East Tennessee is quickly becoming one of the most important hubs for nuclear innovation in the country. But just how big is the opportunity, and what does it mean for Knoxville?

We sat down with Bill Tindal, Director of the Tennessee Nuclear Network, to explore the remarkable growth of the nuclear industry and why East Tennessee is uniquely positioned to lead it.

With more than 35 years of experience at Y-12 and leadership roles overseeing Y-12 and Pantex, Bill brings an insider's perspective on an industry experiencing a major resurgence.

We discuss the billions of dollars in investment coming to the region, the jobs being created, and the powerful combination of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TVA, and the University of Tennessee that's attracting national attention.

Bill also shares what this growth means for the next generation of workers, why collaboration is critical in the nuclear industry, and what could be next for Knoxville as Tennessee competes for even greater opportunities.

The nuclear industry isn't just part of East Tennessee's history. It could be one of the biggest drivers of our economic future.

Knoxville is still growing, but the housing market is changing.

Home prices have softened slightly, homes are taking longer to sell, and affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing buyers across East Tennessee. So where does the market actually stand—and what should buyers, sellers, and homeowners expect next?

In this episode, we dig into the numbers behind Knoxville’s housing market, including whether we’re moving toward a more balanced market, why so few homes are affordable for the typical Knoxville-area family, and what changing mortgage rates could mean for buyers.

We also discuss the challenges facing first-time homebuyers, why the average age of a first-time buyer continues to rise, and the mistakes buyers should avoid in today’s market.

Finally, we look ahead. With East Tennessee projected to add more than 200,000 residents in the coming decades, we talk about housing supply, smarter density, development versus sprawl, and the decisions being made today that could shape what Knoxville looks like tomorrow.

McGhee Tyson Airport is growing faster than ever — and Knoxville travelers are feeling it.

In this episode, we sit down to talk about the remarkable growth of TYS, including record passenger numbers, the long-awaited arrival of Southwest Airlines, and the massive expansion now underway to prepare for what comes next.

We discuss what it really means for TYS to be one of the fastest-growing airports in the country, why Southwest finally chose Knoxville after more than two decades of community effort, and what early demand is telling airport leaders about the future.

We also dig into the airport’s long-term “Flight Plan,” including the $180 million parking garage, six new gates, potential new routes and airlines, and what the airport could look like five to eight years from now.

Finally, we explore what’s driving the surge in passengers — population growth, tourism, business travel, or all three — and what travelers should know about parking, busy travel periods, and navigating TYS during the expansion.

If you fly through Knoxville, this conversation gives you a look at where TYS has been, why it is growing so quickly, and what’s coming next.

In our inaugural episode, we sit down with University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd to talk about UT’s record-setting growth and what it means for Knoxville and the state of Tennessee. Boyd shares how the university is expanding beyond its traditional campus, investing in major new facilities and athletics, and preparing for a future when many universities are expecting enrollment declines. We also explore the experiences that shaped his leadership — from building Radio Systems and helping launch Tennessee Promise to running for governor and bringing the Smokies back to Knoxville. Plus, we get a more personal look at Boyd through his love of marathon running and his vision for what UT could look like five years from now.

A behind-the-scenes look at Knoxville growth, development, and the commercial real estate shaping our city. First episode launching September 8th!

The Knoxville Blueprint - Launching September 8th