Tenessa Talks

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/votetenessa * ⁠Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tenessaaudette * Website - ⁠https://tenessaaudette.com * ⁠Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/votetenessa/⁠ * X - ⁠https://x.com/votetenessa⁠

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

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

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 [https://www.facebook.com/votetenessa] Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tenessaaudette⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@tenessaaudette] Website - ⁠https://tenessaaudette.com⁠ [https://tenessaaudette.com/] Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/votetenessa/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/votetenessa/] X - ⁠https://x.com/votetenessa⁠ [https://x.com/votetenessa]

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/votetenessa⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/votetenessa⁠]Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tenessaaudette⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@tenessaaudette⁠]Website - ⁠https://tenessaaudette.com⁠ [https://tenessaaudette.com⁠]Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/votetenessa/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/votetenessa/⁠]X - ⁠https://x.com/votetenessa [https://x.com/votetenessa]