Distressed Rural Counties with Carol Abney

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Carol Abney, candidate for TN House District 38, knows about distressed counties and closed rural hospitals. Fentress and 3 other TN counties were removed from the bottom 10% of economic performers across the country but 2 more in this district remain on the list.  A licensed CPA, Carol discusses the tax burdens, limited resources, inaccessible medical care, and lack of job opportunities that keep rural residents distressed.  The TN Rural Initiative provides” window dressing” when real financial support from the state government is needed.

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

#DemConvention with State Senator Raumesh Akbari

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State Senator Raumesh Akbari chats with Wade Munday about the Democratic National Convention happening this week. Senator Akbari will be speaking at the Convention as a Rising Star of the party, you won’t want to miss it! Watch the Convention here.

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

Flip That Seat with Mariah Phillips

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Mariah Phillips joins The Holler to talk about her race for State House in one of the most flippable districts in the state – House District 37. They also dig into the failures of the Tennessee Republican Party to support Tennesseans during COVID19 and beyond.

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

SCRAPPY TIME – Healthcare Crisis in Tennessee

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On this episode of Scrappy Time, Jay meets with State Representative Gloria Johnson to discuss the healthcare crisis in Tennessee and what we need to do to fix it.

Also on deck for this episode is Lola Jack and Buddy for this week’s Dem Dogs segment. These two hounds were both rescued and are loving their new lives! Consider donating to the local animal shelter. They’re really struggling during the pandemic and need your help.

This episode is also available on Representative Johnson’s podcast “Standing Tall,” and you can listen on Apple Podcasts or wherever else you like to listen.

SCRAPPY TIME – NextGen

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Tonight on Scrappy Time Jay spends some time with Kylie Sliger, an 18-year-old first-time voter who has been volunteering on political campaigns for several years, and Ali Lawson, a 22-year-old senior business analytics major with a blue-collar background. These young people break down what motivates them to participate in politics and what issues they think will drive more young people to the polls to vote.

We also have some fun playing a game with Blount County elementary students Ella Russell, Kija Burr, Sunny Burr and their mother Stephanie. The game is called “Where’s the Moon?” and it’s a hoot!

SCRAPPY TIME – Education

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This week on Scrappy Time, Jay Clark asks Blount County Teacher Rebecca Dickenson how we can help support teachers this school year when COVID-19 made an already difficult job dangerous to their lives.

SCRAPPY TIME – Accountability

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INTRODUCING “Scrappy Time” as part of The Tennessee Holler Podcast Network! On Scrappy Time this week, Jay Clark talks about the importance of accountability and interviews Maryville Mayor Tom Taylor. Remember to send Jay your DemDogs video footage!

Bill Lee to sign Protest Criminalization Bill

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Governor Bill Lee announced that he will be signing a draconian anti-protest bill which includes making it a felony punishable by up to six years in prison to pitch a tent outside the Capitol overnight. This flies in the face of his claims of wanting to pass meaningful criminal justice reform, a term that House Majority Leader William Lamberth had the gall to use when referring to this bill.

Not only will this legislation have severe implications for protesters, but it will have far-reaching ramifications on the people in Tennessee who are experiencing homelessness.

Republican Legislators drafted this bill with the protesters who have been occupying the plaza outside the State Capitol in mind in an effort to silence them and their demands. We are left wondering if any members of the Tennessee Republican Party have learned from the late great John Lewis, or if they have considered that perhaps they are participating in government overreach, which they are so quick to decry when Democrats propose regulations.

Tennessee’s Criminalization of Protest with Senator Jeff Yarbro

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Justin Kanew talks with State Senator Jeff Yarbro about the Tennessee State Legislature’s new draconian anti-protest laws that specifically target the protesters who have been occupying the plaza outside of the State Capital, and the far-reaching implications these laws will have on the citizens of Tennessee.

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

Why All Dems Support Medicaid Expansion with Sheila Younglove

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Senate Candidate District 16, Sheila Younglove, joins us again to answer the question: Why Medicaid Expansion is supported by every Democrat running for state office. It is because it is outrageous that affordable health care for thousands of Tennesseans has barely been discussed in the General Assembly since Governor Haslam’s Insure Tennessee was rejected in committee in 2014. With the pandemic, an estimated 750,000 Tennesseans could become uninsured! It is unlikely that the 3rd legislative session will even consider adopting Medicaid Expansion as have 38 states.  We really need some change in our state government. Vote wisely.

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