In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne Dewitt sits down with Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown for an open and insightful conversation about the rapid growth reshaping Gallatin and the tough decisions required to preserve what makes this city special. Mayor Brown, now in her third term and recognized as Tennessee’s Mayor of the Year, shares how leadership, community, and courage intersect when a small Southern city becomes one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing destinations.

This heartfelt discussion is more than a policy talk, it’s a reflection on heritage, responsibility, and the challenge of leading a beloved hometown through change. Whether you live in Gallatin, Sumner County, or anywhere facing similar growth, this episode offers perspective on how to build the future without losing your roots.

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Hosted by Deanne Dewitt, Growing Pains is the official podcast of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, featuring candid, in-depth conversations with the leaders, movers, and shakers shaping our local government and community.From business development and public policy to education, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Each episode dives into how decisions made today impact the future of Sumner County. Guests include elected officials, policy experts, business owners, law enforcement leaders, educators, and citizens who are actively working to keep our county strong, accountable, and forward-thinking.Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply passionate about your community, Growing Pains offers insight into how local leadership, conservative principles, and collaborative problem-solving can help Gallatin and Sumner County grow the right way, preserving our legacy while protecting our future.

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Chris Taylor, CEO of Forward Sumner Economic Partnership and former Sumner County Budget Committee Chair, for a deep dive into how smart fiscal leadership and principled growth can shape the future of Sumner County, Tennessee. With over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, a master’s in finance, and a heart for public service, Chris offers a rare combination of pragmatism and purpose.

They discuss the truth about county budgets, the ripple effects of local leadership decisions, and the fine line between smart investment and political optics. Chris breaks down how strategic planning and collaboration between municipalities have brought millions in state investment, from I-65 to Highway 109, and what’s at risk if short-sighted politics take the wheel.

This conversation pulls back the curtain on how Forward Sumner and local business leaders are shaping a sustainable economic future-balancing growth, infrastructure, and workforce development while keeping community values front and center. From managing debt responsibly to building stronger public-private partnerships, it’s a candid look at what it really takes to keep Sumner County moving forward.

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Hosted by Deanne Dewitt, Growing Pains is the official podcast of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, featuring candid, in-depth conversations with the leaders, movers, and shakers shaping our local government and community.From business development and public policy to education, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Each episode dives into how decisions made today impact the future of Sumner County. Guests include elected officials, policy experts, business owners, law enforcement leaders, educators, and citizens who are actively working to keep our county strong, accountable, and forward-thinking.Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply passionate about your community, Growing Pains offers insight into how local leadership, conservative principles, and collaborative problem-solving can help Gallatin and Sumner County grow the right way, preserving our legacy while protecting our future.

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with State Senator Ferrell Haile for an in-depth conversation on leadership, growth, and what it means to make wise, long-term investments for the future of Sumner County and Tennessee.

Senator Haile, a lifelong Tennessean, farmer, pharmacist, and business owner, shares lessons learned from both the private and public sectors, offering a rare perspective on how conservative principles and fiscal discipline can guide sustainable progress.

The discussion unpacks what “smart growth” really means for a thriving community, how investment differs from spending, and why programs like Safe Baby Courts are proof that compassion and conservatism can coexist in policymaking. Senator Haile also reflects on listening across differences, the importance of family and education in stable communities, and how to ensure freedom and prosperity for future generations.

This thoughtful conversation challenges the idea that government can’t run like a business and reminds listeners that real leadership requires both patience and principle.

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Hosted by Deanne Dewitt, Growing Pains is the official podcast of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, featuring candid, in-depth conversations with the leaders, movers, and shakers shaping our local government and community.

From business development and public policy to education, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Each episode dives into how decisions made today impact the future of Sumner County.

Guests include elected officials, policy experts, business owners, law enforcement leaders, educators, and citizens who are actively working to keep our county strong, accountable, and forward-thinking.

Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply passionate about your community, Growing Pains offers insight into how local leadership, conservative principles, and collaborative problem-solving can help Gallatin and Sumner County grow the right way, preserving our legacy while protecting our future.

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Dr. Scott Langford, Superintendent of Sumner County Schools, to talk about the future of education, leadership, and community growth in Middle Tennessee. From becoming a new grandfather to leading one of Tennessee’s most dynamic school systems, Dr. Langford opens up about what it means to “develop better people for a better world.”

They discuss the mission behind Sumner County Schools’ transformation, how faith, character, and collaboration are shaping the next generation of students to lead with integrity and purpose. Dr. Langford shares insights on the new Carolyn Smith Innovation Center, the district’s Sumner Gives Back initiative, and how AI and emerging technology are being harnessed to improve both learning and teaching.

This conversation explores how education goes beyond the classroom—fostering civic virtue, community connection, and lifelong character in a rapidly changing world.

If you’re passionate about leadership, education, or the future of Tennessee communities, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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Hosted by Deanne DeWitt, Growing Pains is the official podcast of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, featuring candid, in-depth conversations with the leaders, movers, and shakers shaping our local government and community.From business development and public policy to education, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Each episode dives into how decisions made today impact the future of Sumner County. Guests include elected officials, policy experts, business owners, law enforcement leaders, educators, and citizens who are actively working to keep our county strong, accountable, and forward-thinking.Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply passionate about your community, Growing Pains offers insight into how local leadership, conservative principles, and collaborative problem-solving can help Gallatin and Sumner County grow the right way, preserving our legacy while protecting our future.

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Lieutenant General (Ret.) Dennis Cavin, founder of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, to discuss the values, leadership, and long-term vision that are shaping the future of Sumner County, Tennessee.From lessons learned on the world’s biggest stages to the local challenges of responsible growth, education, and civic engagement, General Cavin shares why he believes “if not now, when; if not me, who”—and how that mindset led to the creation of a movement focused on preserving our legacy and protecting our future.Hosted by Deanne DeWitt, Growing Pains is the official podcast of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus. The series features candid, in-depth conversations with the leaders shaping our local government and community from business development and public policy to education, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Each episode dives into how decisions made today impact the future of Sumner County. Guests include elected officials, policy experts, business owners, law enforcement leaders, educators, and citizens who are actively working to keep our county strong, accountable, and forward-thinking.Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply passionate about your community, Growing Pains offers insight into how local leadership, conservative principles, and collaborative problem-solving can help Sumner County grow the right way, preserving our legacy while protecting our future.

Growing Pains is a podcast exploring the challenges and opportunities of a thriving Sumner County, Tennessee. Hosted by Deanne DeWitt and produced by the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, the show dives into the complex intersections of leadership, community growth, and responsible decision-making. Each episode highlights the voices of those shaping the county’s future; local leaders, educators, policymakers, and citizens, who share real stories of progress, setbacks, and lessons learned along the way.

From strengthening schools and building civic virtue to confronting the true costs of poor leadership, Growing Pains examines how faith, vision, and accountability can guide a community through change.

Launching October 23rd, new episodes drop every Thursday.