What does it take for a college freshman to start a conservative organization on a campus where liberal voices dominate?

Sophie Fuller is the chapter president of Turning Point USA at UT Chattanooga. She started the chapter as a freshman, knowing she’d be in the minority and might face backlash, but believing conservative students deserve to be heard just as much as anyone else.

In this episode, Sophie and I discuss what inspired her to take that risk, how she's built a student movement from scratch, and why she believes young people standing up for their beliefs is critical to changing the future. 

We also talk about free speech on college campuses, the growth of Turning Point USA after Charlie Kirk's assassination, and whether universities are doing enough to protect all voices.

About the Guest:

Sophie Fuller is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, studying criminal justice. She is the chapter president of Turning Point USA at UTC, which she founded as a freshman in March 2025.

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Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing [email protected]!