Tennessee Today

Education & Economics with Randy Boyd, UT System President | Episode 14

Higher education has a trust problem. People think it's too expensive, too disconnected from the real world, and not worth the debt. But Tennessee is proving that doesn't have to be true. 
In this episode, Randy Boyd (President of the UT System) joins me to discuss how his business background shapes the way he runs a $3.5 billion organization, why 54% of UT graduates now leave with zero debt, and how performance-based funding is changing the game for public universities.
Key Takeaways:
The four revenue sources for public universities, and why understanding this matters for taxpayers and policymakers
What drives Randy's passion for giving back and helping students graduate without debt
The UT-Battelle partnership that manages Oak Ridge National Laboratory and extends research collaboration across all UT campuses
How Tennessee's performance funding formula incentivizes universities based on student success, not just enrollment
About Randy Boyd:
Randy Boyd has served as the 26th president of the University of Tennessee System since 2018, overseeing campuses across the state, as well as the Institute of Agriculture and Public Service, and the UT-managed Oak Ridge National Laboratory. A first-generation college graduate, he earned his bachelor's degree from UT Knoxville and a master's degree from the University of Oklahoma. Before entering public service, he founded Radio Systems Corporation in 1991, growing it into a global company before its 2020 sale. His commitment to education access led him to help create tnAchieves, Tennessee Promise, and Drive to 55.
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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!

Growth, Affordability, and Working Together | Episode 13

County government doesn't operate in a vacuum. The county commission, the city, and the state all have a role in shaping what happens on the ground.
In this episode, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp joins me to discuss how he navigates competing priorities while leading a growing county, what it's like to make decisions that won't pay off for decades, and why he thinks government should be more willing to admit when something isn't working.
Key Takeaways:
How Hamilton County balances growth and affordability for working families
A behind-the-scenes look at the Enterprise South land swap and McDonald Farm projects
His philosophy on pilot programs and why government needs more willingness to end things that aren't working
About Mayor Weston Wamp
Weston Wamp has served as Mayor of Hamilton County since 2022, becoming the youngest person elected to the role at age 34. Before entering public office, he co-founded Lamp Post Group, a Chattanooga-based venture incubator that provided capital and mentorship to emerging startups. He also founded the Millennial Debt Foundation, now known as In The Black, which raises awareness and engagement around reckless fiscal policy in Washington, DC. Learn more and follow his campaign at westonwamp.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 Makes Tennessee’s Courts Work? | Episode 12

How does our state’s judicial system actually work? 
In this episode, Justice Holly Kirby joins me to discuss the differences between state and federal court systems and why our state’s unique approach to selecting judges might be the "sweet spot." 
Justice Kirby also reflects on serving Tennessee's highest court: the difficult cases, the moments that stay with her, and what it means to serve with humility, purpose, and fairness.
Key Takeaways:
How Justice Kirby’s mechanical engineering degree helped shape her approach to legal reasoning
Why the Tennessee Supreme Court is the final word on state law (and when the U.S. Supreme Court can step in)
Why lack of access to legal representation is a constitutional crisis
How Tennessee's attorney general position is deliberately depoliticized through the court system
About Justice Holly Kirby:
Justice Holly M. Kirby earned both her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and J.D. from the University of Memphis. She became the first female partner at the law firm Burch, Porter & Johnson, and in 1995 made history as the first woman to serve on the Tennessee Court of Appeals. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2014, she served as Chief Justice from 2023-2025, becoming the fourth woman in state history to hold that role.
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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!

From the Wrestling Ring to the Mayor’s Office | Episode 11

You probably remember Glenn Jacobs as Kane, one of the most intimidating figures in WWE history. But now he’s known for something entirely different: running Knox County with the same grit, discipline, and unapologetic honesty that once filled arenas.
In this episode, we talk about how a farm kid from Missouri ended up shaping one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing counties. Glenn opens up about the lessons his parents taught him about work and integrity, what it’s really like managing growth in East Tennessee, and how a career in pro wrestling gave him insights into voters that most politicians miss.
Key Takeaways:
The economic strategy that's made Tennessee one of the best states for business
How Knox County is managing explosive growth (and preserving land) by updating 20-year-old zoning laws
What Republicans can learn from professional wrestling about communicating with voters
And of course, we talk about his WWE career, including which character he both loved and hated most
About Mayor Glenn Jacobs:
After a Hall of Fame career as a professional athlete and a few decades as a small business owner, Glenn Jacobs felt called to run for Mayor of Knox County and was overwhelmingly elected in 2018. Under his leadership, Knox County has added over 2,500 jobs and seen $217 million in capital investment. He remains committed to creating opportunities for everyone to thrive by prioritizing jobs, education, and recreation.
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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!

Is College Still Worth It? UTC's Chancellor on Debt, Safety, and Value | Episode 10

Whether you're a UTC alum, a parent considering college options, or simply interested in where Tennessee higher education is headed, this conversation offers an honest look at the challenges and opportunities facing public universities today.
Dr. Lori Bruce is just 90 days into her tenure as UTC’s Chancellor, and we discuss campus safety after a sophisticated swatting incident, the restructuring of student services under new state laws, and whether a four-year degree still delivers value in 2025.
Key Takeaways- Why more than half of UTC students graduate with zero debt, and how that financial freedom shapes their career choices- What UTC's response to an AI-generated swatting incident revealed about campus security’s strengths and gaps- How student services are being restructured to ensure every student has access to the same support- Why UTC is building dual-admission programs with community colleges and pathways for working adults to complete their degrees
About Dr. Lori BruceDr. Lori Mann Bruce became the 19th Chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on June 30, 2025. Before joining UTC, Dr. Bruce was provost and vice president for academic affairs at Tennessee Technological University, where she led all academic operations for more than 10,000 students. Under her leadership, Tennessee Tech achieved a perfect academic program quality score from the state—the first in over 40 years—and launched multiple new academic programs to meet workforce needs. 
Prior to TTU, Dr. Bruce served at Mississippi State University in several roles, including associate vice president for academic affairs, dean of the graduate school, and distinguished professor of electrical and computer engineering. Dr. Bruce has deep roots in Tennessee, having grown up on a working farm in Lincoln County. She earned her bachelor’s and Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech, along with additional graduate coursework in biomedical engineering.
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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!

Winning the Digital Battlegrounds of Campaigns | Episode 9

If you’re serious about winning elections in Tennessee and beyond, you can’t afford to treat digital strategy as an afterthought.
In this episode, Eric Wilson of Campaign Trend joins me to unpack the tech and tactics giving conservatives an edge at every level.
From making the most of the “off season” to mastering digital battlegrounds, we talk about how technology should amplify (not replace!) the blocking and tackling of real campaigning.
Key Takeaways:
How campaigns can stretch limited resources with smarter tech
Why relational organizing moves voters better than mass texts
How to choose the right digital channels for your campaign
What AI can (and can’t) do for campaign messaging
About Eric Wilson
Eric Wilson is a political technologist driving innovation and digital transformation. He’s a veteran of numerous campaigns, having led Marco Rubio’s digital team during his 2016 presidential campaign. Eric is Executive Director of the Center for Campaign Innovation, Editor of campaigntrend.com, and host of the Campaign Trend podcast.
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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!

Marsha Blackburn’s Vision for Tennessee’s Future | Episode 8

Senator Marsha Blackburn has officially launched her campaign for governor of Tennessee. In this episode, we talk about what it will take to cement Tennessee’s conservative future for generations to come.
We dig into President Trump’s America First agenda of sending power back to the states, the role of technology and energy in shaping Tennessee’s future, why rural healthcare and small nuclear reactors could be game-changers, and how she sees AI as both an opportunity for growth and a threat to personal privacy if left unchecked.
Key Takeaways:
Why returning power to the states is the foundation of Tennessee’s conservative future.
How innovation in rural healthcare and small nuclear reactors can keep Tennessee at the forefront of energy and medical breakthroughs.
The promise and peril of AI in Tennessee, and why building guardrails with the NO FAKES bill matters as new industries grow.
Why she says her record and experience matter most, even as she acknowledges the milestone of potentially becoming Tennessee’s first woman governor.
About Senator Marsha Blackburn: Marsha Blackburn entered public service in 1995 as executive director of the Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission, before winning election to the Tennessee State Senate in 1998. There, she led the grassroots campaign to defeat a proposed state income tax, earning her reputation as a champion for fiscal responsibility and government accountability. She went on to represent middle and west Tennessee in Congress, where she fought Planned Parenthood, defended Fort Campbell, and advanced pro-growth policies. In 2018, she became Tennessee’s first female U.S. senator, where she has continued fighting for President Trump’s America First agenda.
Follow her campaign at MarshaBlackburn.com and on social media @VoteMarsha.
 
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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!

Conservative Leadership & Legacy - A Conversation with Newt Gingrich | Episode 7

Very few people have shaped modern conservatism like Newt Gingrich, and even fewer are still shaping it today. In our conversation, we explore the ideas behind his latest book, Trump’s Triumph, and how they connect to the larger conservative movement. 
From the legacy of the Contract With America to the future of entrepreneurial government, we discuss what it takes to govern in today’s political climate, and why Gingrich believes leadership, innovation, and cultural engagement will define the next generation of conservative policy.
Key Takeaways:
How conservatism has evolved since the 1990s and where it might be headed next
The difference between campaigning and governing (and why it matters now more than ever)
Why Newt Gingrich believes “entrepreneurial government” is essential to America’s future
The role of education, AI, and values in shaping the next generation of conservative leaders
About the Guest:
Newt Gingrich served as the 50th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 1999. His tenure fundamentally shaped Congress’s approach to balancing the budget, welfare reform, and strengthening national defense. In 2012, he was a Republican candidate for President of the United States. He’s written 44 books - including his latest, Trump’s Triumph, and he is a frequent commentator on national policy and global affairs as a Fox News contributor, as well as the podcast host of Newt’s World.
If you’re interested in purchasing a copy of Trump’s Triumph or listening to Newt’s World, visit gingrich360.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!

Federal and State: Working Together for Tennessee | Episode 6

U.S. Congressman Chuck Fleischmann joins me to unpack how State and Federal governments don’t just work at different levels… they play by different rules. 
We discuss how the federal budget process actually works, what it means for Tennesseans at the state and local levels, and clear up some of the most common misconceptions about how government really operates.
Key Takeaways:
The biggest structural differences between Congress and the Tennessee General Assembly
Why most of the federal budget isn’t actually up for debate
What committees, vetoes, and filibusters mean for real-world policy in Tennessee
About the Guest:
Congressman Fleishmann was elected in 2010 and is currently serving his eighth termin the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes Anderson, Bradley, Campbell, Hamilton, McMinn, Monroe, Morgan, Polk, Roane, and Scott counties.
He serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, as well as three subcommittees (Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; Defense).
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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!

Freedom, Service, and Sacrifice: The True Meaning of Independence Day | Episode 5

The 4th of July is more than fireworks and hotdogs. It’s an annual reminder of what it means to live in a free country, and the responsibility that comes with it.
In this episode, I’m sharing personal reflections on freedom, service, and sacrifice, including how my father’s military experience shaped my values, civic involvement, and sense of duty. 
Key Takeaways:
What the Declaration of Independence represents in today’s political landscape
How Chattanooga became a lasting symbol of military service through its Medal of Honor legacy
The deeper responsibility that comes with the freedoms we enjoy
Whether you're attending a parade or just spending time with family, this episode invites you to think about what it truly means to participate in a free society. 
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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!