The Prosperity Lounge

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.

Want to support show- Buy me a Coffee https://coff.ee/prosperitylounge

👉 Want to break free from bad money habits? Visit www.theprosperitylounge.com use code “radio” to get our How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck 8 step Action Guide

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

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, host Joey Ruffalo talks with Lisa Yount (Co-Founder) and Julie Scruggs (Executive Director) of Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee about the Tennessee Safe Haven Law and its impact on community care, family well-being, and prosperity.

Discover how this law — updated in July 2025 to allow 45 days for safe surrender — is saving lives and providing mothers in crisis with a confidential and judgment-free option. We’ll explore the difference between Safe Haven Baby Boxes and in-person surrenders, highlight the emotional and support services available for families, and address common misconceptions about Safe Haven surrenders.

Prosperity involves protecting our most vulnerable and investing in strong communities by promoting informed choices and compassionate support. Don’t miss out on how you can make a difference

Visit http://www.asecretsafeplacetn.org for more info

Join the lounge : http://www.theprosperitylounge.com

Want to support show- Buy me a Coffee https://coff.ee/prosperitylounge

What if the lowest point in your life wasn’t the end — but the beginning of your greatest purpose?

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, host Joey Ruffalo sits down with Jessica Strunk — known by many as Gracie’s mom from Baked by Grace and as a top producer in East Tennessee real estate. But behind her success is a powerful story of faith, recovery, and encouragement.

Jessica shares:

• What life looked like at rock bottom during her battle with addiction and despair

• How family, faith, and perseverance pulled her back from the edge

• The long but rewarding road to recovery and personal growth

• Why she now lives to encourage others and help them see their true worth

Along the way, Joey draws parallels between his own journey out of $370,000 in debt and Jessica’s road to recovery — showing how struggles, whether financial or personal, can leave you feeling isolated and hopeless. But there’s always a way forward.

This conversation blends raw honesty with hope, resilience, and encouragement — reminding us all that freedom, prosperity, and personal growth are always possible.

🎧 Join the conversation and access free resources at: TheProsperityLounge.com

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In this Community Spotlight episode of The Prosperity Lounge, we explore how Dog Daze IX is doing more than entertaining crowds — it’s driving small business growth and strengthening community connections.

Every August, Farragut, TN transforms into the splashiest spot in East Tennessee as this nationally sanctioned DockDogs International event takes over the Village Green Shopping Center. With over 150 canine athletes competing and more than 10,000 fans cheering, it’s a weekend packed with excitement — and opportunity — for local businesses.

Joey Ruffalo sits down with Steve Krempasky of Shop Farragut and Jennifer Belle of Smoky Mountain DockDogs to discuss the economic impact of events like this, and how business owners can leverage them for visibility, connection, and growth.

💡 You’ll also get financial wellness tips on turning community events into profitable opportunities, helping you ensure prosperity in your own neighborhood. Whether you’re a small business owner, event organizer, or community leader, you’ll find practical insights to help you grow and thrive.

📅 August 15–17, 2025
📍 Village Green Shopping Center, Farragut, TN
🎟 Free and open to the public

🔗 Learn more:

• ShopFarragut.com

• SmokyMountainDockDogs.com

• TheProsperityLounge.com