TruthWire News Podcast

TruthWireNews
  • 0.0 (0)
  • News
  • Weekly

TruthWire News is a Tennessee-focused platform for real conversations and real accountability. From state legislation to county-level leadership, we explore the stories behind the headlines—highlighting the people, policies, and decisions shaping our communities, and the courage it takes to stand for what’s right.

  1. Oct 11

    Heather O' Brien On Leaving the LGBTQ Identity: Finding Your True Identity in Jesus

    Author and speaker Heather O’Brien joins Kelly Jackson on TruthWire for a candid conversation about trauma, rebellion, identity, brokenness—and the relentless grace of Jesus Christ.   Heather shares the deeply personal story behind her book A Funny Thing Happened on My Highway to Hell: Exiting Hopelessness, Trauma and LGBTQ—from childhood wounds and church hurt, to military service, sexual assault, PTSD, alcoholism, abusive relationships, a suicide attempt, and years of identifying as a lesbian.   But this conversation is about much more than what Heather walked away from. It is about Who she came back to.   Heather explains what happened when she reluctantly walked back into a church expecting judgment—and instead encountered the grace of God. She also shares what her parents did during the years she was far from her faith: they prayed, maintained biblical boundaries, refused to affirm what they believed was wrong, but never stopped loving her or reaching for her.   We talk about the difficult line Christian families often face:   How do you love someone unconditionally without affirming every choice they make?   Heather also discusses identity, singleness, sexuality after coming back to Christ, why she refuses to “prove” anything to anyone, and what it means to anchor her identity not in a label, past experience, sexuality, career, trauma or diagnosis—but as a daughter of the King.   If you have ever wondered whether someone can be too broken, too angry, too rebellious or too far from God to come home, Heather has a message for you:   You are never too far gone.   ⏱️ CHAPTERS   00:00 — Meet Heather O’Brien 01:30 — What Was Really Happening Beneath the Surface 03:30 — Fatherlessness, Church Hurt & Teenage Rebellion 07:55 — Military Service, Sexual Assault & Trauma 11:40 — Coming Home: Anger, PTSD & Alcohol 13:20 — How Heather Began Identifying as a Lesbian 15:35 — The Suicide Attempt That Changed Everything 17:50 — Reconnecting With Her Family 20:15 — The Christians Who Challenged What She Believed About God 24:10 — Walking Back Into Church—and Encountering Grace 26:15 — “The Black Sheep Is Still Part of the Family” 30:30 — Did Confrontation or Correction Change Her? 32:30 — How Her Parents Loved Her Without Affirming Her Choices 36:00 — Boundaries, Respect & Keeping the Door Open 41:00 — What Heather Would Tell Someone Who Feels Too Far Gone 44:45 — Sexuality, Singleness & Life After Returning to Christ 50:10 — Finding Her True Identity as a Daughter of God 55:15 — How Broken People Can Still Be Used to Help Others 56:25 — Where to Find Heather 57:50 — Heather’s Books 62:00 — LGBTQ, Christianity & Why These Conversations Matter 64:20 — Final Thoughts   📚 FIND HEATHER O’BRIEN   Books mentioned in this episode:   A Funny Thing Happened on My Highway to Hell: Exiting Hopelessness, Trauma and LGBTQ: https://www.amazon.com/Funny-Thing-Ha...     Don’t Let the Monsters Out: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Let-Monst...   Chains of Freedom: https://www.amazon.com/Chains-Freedom...   Albus on Duty: https://www.amazon.com/Albus-Duty-Hea...   Facebook: Heather O’Brien Instagram: @TattooedRevivalist TikTok: @TattooedRevivalist Website: https://tattooedrevivalist.com/   I’m Kelly Jackson, and this is Still Not Cancelled—where we question everything, especially the narrative. Because anyone can tell you what happened. We explain what it means.   If conversations about faith, culture, truth and the stories behind the headlines matter to you, subscribe and become part of the Still Not Cancelled community.   #HeatherOBrien #ChristianTestimony #LGBTQ #Faith #JesusChrist #Christianity #Redemption #TraumaRecovery #ProdigalSon #IdentityInChrist #StillNotCancelled Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Heather O' Brien On Leaving the LGBTQ Identity: Finding Your True Identity in Jesus

  2. Oct 10

    Hollywood Is Coming to Tennessee. Should Conservatives Be Worried? | Howie Klausner

    Hollywood appears to be looking increasingly toward Tennessee, and for conservatives who watched California's culture and politics change dramatically, that naturally raises a question: What happens when Hollywood comes here? I sat down with filmmaker and screenwriter Howie Klausner, a Middle Tennessee native who spent more than two decades working in Los Angeles before returning home. Klausner wrote the screenplay that became Space Cowboys, directed by legendary Actor Director Clint Eastwood, wrote and produced the 2024 biopic REAGAN with Dennis Quaid and Jon Voight, as well as Soul Surfer, the Bethany Hamilton story, which are just three of the many wonderful films he has written and produced in his over 20 year career. We talk about Paramount's interest in Tennessee, why Hollywood production has been migrating away from California, the growing film industry already operating across Tennessee and the South, and whether Tennesseans should really fear Hollywood changing their culture. But our conversation goes much further. Howie explains why he believes the ideological gatekeepers in Hollywood represent a relatively small portion of the people actually working in the industry, why audiences became exhausted with entertainment that felt more like a political lecture than a good story, and why he believes the culture inside entertainment itself is beginning to shift. We also talk about something much bigger happening in Tennessee: the explosive growth of faith-based filmmaking and what Howie sees as a genuine Christian revival, particularly among young Americans. His own mission as a storyteller is wonderfully simple: make stories that leave people feeling good about being human again, stories about courage, sacrifice, faith and ordinary people doing something larger than themselves. So perhaps the question isn't simply whether Hollywood will change Tennessee.What if Tennessee helps change Hollywood? Join us for a conversation about Hollywood, faith, culture, storytelling, Ronald Reagan, the entertainment industry's future and why Christians shouldn't respond to cultural change with fear. Show up. Stand firm. Fear not. Howie's Website: https://www.howieklausner.com/ #Tennessee #Hollywood #Nashville #HowieKlausner #Paramount #ChristianFilm #Faith #Culture #Conservative #Reagan #MiddleTennessee #FilmIndustry Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Hollywood Is Coming to Tennessee. Should Conservatives Be Worried? | Howie Klausner

  3. Sep 8

    WHEN “DAUGHTER” NO LONGER MEANS WOMAN: Inside the Battle to Take Back the DAR w/Laura McDonald

    What happens when a 136-year-old organization created by women, for women, finds itself debating what the word “woman” actually means? Laura McDonald of Daughters Advocating for Restoration joins Kelly Jackson for an inside look at the growing battle over the future of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Laura explains why DAR members are pushing back against the acceptance of biological males with amended birth certificates, why she argues the organization's existing bylaws already require members to be women, and why the grassroots movement says this fight is about much more than transgender ideology. We dig into the controversial vote at Continental Congress, allegations of procedural irregularities, competing legal opinions over the DAR's First Amendment associational rights, and the demand for a special meeting under the organization's own bylaws. Laura also explains why the movement says approximately 150 chapters across 39 states have now backed the effort—and why congressional legislation concerning the DAR's federal charter has entered the fight. At the center of it all is one fundamental question: If the bylaws say the DAR is an organization for women, who gets to redefine what “woman” means? Website: https://daughtersadvocatingrestoratio...GiveSendGo:https://www.givesendgo.com/daughtersa...Facebook: Facebook: 1659132851538607YouTube: @daughtersrestoration ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Why the future of the DAR is being challenged03:15 — Do the DAR bylaws already require members to be women?07:30 — Amended birth certificates & the membership controversy11:00 — Does the DAR have a First Amendment right to determine membership?15:30 — How Daughters Advocating for Restoration began21:00 — Attempts to change the bylaws & demand a special meeting25:30 — What happened at Continental Congress30:00 — Competing legal opinions & transgender membership35:00 — The controversial vote and alleged procedural problems40:30 — Why the first ballot was declared compromised45:00 — Why members say they are still owed a special meeting49:30 — Roughly 150 chapters across 39 states join the effort52:00 — Congress enters the fight: the DAR Membership Integrity Act56:00 — Why define “woman” at all?1:00:00 — Genealogy, historical records & amended documents1:04:00 — Has politics transformed the DAR?1:08:00 — What's next for the movement & how to follow the fight The fight isn't simply about one vote. It's about whether a historic women's organization will remain a women's organization—and whether its members get the final say. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    WHEN “DAUGHTER” NO LONGER MEANS WOMAN: Inside the Battle to Take Back the DAR w/Laura McDonald

  4. Sep 8

    David Hatley: “We Cannot Allow Marsha Blackburn to Get in This Office”

    Independent candidate for Tennessee governor David Hatley joins TruthWire News to explain why he believes Tennessee voters should look beyond the party label in the 2026 governor’s race. Hatley discusses why he chose to run as an Independent, whether he considers himself a conservative, and why he believes voters who rejected Marsha Blackburn in the Republican primary should take a serious look at his campaign. We also get into some of the issues that matter most to conservative Tennessee voters, including the Second Amendment, Tennessee’s gun laws, red flag laws, COVID-era mandates and executive power, government spending, transparency, and the unelected bureaucracy operating inside state government. Hatley also explains why he is self-funding his campaign and makes his case directly to conservative voters who may not be satisfied with either major-party choice in November. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction: David Hatley for Tennessee Governor00:35 – Who is David Hatley and why is he running?01:48 – From humble beginnings to building Tennessee businesses03:25 – Faith, personal mistakes and why Hatley entered politics04:35 – Is David Hatley actually a conservative?05:10 – Tennessee’s growing budget and lack of transparency06:51 – Why Hatley says Republican voters should look beyond Marsha Blackburn09:30 – Second Amendment rights and Tennessee gun laws09:58 – Hatley calls for changing Tennessee’s “intent” gun law12:36 – COVID mandates, business closures and executive power15:24 – Tennessee’s unelected bureaucracy and the need for change17:20 – Hatley’s closing argument to conservative voters19:29 – Upcoming Williamson County event20:08 – Where voters can learn more about David Hatley TruthWire NewsWe don’t just tell you what happened. We tell you why it matters. Subscribe for Tennessee political news, interviews, investigations and analysis. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    David Hatley: “We Cannot Allow Marsha Blackburn to Get in This Office”

  5. Aug 25

    A Theological Audit of The After Party — Part I

    There I was, scrolling Facebook, when a political ad for The After Party showed up in my feed here in Williamson County. That sent me back down a rabbit hole I had been down before. The After Party says it is not a Bible study. It says its focus is politics. Yet churches are being encouraged to spend days—or even weeks—using it to shape how Christians understand “Christlike” political engagement. So I decided to take a closer look. Megan Basham already followed the money. Now I’m following that money through the church doors and asking a different question: What, exactly, are Christians being taught—and does it actually hold up biblically? Part I of A Theological Audit of The After Party is out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    A Theological Audit of The After Party — Part I

  6. Aug 2

    Cyndi Miller: Why the Tennessee GOP's Future Starts at the Bottom of the Ballot

    Description Why does the Tennessee Republican State Executive Committee matter? Why are grassroots conservatives across the state suddenly being challenged? And what is really at stake in these little-known races? In this exclusive TruthWire interview, Kelly Jackson sits down with SEC District 27 incumbent Cyndi Miller to discuss her eight years serving on the Tennessee Republican Party's State Executive Committee. Miller explains the role of the SEC, why strengthening the Republican nomination process has become one of her top priorities, and why she believes conservative grassroots involvement has fundamentally changed Tennessee politics. The conversation explores open primaries, crossover voting, the Republican Party bylaws, COVID's impact on political engagement, the growing grassroots movement, and why Miller believes keeping constitutional conservatives on the SEC is essential to preserving Tennessee's Republican platform. Miller also shares her thoughts on President Trump, the future of the Republican Party, party registration, low voter turnout, and why she believes the most important races on the ballot are often the ones voters know the least about. If you've ever wondered what the State Executive Committee does—or why establishment and grassroots Republicans are battling for control—this interview provides an inside look. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Cyndi Miller's background and path to the SEC 05:18 COVID, the grassroots movement, and political awakening 10:09 Why SEC races have become competitive 14:34 What it means to be a bona fide Republican 17:54 Open primaries and crossover voting 22:43 Tennessee's Republican platform and conservative values 27:58 Why voter turnout matters 32:37 The role of the SEC in protecting the Republican Party 36:21 Closing the Republican primary debate 39:45 Why Cyndi Miller is seeking reelection 45:08 Meeting President Donald Trump 48:05 Final thoughts and how to support the campaign Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Cyndi Miller: Why the Tennessee GOP's Future Starts at the Bottom of the Ballot

  7. Aug 2

    Why They're Targeting Tennessee's Grassroots Conservatives | Brad Lytle & the Fight for the GOP

    Why are conservative State Executive Committee members across Tennessee suddenly facing coordinated challenges? In this TruthWire News interview, Kelly Jackson sits down with Tennessee Republican State Executive Committeeman Brad Lytle (District 17 – Wilson County) to discuss why the State Executive Committee has become one of the most important—and least understood—battlegrounds in Tennessee politics. They examine the growing divide between grassroots conservatives and the Republican establishment, the role of Tennessee First Action, outside PAC money, the push for closed Republican primaries, and why these races matter to every Republican voter in Tennessee. If you've ever wondered who actually controls the Republican Party—and why these down-ballot races matter—this conversation connects the dots. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Why the State Executive Committee matters 05:15 Why grassroots conservatives are under attack 12:40 Democrats' long-term strategy in Tennessee 19:10 The fight over closed Republican primaries 27:30 Can the Tennessee GOP close its own primaries? 33:00 Tennessee First Action & outside PAC spending 40:15 Why Brad Lytle says he's being targeted 47:10 Why Republican voters should re-elect him 53:20 Lessons from New York and why Tennessee must stay vigilant 58:30 Final thoughts and call to action Subscribe to TruthWire News for investigative reporting, candidate interviews, and analysis of Tennessee politics that goes beyond the headlines. TruthWire News "We don't just tell you what happened—we tell you what it means." #Tennessee #TNGOP #TruthWire #BradLytle #WilsonCounty #StateExecutiveCommittee #RepublicanParty #Grassroots #Conservatives #ClosedPrimaries #TennesseePolitics #Election2026 #TennesseeFirstAction #PoliticalInterview #KellyJackson Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Why They're Targeting Tennessee's Grassroots Conservatives | Brad Lytle & the Fight for the GOP

  8. Aug 2

    Can Brian Hooper Restore Trust in Houston County? Exclusive Sheriff Candidate Interview

    Houston County voters have an important decision to make, and TruthWire News is committed to helping voters make informed choices. In this exclusive interview, Republican candidate Brian Hooper discusses his more than 27 years of law enforcement experience, his vision for the Houston County Sheriff's Office, and the issues that matter most to local voters. Topics include: ✅ Drug enforcement ✅ School safety ✅ Illegal immigration ✅ Constitutional policing ✅ Flock surveillance cameras ✅ Leadership and accountability ✅ Protecting the rights of citizens Whether you live in Houston County or simply care about constitutional law enforcement in Tennessee, this interview provides an in-depth look at Brian Hooper's priorities and leadership philosophy. Subscribe to TruthWire News for more Tennessee candidate interviews, investigative reporting, and political analysis. 🌐 https://TruthWireNews.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 01:40 Brian Hooper's law enforcement background 05:25 Criminal investigations and leadership experience 09:00 School safety and SRO training 16:20 Drug enforcement priorities 24:35 The constitutional role of the sheriff 28:45 Flock cameras and privacy concerns 35:10 Illegal immigration and 287(g) 46:20 Building leadership inside the Sheriff's Office 54:30 Why he chose to run as a Republican 59:15 Comparing experience with the other candidates 1:05:30 Jail expansion, budgeting, and taxpayer responsibility 1:11:30 Why every Tennessean should vote 1:16:20 Final thoughts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Can Brian Hooper Restore Trust in Houston County? Exclusive Sheriff Candidate Interview
See All (14)

About

TruthWire News is a Tennessee-focused platform for real conversations and real accountability. From state legislation to county-level leadership, we explore the stories behind the headlines—highlighting the people, policies, and decisions shaping our communities, and the courage it takes to stand for what’s right.

Information

You Might Also Like