Tennessee Today

When to Trust a Political Poll (and When to Be Skeptical)

Every election season, you see polls that contradict each other. One says Candidate A is ahead by 10 points, another says it's a dead heat, and a third says Candidate B is surging. So which one is right?
Randy Ellison is president of Targoz Market Research and has spent decades conducting polls for political campaigns and Fortune 500 companies. In this episode, we break down how polling actually works, what makes a poll credible (and what makes it unreliable), and how to be an informed consumer of polling data so you can make educated decisions as a voter.
Key Takeaways:
Why different polls about the same race show completely different results
Red flags that a poll is designed to manipulate rather than inform
How AI is changing polling
What to look for when you see poll results on the news or social media
Why a poll that nailed the presidential race might be totally wrong about your local election
How pollsters decide who to call, and why that matters more than you think
About the Guest:
Randy Ellison is the president of Targoz Market Research, based in Nashville. He holds a degree in economics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a graduate degree in practical political management from George Washington University. His firm works with both private sector clients and public affairs/political campaigns, allowing him to apply insights from both worlds. Randy has been conducting polling and market research for over two decades.
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Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing info@bofortn.com!

Standing Up for Conservative Values on College Campuses with Turning Point USA

What does it take for a college freshman to start a conservative organization on a campus where liberal voices dominate?
Sophie Fuller is the chapter president of Turning Point USA at UT Chattanooga. She started the chapter as a freshman, knowing she’d be in the minority and might face backlash, but believing conservative students deserve to be heard just as much as anyone else.
In this episode, Sophie and I discuss what inspired her to take that risk, how she's built a student movement from scratch, and why she believes young people standing up for their beliefs is critical to changing the future. 
We also talk about free speech on college campuses, the growth of Turning Point USA after Charlie Kirk's assassination, and whether universities are doing enough to protect all voices.
About the Guest:
Sophie Fuller is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, studying criminal justice. She is the chapter president of Turning Point USA at UTC, which she founded as a freshman in March 2025.
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Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing info@bofortn.com!

What a Former FBI Agent Wants You to Know About Human Trafficking, Gangs, and Terrorism

Beth Kreppein is a former FBI agent with 20+ years of experience investigating gangs, human trafficking, terrorism, and violent crime. Now she’s the Chief of Police for two airports in Nashville. In this episode, Beth and I discuss what Tennesseans need to know about these threats, and why law enforcement collaboration is critical to keeping communities safe.
Beth explains how human trafficking works in Tennessee and why the I-75/I-40 corridor makes our region a hotspot, how gangs have evolved their communication methods, and the alarming rise of nihilistic violent extremism targeting kids on gaming platforms like Roblox and Minecraft. 
Key Takeaways:
How law enforcement agencies coordinate on task forces, and why it matters
The challenge of recruiting and retaining quality law enforcement officers
The 764 group and nihilistic violent extremism: what parents need to know about online radicalization
Labor trafficking vs. sex trafficking: understanding the different types happening in Tennessee
Transitioning from federal to airport law enforcement: what's different and what stays the same
About the Guest: 
Beth Kreppein began her career as a prosecutor in Indiana before joining the FBI, where she served for over 20 years. Her FBI assignments included the Chicago Hispanic gang squad, international kidnapping and hostage cases, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the Violent Crime and Gang Task Force in Nashville. She is currently Chief of Police at Nashville International Airport (BNA) and John C. Tune Airport (JWN). Beth is also an adjunct professor at Belmont University, where she teaches Evolution of Domestic Terrorism.
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Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing info@bofortn.com!

The Obscure Laws Making Healthcare More Expensive

America spends 18% of GDP on healthcare (more than any other developed nation) yet ranks second worst in outcomes. So what's broken?
In this episode, Dr. Patrick Bailey of the Goldwater Institute joins me to break down why these healthcare laws have cost Tennessee an estimated $700 million in healthcare services, the tension between expanding access and maintaining quality standards, and why he believes healthcare reform will require market-based solutions rather than government-run systems.
Key Topics
How can states increase transparency and competition to lower healthcare costs?
What's REALLY causing the physician shortage in Tennessee?
How do Certificate of Need laws restrict healthcare competition in Tennessee?
Should patients with rare diseases have the right to try experimental treatments?
About the Guest:
Dr. Patrick Bailey is the Director for Healthcare Policy at the Goldwater Institute. He practiced as a pediatric surgeon for nearly 20 years before transitioning to healthcare policy work, where he served for 10 years as Medical Director in the Division of Advocacy and Health Policy at the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Bailey holds a medical degree, a Master of Legal Studies from Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center. He's also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).
 
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Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing info@bofortn.com!

Can One Person ACTUALLY Make A Difference?

Most people think politics is too big, too broken, or too controlled by insiders to make a real impact. Gail Greene proves otherwise.
In this episode, I'm joined by the HCGOP Chair to discuss the impact one person can truly have in politics. She shares the pivotal moment that activated her to get involved, the exact steps she took to become HCGOP Chair, and why protecting Republican principles matters more than being a "big tent."
By the end of this episode, we not only hope you'll feel called to action, but also understand HOW to get involved.
Learn more at hcgop.com 
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Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing info@bofortn.com!

What You Need to Know About Think Tanks and Polling

When legislators aren't experts on a specific topic, they rely on think tanks for research and data to inform decisions. But how do they know which ones to trust?
In this episode, Justin Owen (CEO of the Beacon Center) explains how the think tanks maintain credibility through transparent polling methods, why the Beacon Center publishes results even when the data contradicts their own positions, and what separates advocacy organizations from pure research groups.
Justin also breaks down how he identifies which issues matter most to Tennesseans this session, from property taxes and school choice to certificate of need reform.
About the Guest:
Justin Owen is the President & CEO of the Beacon Center and Beacon Impact. He previously served as the Beacon Center’s director of policy and general counsel, and prior to joining Beacon, he served as a law clerk to the U.S. Attorney in Memphis and at the Pentagon as a legal intern to the General Counsel of the United States Navy. Justin received his J.D. from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis and obtained his undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
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Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing info@bofortn.com!

Property Tax Reform, K-9 Medical Care, and Education Freedom Scholarships: What's Being Debated in This Legislative Session

Bills don't just randomly appear as laws. There's a process, and knowing it gives you power.
In this episode, I’m breaking down how the Tennessee legislative process actually works: when bills are introduced, how they move through committees, and when citizens have the most influence.
Then I’ll walk you through specific legislation this session, including property tax control, K-9 medical care, the Presidential Physical Fitness Test, and why education and healthcare always dominate the debate.
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Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing info@bofortn.com!

How Airports Drive Economic Development | Episode 17

Most people see airports as just the place you catch a flight, but they’re so much more than that. They’re economic engines that create jobs, attract business investment, and directly impact regional growth.
In this episode, April Cameron, President and CEO of the Chattanooga Airport, joins me to break down how airports really work, the business side of running what's essentially a small city, and why they matter more to your community's economy than you think.
Key Takeaways:
Why air service is a critical factor when companies consider relocating or expanding
How businesses manage infrastructure updates when growth outpaces what they planned
What goes into competing for new airlines and nonstop routes
About April Cameron:
April Cameron is the President and CEO of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority. Prior to becoming the CEO in 2023, April was the Vice President of Finance and Administration for nearly 26 years. 
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Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing info@bofortn.com!

School Choice, Healthcare Reform, and Tennessee's Future with Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton | Episode 16

House Speaker Cameron Sexton is one of the most powerful leaders in Tennessee government. In this episode, he explains how decisions are made in the legislature, including the reasoning behind controversial decisions and how legislative priorities are set in Tennessee.
We talk about why school choice isn't about public schools being "bad," how catastrophic health insurance could solve affordability, and what self-reliance means in modern Tennessee.
Key Takeaways:
Why Tennessee's budget has doubled under Republicans, without excess spending or gimmicks
What's broken in Tennessee's healthcare system and why he believes catastrophic plans could lower costs
How he balances his role as Speaker against his role as a House member representing his district
Why federal funding always comes with strings, and how Tennessee is reducing dependence
About Speaker Cameron Sexton:
Cameron Sexton is an eighth generation Tennessean. First elected to the House in 2010, he represents Crossville and the surrounding Cumberland Plateau region. As Speaker of the House, he’s one of the most influential decision-makers at the Capitol. Before entering public service, he worked in the private sector with experience in corporate turnarounds and business operations.
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Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing info@bofortn.com!

Competing for Nashville's Future: How TSU Is Repositioning for Growth | Episode 15

Tennessee State University is in the middle of a major transformation. President Dwayne Tucker shares his approach to repositioning the university for growth, navigating demographic evolution, and competing in Nashville's booming economy.
While neighboring universities like MTSU have tripled in enrollment over recent decades, TSU has remained relatively flat. Now, Dwayne Tucker is utilizing his background in corporate turnarounds to change the future of TSU.
We talk about achieving change without new funding, why he believes you can honor legacy while expanding demographics, and how student retention is already improving.
Key Takeaways:
How questioning 'we've always done it this way' can unlock financial sustainability when done correctly
Why TSU enrollment has remained flat while neighboring universities exploded in growth, and how he's addressing the issue
What "long-term viability" means when Amazon, Oracle, and HCA are hiring in Nashville
Why he believes TSU can honor its HBCU legacy while serving Nashville's growing, diverse economy
About Dwayne Tucker:
Dwayne Tucker is the ninth president of Tennessee State University. He has nearly 40 years of executive experience in the financial services and transportation industries, holding senior roles including CHRO, CAO, General Manager, and President at companies like First Data, Northwest Airlines, and Alliance Data. He has led large teams, managed over $500 million in P&L, and delivered strong, consistent growth. He recently retired as CEO of LEAD Public Schools and was selected as the TSU President this past summer after serving as Interim President since December 2024.
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Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing info@bofortn.com!