Growing Pains: Exploring The Challenges in a Thriving Sumner County

What does housing affordability actually look like on the ground?In this episode, Deanne DeWitt sits down with Kate Ritchie and Cierra Homan of Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County to discuss the growing challenge of affordable housing and the life-changing impact of homeownership.They share how Habitat's model works, why homeownership creates opportunities that extend far beyond a mortgage payment, and what they're seeing firsthand as rising housing costs put pressure on working families across Sumner County. Along the way, they tell stories of resilience, community support, and the families whose lives have been transformed through stable housing.The conversation also explores Habitat's newest neighborhood project, The Hudson, and what it reveals about the future of affordable housing in rapidly growing communities.At its heart, this episode is about hope, opportunity, and what becomes possible when a community decides to invest in its people.

In this episode of Growing Pains, Deanne DeWitt sits down with Tennessee State Representative and Congressional candidate Johnny Garrett for a conversation about leadership, public service, and the future of Tennessee.From his roots in Goodlettsville to his years serving in the Tennessee General Assembly, Johnny reflects on the experiences that shaped his approach to governing and the lessons he's learned making difficult decisions on behalf of his community. The conversation explores Tennessee's rapid growth, infrastructure challenges, education, economic opportunity, and the responsibility leaders have to think beyond the next election cycle.Johnny also shares why he's taking on a new challenge by running for Congress and what he believes Tennessee can teach the rest of the country about leadership, fiscal responsibility, and community values.At its core, this episode is about stewardship, how we preserve what makes a place feel like home while preparing for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.==========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.

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Sumner County Administrator of Elections Lori Atchley for an inside look at how elections are actually run and why trust in the process matters. Drawing from more than 15 years of experience overseeing elections in one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing counties, Atchley explains the systems, safeguards, and people working behind the scenes to ensure every vote is counted accurately and securely.As Sumner County continues to grow, our discussion also highlights the challenges of managing elections for a rapidly expanding population, increasing voter access, and encouraging greater participation in local races. With voter turnout remaining one of Tennessee’s biggest challenges, this episode serves as both an educational resource and a reminder of the importance of civic engagement.Whether you're a regular voter or someone who wants to better understand how elections work, this conversation provides valuable insight into one of the most important functions of local government.==========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.

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.

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.