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 Independence represents in today’s political landscape
• How Chattanooga became a lasting symbol of military service through its Medal of Honor legacy
• The deeper responsibility that comes with the freedoms we enjoy

Whether you're attending a parade or just spending time with family, this episode invites you to think about what it truly means to participate in a free society.

–

Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing info@bofortn.com!

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 ethical boundaries reporters must maintain even when they know their sources well.

We also conduct a “mock” interview where Sarah asks me about Senate Bill 836, offering a real-time example of what happens behind the scenes before an article ever goes to print.

Key Takeaways:

• What lawmakers wish reporters knew, and vice versa
• The tough editorial decisions that shape what makes it into a story, and what doesn’t
• Why a little tension between media and government is actually a good thing for democracy

–

Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing info@bofortn.com!

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 session.

Key Takeaways:

• How the Tennessee General Assembly is structured, and why Senate votes carry more weight
• Why citizens can most effectively engage at the committee level, before a bill hits the Senate floor
• Why the current legislative priorities are immigration, education, public safety, and the state budget

--

Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing info@bofortn.com!