Anything BUT Politics

A premature birth. Seventy-eight days in the NICU. A city that showed up with flowers, cards, and care. That’s where our conversation with Mayor Jay Ruais begins—on the human ground that shapes everything else. We trace the path from a young dad’s sleepless nights to a leader’s clear-eyed focus on homelessness, addiction, public safety, and housing that real families can afford. Jay opens up about...

What does it take to hold together a 400-member citizen legislature through a pandemic, a razor-thin majority, and a polarized moment—and still pass a budget on a voice vote? We invite Speaker Sherm Packard to open up about the practical craft of leadership and the human stories that shape it. He traces his New Hampshire roots, a family steeped in public service, and the lesson that steers his app...

Forget platitudes—this one is all lived-in detail and hard-won hope. We sit down with Stefany Shaheen to talk about what really builds a life: teams, family, and the quiet discipline of showing up when it’s hard. She takes us from captaining high school volleyball and basketball to coaching her daughter’s team, and then to the hot corner at Duke where her son now plays. The lessons are the same at...

A car registration, two dollars, and a clerk’s offhand comment set Greg Hill on a path that few would predict: seven terms in the New Hampshire House, deep committee work, and a front-row seat to how a volunteer legislature actually runs. From there, the conversation zigzags into the unexpected worlds he’s mastered—beekeeping, sailing, and mini donuts—and what each taught him about patience, proce...

We share a wide-ranging conversation with Senator Regina Birdsell on travel, service, animals, and the small steps that make big change. From Irish trade ties to comfort dogs for PTSD, she opens up about the work, the joy, and the routines that keep her grounded. • New Hampshire–Ireland connections, UCD ties, trade and supply realities • Guinness, Wicklow water, Braveheart trivia, and travel ritua...

Dr. Jonathan Ballard takes us on a fascinating journey from his childhood on a Kentucky farm to his current role as New Hampshire's Chief Medical Officer. Growing up in Bardstown—the bourbon capital of the world—Ballard worked at his father's sawmill and raised white cattle to distinguish them from his father's black Angus herd. This early connection to rural life gave him unique in...

Meet Karen Liot Hill, a woman whose life story reads like a uniquely American journey with a French twist. Born in Brittany to an American mother and French father, Karen's path led her from the east end of Long Island to New Hampshire's Executive Council, with fascinating detours along the way. Karen opens up about growing up as the oldest of six in a blended family, losing her mother a...

Ever wonder what happens when academic expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and agricultural passion converge in one person? Senator Dan Innis exemplifies this rare combination, and his story reveals the extraordinary depth behind the political title. Born into an Ohio family whose roots trace back to the American Revolution, Innis carries forward a legacy of land stewardship that skipped a generati...

What happens when Pittsburgh pride meets New Hampshire heart? Larry Myers has the answer. Stepping away from politics and into the realm of meaningful human connections, this episode introduces us to Larry Myers, a passionate humanitarian whose journey from Pittsburgh to New Hampshire set the stage for remarkable contributions to his adopted community. As the father of comedy stars Seth and Josh M...

David Preece's life reads like a series of fascinating short stories bound together by themes of creativity, adaptability, and service to others. Growing up in a tiny Utah farming town called Pleasant View with just 900 residents, Preece admits his mother always said he was "plotting to escape" from an early age. That wanderlust led him through an extraordinary professional journey...

Ever wonder what happens when a former police officer becomes a yoga teacher and then a state senator? Senator Tim Lang's unexpected journey proves that life's most rewarding paths often emerge when we simply say "yes" to new opportunities. Growing up between New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Alaska, Lang's earliest memories include entire summers spent at Bear Brook State Pa...

What does it take to go from Middle Eastern studies scholar to four-term state representative? Representative Laura Telerski shares her journey on Anything but Politics , revealing how she ended up in the New Hampshire legislature. As the youngest of five, Laura moved to Nashua in fourth grade after her father’s career took the family to Texas. At Georgetown University, she shifted her focus from...

Representative Erica Layon's path to the New Hampshire House weaves through California sunshine, MIT classrooms, the adrenaline-charged floors of options trading, and the open skies of skydiving before landing in the granite landscape of New Hampshire politics. Growing up in a master-planned California community, Layon's intellectual curiosity led her to remarkable experiences even befor...

Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka takes us on a remarkable journey from her childhood living above a family-owned Dairy Queen to her current role as Senate Democratic Leader in New Hampshire. With warmth and humor, she reveals how the practical lessons from her small business upbringing continue to shape her approach to both politics and parenthood. "No one is coming to save you," she reflec...

Taylor Fisher's remarkable journey from teenage fan to General Manager of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats epitomizes the American dream of turning passion into profession. Growing up just 45 minutes away in Merrimack, Massachusetts, Taylor attended Fisher Cats games decades before he would ever imagine running the organization. His story serves as proof that with determination, education, and a...

Anything But Politics  is a groundbreaking new podcast that is redefining how we view political figures by focusing on everything about them— except their political careers. Co-hosted by former journalist and media expert Tiffany Eddy and seasoned lobbyist and ex-politico Tom Prasol, this video podcast dives into the personal lives, passions, and pivotal experiences of notable figures, offering a...

Ruth Ward's remarkable life story unfolds like a sweeping epic across continents and decades. Born to missionary parents in China during World War II, her earliest memories include watching American planes flying over Peking after her father was tragically shot when she was just seven years old. As Communist forces advanced, her pregnant mother navigated their escape with five children, begin...

In our latest episode of Anything But Politics , we sat down with former NH Senate President Jeb Bradley—not to talk policy, but to explore the person behind the politics. From performing street magic in Switzerland to summiting New Hampshire’s tallest peaks 576 times , Jeb's life story is full of surprises. He shares unforgettable stories, hiking adventures around the globe, and life lessons...

In the next episode of Anything but Politics , we sit down with State Representative Tim Soucy—an eight-term lawmaker, a veteran firefighter, and a surprisingly formidable golfer. Join us as we explore his journey from growing up in Nashua to serving his community both in the firehouse and the State House. Soucy shares gripping stories from his 29-year career as a firefighter, including the close...

Get ready for an inspiring and entertaining episode of Anything But Politics ! This week, hosts Tiffany Eddy and Tom Prasol sit down with the unstoppable Senator Denise Ricciardi—an advocate, a fighter, and a true force to be reckoned with. From her grassroots battle against a cell tower in her neighborhood to her tireless work in the New Hampshire Senate, Senator Ricciardi shares her incredible j...

Get ready for another captivating installment of Anything But Politics with Senator Sue Prentiss as she takes us behind the scenes of life in public service—and beyond. In the upcoming episode, Senator Prentiss opens up about moments when every second counted. From rushing to on-site emergencies at the state house to navigating unexpected car accidents outside its doors, she shares firsthand accou...

In this episode of Anything But Politics , hosts Tiffany Eddy and Tom Prasol welcome Dr. David Nagel, a physician, author, and second-term New Hampshire legislator, to share his fascinating life story and groundbreaking work. From growing up in the snow-laden town of Orchard Park, New York, to his time in Alaska working with the Indian Health Service, Dr. Nagel takes us on a journey of resilience,...

In our latest episode of Anything BUT Politics, we sit down with the undaunted Carry Spier, an inspiring state representative from Nashua with an extraordinary story. Born in the Bronx, New York, Carry has called Nashua home for the past 25 years. Her 53-year career in military aerospace is nothing short of remarkable, featuring roles as a Systems Engineer and Engineering Manager. She contributed...

In this inaugural episode, Tiff and Tom sit down with New Hampshire Senator Howard Pearl for a captivating conversation filled with personal stories, practical insights, and reflections on public service. From his motivations for serving in the New Hampshire Senate to the values that drive his decisions, Senator Pearl shares an inspiring perspective that sheds light on the importance of civic duty...

E ver wondered what it takes to get married on top of Mt. Washington?   Tune in to Anything BUT Politics as we chat with Senator Howard Pearl, who made it happen! 🎙️ Don’t miss our debut episode, dropping Monday, January 13th —featuring Senator Pearl’s incredible story and all the logistics behind this unique wedding location.  Anything But Politics  is a groundbreaking new podcast that is redefin...