Grand Divisions: A Politics Podcast

By USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee

What's Grand Divisions: A Politics Podcast about?

Tennessean politics reporter Joel Ebert and state politics reporter Natalie Allison host this Tennessee politics and policy podcast. Hear from candidates, constituents and other reporters as they dive in and analyze issues voters need to know.

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Grand Divisions: A Politics Podcast episodes:

06.18.2020
Black lawmakers plead for Forrest bust removal; Senate passes budget ahead of House
Sorry for the delay on this week's episode. With furloughs this week and next, the next episode may be out later than usual.This week on the podcast, we talk about how national questions and conversations about racism have undoubtedly erupted...
06.09.2020
Tennessee eyes RNC and the governor releases a new budget proposal
Last week, state Republican lawmakers and party officials quickly seized on reports of Nashville being under consideration to host the upcoming Republican National Convention.Also last week, Gov. Bill Lee's administration presented lawmakers with their latest budget recommendation, which seeks to...
06.02.2020
Protests erupt throughout Tennessee ahead of lawmakers' official return
Joel and Natalie discuss the unrest that has ensnared America this week after police killed George Floyd in Minneapolis. Violence erupted in Nashville Saturday after a peaceful rally, leading to businesses being damaged and a small fire being set at...
05.26.2020
Lawmakers return and examining a congressman's stock trades
On this episode, you'll hear from Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, and Rep. Ron Gant, Rossville.In separate interviews, both lawmakers give a preview of the work the legislature will face in the days ahead as Tennessee lawmakers come back in Nashville this...
03.31.2020
Coronavirus in Tennessee: An update in uncertain times
Joel and Natalie provide an update to the ever-changing coronavirus pandemic that is sweeping through the country.Due to social distancing protocol at the Tennessean's office, as well as furloughs announced by Gannett, new episodes of the podcast will be sporadic....
03.10.2020
Recovery continues after deadly tornadoes and coronavirus comes to Tennessee
On this episode, Anita Wadhwani discusses being out in Putnam County in the days after Middle Tennessee was decimated by tornadoes, and healthcare reporter Brett Kelman provides an update on coronavirus in Tennessee.
03.03.2020
How race played a role in Tennessee's women's suffrage moment
This week, Tennessean reporter Jessica Bliss joins the podcast to help interview two guests on the racial dynamics going on in the Tennessee suffrage movement.Carole Bucy, Davidson County historian with the Metro Nashville Historical Commission, and Tracy Sharpley-Whiting, a distinguished...
02.25.2020
Talking with candidates and surrogates while looking ahead to Super Tuesday
It's time to preview Super Tuesday!On this episode, you'll hear from former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, businessman Tom Steyer, and actress Ashley Judd, who is supporting U.S. Sen Elizabeth Warren.You'll also hear from volunteers and staffers with the campaigns...
02.18.2020
A fiery committee meeting over ESAs and a rash of lawsuits over new laws
This week, we sit down with The Tennessean's education reporter Jason Gonzales as he provides context about the House hearing where members of a committee scrutinized a contract related to Gov. Bill Lee's controversial education savings account program.Later we talk with...
02.11.2020
Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn on teacher raises, taxing of ESAs
On this episode, we talk to Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn.Schwinn spoke at length about the department's plans for the Achievement School District, which has not seen the improvement the state had intended for struggling schools that were...
02.04.2020
Analyzing Gov. Bill Lee's second State of the State and proposed $40 billion budget
Gov. Bill Lee delivered his second State of the State address Monday, calling for a record-setting investment for teacher pay raises, setting aside money for the state's reserves and creating a new $250 million trust fund for K-12 mental health.On this...
01.28.2020
Another Go at Voter Rights Restoration with Tori Venable
In recent years, some liberals and conservatives have found some common ground while working on criminal justice reform in Tennessee. This week on the podcast, Tori Venable, the state director of Americans for Prosperity-Tennessee, breaks down the ongoing efforts for criminal justice...
01.21.2020
Sen. Jeff Yarbro outlines Democrats' priorities and offers new critiques of Gov. Bill Lee
This week, Sen. Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville, talks about his party's priorities for the year. Yarbro also lays blame for inaction by the governor on a multitude of issues facing the state, ranging from problems with the state's corrections system and...
01.14.2020
Discussing refugee resettlement, vouchers, House rules with Speaker Cameron Sexton
On this episode, you'll hear from House Speaker Cameron Sexton, who will be presiding over his first full session. Sexton fields a host of questions on topics including refugee resettlement, school vouchers and health care. Sexton also explains his recent decision to...
01.07.2020
The top Tennessee politics stories of 2019 and at how they might continue this year
With the Tennessee General Assembly set to convene next week, this week's episode examines the biggest political stories of 2019 and how they might continue to play out this year. As we did when former Gov. Bill Haslam recently appeared on...
12.31.2019
Year in Review Part II: A conversation with Erik Schelzig and Stephen Elliott
On this episode, we talk with Erik Schelzig of the Tennessee Journal and Stephen Elliott of the Nashville Scene/Post while discussing the inner workings of the Lee administration. We reflect on the highlights and lowlights of the year while analyzing the...
12.31.2019
Year in Review Part I: A conversation with Tennessean reporters
We take a look back at the most important stories of the years by talking to the reporters that covered them.You'll hear from education reporter Jason Gonzales, religion reporter Holly Meyer, health care reporter Brett Kelman, justice reporter Adam Tamburin...
12.24.2019
Former Gov. Bill Haslam puts on his reporter hat
A longtime Grand Divisions listener and fan of fireside-type chats, former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam offered to guest host an episode while turning the tables on us. Instead of fielding questions, Haslam asks Natalie and I about our personal history and the current...
12.17.2019
Rep. Ron Gant looks to replace Cordell Hull with Winfield Dunn
On this episode, Rep. Ron Gant explains his motivation for renaming the state lawmakers' office building after former Gov. Winfield Dunn. He also discusses other legislation he anticipates seeing during the upcoming legislative session and reflects on the passage of...
12.10.2019
An exit interview with Gov. Bill Lee's communications director
On this week's episode, Gov. Bill Lee's communications director and senior adviser Chris Walker — who has worked with Lee since he launched his gubernatorial campaign in 2017 — shares insights on the governor's first year in office.
12.03.2019
Resolutions and parliamentary procedures - A chat with Russell Humphrey, the Senate's chief clerk
For the last 20 years, Tennessee's state Senate has seen many changes, including new members replacing old ones and a major shift in political power. But while much has changed, one aspect that hasn't is the chamber's chief clerk. A once aspiring attorney and the...
11.26.2019
Discussing DMV woes, impeachment and primary challenges with Congressman Jim Cooper
This week on the podcast, we sit down with the Nashville Democrat to discuss the origins of the federal REAL ID legislation and what state officials are doing to address the increased demand at driver's license facilities. Also on this episode, we...
11.19.2019
Breaking down Metro Nashville's budget woes with Deputy Comptroller Jason Mumpower
On this week's episode, we talk about the state of Metro's finances with deputy comptroller Jason Mumpower and The Tennessean's Metro reporter Yihyun Jeong. They discuss the ins-and-out of this ongoing issue that must be addressed before the early part of 2020...
11.12.2019
Tennessean reporters break down latest on TANF fund, health care, campaign finances
On this week's episode, we analyze news that state Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, is the subject of a federal investigation dating back to his failed 2016 congressional bid. We also sit down with Tennessean investigative reporters Anita Wadhwani and Mike Reicher about...
11.05.2019
Former House Speaker Beth Harwell shares views on health care, Glen Casada and Gov. Bill Lee
This week on Grand Divisions, we sit down with Harwell to discuss a variety of topics, ranging from her thoughts about her successor's downfall - former House Speaker Glen Casada - and Tennessee's continued struggles with healthcare after the 2015...
10.29.2019
Operation Rocky Top Part II - Indictments, an undercover agent and suicides
In Part II of our look at Operation Rocky Top, we explore the depths of the investigation and who was implicated by it, including two officials who ultimately took a different path than face further scrutiny.We also look at changes that...
10.22.2019
Operation Rocky Top Part I - A historic look at one of Tennessee's biggest corruption scandals
During the 1980s, an illegal charitable bingo scheme took hold in Tennessee that implicated powerful politicians, lobbyists and others. Over a multi-year period, a lawmaker wore a wire and an undercover agent infiltrated the Capitol, while newspaper reporters exposed the...
10.15.2019
A discussion with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and digging into medical debt
During a 10-minute interview, Pompeo fielded questions ranging from the Trump administration's recent decision to pull American troops out of northern Syria and his message to Nashville's Kurdish community to his office's cooperation with the ongoing impeachment inquiry and religious...
10.08.2019
A sit-down with finance Commissioner Stuart McWhorter on healthcare
On this week's episode, hear more from Finance and Administration Commissioner Stuart McWhorter about the task force, as well as a conversation between the hosts on last week's Medicaid block grant public hearings.As reported by USA TODAY Network in each...
10.01.2019
A walk down memory lane with former House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh
On this episode, we chat with former House speaker Jimmy Naifeh, Matt Kisber, who served in the legislature for 20 years before joining former Gov. Phil Bredesen's administration, and Billy Stair, who served as senior policy adviser to former Gov. Ned Ray...
09.24.2019
A deep-dive with Deb Fisher on deliberative process
Earlier this month, Gov. Bill Lee's administration denied access to documents recommendations made by 22 state agencies on how to improve service in Tennessee's rural areas.The administration denied The Tennessean's request, citing "deliberative process." This week, we take a look back...
09.17.2019
Tennessee's uninsured rate increases and Gov. Bill Lee releases his block grant proposal
On this week's episode, we sit down with Brett Kelman, The Tennessean's health care reporter, for a discussion about health care in the Volunteer State. We also break down former Ambassador to Japan Bill Hagerty's entrance into the Republican primary for...
09.03.2019
Discussing 'free-range legislators' and medical marijuana with Rep. Jeremy Faison
On this episode, we sit down with Rep. Jeremy Faison to discuss how he ended up running for caucus chairman and whether there can truly be unity within the GOP caucus while encouraging members to be themselves. Faison also shares his thoughts on...
08.27.2019
Recapping Tennessee's 60th extraordinary sessions
On this week's episode we analyze the special session and the decision by the 73-member GOP caucus to close its latest meetings.House Speaker Cameron Sexton was formally elected and sworn in as the chamber's top post, Rep. David Byrd survived an expulsion...
08.20.2019
Murder, an impeachment and wars. A look back at Tennessee's long history of special sessions
The Tennessee legislature will convene this week for its 60th extraordinary session. On this episode, we sit down with legislative librarian Eddie Weeks to look back at Tennessee's rich history of special legislative sessions.Weeks gives an overview of the more intriguing and...
08.13.2019
Sexual assault survivor on driving six hours each week to protest David Byrd
Week after week this legislative session, Kristina Richardson made the six-hour round trip trek from her home in Hardin County to the Tennessee state Capitol. She joined a small handful of other women that has launched a grassroots effort over the...
08.06.2019
Glen Casada steps down as House speaker and discussing Tennessee's refugee and immigrant community
Glen Casada is no longer speaker of the House of Representatives. He formally resigned last week, marking the end of a tumultuous seven-month period. On this episode, we discuss what's next for the House as it looks to move forward from...
07.30.2019
Talking vouchers, David Byrd and Medicaid expansion with Cameron Sexton, the next House Speaker
On this episode, we talk with Sexton, who has served in the legislature since 2011, about a wide range of issues, including potential staff and committee changes and the future of school vouchers once he becomes speaker. Later, we sit down with Williamson...
07.24.2019
House Republicans pick Rep. Cameron Sexton to be next speaker
House Republicans selected Rep. Cameron Sexton to be their nominee for speaker during a Wednesday morning caucus meeting. On this episode, we break down the caucus vote and what it means for the House going forward. You'll also hear directly from Sexton on...
07.16.2019
Tennessee's US Senate race heats up and a look at Nashville's mayoral election
On this episode, we break down all the latest developments with the U.S. Senate race in Tennessee, including President Donald Trump's early endorsement of Hagerty and Haslam's decision to not run.In addition, we examine the reactions to Gov. Bill Lee's...
07.09.2019
A look at a landmark Supreme Court case with Tennessee ties and gerrymandering
On this episode, we revisit Baker v. Carr, the landmark 1962 case that led to a "reapportionment revolution" while ensuring minorities had equal representation in state legislatures across the country. Later, we chat with Shanna Hughey, president of ThinkTennessee, a Nashville-based...
07.02.2019
The governor calls a special session and a budget discussion with Sen. Bo Watson
After weeks of speculation and consideration, Gov. Bill Lee issued a call last week for the legislature to hold a special session in August. We break down the latest developments regarding the upcoming special session.Also this week, to coincide with...
06.18.2019
Gov. Bill Lee to call the legislature back for a special session
After more than a month of indecision, Gov. Bill Lee has announced he would call the legislature back for a special session to have the House select a new leader to replace embattled Speaker Glen Casada.
06.11.2019
Tennessee Republicans to hold annual fundraiser amid 2020 US Senate race speculation, Casada scandal
Tennessee Republicans are set to gather in Nashville this weekend for the party's largest annual fundraiser. Although this year's Statesmen's Dinner comes in a non-election year, there will be plenty of political intrigue given the scandal plaguing House Speaker Glen Casada and the...
06.04.2019
Embattled speaker returns from vacation as Manny Sethi announces U.S. Senate bid
On this episode, we discuss the latest developments of the ongoing ordeal surrounding the House speaker, Glen Casada. Beyond Casada, Tennessee's U.S. Senate race for the seat long-held by Lamar Alexander began a new chapter this week, after Nashville orthopedic trauma...
05.21.2019
House Speaker Glen Casada says he is stepping down
A lot has happened since House Republican members entered the basement of a modern hotel Monday afternoon to determine that they no longer had confidence in Speaker Glen Casada's leadership.
05.14.2019
House Speaker Glen Casada faces a growing chorus of calls for his resignation
For the second week in a row, House Speaker Glen Casada continued to face the fallout of a scandal involving his former chief of staff.On this episode, we break down the latest developments, including a recent call for the FBI...
05.07.2019
Turmoil in the speaker's office amid an unexpected departure and scandal
The first week after the 111th Tennessee General Assembly adjourned for the year began with a stunning development: the resignation of House Speaker Glen Casada's chief of staff, Cade Cothren, a departure that came amid a drug and sex scandal.This...
04.30.2019
Differences over vouchers bill and budget loom as end of session nears
Two dramatically different versions of Gov. Bill Lee's controversial school vouchers legislation were approved in the House and Senate last week, as lawmakers continue to work to wrap up the state budget and the legislative session. On this episode, we chat about the ongoing...
04.23.2019
Protests, threats of arrest and the media
Politics, protests and the press go hand in hand.And this year, the Tennessee legislature has seen plenty of critics voice opposition to a myriad of issues — all of which have received some form of coverage. But last week, in the midst of...

What's Grand Divisions: A Politics Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Grand Divisions: A Politics Podcast episodes:

Black lawmakers plead for Forrest bust removal; Senate passes budget ahead of House

Tennessee eyes RNC and the governor releases a new budget proposal

Protests erupt throughout Tennessee ahead of lawmakers' official return

Lawmakers return and examining a congressman's stock trades

Coronavirus in Tennessee: An update in uncertain times

Recovery continues after deadly tornadoes and coronavirus comes to Tennessee

How race played a role in Tennessee's women's suffrage moment

Talking with candidates and surrogates while looking ahead to Super Tuesday

A fiery committee meeting over ESAs and a rash of lawsuits over new laws

Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn on teacher raises, taxing of ESAs

Analyzing Gov. Bill Lee's second State of the State and proposed $40 billion budget

Another Go at Voter Rights Restoration with Tori Venable

Sen. Jeff Yarbro outlines Democrats' priorities and offers new critiques of Gov. Bill Lee

Discussing refugee resettlement, vouchers, House rules with Speaker Cameron Sexton

The top Tennessee politics stories of 2019 and at how they might continue this year

Year in Review Part II: A conversation with Erik Schelzig and Stephen Elliott

Year in Review Part I: A conversation with Tennessean reporters

Former Gov. Bill Haslam puts on his reporter hat

Rep. Ron Gant looks to replace Cordell Hull with Winfield Dunn

An exit interview with Gov. Bill Lee's communications director

Resolutions and parliamentary procedures - A chat with Russell Humphrey, the Senate's chief clerk

Discussing DMV woes, impeachment and primary challenges with Congressman Jim Cooper

Breaking down Metro Nashville's budget woes with Deputy Comptroller Jason Mumpower

Tennessean reporters break down latest on TANF fund, health care, campaign finances

Former House Speaker Beth Harwell shares views on health care, Glen Casada and Gov. Bill Lee

Operation Rocky Top Part II - Indictments, an undercover agent and suicides

Operation Rocky Top Part I - A historic look at one of Tennessee's biggest corruption scandals

A discussion with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and digging into medical debt

A sit-down with finance Commissioner Stuart McWhorter on healthcare

A walk down memory lane with former House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh

A deep-dive with Deb Fisher on deliberative process

Tennessee's uninsured rate increases and Gov. Bill Lee releases his block grant proposal

Discussing 'free-range legislators' and medical marijuana with Rep. Jeremy Faison

Recapping Tennessee's 60th extraordinary sessions

Murder, an impeachment and wars. A look back at Tennessee's long history of special sessions

Sexual assault survivor on driving six hours each week to protest David Byrd

Glen Casada steps down as House speaker and discussing Tennessee's refugee and immigrant community

Talking vouchers, David Byrd and Medicaid expansion with Cameron Sexton, the next House Speaker

House Republicans pick Rep. Cameron Sexton to be next speaker

Tennessee's US Senate race heats up and a look at Nashville's mayoral election

A look at a landmark Supreme Court case with Tennessee ties and gerrymandering

The governor calls a special session and a budget discussion with Sen. Bo Watson

Gov. Bill Lee to call the legislature back for a special session

Tennessee Republicans to hold annual fundraiser amid 2020 US Senate race speculation, Casada scandal

Embattled speaker returns from vacation as Manny Sethi announces U.S. Senate bid

House Speaker Glen Casada says he is stepping down

House Speaker Glen Casada faces a growing chorus of calls for his resignation

Turmoil in the speaker's office amid an unexpected departure and scandal

Differences over vouchers bill and budget loom as end of session nears

Protests, threats of arrest and the media