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On this episode of White Coat Radio, we're joined by Dr. Debbie Byrd, Dean of East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy. She discusses the latest news regarding state funding and reduced tuition, the college's 20th anniversary, her philosophy for overcoming challenges, and answers questions from student pharmacists Dean Byrd is celebrating her 10th anniversary as dean of Gatton this year. In March, she was named a Distinguished Fellow of the Pharmacy Academy by the National Academies of Practice (NAP), a prestigious honor that recognizes excellence and leadership in interprofessional health care. TRANSCRIPT: Dean Debbie Byrd I also view challenges as opportunities because I've seen that play out that when we do have those obstacles, many times they have resulted in some of our greatest successes.   Michele Williams Welcome to White Coat Radio, a podcast from East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy in Johnson City, Tennessee. Each episode, we cover a wide range of topics about the pharmacy school experience, from study tips to deep dives with faculty and students pharmacists. I'm one of your hosts, Doctor Michele Williams, assistant professor and director of academic success.   Stephen Woodward And I'm Stephen Woodward, marketing and communications manager. On this episode, we chat with Doctor Debbie Byrd, dean of ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy. This year, Doctor Byrd is celebrating her 10th anniversary, coming to Gatton as Dean in 2016. In March, she was named a Distinguished Fellow of the Pharmacy Academy by the National Academies of Practice (NAP), a prestigious honor recognizing excellence in leadership and interprofessional health care.   Stephen Woodward Learn more about Doctor Byrd on our website e-t-s-u dot e-d-u slash pharmacy. Now let's get to our interview. Well, Dean Byrd, welcome to White Coat Radio.   Dean Debbie Byrd Yeah. Thank you for having me. Glad to be here. It's great to have you here.   Stephen Woodward We'll start by telling us what is a typical day. Being a dean look like.   Dean Debbie Byrd You know, there's not a typical day. But I think that's probably one of the things that I enjoy most is just the variety and, you know, the work that I get to do internal to the college, which you know, most in the college would be, you know, very familiar with and, but there's also a lot of external work at the university and then even beyond the university.   Dean Debbie Byrd So, a lot of my time is spent problem solving. I've described myself as a fire chief sometimes, putting my fire hat on putting out fires. But it's it's usually not to that, that level, but it's, a lot of serving as a, as a soundboard for people. It's been a lot of time in meetings. And that's where a lot of that, you know, problem solving and coaching and, and just, you know, hearing what, what others have in mind to do. I know when I was new to this position, I was very taken aback by all the meetings or how much time I was spending in meetings. And I remember, talking to my boss at the time, Wilsie Bishop. And I said, you know, when I've just. I'm in meetings all the time. I went, when does. When will I do my work, you know, as these, and this is my first job as a dean, and she, you know, paused and smiled and looked at me and said, this is the work that is that is the work which is very different from what I had done previously. But, you know, whether it's meeting with, members of the leadership team or executive committee individually, or, you know, as a group, with the faculty council, we have the dean student advisory Committee today. I was kind of I had to think about it a little bit because there are so many different things. But, just all of the stakeholders within the college, and our alumni here, those, those meetings go on on a, on a pretty regular cadence. But then at Etsu, there are a number of different councils that I serve on the university council, academic council, deans, council meeting, council deans meet on a regular basis. So, you know, all of those things are, you know, trying to make things better, whether it's here at the college or at the university that, you know, even beyond the university, there's opportunities to, you know, work on behalf of the profession or the college in terms of advocacy with legislators. College has been very active with the Johnson City, Washington County Chamber of Commerce. So, yeah, there's just so many, folks to to meet with. And then there's lots of events that we have, at the college. And so I just represent the college in a lot of different, arenas.   Stephen Woodward Great. Thank you for sharing.   Michele Williams So the college's, of course, celebrating its 20th anniversary this academic year. What do you think are some of the biggest challenges the college is facing?   Dean Debbie Byrd You know, that's a great question. And I can say I think that, you know, Gaten is facing any challenges that are unique to us that are really any different than other colleges or schools of pharmacy or, or just higher education, in general. But challenges in general, I do think are accessibility and affordability for our students, is really paramount.   Dean Debbie Byrd The perception of the value of higher education, I don't think that that pharmacy faces, that as much as maybe other, degree programs, because the return on the investment for, a doctor pharmacy degree is pretty clear. You know, it's was life changing for me as a first generation college student. You know, really, generational change can come about, for those students who have those opportunities. And that's why that accessibility and affordability is so, important. Yeah. For us to focus on, I also have a philosophy which I would say is something that has developed, especially since becoming a dean is, I used to have the perspective of, I could prevent problems, you know, if I planned well and and that's true to a degree. But you can't plan away all the potential problems that that pop up. And so that perspective has changed as I've gotten wiser. But I also view challenges as opportunities because I've seen that play out that when we do have those obstacles, many times they have resulted in some of our greatest successes. That's so true as a college. And that's not at all how I used to think about problems. So I think it's important, important to have that mindset of just not that we like problems, but just embracing them. But they inevitably pop up and think of them as opportunities to, you know, make something better for someone. You know, face them with optimism and creativity because you might as well, and just roll up our sleeves and, and get to work.   Michele Williams That's, that's one of the things that I really love about working here and working with you is that when a problem comes up, there have been times when you come to my office and said, what are we going to do about this?   Dean Debbie Byrd Yeah, I, I love that. Yes. Like, oh, okay, let's problem solve us figure it out. So yeah. Yeah. Because it's not an option you know not to address the problem. It's that way. So we might as well. ...Yeah. And and I certainly don't have all the answers. And so, you're not the only person that I, that.... Well, what do you think about this? Yeah. You know, our, thinking about this. What do you think about that? To try to get to the best solution for whatever it may be?   Stephen Woodward Well, kind of along those lines, what are some of the those opportunities that you see for the college?   Dean Debbie Byrd Yeah. You know, I think there's no question that excellence is an important part of our culture here. So, we're always looking for ways to improve things, to make things better, whether that's, you know, for students or faculty or staff, you know, how do we just just make things run smoother in some cases, take something that's that's good and make it great. But we have made the most of some of our challenges here at the college. But I think some of the things, thanks are thanks are, are. My gosh, I probably should not go it, you know, we don't have any major, major things going on right now. We've had some major initiatives that the college is, is, you know, kind of bringing to fruition now a major curricular revision as one example, where I do want to give, you know, faculty and staff major kudos for that work because, you know, not only did they, you know, revise the curriculum, which happens periodically everywhere, but something that our faculty did really combined, you know, that academic excellence piece and, and thinking about student success, but they also really considered well-being in that and well-being in the perspective of, you know, what's the best combination to help our students perform at their very best? And to that end, you know, we looked at a lot of data and found that our curriculum at that time, before we revised it, had more credit hours than most programs in the country. And, and at that time, our students weren't performing where we would like for them to have been. We were thinking about the now flex. We were more, you know, just around the average or maybe just slightly above average. And so part of that we felt like, maybe it's just too much and there's a point of diminishing returns. And I think we can reach that with our students, that we were just overwhelming them in terms of just information and time. And, and so they were very thoughtful. The faculty were in really bringing it back to the essentials of, of what do our students need, to be the best pharmacists and to perform at their very best and to, to really, you know, learn and retain everything. It's not, you know, if you're just you can give them everything. But if they're only going to retain a third of it, what what's the point? And they've really given that a lot of consideration. So so with that in mind, you know, there's been a lot of, work at the college over the years about, student will be that I think, now we've shifted to, to think more about faculty and staff will be about the college. And, you know, there's a we oh, you're often, very data centric here as well. So, you know, there's a, faculty and staff well-being survey that's going to go out to get some good information. But during work that's already happened, several years ago, I served on, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. I had a, a faculty workload task force and, trying to come up with, you know, the ideal workload policy and, and just the best practices when it comes to that. And one of the most important things was, just transparency and and helping, you know, faculty understand what the what the expectations are and matching that with effort. And the university is now embarking on some of that work with, workload policy and promotion of tenure guidelines. And so, you know, with that in mind, you know, that's something that aligning those things, I think is going to help, our faculty and staff will be, and then also just growing our faculty and staff as our enrollment has continued to grow. Obviously, that's going to help a lot with workload and supporting developmental opportunities. And then nurturing our positive culture. You know, that's a foundation that was laid at the very beginning. And I think it is something that could be taken for granted. If, if we're not intentional about nurturing that culture. So I think that's something that we're all very committed to. But I also think, as we consider, you know, bringing in new faculty and new staff, that we have to be very, considerate of that and making sure that that we bring in people that will continue, you know, this culture that's been built and, and supported for so long, you know, research and scholarship is something that is, is an Etsu initiative. I serve on their research, strategic planning task force. And so with that in mind, you know, how do we create opportunities for, for faculty to, you know, be more successful in those areas, whether it's setting aside time or, providing opportunities for collaboration, development? You know, our faculty are doing great work and there's no, no question, no shortage of great things for our faculty to share and write about. But I want them to have the opportunity to do that work and to ask the questions that they're passionate about and then share, you know, their findings with, with the world and, and practice. Transformation is one example of that that many of our faculty are very engaged with that's, unique, what they do every day, in their practice, and then I guess another opportunity and, and again, we're, we've been working on these things, but, just engagement and particularly alumni engagement. You know, when I first came here, there had only been a few classes that had even graduated. And so, we really didn't have any, sort of programing or anything intentional with our alumni. And so thinking about that, how do we bring those former students and those graduates back that we're so proud of, and give them opportunities to connect with one another and with the college? We started homecoming a few years ago, and, Etsu held tailgates last year. So, so hopefully those opportunities will continue to grow. We have another survey that's out with faculty and staff right now asking how how do we currently engage with our alumni, and whether it's in the classroom or with, professional organizations, student organizations where we currently dealing with our alumni. And then that's going to be shared back with the alumni and sort of sort of a menu of, here, here, the current opportunities and get their input on what else would you like me to be doing with the college and how would you like to, engage with that? So those are those are some of the things that I think are major opportunities for us on the horizon.   Michele Williams That's great. Yeah. So you mentioned the that our faculty are doing a lot of really exciting things. But in March, you were named the distinguished fellow of the Pharmacy Academy by the National Academies of Practice. Nap. And this is a prestigious honor recognizing excellence in leadership and interprofessional health care. Can you comment on this honor.   Dean Debbie Byrd And what it means to you? Yeah, it really does mean a lot because, throughout my career, I've been involved in interprofessional patient care. My practice, you know, was always with family medicine physicians. And and that work and within family medicine, residency training, practices in academic settings in some always worked in that you know, physician, pharmacist, interprofessional, you know, patient care model. And so, so that's something that's just been been part of my entire career, that practice piece and later the education piece. But I feel like that expanded greatly for me several years ago when, I was asked to be the interim dean for the College of Nursing. So I learned so much, you know, during that time period. And, and I was fortunate to be inducted with, one of my nurse faculty colleagues, at the ceremony last weekend. But, another piece of it that was, especially meaningful is I don't seek awards and recognition. You know, for myself, it's, you know, a college focus typically. And so, in this case, it was a nomination, you know, by a colleague that, I had given a presentation at, and a CCP meeting about the imposter syndrome, and, had encouraged him to, pursue something that he was thinking about. And, and he'd sent me an email several months later and said, you know, I did it and thank you. And then a couple of years later, he was he was inducted, and he was telling me about it, and I was like, oh, congratulations. That's really cool. And, and he said, well, you should be a member of this and I'm going to nominate you. So so that was special. Just that awesome connection as well. Yeah.   Stephen Woodward This spring we had some big news with state funding. Do you want to tell us more about that?   Dean Debbie Byrd Yes. I'm glad to you. So this is something that the college has worked on since 2017. When the college was founded back in 2005, the state really didn't have the funds to support a second college of pharmacy at that point. So the college was founded really based on a private tuition model. And because of that, is that being our only revenue, your tuition historically has been very high. So, you know, before we received any state funding, our tuition was as high as $38,000 a year, actually a little more than $38,000 a year, which was typical for a private college of pharmacy. But so many of our students are first generation. And, you know, come from rural areas. You know, when I came in as dean in 2016 and sort of learned, you know, the history, it just didn't seem fair. And it certainly limited accessibility and affordability for our students. Our debt load was significant as a result of that. So that was really the impetus for trying to achieve state funding for the college so we could pass that along to our student. So, you know, we worked on it for about six years before we received the first bit of state funding in 2023. And at that time, the state, appropriation was about half of what we asked for. And so we lowered tuition at that time. Actually, beyond what the state funding supported, with the idea that I guess the idea and the hope that we would receive the other half the following year, and unfortunately, we didn't it took us an additional three years to finally receive the other half. But in the meantime, I feel like that initial funding allowed proof of concept because our proposal was that if we receive state funding, we can lower tuition, our enrollment will increase. And particularly among Tennesseans. And so from, you know, 2023 to 2025, I guess, or the data that we shared with legislators, our enrollment went up from a class of about 45 students on average and had been for the last several years, to, I guess, the the year after funding, it was around 58 seniors and 64. Oh, wow. And and so this year we're expecting over 70 students grew in the percentage of Tennesseans that, you know, we we expected it to go up. But it was really remarkable that it went from, about 40% Tennesseans among, you know, our class, incoming classes to almost 70% at Tennessee and in our incoming classes. So we had those data. And by showing showing them that proof of concept that, you know, look, look what the state dollars, you know, have done. And then also, especially since 2017, there's a pharmacist shortage that has developed over that time. And so, there's a real need for pharmacists, and particularly in rural areas, that's where a lot of our students come from. They're willing to go back there. So, ultimately our tuition, was lowered and will go into effect July 1st, and it will apply to all of our students, not just our incoming students. For Tennesseans, tuition will be $24,785 a year, which will be significant savings for them, especially if you multiply that over four years. Their ultimate, you know, student loan debt will be significantly reduce over $50,000. They'll graduate with. And, tuition is also less for out-of-state students as well. So, our, our state tuition, starting July 1st, will be $30,329 per year. And really, our ultimate goal in terms of that accessibility and affordability was just to match the tuition of the other state school. We just felt like, you know, taxpayers, you know, our funding, the, the dollars that go to the state and, and, you know, that's who's going to benefit and that we felt like our students deserved, you know, the opportunity to to go to pharmacy school and, and then turn around and serve, you know, the people of Tennessee in this region. So, you know, it is very exciting to to finally, be at the point where we can offer that to our students. And I know they're very excited and, you know, we we expect, you know, ultimately, you know, our class size historically has been 75 to 80 students. And so, you know, we we did learn about state funding just with the legislative cycle until April. And our recruiting cycle is essentially done by the end. So we we didn't really expect it to affect, our class size for this fall, but we expect that we'll have, you know, full class and full classes going forward as a result. So, nine years total. We finally made it. We had some persistence going on, but I have to thank, President Noland for his support. We would not, have have achieved this without, you know, his commitment to the college and his willingness to, you know, really make us a priority, you know, this year and also in 2023 to, to make this happen. But also, you know, our local legislative delegation, you know, has always been supportive. And I would say they, you know, they were supportive from the very beginning. And in particular, Gary Hicks has been a huge champion on the House side. And, you know, from over that nine year period, you know, he was a new legislator whenever we started this effort. And over time, you know, he's become a leader in the House and and on the finance committee. And so, you know, that that time helped us in some ways to to have, some of our local delegation be in positions where they could have more influence with their colleagues. And, and then, you know, most recently with Senator Harshbarger, you know, as a pharmacist was very supportive of us as well. And, and I would say all the pharmacists, in the Senate, there are four pharmacists in that, Senate and the Tennessee General Assembly. And, and they were all supportive of us. And, and that meant a lot to you. So, so we're just we're just very pleased, to finally have this opportunity to to offer this to students. Yeah. One other, I think major piece to this in addition to that proof of concept that I was talking about earlier that I think really, helped, you know, push this across the finish line were our season outcomes? Yeah. Yeah. To be able to to, you know, show that, you know, we're worth the investment. And that students that come to get and we'll have, you know, a great outcome. And so, specifically speaking about our Netflix pass rate, you know, being top five in the country in 2023 and, again, with our class of 2025, I think definitely caught their attention. And many of the legislators that I met with commented on that. Yeah, they were they were impressed with, how well prepared our students are. And I think that helped them make the decision to be willing to invest in the college. And our students.   Stephen Woodward That's great. Well, thank you for your tireless effort and dedication to to doing that over the past nine years. Did you log how many trips to Nashville you've you've made it.   Dean Debbie Byrd I did that time. I probably should have stayed. Yeah, for sure I didn't, but, it's, you know, it was a long nine years, but, you know, I'd never had any, you know, responsibility before becoming a dean of interacting with legislators. And so I really came to enjoy that. Maybe not the trip. It'd be nice if I could, you know, just go across town, to meet with folks that, you know, just to develop those relationships over time and, yeah, you know, realize, I mean, they're, they're they're here to help us and that's that's their role. And, and, and they, they really work hard, you know, to help us. So I appreciate those relationships and the opportunity just to better understand the process and how things work. I really had no clear understanding of that either. So, it was a lot of work, but, certainly enjoyed it and were thrilled with the outcome.   Stephen Woodward Well, we asked some students to, to provide some questions for this interview. So P2 Bonilla asked, what has been the most challenging leadership decision you've had to make as Dean?   Dean Debbie Byrd Well, I think probably the hardest thing that, I have to do as a dean, unfortunately, it's very rare that it happens, but is to dismiss a student and, you know, any decision that affects a person, even if it's in their best interest, and it's the right thing to do is, is difficult. And, and I would say those decisions, because the question was, what's the most challenging decision? And the decision itself is, not necessarily challenging, you know, it's the right thing to do or that individual, and, and it could be, I think especially if you ask those questions, what is in the best interest of the profession of the university? What's in the best interest of the college, and what's in the best interest of the individual? Then the decision itself usually is pretty clear. And and how would I wish to be treated under these circumstances? The decision becomes pretty clear. But it's still, difficult to sure, you know, that you're, you know, going to cause pain for someone, even if it's in the short term and even if it is the right thing to do, it's always very difficult.   Stephen Woodward Brunella also asked if you weren't working in pharmacy or academia, what career do you think you would have pursued?   Dean Debbie Byrd Well, I initially I, I remember in the first grade.   (laughing)   Mrs. Highberger asked me to help her, do something. I don't remember what it was. You know, during recess one day, and I, I got off the school bus and ran inside and told my mom that I was going to be a teacher. When I grew up. And so that was, you know, my plan as a six year old and was was by playing for a little bit.   Dean Debbie Byrd And, and as I got older, you know, my family always, struggled financially. And so once I realized that maybe, being an elementary school teacher might not give me the financial security that was really, really important to me under those circumstances. And then I just said, okay, I guess I won't do that. And so it's been a real bonus career, you know, pharmacy school to be a pharmacist. I didn't think that I would get to be a teacher to. So I got to do both of those things that, another, I don't know if it would have been a career, for me, per se, but I had a backup plan going to college that, I was I was waiting for scholarships to come in and out. It was about two weeks before, classes started. I went to Middle Tennessee State University, and I had applied for one scholarship and hadn't gotten it. And I'd gotten, some Pell Grant funds, but it wasn't enough to to cover things. And so I applied come last chance scholarship to get and, and so my thought was, well, if I don't get that, then I was going to join the military and, to give me the opportunity to eventually go to college. I'm not sure if that would have been a career, but that was my my clear plan. At that point and then, maybe a more unique, career path that didn't come to me until about, I don't know, 10 or 15 years into my career. Just because I didn't know that it existed is forensic anthropology.   Michele Williams Oh wow.   Dean Debbie Byrd Yeah, totally. I  guess I didn't even know that was a thing, but, you know, Bill Bass is a forensic anthropologist, and that if you've read the Body Farm books, my my office at one point overlooked the body Farm, in Knoxville. And so, yeah, just the idea that you could, you know, look at bones to human osteology was one of your specialty areas or is one of his specialty areas. And. No, and not just, you know, is this male or female, but what kind of work they did? Because, you know, if they, you know, did work that, you know, required heavy lifting, like, you could see that in their bones that, so, I don't know, I was just I was fascinated by that. And so I kind of thought for the first time, well, you know, if I'd known this existed, I might have gone out On something like that. But I don't know. How many forensic anthropologist are really needed in the world. Whereas I think we need lots pharmacies now.   Michele Williams And lucky for us, you know. So, another student question that we have is from Ryan, who is actually the president of P-1 class. Class of 2029. His question is, leadership can be a challenging journey. Is there a specific mentor or role model who helped shape your own leadership philosophy? And what is the one piece of it of their advice that you still lean on today as the Dean?   Dean Debbie Byrd Yeah, there's there's not just one. You know, I if I started to name or try to name people, I would definitely leave people out. So, I think about, you know, the faculty member, I was an average student. And do not tell our students this all the time. I was a very average student in pharmacy school. Not for lack of trying effort, but, you know, I had a faculty member and preceptor that encouraged me to think about residency, and I'm not sure I necessarily would have thought about that. Even. You know, it's one of those things that, you know, sometimes a mentor is not someone that you necessarily are spending a lot of time with. Someone may just literally ask you a question, have you ever thought about it? So, I would just encourage, you know, everyone, whenever you see, something in someone and you're thinking in your head, oh, you'd be really good at, you know, whatever. Have you ever thought about to always ask those those questions?   Michele Williams It can be life changing.   Dean Debbie Byrd Oh, no, no, no, no doubt about it. And I mean, I had, you know, former students that, you know, went on to do something and years later would come back and say, oh, well, you're the reason I did this. And I would look at them in confusion and say, oh, remember that day? You ask me, you know, have I ever thought about. And no, I didn't remember that. But it does, you know, can make a real impact. So that's that's important. But I had other, you know, my residency preceptors, you know, who really, developed me exponentially. Department chairs, campus meetings and really, everybody I've ever worked for has has served as a mentor, the president and provost here. But fellow faculty and staff, meet your peers, you know, can be those mentors, because I do think a lot of it is just, you know, serving as a sound board and just being somebody that that listen, sometimes, you know, sometimes you know what to do, but you just need to say it all out loud and have somebody, you know, not at the end, you know, instead of running from the room that, you know. Yes, that's a good thing to think about that, you know, colleagues I've mentioned in professional organizations, certainly have been, students, teach me something. You know, every time. But I have an opportunity to interact with them. And it's interesting and just funny that you asked me because I had lunch yesterday with Wilsie Bishop, who, is the retired vice president for health affairs and, who I worked for for many years. And so, you know, she continues, at this point, even her in her retirement, you know, to serve as, as a mentor. But, my number one strength, according to Strengthsfinder. And I've taken it many times over many decades now, is learner. And so I think every experience that you have and every interaction that you have is an opportunity to to learn something and to gain something. And I think my experience has been that people are very generous. And so if you, you know, ask for advice or ask, to draw upon somebody's wisdom. So far, I haven't run across anybody that's been unwilling, you know, to to talk with me or, you know, listen to that dilemma that, I'm facing and, you know, give me their two cents. And so that's another encouragement that I would put out into the world that, you know, you never know until you ask. And, but it doesn't really matter who it is. I think sometimes we think, you know, a lot of the people that have the most wisdom and could potentially give the best advice are some of the busiest people. You know, in the world, potentially. And it's really easy to say, oh, gosh, I don't want to I want to bother them, I don't want to inconvenience them. But again, I found them. You know, it doesn't matter who you ask. I haven't had anybody turn me down. Yeah.   Stephen Woodward That's great. As we come to a close, is there anything else you'd like to to add to our listeners?   Dean Debbie Byrd You know, this is our 20th anniversary for the college. And, in July, I will have a big year, ten years. And so it's caused me to do, you know, some some reflecting, about the ten years and, and thinking about I don't think that I answered one part of the last question about, you know, what piece of advice of about do I lean on? And I, I think it's maybe a couple of things, you know, one is I mentioned earlier just treating people the way we want to be treated. I mean, many years ago, the college, did some developmental program with outward mindset. But that's really what it boils down to. But I think the other piece has is just being intentional, that, you know, just because you wish things were different doesn't mean that they're going to be different. That you're making those changes for the better and trying to think about, you know, how to make things easier, how to facilitate success, whether it's for students or faculty or staff. I think that's a big part of the job. And, you know, sitting here with you, too, I think the first new position that I created when I came here was the marketing position, and like you and. I kind of from that, you know, solving a problem I came here in realized I knew very little about this college, and nobody did. There were people in Johnson City that didn't even know that there was a College of Pharmacy, which is crazy to think about all the community support that we had. But, you know, I have lots of people, you know, moving to the area. So I was just then I was amazed by all the great things that were going on. So, you know, I feel like you've done a great job and, you know, getting the word out there about all the great things. And then maybe I'm not sure if it was literally the second position, but, we had a retirement and, academic affairs and we thought about, you know, what do we do? We want to just replace, you know, have the very same position, or do we want to, you know, reimagine what that would be. And that's when the director of student success position.   Michele Williams That was a great decision.   Dean Debbie Byrd But a lot of those, you know, student success efforts that that you have been led and, you know, we have relatively new student success coordinators. It's probably been the most recent addition to that. But, you know, we just are always thinking about, you know, who are our students. And as we've said, many of them are first generation, you know, coming from rural areas. And, and they, they bring, incredible assets that sometimes come with some things that have left them behind a little bit. And how do we take those, students that come to us with great potential and make sure that, you know, as long as they're doing the work, that they're going to be successful in the end. So just that intention with student success, you know, revamping our athletics prep, you know, is a big initiative that has certainly paid off, you know, for students recently. You know, admissions and enrollment is up. Yes, due in large part to marketing. But, you know, we have a full time recruiter, you know, now, and we haven't always had, you know, the ERP program, is something that is is new to the college, relatively new to the college. And I've mentioned, you know, some of the great engagement activities that happen. But, you know, there's those are all, I guess, circling back around to their problems or obstacles and some of the things that I think we're proud of, staff as a college came from a need to address, a problem or a situation as you have to see Will now.   Stephen Woodward Well, thank you for your service to the college and for being on the podcast today. We appreciate you coming.   Michele Williams Yeah. Thanks so much. Yeah.   Dean Debbie Byrd Well, thanks again for asking.   Stephen Woodward Thanks for listening to White Coat Radio. If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe and leave this review to learn more about ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, visit us at e-t-s-slash pharmacy or follow us on social media @ETSUpharmacy. We'll see you next time.  

The Tennessee General Assembly wrapped last month, and here to help us understand the education bills passed this session is Melissa Brown, Tennessee Bureau Chief for Chalkbeat Tennessee. She joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to break down everything from voucher expansion, to the Ten Commandments in classrooms, to stricter internet policies in schools. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 11th episode: Window Nation Centennial Park Conservancy Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Thursday afternoon, Republicans in the Tennessee General Assembly, at the urging of President Trump, successfully approved new congressional maps for the state, cracking Memphis into three separate districts in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to gut the Voting Rights Act. Holly McCall, editor in chief of the Tennessee Lookout, joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to share her on-site reporting from the Capitol this week. Plus, we're breaking down the results of Tuesday's Davidson County primary election, and finding some fun festivals for the weekend to cheer us up. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 8th episode: Greater Birmingham CVB Window Nation Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Tennessee Republican State Executive Committee Members Fed Up With RINOs Allowing Dems To Vote In GOP Primaries…Why Didn't These Conservative Illegal Immigration Bills Pass The TN Legislature?Republicans Fail To Deliver On Tennessee Grocery Tax Reform…Riley Gaines Women's Protection Act To Become Law…Tennessee Schools Encouraged To Display Ten Commandments & Foundational U.S. Documents…Appeals Court Rules In Favor Of TN National Guard Deployment To Memphis…The Tennessee Conservative's Brandon Lewis joins Yaffee LIVE to discuss all this & more! Check out more from Yaffee HERE - https://www.wgow.com/2025/05/12/yaffee-live-2/

The Tennessee General Assembly adjourned for the year last Thursday, and we're digging into what they actually got done. Joining host Marie Cecile Anderson is WPLN power and equity reporter Marianna Bacallao. She'll walk us through the major themes of this year's session, and how the Republican supermajority's bills concerning immigration and control over our city could shape Nashville's future. Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Early voting is open now for select county judges, school board members, county clerks, and more. Here's the list of candidates. Here is a sample ballot for the May 5 election with early voting locations and hours. If you haven't yet registered to vote, you cannot vote in the May 5 primary election — but you can still register for the state and federal primary election on Aug. 6. If you enjoyed this interview with Supriya Sundaram, the director of growth marketing for TaskRabbit, learn more here.  Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Failed Attempts To Close Tennessee Primary Elections For Over 20 Years…Massive Foreign-Born Job Gains In Tennessee…Immigration Bills Push Through The General Assembly…Suspending Logic & Reason To Prop Up Public Education…Tennessee Will Officially Only Recognize 2 Sexes…What Is Your Letter Grade For The Tennessee Legislature???& More with Brandon Lewis on Yaffee LIVE!Check out more from Yaffee LIVE Here - https://www.wgow.com/2025/05/12/yaffee-live-2/

The Tennessee General Assembly has passed its massive $58 billion budget, and that usually means one thing—lawmakers are getting close to wrapping up the session. In this episode, we hear from Shelby Vannoy with the Tennessee Farm Bureau, who breaks down what this budget means for farmers and rural communities across the state. From key investments in agriculture to support for rural infrastructure and resources, Shelby highlights some of the big wins that could have a real impact on Tennessee agriculture.

Conservative Bills Good For ALL Of Tennessee...The Tennessee Legislature Cranks It Up To Wind It Down...The Tennessee Conservative's Olivia Lupia interviews Tennessee State Representative Michele Reneau (R-Signal Mountain-District 27) on Yaffee LIVE.

Confusing “Intent To Go Armed” Provision In Tennessee Law Will NOT Be Rectified In 2026Bad Actors Influencing Kids Without Parent's KnowledgeCodifying Rules for Detaining Illegal Aliens For ICESlew Of Immigration Bills Nearing Final Step Before Becoming TN LawIs this the “Least Awful” Session of The Tennessee General Assembly in the last 6 years?The Tennessee Conservative's Brandon Lewis joins Yaffee LIVE to discuss all this & more!Check out more from Yaffee Here -  https://www.wgow.com/2025/05/12/yaffee-live-2/

The “Mixed Bag” Of This Year's Tennessee General Assembly• Illegal Immigration• Expansion Of School Vouchers: Double-Funding Students with Strings Attached• Nashville: A Hard Place to get Good Things Done• Governor Lee: Setting the Bar LowSteve Abramowicz from the Heartland Journal fills in on Yaffee LIVE and interviews The Tennessee Conservative's founder, Brandon Lewis.Check out Steve's podcast here - https://rumble.com/c/HeartlandJournal?e9s=src_v1_clr

What in the World have your Tennessee Legislators been up to???• Verifying Employee Immigration Status• Denying Tennesseans the Right To Sue the State• Blocking Teachers from Having Sex with Former Students• Sidelining Foreign Lobbyist Legislation• Protecting the 2A Rights of Renters• Adding More School Vouchers…but ditching immigration status reporting• Making AI Data Centers Self-Fund& Much More that you won't hear about anywhere else!Like what we're doing & want us to stick around?Donate Today! - https://bit.ly/3OBZvcCSubscribe to our FREE daily (M-F) eNewsletter - https://bit.ly/3ybSpV8Not afraid to admit you're a Conservative? Advertise with us!  Check out our advertising options here -  https://tinyurl.com/2re6bfswFollow The Tennessee Conservative on these Free Speech platforms:TTC on X - https://x.com/TnCoNews1TTC on MeWe -https://bit.ly/3SbuqxWTTC on Gettr - https://bit.ly/3LifSKCTTC on Gab - https://bit.ly/3di03aiTTC on Truth - https://bit.ly/3BINn5BTTC on Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-399985TTC on Parler - https://app.parler.com/thetennesseeconservative

Governing From The Ground Up With Tennessee State Representative Jody Barrett:• Where does legislation come from?• Making Sure Students know the Truth about Communism• Giving Students More Opportunities to VoteThe Tennessee Conservative's Olivia Lupia interviews Tennessee State Representative Jody Barrett (R-Dickson-District 69) on Yaffee LIVE.

No Kings, Apaches & Kid Rock, TN Librarians Pushing LGBTQ Books For Kids, Extreme Left “Pastor” Lectures TN Lawmakers During Opening Prayer & Raccoons???The Tennessee Conservative's Olivia Lupia guest hosts Yaffee LIVE!

Why the TNGOP SEC Should STRIP Republican Designations from Reps Michele Carringer, Rick Eldridge, Mary Littleton, Iris Rudder & Dave Wright...Plus 6 Other Stories You Won't See Reported Anywhere Else…Fearless. Conservative. Tennessee. News. Reporting.Keep us in the fight!!!  Become a monthly donor today

Tidings Of RINO Festivities In TN Legislature:RINOs Want Democrats Voting In GOP Primaries & Tennessee Workers To Be Declared “Non-Essential”Plus Some Good Stuff:• Giving Property Owners The Right To Defend Their House & Home• Preventing Radicalized Doctors From Pushing Gender Reassignment• Tennessee Sheriffs Must Cooperate With ICE & More Immigration Bills Moving Forward• & More!Check out more from Yaffee HERE -  https://www.wgow.com/2025/05/12/yaffee-live-2/Like what we're doing & want us to stick around?Donate Today! - https://bit.ly/3OBZvcCSubscribe to our FREE daily (M-F) eNewsletter - https://bit.ly/3ybSpV8Not afraid to admit you're a Conservative? Advertise with us!  Check out our advertising options here -  https://tinyurl.com/2re6bfswFollow The Tennessee Conservative on these Free Speech platforms:TTC on X - https://x.com/TnCoNews1TTC on MeWe -https://bit.ly/3SbuqxWTTC on Gettr - https://bit.ly/3LifSKCTTC on Gab - https://bit.ly/3di03aiTTC on Truth - https://bit.ly/3BINn5BTTC on Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-399985TTC on Parler - https://app.parler.com/thetennesseeconservative

Democrats No Longer Able To Crossover Vote For RINO Republicans???2 RINOs Trying To Strip Away YOUR Constitutional Rights!!!More Immigration Bills…Parental Rights In Children's Healthcare…Blocking Taxpayer Funded “Gender Affirming” Surgeries…2 More Grocery Tax Elimination Bills Likely Sidelined…Prohibiting Healthcare Providers From Asking Kids Gender Ideology Questions…Like what we're doing & want us to stick around?Donate Today! - https://bit.ly/3OBZvcCSubscribe to our FREE daily (M-F) eNewsletter - https://bit.ly/3ybSpV8Not afraid to admit you're a Conservative? Advertise with us! Check out our advertising options here - https://tinyurl.com/2re6bfswFollow The Tennessee Conservative on these Free Speech platforms:TTC on X - https://x.com/TnCoNews1TTC on MeWe -https://bit.ly/3SbuqxWTTC on Gettr - https://bit.ly/3LifSKCTTC on Gab - https://bit.ly/3di03aiTTC on Truth - https://bit.ly/3BINn5BTTC on Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-399985TTC on Parler - https://app.parler.com/thetennesseeconservative

Litany Of Immigration Bills Blasting Through Legislature...More Abuse Of Tennessee Kids In State Care...Republicans Kill Constitutional Amendment To Enshrine Parent's Right To Homeschool...Tennessee Senate Says Teachers Can't Bully Students...The Tennessee Conservative's Brandon Lewis joins Yaffee LIVE to discuss all this & more!Check out more from YAFFEE HERE! - https://www.wgow.com/2025/05/12/yaffee-live-2/

From the Tennessee General Assembly to Tennessee State University, March Madness is everywhere. Host Marie Cecile Anderson, contributor Nicole Williams, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are on today's Friday News Roundup breaking down the NES Board's special treatment, some odd happenings on the Hill, new proposals to fix our child care crisis, and the candidates set for this November's state and federal elections. Plus, what we know about detained Nashville Noticias journalist Estefany Rodriguez. TDOT is requesting public comment on their I-24 Choice Lane project. Leave your thoughts here. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 13th episode: Nashville Symphony Country Music Hall of Fame Check out our new City Cast podcast, Your City Could Be Better on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by CEO David Plotz, this week's episode features Jacoby Cochran from City Cast Chicago talking with Mike Schaffer from City Cast DC about body cams and cooperation between local police and federal forces.  Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Republicans Kill Efforts To Protect Tennessee's Unborn Children, Secure State Elections & Defluoridate Drinking Water… Conservatives Try To Prevent Government Overreach In Future Emergencies & Limit Commercial, Private Driver's Licenses To English Speakers.If you value truth in Tennessee, step up now and support The Tennessee Conservative!   Go here to donate

This Day in Legal History: Butler ActOn March 13, 1925, the Tennessee General Assembly approved the Butler Act, a statute that made it unlawful for public school teachers to present any theory that denied the biblical account of human creation. The law specifically prohibited teaching that humans evolved from lower forms of life, reflecting growing tensions between scientific ideas and religious beliefs in early twentieth-century America. Tennessee lawmakers framed the statute as a way to protect traditional moral values in public education. Critics, however, immediately argued that the law restricted academic freedom and undermined the teaching of modern science.The controversy quickly escalated when a young teacher, John T. Scopes, agreed to challenge the statute. Scopes was charged with violating the Butler Act after he allowed evolution to be discussed in his classroom. His prosecution led to the famous 1925 Scopes “Monkey” Trial in Dayton, Tennessee. The trial drew national attention and featured two of the era's most prominent legal figures: Clarence Darrow for the defense and William Jennings Bryan for the prosecution. Their courtroom clash turned the case into a dramatic public debate over science, religion, and the role of government in shaping school curricula.Although Scopes was ultimately convicted and fined $100, the trial exposed deep cultural divisions within the United States. Media coverage portrayed the proceedings as a symbolic struggle between modern scientific thinking and religious fundamentalism. Over time, the Butler Act came to be seen by many as an example of government overreach into education and intellectual inquiry. Tennessee formally repealed the statute in 1967, decades after the trial had become a lasting symbol of the conflict between science and law.Federal Circuit Judge Pauline Newman has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review her ongoing challenge to a suspension imposed by her fellow judges. In a petition filed Thursday, the 98-year-old judge argues that the D.C. Circuit wrongly ruled that courts cannot review many challenges to judicial suspension orders under the Judicial Conduct and Disability Act. Newman contends that the statute should allow review when suspension decisions violate the law or the Constitution. Her petition claims the lower court misinterpreted the law by blocking challenges to actions that exceed the authority granted under the statute. Newman argues that her suspension effectively removes her from the bench without impeachment, which she says undermines constitutional protections for judicial independence and lifetime tenure.The Federal Circuit's judicial council first suspended Newman in 2023 after concerns that potential mental or physical health issues made her unable to perform judicial duties. The suspension followed her refusal to undergo medical evaluations requested by her colleagues and was characterized as serious misconduct. Although the suspension was initially set for one year, it has been renewed twice. Newman appealed through the internal judicial review process, but a national committee of judges upheld the suspension in 2024. She also challenged the suspension in federal court, arguing that parts of the judicial discipline law are unconstitutional. Both a district court and the D.C. Circuit dismissed the case, relying on a statutory provision stating that disciplinary orders under the act are final and not subject to judicial review. Newman now asks the Supreme Court to clarify whether courts may still review suspension orders that allegedly exceed legal or constitutional limits.Judge Newman Takes Suspension Battle To Supreme Court - Law36098-year-old judge asks US Supreme Court to hear case over her suspension | ReutersThe U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has begun the process of developing regulations for prediction markets, issuing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking and asking the public for input on how the industry should be governed. The agency said the move is intended to support innovation while ensuring prediction markets operate within the framework of the Commodity Exchange Act. Interest in regulation has grown as more companies apply to register as designated contract markets, with many applications coming from prediction market platforms. These platforms allow users to trade on the outcomes of events such as sports games, elections, and entertainment awards.The CFTC is seeking feedback on several issues, including whether margin trading should be allowed, what types of event contracts might be harmful to the public interest, and whether individuals with insider knowledge should be restricted from trading on certain outcomes. At the same time, the agency released staff guidance reminding platforms to avoid contracts that could be easily manipulated, such as those tied to specific player injuries or actions by a single referee. The guidance also explains that platforms can list new contracts through a self-certification process, although the CFTC can intervene if it believes a contract violates the law.The regulatory effort comes amid ongoing legal disputes about who has authority over prediction markets. The CFTC maintains that it has exclusive jurisdiction, while several states have attempted to regulate or restrict these platforms under gambling laws. Meanwhile, members of Congress have introduced legislation that would ban certain types of event contracts, including those related to violence or death, and strengthen rules against insider trading on prediction markets.CFTC Proposes Prediction Markets Rule - Law360CFTC Seeks Public Comment on Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Relating to Prediction MarketsThe Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against California seeking to block the state's Advanced Clean Cars I (ACC I) regulations, arguing that the rules unlawfully interfere with federal authority over vehicle fuel economy standards. The lawsuit, brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation, targets California rules adopted in 2012 that require automakers to sell increasing numbers of low-emission and zero-emission vehicles. Federal officials claim the regulations effectively force manufacturers to meet stricter nationwide standards and function as a quota system for electric vehicles.According to the complaint, California cannot impose its own limits on vehicle emissions because the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act gives the federal government authority to set fuel-economy standards through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The administration argues that California's requirements could increase vehicle prices, reduce consumer choice, and disrupt the national auto market. Federal officials also say Congress revoked certain Clean Air Act waivers in 2025 that previously allowed California to enforce some emissions rules.California leaders strongly dispute the lawsuit and say the state is defending policies designed to reduce pollution and expand access to cleaner vehicles. State officials argue the federal government is attempting to undermine California's environmental regulations and its efforts to lead the transition to cleaner transportation. The lawsuit is part of a broader series of legal disputes between the federal government and California over vehicle emissions standards and electric-vehicle mandates.Feds Sue To Stop California's ‘Illegal' EV Regulations - Law360U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) told a federal court that it is making progress on a system to refund about $166 billion in tariffs that were ruled unlawful. According to a court filing, the agency's four-part refund system is between 40% and 80% complete, with the review portion the most developed and the mass-processing component the least finished. The system will include an online portal where importers and brokers can submit claims for reimbursement.The filing was submitted to the U.S. Court of International Trade in response to an order from a judge directing the government to begin refunding tariffs after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down most of the tariffs in February. The Court's decision invalidated tariffs collected since February 2024 but did not explain how refunds should be handled. CBP previously suggested building a new system to process claims rather than using its existing process, and officials say the new portal could begin accepting applications as soon as mid-April.More than 330,000 importers paid the tariffs on roughly 53 million shipments, though only about 21,000 importers are currently registered to receive refunds. Refunds will go only to the companies that originally paid the tariffs, and there is no legal requirement that businesses pass the money on to consumers. Some companies, including FedEx, have said they will reimburse customers, while Costco indicated it may lower prices using the refunded funds. Meanwhile, new legal disputes are emerging as businesses and states challenge additional tariffs imposed after the Supreme Court ruling.US customs agency says building system for tariff refunds is 40% to 80% complete | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

With the Tennessee General Assembly in full swing, we're taking a look at the bills moving through the legislature this session. Chaplain Dahron Anneliese Johnson, Tennessee Equality Project's Davidson County co-chair, sits down with host Marie Cecile Anderson to talk about legislation targeting our LGBTQ+ community, proposals impacting our immigrant neighbors, and the common thread that ties them all together. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 9th episode: Nashville Symphony Country Music Hall of Fame Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Kontji Anthony is a veteran journalist and host of Live at 9 on Memphis CBS affiliate WREG-TV. With a 30-year career in anchoring, reporting, producing, and writing, she has been recognized by the Tennessee General Assembly for her contributions to broadcasting. Anthony is also the creator, CEO, and co-founder of Youdle, a tech platform connecting families to fresh groceries. She serves on the boards of The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis and New Memphis and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The BOW Collective, NABJ, NATAS, and ACT | The App Association. Her work bridges media, entrepreneurship, and community impact.

State Rep Jody Barrett Talks Legislative Priorities…Tennessee Anti-Grooming Act, Transparency for Schools Vouchers & the Death Penalty, Medical Freedom & More!Tennessee State Representative Jody Barrett (R-Dickson-District 69) interviewed by The Tennessee Conservative's Olivia Lupia.

Conservatives Rejoice! - Randy “RINO” McNally To Retire

Republican sponsors of the bill have said they'll push the Tennessee General Assembly to pass legislation that would kneecap the elected board by giving a new board of state appointees powers over MSCS.

Legislation Conservatives Care About: LGBT Interests, Prayer In Schools, Penalties For Abortion Pills & More!Not Here, Then Where? - ICE Ends Plans For Wilson County Illegal Alien Detention CenterFinally… Political Party Registration Bills Moving Forward In The LegislatureThe Tennessee Conservative's Brandon Lewis joins Yaffee LIVE to discuss all this & more!Check out more from YAFFEE HERE! -  https://www.wgow.com/2025/05/12/yaffee-live-2/

Closing State Primary Elections: Tennessee State Representative Chris Todd Talks Party Registration, Property Tax Reform, The Second Amendment, Defending Our Way Of Life & Other Legislative Priorities…The Tennessee Conservative's Olivia Lupia interviews Tennessee State Representative Chris Todd (R-Madison County-District 73).

Equal Protection For The Unborn: Rep. Jody Barrett Talks About His Bill That Closes A Loophole In Tennessee Law Where Certain Laws Do Not Apply To People Who Are Still In The WombIn this interview with The Tennessee Conservative's Olivia Lupia, Tennessee State Representative Jody Barrett (R-Dickson-District 69) explains his bill HB0570 (House Bill 0570).  HB0570, a first of its kind bill in Tennessee,  grants the same protections for the unborn that every other citizen has.

Things We Already Should Have Been Doing: New Illegal Immigration Policies In TennesseeClosing Loopholes: Our Taxpayer Dollars Paying For Transgender ProceduresSchools Are Supposed To Be For Learning, Not For Indoctrination…The Tennessee Conservative's Olivia Lupia joins Yaffee LIVE to discuss all this & more!Check out more from YAFFEE HERE! - https://www.wgow.com/2025/05/12/yaffee-live-2/Like what we're doing & want us to stick around?Donate Today! - https://bit.ly/3OBZvcC

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Brink Fidler, Founder and President of Defend Systems, who discusses his background in law enforcement and highlights his company's work in active violence mitigation training and security consulting. Based in Middle Tennessee, Defend Systems is a life safety and security consulting firm specializing in active shooter response training and physical security consulting. During the interview, Brink shares insights from his two decades in narcotics work and explains how his experience informs Defend Systems' approach to enhancing security and safety in schools, corporations, churches, and other organizations. He outlines the company's services, including training based on the DEFEND acronym (Deter, Evade, Fortify, Evaluate, Notify, Defend), and emphasized the importance of educating people on safety measures. Brink also highlights his work with the Tennessee General Assembly to pass school safety legislation and shares practical tips for individuals to enhance their safety, such as identifying multiple exit routes. The conversation concludes with information on how to learn more about Defend Systems' services and connect with Brink through various platforms, including their website, https://www.defendsystems.com.

Mixed Signals: GOP Bill Allows Illegals To Re-Enter Tennessee? Demagnetizing The State: Prohibiting Illegal Aliens From Getting Professional Licenses Cutting Off Taxpayer-Funded Benefits For Illegal Immigrants? Protecting Kids From Sexual Abuse: Tennessee Anti-Grooming ActThe Tennessee Conservative's Brandon Lewis joins YAFFEE Live to discuss all this & more!Check out more from YAFFEE HERE! -  https://www.wgow.com/2025/05/12/yaffee-live-2/

As of this month, nearly 400,000 immigrants have been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.And ICE continues to carry out public raids and individual seizures across the country. As their tactics become more aggressive, we look at the rights of the detained, of witnesses and of property and business owners. We also take a closer look at the immigration legislation beginning to be debated in the Tennessee General Assembly. Call 615-760-2000 during the show — or pop into the chat on our YouTube stream — to ask questions and share your insights.Guests Judith Clerjeune, Advocacy Director, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition Luis Pedraza, Music City Migrawatch Emily Stotts, Legal Director, Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors

41 Killed By Illegal Aliens in TN... Where are the protests?!?!

Olivia Lupia of The Tennessee Conservative interviews State Representative Monty Fritts, who is also running for governor, discussing upcoming bills and his legislative priorities for the session. The bill filing deadline was extended to February 3rd at 3:00 p.m..Key topics and bills discussed include:Grocery Sales Tax Bill: Representative Fritts is running a bill that would remove the 4% state sales tax on items that qualify for WIC. He notes that this is the same bill he carried a couple of years ago and it removes the burden from grocers by not requiring them to reprogram anything. The intent is that all Tennessee citizens would benefit from the tax removal on these items. A few years ago, the fiscal note was about $150 million. He believes this is a "measured step forward" compared to trying to remove all grocery taxes and that the dollars saved by Tennesseans will go back into the economy.Charlie Kirk Memorial Courtyard Bill: Representative Fritts and Senator Pod are running a bill for schools that would create the Charlie Kirk Memorial Courtyard. The idea evolved from an initial proposal for a road or boulevard. The courtyards are intended to be a conversation space, memorializing the importance of dialogue, and would allow for public donations to help. The idea is to remind "crazy leftist Marxist radicals" on college campuses that they are near things like the Ten Commandments and the Declaration of Independence.Illegal Immigration: Representative Fritts believes Tennessee has led the nation in addressing illegal immigration, specifically with House Bill 1872, which addresses violent crime committed by illegal immigrants with a life in prison sentence without parole. He also highlighted the importance of considering residency status for bond.Non-Essentialism Bill: Representative Fritts is still pursuing his non-essentialism bill, which the governor's office has fought for three years.Property Tax: Representative Fritts wants to address property taxes by getting rid of the unrealized capital gain tax. He also wants to fix the value of a home at its 2020 value or what the owner paid for it since then. His bill aims to prevent U.S. citizens from being evicted for delinquent property taxes, especially if they have owned the house for ten years.Sanctity of Life Bill: This bill focuses on five areas and includes provisions related to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Representative Fritts stated that to discard or destroy a fertilized egg as part of the IVF process is murder. The bill is intended as a "corrective measure" after Governor Lee did not veto a bill that Fritts believed gave the right to create and discard human life at will. The other categories addressed in the bill are transgender surgeries, human trafficking, and abortion.Obscenity and Pornography: A bill is being introduced to take on obscenity and pornography in public places. It would require places like a strip club to post a sign warning that patrons "may be contributing to human trafficking, sexual assault, and family violence". Books and tapes would also require a warning label similar to a pack of cigarettes.Gun Bills: Representative Fritts is working on two gun bills, which address the "intent to go armed". One bill is already filed. The other bill would also include campus carry, allowing young adults to carry a firearm on campus, and would allow citizens to protect their private property with a firearm. The bill also addresses long guns.

Local-Level Accountability To Keep Illegal Aliens Off Voter Rolls…Mandated Citizenship Checks Before Getting State Benefits…Gaslighting At Its Best??? TN School Districts Prep For Non-Existent ICE Incursions…Legal Deterrents For Abortion Pill Pushers…Getting Rid Of Sales Tax On Fresh Fruit & Veggies? The Tennessee Conservative's Olivia Lupia joins Yaffee LIVE to discuss all this & More!Check out more from Yaffee LIVE HERE - https://www.wgow.com/2025/05/12/yaffee-live-2/

Democrats Vote in TNGOP Primaries, Sexton is SilentWilliam Slater Targets Homeschoolers, Ignores Failing Government SchoolsRusty Grills Reluctantly Pulls Bill Shielding Poison Companies Amid Grassroots Push-Back - Will the Empire Strike Back?Like what we're doing & want us to stick around?Donate Today! - https://bit.ly/3OBZvcCSubscribe to our FREE daily (M-F) eNewsletter - https://bit.ly/3ybSpV8Not afraid to admit you're a Conservative? Advertise with us!  Check out our advertising options here -  https://tinyurl.com/2re6bfswFollow The Tennessee Conservative on these Free Speech platforms:TTC on X - https://x.com/TnCoNews1TTC on MeWe -https://bit.ly/3SbuqxWTTC on Gettr - https://bit.ly/3LifSKCTTC on Gab - https://bit.ly/3di03aiTTC on Truth - https://bit.ly/3BINn5BTTC on Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-399985TTC on Parler - https://app.parler.com/thetennesseeconservative

Tennessee State-Level Penalties For Illegal Aliens...Conservative Legislation That Actually Helps Keep Non-English Speakers Off TN Roads...Moving in the Right Direction - Not Being Forced To Use Preferred Pronouns/Honorifics...Allowing TN Schools To Have Chaplains...The Tennessee Conservative's Brandon Lewis joins YAFFEE Live to discuss all this & more!Check out more from Yaffee HERE! - https://www.wgow.com/2025/05/12/yaffee-live-2/

Will Tennessee Become The Model For Immigration Policies For The Rest Of The States?Commercial Drivers Now Required To Prove Citizenship…Say Your Prayers, Take Your Vitamins… Go To Drag Shows???Protecting Religious Speech In Our TN Public Schools… The Tennessee Conservative's Brandon Lewis joins YAFFEE Live to discuss all this & more!Check out more from YAFFEE HERE! - https://www.wgow.com/2025/05/12/yaffee-live-2/

The Tennessee General Assembly reconvenes for another session this week. Today we take you inside the halls of power to preview the key issues, potential legislation and the political dynamics that will shape the next few months – and our state's future. We hear from reporters who offer insights into what's at stake and break down major topics expected to dominate the conversation in the coming months — from school vouchers and immigration policy to targeting drag shows. It's a lot. And we want to hear from you: What issues are important to you? And what do you want from lawmakers in the coming months? Join the conversation by calling 615-760-2000.This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.Guests Sam Stockard, Reporter and Columnist, Tennessee Lookout Marianna Bacallao, State Legislature Reporter, WPLN Mandy Spears, Executive vice president, The Sycamore Institute

Will Democrats Manage To Block A Monument To Unborn Children On Tennessee Capitol Grounds?Legislation To Require Law Enforcement To Work With ICE…TN Driver's Licenses for Non-Citizens?Controversial Bills Coming Up This Legislative Session…The Tennessee Conservative's Brandon Lewis joins YAFFEE Live to discuss all this & more!Check out more from Yaffee Here -- https://www.wgow.com/2025/05/12/yaffee-live-2/

In this final episode, we learn where the killers are today (spoiler: they're all still in prison and likely always will be), the two laws passed in Channon and Chris's names that protect future victims, the families' ongoing fight to ensure they're never forgotten, a little about the families and some personal struggles they've faced, the racial controversy that surrounded the case, and more.Resources and Support For Survivors of Sexual Violence:RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)RAINN Online Chat: online.rainn.orgFor Crime Victims and Families:National Center for Victims of Crime: 1-855-4-VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)Parents of Murdered Children: www.pomc.orgFor Mental Health Support:National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357IN LOVING MEMORYChannon Gail Christian April 29, 1985 - January 9, 2007 Beloved daughter, friend, student, golfer, and beautiful soul.Hugh Christopher Newsom Jr. September 21, 1983 - January 7, 2007 Beloved son, carpenter, baseball player, and kind heart.They were loved. They are remembered. They will never be forgotten.Sources:https://www.newspapers.com/ (Historical archive - subscription required)https://www.knoxnews.com/ (Search "Christian Newsom" for extensive archive)https://abcnews.go.com/ (Search "Channon Christian")https://www.cnn.com/ (Coverage of trials and scandal)https://www.foxnews.com/ (Michelle Malkin coverage 2007)https://www.wbir.com/ (WBIR-TV extensive trial coverage)https://www.wate.com/ (WATE 6 On Your Side)https://www.wvlt.tv/ (WVLT Local 8 News)https://www.tncourts.gov/ (Tennessee State Courts)https://www.tsc.state.tn.us/ (Tennessee Supreme Court opinions)https://www.knoxcounty.org/criminal/ (Knox County Criminal Court)https://law.justia.com/cases/tennessee/ (Tennessee case law database)https://scholar.google.com/ (Search: "State v. Davidson" "State v. Cobbins" etc.)https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts (Federal case records)https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ (Public Access to Court Electronic Records - fee required)https://www.capitol.tn.gov/ (Tennessee General Assembly)https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/108/pub/pc0962.pdf (Chris Newsom Act - SB 2552/HB 2658)https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/108/pub/pc0963.pdf (Channon Christian Act - SB 2553/HB 2659)https://www.rainn.org/ (RAINN - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)https://www.pomc.org/ (Parents of Murdered Children)https://victimsofcrime.org/ (National Center for Victims of Crime)University of Tennessee Foundation: https://www.utfi.org/"The Christian-Newsom Murders: 10 Years Later" - Knoxville News Sentinel Special Reporthttps://www.aetv.com/ (A&E "Injustice with Nancy Grace")https://www.oxygen.com/ (Oxygen Network coverage)https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/ (Investigation Discovery features)https://www.aafs.org/ (American Academy of Forensic Sciences)https://www.forensicscienceeducation.org/ (Forensic science education resources)https://www.ncjrs.gov/ (National Criminal Justice Reference Service)https://bjs.ojp.gov/ (Bureau of Justice Statistics)https://apps.tn.gov/foil-app/ (Tennessee Felon Offender Information Lookup)Search names: Davidson, Cobbins, Thomas, Coleman, Boydhttps://www.tn.gov/correction/sp/death-row.html (Tennessee Death Row information)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (January-February 2007)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (Trial coverage)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (March-December 2011)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (Coleman & Thomas retrials)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (August 2019)https://www.tba.org/ (Tennessee Bar Association resources)https://www.knoxcounty.org/ (Knox County government)https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/ (City of Knoxville)https://www.britannica.com/place/Knoxville-Tennessee (Knoxville history)https://www.utk.edu/ (University of Tennessee)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/reverie-true-crime--4442888/support.Keep In Touch:Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/reveriecrimepodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/reverietruecrimeTumblr: https://reverietruecrimepodcast.tumblr.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/reverietruecrimeContact: ReverieTrueCrime@gmail.com Intro & Outro by Jahred Gomes: https://www.instagram.com/jahredgomes_official 

By January 2007, all five suspects were in custody. Prosecutors had charged them with 46 counts including murder, rape, kidnapping, and robbery. Between 2008-2010, four separate trials resulted in convictions. It seemed like justice had finally been served and the families could breathe. Then a scandal involving the judge, who presided over the trials, would rock their worlds. Because of his demons, the families would have to go through it all over again.Support ResourcesFor Survivors of Violence:https://www.rainn.org/ - RAINN (1-800-656-4673)https://www.thehotline.org/ - National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233)https://www.crisistextline.org/ - Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741)https://988lifeline.org/ - 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineFor Families of Murder Victims:https://www.pomc.org/ - Parents of Murdered Childrenhttps://victimsofcrime.org/ - National Center for Victims of Crimehttps://www.ncvc.org/ - National Crime Victim Law InstituteSources:https://www.newspapers.com/ (Historical archive - subscription required)https://www.knoxnews.com/ (Search "Christian Newsom" for extensive archive)https://abcnews.go.com/ (Search "Channon Christian")https://www.cnn.com/ (Coverage of trials and scandal)https://www.foxnews.com/ (Michelle Malkin coverage 2007)https://www.wbir.com/ (WBIR-TV extensive trial coverage)https://www.wate.com/ (WATE 6 On Your Side)https://www.wvlt.tv/ (WVLT Local 8 News)https://www.tncourts.gov/ (Tennessee State Courts)https://www.tsc.state.tn.us/ (Tennessee Supreme Court opinions)https://www.knoxcounty.org/criminal/ (Knox County Criminal Court)https://law.justia.com/cases/tennessee/ (Tennessee case law database)https://scholar.google.com/ (Search: "State v. Davidson" "State v. Cobbins" etc.)https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts (Federal case records)https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ (Public Access to Court Electronic Records - fee required)https://www.capitol.tn.gov/ (Tennessee General Assembly)https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/108/pub/pc0962.pdf (Chris Newsom Act - SB 2552/HB 2658)https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/108/pub/pc0963.pdf (Channon Christian Act - SB 2553/HB 2659)https://www.rainn.org/ (RAINN - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)https://www.pomc.org/ (Parents of Murdered Children)https://victimsofcrime.org/ (National Center for Victims of Crime)University of Tennessee Foundation: https://www.utfi.org/"The Christian-Newsom Murders: 10 Years Later" - Knoxville News Sentinel Special Reporthttps://www.aetv.com/ (A&E "Injustice with Nancy Grace")https://www.oxygen.com/ (Oxygen Network coverage)https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/ (Investigation Discovery features)https://www.aafs.org/ (American Academy of Forensic Sciences)https://www.forensicscienceeducation.org/ (Forensic science education resources)https://www.ncjrs.gov/ (National Criminal Justice Reference Service)https://bjs.ojp.gov/ (Bureau of Justice Statistics)https://apps.tn.gov/foil-app/ (Tennessee Felon Offender Information Lookup)Search names: Davidson, Cobbins, Thomas, Coleman, Boydhttps://www.tn.gov/correction/sp/death-row.html (Tennessee Death Row information)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (January-February 2007)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (Trial coverage)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (March-December 2011)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (Coleman & Thomas retrials)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (August 2019)https://www.tba.org/ (Tennessee Bar Association resources)https://www.knoxcounty.org/ (Knox County government)https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/ (City of Knoxville)https://www.britannica.com/place/Knoxville-Tennessee (Knoxville history)https://www.utk.edu/ (University of Tennessee)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/reverie-true-crime--4442888/support.Keep In Touch:Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/reveriecrimepodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/reverietruecrimeTumblr: https://reverietruecrimepodcast.tumblr.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/reverietruecrimeContact: ReverieTrueCrime@gmail.com Intro & Outro by Jahred Gomes: https://www.instagram.com/jahredgomes_official 

Between January 6-9, 2007, Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom were held captive, tortured, raped, and murdered by five perpetrators at a house on Chipman Street in Knoxville, Tennessee.The details are documented through court testimony, medical examiner reports, and forensic evidence are among the most horrific ever presented in an American courtroom. Prosecutors, judges, and jurors struggled to maintain composure. This episode documents what happened during those 36 hours. It is extremely difficult to hear but their families insisted the world know the truth because only by understanding the full horror can we appreciate why justice mattered so much.In memory of Channon and Chris, whose families demanded the truth be told.Support ResourcesFor Survivors of Violence:https://www.rainn.org/ - RAINN (1-800-656-4673)https://www.thehotline.org/ - National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233)https://www.crisistextline.org/ - Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741)https://988lifeline.org/ - 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineFor Families of Murder Victims:https://www.pomc.org/ - Parents of Murdered Childrenhttps://victimsofcrime.org/ - National Center for Victims of Crimehttps://www.ncvc.org/ - National Crime Victim Law InstituteSources:https://www.newspapers.com/ (Historical archive - subscription required)https://www.knoxnews.com/ (Search "Christian Newsom" for extensive archive)https://abcnews.go.com/ (Search "Channon Christian")https://www.cnn.com/ (Coverage of trials and scandal)https://www.foxnews.com/ (Michelle Malkin coverage 2007)https://www.wbir.com/ (WBIR-TV extensive trial coverage)https://www.wate.com/ (WATE 6 On Your Side)https://www.wvlt.tv/ (WVLT Local 8 News)https://www.tncourts.gov/ (Tennessee State Courts)https://www.tsc.state.tn.us/ (Tennessee Supreme Court opinions)https://www.knoxcounty.org/criminal/ (Knox County Criminal Court)https://law.justia.com/cases/tennessee/ (Tennessee case law database)https://scholar.google.com/ (Search: "State v. Davidson" "State v. Cobbins" etc.)https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts (Federal case records)https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ (Public Access to Court Electronic Records - fee required)https://www.capitol.tn.gov/ (Tennessee General Assembly)https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/108/pub/pc0962.pdf (Chris Newsom Act - SB 2552/HB 2658)https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/108/pub/pc0963.pdf (Channon Christian Act - SB 2553/HB 2659)https://www.rainn.org/ (RAINN - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)https://www.pomc.org/ (Parents of Murdered Children)https://victimsofcrime.org/ (National Center for Victims of Crime)University of Tennessee Foundation: https://www.utfi.org/"The Christian-Newsom Murders: 10 Years Later" - Knoxville News Sentinel Special Reporthttps://www.aetv.com/ (A&E "Injustice with Nancy Grace")https://www.oxygen.com/ (Oxygen Network coverage)https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/ (Investigation Discovery features)https://www.aafs.org/ (American Academy of Forensic Sciences)https://www.forensicscienceeducation.org/ (Forensic science education resources)https://www.ncjrs.gov/ (National Criminal Justice Reference Service)https://bjs.ojp.gov/ (Bureau of Justice Statistics)https://apps.tn.gov/foil-app/ (Tennessee Felon Offender Information Lookup)Search names: Davidson, Cobbins, Thomas, Coleman, Boydhttps://www.tn.gov/correction/sp/death-row.html (Tennessee Death Row information)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (January-February 2007)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (Trial coverage)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (March-December 2011)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (Coleman & Thomas retrials)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (August 2019)https://www.tba.org/ (Tennessee Bar Association resources)https://www.knoxcounty.org/ (Knox County government)https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/ (City of Knoxville)https://www.britannica.com/place/Knoxville-Tennessee (Knoxville history)https://www.utk.edu/ (University of Tennessee)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/reverie-true-crime--4442888/support.Keep In Touch:Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/reveriecrimepodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/reverietruecrimeTumblr: https://reverietruecrimepodcast.tumblr.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/reverietruecrimeContact: ReverieTrueCrime@gmail.com Intro & Outro by Jahred Gomes: https://www.instagram.com/jahredgomes_official 

On January 6, 2007, Channon Christian (21) and Christopher Newsom (23) went on a date. They were young, in love, and planning to attend a friend's birthday party.They never arrived. What happened to Channon and Chris over the next 36 hours is known as one of the most brutal crime sprees in Tennessee history. But before we discuss the horror, we need to know who they were, the real people behind the headlines, the beloved children whose families would spend 18 years fighting for justice.This four-part series tells their complete story: the victims, the crimes, the trials, the judicial scandal that forced retrials, and the lasting legacy. In this episode, let's learn who Channon Gail Christian and Hugh Christopher Newsom Jr. were. Not as victims, but as the vibrant, beautiful people they were.Support ResourcesFor Survivors of Violence:https://www.rainn.org/ - RAINN (1-800-656-4673)https://www.thehotline.org/ - National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233)https://www.crisistextline.org/ - Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741)https://988lifeline.org/ - 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineFor Families of Murder Victims:https://www.pomc.org/ - Parents of Murdered Childrenhttps://victimsofcrime.org/ - National Center for Victims of Crimehttps://www.ncvc.org/ - National Crime Victim Law InstituteSources:https://www.newspapers.com/ (Historical archive - subscription required)https://www.knoxnews.com/ (Search "Christian Newsom" for extensive archive)https://abcnews.go.com/ (Search "Channon Christian")https://www.cnn.com/ (Coverage of trials and scandal)https://www.foxnews.com/ (Michelle Malkin coverage 2007)https://www.wbir.com/ (WBIR-TV extensive trial coverage)https://www.wate.com/ (WATE 6 On Your Side)https://www.wvlt.tv/ (WVLT Local 8 News)https://www.tncourts.gov/ (Tennessee State Courts)https://www.tsc.state.tn.us/ (Tennessee Supreme Court opinions)https://www.knoxcounty.org/criminal/ (Knox County Criminal Court)https://law.justia.com/cases/tennessee/ (Tennessee case law database)https://scholar.google.com/ (Search: "State v. Davidson" "State v. Cobbins" etc.)https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts (Federal case records)https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ (Public Access to Court Electronic Records - fee required)https://www.capitol.tn.gov/ (Tennessee General Assembly)https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/108/pub/pc0962.pdf (Chris Newsom Act - SB 2552/HB 2658)https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/108/pub/pc0963.pdf (Channon Christian Act - SB 2553/HB 2659)https://www.rainn.org/ (RAINN - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)https://www.pomc.org/ (Parents of Murdered Children)https://victimsofcrime.org/ (National Center for Victims of Crime)University of Tennessee Foundation: https://www.utfi.org/"The Christian-Newsom Murders: 10 Years Later" - Knoxville News Sentinel Special Reporthttps://www.aetv.com/ (A&E "Injustice with Nancy Grace")https://www.oxygen.com/ (Oxygen Network coverage)https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/ (Investigation Discovery features)https://www.aafs.org/ (American Academy of Forensic Sciences)https://www.forensicscienceeducation.org/ (Forensic science education resources)https://www.ncjrs.gov/ (National Criminal Justice Reference Service)https://bjs.ojp.gov/ (Bureau of Justice Statistics)https://apps.tn.gov/foil-app/ (Tennessee Felon Offender Information Lookup)Search names: Davidson, Cobbins, Thomas, Coleman, Boydhttps://www.tn.gov/correction/sp/death-row.html (Tennessee Death Row information)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (January-February 2007)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (Trial coverage)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (March-December 2011)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (Coleman & Thomas retrials)https://www.knoxnews.com/archives/ (August 2019)https://www.tba.org/ (Tennessee Bar Association resources)https://www.knoxcounty.org/ (Knox County government)https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/ (City of Knoxville)https://www.britannica.com/place/Knoxville-Tennessee (Knoxville history)https://www.utk.edu/ (University of Tennessee)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/reverie-true-crime--4442888/support.Keep In Touch:Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/reveriecrimepodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/reverietruecrimeTumblr: https://reverietruecrimepodcast.tumblr.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/reverietruecrimeContact: ReverieTrueCrime@gmail.com Intro & Outro by Jahred Gomes: https://www.instagram.com/jahredgomes_official 

Predatory lending practices are not new. Think salary buying and loan sharks of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.But the modern version was born in the 1990s right here in Tennessee. Sometimes called "payday loans," many who use the service are in a financial crisis and need quick cash — often leading to a trap of high interest debt. Today we speak with Tennessee Lookout reporter Adam Friedman, who along with ProPublica, uncovered the scale of this lending model, the hidden dangers of the latest version called the "Flex Loan," and the toll the practice has taken on Tennesseans.  Note: We reached out to Advance Financial. A representative declined to come on the show. Anyone with issues related to Advance Financial, Harpeth Financial or another flex loan lender should call 615-270-6861 to share their experience.This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.Guests:Adam Friedman, reporter, Tennessee LookoutErin Akery, senior manager, Nashville Financial Empowerment Center at United WayRep. Mike Sparks, Tennessee General Assembly, District 29, part of Rutherford CountyMike Stewart, former state representative; attorneyFurther reading and listening: This lender said its loans would help Tennesseans. It has sued more than 110,000 of them. (Tennessee Lookout) Tennessee lawmakers and lenders said this law would protect borrowers, but it trapped them in debt (Tennessee Lookout) NashVillager Podcast: Predatory lending (WPLN) Usury Country: Welcome to the birthplace of payday lending (Harper's)

A day of celebration across the state as Gov. Bill Lee held special bill signing ceremonies for the Farmland Preservation Act that he helped to pass through the Tennessee General Assembly.  At the same time he kicked off the year-long celebration of America 250 leading up to next year's Independence Day.

The Government Education Experiment Is Not Going Very WellBut The Tennessee General Assembly Will Not Pass Legislation GrantingTrue Educational Freedom…What Can Citizens Do To Move Tennessee In A More Conservative Direction?The Tennessee Conservative's Brandon Lewis fills in for Yaffee on Talk Radio 102.3FM!

In this week's episode we continue our conversation with an individual that exemplifies conservative and servant leadership in the Tennessee General Assembly. In this Part 2 we discuss Governor Lee's voucher scam bill and the sort of retribution the fake Republican, establishment people in leadership positions in the General Assembly take against true Republicans. Buckle up folks for a bit of some inside baseball discussion. When so-called Republican leaders punish conservative members of the General Assembly, they are punishing all Tennesseans – all to advance the agenda of their corporate and often out of state benefactors. To find out more about Representative Barrett, please visit his website - https://jodybarrett.com/about Mark your calendars now for the Tennessee Constitutional Grassroots Coalition's Freedom Festival scheduled for later this year. To find out more about that organization and its activities, please visit their website - https://tcgc1776.orgYou can subscribe to or follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform – Rumble | YouTube | Overcast | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Pocket Casts | RadioPublicJoin me on social media:Twitter – both at @LarryForTN12 @LiesLibertyTruth Social – @LarryForTN12Instagram – @larry_conservative_activist @the_l5_podcastFacebook – Larry Linton - Sevier County Conservative Activist Facebook – Liberty, Leadership and LiesGab – @LarryLintonGETTR – @LarryLintonTelegram – t.me/libertyleadershipandliesOr on the web at – https://libertyleadershipandlies.com#LarryForTN12 #LintonForTN12 #LarryLintonForTN12 #LibertyLeadershipAndLies #Liberty #Leadership #Lies #Constitutionalist #Conservative #Tennessee #StandInTheArena #PrincipledLeadership