The Loyal Opposition

08/19/2025

FYI!

08/17/2025

TLO S03 E28 Remember Schoolhouse Rock? Understanding Civics and Democracy with Vol State’s Civics Minute

In this episode of The Loyal Opposition, host Carolina Kelly is joined by Grady Eades and Brady Duncan to discuss their project Civics Minute, an educational series aimed at simplifying and disseminating fundamental civics knowledge. Grady, an associate professor of history, and Brady, an adjunct instructor, both from Volunteer State Community College, share the motivations behind this initiative and outline how it aims to bridge the gap in public understanding of government functions and constitutional principles. What are the challenges of making educational content engaging and accessible, highlighting their strategy to produce short, digestible video clips?

Additionally, the conversation touches upon the current state of American democracy, the implications of recent legislative actions, and the importance of civic participation.

This episode also examines issues related to immigration, freedom of speech, and the impact of book bans on education.

Note: The host erroneously stated the Library Board’s anti-trans book ban passed. It was actually voted down but a local news station jumped the gun and reported that it had passed.
https://www.theloyalopposition.online/listen

08/16/2025

Three years on the air this month! How far we’ve come! How far can we go? Stay tuned to find out! 😁🎉🩵

08/14/2025

An era comes to an end…
It is with mixed feelings that we announce that our Intern Carolina Kelly has completed her work with The Loyal Opposition. Carolina did a great job learning all facets of show production and promotion. We at TLO Media believe it is important to offer opportunities for growth and professional development to young people starting their journey in our industry. But Carolina became a part of our small family and will be forever a part of the legacy of our brand.
We are happy to report that Carolina will be continuing her education at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. We wish her the best of luck! Come back anytime! 🩵
PS. Tonight’s show was Carolina’s final project. The podcast will be up in a few days, be sure to check it out.

08/12/2025

Action item!

🚨🚨Call to Action: Fight Trans Discrimination & Censorship in Public Libraries 🚨🚨

The Library Board of Sumner County is back at it again. After its discriminatory Collections Policy that targets trans books and information was struck down in July, the Board Chair Joanna Daniels has added it back to the agenda for TOMORROW’S meeting at 3:30 pm.

Of particular concern is the section devoted to “Transgender and Gender Confusing Materials.” It’s copied here for your convenience:
There shall be no materials in the collection of the Libraries of Sumner County subjecting, introducing, condoning, or encouraging a minor to identify with, or live as, a purported identity inconsistent with his or her biological s*x at birth as described in Act 2023, PC 1. There shall be no materials in the collection of the Libraries of Sumner County subjecting, introducing, condoning, or encouraging any persons age 18 and older to identify with, or live as, a purported identity inconsistent with the s*x they are assigned at birth as defined in TCA 4-21-102. Library Directors shall be proactive in implementing this policy. The Library Board shall have full authority under TCA 10-3-104 to hold the Library Director accountable.

While courts across the country have defended the rights of citizens against viewpoint restriction from the government in libraries for many years, as we know, our state is looking to set new precedent in challenging court cases and eroding the rights of our vulnerable citizens. (See U.S. vs. Skrmetti for example)

That’s why it is so important for us to speak out against this discriminatory policy change.

Please take action and let your love be loud!

The policy will be voted on tomorrow, Wednesday, August 13, at 3:30 pm in Room 112 of the Sumner County Administration Building.

We invite you to attend the meeting, speak during public comments, and send an email to the board expressing your concerns with the policy. If you attend the meeting, wear your rainbow shirts, bring your pride and trans flags, and consider bringing a small sign that expresses your support for our trans community.

Direct your emails to: [email protected] & [email protected]

Transgender people are members of our families, our neighbors, our colleagues and friends. Transgender people have always existed and will always exist.

We must keep our libraries inclusive of all people and all identities - places where we are all free to find information and stories that help us understand ourselves and each other.

08/11/2025

Do you know what The Constitution really means? What about the First Amendment? How does Congress create an amendment?

This week we will have Grady Eades from CivisMinute talk to us about the importance of civics education and more. Got a civics question? Drop it down below and we’ll answer it live on air! YouTube.com/.

08/05/2025

Our latest episode is up! (Sorry, Len was on vacation!) For music lovers, this one was worth the wait! We feature to amazing acts, The Luggnutts and Sweet Mylo. Listen to their music and hear their stories and their Sumner County connections. (And Luggnutts' link to the very first Grand Ol Opry!)

The Loyal Opposition - Sumner County Continues to Produce World Class Music And Highlights Vol State Students Making It Happen In this episode of The Loyal Opposition, host Len Assante takes the reins solo to present a special all-musical edition of the show. Michele is off and Carolina arrives lat

08/05/2025

Want to find out more about who could represent you in Congress? Well, you’re in luck because this Wednesday 5:00-6:00pm on WQKR 101.7 we will be having 2 candidates for congress representing the Middle TN area.

Have a question for these candidates that you want answered? Comment and yours might just be answered live on air!

08/03/2025

👍LIKE❤️if you’re not on the list! Our loyal intern today was repping The Loyal Opposition

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08/03/2025

Make your voice heard!

Join SARFnow and PRH.
Let’s get together and let our VOICES BE HEARD!
https://mobilize.us/s/vPTgsh

What:
Post Card/Letter Writing
When:
Tuesday, August 5th 6pm
Where:
Grassland Club Foxland- Baber Room
1445 Foxland Blvd, Gallatin, TN 37066