Inside Politics

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Veteran Political Analyst Pat Nolan sits down with Tennessee politicians, journalists, and activists on the local, state-wide, and national scale to discuss current political topics. 

NewsChannel 5+ Nashville


    • Apr 26, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 22m AVG DURATION
    • 58 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Inside Politics

    A Recap of the Legislative Session with TN House Majority Leader William Lamberth.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 22:12


    Representative William Lamberth, the TN House Majority Leader and host Ben Hall break down the main bills passed that will turn into law July 1st and bills that were rolled to the next session. Some topics include the Education Freedom Act which allows 20,000 scholarships of $7,295.00 for each school year to be used for a student's tuition at a private school; HB 0793 and SB 0836 that would require identifying non-resident children in schools and imposing a charge to parents for their child's education; information about the Antioch High School shooting; Jillian's Law; and the relationship between the state legislature and the city of Nashville.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    SHOULD THE DEATH PENALTY RESUME IN TN?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 22:12


    Host Ben Hall asks Chief Capital Habeas Unit Federal Public Defender of Middle Tennessee Kelley J. Henry about her client's stay of execution by Governor Lee and should the use of pentobarbital be used May 22 when executions in Tennessee resume. The two discuss what pentobarbital does to the body, past mishandling of execution processes and what options do death row prisoners have when it comes to execution. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND TENNESSEE

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 22:12


    Host Ben Hall invites Richard Tarpey, DBA assistant professor of the Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University on this episode of Inside Politics to discuss the rollercoaster ride of the stock market due to tariff decisions by the US. The two discuss the president's initial wave of tariffs placed on all trade partners, the ramifications as well as the halting of tariffs on April 9th to some trade partners. The two react to President Trump's statement that they began talks with some countries but would require many lawyers to work out proper deals for the US. Also, the latest reciprocal tariffs from China are discussed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Foster Youth Bill of Rights

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 22:12


    In this episode of Inside Politics, host Ben Hall invites 19 year old Foster Youth Advocate Ella Brinen to talk about a Bill of Rights for children under the foster care system. It's a project she started in high school for a student government project and has evolved into SB2749. A list of duties foster parents must provide for children under their care. Brinen and Hall also discuss Ella's own experience in the foster care system and the reason why she is fighting so hard for her foster sibling's rights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Celebrating 50 Years of Pat Nolan

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2025 22:11


    Inside Politics political analyst Pat Nolan retires as host of Inside Politics. He tells Ben Hall about his career beginning in the city of his birth working in radio, reporting on city council meetings and taking a job at Newschannel 5 as a reporter. Pat then went to work for the mayor's office and then returned to Newschannel 5 as a political analyst and host of Inside Politics. Pat shares his stories of how he got into journalism, special career moments ,his return to tv, and his decision to retire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Nashville and National Politics

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2025 22:12


    In this episode of Inside Politics, host Pat Nolan invites political analysts Larry Woods and Bill Phillips to engage in political discussion one last time before Pat retires. Nothing is left on the table in this spirited conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Refugee Resettlement in Limbo

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2025 22:12


    Due to new immigration laws in effect, refugees who met and were already approved to enter the US are now in limbo. Those in the transitional period already in the US may have their support cut off. Charities that help immigrants and refugees, that once received federal funding, are now struggling to keep the doors open. Judy Orr from Catholic Charities of Nashville and Phostin Saidi, who went through the program and now work for the Refugee Resettlement program, join host Pat Nolan as they discuss what has happened, options and the next chapter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Changes in American and Foreign Policy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2025 22:11


    Dr. Thomas A. Schwartz, a political science professor from Vanderbilt University is our guest to talk about President Trump and his DOGE team's second month. Host Pat Nolan and Dr. Schwartz discuss the presidents cuts and firing of probationary workers at the Federal level and how those actions affects Tennesseans. They also discuss tariffs and if what President Trump is doing is constitutional. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Ever Evolving National Political Scene

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2025 22:12


    Attorney Larry Woods and David Plazas from the Tennessean join host Pat Nolan to discuss the first month of the Trump presidency which has been a whirlwind of change. Topics include cutting federal jobs, DEI, cabinet choices and the legality of some of these things the president has done. With over 40 lawsuits filed with court rulings and injunctions, where does that leave the average citizen?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Democratic Response to Special Session and Plan for 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2025 22:13


    After a contentious Special Session at Capitol Hill last week with the passing of Governor Bill Lee's school voucher bill and new immigration legislation, state representative John Ray Clemmons joins host Pat Nolan to discuss the Democrat's response and their plan for 2025 in this episode of Inside Politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Cameron Sexton Recaps Special Session

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2025 21:08


    On this episode of Inside Politics, House Speaker Cameron Sexton fields questions from host Pat Nolan about this weeks Special Session at the state capitol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Are we approaching Trump's Golden Age?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2025 22:12


    On this episode of Inside Politics, host Pat Nolan is joined by Dr. Thomas Schwartz, Political Science & History Professor at Vanderbilt University to discuss President Trump's first few days and actions in office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry on New Book

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2024 22:14


    Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry joins this edition of Inside Politics to discuss her new book: "It's What You Do Next: the Fall and Rise of Nashville's First Female Mayor." The book is available at major retailers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    State of Nashville's Economy - 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2024 22:15


    Will Nashville continue to grow in 2025 as it has in years past? Here to talk about the local economy is Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Ralph Schulz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Washington's Reaction to the Election - Trump's New Cabinet

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2024 22:09


    A lot has happened in Washington since the November 5th election and the inauguration is still nearly two months away. Here to discuss how the federal government may and should move forward is former Democratic Congressman Jim Cooper, who represented Tennessee's 5th Congressional District from 2003 to 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How Will Metro Implement Choose How You Move?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2024 22:09


    David Plazas with The Tennessean and Steve Cavendish with Nashville Banner join this edition of Inside Politics to share what aspects of Mayor O'Connell's transit plan will be prioritized and when it will commence.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How Did Trump Win?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 22:10


    Vanderbilt University Professor of History and Political Science Thomas Schwartz joins this edition of Inside Politics to share how some of President-elect Trump's viewpoints have changed - and how others have not. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Election Night Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 22:09


    Which states are the most hotly contested for the presidential election? Will Mayor O'Connell's transit plan pass? That and much more is discussed on this pre-election edition of Inside Politics with political analysts Larry Woods and Bill Phillips. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Death Row Welcomes You

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 22:09


    Nashville Banner reporter and author Steven Hale joins this edition of Inside Politics so share his new book, "Death Row Welcomes You," and how it traces the lives of condemned prisoners at the Riverbend Maximum Security Prison. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Transit Discussion and More with Mayor Freddie O'Connell

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 22:11


    Ben Hall fills in for Pat Nolan on this edition of Inside Politics and discusses the upcoming transit referendum with Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell along with other issues concerning locals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    U.S. Political Analysis with Joe. St. George

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 22:09


    How accurate are presidential polls ahead of the election? Are there still any voters who are undecided at this point with just over three weeks to go until Nov. 5? Find out on this edition of Inside Politics with Scripps' Deputy Political Director Joe St. GeorgeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Gloria Johnson for US Senate: What Is Her Strategy to Win?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 22:09


    Will Tennessee House Representative Gloria Johnson (D - Knoxville) unseat incumbent Marsha Blackburn this November? What strategies does she plan to implement? Find out on this edition of Inside Politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What to Expect When Tuning into the Vice-Presidential Debate

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 22:12


    Austin Peay State University professor of political science Michael Bednarczuk is our guest on this edition of Inside Politics detailing how and if the vice-presidential debate will change voters' minds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Post-Debate Reaction: Did Harris or Trump Benefit?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 22:16


    With a little over 45 days until the election, both presidential candidates still have a lot of ground to cover to motivate voters to show up to the polls and cast their ballots. But how will they succeed? What rhetoric will they use? Vanderbilt Professor of Philosophy Robert Talisse joins this edition of Inside Politics to share what motivates voters at this point in the 2024 campaign. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Remembering Charles Strobel: Kingdom of the Poor

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 22:11


    The late Father Charles Strobel's new book, "Kingdom of the Poor," covers his interpretation of meaning and understanding. Find more about the writing process and who helped complete it.  Guests are Katie Seigenthaler (Finn Partners, Charles Strobel's niece, co-editor), and Rachel Hester (Room in the Inn Executive Director). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Prefacing the September 10 Debate

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 22:11


    Political analysts Larry Woods (D) and Bill Phillips (R) join this edition of Inside Politics to preface the presidential debate on September 10. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ukraine and Middle East Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 22:12


    Dr. Thomas Schwartz, Professor of History and Political Science at Vanderbilt University, updates viewers on the current situation in Ukraine and the Middle East. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What Lies Ahead After the National Conventions?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 22:10


    Vanderbilt Professor of History Nicole Hemmer joins this edition of Inside Politics to share the impact the Democratic and Republican Conventions may have had on undecided voters and what strategies both sides plan to utilize to gain as many votes as possible before Election Day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What Has the New Metro Council Accomplished so Far?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 22:11


    Vice Mayor Angie Henderson joins the program to share the accomplishments and what still needs to be done in Metro Nashville on this edition of Inside Politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Who Is Tim Walz?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024 22:11


    Democratic and Republican analysts Larry Woods and Bill Phillips join this edition of Inside Politics to share thoughts on Democratic nominee Kamala Harris's running mate selection Tim Walz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Dynamite Nashville: New Book by Betsy Phillips

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 22:20


    On this edition of Inside Politics, author Betsy Phillips joins the program to discuss her new book, "Dynamite Nashville," which investigates bombings that occurred in the Nashville area in years past. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Joe Biden Drops Out: Other Political News with David French

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 22:09


    Esteemed attorney, professor, and political expert David French with Lipscomb University joins this edition of Inside Politics to discuss the recent reshuffling in the presidential race and strategies each side plans to implement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What is the Direction of Politics Worldwide?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2024 22:14


    With two wars concurrently waging and more people voting in 2024 than ever before, the global political landscape has certainly shifted - though it hasn't had its shortage of surprises. Here to share thoughts on political trends both in the US and abroad is Dr. Thomas Schwartz, distinguished professor of history and political science at Vanderbilt University. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Will Voter Turnout in Tennessee Remain Dismal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 22:15


    Nashville Banner editor-in-chief Steve Cavendish joins the program to explain how attendance at the polls may play out this year with the primary elections looming. We also discuss agendas that hopeful candidates are running on like school vouchers.  Other topics include national elections, such as the race between incumbent Senator Marsha Blackburn and likely Gloria Johnson, as well as incumbent Andy Ogles defending his 5th District Republican nomination against Nashville Metro Council Member Courtney Johnston. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Best of Tennessee: Will Voter Turnout Increase During the Primaries?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2024 22:14


    Chloe Akers, founder of Best of Tennessee, joins the program to encourage moderate and undecided voters to participate in the primary election and to reiterate that an informed decision is the best way to preserve democracy.  To catch up on other shows that you may have missed, visit newschannel5.com/plus/inside-politics See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    June 27 Presidential Debate Recap: Who Won?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 22:10


    MTSU Political Science Professor John Vile (PhD) joins this edition of Inside Politics to share his analysis on the June 27 Presidential Debate, how factual each candidates' arguments actually were, and who emerged as a "winner."  For more information on state, local, and national politics, go to newschannel5.com/plus/inside-politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Politics in 2024 - What to Know

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 22:10


    As we near the 2024 elections, the upcoming debate between incumbent Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, and Metro budget finalization, David Plazas with The Tennessean joins the program to discuss local, state, and national political trends. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Courtney Johnston for House District 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2024 22:10


    Courtney Johnston, Metro Councilwoman overseeing Metro District 26, is campaigning in the national primary race against TN 5th District Rep. Andy Ogles. How will she better serve the needs of constituents in this district? How will she do a better job than Rep. Ogles? Find out on this edition of Inside Politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Metro Police Improprieties: Will the Community Review Board Work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2024 22:10


    a 61-page memo considered a whistleblower about improprieties within Metro Police has been recently released. What exactly did it say about misconduct among leadership? Who will review these allegations? Here to discuss is Steven Hale, reporter for Nashville Banner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Trump Convicted: What Happens Next?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2024 22:10


    Former President Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony charges in New York's hush money trial involving Stormy Daniels. How has the public responded? Will he face jail time? Will he still have a chance at winning the presidential election in November? To answer these questions, we invite Democratic panelist Larry Woods and Republican panelist Bill Phillips to join the program and share their insights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    State of Metro 2024: Can Mayor O'Connell Deliver?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 22:12


    Nashville Metro Council at Large Member Delishia Porterfield joins this edition of Inside Politics to share her thoughts regarding Mayor Freddie O'Connell's plans to deliver on his proposals given Metro's already-tight budget and a looming referendum on mass transit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    6 Months Until the 2024 Election: How Foreign Affairs Play a Part

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2024 22:11


    The economy plays a large role in presidential election outcomes. This year, foreign affairs play a role as well. Joining us is Vanderbilt University History and Political Science Professor Thomas Schwartz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Megan Barry - The Race for Tennessee's 7th District

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 22:14


    Former Mayor of Nashville Megan Barry joins this edition of Inside Politics to explain why she believes serving Tennessee's 7th District in Washington will benefit Tennesseans and what she could do for constituents that current Rep. Mark Green (R) has not. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The End of the 113th Tennessee General Assembly

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2024 22:11


    The eventful 113th Tennessee General Assembly has come to a close. Much has happened over the last four months, and it was not without controversy. Here to explain the impact of what legislation was passed, what was not passed, and what is on the agenda moving forward are local reporters Blaise Gainey (WPLN) and Stephen Elliott (Nashville Banner). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Trump on Trial: Week 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2024 22:10


    For the first time in American history, a United States president stands trial for criminal charges. Joining us via Zoom to analyze the first week of former President Donald Trump's criminal trial in New York City is John Vile, Political Science Professor at Middle Tennessee State University. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Should Teachers in Tennessee Be Armed?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 22:11


    State Senate Bill SB1325 passed earlier this week, which could authorize school faculty and staff in Tennessee to carry concealed weapons on school grounds. State Senator Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville) joins the show to explain the rationale for passing such legislation and its consequences for teachers, students, and the public.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Tennessee State University Board Dissolved: What Happens Next?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 22:13


    Governor Bill Lee signed the dissolution of the TSU Board into law. With the board vacated, and with university president Glenda Glover retiring following the 2023-2024 school year, the university's future remains unclear. To unpack how and why this happened is NewsChannel 5's Capitol Hill reporter Chris Davis, with Ben Hall filling in for Pat Nolan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Flaming Moderate - New Book by Bo Roberts

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2024 22:11


    In his newest book, "The Flaming Moderate," Nashville author Bo Roberts shares instances in which people with different political affiliations cross the aisle to govern America and solve problems. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Likelihood of School Vouchers in Tennessee

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 22:10


    Tennessee lawmakers are pursuing a controversial policy that has come under intense scrutiny in states that have passed similar laws. Such laws could potentially overhaul the state's public school system. To discuss the topic in-depth is one of the bill's major proponents, State Rep. Scott Cepicy (R-Culleoka) of the 64th District. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Managing Nashville's Growth - Mayor Freddie O'Connell

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 21:46


    Mayor Freddie O'Connell joins this week's Inside Politics to inform viewers about how he and his administration plan to manage Nashville's growth, from affordable housing in the East Bank, to the recently announced transit referendum that will occur in November 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Future of Tennessee State University

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 22:11


    Proposals circling around the State Legislature seek to eliminate the current Tennessee State University board of trust and reinstate one appointed by Governor Bill Lee. To join us on the program is Senator Charlane Oliver (D-Nashville), who district (19) includes the TSU campus. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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