Your neighbors are telling you the truth on their front porches, and it does not sound like a glossy mailer. We sit down with Jessica Means, a candidate for Tennessee House District 1, to get a real-time update on a heated Northeast Tennessee race and what she is hearing while knocking on thousands of doors across Bloomingdale, Bristol, Bluff City, and beyond.

We talk cost of living and affordability first, because that is what families bring up immediately, then we zoom in on a complicated local fight: data mining centers. Jessica explains why Sullivan County passed a data mining center moratorium through January 2027 and why she believes Tennessee needs stronger guardrails before major projects strain water, power, roads, and private property rights. We also explore what “economic development” should actually mean for rural communities when permanent jobs may be far fewer than promised.

From there, the conversation moves into building a resilient local economy: supporting small businesses, protecting farmland, reducing red tape that crushes small farmers, and why “know your farmer, know your food” connects health, freedom, and community. We also raise a growing concern for parents: AI and the need for serious protections for kids in a world where online harm is accelerating.

Early voting runs July 17 through August 1, and election day is August 6. After you listen, share this with a neighbor, subscribe for more Northeast Tennessee conversations, and leave a quick review. What issue should District 1 leaders tackle first?

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

A parking-lot workout during COVID turned into a 1,000-person half marathon and, eventually, a run for state office. We’re joined by Jessica Means, a Sullivan County commissioner and candidate for Tennessee State Representative District 1, for a candid conversation about what pushed her into the public square and what she wants to fight for next in Northeast Tennessee.

Jessica walks us through her personal story and the “grit and grace” behind her campaign: raising a large family, running a small construction business, teaching fitness classes, homeschooling, and learning county government from the inside. From there, we dig into the values that shape her leadership, including her biblical worldview, her pro-life convictions, and her belief that the family is worth defending in law and culture. If you care about conservative principles, constitutional limits, and how a voting record matches real-world outcomes, this part will get you thinking.

We also tackle local policy issues with big ripple effects: small business growth, support for local farms, food supply security, and why she wants to ban lab-grown meat in Tennessee. Jessica shares her concerns about data mining centers and AI infrastructure, especially the impact on electricity demand, water use, and whether everyday residents get stuck with the costs. We close with practical voting information for District 1 and how to get involved.

Subscribe for more Northeast Tennessee conversations, share this with a neighbor who votes locally, and leave a rating and review so more people can find the show.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

Local politics isn’t a side show, it’s the control panel for your taxes, schools, public safety, and the basic services you rely on every day. We’re joined by Anita Hodges, the Washington County GOP committee chairwoman, for a candid conversation about what really happens behind the ballot in Northeast Tennessee and why staying home on Election Day has consequences you can feel in your paycheck.

We talk through Anita’s personal “why,” including her years supporting Honor Flight and the lasting influence of veterans who served under leaders like General Patton. From there, we dig into the practical mechanics of local political participation: why Tennessee’s local elections matter so much, how a major tax increase can reshape community trust, and why Anita believes “good people” have to stay engaged even when politics feels messy.

Then we get specific about party rules and access. Anita explains the Tennessee GOP bylaws process, what “bona fide” means, how waivers work for candidates who don’t meet the primary voting history requirement, and why open primaries continue to spark debate across the state. We also discuss the role churches can play in voter registration and voter guides, plus the real-world worries pastors have about 501c3 rules. If you care about Washington County, Johnson City, and the Tri-Cities, this is a grounded look at how local leadership is formed and how you can influence it.

If you find this helpful, subscribe, share it with a friend in Northeast Tennessee, and leave a rating and review so more listeners can find the show.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.