“What About Us?” is a discussion about policies that impact rural Tennesseans. We dive into a variety of topics like healthcare, small businesses, employment, education, and the environment. Tennessee is 93% rural with over 1.5 million residents, but resources and attention are often directed to urban areas. The rural way of life is valuable and we want to preserve it.

What Would Jesus Do? with Elizabeth Madeira

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Elizabeth Madeira, an organizer for theĀ Southern Christian Coalition, discusses recent Tennessee legislation and her views on the intersections between Christian morality and public policy.

FULL PODCAST available on Apple PodcastsĀ here, and wherever else you like to listenĀ here.

The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion

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We need more diversity and inclusion in our national and state discussions. Tullahoma City AldermanĀ Rupa BlackwellĀ joins the show to discuss how she is helping to elevate these issues in her rural community.

FULL PODCAST available on Apple PodcastsĀ here, and wherever else you like to listenĀ here.

 

Dental Care for the Uninsured

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Bruce Baird DDS joins to talk about the patients he volunteers to care for twice a month in Beersheba Springs, Tennessee. Dental care is a basic need that all people have a right to – this is yet another area where Tennessee could do a better job for its citizens.

Check out and support theĀ Beersheba Springs Medical Clinic

FULL PODCAST available on Apple PodcastsĀ here, and wherever else you like to listenĀ here.

Rosa Parks and Tennessee

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For Black History Month and in honor of Rosa Parks’ birthday (February 4th!), we take a look at her life, including the importance the Highlander Folk School in Monteagle, Tennessee had on her life and activism. Another connection Parks had to Tennessee were the words spoken by then-Senator Frist as she was lying in state in the US Capitol Rotunda.

FULL PODCAST available on Apple PodcastsĀ here, and wherever else you like to listenĀ here.

Food Insecurity in Tennessee and the Nation

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“Why can’t we feed everyone? This is the United States!” Youā€™ve donated or received food assistance during the pandemic, will the need ever end? In this two-part episode, you’ll hear from a local community group that uses unused food portions to feed people in their area, and from the Tennessee Justice Center, which defines and discusses the reasons for food insecurity. What can we do to alleviate it now and eliminate it post-pandemic?

Guests:

Rick Wright, Director of Dining Services University of the South

Rev. David Goodpaster, Director ofĀ Otey Memorial Parish’s Community Action Committee

Signe Anderson Director of Nutritional Advocacy atĀ Tennessee Justice Center

FULL PODCAST available on Apple PodcastsĀ here, and wherever else you like to listenĀ here.

South Africa and the US: Similarities in Epidemic Response

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How are the responses to AIDS in South Africa and COVID in the US similar and how do we stop denialism before it kills us? Renee Schatteman, Associate Professor of Postcolonial and World Literature at Georgia State University, joins the show to talk about what we can learn from South Africa’s mistakes during the AIDS epidemic and their successes in their response to COVID. Cultural considerations come to the podcast! We apologize for a few audio issues in this episode but hope you enjoy the substantive content.

Read Renee’s articleĀ here

FULL PODCAST available on Apple PodcastsĀ here, and wherever else you like to listenĀ here.

How Small Farmers Have Handled the Pandemic

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Jess Wilson joins again to talk about local food farming programs during the Covid pandemic as well as issues our farmers continue to face as they try to bring income and work equality to a rural industry.

Jess’ Business: Ā In Town Organics and Summer Fields

National Young Farmers Coalition

FULL PODCAST available on Apple PodcastsĀ here, and wherever else you like to listenĀ here.

 

The Many Facets of Voter Suppression

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Perceived problems with the 2020 election are historical but many things like government IDs, long lines, limited hours, closed polling places, intimidation and misinformation have been chipping away at our ability and willingness to vote for years. Ā We the people will need to overcome voter fraud in all its forms or risk losing our right to self-govern.

FULL PODCAST available on Apple PodcastsĀ here, and wherever else you like to listenĀ here.

 

The Science Behind the Coronavirus Vaccine

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Dr. John Palisano, former Professor at the University of the South, joins again to talk about the Coronavirus and why it has proven to be so deadly, but also about the amazing science and technology that will bring us vaccines in the next few weeks. Ā How do vaccines work and why it is so important to get one? Effective and safe – welcome back science, we missed you!

FULL PODCAST available on Apple PodcastsĀ here, and wherever else you like to listenĀ here.

Rural TN is Red – What Can We Do About It?

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All of our great Rural Caucus candidates were defeated.Ā  TNDP Rural Caucus ChairĀ Anne QuillenĀ tells us why Democrats struggle to win in Tennessee.Ā  In reality, we all have many similarities in our ideas and dreams of a good life but when misinformation and divisiveness rule no one will be able to achieve them.Ā  We discuss how Democrats can better get their message to more voters and create a better Tennessee.

FULL PODCAST available on Apple PodcastsĀ here, and wherever else you like to listenĀ here.