A lot of people know Senator Jeanne Shaheen as a trailblazing governor and U.S. senator. But long before politics, her story was shaped by experiences that stayed with her: growing up in Missouri, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania, attending a segregated school, and eventually coming to New England for a summer job that changed the course of her life.

In this episode of Anything But Politics, she tells us why she’s always gone by “Jean,” how she met her husband of 57 years, Bill, on a street in York Beach while searching for an apron—and why they eloped just six weeks later, honeymooning at the Holiday Inn near the Portsmouth Traffic Circle.

We trace her unlikely path from teacher to political organizer, beginning with a front-row view of integration and inequality and leading to the early days of Jimmy Carter’s New Hampshire primary campaign. Jean shares what those years taught her about organizing, leadership, listening to people—and accepting that you simply can’t please everyone.

She also reflects on what makes New Hampshire politics special: town meetings, accessibility, and a tradition of respectful disagreement that she believes is essential to a healthy democracy.

Our conversation touches on some of the defining moments of her public life, from signing Martin Luther King Jr. Day into law in New Hampshire to foreign policy work that has taken her from Bosnia to Ukraine. She discusses her continued support for Ukraine, the need for stronger sanctions against Russia, and the work she still hopes to finish—including expanding the $35 insulin cap to millions more Americans.

And after decades in public life, she has a message for women considering running for office: do it—even when politics gets personal.

This is a conversation about much more than politics. It’s about the experiences, relationships, values, and unexpected turns that shaped one of New Hampshire’s most consequential public figures.

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 refreshing and intimate look at who they are beyond the public eye.

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 recovery and the decade he spent trying to join the military before finally earning his commission in the National Guard. That persistence shows up in how he governs: after-action reviews, data-informed choices, and a willingness to veto his own budget when it isn’t right. We dig into the hard math of housing—like why 127 affordable units can cost $50 million—and the creative moves cities can make, including selling surplus property to raise over $1.3 million for an affordable housing trust fund that kept a winter shelter open without spiking taxes. He shares how partnerships with nonprofits and state and federal allies turn vision into results, and why the best local solutions borrow smart ideas from everywhere.

We also talk about campaign skills that transfer to life—listening, making a clear case, answering tough questions—and how authenticity plays out in a state where voters expect to meet you more than once. The lighter side surfaces too: a chorus nickname he’ll never live down, a proposal speech delivered perfectly except for the actual question, early morning workouts to country and Metallica, and a bilingual home filled with Spanish storybooks. It’s a portrait of leadership that is as personal as it is practical: empathetic, iterative, and built on community.

If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who cares about local change, and leave a review to help others find it. What’s the one local issue you want solved next?

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 refreshing and intimate look at who they are beyond the public eye.

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 approach to every negotiation: you can disagree without being disagreeable.

The conversation travels from a frigid, “drive-in” legislative session at UNH while news of January 6 broke, to the behind-the-scenes cooperation that turned a two-vote margin into a bipartisan budget. Along the way, Packard spotlights the unique strengths of New Hampshire’s citizen legislature—$100-a-year service, tight-knit districts, and constituents you meet in the grocery aisle—and the real challenges of recruiting and retaining younger members. His perspective is grounded, candid, and rich with experience drawn from speaking with legislative leaders nationwide about process, not politics.

Then we downshift into another passion with public impact: motorcycles. Packard recounts building New Hampshire’s motorcycle education program and helping to unwind federal penalties tied to helmet mandates, saving lives through training, awareness, and better roads. He shares the lore of Sturgis and Laconia, the softer turn toward family-friendly rallies, and the long-running Toy Run that transforms horsepower into holiday giving. Woven throughout is a love of history—Civil War battlefields, presidential biographies—and how that lens informs modern choices on safety, infrastructure, and community.

If you care about how government actually works, how culture builds trust, and how unlikely coalitions get big things done, this story is for you. Listen, share with a friend who loves New Hampshire or motorcycles, and leave a review with your favorite moment—we read every one.

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 refreshing and intimate look at who they are beyond the public eye.

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 every level: work for each other, bounce back fast, and let the team make you better.

Health becomes personal as Stefany shares Elle’s type 1 diabetes journey—the finger pricks, the late-night alarms, and the technology that changed their days. That story pushed her to start Good Measures, a nutrition platform that connects people with registered dietitians and certified diabetes educators for real-time guidance. We also dig into the science sprint happening in New Hampshire: Vertex’s cell therapy work, supported by Lonza and ARMI in Manchester, bringing a functional cure within reach. It’s the rare kind of update that makes the word breakthrough feel earned.

Dogs steal the spotlight twice. Coach, a diabetes alert lab, helped Elle stay safe and gave the family a gentler way to manage a relentless condition. Nico, a K9 trained to detect electronics for the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, turned searches into decisive evidence—proof that the right tools, handled by the right people, change outcomes. From there, we get honest about rebuilding trust in policing, publishing policies, deploying body cams, and adding social workers. It’s the New Hampshire playbook: local, transparent, and relentlessly practical.

We close with the everyday texture—marathon grit on a broken femur, comfort rom-coms, James Taylor on repeat, and the case for skilled trades and community colleges to keep our kids here. If you’re hungry for stories that connect science to hope, sports to character, and policy to people you know by name, press play. If it resonates, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to help more listeners find these stories.

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 refreshing and intimate look at who they are beyond the public eye.

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, process, and community.

We get candid about the “inside baseball” of legislative administration, why institutional memory matters, and what it takes to chair the school building authority. Then the hive opens: millions of bees, swarms that choose their own destiny, and a brewing debate over chemical treatments like oxalic acid to fight varroa mites. Greg lays out the stakes with clarity—how honey color comes from nectar sources, why labeling lags reality, and how a neighbor’s herbicide can unravel a colony in a day. Bears, electric fences, winter insulation, and the strange joy of letting bees be bees round out a pragmatic guide to backyard apiaries.

The water calls next. Greg traces sailing roots from Cape Cod beetle cats to line-of-sight charters in the British Virgin Islands. We talk seamanship, timing hurricane season, learning unfamiliar waters like Croatia or Greece, and the quiet beauty after cruise ships slip past the horizon. Finally, we savor the story of the donut machine bought on eBay, a family concession trailer, and cake-style mini donuts so clean and warm that campers planned vacations around them. The secret is simple: great shortening, honest ingredients, and doing it for love, not margins.

If you like stories where craft meets curiosity—policy shaped by process, bees guided by nature, voyages marked by good judgment, and donuts perfected by care—this one’s for you. Listen, share it with a friend who needs a smile, and leave a review to help more people find the show.

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 refreshing and intimate look at who they are beyond the public eye.

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 rituals
• Coast Guard service, early limits for women, culture change over time
• HR career at Raytheon, night school, and a pivot into recruiting
• Poodle rescue stories, fostering, grooming pride, and smart dog antics
• PTSD commission work, Hero Pups, and setting standards for comfort dogs
• Mentors and budget work, the “apple rule” for incremental progress
• Outer Banks tradition, family routines, and wind-down TV habits

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 refreshing and intimate look at who they are beyond the public eye.

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 insights into how environmental and social factors affect community health.

As the first person in his family to attend college, Ballard pursued an unconventional path to medicine. His curiosity took him from studying biology at the University of Louisville to examining wildlife in the Galapagos Islands, working with HIV/AIDS orphans in Ghana, and earning a master's in epidemiology from Cambridge University. These diverse experiences shaped his understanding of health beyond individual cases to population-level wellness.

Ballard's professional journey reveals how rural upbringing and world-class education combine to create an exceptional public health leader. His work as Kentucky's state epidemiologist during the opioid crisis prepared him for his current role, where he oversees medical services while collaborating with healthcare providers across New Hampshire. "It's not only about medical care these days," he explains, "it's also about well-being, in a sense of feeling good, having a strong mental health as well as our physical health."

Beyond his professional accomplishments, we discover Ballard's passion for surfing (first learned in Hawaii during a medical rotation), his love of 5K races, and his evolving role coaching his children's soccer teams. His approach to healthcare emphasizes collaboration and understanding different perspectives: "I think we have to assume best intentions when we approach individuals who have a different opinion." Listen now to discover how a farm boy from Kentucky became a surfing doctor leading New Hampshire's medical services.

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 refreshing and intimate look at who they are beyond the public eye.

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 at age six, and overcoming domestic violence both in childhood and adulthood. These challenges shaped her perspective but never dampened her optimistic spirit. After attending Dartmouth College (where she graduated "with honors in government and a three-year-old"), Karen fell in love with New Hampshire and made it her permanent home.

What makes this conversation fascinating is Karen's ability to connect her personal journey to her professional calling. Her twenty years on Lebanon City Council and current role on New Hampshire's unique Executive Council reflect her deep commitment to public service. Using the acronym CARS—Contracts, Appointments, Roads, and Services—she demystifies this powerful five-member body that serves as a check on the governor's authority and manages everything from million-dollar contracts to roadside mailbox repairs.

Beyond politics, Karen reveals her passion for music (piano, organ, and singing), her experience owning a restaurant for eight years, and her love of sailing. Her life philosophies—"work hard, play hard" and "why make it either/or when it can be both/and?"—demonstrate the balanced approach that keeps her grounded amid the demands of public office.

Whether you're interested in New Hampshire's distinctive governmental structure, curious about paths to public service, or simply enjoy hearing from someone who radiates authentic joy in their work, this episode offers wisdom, warmth, and wonderful stories. Listen now and discover why Karen believes that despite life's challenges, there's always room to find connection and make a difference.

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 refreshing and intimate look at who they are beyond the public eye.

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 generation before he reclaimed it. His journey from Ohio State University professor to University of New Hampshire dean showcases his academic prowess, particularly in his crowning achievement—building the Paul College without a penny of state funding. "We doubled business school enrollment," he notes proudly, "and those are students that are going to graduate, be trained in business right here in our state."

But academia represents just one facet of this Renaissance man. Innis's entrepreneurial ventures in Portsmouth's hospitality scene reveal his marketing genius. Transforming the rundown Bow Street Inn into the hip Ale House Inn, he targeted craft beer enthusiasts through precision Facebook marketing. The result? Brooklyn, New York became their number one source of guests—proof that understanding your audience pays dividends.

Perhaps most fascinating is Innis's 153-acre regenerative farm in Bradford, where he and his partner Spencer raise Wagyu cattle, 150 chickens, and several goats. Their restoration of an 1800s barn featuring a 75-foot king pine center beam demonstrates their commitment to preserving New Hampshire's agricultural heritage. When comparing his farm-fresh eggs to store-bought, Innis displays a photo showing the striking difference: "Ours are bright orange... the flavor is so different."

Throughout our conversation, Innis's philosophy emerged clearly: "When you love what you're doing, it's not work." This explains how he simultaneously manages teaching at UNH, running a farm, and serving in the State Senate. His motivation? Making people happy and leaving the world better than he found it.

Ready to discover more about this fascinating public servant whose life extends far beyond political boundaries? Listen now to understand what truly makes New Hampshire special through the eyes of someone who chose to make it home.

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 refreshing and intimate look at who they are beyond the public eye.

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 Meyers, Larry shares charming insights into raising creative minds destined for the spotlight, including Seth's hilariously fabricated family history paper that earned an A+ despite featuring a fictional "1904 Lithuanian equestrian team" grandmother.

Beyond family anecdotes, Larry reveals how his sons' paths to comedy greatness unfolded through Northwestern University's sketch comedy scene and Amsterdam's Boom Chicago theater. The brotherly bond continues today through their popular podcast "Family Trips," where celebrities share vacation stories while the brothers occasionally poke fun at their parents' traveling habits—wet countertops and all.

The conversation takes a powerful turn as Larry discusses his dedication to Operation Delta Dog, an organization transforming lives by pairing rescue dogs with veterans suffering from PTSD. These extraordinary canine partnerships—each costing $25,000-$30,000 to develop but provided free to veterans—create profound healing for those who have served. From veterans who couldn't enter grocery stores to those suffering debilitating night terrors, these service dogs provide what Larry beautifully describes as "the only real form of unconditional love."

Whether you're drawn to heartwarming family stories, fascinated by paths to comedy success, or moved by the healing power of the human-animal bond, Larry's philosophy resonates with simple clarity: "Rescue one dog, save two lives." Discover how one man's commitment to community is creating ripples of positive change across New Hampshire and beyond.

Ready to make a difference? Visit OperationDeltaDog.org to learn how you can support this life-changing work.

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 refreshing and intimate look at who they are beyond the public eye.