Tenessa Talks

Tenessa Talks
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

Religion and politics at the dinner table? We’re doing it on the mic. Join Tenessa Audette and guests as they tackle God, government, and everything you’re not “supposed” to talk about. Outrage meets courage, conviction meets conversation — and you just might walk away with a stronger backbone (and a little less outrage).

Episodes

  1. 11/06/2025

    Hot Takes & Honest Talk: What Everyone’s Arguing About Online | #11

    In this lively and candid episode of Tenessa Talks, Tenessa Audette welcomes back Christin Turner for a no-holds-barred discussion tackling political and cultural hot-button issues. The two dive into questions and feedback from listeners — from freedom of speech and censorship to feminism, faith, voting, and what it means to stay true to your values in a polarized world.Their friendly yet fearless banter offers an honest look at modern American discourse — full of humor, insight, and perspective that makes complex issues feel personal and approachable. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Setup 00:42 – Reintroducing Christin Turner 02:15 – The Power of Speaking Honestly Online 06:20 – Tackling Political “Hot Button” Questions 11:50 – Feminism, Faith, and Modern Womanhood 18:05 – Where Do We Get Our Facts? 23:47 – The Meaning of Freedom Today 30:22 – Keeping Grace in the Conversation 36:45 – Audience Questions Rapid-Fire 42:50 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways Links:Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/votetenessa⁠Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tenessaaudetteWebsite - ⁠https://tenessaaudette.com⁠Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/votetenessa/⁠X - ⁠https://x.com/votetenessa⁠

    51 min

  2. 10/30/2025

    Faith, Freedom, and the Future: Navigating America’s Crossroads | #10

    In this episode of Tenessa Talks, Tenessa welcomes a new guest, Christin — a pastor, mom, and patriot — to unpack what’s happening in America today through the lens of faith, history, and civic understanding. Together, they dive into questions many Americans are asking:What does it mean to live out your values in today’s political climate? How should Christians navigate the rise of labels like “Christian nationalist”? And how can we engage with politics without losing hope or compassion? This heartfelt, thoughtful discussion blends personal faith, history, and public life — offering encouragement for anyone trying to stay grounded and inspired in uncertain times. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Welcome Back & Introducing the New Co-Host 02:15 – Why Talking About Faith and Politics Matters 05:40 – Looking at History: Have We Been Here Before? 09:10 – Processing the Assassination That Shook the Nation 13:45 – When “Make America Great” Becomes a Slur 18:00 – What Does “Christian Nationalist” Even Mean? 23:30 – Christin’s Story: Faith, Family, and Patriotism 28:55 – How Christians Can Engage in Politics with Grace 34:20 – Finding Hope in Hard Conversations 38:45 – Final Reflections and Takeaways Links:Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/votetenessa⁠Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tenessaaudetteWebsite - ⁠https://tenessaaudette.com⁠Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/votetenessa/⁠X - ⁠https://x.com/votetenessa⁠

    1 hr

  3. 10/23/2025

    Finding Your Voice: Civil Discourse and the Power of Communication | #9

    In this episode of Tenessa Talks, Tenessa Audette sits down with communications expert Aaron Tesauro to explore how everyday citizens can make their voices heard in government. They unpack the value of civil discourse, why respectful debate matters, and how effective communication can bridge divides in a time of heightened polarization. It’s a thoughtful, practical look at how speaking—and listening—well can shape our communities for the better. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction 01:15 – Meet Aaron Tesauro 03:30 – Why Civil Discourse Matters 06:45 – The Decline of Listening 10:20 – Finding Common Ground 15:40 – Communication as Leadership 20:00 – Tools for Better Conversations 25:15 – Encouraging a Culture of Respect 29:00 – Closing Thoughts Links:Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/votetenessa⁠Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tenessaaudetteWebsite - ⁠https://tenessaaudette.com⁠Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/votetenessa/⁠X - ⁠https://x.com/votetenessa⁠

    35 min

  4. 10/16/2025

    Freedom of Speech & the Modern Press: What It Really Means Today | #8

    In this episode of Tenessa Talks, host Tenessa Audette is joined by communications expert and long-time friend, Aaron Tesauro to explore the real meaning of freedom of speech and freedom of the press in today’s America. With her background in history and government, Tenessa unpacks how these First Amendment rights shape our daily lives — from what we post on social media to how journalists cover public officials. Through a thoughtful conversation with Aaron, they break down why free expression is vital to democracy, when speech crosses the line, and how technology has changed the way we share and receive information. This episode gives listeners a grounded, relatable look at the balance between open dialogue, accountability, and truth in a free society. Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome 02:15 – The Meaning Behind the First Amendment 06:30 – Freedom of the Press in Modern Times 10:45 – The Role of Social Media 14:20 – When Speech Has Consequences 18:05 – Government Transparency and Accountability 23:10 – Media Bias and Public Trust 28:30 – Encouraging Civic Dialogue 33:40 – Final Thoughts: Protecting Our Freedoms Links: Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/votetenessa⁠ Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tenessaaudette⁠ Website - ⁠https://tenessaaudette.com⁠ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/votetenessa/⁠ X - ⁠https://x.com/votetenessa⁠

    47 min

  5. 10/02/2025

    Getting Personal with Carl DeMaio | #7

    In this episode of Tenessa Talks, Tenessa Audette sits down with California Assemblymember Carl DeMaio. Carl shares his powerful personal story, starting with his childhood in Huntington Beach. He talks about the challenges he faced when his mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and his difficult family background. These early experiences shaped his drive to fight for what’s right and to stay engaged in public service.Carl explains his journey into politics and why he’s committed to standing up against corruption and broken systems in government. He and Tenessa discuss his work in the California State Assembly, his vision for reform, and the kind of leadership he believes citizens deserve.This episode is about resilience, public service, and the courage to take on tough battles. Carl’s story shows how personal hardship can lead to a life of purpose, and why he’s determined to keep fighting for California families. 0:00 – Intro + Welcome1:45 – Carl’s Early Life6:20 – Losing Parents & Jesuit Boarding School10:45 – Shaped by Jesuit Values14:30 – College Years & Politics20:15 – Entrepreneurship & Reform26:40 – Why Stay in Politics?32:10 – California Issues Today38:45 – Advice for Citizens44:00 – Closing Thoughts Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/votetenessa⁠Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tenessaaudette⁠Website - ⁠https://tenessaaudette.com⁠Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/votetenessa/⁠X - ⁠https://x.com/votetenessa

    38 min

  6. 09/25/2025

    Greed in Government | #6

    Budgets. Cuts. Taxes. Programs. We hear about them every day, but what do they really mean for us? In this episode of Tenessa Talks, Tenessa sits down with form Redding Financial Director, Dennice to break down the big, complicated world of government money into something simple, practical, and encouraging. Tenessa shares her perspective as a city council member and explains how budget decisions affect everyday families—what gets funded, what doesn’t, and why it matters. You’ll hear stories, examples, and insights that make the process less intimidating and more relatable. Most importantly, this episode reminds us that government isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about people, priorities, and shared values—and there are ways for everyday Americans to engage, ask questions, and be part of the conversation. 👉 Whether you normally tune out politics or you’re just curious about how things really work, this episode will help you see government in a new light: encouraging, approachable, and worth paying attention to. 00:00 – Welcome & Why Budgets Matter   02:00 – From Washington to Your Wallet: How Budgets Affect Us All   05:15 – Breaking Down the Redding City Budget   09:00 – Common Questions: Salaries, Roads, and City Services   13:30 – Where the Money Goes (and Why It Feels Confusing)   17:45 – Federal vs. Local Budgets: Similar Struggles, Different Scales   22:10 – Everyday Impact: What Budget Cuts Mean for Families   26:20 – Encouragement: How You Can Engage with Your City’s Budget   30:00 – Closing Thoughts: Government as People, Priorities, and Shared Values  Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/votetenessa⁠ Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tenessaaudette⁠ Website - ⁠https://tenessaaudette.com⁠ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/votetenessa/⁠ X - ⁠https://x.com/votetenessa⁠

    42 min

  7. 09/18/2025

    How Local Government Budgets Impact Your Everyday Life | #5

    In this episode, Tenessa dives into one of the topics we all feel but don’t always understand—money and government budgets. Instead of heavy jargon, she breaks it down in plain language and shows how decisions made in city halls and state capitols actually affect the everyday lives of families across the country. The conversation starts with the big picture—why money is such a constant theme in both our personal lives and government—and then zooms in to what it looks like at the local level. Tenessa shares her perspective as a city council member, explaining how budget choices impact programs, services, and the sense of security people feel in their communities. Throughout the episode, she encourages listeners not to feel shut out or intimidated by politics. Government isn’t just about cutbacks and complicated numbers—it’s about people, priorities, and shared values. By the end, listeners will walk away with a clearer sense of how the budget process works, why it matters, and how they can engage with it in simple, practical ways. It’s a hopeful, down-to-earth conversation meant to remind us that government can be approachable—and that every voice has a place at the table. 0:00 - Intro 2:15 - Why government and money feel overwhelming  5:40 – How national budgets grew in recent years  9:10 – What “budget cuts” really mean for everyday families 13:00 – City Council perspective: local budgets and real-life impact  18:20 – Programs people rely on: what gets funded, what gets cut   23:45 – Encouragement: how ordinary people can engage with the process  28:00 – Final thoughts: government as people, priorities, and shared values Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/votetenessa⁠ Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tenessaaudette⁠ Website - ⁠https://tenessaaudette.com⁠ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/votetenessa/⁠ X - ⁠https://x.com/votetenessa⁠

    32 min

  8. 09/11/2025

    How Much Government Do We Really Need? | #4

    In this episode of Tenessa Talks, Tenessa and Ericka dig into what it really means to live out your values in everyday life and in politics. They talk about the big picture—how America was built on freedom, faith, and responsibility—but also bring it down to real, everyday choices we make as citizens. The conversation looks at how policies connect to people’s lives, not just as laws on paper but as things that shape families, communities, and futures. Ericka asks the down-to-earth questions that many of us wonder about, while Tenessa breaks it down in plain language. Together, they challenge the idea that politics is just for experts or insiders. Instead, they encourage listeners to think of it as something that belongs to all of us. The episode is both honest and hopeful. It recognizes the frustrations that people feel about the current political system, but it also points to the power we still have—whether that’s in voting, speaking up, or making choices that align with our beliefs. The main message is simple: you don’t have to be a politician to influence the direction of your country—you just have to stay engaged, pay attention, and keep your values at the center. 0:00 - Intro 3:00 - Why Government Gets Messy 6:15 - Lessons From History 9:30 - Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists 12:45 - Local Decisions Matter 16:00 - When Weak Systems Fail 19:20 - Rights in Our Hands 22:45 - Regulation & Responsibility 27:00 - Grievances & Freedom Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/votetenessa⁠ Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tenessaaudette⁠ Website - ⁠https://tenessaaudette.com⁠ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/votetenessa/⁠ X - ⁠https://x.com/votetenessa⁠

    34 min

  9. 09/04/2025

    Why You Need to Know Your Elected Officials | #3

    In this episode of Tenessa Talks, Tenessa gets real about life as an elected official and what it takes to stay positive in a world full of politics and pressure. She opens up about why her job in government doesn’t define who she is, how she keeps hope alive, and why she believes real solutions come from less government—not more. She also shares why it matters to really see your elected officials as people—not just names on a ballot. Most of us only know who’s in office, but not what they’re actually doing (or not doing) to make our community better. Tenessa invites listeners into her world so you can understand the choices, challenges, and heart behind the work—because she genuinely wants the people in her community to thrive, with the freedom, joy, and opportunity to live truly beautiful lives. If you’ve ever wondered what your local leaders really do and why it matters, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, encouraged, and connected. 0:00 - Intro 1:04 - Democrats aren’t the enemy 3:14 - Government isn’t my identity 7:09 - Elected officials aren’t special 8:00 - Term limits 15:33 - Date your elected official 18:21 - Google them 23:39 - Why term limits help you 29:57 - Out of balance 34:00 - What will you fight for? 38:00 - Preparing for the future Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/votetenessa⁠ Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tenessaaudette⁠ Website - ⁠https://tenessaaudette.com⁠ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/votetenessa/⁠ X - ⁠https://x.com/votetenessa⁠

    39 min

  10. 08/28/2025

    Choosing the Right Leader to Represent Us | #2

    In this episode of Tenessa Talks, Tenessa Audette and co-host Ericka Jones dive into the big question: Who should we be hiring to represent us in government? The conversation starts with the idea that voting is more than just picking a name on a ballot—it’s about thinking of the process like a job interview. Just as you’d want the right experience and character in someone you hire for an important role, you should expect the same from your elected leaders. Tenessa and Ericka explore what qualities matter most in policymakers, why so many Americans feel frustrated with “career politicians,” and how we can set higher standards for the people making decisions that affect our everyday lives. The tone is hopeful and practical, encouraging listeners to be thoughtful and active in their communities rather than discouraged by politics. The episode leaves you with this key takeaway: We all have the power to shape government by choosing leaders as carefully as we would choose someone to handle our personal business or represent our family. 0:00 - Intro 2:15 - Voting as a Job Interview 5:00 - Why Politics Feels Messy 8:20 - What Really Matters in Leaders 11:45 - Accountability & Oversight 15:10 - Party Lines & Personal Convictions 18:30 - Ballots, Parties, and Third Options 22:00 - Campaign Ads & Voter Confusion 26:15 - Choosing with Trust & Clarity 30:00 - Do We Want Politicians or Problem-Solvers? Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/votetenessa⁠ Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tenessaaudette⁠ Website - ⁠https://tenessaaudette.com⁠ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/votetenessa/⁠ X - ⁠https://x.com/votetenessa⁠

    31 min

  11. 08/21/2025

    What makes America great? | Ep #1

    In this debut episode of Tenessa Talks, host Tenessa Audette invites her friend and local mom-of-three, Ericka Jones, for a candid conversation about life in America, community, and what it really feels like to be on the front lines of local government.Tenessa opens up about the realities of serving as an elected official—the frustrations she hears from the public, the trade-offs in government decision-making, and why understanding who to be mad at actually empowers people to make real change. This is not a polished political speech—it’s a real, living-room conversation about freedom, family, and the challenges of civic life, filled with humor and honesty.Whether you’re curious about local politics, community leadership, or just want to hear two friends talk about life with authenticity, this episode will make you feel like you’re right there on the couch with them.0:00 - Intro1:39 - Why are there still problems?6:49 - Why America is great7:58 - Left vs. Right13:23 - It’s not working18:42 - American transformation23:23 - Government and faith26:46 - Growth and control32:32 - Local Tax40:04 - No one-size-fits-all Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/votetenessa⁠Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tenessaaudetteWebsite - ⁠https://tenessaaudette.com⁠Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/votetenessa/⁠X - ⁠https://x.com/votetenessa⁠

    42 min
  • 11 Episodes

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Religion and politics at the dinner table? We’re doing it on the mic. Join Tenessa Audette and guests as they tackle God, government, and everything you’re not “supposed” to talk about. Outrage meets courage, conviction meets conversation — and you just might walk away with a stronger backbone (and a little less outrage).

Information

  • Creator
    Tenessa Talks
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tenessa Talks
  • Show Website
    Tenessa Talks