From the Volunteer State

Tennessee is changing, but how do we make sure we preserve the things that make it special?

In this episode of From the Volunteer State, Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley sit down with Brian Clifford, Deputy Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Bureau of Conservation, and Ryan King, Deputy Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

They discuss agriculture, conservation, outdoor recreation, rural communities, responsible development, and the importance of stewardship as Tennessee looks toward the future.

From farms and forests to parks, waterways, and growing communities, this conversation explores how Tennessee can create opportunity while protecting the character, resources, and way of life that make the Volunteer State unique.

Originally released on August 21, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.

United States Senator Bill Hagerty joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley for a wide-ranging conversation about Tennessee, Washington, economic growth, American leadership and foreign policy. Before his election to the U.S. Senate, Hagerty built a career in business and investment, served as Tennessee Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, and represented the United States as Ambassador to Japan.

This episode is part of the archive that preceded From the Volunteer State.

Originally released on June 16, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.

Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley for a conversation about crime, public safety, Memphis, state government and his approach to public service. Since this episode was recorded, Taylor has become the Republican nominee for Tennessee’s redrawn 9th Congressional District, which Cook Political Report currently rates Solid Republican with an R+9 partisan voting index.

This episode is part of the archive that preceded From the Volunteer State.

Originally released on June 9, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.

Middle Tennessee Electric President and CEO Chris Jones joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley for a conversation about electricity demand, infrastructure, broadband, economic development and the challenges that come with Middle Tennessee’s rapid growth. Jones is a longtime MTE leader and just the fifth CEO in the cooperative’s history; his tenure has also included MTE’s acquisition of United Communications and expansion of rural broadband service.

This episode is part of the archive that preceded From the Volunteer State.

Originally released on May 29, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.

Ross Bradley sits down with SRM Concrete CEO Jeff Hollingshead for a conversation about family business, leadership, faith, growth and entrepreneurship. Hollingshead grew up in the company and now leads SRM’s nationwide operations as the business has expanded far beyond its Middle Tennessee roots.

This episode is part of the archive that preceded From the Volunteer State.

Originally released on May 21, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.

Ross Bradley sits down with entrepreneur and investor Cam Doody for a conversation about startups, technology, venture capital and what it takes to build companies outside the traditional coastal tech hubs. Doody co-founded Bellhop and later co-founded Brickyard, a Chattanooga-based venture firm and founder community focused on early-stage companies.

This episode is part of the archive that preceded From the Volunteer State.

Originally released on May 15, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.

Then-candidate for Rutherford County Mayor Randy Allen joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley to discuss growth, infrastructure, economic development, county finances and his vision for Rutherford County. Allen brought experience from both the nonprofit and private sectors, including service as chief operating officer for Habitat for Humanity. He was later elected Rutherford County Mayor in August 2026.

Originally released on May 15, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.

Kenneth Barrett joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley to discuss his nearly three decades with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and his campaign to lead the department. Barrett began his career in the Adult Detention Center and went on to serve in patrol, narcotics, crime suppression and command-level roles. He was later elected Rutherford County Sheriff in August 2026.

This episode is part of the archive that preceded From the Volunteer State.

Originally released on May 1, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.

Comedian, radio personality and impressionist Shawn Farash joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley for a conversation about media, comedy, politics and the unlikely path that turned his Donald Trump impression into a viral phenomenon. A Long Island native with a background in radio, Farash built a large following through political comedy and social media before relocating to Tennessee. Tennessee Star

This episode is part of the archive that preceded From the Volunteer State.

Originally released on April 10, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.

Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley for a conversation about local government, education, workforce development and economic growth. Before becoming county mayor, Wamp worked in Chattanooga’s startup and venture-capital community and later served on the Tennessee Board of Regents. His tenure as mayor has included a significant focus on career and technical education and workforce pathways.

This episode is part of the archive that preceded From the Volunteer State.