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From the Volunteer State

Matt Herriman & Ross Bradley 21 Episodes Aug 21, 2026

From the Volunteer State is a podcast hosted by Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley that features thoughtful conversations with people shaping Tennessee and beyond. Episodes cover topics such as leadership, business, public policy, faith, culture, community and everyday life. Each installment brings a compelling guest into a relaxed discussion meant to educate, inform and entertain listeners. The show is rooted in Tennessee stories and the people making an impact there.

Episodes

Sen. Bill Hagerty: Tennessee, Business, Diplomacy & the U.S. Senate Aug 21, 2026 00:42:19 Originally released on August 21, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.United States Senator Bill Hagerty joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley for a wide-ranging conversation about Tennessee, Washington, economic growth, American leadership and foreign policy. Before his election to the U.S. Senate, Hagerty built a career in business and investment, served as Tennessee Commissio

Brent Taylor: Public Safety, Memphis & His Path to Congress Jun 16, 2026 00:48:33 Originally released on June 16, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley for a conversation about crime, public safety, Memphis, state government and his approach to public service. Since this episode was recorded, Taylor has become the Republican nominee for Tennessee’s redrawn 9th Congressional District, whi

Chris Jones: Powering Middle Tennessee’s Explosive Growth Jun 9, 2026 01:01:45 Originally released on June 9, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.Middle Tennessee Electric President and CEO Chris Jones joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley for a conversation about electricity demand, infrastructure, broadband, economic development and the challenges that come with Middle Tennessee’s rapid growth. Jones is a longtime MTE leader and just the fifth CEO in the

Jeff Hollingshead: Building SRM Concrete into a National Powerhouse May 29, 2026 00:44:07 Originally released on May 29, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.Ross Bradley sits down with SRM Concrete CEO Jeff Hollingshead for a conversation about family business, leadership, faith, growth and entrepreneurship. Hollingshead grew up in the company and now leads SRM’s nationwide operations as the business has expanded far beyond its Middle Tennessee roots.This episode is

Cam Doody: Building Bellhop, Brickyard & Tennessee’s Startup Future May 21, 2026 00:55:40 Originally released on May 21, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.Ross Bradley sits down with entrepreneur and investor Cam Doody for a conversation about startups, technology, venture capital and what it takes to build companies outside the traditional coastal tech hubs. Doody co-founded Bellhop and later co-founded Brickyard, a Chattanooga-based venture firm and founder comm

Randy Allen: A Vision for Rutherford County’s Next Chapter May 15, 2026 00:50:04 Originally released on May 15, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.Then-candidate for Rutherford County Mayor Randy Allen joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley to discuss growth, infrastructure, economic development, county finances and his vision for Rutherford County. Allen brought experience from both the nonprofit and private sectors, including service as chief operating off

Kenneth Barrett: 28 Years in Law Enforcement & a Run for Sheriff May 15, 2026 00:39:46 Originally released on May 15, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.Kenneth Barrett joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley to discuss his nearly three decades with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and his campaign to lead the department. Barrett began his career in the Adult Detention Center and went on to serve in patrol, narcotics, crime suppression and command-level roles

Shawn Farash: The Voice Behind the Viral Trump Impression May 1, 2026 00:46:11 Originally released on May 1, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.Comedian, radio personality and impressionist Shawn Farash joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley for a conversation about media, comedy, politics and the unlikely path that turned his Donald Trump impression into a viral phenomenon. A Long Island native with a background in radio, Farash built a large following th

Weston Wamp: Rethinking Education, Workforce & Local Government Apr 10, 2026 00:53:37 Originally released on April 10, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley for a conversation about local government, education, workforce development and economic growth. Before becoming county mayor, Wamp worked in Chattanooga’s startup and venture-capital community and later served on the Tennessee Board of Reg

Butch Wilmore: 464 Days in Space, Faith & Leadership Under Pressure Mar 4, 2026 01:00:21 Originally released on March 4, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.Tennessee native Barry “Butch” Wilmore joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley to reflect on a remarkable career in aviation and space exploration. A retired U.S. Navy captain and NASA astronaut, Wilmore piloted Space Shuttle Atlantis, commanded the International Space Station and flew Boeing Starliner’s first cre

Alan Farley: How Elections Really Work in Rutherford County Mar 2, 2026 00:48:02 Originally released on March 2, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.Rutherford County Administrator of Elections Alan Farley joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley for a behind-the-scenes look at election administration, voting procedures and election security. Farley has served both as an election commissioner and as Administrator of Elections and helped Rutherford County become

Damon Hininger: From Correctional Officer to CEO Feb 6, 2026 00:39:27 Originally released on February 9, 2026 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast.Damon Hininger joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley for a conversation about leadership, business, criminal justice and civic involvement. Hininger began his career as a correctional officer and rose through the ranks of CoreCivic, ultimately becoming its president and CEO. He is also active in Tennessee civ

Rob McCoy: Faith, Government and the Pastor Who Influenced Charlie Kirk Dec 21, 2025 00:57:46 Originally released on December 21, 2025 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast. Pastor Rob McCoy joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley for a conversation about faith, government, civic engagement, and leadership. McCoy served as mayor of Thousand Oaks, California, pastored Godspeak Calvary Chapel, and was known by Charlie Kirk as his pastor and spiritual mentor. Under God Podcast This

The Future of Tennessee’s Economy | Deputy Governor Stuart McWhorter Dec 3, 2025 00:39:09 Originally released on December 3, 2025 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast. Tennessee Deputy Governor and Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Stuart McWhorter joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley for a conversation about Tennessee’s economy, economic development, business recruitment, workforce growth, and the opportunities and challenges shaping the state’s future.

Live from TECA: Matt Van Epps on Congress, Tennessee & the Issues Ahead Nov 18, 2025 00:36:35 Originally released on November 18, 2025 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast. Recorded live at the annual TECA (TN Electric Cooperatives Association) conference, Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley sit down with Matt Van Epps for a conversation about his campaign for Congress, the issues facing Tennessee, and the leadership and policy questions shaping the future of the state. This episo

Glenn Jacobs: Athlete, WWE Icon and Politician — The Untold Story Nov 10, 2025 00:59:37 Originally released on November 10, 2025 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey from professional wrestling to public service, leadership, Tennessee, and the experiences that shaped his life and career. This episode is part of the archive that preceded From the Volunte

TN House Speaker Cameron Sexton: Tennessee’s Future Oct 3, 2025 00:55:45 Originally released on October 3, 2025 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast. Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley for a conversation about state government, leadership, public policy, and the issues shaping Tennessee’s future. This episode is part of the archive that preceded From the Volunteer State.

Mayor Mary Esther Reed: Leadership and the Future of Smyrna Sep 5, 2025 00:43:22 Originally released on September 5, 2025 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast. Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley to discuss local leadership, community growth, public service, and the opportunities and challenges facing Smyrna and Rutherford County. This episode is part of the archive that preceded From the Volunteer State.

Rutherford County’s Trash Crisis: Donna Barrett on the Future of Solid Waste Sep 3, 2025 00:38:27 Originally released on September 3, 2025 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast. Former Tennessee State Representative Donna Barrett joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley to discuss Rutherford County’s solid-waste challenges, growth, local infrastructure, and the decisions facing one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing communities. This episode is part of the archive that preceded From the V

John Rose: Congressman, Farmer & Tennessee Leader Aug 27, 2025 00:30:34 Originally released on August 27, 2025 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast. Congressman John Rose joins Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley for a conversation about his Tennessee roots, agriculture, public service, Congress, and the issues shaping the future of the state. This episode is part of the archive that preceded From the Volunteer State.

“Dadgum Straight Talk” with Congressman Tim Burchett Aug 19, 2025 00:51:15 Originally released on August 19, 2025 as an episode of the Rutherford County GOP Podcast. Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley sit down with Congressman Tim Burchett for a wide-ranging conversation about public service, Tennessee, Washington, leadership, and his characteristically direct approach to politics and government. This episode is part of the archive that preceded From the Volunteer State.

From the Volunteer State

Episodes

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