“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.

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.  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 Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen 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.  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 Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen here.

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

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All of our great Rural Caucus candidates were defeated.  TNDP Rural Caucus Chair Anne Quillen tells us why Democrats struggle to win in Tennessee.  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.  We discuss how Democrats can better get their message to more voters and create a better Tennessee.

FULL PODCAST available on Apple Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen 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 episode 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 hasn’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 Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen here.

A Confederate General’s Descendant on Reckoning with Monuments

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We hear “Erasing history” and “destroying our heritage” 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 Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen here.

Opening Our Perspectives with Jenn Foley

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We conclude our interviews with Tennessee state candidates with Dr. Jenn Foley 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.  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 Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen 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 Casada’s “leadership”. It’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 Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen 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 Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen 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 “Right to Work” state.  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? Hasn’t the pandemic uncovered many inequalities in worker’s safety and security?

FULL PODCAST available on Apple Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen here.

Medical Marijuana in Tennessee

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Medical marijuana is a hot topic for many people in the United States of America. For the longest time, marijuana has been classed as an illegal drug that could land long jail sentences for those caught in possession of it. Now it is available in many forms to target different illnesses and pains, for example, private label softgels.

However, times are constantly changing and so are people’s opinions on marijuana and cbd edibles. More and more citizens and health officials have been opening their eyes to the potential benefits of medical marijuana and its derivatives as well. Medical marijuana has been known to treat chronic diseases where pain, low mood, and inflammation are factors. Marijuana is known to have been used as a medical treatment as early as ancient China where it is said to have been a complementary treatment to acupuncture. CBD is a close relative taken from the hemp plant (consumed either as an oil or in Private Label CBD Capsules) which can treat similar conditions as well.

With such potential benefits, it’s important to have a clear and detailed discussion on medical marijuana and its derivatives and how they can benefit America. Whether it be in the form of CBD products, cannabis edibles, vape liquids or whatever else is necessary.

In the following podcast. Host Sandra Rice and Candidate Jarvus Turnley for State House District 66 talk about legalizing medical marijuana. A Vanderbilt study reports that 80% of Tennesseans support it and 33 states already do but the GOP General Assembly balks. They also review CBD and THC as well as efforts to decriminalize marijuana possession and criminal justice reform.

FULL PODCAST available on Apple Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen here.