A parking-lot workout during COVID turned into a 1,000-person half marathon and, eventually, a run for state office. We’re joined by Jessica Means, a Sullivan County commissioner and candidate for Tennessee State Representative District 1, for a candid conversation about what pushed her into the public square and what she wants to fight for next in Northeast Tennessee.

Jessica walks us through her personal story and the “grit and grace” behind her campaign: raising a large family, running a small construction business, teaching fitness classes, homeschooling, and learning county government from the inside. From there, we dig into the values that shape her leadership, including her biblical worldview, her pro-life convictions, and her belief that the family is worth defending in law and culture. If you care about conservative principles, constitutional limits, and how a voting record matches real-world outcomes, this part will get you thinking.

We also tackle local policy issues with big ripple effects: small business growth, support for local farms, food supply security, and why she wants to ban lab-grown meat in Tennessee. Jessica shares her concerns about data mining centers and AI infrastructure, especially the impact on electricity demand, water use, and whether everyday residents get stuck with the costs. We close with practical voting information for District 1 and how to get involved.

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To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

Local politics isn’t a side show, it’s the control panel for your taxes, schools, public safety, and the basic services you rely on every day. We’re joined by Anita Hodges, the Washington County GOP committee chairwoman, for a candid conversation about what really happens behind the ballot in Northeast Tennessee and why staying home on Election Day has consequences you can feel in your paycheck.

We talk through Anita’s personal “why,” including her years supporting Honor Flight and the lasting influence of veterans who served under leaders like General Patton. From there, we dig into the practical mechanics of local political participation: why Tennessee’s local elections matter so much, how a major tax increase can reshape community trust, and why Anita believes “good people” have to stay engaged even when politics feels messy.

Then we get specific about party rules and access. Anita explains the Tennessee GOP bylaws process, what “bona fide” means, how waivers work for candidates who don’t meet the primary voting history requirement, and why open primaries continue to spark debate across the state. We also discuss the role churches can play in voter registration and voter guides, plus the real-world worries pastors have about 501c3 rules. If you care about Washington County, Johnson City, and the Tri-Cities, this is a grounded look at how local leadership is formed and how you can influence it.

If you find this helpful, subscribe, share it with a friend in Northeast Tennessee, and leave a rating and review so more listeners can find the show.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

COVID didn’t just disrupt routines. For a lot of families, it exposed who actually holds power over your kids, your job, and your ability to live out your faith. We sit down with Danielle Goodrich, chair of the Washington County Republican Party, to talk about the moment she went from focused on home and school to fully engaged in local politics in Northeast Tennessee.

We get into why local government matters as much as national elections, especially when school boards and state policy can change your life overnight. Danielle explains what she means by a biblical worldview and how she believes it should shape political decisions, from the sanctity of life to freedom of conscience. We also talk about the frustration many people felt watching inconsistent standards during COVID, and why “my body, my choice” became a flashpoint across multiple issues.

Then we zoom out to the Constitution, limited government, and the balance of power between the federal government and the states. Danielle shares why grassroots organizing matters, what it looks like to “follow principles, not politicians,” and how listeners can evaluate candidates during Tennessee primaries and the governor’s race. We also highlight the America 250 dinner as a chance to hear directly from candidates and support local races.

If you care about civic engagement, conservative principles, and what keeps Northeast Tennessee free, listen now, then subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.