Tennessee Today

Whether you're a UTC alum, a parent considering college options, or simply interested in where Tennessee higher education is headed, this conversation offers an honest look at the challenges and opportunities facing public universities today. Dr. Lori Bruce is just 90 days into her tenure as UTC’s Chancellor, and we discuss campus safety after a sophisticated swatting incident, the restructuring o...

If you’re serious about winning elections in Tennessee and beyond, you can’t afford to treat digital strategy as an afterthought. In this episode, Eric Wilson of Campaign Trend joins me to unpack the tech and tactics giving conservatives an edge at every level. From making the most of the “off season” to mastering digital battlegrounds, we talk about how technology should amplify (not replace!) th...

Senator Marsha Blackburn has officially launched her campaign for governor of Tennessee. In this episode, we talk about what it will take to cement Tennessee’s conservative future for generations to come. We dig into President Trump’s America First agenda of sending power back to the states, the role of technology and energy in shaping Tennessee’s future, why rural healthcare and small nuclear rea...

Very few people have shaped modern conservatism like Newt Gingrich, and even fewer are still shaping it today. In our conversation, we explore the ideas behind his latest book, Trump’s Triumph, and how they connect to the larger conservative movement.  From the legacy of the Contract With America to the future of entrepreneurial government, we discuss what it takes to govern in today’s political c...

U.S. Congressman Chuck Fleischmann joins me to unpack how State and Federal governments don’t just work at different levels… they play by different rules.  We discuss how the federal budget process actually works, what it means for Tennesseans at the state and local levels, and clear up some of the most common misconceptions about how government really operates. Key Takeaways: The biggest structur...

The 4th of July is more than fireworks and hotdogs. It’s an annual reminder of what it means to live in a free country, and the responsibility that comes with it. In this episode, I’m sharing personal reflections on freedom, service, and sacrifice, including how my father’s military experience shaped my values, civic involvement, and sense of duty.  Key Takeaways: What the Declaration of Independe...

You’ve read the headlines, and maybe even the full article, but what about the parts that don’t make it into print?  The media plays an important role in holding the government accountable, so in this episode I’m sitting down with political reporter Sarah Dolgin of the Chattanooga Times Free Press. We discuss how stories are shaped, what it’s like to be on the other side of the interview, and the...

Tennessee's governmental structure gives the legislature remarkable authority, including the ability to override a governor's veto with just a simple majority vote. In this episode, I’m breaking down how legislative sessions are structured (and why), explaining the unique balance of power in Tennessee's General Assembly, and highlighting the key issues we're tackling in the current legislative ses...

What happens when state policies meet local implementation? In this episode, I'm joined by Chairman of the County Commission in Hamilton County, Jeff Eversole. Together we explore how counties navigate state mandates, budget constraints, and technology gaps, which create challenges for constituents and officials alike. Key Takeaways: The reality of county budget allocation and the balancing act be...

Most people pay attention to politics at the federal and local levels, but state government often has an even bigger impact on your daily life. In this first episode of Tennessee Today, I’m sharing my reasons for starting this podcast, the journey that led me from physical therapy to public service, and why I believe having an understanding state government is crucial for every Tennessean. Key Tak...

Do you ever feel like state politics are hard to follow? Do you wish you could hear directly from the people making the decisions? Do you really know what your elected officials are doing, the policies they're pushing, and how those choices impact your community and your daily life? I believe every Tennessean should have a clear, straightforward understanding of the policies shaping our state. For...