Growing Pains: Exploring The Challenges in a Thriving Sumner County

The Future of Republican Leadership in Sumner County | with Mark Evans & Shannon Burgdorf

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Hendersonville Alderman Mark Evans and Sumner County Commissioner Shannon Burgdorf for a candid conversation about leadership inside the Republican Party, the challenges of growth in Middle Tennessee, and the future of civic engagement in Sumner County. We also explore how growth is reshaping Sumner County culturally and politically, while emphasizing the importance of preserving Tennessee values and community identity. From education and the Innovation Center to the future of local leadership, this conversation highlights the balancing act between welcoming growth and protecting the culture that makes Sumner County unique. This is a thoughtful discussion about public service, political participation, and the responsibility communities have to cultivate the next generation of leaders. ========== Hosted by Deanne DeWitt, Growing Pains is the official podcast of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, featuring candid, in-depth conversations with the leaders, movers, and shakers shaping our local government and community. From business development and public policy to education, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Each episode dives into how decisions made today impact the future of Sumner County. Guests include elected officials, policy experts, business owners, law enforcement leaders, educators, and citizens who are actively working to keep our county strong, accountable, and forward-thinking. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply passionate about your community, Growing Pains offers insight into how local leadership, conservative principles, and collaborative problem-solving can help Gallatin and Sumner County grow the right way, preserving our legacy while protecting our future.

Growth, Leadership, and the Future of Sumner County | A Growing Pains Compilation

In this special compilation episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt brings together powerful moments from five previous conversations exploring the future of Sumner County, the challenges of rapid growth, and the importance of civic engagement. Featuring voices from local leadership, education, economic development, and public service, this episode highlights the ideas and conversations shaping one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing communities. The episode dives into everything from Hendersonville’s transformation over the last several decades to the realities of infrastructure planning, economic development, and managing growth responsibly. Guests reflect on why Tennessee continues to attract families and businesses, the importance of preserving community identity, and what happens when cities fail to plan ahead for the future. This compilation serves as both a reflection on where Sumner County has been and a conversation about where it’s headed next. Whether you’re new to the area or deeply invested in its future, this episode offers insight into the people, values, and decisions shaping the community for generations to come. ========== Hosted by Deanne DeWitt, Growing Pains is the official podcast of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, featuring candid, in-depth conversations with the leaders, movers, and shakers shaping our local government and community. From business development and public policy to education, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Each episode dives into how decisions made today impact the future of Sumner County. Guests include elected officials, policy experts, business owners, law enforcement leaders, educators, and citizens who are actively working to keep our county strong, accountable, and forward-thinking.Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply passionate about your community, Growing Pains offers insight into how local leadership, conservative principles, and collaborative problem-solving can help Gallatin and Sumner County grow the right way, preserving our legacy while protecting our future.

How Sumner County Schools Are Preparing Students for the Real World | with Frankie Skinner

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Sumner County Schools’ Chief Academic Officer Frankie Skinner for an in-depth conversation about the future of education in one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing communities. From her years in the classroom to district leadership, Skinner shares the philosophy driving Sumner County Schools and the mission to develop students into capable, service-minded individuals prepared for a rapidly changing world. The conversation explores how the district is rethinking education through expanded opportunities, real-world experiences, and a stronger focus on career readiness. Frankie breaks down the impact of literacy initiatives, the steady growth in student performance, and how supporting teachers through high-quality materials, collaboration, and coaching ultimately drives student success. The episode also highlights the rise of career and technical education, the Innovation Center, and how hands-on learning is opening doors for students across the county. This is a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation about education, opportunity, and what it takes to prepare the next generation to lead in Sumner County and beyond. ========== Hosted by Deanne DeWitt, Growing Pains is the official podcast of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, featuring candid, in-depth conversations with the leaders, movers, and shakers shaping our local government and community. From business development and public policy to education, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Each episode dives into how decisions made today impact the future of Sumner County. Guests include elected officials, policy experts, business owners, law enforcement leaders, educators, and citizens who are actively working to keep our county strong, accountable, and forward-thinking. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply passionate about your community, Growing Pains offers insight into how local leadership, conservative principles, and collaborative problem-solving can help Gallatin and Sumner County grow the right way, preserving our legacy while protecting our future.

Meet the Candidates Part 2 | Sumner County’s May Election

In Part 2 of this special Growing Pains compilation, host Deanne DeWitt continues the “Meet the Candidates” series with another round of conversations featuring individuals running for office in Sumner County’s May elections. Whether you’re still learning about the candidates or preparing to vote, this episode offers a valuable starting point to hear directly from those on the ballot and better understand what’s at stake in this election season. ========== Hosted by Deanne DeWitt, Growing Pains is the official podcast of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, featuring candid, in-depth conversations with the leaders, movers, and shakers shaping our local government and community. From business development and public policy to education, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Each episode dives into how decisions made today impact the future of Sumner County. Guests include elected officials, policy experts, business owners, law enforcement leaders, educators, and citizens who are actively working to keep our county strong, accountable, and forward-thinking. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply passionate about your community, Growing Pains offers insight into how local leadership, conservative principles, and collaborative problem-solving can help Gallatin and Sumner County grow the right way, preserving our legacy while protecting our future.

Meet the Candidates | Sumner County’s May Election

In this special compilation episode of Growing Pains, you’ll hear directly from candidates running for office in Sumner County ahead of the May elections. This episode offers a fast-paced introduction to the individuals stepping forward to lead, serve, and shape the future of the community. From county commission races to school board positions, each candidate shares why they’re running, what issues matter most to them, and how they plan to navigate the challenges of a rapidly growing county. This episode is designed to give voters a starting point, an opportunity to hear directly from candidates in their own words and begin forming an understanding of the choices on the ballot. As the county faces important decisions that will impact families, schools, and long-term development, these local elections carry real, everyday consequences. Whether you’re already engaged or just starting to pay attention, this episode is a valuable resource to help you get informed and ready to participate in the upcoming election. ========== Hosted by Deanne DeWitt, Growing Pains is the official podcast of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, featuring candid, in-depth conversations with the leaders, movers, and shakers shaping our local government and community. From business development and public policy to education, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Each episode dives into how decisions made today impact the future of Sumner County. Guests include elected officials, policy experts, business owners, law enforcement leaders, educators, and citizens who are actively working to keep our county strong, accountable, and forward-thinking. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply passionate about your community, Growing Pains offers insight into how local leadership, conservative principles, and collaborative problem-solving can help Gallatin and Sumner County grow the right way, preserving our legacy while protecting our future.