“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.

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.

 

A More Democratic System with Dr. Andrea Hatcher

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In light of the election, we are rebroadcasting Sandra Rice‘s evergreen episodeĀ with Professor Andrea Hatcher on the undemocratic nature of the Electoral College. This election we DO have a clear winner in both the electoral college and popular vote but it hasnā€™t always been the case. Donald Trump would never have been President if not for the antiquated and un-Democratic Electoral College. Dr. Hatcher also proposes that spreading misinformation about a candidate or election is a form of fraud.

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

A Confederate General’s Descendant on Reckoning with Monuments

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We hear “Erasing history” and “destroying our heritageā€ but what does one family member raised in the South and great-grandson of a revered Confederate General think about the removal of a monument from the public square? Louis Rice joins to discuss.

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

Opening Our Perspectives with Jenn Foley

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We conclude our interviews with Tennessee state candidates withĀ Dr. Jenn FoleyĀ running for House District 65. She summarizes issues and concerns expressed by constituents across the state and the need for relief from the GOP super-majority agenda. Ā We need more discussion, representation and balance, along with less arrogance and paternalism. Please go out and vote for a better Tennessee for all Tennesseans.

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

What About Us and Government Transparency?

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Elizabeth Madiera, House Candidate for District 63, discusses the murkiness surrounding the passage of the voucher bill under her opponent Glen Casadaā€™s ā€œleadershipā€. Itā€™s unpopular, unconstitutional, under investigation by the FBI, and unseated him as leader of the house. We need the General Assembly to be out of the Republican supermajority, better balanced, and more transparent to achieve better legislation.

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

What About Us and Broadband?

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Robyn Deck, candidate for Tennessee’s State House District 25, needs better broadband service. It is vital for rural health services, business, and education. So why do so many other things take priority in the General Assembly? Robyn has a plan and we need a change. How about we elect some people with new ideas willing to do the work for rural priorities?

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

Who Does “Right to Work” Really Serve? with Mariah Phillips

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Mariah Phillips, candidate for State House Rep in District 37, joins Sandy to talk about what it means to be a ā€œRight to Workā€ state. Ā They both urge caution as the General Assembly considers chiseling the law into the Tennessee State Constitution. Unions get a bad rap and low wages have bought many jobs to Tennessee but what are the long-term consequences of handing our future to big corporations? Hasnā€™t the pandemic uncovered many inequalities in workerā€™s safety and security?

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