How does our state’s judicial system actually work? 

In this episode, Justice Holly Kirby joins me to discuss the differences between state and federal court systems and why our state’s unique approach to selecting judges might be the "sweet spot." 

Justice Kirby also reflects on serving Tennessee's highest court: the difficult cases, the moments that stay with her, and what it means to serve with humility, purpose, and fairness.

Key Takeaways:

About Justice Holly Kirby:

Justice Holly M. Kirby earned both her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and J.D. from the University of Memphis. She became the first female partner at the law firm Burch, Porter & Johnson, and in 1995 made history as the first woman to serve on the Tennessee Court of Appeals. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2014, she served as Chief Justice from 2023-2025, becoming the fourth woman in state history to hold that role.

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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]!

You probably remember Glenn Jacobs as Kane, one of the most intimidating figures in WWE history. But now he’s known for something entirely different: running Knox County with the same grit, discipline, and unapologetic honesty that once filled arenas.

In this episode, we talk about how a farm kid from Missouri ended up shaping one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing counties. Glenn opens up about the lessons his parents taught him about work and integrity, what it’s really like managing growth in East Tennessee, and how a career in pro wrestling gave him insights into voters that most politicians miss.

Key Takeaways:

About Mayor Glenn Jacobs:

After a Hall of Fame career as a professional athlete and a few decades as a small business owner, Glenn Jacobs felt called to run for Mayor of Knox County and was overwhelmingly elected in 2018. Under his leadership, Knox County has added over 2,500 jobs and seen $217 million in capital investment. He remains committed to creating opportunities for everyone to thrive by prioritizing jobs, education, and recreation.

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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]!

Whether you're a UTC alum, a parent considering college options, or simply interested in where Tennessee higher education is headed, this conversation offers an honest look at the challenges and opportunities facing public universities today.

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]!

If you’re serious about winning elections in Tennessee and beyond, you can’t afford to treat digital strategy as an afterthought.

In this episode, Eric Wilson of Campaign Trend joins me to unpack the tech and tactics giving conservatives an edge at every level.

From making the most of the “off season” to mastering digital battlegrounds, we talk about how technology should amplify (not replace!) the blocking and tackling of real campaigning.

Key Takeaways:

About Eric Wilson

Eric Wilson is a political technologist driving innovation and digital transformation. He’s a veteran of numerous campaigns, having led Marco Rubio’s digital team during his 2016 presidential campaign. Eric is Executive Director of the Center for Campaign Innovation, Editor of campaigntrend.com, and host of the Campaign Trend podcast.

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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]!

Senator Marsha Blackburn has officially launched her campaign for governor of Tennessee. In this episode, we talk about what it will take to cement Tennessee’s conservative future for generations to come.

Follow her campaign at MarshaBlackburn.com and on social media @VoteMarsha.

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Very few people have shaped modern conservatism like Newt Gingrich, and even fewer are still shaping it today. In our conversation, we explore the ideas behind his latest book, Trump’s Triumph, and how they connect to the larger conservative movement. 

From the legacy of the Contract With America to the future of entrepreneurial government, we discuss what it takes to govern in today’s political climate, and why Gingrich believes leadership, innovation, and cultural engagement will define the next generation of conservative policy.

Key Takeaways:

About the Guest:

Newt Gingrich served as the 50th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 1999. His tenure fundamentally shaped Congress’s approach to balancing the budget, welfare reform, and strengthening national defense. In 2012, he was a Republican candidate for President of the United States. He’s written 44 books - including his latest, Trump’s Triumph, and he is a frequent commentator on national policy and global affairs as a Fox News contributor, as well as the podcast host of Newt’s World.

If you’re interested in purchasing a copy of Trump’s Triumph or listening to Newt’s World, visit gingrich360.com

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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]!

U.S. Congressman Chuck Fleischmann joins me to unpack how State and Federal governments don’t just work at different levels… they play by different rules. 

We discuss how the federal budget process actually works, what it means for Tennesseans at the state and local levels, and clear up some of the most common misconceptions about how government really operates.

Key Takeaways:

About the Guest:

Congressman Fleishmann was elected in 2010 and is currently serving his eighth termin the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes Anderson, Bradley, Campbell, Hamilton, McMinn, Monroe, Morgan, Polk, Roane, and Scott counties.

He serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, as well as three subcommittees (Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; Defense).

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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]!

The 4th of July is more than fireworks and hotdogs. It’s an annual reminder of what it means to live in a free country, and the responsibility that comes with it.

In this episode, I’m sharing personal reflections on freedom, service, and sacrifice, including how my father’s military experience shaped my values, civic involvement, and sense of duty. 

Key Takeaways:

Whether you're attending a parade or just spending time with family, this episode invites you to think about what it truly means to participate in a free society. 

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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]!

You’ve read the headlines, and maybe even the full article, but what about the parts that don’t make it into print? 

The media plays an important role in holding the government accountable, so in this episode I’m sitting down with political reporter Sarah Dolgin of the Chattanooga Times Free Press. We discuss how stories are shaped, what it’s like to be on the other side of the interview, and the ethical boundaries reporters must maintain even when they know their sources well.

We also conduct a “mock” interview where Sarah asks me about Senate Bill 836, offering a real-time example of what happens behind the scenes before an article ever goes to print.

Key Takeaways:

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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]!

Tennessee's governmental structure gives the legislature remarkable authority, including the ability to override a governor's veto with just a simple majority vote.

In this episode, I’m breaking down how legislative sessions are structured (and why), explaining the unique balance of power in Tennessee's General Assembly, and highlighting the key issues we're tackling in the current legislative session.

Key Takeaways:

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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]!