Downright Mindful
Downright Mindful
Podcast Description
Downright Mindful: Exploring People, Perspectives, and Purpose
Hosted by Matt Parris and Paul Sausville, Downright Mindful is a podcast that dives deep into the stories, moments, and musings that define us. From the classroom to the community, history to human connection, we share thought-provoking conversations with everyday people who leave an extraordinary impact.
Each episode brings candid discussions, insightful reflections, and a touch of humor as we explore life’s big questions: What shapes our choices? How do our perspectives evolve? And what does it truly mean to live with purpose?
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes of personal connection, historical narratives, and societal issues, with episodes covering the impact of music on history, discussions around legal concepts in education, and personal reflections on individualism and masculinity. Topics often dive deep into cultural commentary, exemplified in episodes like 'Buffalo Soldiers' which examines the power of music and language, and 'From Corrections to the Classroom,' where personal career stories intersect with broader societal discussions.
Real conversations. Real people. Real life.
Hosted by Matt Parris and Paul Sausville, Downright Mindful is a long-form podcast that blends humor, reflection, and storytelling. From small-town life and teaching to fatherhood, faith, and the human condition — every episode aims to slow things down and think a little deeper.
Produced by Downright Mindful Media in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Episode 88 of Downright Mindful features a conversation with Tim Riggs, one of the most respected educators in Bradley County.
Born in South Florida and raised in the Chattanooga area, Tim attended Lee University, where his father taught, and earned degrees in Biology and Physical Education. He would go on to become one of the first elementary school P.E. teachers hired in Bradley County Schools before eventually teaching at Michigan Avenue Elementary.
Along the way, Tim found mentors who helped shape his career, including Bob Taylor, who would later serve as Director of Schools for Bradley County. Those relationships eventually led Tim into administration and ultimately to Hopewell Elementary School, where he served as principal for nearly two decades.
But perhaps the most telling chapter of Tim's career came after retirement.
When he stepped away from the principal's office in 2018, Bradley County Schools placed him on a 120-day contract to mentor new principals throughout the district—a role he continues to love today.
What follows is a conversation filled with stories, lessons, and familiar names from Bradley County's educational history. Nearly every story sounds like a who's who of local education, offering a glimpse into the relationships and leadership that helped shape generations of students.
It's a conversation about mentorship, leadership, education, and the people who quietly leave a lasting impact on a community.
🎙 Hosted by Matt Parris & Paul Sausville
Listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3sANbCaTFQag9nMCnR01N7?si=d4a1f013aab04481
Listen on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/downright-mindful/id1776503597
Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@downrightmindful
Contact the Show:
[email protected]
Disclaimer
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