Ruth Ward's remarkable life story unfolds like a sweeping epic across continents and decades. Born to missionary parents in China during World War II, her earliest memories include watching American planes flying over Peking after her father was tragically shot when she was just seven years old. As Communist forces advanced, her pregnant mother navigated their escape with five children, beginning a harrowing seven-week journey aboard an ocean liner equipped with minesweepers to detect floating dangers.

The voyage brought them to England before settling in Sweden, where Ruth began her career in healthcare. Her professional path eventually led her to Boston as an exchange medical technician at Children's Hospital, where she performed heart catheterizations on newborns. What started as a temporary position became permanent when she fell in love with America—and eventually with a man she met through a chance encounter on an airplane when a flight attendant forced her to switch seats.

After building her nursing career and raising a family in Massachusetts, Ruth moved to New Hampshire in 1995, where she and her second husband physically built their house together—she can point out exactly where every electrical wire lies because she installed them herself. This hands-on approach characterizes everything in her life, from climbing all 48 of New Hampshire's 4000-foot mountains to becoming a certified master weaver juried into the League of NH Craftsmen.

Her path to the New Hampshire Senate began with local planning board service before winning her first Senate race by just nine votes. Now in her fifth term, Senator Ward brings her healthcare expertise, global perspective, and practical problem-solving approach to the Education and Transportation committees. Her story reminds us that behind every political figure lies a tapestry of extraordinary life experiences that shape their understanding of the world and inform their public service.

Listen now to discover how a little girl who escaped war-torn China grew up to become one of New Hampshire's most respected state senators, and what her remarkable journey teaches us about resilience, adaptability, and finding purpose across multiple careers and continents.

In our latest episode of Anything But Politics, we sat down with former NH Senate President Jeb Bradley—not to talk policy, but to explore the person behind the politics.

From performing street magic in Switzerland to summiting New Hampshire’s tallest peaks 576 times, Jeb's life story is full of surprises. He shares unforgettable stories, hiking adventures around the globe, and life lessons shaped by decades of public service—and even more shaped by stepping outside it.

🎧 Tune in to hear the unexpected side of one of NH’s most well-known figures.

In the next episode of Anything but Politics, we sit down with State Representative Tim Soucy—an eight-term lawmaker, a veteran firefighter, and a surprisingly formidable golfer. Join us as we explore his journey from growing up in Nashua to serving his community both in the firehouse and the State House. Soucy shares gripping stories from his 29-year career as a firefighter, including the close call that nearly cost him everything. We also dive into his passion for golf, his love for Andrea Bocelli, and why he chose camaraderie over career advancement. Don’t miss this candid conversation filled with humor, reflection, and incredible storytelling!

Get ready for an inspiring and entertaining episode of Anything But Politics! This week, hosts Tiffany Eddy and Tom Prasol sit down with the unstoppable Senator Denise Ricciardi—an advocate, a fighter, and a true force to be reckoned with. From her grassroots battle against a cell tower in her neighborhood to her tireless work in the New Hampshire Senate, Senator Ricciardi shares her incredible journey of persistence, public service, and people-first politics. But this episode isn’t just about policy—Denise dives into her Greek and Italian heritage, recounts her hilarious (and slightly dangerous) mushroom-hunting adventure in Italy, and even dishes on her passion for cooking. If you’re looking for a story of tenacity, community, and a little Mediterranean flair, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! Tune in now for a conversation filled with heart, humor, and the kind of determination that changes lives.

Get ready for another captivating installment of Anything But Politics with Senator Sue Prentiss as she takes us behind the scenes of life in public service—and beyond. In the upcoming episode, Senator Prentiss opens up about moments when every second counted. From rushing to on-site emergencies at the state house to navigating unexpected car accidents outside its doors, she shares firsthand accounts of being exactly where she needed to be with the right skill set.

But it’s not all high-stakes action. Discover her creative side as Senator Prentiss reveals a passion for baking, with a special focus on her signature scratch-made brownies—Yum!!!. And for a dose of humor, tune in as she reminisces about her college days, where lighter moments and misadventures with friends remind us that even in the toughest situations, laughter can be the best medicine.

Join us for an episode that blends the intensity of public service with genuine personal insights, showcasing the multifaceted life of a dedicated state senator.

In this episode of Anything But Politics, hosts Tiffany Eddy and Tom Prasol welcome Dr. David Nagel, a physician, author, and second-term New Hampshire legislator, to share his fascinating life story and groundbreaking work. From growing up in the snow-laden town of Orchard Park, New York, to his time in Alaska working with the Indian Health Service, Dr. Nagel takes us on a journey of resilience, advocacy, and leadership.

Dr. Nagel discusses his book Needless Suffering, which tackles how society fails people with chronic pain, and his lifelong mission to improve pain management and end-of-life care. He also opens up about his work with the NFL Players Association, where he helped develop best practices for managing pain and advocating for player health.

We also hear about his inspiration to enter public service, his advocacy for healthcare rights, and his passion for addressing the challenges of chronic pain. With humor, heartfelt anecdotes, and deep insights, this episode provides a thought-provoking look at the intersections of healthcare, service, and leadership.

Tune in to discover Dr. Nagel's remarkable journey, his impactful work, and how New Hampshire's unique political landscape allows individuals to make a meaningful difference.

In our latest episode of Anything BUT Politics, we sit down with the undaunted Carry Spier, an inspiring state representative from Nashua with an extraordinary story. Born in the Bronx, New York, Carry has called Nashua home for the past 25 years. Her 53-year career in military aerospace is nothing short of remarkable, featuring roles as a Systems Engineer and Engineering Manager. She contributed to some of the most iconic projects in history, including the Apollo missions—possibly even Apollo 13—and the development of the F-35 fighter jet. For 23 years, she worked at BAE Systems until her retirement. During our conversation, Carry also shares her insights into the Apollo missions and her thoughts on whether she believes in the existence of extraterrestrial life, offering a fascinating perspective on the mysteries of the universe.

In this inaugural episode, Tiff and Tom sit down with New Hampshire Senator Howard Pearl for a captivating conversation filled with personal stories, practical insights, and reflections on public service. From his motivations for serving in the New Hampshire Senate to the values that drive his decisions, Senator Pearl shares an inspiring perspective that sheds light on the importance of civic duty and leadership. Whether you’re interested in politics or simply looking for a dose of inspiration, this episode offers something for everyone.

Ever wondered what it takes to get married on top of Mt. Washington? 

Tune in to Anything BUT Politics as we chat with Senator Howard Pearl, who made it happen! 🎙️ Don’t miss our debut episode, dropping Monday, January 13th—featuring Senator Pearl’s incredible story and all the logistics behind this unique wedding location.