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.

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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

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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

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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!

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 between mandatory services like schools, and infrastructure needs
• The interesting relationship between county commissions and school boards, especially when budget needs increase
• How county governments prepare for uncertainty when state and federal policies shift
• The complex policy debate around preserving Tennessee's farmland: Should the government purchase land or create incentives for farmers to stay in business?

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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!

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 Takeaways:

• The important role state government plays in your daily life
• How my experience in healthcare shapes my approach to politics and problem-solving
• What you can expect from future episodes

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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!

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 over 18 years, I've served in the Tennessee Senate, working to bring transparency, accountability, smart decision making to the forefront of policy. Now I'm inviting you to join the conversation.

Tennessee Today is a podcast where I share an inside look at state government. What's happening, why it matters, how it affects you in your daily life. No political spin here, no confusing jargon, just real discussions about the issues shaping our state. In each episode, I'll break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the State 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. It's really important for me to hear from you. If you have any questions, comments or topics you'd like me to cover, email me at info@bofortn.com and be sure to include your name and where you live.