Originally from Defiance, Ohio, Jason Osborne's love for our state of New Hampshire runs deep. As the current House Majority Leader in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, Jason is an incredible advocate of the New Hampshire advantage. In this episode of American Sunshine, Jason sits down with Jay to discuss the issues the state faces and his vision for the future of The Granite State. 

Sue Polidura is the embodiment of engaged citizen. In this episode she shares her story of growing up in Puerto Rico and then making her way to the mainland United States. Feeling a duty to serve she enlisted in the Air Force and after being stationed at Pease Air Force Base, Sue ultimately made Portsmouth, and New Hampshire, her home. A recent candidate for the New Hampshire State Senate, Sue is an enthusiastic history buff – sharing fascinating insights on the role of Portsmouth citizens in the Revolutionary War and the founding of the Republic. 

She was the first female Attorney General of the State of New Hampshire which led to a seat in the United States Senate. She's also a wife and mother of two. This week's guest, Kelly Ayotte has led an extraordinary life and is one of the biggest champion's for our great state. She sits down with Jay to discuss life, her career, and some of the important things we should be honoring in New Hampshire and across the country. 

He's the former Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court and one of the most respected leaders in our state, but that's just the start of Justice John Broderick's incredible resume. Over the past decade, he has also become a true pioneer in the area of mental health. His work has helped to openly address the stigma surrounding an issue that plagues both young people and adults alike throughout our many communities in New Hampshire. We sit down with John to discuss the works he's done, the challenges he's faced, and why he's hopeful for how we understand and treat mental health issues in the future.  

Kate Baker is the Executive Director of The Childrens Scholarship Fund of New Hampshire, an incredible charitable organization that provides sizeable grants to children who live in poverty to receive world class educations at some of the country's best private schools. Kate discusses the challenges of her role, but more importantly, the importance of leveling the playing field in education so that no matter their background, more children have a chance to receive high quality education. 

From a challenging childhood in Atlanta to a highly respected public official in New Hampshire, my friend Eddie Edwards has done it all. He's a U.S. Navy veteran, graduate of the FBI Academy with a long career in law enforcement, and was even a candidate for Congress. A selfless volunteer and mentor, giving back and serving as inspirational role model to the next generation of youth, we speak with Eddie about his life and career and discuss the power of positive thinking.

Recently voted New Hampshire Businessperson of the Year, Northeast Delta Dental CEO Tom Raffio is one of New England's most charitable and giving business people. A friend of the Sunshine Initiative, Tom sits down with Jay to discuss his ongoing work across the region. 

In this second episode of American Sunshine, we are joined by Howard Brodsky, Founder and CEO of CCA Global. Howard shares insights on how he grew CCA Global from one family owned carpet store in Manchester, NH to become a multi-billion dollar business and why he believes ‘doing good’ is good business. He also shares his enthusiasm for revitalizing small towns across America  and the efforts of the Sunshine Initiative.

In this first episode, Host Jay Lucas and his guest Ryan Knowles introduce you to American Sunshine, a podcast about the power of the human spirit and which highlights people across America making a positive in their communities and beyond.