Meet Hayley Hubbard, Today’s FACE of Nashville
Between nourishing the community through her work at Feeding Nashville and producing a popular parenting podcast, Hayley Hubbard is a busy woman. But, she still pencils in time for touring with her country star husband! Image: John Russo
Co-founder of Feeding Nashville and one half of the duo behind parenting podcast Meaning Full Living, Hayley Hubbard is undoubtedly a busy woman. A go-to for parents and parents-to-be, her podcast offers candid experiences and practical advice on all things child-related. When she’s not using her platform to raise awareness for food insecurity and advocate for health and wellness, you might find the mom of three on the sidelines of one of her husband’s concerts. (After all, he’s one half of country music duo Florida Georgia Line and currently on a solo tour with Keith Urban — we’d find the time, too!) Please welcome our newest FACE of Nashville, podcast host and philanthropist Hayley Hubbard.
Can you tell us about your childhood and where you grew up?
I grew up in Sun Valley, ID, and it’s still one of my favorite places (and our family’s favorite place) to disconnect, recharge, and get grounded. It’s such a special place surrounded by mountains and nature. Sun Valley and how I grew up had such a great impact on my love for being outside, being active, and living a healthy lifestyle.
What led you to Nashville, and how did you meet your husband?
I moved to Nashville in 2011, after graduating from the University of San Diego, in search of a place with great community. I had been to Nashville a couple of times with friends and family and fell in love with the place, the people, and the close-knit community, big city/small town feel. Tyler and I met through mutual friends and started our relationship as friends. This city and the incredible people here have become my home, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
What inspired your podcast, Meaning Full Living, and what is it all about?
When I became a mom, I was suddenly faced with a lot of decisions. How do I get my baby to sleep through the night? What should I feed my child? It can be overwhelming, to say the least. I felt so grateful for the amazing people and resources that came into my life at that time and helped give us the tools to set us up for success. I wanted to make that knowledge and those resources accessible to everyone as I continue to learn and grow as a mother. That’s when I started Meaning Full Living with Jessica Diamond.
Meaning Full Living makes it simple. We break down all the information — the science, trends, myths — and make it easy to understand, and [we] share the real side of parenting with candid, personal experiences. We know that every child and every parent is different, so we offer a variety of perspectives on each issue. Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, we hope you’ll find Meaning Full Living to be a valuable resource throughout your parenting journey.
What is the most memorable parenting secret, hack, or tactic you’ve learned by doing your podcast?
Intuitive eating is one of the most important skills to me because it teaches my kids how to listen to their bodies and neutralize foods. When we are constantly bombarded with messages about which foods are “good” or “bad,” it can be difficult to listen to our own hunger cues. Intuitive eating helps us tune into our body’s signals and eat in a way that feels nourishing rather than restrictive. It also helps us have a more positive relationship with food, which can benefit our physical and mental health.
You co-founded Feeding Nashville. How did that come about, and what is the organization’s mission?
When the pandemic first hit, my friend Taylin Lewan and I quickly realized that there would be a major need for food assistance. We also knew that local farms and restaurants would struggle to stay afloat. That’s why we decided to co-found Feeding Nashville. Our organization provides meals to those in need while also supporting local businesses. To date, we’ve fed 127,378 people; on average, Feeding Nashville makes 1,500 meals per week. This would not be doable without the amazing people at Placemat. Ryan Reisdorf and his team make this come to life. We’ve been able to make a real difference in our community, and I’m so proud of the work that Feeding Nashville has done. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience.
You recently participated in the launch of a free, interactive pop-up educational experience for kids called Nature’s Escape. How important is it for you to inspire creativity in your children?
As a mom, I know how important it is to support our next generation’s curiosity and wonder. I am constantly trying to find new ways to make learning fun for my kids, and I love that STEM’s Nature’s Escape experience helped families in the area see how science and bug facts can be fun!
What are your favorite local places to take your kids when it comes to inspiring creativity?
In addition to experiences like the recent STEM Nature’s Escape pop-up during the Nashville Tomato Art Fest, we also love Cheekwood Gardens, taking hikes at Radnor Lake, and the Frist Art Museum!
What books are currently on your nightstand?
The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown.
With three kids, your philanthropy work, and a husband who’s sometimes on the road, what do you do to carve out time for self-care?
I love yoga and signing up for classes because it makes me actually go and do it. I plan hikes with friends. I also find that making time for myself helps me to feel my best. When I take care of myself, I’m better able to show up for others in my life and be the best version of myself.
What’s next on the horizon for you?
I am so excited to continue this journey of motherhood with my kids. It’s a new chapter for us all as Liv and Luca start school, and we get to have some solo time with our youngest, Atlas. We are very excited about Tyler’s upcoming tour with Keith Urban and Ingrid Andress. Being on the road with our whole family is going to be an amazing experience.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
To take care of others, start by taking care of yourself.
Outside of faith, family, and friends, what are three things you cannot live without?
Nature, yoga, and alone time.
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Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Lead Nashville Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.