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Every kid learns differently, so why do we so often expect them all to succeed in the same kind of classroom? Lizzette Reynolds is the Commissioner of Education for the state of Tennessee, with over 30 years in education policy, from the Bush administration to the Texas school system to leading Tennessee's schools today. In this episode, we get into what it actually takes to give every student a real chance, from the schools they attend to the way they're taught to read. We talk about why the best education is the one that fits the individual child, what school choice really means, why reading is the foundation everything else is built on, and why meaningful change in education can take a generation to show up. Key Takeaways: What "school choice" actually gives Tennessee families, and how to think about which option fits your child The truth about charter schools, including what they are, what they aren't, and the biggest misconceptions people have about them Why the middle school years are where reading quietly makes or breaks a student's future Why Tennessee has held a consistent education strategy across three governors, from Bredesen to Haslam to Lee – 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 it feels like Chattanooga is changing overnight, you're not imagining it. New apartments downtown, companies you've never heard of hiring hundreds of people, traffic on roads that used to be quiet. So what's actually driving all of this growth, and where are we headed? Charles Wood is the president and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, the organization that works to bring new companies and jobs to the region, and to do it in a way the community can actually sustain.  In this episode, we get into how our local economy really works, why some companies transform a community while others don't, and why growth almost always arrives sooner than a city is ready for it. Key Takeaways: Why landing one big employer can ripple through the entire local economy What happens when we literally run out of room for new businesses How Chattanooga competes against (and sometimes works with) the surrounding areas to bring companies and jobs here Why a strong local economy depends on what's happening in K-12 classrooms – 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]!

Most people think of the YMCA as a place to work out, but the Y is the largest provider of child care in the United States, and that's only the beginning of what it does. Baron Herdelin-Doherty is the president and CEO of the Metropolitan YMCA in Chattanooga. In this episode, we talk about how the Y has spent 175 years meeting the needs of our community, from feeding programs and food deserts to childcare for working families. We also dig into the Y's new partnership with Hamilton County Schools, which is consolidating three schools into a single new campus connected to the North River YMCA in Hixson, and what it could mean for the future of education. Key Takeaways: Why the YMCA (not a government agency) is the largest provider of child care in the country What it really costs working families to get by in Tennessee, and how the Y helps close the gap How an organization built in 1844 keeps reinventing itself around community needs – 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 best way to know where I stand is to ask me directly. In this episode, I tackle everything from education and healthcare to data centers and flock cameras, and even my own record in District 11. 00:00 - Introduction 01:43 - Who should I study if I want to run for office or work on a campaign? (Joshua, Ooltewah) 04:32 - Will you support a moratorium on flock cameras? (Glenda, Birchwood) 06:42 - What are the biggest challenges facing K-12 students in Tennessee? (Gabe, North Chattanooga) 09:46 - Should education savings accounts be a permanent part of Tennessee's K-12 system? (Gabe, North Chattanooga) 12:06 - What are your thoughts on creating a school supply stipend for teachers? (Mary, Clarksville) 15:19 - What vote or action best demonstrates you were willing to oppose leadership or special interests? (Rebecca, Hamilton County) 18:58 - What are your thoughts on data centers and their effect on Tennessee's water sources? (Brynn, Knoxville) 23:03 - Where did you go to high school? (Toria, Chattanooga) 24:57 - Would you support a Health Freedom Act protecting the doctor-patient relationship? (Debbie, Lakesite) 27:36 - Why did you sponsor SB0937 on preferred names and pronouns? (Lex, Chattanooga) 29:13 - What have you done to realistically improve lives in District 11? (Anna, Hixson) 32:14 - What are you most looking forward to in the next couple months leading up to election day? (Brooke, Chattanooga) To submit questions for a future episode, visit https://www.bofortn.com/contact-bo  – 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]!

Most people have opinions about how government should work, but very few are willing to put their name on a ballot and do something about it.  In this episode, Zach Wamp and I talk about what it was like serving eight terms as U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 3rd District before running one of the most competitive governor's races in state history. He also shares what a life in public service actually asks of a person and what it looks like to walk away from it with no regrets.  Key Takeaways: Why the best people in politics win by not tearing the other side down Why being a good governor and a good legislator take different kinds of people  Why the nation survives every election, even when half the country is sure it won't This is a great episode for anyone who’s considering running for office on the local, state, or federal level one day. – 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]!

A lot of people who've moved to Tennessee assume it's always been a deeply Republican state. Randy McNally knows better, because he helped build it. Randy McNally has served in the Tennessee legislature for 48 years, longer than almost anyone in state history. He arrived when Republicans were a small minority, helped lead the party to its first Senate majority since Reconstruction, and now serves as Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the Senate. In this episode, Randy and I trace that journey, from what it took to build a two-party system to the leadership philosophy that made him one of the most respected figures in state government. We also talk about the integrity that defined his early career, when he took a stand that a lot of people wouldn't have, and what nearly five decades of public service taught him about getting things done. This is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how Tennessee got to where it is today, and the kind of leadership that made it possible.  – 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]!

Few Tennesseans have shaped the state like Lamar Alexander: Governor, U.S. Senator, Secretary of Education, President of the University of Tennessee.  Unlike those who are born into it, Lamar had to forge his own path. In this episode, Lamar shares a behind-the-scenes look at the mentors who shaped him, the losses that redirected him, and the decisions that defined his career. Along the way, you’ll hear the story of being sworn in as governor three days early to stop an outgoing administration from selling pardons, what he learned from Howard Baker about working across the aisle, and why he came to see himself as a "result achiever" rather than a politician. Whether you work in government or just call Tennessee home, this is a rare chance to hear one of the state's most accomplished figures reflect on a lifetime of public service, and what he hopes for Tennessee's future. – 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]!

Do you want a manager who keeps things running smoothly, or a founder who's willing to tear up the rulebook and rebuild from scratch? Arthur Herman is the author of Founders Fire, which traces a single mindset across 250 years of American history.  In this episode, Arthur and I discuss how real progress only happens when founders are willing to disrupt the status quo, and why this matters for Tennessee right now. We cover everything from our investment in quantum computing and nuclear technology to the upcoming legislative session and a new governor. Key Takeaways: Why Tennessee's growth in quantum computing and nuclear technology fits squarely into Arthur's founder framework Why starting a business doesn't make you a founder, and why disruption doesn't either  What Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, and Abraham Lincoln reveal about who actually gets remembered as a founder Why most people prefer managers day-to-day, but only remember founders fondly in hindsight About the Guest: Dr. Arthur Herman is a New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize finalist who brings 35 years of experience as a historian, defense and tech policy analyst, and national security official. He is the author of ten books, most recently Founders Fire: From 1776 to the Age of Trump, as well as the New York Times and Washington Post bestseller How the Scots Invented the Modern World; the Pulitzer Prize Finalist Gandhi and Churchill; and Freedom’s Forge: How American Business Produced Victory in World War II, which The Economist named one of the Best Books of 2012 and which has been on the recommended reading list of Secretaries of Defense, Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, key members of Congress, and across the defense industry, since its publication. – 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 is one of the most conservative, most Republican states in the nation. But that hasn't always been the case, and if Republican voters aren't careful, it won't be the case going forward. With so many people moving to Tennessee, I think it's important we discuss who they are, what they believe, and what that means for our state's political future. I also break down how redistricting really works (not the political narrative you've heard, but the legal and historical reality), and why this election season matters more than most people realize. Key Takeaways: Who is moving here from blue states (it's not who you think) What 150 years of political history tells us about what could happen next Why redistricting is more straightforward than the controversy around it suggests Why Republican voters can't afford to make the same mistake Democrats made Times Free Press article: https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/may/26/california-is-chattanoogas-top-source-of-new-out/ – 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]!

Parks aren't just green spaces, they're economic engines. Hamilton County generates $1.8 billion in visitor spending annually, and outdoor recreation is a big reason why. Matt Folz is the Director of Hamilton County Parks and Recreation. In this episode, we’re discussing how Hamilton County thinks strategically about its parks by giving each one a unique identity, connecting them to broader trail systems, and making sure every investment generates a return for the community. Key Takeaways: What's coming to Hamilton County: McDonald Farm State Park, a $15M riverfront revitalization, and improvements at Chester Frost Why preserving green space might be one of the best investments a community can make How Hamilton County is making parks accessible and safe for everyone, from motorized trail wheelchairs to ranger presence About the Guest: Matt Folz is the Director of Hamilton County Parks and Recreation. He spent over 15 years managing operations in national and state parks before joining Hamilton County in 2021, first as a Park Superintendent and then as Director. He now oversees three regional parks and more than a dozen community parks across the county. – 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]!

Roads and bridges aren't just something you use every day. They're how you measure whether your government is working. Good roads mean commerce flows, commutes are manageable, and your state feels like it has its act together. Will Reid is the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Transportation. In this episode, we discuss how TDOT decides which projects get funded and what most people don't understand about congestion: TDOT doesn't control land use, so when your city approves a new subdivision or shopping center, that creates traffic on roads the state has to manage. We also discuss specific Chattanooga projects like the Wilcox Bridge and I-59 around Moccasin Bend, why building more lanes doesn't always solve congestion, and what it means for taxpayers that Tennessee refuses to take on debt for roads. About the Guest: Will Reid was appointed Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Transportation by Governor Bill Lee in 2025. He's a Bartlett native who earned a civil engineering degree from the University of Memphis and worked in transportation consulting for over 15 years before joining TDOT in 2011. He oversees a statewide transportation system including highways, rail, airports, waterways, and transit. – 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]!

Every election season, you see polls that contradict each other. One says Candidate A is ahead by 10 points, another says it's a dead heat, and a third says Candidate B is surging. So which one is right? Randy Ellison is president of Targoz Market Research and has spent decades conducting polls for political campaigns and Fortune 500 companies. In this episode, we break down how polling actually works, what makes a poll credible (and what makes it unreliable), and how to be an informed consumer of polling data so you can make educated decisions as a voter. Key Takeaways: Why different polls about the same race show completely different results Red flags that a poll is designed to manipulate rather than inform How AI is changing polling What to look for when you see poll results on the news or social media Why a poll that nailed the presidential race might be totally wrong about your local election How pollsters decide who to call, and why that matters more than you think About the Guest: Randy Ellison is the president of Targoz Market Research, based in Nashville. He holds a degree in economics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a graduate degree in practical political management from George Washington University. His firm works with both private sector clients and public affairs/political campaigns, allowing him to apply insights from both worlds. Randy has been conducting polling and market research for over two decades. – 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]!

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. – 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]!

Beth Kreppein is a former FBI agent with 20+ years of experience investigating gangs, human trafficking, terrorism, and violent crime. Now she’s the Chief of Police for two airports in Nashville. In this episode, Beth and I discuss what Tennesseans need to know about these threats, and why law enforcement collaboration is critical to keeping communities safe. Beth explains how human trafficking works in Tennessee and why the I-75/I-40 corridor makes our region a hotspot, how gangs have evolved their communication methods, and the alarming rise of nihilistic violent extremism targeting kids on gaming platforms like Roblox and Minecraft.  Key Takeaways: How law enforcement agencies coordinate on task forces, and why it matters The challenge of recruiting and retaining quality law enforcement officers The 764 group and nihilistic violent extremism: what parents need to know about online radicalization Labor trafficking vs. sex trafficking: understanding the different types happening in Tennessee Transitioning from federal to airport law enforcement: what's different and what stays the same About the Guest:  Beth Kreppein began her career as a prosecutor in Indiana before joining the FBI, where she served for over 20 years. Her FBI assignments included the Chicago Hispanic gang squad, international kidnapping and hostage cases, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the Violent Crime and Gang Task Force in Nashville. She is currently Chief of Police at Nashville International Airport (BNA) and John C. Tune Airport (JWN). Beth is also an adjunct professor at Belmont University, where she teaches Evolution of Domestic Terrorism. – 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]!

America spends 18% of GDP on healthcare (more than any other developed nation) yet ranks second worst in outcomes. So what's broken? In this episode, Dr. Patrick Bailey of the Goldwater Institute joins me to break down why these healthcare laws have cost Tennessee an estimated $700 million in healthcare services, the tension between expanding access and maintaining quality standards, and why he believes healthcare reform will require market-based solutions rather than government-run systems. Key Topics How can states increase transparency and competition to lower healthcare costs? What's REALLY causing the physician shortage in Tennessee? How do Certificate of Need laws restrict healthcare competition in Tennessee? Should patients with rare diseases have the right to try experimental treatments? About the Guest: Dr. Patrick Bailey is the Director for Healthcare Policy at the Goldwater Institute. He practiced as a pediatric surgeon for nearly 20 years before transitioning to healthcare policy work, where he served for 10 years as Medical Director in the Division of Advocacy and Health Policy at the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Bailey holds a medical degree, a Master of Legal Studies from Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center. He's also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).   –   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]!