Tennessee Today

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!

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!