Benchmark Happenings

Hosted by Jonathan Tipton, Steve Reed & Christine Reed

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Jul 2026

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About the show

Brought to you by, Jonathan Tipton & Steve Reed of Benchmark Home Loans, Benchmark Happenings is a podcast that is a biweekly discussion about living in and moving to Northeast Tennessee along with the local real estate market. Join your host Christine Reed as she interviews Jonathan & Steve, local business owners, sought-after industry experts, Veterans, Realtors, Benchmark clients, and more. Benchmark Happenings focuses on discussing all things related to mortgages and Northeast Tennessee. Placing the spotlight on all the reasons you would want to live in and move to Northeast Tennessee, Benchmark Happenings highlights upcoming events, local businesses, things to do, and other aspects related to Northeast Tennessee. We will also be answering mortgage questions from buyers, sellers, and real estate agents as well as discussing everything going on in our local real estate market. To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.tiptonreedteam.com. Benchmark Home Loans | NMLS # 2143 4138 Bristol Highway Johnson City, TN 37601 Jonathan Tipton Senior Mortgage Planner NMLS # 1188088 jonathan.tipton@benchmark.us Steve Reed Branch Manager NMLS # 173024 steve.reed@benchmark.us

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60 recent

August 19, 202627 min

AI Works Best When You Still Do The Thinking

Your AI assistant might be sitting in your meetings, taking notes, and you may not have invited it. That’s where we start with Austin Ramsey, a tech consultant and entrepreneur who lives in the real world of launches, deadlines, vendors, and the messy middle where “great ideas” meet actual operations. We talk about the Johnson City Eye Surgery Center project and what it takes to coordinate multiple contractors, keep timelines aligned, and protect the customer experience so the public only sees a smooth opening day. Austin explains the mindset behind being the “quarterback” on high-stakes projects and why the best work often happens quietly in the background. If you’re into project management, small business operations, or building reliable systems, you’ll hear the practical parts that don’t show up in highlight reels. Then we dig into artificial intelligence and the guardrails people skip. We compare how tools like Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude can accelerate presentations and planning, but also why you still have to verify facts, proofread output, and watch for AI hallucinations that sound confident while being wrong. We also get into data privacy, permissions, and how giving an AI access to your calendar or email can create unexpected “auto-join” behavior that raises real security questions. If you enjoy the conversation, subscribe, share it with someone who’s trying to use AI at work, and leave a review. What’s your personal rule for using AI without losing accuracy or privacy? To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com .

July 29, 202625 min

District 1 Race Update With Jessica Means

Your neighbors are telling you the truth on their front porches, and it does not sound like a glossy mailer. We sit down with Jessica Means, a candidate for Tennessee House District 1, to get a real-time update on a heated Northeast Tennessee race and what she is hearing while knocking on thousands of doors across Bloomingdale, Bristol, Bluff City, and beyond. We talk cost of living and affordability first, because that is what families bring up immediately, then we zoom in on a complicated local fight: data mining centers. Jessica explains why Sullivan County passed a data mining center moratorium through January 2027 and why she believes Tennessee needs stronger guardrails before major projects strain water, power, roads, and private property rights. We also explore what “economic development” should actually mean for rural communities when permanent jobs may be far fewer than promised. From there, the conversation moves into building a resilient local economy: supporting small businesses, protecting farmland, reducing red tape that crushes small farmers, and why “know your farmer, know your food” connects health, freedom, and community. We also raise a growing concern for parents: AI and the need for serious protections for kids in a world where online harm is accelerating. Early voting runs July 17 through August 1, and election day is August 6. After you listen, share this with a neighbor, subscribe for more Northeast Tennessee conversations, and leave a quick review. What issue should District 1 leaders tackle first? To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com .

June 24, 202622 min

Grit And Grace On The Ballot

A parking-lot workout during COVID turned into a 1,000-person half marathon and, eventually, a run for state office. We’re joined by Jessica Means, a Sullivan County commissioner and candidate for Tennessee State Representative District 1, for a candid conversation about what pushed her into the public square and what she wants to fight for next in Northeast Tennessee. Jessica walks us through her personal story and the “grit and grace” behind her campaign: raising a large family, running a small construction business, teaching fitness classes, homeschooling, and learning county government from the inside. From there, we dig into the values that shape her leadership, including her biblical worldview, her pro-life convictions, and her belief that the family is worth defending in law and culture. If you care about conservative principles, constitutional limits, and how a voting record matches real-world outcomes, this part will get you thinking. We also tackle local policy issues with big ripple effects: small business growth, support for local farms, food supply security, and why she wants to ban lab-grown meat in Tennessee. Jessica shares her concerns about data mining centers and AI infrastructure, especially the impact on electricity demand, water use, and whether everyday residents get stuck with the costs. We close with practical voting information for District 1 and how to get involved. Subscribe for more Northeast Tennessee conversations, share this with a neighbor who votes locally, and leave a rating and review so more people can find the show. To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com .

May 27, 202623 min

How A Washington County Leader Protects The GOP Ballot

Local politics isn’t a side show, it’s the control panel for your taxes, schools, public safety, and the basic services you rely on every day. We’re joined by Anita Hodges, the Washington County GOP committee chairwoman, for a candid conversation about what really happens behind the ballot in Northeast Tennessee and why staying home on Election Day has consequences you can feel in your paycheck. We talk through Anita’s personal “why,” including her years supporting Honor Flight and the lasting influence of veterans who served under leaders like General Patton. From there, we dig into the practical mechanics of local political participation: why Tennessee’s local elections matter so much, how a major tax increase can reshape community trust, and why Anita believes “good people” have to stay engaged even when politics feels messy. Then we get specific about party rules and access. Anita explains the Tennessee GOP bylaws process, what “bona fide” means, how waivers work for candidates who don’t meet the primary voting history requirement, and why open primaries continue to spark debate across the state. We also discuss the role churches can play in voter registration and voter guides, plus the real-world worries pastors have about 501c3 rules. If you care about Washington County, Johnson City, and the Tri-Cities, this is a grounded look at how local leadership is formed and how you can influence it. If you find this helpful, subscribe, share it with a friend in Northeast Tennessee, and leave a rating and review so more listeners can find the show. To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com .

May 13, 202626 min

How A Northeast Tennessee Mom Became A GOP Leader

COVID didn’t just disrupt routines. For a lot of families, it exposed who actually holds power over your kids, your job, and your ability to live out your faith. We sit down with Danielle Goodrich, chair of the Washington County Republican Party, to talk about the moment she went from focused on home and school to fully engaged in local politics in Northeast Tennessee. We get into why local government matters as much as national elections, especially when school boards and state policy can change your life overnight. Danielle explains what she means by a biblical worldview and how she believes it should shape political decisions, from the sanctity of life to freedom of conscience. We also talk about the frustration many people felt watching inconsistent standards during COVID, and why “my body, my choice” became a flashpoint across multiple issues. Then we zoom out to the Constitution, limited government, and the balance of power between the federal government and the states. Danielle shares why grassroots organizing matters, what it looks like to “follow principles, not politicians,” and how listeners can evaluate candidates during Tennessee primaries and the governor’s race. We also highlight the America 250 dinner as a chance to hear directly from candidates and support local races. If you care about civic engagement, conservative principles, and what keeps Northeast Tennessee free, listen now, then subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review. To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com .

April 29, 202630 min

Steve Darden Explains Why He Is Running To Serve A Busy Tennessee Court

A courtroom can’t pause when life gets messy, and in Northeast Tennessee, the volume is only climbing. We’re joined by longtime attorney, Rule 31 mediator, and judge candidate Steve Darden for a frank look at what general sessions court really is: the place where misdemeanors move, felonies begin their path, juvenile matters surface, and everyday civil disputes up to $25,000 get decided often with people representing themselves. Steve breaks down what it means to be the finder of fact with no jury, how a judge sets the tone for fairness, and why the basics matter more than most people think: start on time, end on time, expect lawyers to prepare, and treat every person with dignity and respect. We also talk about the “team” behind the bench, especially court clerks, and why keeping cases from piling up is not just an efficiency issue, it’s a trust issue. Then we zoom out to problem-solving courts and the bigger question of community impact. Steve shares why mental health court and dependency court are steps in the right direction, and why he believes a veterans court deserves serious attention in a region with a large veteran population and a top VA nearby. We also discuss the safe baby court idea and how local support networks can help families get stable during the most crucial early years. You’ll also hear how local history at Sycamore Shoals and a lifetime of public service shape Steve’s “why,” plus the key voting details: the Republican primary is May 5, with early voting from April 15 through April 30. If you find the conversation useful, subscribe, share it with a neighbor, and leave a quick rating and review. To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com .

April 15, 202624 min

Find Your Sparkle Again

Style isn’t shallow when it helps you show up with confidence. We’re joined by Lindsey Lawson, founder of Brilliantly Bespoke in the Tri-Cities of Northeast Tennessee, for a grounded conversation about color analysis, personal style, and the real reasons so many women stop dressing like themselves over time. She shares how a simple shift in color harmony can change how your face looks, how people respond to you, and how quickly you can get dressed without second-guessing every choice. We also dig into what Lindsey learned during advanced training in the UK, where modern color and style analysis is booming again. That trip shapes her approach to clean beauty makeup and palette-based makeup matching, including why ingredient standards matter and how skincare and primer act like the foundation of a great outfit. If you’ve ever wondered why certain lipsticks pop while others dull your skin tone, the seasonal palette conversation will click fast. From there, we get practical: body architecture, proportion, silhouettes, face shape, and why the right bra fitting can change everything about how clothes sit on your body. Lindsey explains how she builds clothing personality into the process, creates custom style boards, helps clients create closet harmony, and even supports trip packing with outfit photos so travel feels easy. We close with a faith-forward reminder that the most important “glow” starts within. Subscribe for more conversations with local experts, share this with a friend who needs a confidence reset, and leave a review so more listeners can find Benchmark Happenings. To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com .

April 1, 202631 min

Running For Governor On Faith

A bill that could make it harder to sue the government over constitutionality. A budget that grows fast while everyday people feel ignored. A state capital that starts acting like it runs the counties instead of serving them. That’s the backdrop for our conversation with Tennessee State Representative Monty Fritts, who joins us to share why he’s running for Tennessee governor and why he keeps coming back to one theme: liberty and less government. We talk candidly about what pushed him into public office, from COVID-era overreach to corporate welfare and centralized power in Nashville. Monty explains why he believes HB 1971 is a serious threat to citizens who need declaratory or injunctive relief against unconstitutional laws, and why restoring trust matters as much as winning debates. He also lays out what he would measure as real progress: Tennesseans feeling heard, a tighter state budget, and a clear shift back toward local control. The conversation goes beyond state lines too, including concerns about war powers and deployments through Defend The Guard, plus his view of illegal immigration and how Tennessee should work with ICE. We also address cultural issues shaping the legislature, including a school chaplains proposal and the fight over equal protection for unborn children in HB 570. If you care about the Tennessee governor race, constitutional conservative leadership, limited government, and the policies changing life across the state, you’ll want to hear this one. Subscribe for more conversations on Tennessee living, real estate, and the decisions that shape our communities, then share this with a friend and leave us a review. What topic do you want us to press candidates on next? To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com .

March 18, 202624 min

Young Courage In County Politics

A burst of courage can change a county. We sit down with Lakie Derrick, a 23-year-old Sullivan County Commission candidate who connects every stance to a biblical worldview, and trace how a sixth-grade conviction grew into campus leadership, a winning ground game, and a clear plan for transparent local government. From starting a Turning Point USA chapter at ETSU during COVID to hosting high-heat events and handling protests with poise, Lakie shows how students can defend free speech, shape culture, and move from ideas to impact. We walk through the data behind a quiet Gen Z realignment—young adults returning to church, rediscovering family, and questioning bloated systems that make homeownership feel out of reach. Lakie shares lessons from knocking 5,000+ doors on a state senate race that unseated an eighteen-year incumbent, serving in a congressional district office, and now mentoring high school chapters across East Tennessee. The through-line is practical: when neighbors meet face to face, trust forms; when budgets are clear and limited, families breathe; when leaders hold to the constitution, policy gets simpler and fairer. You’ll hear a sharp test for every local vote—Is this the government’s job?—and a roadmap for aligning county spending with core responsibilities. We dig into tax transparency, nonprofit funding, and why strong homes fuel strong communities. Lakie’s training at Patriot Academy adds structure to that vision, turning convictions into legislative craft. If you care about Northeast Tennessee, school culture, free speech, and the path to attainable homeownership, this conversation offers both hope and a plan rooted in faith, family, and the future of freedom. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a neighbor, and leave a quick review to help more locals find it. To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com .

March 4, 202629 min

How To Prevent Dementia, Ditch Overmedication, And Feel Strong At Any Age

What if getting older didn’t have to mean getting weaker, foggier, and overmedicated? We sit down with Dr. Tom Rogers of Performance Medicine to rethink aging from the ground up—focusing on prevention, strength, and clarity rather than quick prescriptions and seven-minute visits. From food and movement to sleep and community, we map out the habits and tools that help you feel capable at any age. Dr. Rogers explains why so many adults get trapped on long-term medications they may not need—like proton pump inhibitors or certain mood drugs—and how to safely revisit those choices with a root-cause lens. We unpack practical strategies to lower dementia risk: consistent exercise, better sleep, targeted nutrients, and hormone evaluation for women, who face a higher burden of cognitive decline. Expect clear talk on estrogen’s protective role for brain, bone density, and heart health, plus the overlooked impact of sleep apnea on memory and blood pressure. We also get specific about brain support stacks and advanced screening. Hear how methylene blue, lithium orotate, choline, coQ10, PQQ, and even carefully used nicotine patches can complement a solid lifestyle foundation. Then zoom out to the bigger picture: purpose and community as medicine. Loneliness damages health; service, connection, and meaningful work extend both lifespan and healthspan. Dr. Rogers shares why he left the insurance treadmill to spend more time with patients, use deeper panels like the Cleveland Heart Panel, and integrate peptides and emerging tools to catch risk early and personalize care. If you’re ready to trade reaction for prevention and build real momentum in your health, this conversation shows you where to start and what to measure. Subscribe, share with someone you love, and leave a review to tell us the one habit you’ll commit to this week. To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com .