Tennessean politics reporter Joel Ebert and state politics reporter Natalie Allison host this Tennessee politics and policy podcast. Hear from candidates, constituents and other reporters as they dive in and analyze issues voters need to know.
Latest episodes
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20 min
Black lawmakers plead for Forrest bust removal; Senate passes budget ahead of House
Sorry for the delay on this week's episode. With furloughs this week and next, the next episode may be out later than usual.This week on the podcast, we talk about how national que…
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15 min
Tennessee eyes RNC and the governor releases a new budget proposal
Last week, state Republican lawmakers and party officials quickly seized on reports of Nashville being under consideration to host the upcoming Republican National Convention.Also…
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20 min
Protests erupt throughout Tennessee ahead of lawmakers' official return
Joel and Natalie discuss the unrest that has ensnared America this week after police killed George Floyd in Minneapolis. Violence erupted in Nashville Saturday after a peaceful ral…
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37 min
Lawmakers return and examining a congressman's stock trades
On this episode, you'll hear from Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, and Rep. Ron Gant, Rossville.In separate interviews, both lawmakers give a preview of the work the legislature will face…
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15 min
Coronavirus in Tennessee: An update in uncertain times
Joel and Natalie provide an update to the ever-changing coronavirus pandemic that is sweeping through the country.Due to social distancing protocol at the Tennessean's office, as w…
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22 min
Recovery continues after deadly tornadoes and coronavirus comes to Tennessee
On this episode, Anita Wadhwani discusses being out in Putnam County in the days after Middle Tennessee was decimated by tornadoes, and healthcare reporter Brett Kelman provides an…
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29 min
How race played a role in Tennessee's women's suffrage moment
This week, Tennessean reporter Jessica Bliss joins the podcast to help interview two guests on the racial dynamics going on in the Tennessee suffrage movement.Carole Bucy, Davidson…
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37 min
Talking with candidates and surrogates while looking ahead to Super Tuesday
It's time to preview Super Tuesday!On this episode, you'll hear from former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, businessman Tom Steyer, and actress Ashley Judd, who is supporting U.S. S…
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22 min
A fiery committee meeting over ESAs and a rash of lawsuits over new laws
This week, we sit down with The Tennessean's education reporter Jason Gonzales as he provides context about the House hearing where members of a committee scrutinized a contract re…
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37 min
Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn on teacher raises, taxing of ESAs
On this episode, we talk to Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn.Schwinn spoke at length about the department's plans for the Achievement School District, w…
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19 min
Analyzing Gov. Bill Lee's second State of the State and proposed $40 billion budget
Gov. Bill Lee delivered his second State of the State address Monday, calling for a record-setting investment for teacher pay raises, setting aside money for the state's reserves a…
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29 min
Another Go at Voter Rights Restoration with Tori Venable
In recent years, some liberals and conservatives have found some common ground while working on criminal justice reform in Tennessee. This week on the podcast, Tori Venable, the st…
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34 min
Sen. Jeff Yarbro outlines Democrats' priorities and offers new critiques of Gov. Bill Lee
This week, Sen. Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville, talks about his party's priorities for the year. Yarbro also lays blame for inaction by the governor on a multitude of issues facing the s…
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32 min
Discussing refugee resettlement, vouchers, House rules with Speaker Cameron Sexton
On this episode, you'll hear from House Speaker Cameron Sexton, who will be presiding over his first full session. Sexton fields a host of questions on topics including refugee res…
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25 min
The top Tennessee politics stories of 2019 and at how they might continue this year
With the Tennessee General Assembly set to convene next week, this week's episode examines the biggest political stories of 2019 and how they might continue to play out this year.…
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24 min
Year in Review Part II: A conversation with Erik Schelzig and Stephen Elliott
On this episode, we talk with Erik Schelzig of the Tennessee Journal and Stephen Elliott of the Nashville Scene/Post while discussing the inner workings of the Lee administration.…
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45 min
Year in Review Part I: A conversation with Tennessean reporters
We take a look back at the most important stories of the years by talking to the reporters that covered them.You'll hear from education reporter Jason Gonzales, religion reporter H…
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31 min
Former Gov. Bill Haslam puts on his reporter hat
A longtime Grand Divisions listener and fan of fireside-type chats, former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam offered to guest host an episode while turning the tables on us. Instead of fi…
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30 min
Rep. Ron Gant looks to replace Cordell Hull with Winfield Dunn
On this episode, Rep. Ron Gant explains his motivation for renaming the state lawmakers' office building after former Gov. Winfield Dunn. He also discusses other legislation he ant…
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25 min
An exit interview with Gov. Bill Lee's communications director
On this week's episode, Gov. Bill Lee's communications director and senior adviser Chris Walker — who has worked with Lee since he launched his gubernatorial campaign in 2017 — sha…