What About Us?

Rural Tennessee, Taxed to the Max! Sep 15, 2021

The poor make life good for the wealthy in a regressive tax structure. Tennessee has the worst in the country! Carol Abney, CPA returns to tell us how the American Rescue Plan helps struggling businesses and families in distressed Clay County after Covid. The monied GOP supermajority sends in the suits to tell them what to do. The hospital is still closed.

Let’s make it easier to vote! HR-1 with CHRIS HALE Aug 17, 2021

Getting to the polls to exercise our right to vote and participate in Democracy should not be so difficult. Former Congressional candidate Chris Hale discusses how federal bill HR-1 would make it easier for rural voices to be heard not drowned out by extremists, big contributors and unfairly drawn voting districts.

It is obviously time to standardize to stop the divisions that threaten who we are as Americans and Tennesseans.

Poverty & Programs In A Rural County (GRUNDY) Jul 14, 2021

Despite the state's rural initiative in 2018, Tennessee is home to 9 distressed counties where poverty has become persistent and generational. 30 more are at risk. Grundy County in Middle Tennessee in one of them.

Native resident Emily Partin has marshaled resources to improve the lives of children and families by renovating the old Tracy City High School to house multiple support programs. Could this be repeated in other rural counties?

TNDP Political Advisor TAMARA BATES Jun 10, 2021

Tamara Bates (political advisor of the TNDP) and Sandy discuss voter suppression that already exists in our state. Other red states try to go as low as Tennessee in stripping the right to vote from citizens. Restrictive photo ID’s, limited absentee balloting, no Sunday voting, no drop boxes, waiting periods and court battles for anything that would make the practice of democracy more convenient for working people, students, young, rural and senior voters. Protecting the voting box means protecting it from you with our conservative GOP majority.

More Justice and Peace! May 27, 2021

Executive Director of the Cumberland Center for Justice and Peace Lisa Rung talks about her organization's activism and outreach.

They sponsor a variety of activities in rural communities that think globally and act locally... Maybe your group could use some fresh ideas: cumberlandjusticeandpeace@gmail.com

A Trip to Montgomery May 14, 2021

Sandy summarizes her trip to the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum and “lynching memorial” and searches for signs of its mission in our state.

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

Tennessee Can Do Better for Women Apr 23, 2021

Adrienne Pakis-Gillon knows about women in politics, from the passage of the 19th amendment to her disappointment with the representation of women in our GOP majority legislature. Ladies, can’t we do better for women and children in Tennessee?

EPISODE CORRECTION: The correct dollar amount allocated to Tennessee under the American Rescue Plan is $900 million. $346 million is for Child Care Development Fund Flexible Funding and $554 million for Child Care Stabilization Funding. Source — The The White House Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Announces American Rescue Plan Funding to Rescue the Child Care Industry so the Economy Can Recover.

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

What Would Jesus Do? Apr 09, 2021

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

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion Mar 26, 2021

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

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

Dental Care for the Uninsured Mar 12, 2021

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 the Beersheba Springs Medical Clinic

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

Rosa Parks and Tennessee Feb 26, 2021

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.

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

Food Insecurity in Tennessee and the Nation Feb 12, 2021

"Why can't we feed everyone? This is the United States!" You’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 of Otey Memorial Parish's Community Action Committee

Signe Anderson Director of Nutritional Advocacy at Tennessee Justice Center

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

South Africa and the US: Similarities in Epidemic Response Jan 29, 2021

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 article here

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

How Small Farmers Have Handled the Pandemic Jan 15, 2021

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: In Town Organics and Summer Fields

National Young Farmers Coalition

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

The Many Facets of Voter Suppression Dec 18, 2020

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.

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

The Science Behind the Coronavirus Vaccine Dec 14, 2020

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!

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

Rural TN is RED! Nov 27, 2020

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.

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

REBROADCAST: A More Democratic System with Dr. Andrea Hatcher Nov 13, 2020

This is a rebroadcast of the August 27, 2020 episode of with Dr. Andrea Hatcher. 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.

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

A Confederate General's Descendant on Reckoning with Monuments Nov 06, 2020

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.

What About Us? is honored to be a part of The TN Holler Podcast Network.

Opening Our Perspectives with Jenn Foley, Candidate for HD65 Oct 23, 2020

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.

What About Us? is honored to be a part of The TN Holler Podcast Network.

What About Us and Government Transparency? Oct 16, 2020

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.

What About Us? is honored to be a part of The TN Holler Podcast Network.

What About Broadband? Oct 09, 2020

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?

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

Who Does "Right to Work" Really Serve? with Mariah Phillips Oct 02, 2020

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? What might this mean for our future?

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

What About Medical Marijuana in Tennessee? Sep 25, 2020

Candidate Jarvus Turnley for State House District 66 and I 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. We also review CBD and THC as well as efforts to decriminalize marijuana possession and criminal justice reform.

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

How a Former Railway is Helping Ecotourism in Rural Tennessee Sep 18, 2020

Executive Director of the Mountain Goat Trail Alliance Patrick Dean discusses the amazing success of this multi-use former rail bed. Currently stretching across the Cumberland plateau from Sewanee to Tracy City, it is a perfect example of ecotourism. It conserves the natural environment also has improved the welfare of local people.

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

Rural Democrats with Anne Ferrell Quillen Sep 11, 2020

Anne Ferrell Quillen is the President of the recently formed and awesome TNDP rural caucus. Although rural areas are represented by elected officials, they don’t seem to have us in mind when they vote with the GOP supermajority. Expanding Medicaid for rural hospitals, funding for public schools and infrastructure, and developing economic opportunities for our businesses, communities and way of life are all essential issues for rural Tennessee. We do make up 93% of the state. Let’s elect some homegrown candidates to make some change.

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

The Electoral College with Dr. Andrea Hatcher Aug 27, 2020

Who chooses the President, the people, or the Electoral College? “It’s complicated,” says my guest Dr. Andrea Hatcher, professor of politics and pre-law at The University of the South. The founders would be surprised that we are still using this system despite its flaws and threat to democracy. Would the popular vote be a more equitable way? How could this be changed? Please vote.

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

Distressed Rural Counties with Carol Abney Aug 20, 2020

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.

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

Why All Democrats Support Medicaid Expansion with Sheila Younglove Aug 14, 2020

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.

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

Our Schools Reopening Amidst a Pandemic with Civil Miller-Watkins Aug 07, 2020

Civil Miller-Watkins is running for State Senate District 26 and joins me to discuss TN’s plan for students to return to school amid a pandemic. She is a mother of 8, a current school board member, and is very familiar with homeschooling and virtual learning. The lack of state plans for managing COVID19 and school reopening as well as a lack of broadband in all rural areas makes learning more difficult in Tennessee.

Unity and A High School Mascot Jul 31, 2020

Franklin High School’s mascot is a colonel and if you wonder if he is a Confederate - the school colors of blue and grey, fight song “Dixie” and the depiction of the bars and stars of the battle flag on the school seal make it obvious. Their mascot is a rebel against the United States to maintain slavery and a rebel against an order to desegregate schools, so no wonder African-American students and alumnae have asked for decades to have these symbols of oppression and exclusion removed. Guest Shanae Williams knows her history, and so do the hearts of community members who have signed a petition for change (change.org/changeFCHS). How will they fare with the county school board and conservative residents in this time of sustained desire to end to systemic racism in all its forms?

What About Us? is honored to be a part of the TN Holler Podcast Network.

How About Our History? Jul 23, 2020

What if we studied a truer version of history, with all its failed and bloody battles, gruesome beatings, lynching, slavery and theft of land from Native Americans? Would we be a better nation, a better people? Dr. John Willis, professor of Southern History at the University of the South tells a true story of what residents of a rural Tennessee town experienced in the lawless conditions late in the Civil War.

What About Our Teachers and Schools? Jul 08, 2020

The TN budget was cut by $1 billion in June due to reduced revenue from the COVID 19 and financial crises. The rainy day fund and Gov Lee's pet voucher program are "safe" but public school teachers and schoolchildren were kicked to the side of the curb. But public school teachers and children were kicked to the side of the road again. State Senate candidate for District 14 Chase Clemons discusses how rural Tennessee values for quality education are not shared by our representatives in the General Assembly.

Women and Mothers in Tennessee Jun 29, 2020

Candidate for State Senate District 16 Sheila Younglove talks about how TN policies affect the lives of mothers and women in the state. From unspent federal dollars for temporary assistance, high rates of gun violence against women, refusal to expand Medicaid, or even post-partum benefits, the health and safety of women is not a priority for our legislators.

What About Us and COVID19? Jun 25, 2020

Dr. Susan Andrews, Medical Director of Beersheba Springs Medical Clinic in underserved Grundy County laments the sluggish national and state responses to the Covid 19 and economic crises. The least Tennesseans can do is wear a mask, social distance and avoid gatherings. Why can’t many even do that?

Confederate Symbols, What Do They Mean Now? Jun 19, 2020

A Black American died under a policeman's knee on May 25 and the country said "enough". Will we as rural Tennesseans say enough as well? For over 150 years, the uplifting of symbols and leaders of a lost Civil War defined the South but now we have to choose how we define our future.

Are We Pro-Life? May 15, 2020

Are we anti-abortion, pro-choice, or pro-life? It's an issue we have debated, fought over with cruelty and violence, and divided ourselves over at least since Roe vs. Wade in 1973. Why, when we all agree that life is precious? What does it truly mean to be pro-life?

How About Refugees? Apr 15, 2020

Refugee policy from the US to a rural Tennessee county government.

How Will Coronavirus Affect Us? Mar 27, 2020

What is a virus, why is hand washing so important, and aren't vaccines dangerous too? You've heard what to do to prevent coronavirus but why? Dr. John Palisano is a biologist with experience in studying viruses and will give us the science and history of viruses and tell us what we can do to protect ourselves.

How About Us and Clean Water? Mar 15, 2020

Dr. Jon Evans, Botanist at the University of the South reminds us that we need to know about science in order to demand legislation that reflects our values-like clean water. The Clean Water Act of 1972 and other environmental policies are rapidly being rolled back. Is a dirty planet what we want?

Rural Health Care, Hospitals and the Medicaid Block Grant Mar 03, 2020

Rural Tennesseans want accessible, affordable, quality health care. They want their hospitals to stop closing. Governor Lee and the legislature answer, not with Medicaid Expansion, a proven commodity for over 30 states but an untested Medicaid Block Grant. Not only is its legality questioned but not a single hospital or uninsured individual would be saved.

What About Our Farmers? Mar 01, 2020

Jesse Wilson is a traditional farmer in that she has animals and grows food. Our farmers are aging, young farmers face incredible challenges. What will our rural communities look like if large corporate farms prevailed?

Welcome to Season 2 of "What About Us?" Feb 19, 2020

We begin Season 2 of "What about us?" A discussion of policies that impact rural Tennesseans with interviews, discussion, and personal stories on a variety of topics such as health care accessibility, small businesses, employment, education, and the environment. We hope you'll join us, be on the lookout for the first episode of Season 2, coming soon!

Recap of Season 1 - "What About Us?" Dec 31, 2019

A recap of the podcast's first season.

How About the GREEN NEW DEAL? Dec 17, 2019

Lauren Newman with a degree in environmental sustainability and chemistry debunks hysteria about the New Green Deal. It is not a policy or legislation but a resolution for what America needs to do to avoid a climate disaster. Get on it, future generations depend on it.

Stop the Block! Tennessee Proposes Experiment on our Most Vulnerable! Dec 09, 2019

How to stop the Tennessee's Medicaid Block Grant Proposal.

How About Guns and Rural Tennessee? Dec 04, 2019

Gun violence in Tennessee is increasing annually with tragic results for women, children and teens with domestic abuse, unintentional shootings and suicide.

Rural Tennessee and the 2nd Amendment Nov 20, 2019

A discussion of the history of the 2nd Amendment and federal gun legislation.

What about us, WE THE PEOPLE? Nov 03, 2019

The Constitution and what it says about executive power, Congress and Impeachment.

What about Tennessee taxes, no income tax but highest sales tax in the country! AND What about the national deficit? Oct 24, 2019

High sales tax, no income tax, income inequality and the national debt are topics for discussion with CPA Lenda Sherrell.

Tennessee requests a Medicaid Block Grant? What about us? Oct 08, 2019

The issues with Tennessee's proposed Medicaid Block Grant are outlined and action suggested.

What About Our Rural Health Care Providers? Sep 26, 2019

Dr. Amy Evans discusses the challenges of providing primary care in rural TN.

Would a national health program like Medicare for All help with our rural health care crises? Sep 12, 2019

Dr. Carol Paris, past president of Physicians for a National Health Program and future rural resident tells us that health care for all is possible. Many countries have done this for decades but current leaders tell us that we just can’t. Become a believer.

Why Are Our Rural Hospitals Closing? Aug 29, 2019

Randall Rice from the TN Health Care Campaigns outlines the reasons for rural hospital closures and what we must do about it.

What About School Vouchers? Aug 15, 2019

Legislation regarding school vouchers appears to benefit only 2 urban counties in Tennessee.

Federal Healthcare Plans and Rural Tennesseans Aug 01, 2019

A comparison of Medicaid, Medicaid Expansion and the Medicaid Block Grant and their potential to provide affordable, accessible health care to rural areas in Tennessee.

How has the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act affected small businesses in rural Tennessee? Jul 19, 2019

A discussion of several national and state policies that affect rural small businesses.

What about us? Jul 05, 2019

Introduction to podcast, What about us?

News Sources in Rural Tennessee Jul 05, 2019

Where do rural Tennesseans get their news?