept. 24th, a reminder that community and legacy matter as much as financial decisions.

👉 Subscribe to The Prosperity Lounge on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts for more insights on money, business, and life.
👉 Join the free community + download resources: theprosperitylounge.com

#RealEstate #HomeBuying #Knoxville #FinancialFreedom #Mortgages #ProsperityLounge

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 experiences are powerful tools for growth and healing
✅ Stories of resilience, from meals that change perspectives to counselors who become lifelong role models
✅ How rest, play, and positive mentorship help kids break free from trauma and see new possibilities
✅ Chris’s vision to serve 1,000+ kids each year across Tennessee and Georgia

This is more than just a story about summer camp — it’s about faith in action, community impact, and building hope for the next generation.

🔗 Learn more or get involved at CampAmplify.org
🔗 Join the free Prosperity Lounge community at TheProsperityLounge.com

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 Rocky Top, the mindset it takes to be a goalie, and his vision for the growth of hockey in the South. We also dive into leadership on and off the ice, the unique challenges of running a student-led program, and how fans can support the Ice Vols this season.

📍 Plus, hear details about the upcoming Farragut weekend series and how you can be part of the excitement.

🎧 Available now, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.

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 strong communities
✅ Why Alzheimer’s awareness matters to every family — with 7.2 million Americans living with the disease
✅ The role of unpaid caregivers: 386,000 Tennesseans providing $13B in care every year
✅ How the upcoming Charity Gala & Auction (Oct 2) will support Alzheimer’s causes across East Tennessee

Pull up a chair and join the conversation — because prosperity isn’t just about profits, it’s about people.

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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 communication shape effective leadership.

After the interview, Joey unpacks actionable financial wellness strategies—including a timely branding lesson. Discover what Cracker Barrel’s backlash reveals about protecting trust, clarity, and emotional equity in your business messaging.

This episode is a masterclass in leadership, financial wellness, and community engagement—perfect for business owners, entrepreneurs, and aspiring leaders ready to grow with purpose.

🎧 Tune in now and learn how to lead well—without losing yourself.

Join The Prosperity Lounge today- It’s always FREE at http://www.theprosperitylounge.com