Lead Tennessee Radio: Recent Episodes
Tennessee Broadband Association
Lead Tennessee Radio features conversations with the leaders who are moving Tennessee forward. Topics include rural development, broadband, technology, legislation, policy and more. The podcast is produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association.
Lead for America’s mission is “to build a leadership force of moral, dynamic and locally rooted leaders committed to serving the communities they call home in every corner of this country.” Cadie Bergan, senior recruitment and selection manager, gives an overview of Lead for America, a nonprofit organization that connects volunteers in service opportunities across the country.
Tyler Campbell, executive director of the Kentucky Rural Broadband Association, joined the podcast to discuss the upcoming 2023 Fall Conference & Supplier Showcase from October 10-12.
You can register for the event at https://www.tennesseebroadband.com/events/kta-tnba-fall-conference-supplier-showcase-2/.
When dollars budgeted for marketing were not going to be used during the early months of the pandemic, Twin Lakes decided to repurpose that money for grants in the communities they serve. Four years later, Twin Lakes has awarded a quarter of a million dollars to local organizations that make positive impacts in the community. Lea Ann Gore, marketing and sales manager, joined the show to discuss how the program works and the benefits seen through the program.
Carrie Huckeby sat down with Greg Smartt to discuss how the TNBA continues to advocate for broadband expansion in Tennessee. They also discuss some of Greg’s goals as the board president for the next year.
Paige Shapiro, Tennessee’s federal program officer for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment and Digital Equity Program, discusses how these programs aim to ensure all people and communities have the skills, technology and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of the digital economy.
The Tennessee Business Forum encourages engagement and collaboration between the state's business leaders and national policymakers. Members of the forum come from a diverse background, which strengthens the forum's ability to facilitate conversations about national issues. Executive Director Bess McWherter and Brad Bishop of The Ingram Group joined the podcast to discuss the mission, successes and future of the forum.
4-H State Extension Specialist Dr. Daniel Collins joined the show to discuss how 4-H is training teenagers in Tennessee to help close the digital divide by teaching computer skills to adults. The teenagers will co-teach with other teenagers or 4-H agents to teach adults basic computer skills, such as internet safety, shopping online, or video calling.
The telecommunications industry is growing, and more people are needed to meet workforce needs. Shirley Brown-Harrison, a senior instructor at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Hohenwald, discusses how TCAT is preparing students for telecommunications careers. Focusing on three learning objectives, Brown-Harrison's team ensures the students are prepared for industry careers. Those objectives are:
- Teach fundamentals and teach them well.
- Help students develop critical-thinking skills.
- Learn to learn.
Register for the conference at https://www.tennesseebroadband.com/events/kta-tnba-fall-conference-supplier-showcase/.
To register, please visit https://www.tennesseebroadband.com/events/tennessee-broadband-association-2022-annual-convention-showcase/.
On this special episode of Lead Tennessee Radio, Government Affairs Director Levoy Knowles takes the hot seat and is interviewed by Stephen Smith and joined by the new TNBA Executive Director, Carrie Huckeby, making her first appearance on the podcast. They talk about their new roles at the TNBA and how the necessity of splitting the role of Executive Director into two separate roles only reflects the massive growth the association has had over the years.
The Tennessee Broadband Association is proud to welcome Secretary of State Tre Hargett to “Lead Tennessee Radio.” On this episode, Levoy Knowles and Kim Adkins sit down with Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett to learn more about how leveraging the power of the internet has been essential to help more voters understand the importance of participating in the elections and making their vote count.
Chip Spann, Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services at Connected Nation, joins Levoy Knowles for the latest episode of Lead Tennessee Radio. Chip explains how Connected Nation is helping providers bring broadband services to unserved areas by facilitating the creation of a more accurate service coverage map to help fill the digital divide.
The Tennessee Broadband Association is proud to welcome Jeff Raver, founder and president of Begin to Win, to “Lead Tennessee Radio.” Jeff talks to Andy Johns directly from the TNBA conference and shares his wisdom about the five different leadership levels and which level everyone should strive to achieve.
Rod Ballard, principal at Jackson Thornton, talks about increased optimism as more funding opportunities have been propelling the expansion of fiber broadband across the nation.
The TNBA Annual Convention and Showcase begins June 1, and in this episode of Lead Tennessee Radio Levoy Knowles and Chris Townson discuss the strong speaker lineup at the upcoming event.
The Tennessee Broadband Association is proud to welcome DTC Communications Chief Executive Officer Chris Townson to “Lead Tennessee Radio.” Townson discusses how three recent grants totaling almost $5.9 million allow DTC Communications to build fiber to about 4,000 premises that have previously been unserved.
The Tennessee Broadband Association is proud to welcome State Broadband Director Crystal Ivey and Assistant Commissioner of Community and Rural Development Sammie Arnold with the Department of Economic and Community Development to the latest episode of “Lead Tennessee Radio.” They discuss Gov. Bill Lee’s $200 million pledge to expand rural broadband and the state of broadband in Tennessee.
Lisa Cope joins the Tennessee Broadband Association for the latest episode of “Lead Tennessee Radio.” In the first episode of 2021, Cope discusses the “Virtual Living Room®” project, which provides a space for veterans in Van Buren County to access telehealth appointments through the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro. The project was made possible by an FRS grant and a partnership with American Legion Post 207 in Spencer.
Tennessee State Rep. Mark White (R-Memphis) was Levoy Knowles’ recent guest on “Lead Tennessee Radio.” Rep. White, who has served House District 83 in the Tennessee General Assembly since 2010 and is chairman of the House Education Committee, talked about the importance of broadband as the state works to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Tennessee Broadband Association is proud to welcome Shirley Bloomfield, chief executive officer of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, to “Lead Tennessee Radio.” In this episode, Bloomfield discussed federal broadband legislation and efforts to keep rural America connected through the ongoing pandemic and beyond.
Bob Mouser is VP, General Manager Hometown Services for Ritter Communications. In this episode, Mouser discusses Ritter's work to extend broadband in its service area. He also discusses the company's response to the Covid-19 outbreak and recent severe weather.
CEO Mark Patterson discusses HTC's work to extend broadband to its service area and become one of the first rural telcos to have a 100% fiber network. Patterson also discusses the company's response to the Covid-19 outbreak and recent severe weather.
CEO Johnny McClanaha discusses NCTC's response to the Covid-19 outbreak and recent severe weather. He also discusses the company's work to extend broadband in its service area.
CEO Chris Townson discusses DTC's response to the Covid-19 outbreak and recent severe weather. He also discusses the company's work to extend broadband in its service area.
General Manager Charlie Boring discusses BTC's response to the Covid-19 outbreak and recent severe weather. He also discusses the company's work to extend broadband in its service area.
General Manager Jason Shelton discusses Loretto Telecom's response to the Covid-19 outbreak and recent severe weather. He also discusses the company's work to extend broadband in its service area.
Bruce Mottern, TDS Manager of State Government Affairs, discusses the company's response to the Covid-19 outbreak and recent severe weather. He also discusses the company's work to extend broadband in its service area.
President and CEO William Bradford discusses United Communications' response to the Covid-19 outbreak and recent severe weather. He also discusses the company's work to extend broadband to its service area.
CEO Jonathan West discusses Twin Lakes' response to the Covid-19 outbreak and recent severe weather. He also discusses the company's work to extend broadband to its service area.
CEO Bill Franklin discusses Scott County Telephone Cooperative's response to the Covid-19 outbreak. He also discusses the company's work to extend broadband to its service area.
“Lead Tennessee Radio”features Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver
Lancaster lawmaker discusses importance of broadband access for education
While speaking with Tennessee Broadband Association Executive Director Levoy Knowles for “Lead Tennessee Radio,” State Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver said broadband access is vital for schools in rural Tennessee.
Weaver, R-Lancaster, is a member of the Education Committee, K-12 subcommittee, Transportation Committee, and the Safety and Funding subcommittee.
A singer/songwriter who was named female vocalist of the year with three No. 1 gospel songs, Weaver represents Smith, Trousdale, and parts of Dekalb and Sumner counties.
On the TNBA podcast, Weaver discusses the challenges facing rural Tennessee and the importance of having access to high-speed internet and how it can improve access to quality education.
Weaver is very active in her community. She is the past chairman of the Smith County Republican Party and chairman of the Smith County Independence Day Parade. She is a member of the Smith County Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club and the National Rifle Association.
“Lead Tennessee Radio” is a podcast produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association. The podcast is an opportunity for the people of Tennessee to hear state leaders discuss issues facing the Volunteer State. Past episodes feature state leaders such as Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville; Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge; House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland; and many more.
“Our association members are close to their communities, and they understand that decisions made in Nashville impact those they serve,” Knowles says. “This podcast is a great opportunity to have conversations with those making decisions that will impact the lives of all Tennesseans.”
Recent topics discussed on the podcast include broadband internet’s impact on rural development and how it can be used to improve health care in underserved areas through telemedicine.
“Lead Tennessee Radio” can be found on apps such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play. Upcoming topics will include issues that lawmakers will face in the 2020 legislative session.
“Lead Tennessee Radio”features Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson
Franklin lawmaker discusses broadband funding for rural Tennessee
Tennessee Sen. Jack Johnson discussed the importance of funding broadband expansion in rural Tennessee and other issues lawmakers will address this legislative session for the latest episode of “Lead Tennessee Radio.”
Johnson, R-Franklin represents Williamson County in the State Senate, where he also serves as Majority Leader. He is the first vice chair of the Senate Calendar Committee and a member of Finance, Ways and Means; Commerce and Labor; and Joint Pension and Insurance committees.
Johnson is very involved in his community and participates in a number of local and statewide organizations, such as the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce, Williamson County Republican Party Chairman’s Circle, National Rifle Association, and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He is an advisory board member for the David House Child Advocacy Center.
He and his wife, Deanna, have three children. They are members of Grace Chapel Church in Leipers Fork.
“Lead Tennessee Radio” is a podcast produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association. During the podcast, TNBA Executive Director Levoy Knowles sits down with state leaders in Nashville to discuss issues important to rural Tennessee. Past episodes feature state leaders such as Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville; Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge; House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland; and many more.
“This is an great opportunity for the people in rural Tennessee to hear directly from leaders in Nashville who are making decisions on issues that directly affect them,” Knowles said.
Our members and anyone living in rural Tennessee will be able to hear their state leaders discuss issues they care about,” Knowles said.
Recent topics discussed on the podcast include broadband internet’s impact on rural development and how it can be used to improve health care in underserved areas through telemedicine.
“Lead Tennessee Radio” can be found on apps such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play. Upcoming topics will include issues that lawmakers will face in the 2020 legislative session.
“Lead Tennessee Radio”features Senate Majority Caucus Chairman Ken Yager
Kingston lawmaker discusses importance of broadband access to rural Tennessee
Tennessee Broadband Association Executive Director Levoy Knowles interviews state Sen. Ken Yager for the latest episode of “Lead Tennessee Radio.”
Yager, R-Kingston, is the majority caucus chairman and represents Campbell, Fentress, Morgan, Rhea, Roane, Pickett and Scott counties.
On the TNBA podcast, Yager discusses the challenges facing rural Tennessee and the importance of having access to high-speed internet and how it can improve access to quality health care. Yager also discusses his role as majority caucus chairman.
Yager, an attorney, serves on several important committees including Finance, Ways and Means; Joint Fiscal Review; Ethics; and State and Local Government committees. He and his wife have two grown children.
“Lead Tennessee Radio” is a podcast produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association. The podcast is an opportunity to discuss issues facing the Volunteer State with state leaders and lawmakers. Past episodes feature state leaders such as Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville; Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge; House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland; and many more.
“Our association members are close to their communities, and they understand that decisions made in Nashville impact those they serve,” Knowles says. “This podcast is a great opportunity to have conversations with these leaders and to share their thoughts with a wide audience.”
Recent topics discussed on the podcast include broadband internet’s impact on rural development and how it can be used to improve health care in underserved areas through telemedicine.
“Lead Tennessee Radio” can be found on apps such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play. Upcoming topics will include issues that lawmakers will face in the 2020 legislative session.
The latest episode of “Lead Tennessee Radio” features an interview with state Sen. Ferrell Haile.
On the TNBA podcast, Haile, R-Gallatin, discusses his upbringing and how it shaped his life and prepared him for politics. He also discusses challenges facing rural Tennessee and the importance of having access to high-speed internet.
Haile represents Sumner, Trousdale and part of Davidson counties in the Tennessee Senate. He serves on a number of committees, including Finance, Ways & Means; Education; and Senate Rules. As speaker pro tempore, Haile presides over the Senate if the speaker is absent.
Haile is a retired pharmacist and operates Haile Farms in Gallatin. He and his wife have four children and eight grandchildren.
“Lead Tennessee Radio” is a podcast produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association. The podcast is an opportunity to discuss issues facing the Volunteer State with state leaders and lawmakers. Each episode includes a conversation between state leaders and TNBA Executive Director Levoy Knowles.
"This podcast is an opportunity for us to engage those making decisions in Nashville about issues facing rural Tennessee,” Knowles says. “It is important for us to remain part of the discussion about issues important to small-business owners and residents in rural Tennessee.”
Previous episodes feature Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville; Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge; House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby; House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland; Assistant House Majority Leader Ron Gant, R-Rossville; and the TNBA’s government affairs team.
Recent topics discussed on the podcast include broadband internet’s impact on rural development and how it can be used to improve health care in underserved areas through telemedicine.
“Lead Tennessee Radio” can be found on apps such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play. Upcoming topics will include issues that lawmakers will face in the 2020 legislative session.
"Lead Tennessee Radio" features Assistant House Majority Leader Ron Gant
Leadership member discusses broadband and its impact on rural development
Tennessee Broadband Association Executive Director Levoy Knowles interviewed Assistant House Majority Leader Ron Gant in the most recent episode of “Lead Tennessee Radio.”
Rep. Gant, R-Rossville, represents Fayette, McNairy and part of Hardeman counties. He serves on a number of committees, including the Finance, Ways, & Means Committee; Insurance Committee; Health Committee; the Select Committee on Rules; and a number of subcommittees.
During the podcast, Gant discussed the role broadband plays in economic development, particularly in rural areas. He also discussed ways broadband and telemedicine can improve access to quality health care in underserved areas of the state.
Gant and his wife, Dr. Karen Gant, have two children. They live in Rossville, Tennessee, where Gant is an insurance agent. He is the former chairman of Rossville Christian School and past board member of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce.
“Lead Tennessee Radio” is produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association. The podcast is an opportunity to hear state leaders discuss issues facing the Volunteer State. Previous episodes feature Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge.
House Majority Leader William Lamberth discusses broadband impact
"Lead Tennessee Radio" tackles issues facing state in latest episode
Tennessee Broadband Association featured House Majority Leader William Lamberth in the latest episode of “Lead Tennessee Radio.”
Rep. Lamberth, R-Portland, serves a portion of Sumner County and sits on a number of committees, including the Judiciary Committee; Finance, Ways, & Means Committee; Government Operations Committee; Select Committee on Rules; Select Committee on Ethics; and a number of subcommittees.
During the podcast, TNBA Executive Director Levoy Knowles asked Lamberth about the impact his rural upbringing had on his decision to seek political office. Lamberth also discussed broadband’s impact on rural development and how broadband can improve access to health care in rural Tennessee.
Lamberth, an attorney, lives in Portland, Tennessee, with his wife and two children. He is chairman of the Portland Community Education Foundation and a board member of Children are People. He is the former president of the Gallatin Rotary Club and a member of the Chambers of Commerce in Portland, Hendersonville, Gallatin and Westmoreland.
“Lead Tennessee Radio” is produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association. The podcast is an opportunity to hear state leaders discuss issues facing the Volunteer State. Previous episodes feature Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge.
"Lead Tennessee Radio" features House Leadership Member Jeremy Faison
GOP Caucus chairman discusses economy and technology’s role in rural development
“Lead Tennessee Radio” features House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison in the latest episode of the Tennessee Broadband Association’s podcast.
Rep. Faison, R-Cosby, represents Cocke and parts of Jefferson and Greene counties. He was first elected to the General Assembly in 2010. He was later elected by GOP members to lead the House Republican Caucus and is now one of the highest ranking House leadership members. Rep. Faison serves on the Finance, Ways and Means Committee; Government Operations Committee; Insurance Committee; and a number of subcommittees.
During the podcast, Rep. Faison, who is a small-business owner and member of the Cocke County Chamber of Commerce, discussed the impact of small businesses on the economy. He also discussed the challenges facing rural Tennessee and the role he sees broadband playing in rural development.
He and his wife make their home in Cosby, Tennessee, with their five children. They are involved in their community and active members of Crossroads Community Church.
“Lead Tennessee Radio” is produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association. The podcast is an opportunity to hear state leaders discuss issues facing the Volunteer State. Previous episodes feature Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge.
"Lead Tennessee Radio" features TNBA’s government affairs team
Capitol Strategy Group represents members’ interests in Nashville
In a new episode of “Lead Tennessee Radio,” Tennessee Broadband Association Executive Director Levoy Knowles discusses legislative priorities with TNBA’s government affairs team.
Kim Adkins and Steve Buttry of Capitol Strategy Group act as liaisons between state government and lawmakers in Nashville to promote issues affecting TNBA and its members.
Some of the most important issues lawmakers will address during the current legislative session include financing broadband expansion in unserved rural areas and potential tax cuts for the business community.
Adkins says it is vital to residents in rural Tennessee that TNBA is involved in the legislative process.
“If you don’t have a seat at the table, you are on the menu,” Adkins says. “State leadership understands we need to be part of the discussion.”
In the podcast, Adkins and Buttry discuss the roles of the government affairs team and the importance of promoting the TNBA as broadband experts and partners in efforts to make rural Tennessee a better place to live.
Buttry says one of the most important things TNBA members can do, regardless of whether they are chief executives or general managers, is make personal introductions to their state representatives.
“We are the tip of the spear during the legislative session,” he says. “But when legislators can put a constituent face on an issue we are discussing, that makes all the difference in the world.”
The “Lead Tennessee Radio” podcast is produced by the TNBA. It is an opportunity to discuss issues facing the Volunteer State with state officials. Previous episodes feature Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, along with other state lawmakers. It can be found on apps such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or by visiting www.tennesseebroadband.com.
Upcoming episodes will feature members of the Tennessee Senate leadership.
Lt. Governor Randy McNally was first elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1978, serving four terms before being elected to the Senate. He represents Anderson, Loudon and parts of Knox County. McNally has spent 26 years on the Senate Finance Ways and Means Committee and has also served as chairman of the Senate Education Committee. He graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy in 1969 and worked as a pharmacist until his retirement in 2010, spending over 30 years at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge.
For this episode of Lead Tennessee Radio, Lt. Gov. McNally welcomed to his office Levoy Knowles, executive director of the Tennessee Broadband Association. Among the topics they discussed were:
- Tennessee's strong fiscal position
- the importance of the state's Triple A rating
- the upcoming 2020 legislative session
- challenges facing rural Tennessee
- the role of broadband in health care and rural development
To learn more about Lt. Gov. McNally, visit http://www.capitol.tn.gov/senate/speaker.html
For more information about the Tennessee Broadband Association, visit https://www.tennesseebroadband.com.
A fifth-generation Tennessean, Speaker Cameron Sexton is currently in his fifth term representing House District 25. This includes Cumberland and Van Buren Counties, as well as the City of Monterey in Putnam County. He was elected as the 83rd Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives in August 2019.
For this premier episode of Lead Tennessee Radio, Speaker Sexton welcomed to his office Levoy Knowles, executive director of the Tennessee Broadband Association. Among the topics they discussed were:
- challenges facing rural Tennessee
- the role of broadband in rural development
- health care
- telemedicine
- the upcoming 2020 legislative session
To learn more about Speaker Sexton, visit http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/members/h25.html.
For more information about the Tennessee Broadband Association, visit https://www.tennesseebroadband.com.