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About This Podcast
Hosted by Lindsey Gray, Regional Executive Director of CSG South, each episode offers candid insights from state legislators, government leaders, and policy experts across the South’s 15 member states. From workforce and education to infrastructure, energy, innovation, and intergovernmental partnerships, REAL | STATE explores the real issues—and real solutions—driving progress and prosperity across the region.
Grounded in CSG South’s trusted, nonpartisan voice, the show bridges public service with private-sector and nonprofit perspectives to inform, connect, and inspire. Whether you’re an elected official, policy leader, or engaged listener, REAL | STATE is your front-row seat to the evolving landscape of Southern state government.
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Recent Episodes
S1E10 Balancing Budgets & Better Human Services Outcomes, with OK Rep. Daniel Pae
How do states balance fiscal responsibility with the growing demand for human services, behavioral health support, and child welfare programs? Host Lindsey Gray sits down with Oklahoma Representative…
S1E9 Alabama’s Strategic Approach to Military & Veterans, with Casey Rogers of the Alabama State Military Department
Host Lindsey Gray speaks with Casey Rogers of the Alabama State Military Department about the state’s growing focus on supporting veterans, military families, and National Guard readiness. Drawing…
S1E8 An Inside Look at Tennessee’s Patient First Act, with Rep. Dan Howell
Real | State host Lindsey Gray sits down with Tennessee Representative Dan Howell to unpack the proposed Patient First Act, a sweeping piece of legislation aimed at reshaping how health insurance…
S1E7 South Carolina Education with Senator Hembree: Gains, Gaps, and What’s Next?
outh Carolina Senator Greg Hembree joins host Lindsey Gray to discuss the future of education policy in the Palmetto State—from school choice and charter accountability to teacher recruitment,…
S1E6 North Carolina’s Approach to Disaster Resilience, with Rep. Mark Pless
As natural disasters grow more frequent and severe, states are being pushed to rethink how they prepare, respond, and rebuild. In this episode of Real State, North Carolina Representative Mark Pless…
S1E5 Inside Virginia’s Child Welfare Reforms, with Delegate Katrina Callsen
Lindsey Gray sits down with Virginia Delegate Katrina Callsen to explore how child welfare policy can better support children and families. From expanding kinship care and preventing unnecessary…
S1E4 Staffing State Legislatures: Doing More With Less, with Jay Hartz
When legislative sessions end, the work of state government continues behind the scenes. In this episode of Real | State, host Lindsey Gray is joined by Jay Hartz, Executive Director of Kentucky’s…
S1E3 Revitalizing Rural Mississippi, with Senator Rod Hickman
Host Lindsey Gray sits down with Mississippi State Senator Rod Hickman to explore how Mississippi’s dramatic rise from 49th to 9th in fourth-grade reading is reshaping opportunity across rural…
S1E2 Grid to Growth: Energy Policy & Economic Opportunity, with Delegate Clay Riley
Host Lindsey Gray speaks with West Virginia Delegate Clay Riley to explore how energy policy is shaping the state’s economic future during the 2026 legislative session. Energy has always been central…
S1E1 Right-Sizing Housing, Taxes & Community Stability in Georgia, with Speaker Jon Burns
In the inaugural episode of Real | State, host Lindsey Gray sits down with Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns to explore affordability as a defining issue for Georgia families—from property tax reform…
Trailer
Across the country, the decisions made in state capitals don't just shape policy, they shape everyday life. From how we build and strengthen our communities, to how we prepare the next generation of…
Frequently Asked Questions
Real State has published 11 episodes since February 2026, covering topics in Government, News.
Real State is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 37m.
Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Real State, including email and social media links.
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