By Peggy Kingsbury
Peggy grew up in GA and attended the University of Georgia. With an undergraduate and a masters degree in Criminal Justice Peggy is keenly interested in how politics and public safety intersect. Pe
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The podcast currently has 14 episodes available.
In this episode of Blue Lift, host Peggy Kingsbury sits down with Dr. Kevin Riggs, the senior pastor of Franklin Community Church in Tennessee. Dr. Riggs is known for his tireless advocacy for social justice and his work with the homeless and incarcerated populations in the community.
The conversation begins with an introduction to Dr. Riggs and his background, including his roles as the founder of Franklin Community Development and the Williamson County Homeless Alliance. Peggy highlights Dr. Riggs' reputation as a champion for justice and his involvement in various community initiatives.
The discussion then delves into Dr. Riggs' personal journey and the pivotal moments that shaped his commitment to social justice. He shares how his early discomfort with the death penalty and his deep dive into the teachings of the Kingdom of God led him to a greater understanding of the importance of restorative justice.
A significant focus of the episode is the relationship between Dr. Riggs and Kevin Burns, an inmate on Tennessee's death row. Peggy and Dr. Riggs explore how their personal connection and the concept of "proximity changes your theology" have transformed their perspectives on the criminal justice system.
The conversation also addresses the challenges and realities of the criminal justice system in Tennessee, including the state's high incarceration rates and the racial disparities within the prison population. Dr. Riggs shares a poignant story about a parishioner's experience with the system, highlighting the need for a more compassionate and restorative approach.
Shifting gears, Peggy and Dr. Riggs discuss the issue of homelessness in the wealthy community of Franklin, Tennessee. Dr. Riggs estimates that there are over 1,500 homeless individuals in Williamson County, and he emphasizes the lack of adequate resources and support for this vulnerable population.
The episode delves into the underlying causes of homelessness, particularly the prevalence of mental illness and the scarcity of long-term rehabilitation services in the area. Dr. Riggs passionately calls for a more comprehensive and community-driven approach to addressing these pressing issues.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Riggs shares his insights, personal experiences, and unwavering commitment to using his voice and influence to advocate for justice, compassion, and the restoration of those who have been marginalized. Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of the complex challenges facing Tennessee's communities and a renewed sense of hope in the power of individual and collective action.
Find out more at www.savepastorKB.com
Join the Blue movement at www.blueliftpodcast.com
About Blue Lift and Peggy Kingsbury:
Peggy grew up in GA and attended the University of Georgia. With an undergraduate and a masters degree in Criminal Justice Peggy is keenly interested in how politics and public safety intersect. Peggy is also an entrepreneur, small business owner, and lover of the outdoors. Peggy became focused on politics in Tennessee when the supermajority legislature began making headlines for silencing voices, enacting laws targeting underrepresented people and refusing to listen to their constituents.
Join Peggy for BlueLift as she interviews influencers and candidates in Tennessee politics with a focus on Williamson County and middle Tennessee.
Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.com
Produced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co
Title: The Work of The Tennessee Justice Center
Episode 12- Emily Jenkins
Peggy sits down with Emily Jenkins, a lawyer and child welfare advocate
Emily Jenkins is a native of Nashville, Tennessee who obtained her law degree from the College of William and Mary. She has focused her work on child welfare advocacy and pro bono matters, serving as a court-appointed special advocate for children who have been abused or neglected.
Currently, Emily works as a staff attorney at the Tennessee Justice Center (TJC), a nonprofit law firm dedicated to health and nutrition equity. At TJC, she directs the health care justice clinic and is involved in various initiatives, including helping people access programs like TennCare (Medicaid), SNAP, and WIC. She has a long history of nonprofit work, having been involved with organizations such as Casa, Hard Bargain in Williamson County, and the Franklin Justice and Equity Coalition. She is using her legal expertise and resources to give back to the community and advocate for underserved populations in Tennessee.
Highlights:
Overview of Tennessee Justice Center (TJC) (3:42)
Barriers to Accessing Government Programs (7:19)
Expanded Medicaid and Block Grant Discussion (15:18)
Positive Changes and Ongoing Issues in TennCare (26:21)
Caregiving and Paid Family Caregiving (36:30)
Federal Gun Regulation and Second Amendment (43:27)
More about the Tennessee Justice Center:
https://www.tnjustice.org/
Join the Blue movement at www.blueliftpodcast.com
About Blue Lift and Peggy Kingsbury:
Peggy grew up in GA and attended the University of Georgia. With an undergraduate and a masters degree in Criminal Justice Peggy is keenly interested in how politics and public safety intersect. Peggy is also an entrepreneur, small business owner, and lover of the outdoors. Peggy became focused on politics in Tennessee when the supermajority legislature began making headlines for silencing voices, enacting laws targeting underrepresented people and refusing to listen to their constituents.
Join Peggy for BlueLift as she interviews influencers and candidates in Tennessee politics with a focus on Williamson County and middle Tennessee.
Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.com
Produced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co
Title: Balancing Gun Rights and Public Safety
Episode 12- Brink Fidler
Peggy sits down with Brink Fiddler, a former law enforcement officer and owner of Defend Systems. They discuss his company's focus on active violence mitigation training, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and response in school and corporate settings. He highlights that over 80% of school attacks are committed by current or former staff or students, underscoring the need for effective training. He also stressed the importance of safe storage and responsible gun ownership, advocating for laws that hold individuals accountable for negligent storage. He shares insights from the Covenant School tragedy, where trained staff successfully applied their training to save lives. The conversation also touches on the broader issues of gun culture, mental health, and the need for comprehensive safety measures.
Highlights:
Brink Fiddler's Background and Defense Systems (1:48)
Covenant School Tragedy and Training Impact (6:56)
Challenges and Research in Active Shooter Training (8:46)
Gun Culture and Mental Health (15:17)
Gun Regulation and Safe Storage (33:16)
Federal Gun Regulation and Second Amendment (43:27)
More about Defend Systems:
https://www.defendsystems.com/
Join the Blue movement at www.blueliftpodcast.com
About Blue Lift and Peggy Kingsbury:
Peggy grew up in GA and attended the University of Georgia. With an undergraduate and a masters degree in Criminal Justice Peggy is keenly interested in how politics and public safety intersect. Peggy is also an entrepreneur, small business owner, and lover of the outdoors. Peggy became focused on politics in Tennessee when the supermajority legislature began making headlines for silencing voices, enacting laws targeting underrepresented people and refusing to listen to their constituents.
Join Peggy for BlueLift as she interviews influencers and candidates in Tennessee politics with a focus on Williamson County and middle Tennessee.
Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.com
Produced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co
Title: Building Stronger Youth, Stronger Families, & Stronger Communities
Episode 11- Marcus Meneese
Peggy sits down with Marcus Meneese, founder and executive director of Stronger Than My Father, a nonprofit expanding into Williamson County. Marcus discusses his journey from mentoring his cousin in 2003 to founding the organization in 2012, inspired by his son's shirt. The program focuses on mentoring young men from fatherless homes, emphasizing educational achievement, dignity, and safety. Marcus highlights the importance of early intervention, starting from second grade, and the need for more mentors. He shares statistics linking fatherlessness to behavioral issues and criminality, stressing the critical role of mentorship in breaking these cycles. The conversation also touches on the challenges of funding and the impact of fatherlessness on societal issues.
Highlights:
Marcus's Journey and Inspiration for Stronger Than My Father (3:07)
Core Values and Mentorship Program (6:11)
Challenges and Solutions for Fatherlessness (13:13)
Expanding the Program and Recruitment of Mentors (32:42)
Community Support and Funding Needs (37:09)
More about Stronger Than My Father:
https://strongerthanmyfather.org/
Join the Blue movement at www.blueliftpodcast.com
About Blue Lift and Peggy Kingsbury:
Peggy grew up in GA and attended the University of Georgia. With an undergraduate and a masters degree in Criminal Justice Peggy is keenly interested in how politics and public safety intersect. Peggy is also an entrepreneur, small business owner, and lover of the outdoors. Peggy became focused on politics in Tennessee when the supermajority legislature began making headlines for silencing voices, enacting laws targeting underrepresented people and refusing to listen to their constituents.
Join Peggy for BlueLift as she interviews influencers and candidates in Tennessee politics with a focus on Williamson County and middle Tennessee.
Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.com
Produced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co
Title: A Vision for Tennessee Rooted in Equity, Opportunity, and Progress
Episode 10- Dr. LaRhonda Williams
Peggy sits down with Dr. LaRhonda Williams, a candidate for Tennessee’s District 65 with a diverse background in political science, criminal justice, and education.
Dr. LaRhonda highlights her father's service as a Lieutenant Colonel and POW in Vietnam and her mother's role as an educational specialist. She credits her parents for instilling in her values of service and community understanding.
In criminal justice, she worked her way up from a supervisor role to becoming a parole director and warden, facing challenges as a woman of color in leadership. She advocates for more educational and employment opportunities for inmates to reduce recidivism, citing successful programs in Tennessee.
She is against school vouchers, emphasizing the success of local public schools. Williams supports gun reform, particularly red flag laws, and advocates for women's healthcare privacy. Her first legislative focus will be on transportation and minimum wage increases, including repealing the grocery tax.
Highlights:
Early Life and Career Choices (8:38)
Challenges and Achievements in Criminal Justice (10:04)
Views on Privatization of Prisons (15:28)
Education and Employment for Inmates (20:56)
Campaign for State Legislature (25:04)
Veterans Administration Reforms (34:15)
Gun Reform and Red Flag Laws (38:10)
Women's Healthcare and Personal Experience (54:00)
First Legislative Priorities (57:45)
Find out more about LaRhonda:
https://www.williamsonherald.com/state-representative---district-65-larhonda-williams/article_8d49c07a-3f0e-11ef-a892-537820676760.html
larhonda4Tn.com
Join the Blue movement at www.blueliftpodcast.com
About Blue Lift and Peggy Kingsbury:
Peggy grew up in GA and attended the University of Georgia. With an undergraduate and a masters degree in Criminal Justice Peggy is keenly interested in how politics and public safety intersect. Peggy is also an entrepreneur, small business owner, and lover of the outdoors. Peggy became focused on politics in Tennessee when the supermajority legislature began making headlines for silencing voices, enacting laws targeting underrepresented people and refusing to listen to their constituents.
Join Peggy for BlueLift as she interviews influencers and candidates in Tennessee politics with a focus on Williamson County and middle Tennessee.
Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.com
Produced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co
Title: Advocating for Reproductive Rights, Mental Health, and Economic Well-being in Tennessee
Episode 9- Dr. Laura Andreson
Peggy sits down with Dr. Laura Andreson, an OBGYN running for Tennessee's state legislature.
She decided to run for office after the fall of Roe v. Wade, as she felt compelled to engage in political advocacy to protect women's reproductive healthcare rights. She has been involved in press conferences, committee meetings, and a lawsuit against the state of Tennessee over the unconstitutional reproductive health laws passed. These laws create significant challenges for doctors providing necessary medical care to pregnant women. She discusses the difference between "reasonable" and "good faith" medical judgment, and how the new laws in Tennessee put doctors at legal risk for providing standard medical care, even in life-threatening situations.
The economic well-being of Tennessee is a key focus area for Dr. Laura Andreson’s campaign. She believes measures like affordable housing, eliminating the grocery tax, and Medicaid expansion would improve quality of life and help attract talented individuals to the state.
Dr. Laura Andreson is also prioritizing common-sense gun safety legislation, including waiting periods and the ability to temporarily remove guns from individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. She believes a comprehensive approach to mental health care is crucial.
If elected, her first legislative priorities would be to create exceptions in the abortion laws for cases of fatal fetal anomalies, maternal health issues, rape, and incest, and to sponsor a bill for gun safety measures.
Highlights:
Challenges in Reproductive Health Care Post-Roe (4:42)
Impact of Restrictive Reproductive Health Laws (11:11)
Economic Well-Being and Its Impact on Talent Retention (24:25)
Challenges in Rural Health Care Access (27:48)
Mental Health Care and Its Intersection with Gun Safety (36:42)
First Legislative Priorities if Elected (39:43)
Call to Action for Voters (42:07)
Follow Laura:
https://www.laura4tn63.com/
Join the Blue movement at www.blueliftpodcast.com
About Blue Lift and Peggy Kingsbury:
Peggy grew up in GA and attended the University of Georgia. With an undergraduate and a masters degree in Criminal Justice Peggy is keenly interested in how politics and public safety intersect. Peggy is also an entrepreneur, small business owner, and lover of the outdoors. Peggy became focused on politics in Tennessee when the supermajority legislature began making headlines for silencing voices, enacting laws targeting underrepresented people and refusing to listen to their constituents.
Join Peggy for BlueLift as she interviews influencers and candidates in Tennessee politics with a focus on Williamson County and middle Tennessee.
Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.com
Produced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co
Title: The Fight for Equity in Williamson County Schools
Episode 8- Revida Rahman
Peggy talks with Revida Rahman, a community leader in Williamson County, Tennessee who has been at the forefront of efforts to address systemic racism and inequities in the local school district.
In 2018, Ravida and other families of color in the area began to raise concerns about field trips to local plantations, where they felt the historical narratives being presented were incomplete and biased. This led to meetings with school administrators and the creation of a Diversity Council, which later evolved into a Cultural Competency Committee.
Subsequent incidents, such as a controversial "slave assignment" at a local middle school, further galvanized Ravida and other concerned parents. This culminated in the formation of the nonprofit organization One Wilco, which Revida co-founded with writer Jennifer Cortez to tackle broader issues of educational disparities, discipline, and lack of representation for students of color.
One Wilco advocated for and supported an equity audit of the Williamson County school system, which revealed significant systemic problems. The organization has continued to push for reforms, including improved reporting and tracking of racist incidents, as well as more restorative approaches to student discipline.
Throughout the discussion, Revida reflects on her own personal experiences and the influence of her civil rights activist grandmother. She emphasizes the importance of open dialogue, allyship, and empowering students and families to speak up about the challenges they face.
Find more resources:
onewillco.org
Join the Blue movement at www.blueliftpodcast.com
About Blue Lift and Peggy Kingsbury:
Peggy grew up in GA and attended the University of Georgia. With an undergraduate and a masters degree in Criminal Justice Peggy is keenly interested in how politics and public safety intersect. Peggy is also an entrepreneur, small business owner, and lover of the outdoors. Peggy became focused on politics in Tennessee when the supermajority legislature began making headlines for silencing voices, enacting laws targeting underrepresented people and refusing to listen to their constituents.
Join Peggy for BlueLift as she interviews influencers and candidates in Tennessee politics with a focus on Williamson County and middle Tennessee.
Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.com
Produced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co
Peggy talks with Political Director at Tennessee Legislative Democrats, Charles Uffelman.
In this episode of Blue Lift, host Peggy Kingsbury sits down with Charles "Chazz" Uffelman, a seasoned political organizer and expert on Tennessee politics. Chazz shares his personal journey into politics, starting from his early involvement in the 2008 Obama campaign as a middle schooler. He discusses his campaign work for local and statewide Democratic candidates, as well as his time organizing for the Tennessee Democratic Party and presidential campaigns like Kamala Harris and Amy McGrath.
Chazz provides insights into the challenges facing Democrats in Tennessee's Republican-dominated political landscape, including the influence of special interests and the impact of bills like the controversial immigration law. He also offers a hopeful perspective, highlighting the next generation of progressive leaders running for office to address critical issues.
Throughout the conversation, Chazz emphasizes the importance of grassroots organizing, community-building, and sustained efforts to flip seats and break the Republican supermajority in the state legislature. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the political dynamics in Tennessee and the strategies being employed to create a more inclusive and equitable future for the state.
Raised on a cattle farm in Erin, Tennessee, and a graduate of the University of Memphis, Uffelman has deep connections to both rural communities and large cities across the state. He settled in Clarksville to help organize the blue-shifting suburban Montgomery County. “I’ve been meeting with potential candidates, county party leaders and strategists all over this state and it’s clear: Tennesseans are ready for change. I’m going to be supporting the brave citizens who stand up and make that change possible,” said Uffelman.
Follow Charles:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-uffelman-b2b96772/
@charlesuffelman
Join the Blue movement at www.blueliftpodcast.com
About Blue Lift and Peggy Kingsbury:
Peggy grew up in GA and attended the University of Georgia. With an undergraduate and a masters degree in Criminal Justice Peggy is keenly interested in how politics and public safety intersect. Peggy is also an entrepreneur, small business owner, and lover of the outdoors. Peggy became focused on politics in Tennessee when the supermajority legislature began making headlines for silencing voices, enacting laws targeting underrepresented people and refusing to listen to their constituents.
Join Peggy for BlueLift as she interviews influencers and candidates in Tennessee politics with a focus on Williamson County and middle Tennessee.
Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.com
Produced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co
Having More Appreciation for The Federal Government
Episode 6- Maryam Abolfazli
Maryam Abolfazli is running against Andy Ogles to represent Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District.
Maryam, a proud Tennessean, refuses to stand idly by while our state's values are under attack. Now, she's determined to stop extremist politicians from dismantling our fundamental freedoms.
As a mother and woman in Tennessee, Maryam understands the importance of fighting for policies that protect women and families.
She fights for us by defending abortion rights and IVF access for all Tennesseans, ensuring that every individual has the right to make their own healthcare decisions.
Maryam amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, advocating for inclusive policies that benefit all residents. She believes in giving people what they need to excel and thrive and then letting them do just that. She believes in growth that benefits all. She believes in responsible fiscal management and the importance of dignified work. With a proven track record of community engagement, she's the leader Tennessee needs to bring about real change in Congress. Join Maryam in the fight for the heart of Tennessee.
Rise and Shine Tennessee (2:49)
Challenges in the Fifth Congressional District (8:24)
State Rights vs. Federal Rights (17:05)
Immigration and Border Issues (43:56)
Economic Challenges and Solutions (52:14)
Environmental Concerns and Federal Regulation (1:00:37)
Education and Workforce Development (1:02:18)
Vision for the Future (1:08:45)
This is our Fight!
www.maryamforcongress.com
Join the Blue movement at www.blueliftpodcast.com
About Blue Lift and Peggy Kingsbury:
Peggy grew up in GA and attended the University of Georgia. With an undergraduate and a masters degree in Criminal Justice Peggy is keenly interested in how politics and public safety intersect. Peggy is also an entrepreneur, small business owner, and lover of the outdoors. Peggy became focused on politics in Tennessee when the supermajority legislature began making headlines for silencing voices, enacting laws targeting underrepresented people and refusing to listen to their constituents.
Join Peggy for BlueLift as she interviews influencers and candidates in Tennessee politics with a focus on Williamson County and middle Tennessee.
Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.com
Produced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co
Putting people over politics w/ Claire Jones
In this episode, Peggy gets to have a conversation with Claire Jones. A Kentucky native and nurse who is running for Tennessee House District 61, covering Brentwood and Franklin. Her campaign focuses on people over politics, aiming to address issues like gun control and healthcare through balanced legislation.
She emphasizes the importance of policy on patient care and highlights her experiences with gun violence and healthcare deserts.
Jones criticizes the lack of balanced representation and the ineffectiveness of advocacy. She advocates for Medicaid expansion to reduce healthcare costs and improve access, and supports safe storage laws to prevent gun-related crimes.
Jones also discusses the emotional impact of end-of-life care and the importance of relationships.
Claire Jones' Background and Campaign Introduction (1:10)
Claire recounts the tragic shooting of her coworker, Caitlin Kaufman, in 2020, which highlighted the issue of gun violence and the need for replacing lawmakers who are not addressing critical issues like gun violence and healthcare. (3:04)
Impact of Legislative Decisions on Healthcare and Community (6:04)
The Role of Empathy and Community in Politics (10:41)
The Importance of Medicaid Expansion (21:37)
The Role of Hospice Nursing and End-of-Life Reflections (31:06)
The Need for Common Sense Gun Legislation (43:48)
Support Claire Jones!
https://www.clairejones4tn.com/
Follow Claire Jones on Instagram and Facebook:
@voteclairejones4tn
Join the Blue movement at www.blueliftpodcast.com
About Blue Lift and Peggy Kingsbury:
Peggy grew up in GA and attended the University of Georgia. With an undergraduate and a masters degree in Criminal Justice Peggy is keenly interested in how politics and public safety intersect. Peggy is also an entrepreneur, small business owner, and lover of the outdoors. Peggy became focused on politics in Tennessee when the supermajority legislature began making headlines for silencing voices, enacting laws targeting underrepresented people and refusing to listen to their constituents.
Join Peggy for BlueLift as she interviews influencers and candidates in Tennessee politics with a focus on Williamson County and middle Tennessee.
Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.com
Produced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co
The podcast currently has 14 episodes available.
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