Blue Lift

Podcast Episode Title:

"Press Freedom, Open Government, and the First Amendment"

Show Description:

In this compelling episode of Blue Lift, host Peggy Kingsbury sits down with Deborah Fisher, director of MTSU's John Seigenthaler Chair of Excellence in First Amendment Studies and executive director of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government. Fisher provides an insider's perspective on the critical challenges facing journalism today.

Highlights:

The evolving landscape of media and journalism

Protecting press freedoms and public access to information

Navigating open meeting and public records laws

The importance of the First Amendment in a changing media environment

Strategies for citizens to stay informed and engaged

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the state of journalism, government transparency, and the ongoing fight to preserve robust, independent reporting in the digital age. A must-listen for anyone concerned about democratic principles and media integrity.

Follow Deborah:

[email protected]

Want to be on the show?

Email: [email protected]

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.

#PressFreedom #FirstAmendment #JournalismMatters #OpenGovernment #MediaIntegrity #DemocracyWatch #PublicRecords #CitizenRights #MediaLiteracy #TransparentGovernment #NewsEthics #FreeSpeech #TennesseePolitics #MediaFreedom #CivicEngagement

Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.com

Produced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co

Episode Title: “Navigating the Changes of Higher Education”

Show Description:

In this episode of the Blue Lift Podcast, host Peggy Kingsbury sits down with strategic communications expert Adrienne Hines to discuss the evolving landscape of higher education. They explore the complex issues facing colleges and universities, from funding challenges and policy changes to the ongoing debates around diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Highlights:

The impact of decreasing state and federal funding on the rising costs of higher education

The push to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in colleges and universities

The legal battles and political pressures shaping the future of higher education

The role of strategic communications in helping institutions navigate these turbulent times

Insights on how colleges and universities are adapting their messaging and engagement strategies

This episode provides a thought-provoking look at the critical issues affecting the higher education sector and the strategies being employed to address them.

Follow Adrienne:

https://www.policycomms.com/

Want to be on the show?

Email: [email protected]

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.

#HigherEducation #PolicyChanges #DiversityEquityInclusion #StrategicCommunications #FundingChallenges #LegalBattles #PoliticalPressures #CollegeUniversity #MessageingStrategies #EducationAdvocacy

Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.com

Produced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co

In this episode of Blue Lift, host Peggy Kingsbury sits down with accidental "DEMfluencer" Lindsey Patrick-Wright. Lindsey shares her journey as a former librarian and mom to a queer teen, and how she found her voice as an advocate for LGBTQ+ issues and fighting book bans. 

Highlights:

Lindsey's background in advocacy, inspired by her progressive upbringing

Her viral TikTok video and appearance on national media to discuss supporting LGBTQ+ youth

The importance of creating safe spaces for students, even as school boards enact harmful policies

Lindsey's grassroots efforts to amplify marginalized voices in her local community

Tips for getting involved in local politics and making your voice heard

This empowering conversation underscores the power of using one's platform to stand up for what's right, even in the face of adversity. Lindsey's story is an inspiration for anyone looking to make a difference in their community.

Follow Lindsey:

https://www.tiktok.com/@lindseypatright/video/7410548446635068715

https://linktr.ee/lindseypatrickwright?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabRrJH3EvzAYDHOWi7MUlzId2VCFgCPQ9GMgsicV6AFDN2wuFen9A-PrVU_aem_5VXBfbJLaZ4oXzEpmgsxrg

Want to be on the show?

Email: [email protected]

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.

#LGBTQ #Activism #BookBans #Education #CommunityOrganizing #GrassrootsMovement #SocialJustice #PoliticalAdvocacy #TennesseePolitics #FamilySupport

Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.com

Produced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co

Podcast Title: “Vaccines and Preventable Diseases”

Podcast Description:

In this episode of Blue Lift, host Peggy Kingsbury sits down with Dr. Michelle Fiscus, a board-certified pediatrician and public health advocate. They discuss the importance of vaccine-preventable diseases, the history of successful vaccine programs, and the concerning rise of anti-vaccine movements. 

Highlights:

The eradication of smallpox and the ongoing fight to eliminate polio globally

The dramatic decline in diseases like diphtheria and haemophilus influenza due to widespread vaccination

The origins of the modern anti-vaccine movement and the spread of misinformation online

The highly contagious and dangerous nature of measles, and the potential long-term effects

Challenges around maintaining high vaccination rates, including erosion of school entry requirements

Resources for finding credible vaccine information from medical experts and institutions

Dr. Fiscus shares her expertise and passion for public health, underscoring the critical role vaccines play in protecting individuals and communities. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone concerned about the resurgence of preventable diseases.

Follow Dr. Michelle:

BlueSky: @drfixus

FRED Epidemic Simulator: https://fred.publichealth.pitt.edu/proj/measles_new/

Want to be on the show?

Email: [email protected]

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.

#VaccinePreventableDiseases #PublicHealth #MeaslesOutbreak #AntiVaxxMovement #VaccineEducation #HealthyChildren #FamilyWellness #PreventativeMedicine #MedicalExpertise #ScienceCommunication

Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.com

Produced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co

In this episode, host Peggy Kingsbury sits down with Janet Shouse, the program coordinator for the IDD toolkit at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center in Nashville. They dive deep into the center's mission, the challenges faced by families with disabled members, and the valuable resources available through the IDD toolkit and other initiatives.

Highlights:

Overview of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center's four pillars, including the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center and the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.

Janet's personal journey from journalism to the disability community, inspired by her son's diagnosis and her family's experiences.

Discussions on the immense stress and constant challenges faced by families caring for disabled loved ones, and the importance of support systems and planning for the future.

Insights into the IDD toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to help healthcare providers better serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Exploration of the Tennessee Disability Scorecard and the state's performance in areas like family caregiving support, access to care, housing, education, and mental health access.

Emphasis on the vital role of grants, government support, and private organizations in providing resources and services for individuals with disabilities and their families.

#DisabilityAdvocacy #VanderbiltKennedyCenter #IDDToolkit #IntellectualDisabilities #DevelopmentalDisabilities #FamilyCaregiving #HealthcareAccess #TennesseeDiabilityScorecard #MentalHealthSupport #GovernmentGrants #NonprofitResources

Follow Janet:

www.iddtoolkit.org

Want to be on the show?

Email: [email protected]

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

Podcast Episode Title: "The Toxic Legacy of the Tennessee Valley Authority"

Description:

In this episode, we delve into the compelling story behind Jared Sullivan's book "Valley So Low," which chronicles the devastating 2008 coal ash spill at the Kingston plant of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Through an in-depth conversation with the author, we explore the history and purpose of the TVA, the catastrophic environmental and health impacts of the spill, and the legal battle that ensued as workers fought for justice.

Highlights:

The TVA's origins as a New Deal program aimed at revitalizing the economically depressed Tennessee Valley region

The massive scale of the 2008 coal ash spill, which was the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history

The cover-up and misinformation campaign by the TVA to downplay the health risks to workers and the community

The personal stories of the workers and their families, and the long-term consequences they faced

The legal challenges and obstacles faced by the workers in their fight for compensation and accountability

The need for reform and greater oversight of the TVA to protect workers and the environment

This episode provides a compelling and in-depth look at a significant environmental and social justice issue, offering insights into the complex dynamics of corporate power, government oversight, and the ongoing struggle for worker protections.

Follow Jared:

https://www.jr-sullivan.com/

#TennesseeValleyAuthority #CoalAshDisaster #EnvironmentalJustice #WorkerRights #CorporateAccountability #GovernmentOversight #NonFictionStorytelling #SocialImpactReporting

Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.com

Produced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co

Podcast Episode Title: "Navigating the Algorithms: Combating Misinformation and Preserving Democracy"

Show Description:

In this episode of Blue Lift, host Peggy Kingsbury sits down with political analyst and writer Laura Brown to discuss the profound impact of algorithms and media bias on our political discourse. They explore how the rise of social media and targeted advertising have transformed the way information is consumed and shared, often fueling the spread of misinformation and extremism.

Highlights:

Laura shares her personal journey from a Republican upbringing to becoming a progressive voice, and how her academic studies have informed her understanding of the media's influence on society.

The conversation delves into the dangers of "post-truth" politics, where truth is no longer a priority for those in power, and the role of billionaire-owned media in shaping the narrative.

Laura and Peggy discuss the importance of media literacy and the need for individuals to critically analyze the information they consume, rather than simply accepting what they wish to be true.

They explore the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, and the connection between these issues and the rise of white supremacy.

Laura provides practical tips for navigating the polarized political landscape, including the value of grassroots activism, fact-checking, and focusing on specific issues to avoid burnout.

The episode emphasizes the importance of self-care and mental health in the face of constant negative news, and the need for localized progressive media to counter the dominance of right-wing outlets.

Follow Laura:

https://www.elmcommunicationsllc.com/

#PoliticalDiscourse #MediaLiteracy #Misinformation #Algorithms #SocialMedia #DemocracyPreservation #GrassrootsActivism #MentalHealth #ProgressiveMedia

Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.com

Produced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nancy French, an acclaimed ghostwriter and investigative journalist, to discuss her latest book "Ghosted: An American Story" and her groundbreaking investigation into the Kanakuk Christian camp in Missouri. 

Highlights include:

• Nancy's personal journey from lifelong Republican to vocal critic of the party, driven by her values and experiences as a sex abuse survivor
• Her courageous decision to publicly share her story of childhood sexual abuse and the impact it had on her life and political views
• The shocking details of her multi-year investigation into systemic abuse at Kanakuk camp, and the church's failure to hold the institution accountable
• Nancy's candid reflections on the challenges of maintaining her faith and community amid the disturbing revelations
• Her battle with cancer and the unexpected support she received from unlikely sources, including celebrity Morgan Fairchild

This conversation is a powerful testament to the importance of using one's voice, seeking truth, and standing up for justice - even when it comes at a great personal cost. Join us as we explore the complexities of faith, politics, and the human experience through the lens of Nancy French's remarkable story.

Follow Nancy:

https://www.nancyfrench.com/

Want to be on the show?

Email: [email protected]

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. 

Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.com

Produced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co

Title: Confronting Christian Nationalism

Episode 23- Pastor Dr. Kevin Riggs

Peggy sits down with Pastor Dr. Kevin Riggs, the first repeat guest on Blue Lift and the senior pastor of Franklin Community Church in Tennessee.

Pastor Dr. Riggs explains that Christian nationalism is an ideology using religious symbols to gain political support, advocating for a fusion of American civil life with a specific brand of Christianity. He highlights the dangers of this ideology, including its potential to undermine democracy and promote discrimination. He also discusses the rise of Christian nationalism in the U.S., its influence on local politics, and the need for vigilance and action against its spread. He emphasizes the importance of religious freedom and the separation of church and state. We recommend a book by Mike Austin, a philosophy professor at Eastern Kentucky University, titled "American Christian Nationalism," which critiques Christian nationalism's impact on American values and democracy. We also discuss the Williamson County Homeless Alliance's efforts, including providing emergency shelter since January 1st and the need for donations to support these services. 

Highlights:

Update on Tennessee's Execution Protocol (1:30)

Defining Christian Nationalism (4:05)

Historical Context and Critique of Christian Nationalism (7:46)

Dominionism and Its Implications (13:12)

Christian Nationalism and Democracy (41:35)

Personal and Faith-Based Responses to Christian Nationalism (52:26)

Mike Austin's Book on Christian Nationalism (1:11:57)

Book talk at The Franklin Library: January 30th at 6 pm! Support Pastor Kevin!

Today!- The Best Day of My Life by Kevin Riggs and Kevin Burns: 

https://www.parnassusbooks.net/book/9798989906635

American Christian Nationalism by Michael Austin:

https://www.amazon.com/American-Christian-Nationalism-Neither-nor/dp/0802884350

Want to be on the show?

Email: [email protected]

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: Dangers of School Vouchers in Tennessee

Episode 22- Liv Cook

Peggy sits down with Liv Cook, head public education organizer for SOCM (Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment).

We primarily discuss the impact of school vouchers on Tennessee. Cook explains that SOCM, a 52-year-old organization, focuses on public education, housing rights, and community development. She argues that vouchers, despite being marketed as parent choice, are rooted in segregation and benefit wealthy families. Cook cites examples from Arizona and Florida, where vouchers have led to significant financial and educational issues. She emphasizes the need for grassroots action to oppose vouchers, highlighting the potential negative impacts on rural and working-class communities, and calls for community engagement and legislative advocacy.

Highlights:

Overview of SOCM and Its History (1:31)

Misconceptions About School Vouchers (2:54)

Lessons from Other States with Voucher Programs (6:38)

Impact of Vouchers on Rural and Urban Communities (12:10)

Call to Action and Community Engagement (30:31)

More about SOCM:

https://www.socm.org/publiceducation

Want to be on the show?

Email: [email protected]

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