Conservative parents in Tennessee navigate new politics post-school shooting. Controversial decisions strain their beliefs and relationships. They grapple with the aftermath and the impact on their advocacy work. How will they reconcile their views with the changing political landscape?
Navigating evolving political beliefs post-tragedy challenges conservative principles.
Facing backlash for engaging with controversial figures influences political aspirations.
Advocating against pro-gun legislation highlights persistence amidst setbacks.
Diverse approaches to activism emerge post-legislative session, signaling individual paths.
Exploring gender regulations in sports unveils personal and social impacts of competition.
Deep dives
Melissa and Mary Interviewed by Tommy Laron
Melissa and Mary, Covenant moms, are invited for an interview by conservative commentator Tommy Laron after the Covenant shooting anniversary. Despite not knowing much about Tommy's controversial statements, they decide to seize the opportunity to reach a conservative audience who opposes gun control, especially considering Melissa's potential political run.
The Tommy Laron Interview
During the interview at a sports bar studio, Tommy had already started without them. The women talk about gun control policies and their children's trauma from the shooting aiming to voice their message to Tommy's audience in full, even though it might contradict their beliefs.
Reactions After the Interview
After posting a picture with Tommy, positive comments shift to harsh criticism online. Their appearance on a right-wing show is condemned as performative activism by fellow activists and they are accused of engaging with someone known for targeting marginalized communities.
Consequences and Reflections
The aftermath of the interview leaves Melissa reconsidering her political run, feeling overwhelmed by the backlash. The promo for the interview distorts Melissa's stance on releasing the shooter's writings. The experience prompts Melissa to question her readiness to continue the fight, leading to her decision not to run.
The Arming Teachers Bill
The women, along with Sarah, unite to fight against HB 1202, which allows teachers to carry guns in schools. Despite significant efforts to oppose the bill, it passes the Senate, signaling a setback in their gun control advocacy. The bill evokes strong emotional responses, with Sarah passionately vocalizing her opposition during the final moments before its passing.
Legislative Session Outcome and Future Directions
The session reveals controversial laws passed, impacting civil liberties and gun control. Despite the setbacks, the women celebrate victories like the passage of a child deaths report bill. Reflecting on the session's challenges, Melissa, Mary, and Sarah express varying paths forward in activism, political support, and advocacy for gun control, underscoring their ongoing commitment despite diverging approaches.
Upcoming Series 'Tested'
The conclusion hints at the Dissolution of the nonprofit Covenant Families for Brighter Tomorrows, signaling the women taking different paths. Melissa and Mary focus on influencing women in activism, while Sarah supports activists-turned-candidates. The future holds a return to Washington for gun control advocacy and separate paths for each woman, emphasizing diverse approaches to enact change.
Preview of 'Tested'
The next series 'Tested', hosted by Rose Eveleth, explores female athletes globally facing scrutiny over testosterone levels in sports. The series delves into the impact of regulations on athletes like Christine Bulmer amid challenges to prove their gender to compete. Highlighting the themes of power, choice, and activism, 'Tested' aims to uncover the personal and social implications of sports regulations on athletes.
Production Credits
The podcast episode is produced collaboratively by Embedded and WPLN News, delving into the multifaceted challenges faced by the Covenant moms and their advocacy journey. Supported by a team of producers, journalists, and researchers, the episode encapsulates the women's mission to enact change amidst personal struggles and societal hurdles.
The end of the 113th General Assembly of Tennessee is fast approaching. Melissa Alexander, Mary Joyce and Sarah Shoop Neumann have reached a new stage in their understanding of the statehouse. But they also face a new challenge: how to square their long-held conservative beliefs with the new politics they've picked up in the year since the shooting at their kids' school. When two of the women make a controversial decision, it threatens to upend everything they've worked for and splinter the bonds they've formed with one another. How will the women continue on? And what do the bills they've been tracking – ones that pass, and those that fail – mean for Tennessee's future? To listen to this series sponsor-free and support NPR, sign up for Embedded+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.
