

You Might Be Right
Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at University of Tennessee
Former Tennessee Governors Bill Haslam and Phil Bredesen take on topics including crime, the media, gun violence, and education disparities with expert guests of differing viewpoints. From the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, "You Might be Right" aims to inspire the next generation of leaders in government, public policy, and public service by demonstrating that thoughtful civil conversations about tough topics are still possible.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 2, 2025 • 52min
If the Economy is Up, Why do Americans Feel Down?
With a growing economy and household wealth at record highs, why do so many Americans feel left behind? In a live event, Governors Bredesen and Haslam sit down with Whit Ayres of North Star Opinion Research, John Lettieri of the Economic Innovation Group, and Dr. Marianne Wanamaker of the UT Baker School to examine the gap between economic data and public perception and discuss what reforms policymakers could implement to meet the economic demands of their constituents.

8 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 44min
Do we have enough energy to power the country?
Economic growth and new technologies are driving a surge in energy demand, stressing the country’s power grid and posing challenges for policymakers. Governors Bredesen and Haslam are joined by Reagan Farr, Co-Founder & CEO of Silicon Ranch, and Shameek Konar, fmr. CEO of Pilot & Head of Energy at Ara Partners to discuss evolving demands in energy consumption and how changing policies are affecting our nation’s energy and climate.

Sep 2, 2025 • 55min
Who Judges the Judges?
With the judicial branch increasingly in the spotlight, how judges are chosen and held accountable has never mattered more. Governors Bredesen and Haslam sit down with TN Supreme Court Chief Justice Holly Kirby, fmr. Justice Sharon Lee, and fmr. U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to discuss judicial elections, ethics, and explore whether reforms are needed to preserve the independence of the judiciary and public trust.

May 13, 2025 • 57min
Is Public Education in Crisis?
Our schools have faced unprecedented challenges from the pandemic and teacher shortages to debates over curriculum and student mental health. In this final episode of Season Six, Governors Bredesen and Haslam are joined by former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Louisiana State Superintendent of Education John White, and fmr. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to delve into the role of state and federal governments in education and discuss reforms needed to improve student outcomes.

Apr 29, 2025 • 51min
Can We Still Count on the Separation of Powers?
In our Constitution, the framers established three independent branches of government, creating checks and balances to keep any one branch from becoming too powerful. Governors Bredesen and Haslam are joined by Harvard professor Cass Sunstein and Vanderbilt professor David Lewis to explore the history and interaction between the branches and whether the Framers’ vision holds up in current practice.

Apr 15, 2025 • 49min
How important are foreign alliances?
As global dynamics shift, are foreign alliances essential to U.S. safety and prosperity – or is an America First approach more effective? Governors Bredesen and Haslam talk with former Ambassador Rahm Emanuel and historian Michael Kimmage about the pros and cons of foreign alliances and the new international order.

Apr 1, 2025 • 39min
Has Pardon Power Gone Too Far?
The power of the President to pardon convicted criminals is enshrined in the Constitution, but many experts have criticized the recent use of pardons and calls for reform have grown louder. Governors Bredesen and Haslam are joined by Mike Nelson, professor of political science at Rhodes College and Steve Vladeck, professor of law at Georgetown University (and returning YMBR guest), to discuss this power, what the Framers of the Constitution intended, and how it could be reformed.

Mar 18, 2025 • 45min
Can government work better and cost less?
Presidents from both parties have tried to make government leaner – with mixed results. Governors Bredesen and Haslam are joined by Elaine Kamarck of the Brookings Institution and Jim Capretta of AEI to discuss what a smaller, more efficient government might look like – and if it’s realistic. Drawing on their own experiences in the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations, the guests discuss the real drivers of federal spending and whether efforts like the Department of Government Efficiency could make a difference.

Mar 6, 2025 • 43min
Is this the end of free trade?
To kick off a new season of You Might Be Right, Heather Long, opinion columnist for The Washington Post, and James Lake, associate professor of economics at the University of Tennessee, join Governors Bredesen and Haslam to discuss trade policy and the impact of tariffs.

Nov 21, 2024 • 44min
2024 Election – What Did We Learn?
Following an unprecedented presidential campaign, Andy Busch, Associate Director of the Institute of American Civics at the Baker School, and Lindsay Chervinsky, a presidential historian and executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon, join Governors Bredesen and Haslam to debrief the election. What have we learned and what can history tell us about what might be next?