Paula F. Casey is a journalist and podcaster. She chronicles the history and the importance of Tennessee in ensuring that women could place their stamp on civic engagement and democracy. We also ask how we can get more accountability in an era where traditional newspapers have been rendered powerless. Learn more about Ms. Casey at the following: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-casey-736110b/. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP3NoP1YjkuK9_aHhTUrAYA. Websites: www.theperfect36.com and https://tnwomansuffrageheritagetrail.com

https://womenalsoknowhistory.com/individual-scholar-page/?pdb=2539

Beverly Myers Tarver, a lifetime student of politics, joins us to talk about the major elections happening in 2026. We touch on why so many people have declared an intent to run for Georgia Governor. Senator Ossof's chances to win reelection, and whether the recent victories of Democratic candidates for the Georgia Pubilc Service Commission are an indicator of a major shift.

Clarence H. Carter, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services, enlightens us on how the social safety net works for some and not for all. Too often, the system is a "hammock" that traps people in poverty, rather than a "trampoline" that helps people achieve self-sufficiency. The discussion explored current system inefficiencies and the need for restructuring, why there are so many programs, and how those programs aren't cohesive. "Our Safety Net Has Holes In It" is available on Amazon.

Sam Toles, Founder of CiviSocial, reminds us of how social media has changed the game. We talk about how we now consume news, how social media can help organizations recruit employees, cybersecurity concerns, deep fakes, and how vulnerable adults are being scammed. We also tackle the most important of issues, which is building broad based community engagement. Sam's newest book is "The Social Media Playbook for Elected Officials." Learn more about Sam at https://civisocial.com/

Courtney Teasley, a Tennessee lawyer, shares her journey into law and her work fighting against injustices in the criminal justice system. She addresses overcharging and inadequate representation by public defenders, systemic issues that disproportionately affect marginalized minorities, particularly African Americans, in the criminal justice system. Ms. Teasley stressed the need for proactive advocacy, community involvement in judicial elections, and the importance of understanding legal rights to achieve sustainable social change.She also addressed the evasive issue of how voters can identify bad judges and unseat them. Learn more about Ms. Teasley at cteasley.com. She is the author of The Easy Way to Learn Your Rights.

In this episode of the Local Matters podcast, we sit down with Dr. Malinda Cobb, the newly appointed superintendent of the Richmond County School System in Augusta, Georgia. From her roots in Saluda, SC to leading 48 schools and 29,000 students, Dr. Cobb shares how her journey as a classroom teacher shapes the way she leads today.

The voters have spoken, and the races weren't close. Dr. Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard will join the Georgia Public Service Commission and Lonnie Wimberly will represent District 4 on the Augusta Commission. The pendulum swung toward the Democratic Party not just in Georgia, but in several other states; we explore why.

Listen to Lonnie Wimberly and Tanya Barnhill-Turnley tell us why they have earned the vote of District 4's registered voters. They share their accomplishments and their aspirations. We also get their take on whether the Augusta Commission is irreparably divided.

Peter Hubbard has studied environmental issues and testified before the Georgia Public Service Commission. Learn who he is, why he wants to serve in this capacity, and what he would do if elected.

Who is Running for Georgia Public Service Commission District 2 ? With Alicia Johnson & Tim Echols by Local Matters by Janice Allen Jackson