The Real Truth with Tommy Spina
News & Politics
About
Welcome to The Real Truth with Tommy Spina , a podcast that cuts through the noise to uncover what really matters. Hosted by Birmingham-based attorney Tommy Spina, each episode explores the issues shaping our world nationally, across Alabama, and in our local communities. From politics and policy to stories that hit close to home, Tommy takes a deeper look by asking tough questions, connecting the dots, and challenging assumptions. Expect candid conversations, thoughtful analysis, and unfiltered perspectives that help you understand not just what’s happening, but why it matters.
Episodes
- Bright Blue Dot Returns - Joellyn Beckham
Joellyn Beckham returns to The Real Truth to provide an update on the Bright Blue Dot billboards, including their appearance on Al Jazeera and the political discussions they have sparked. Information is also available at the Bright Blue Do…
- EXTRA EDITION: U.W. Clemon and Kyle Whitemire on Alabama's Redistricting Chaos
This episode of The Real Truth with Tommy Spina features discussions on Alabama's redistricting with former federal judge U.W. Clemon and columnist Kyle Whitmire. They cover the legal challenges and political landscape surrounding the stat…
- Lucy Dalglish: The Press Under Pressure
Lucy Dalglish, former dean of the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism, discusses the First Amendment and freedom of the press. Topics include government power, confidential sources, newsroom materials, and the rol…
- John Archibald Returns
In this episode, John Archibald and Tommy Spina discuss the First Amendment, the role of a free press in holding power accountable, and the growing challenges facing journalists. They also explore why protecting sources is essential for un…
- Robert Corn-Revere: Defending Free Speech in a High-Stakes Era
On The Real Truth, Tommy Spina speaks with Robert Corn-Revere, a First Amendment and media law practitioner. They discuss press freedom, reporter-source confidentiality, and the legal limits of government power over speech, examining how t…
- Lee Levine on Press Freedom and the First Amendment
Tommy Spina speaks with Lee Levine, a First Amendment attorney, about press freedom, journalists' legal protections, and the tension between government power and media accountability. They discuss the role of a free press and its importanc…
- Doug Jones: From the Senate to Alabama’s Governor’s Race
Tommy Spina interviews former U.S. Senator Doug Jones, now an Alabama gubernatorial candidate. They discuss current federal politics, including congressional roles and executive power, and their impact on Alabama, healthcare, and the upcom…
- Bruce Rogow: Defending the Constitution at Its Limits
In the Season 3 premiere of The Real Truth, Tommy Spina interviews Bruce Rogow, a law professor and appellate attorney. Rogow shares insights on constitutional interpretation, governmental power dynamics, and judicial roles.
- Alabama Medical Cannabis Program Series Pt. 9: Whitt Steineker
In part 9 of The Real Truth's series on Alabama's medical cannabis program, host Tommy Spina talks with Whitt Steineker. They review the program's current standing, its legislative journey, and the status of integrated facility licenses.
- Alabama Medical Cannabis Program Series Pt. 8: Allen Forrest
In Part 8 of The Real Truth's series on Alabama's medical cannabis program, host Tommy Spina interviews Allen Forrest of Pick Up My Things. They explore the critical role of licensed transporters in the seed-to-sale process, covering secur…
- Alabama Medical Cannabis Program Series Pt. 7: Dr. Brent Boyett
In Part 7 of The Real Truth's Alabama medical cannabis series, host Tommy Spina interviews Dr. Brent Boyett, an addiction medicine specialist. They discuss the physician's role in the program, patient evaluation processes, and the importan…
- Alabama Medical Cannabis Program Series Pt. 6: Green Health Laboratories
In Part 6 of The Real Truth's series on Alabama's medical cannabis program, host Tommy Spina talks with Brandon Biles and Natalie Siracusa from Green Health Laboratories. They discuss the crucial functions of laboratory analysis in ensurin…
- Alabama Medical Cannabis Program Series Pt. 5: Antoine Mordican, CEO of Native Black Cultivation
Tommy Spina interviews Antoine Mordican, CEO of Native Black Cultivation, in the fifth part of a series on Alabama's medical cannabis program. Mordican discusses his background and the process of cultivating medical-grade cannabis in Alaba…
- Alabama Medical Cannabis Program Series Pt. 4: Jason Cobb & Dr. Rusty Sutterlin of Organic Harvest Lab
Part 4 of The Real Truth's series on Alabama's medical cannabis program features Tommy Spina interviewing Jason Cobb and Dr. Rusty Sutterlin. They discuss the functions of a cannabis processor, oil extraction and refinement, testing protoc…
- Alabama Medical Cannabis Program Series Pt. 3: Dr. Sam Blakemore - Pharmacist & AMCC Vice Chair
Tommy Spina interviews Dr. Sam Blakemore, Vice Chair of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, about the healthcare aspects of Alabama's medical cannabis program. The discussion covers safety standards, packaging, and systems for respons…
- Alabama Medical Cannabis Program Series Pt. 2: Vince Schilleci - CCS Alabama
This episode features Tommy Spina interviewing Vince Schilleci, a CCS Alabama owner, to discuss Alabama's medical cannabis program. Topics include program delays, patient expectations, and operational regulations.
- Alabama Medical Cannabis Program Series Pt. 1: John McMillan - Director of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission
Tommy Spina interviews John McMillan, director of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, for an update on the state's medical cannabis program. They cover patient access, physician certification, and regulatory safeguards.
- Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin on the State of the City
In the first episode of 2026, Tommy Spina interviews Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin about the current state of the city.
- Hon. William H. Pryor, Jr. - Chief Judge, United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
Chief Circuit Judge William H. Pryor, Jr. discusses constitutionalism, judicial independence, and the functioning of courts amid political polarization with host Tommy Spina.
- Hon. U. W. Clemon: Lessons from History and the Rule of Law
Tommy Spina interviews U.W. Clemon, a former federal judge and civil rights pioneer, about the enduring importance of constitutional principles, civic duty, and the lessons history provides for contemporary politics.
- Jeff Brumlow - Central Alabama Water board member
Tommy Spina hosts Jeff Brumlow, who discusses the challenges facing the Central Alabama Water utility, such as recent leadership changes, audit findings, and meeting community needs.
- Tony Petelos on Central Alabama Water's CEO Search
Tommy Spina hosts Tony Petelos to discuss changes at Central Alabama Water, including its rebranding, restructuring, and CEO search. Petelos draws on his experience as a former mayor and county manager to offer his perspective on these dev…
- Former U.S. Representative Mo Brooks
Tommy Spina hosts Mo Brooks, former U.S. Representative for Alabama's 5th congressional district, to discuss the complex relationship between money, media, party politics, and decision-making in Washington D.C. based on Brooks's experience.
- Barnett Wright - Executive Editor of The Birmingham Times
Tommy Spina hosts Barnett Wright, Executive Editor of The Birmingham Times. They discuss the nature of truth, the importance of community, and how the press is evolving.
- John Archibald
Tommy Spina speaks with journalist John Archibald about the current state of the press, the rule of law, and the challenges journalism faces from AI, social media, and misinformation.
- Joellyn Beckham, founder of Bright Blue Dot
Tommy Spina interviews Joellyn Beckham, founder of Bright Blue Dot, about the organization's history as a response to the 2004 election and its current billboard campaigns aimed at sparking conversation and countering disinformation.
- Bennet Wright, Executive Director of the Alabama Sentencing Commission
The Real Truth podcast features Tommy Spina interviewing Bennet Wright, Executive Director of the Alabama Sentencing Commission. They delve into Alabama's prison system, sentencing reform, and the complexities of achieving justice, cost-ef…
- David S. Rudolf and The Rule of Law
Tommy Spina interviews renowned trial attorney David S. Rudolf about "The Rule of Law," an open letter signed by over 800 North Carolina lawyers. The letter urges a recommitment to fundamental democratic principles like due process and jud…
- Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin
This episode features Tommy Spina interviewing former U.S. Senator Doug Jones and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. They discuss the cancellation of Spina's prior show, media ownership shifts, and the increasing role of government in broad…
- Intro - Welcome to The Real Truth with Tommy Spina
The Real Truth with Tommy Spina is a new podcast hosted by attorney Tommy Spina. It aims to explore significant national, state, and local issues through candid conversations and thoughtful analysis.