Join me as I welcome Glenn Jacobs, the Mayor of Knox County and former WWE superstar known as Kane, to the One Big Thing Podcast! We embark on a compelling conversation through his remarkable journey from the wrestling ring to public office.

Our conversation navigates the surreal experience of transitioning from a character that captivated millions to a leader tasked with making tangible changes in his community. Jacobs reflects on his early struggles in professional wrestling, where he often felt out of place, and how those experiences shaped his resilience. He emphasizes the importance of failure as a stepping stone to success, a theme that resonates throughout the episode as he shares personal anecdotes about his career and the lessons learned along the way.

As the conversation unfolds, you'll gain insight into Jacobs' motivations for entering politics. He describes a deep-seated desire to give back to a country that provided him with abundant opportunities, and he expresses concern for future generations. With two grandchildren, Jacobs is driven by a commitment to ensure they grow up in a society where they can thrive. This heartfelt commitment to public service is further explored as he discusses the challenges and rewards of being a politician, including the weighty responsibility of representing his constituents and the necessity of having tough conversations with those who may not share his views.

The episode beautifully intertwines themes of identity, purpose, and the human experience, showcasing how Jacobs navigated his dual roles authentically. He encourages listeners to embrace their own journeys, reminding them that setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities. Jacobs' candid reflections on his experiences as both a performer and a politician offer a unique perspective on leadership, making this an inspiring listen for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of public service and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity.

Highlights

• Jacobs reflects on how failures in his life ultimately paved the way for his successes, emphasizing perseverance.
• He shares how we all need to reinvent ourselves at times, using examples from both his wrestling and political career
• Both politics and entertainment require authenticity; leaders must remain true to their core values.
• Engaging in community advocacy can create significant change beyond just casting a vote.
• Jacobs stresses the need for open dialogue across political divides to foster understanding and collaboration.
• Prioritizing family time amidst busy careers is crucial for maintaining personal well-being and happiness.

_______________________________________________

About Mayor Jacobs

Glenn Jacobs is currently serving his second term as Mayor of Knox County, TN. Prior to becoming Mayor in 2018, Jacobs enjoyed a successful career in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)—most notably under the stage name “Kane”—culminating in his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020. A staunch fiscal conservative and fierce advocate for limited government, during his first term, Jacobs delivered on his campaign promise of no tax hikes and pushed back against government overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his second term, he is prioritizing workforce and economic development to make East Tennessee even more competitive in a rapidly evolving innovation-based global economy. Glenn and his wife, Crystal, have two daughters and two grandchildren

Follow Glenn on His Socials

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/glennjacobstn

X - https://x.com/GlennJacobsTN

Kane on X - https://x.com/KaneWWE

The One Big Thing is produced by NQR Media. NQR also produces the award-winning Ditch the Suits Podcast, of which Steve is a co-host. For more, visit https://www.nqrmedia.com/

You can watch all episodes, as well as other great content produced by NQR Media, through their YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/@NQRMedia

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Steve Campbell: 00:00:02

Welcome to the one Big Thing podcast, where inspiration beats transformation.

Steve Campbell: 00:00:13

Welcome back to the one Big Thing podcast, guys, I'm really excited about this one today.

Steve Campbell: 00:00:18

This has been an incredible podcast journey for me.

Steve Campbell: 00:00:21

I've had the interview, the ability to interview some incredible people.

Steve Campbell: 00:00:25

Sometimes you have kind of like pinch me moments or like, life comes full circle.

Steve Campbell: 00:00:29

Today's one of those days.

Steve Campbell: 00:00:30

Today.

Steve Campbell: 00:00:31

Joining me on this episode is Mayor Glenn Jacobs of Knox county.

Steve Campbell: 00:00:34

For those that may not know the name Glenn Jacobs, he also served as Kane in the WWE, which for me, growing up as a nineties kid, Kane and Undertaker were like my two protectors that I never met.

Steve Campbell: 00:00:46

And so to think that life is so surreal that today I got to interview Glenn Jacobs and get to know him as a person who's behind the mask.

Steve Campbell: 00:00:53

And now in him and his role in politics, who's the person at the podium or making change in communities.

Steve Campbell: 00:00:59

So this is a fascinating interview.

Steve Campbell: 00:01:01

If you're a lover of the WWE, you're going to want to check it out, because Glenn gets into part of his life and history as Kane and even the characters that didn't quite make it before, he eventually reinvented himself as Kane, but also just maybe life as a politician that I don't know.

Steve Campbell: 00:01:15

For many of us that aren't in politics, we really understand all the moving parts.

Steve Campbell: 00:01:19

And I think what you're going to get out of this interview is that in both worlds, as an entertainer and a politician, he's always been Glenn the human.

Steve Campbell: 00:01:26

And so I think we have to learn how to humanize people that are in a public setting or a public stage.

Steve Campbell: 00:01:31

Whether they're an entertainer, a politician, or a CEO, they're real people, just like you and I.

Steve Campbell: 00:01:37

So, again, fascinating conversation today.

Steve Campbell: 00:01:39

I tried my best not to screw it up.

Steve Campbell: 00:01:41

I had a great time with Glenn.

Steve Campbell: 00:01:42

I appreciated him coming on.

Steve Campbell: 00:01:44

But you're going to hear about these dual roles that he's played and how in every instance, he didn't quite feel like he belonged, but he was still able to be successful.

Steve Campbell: 00:01:52

And you see that now that he's been elected to a second term as the mayor of Knox county.

Steve Campbell: 00:01:56

So real treat today, if you're brand new to the one big thing, would love for you to subscribe and follow this podcast to hear more interviews like this from people that are making a difference in the world.

Steve Campbell: 00:02:04

But as always, as Steve Campbell, the host of the show, thanks for being my guest and enjoy this episode with Glenn Jacobs.

Steve Campbell: 00:02:11

Well, welcome to the one Big Thing podcast.

Steve Campbell: 00:02:13

I'm your host, Steve Campbell.

Steve Campbell: 00:02:15

This is going to be an awesome, rocking interview today.

Steve Campbell: 00:02:17

I have Glenn Jacobs, who is the mayor of Knox county.

Steve Campbell: 00:02:21

For those that aren't from Knoxville, you may not know what Knox county is.

Steve Campbell: 00:02:24

He's our mayor.

Steve Campbell: 00:02:25

You may know a little bit about Mayor Jacobs, though, from his prior life where he served as Kane in the WWE.

Steve Campbell: 00:02:31

So for a kid, for, like, me, growing up in the nineties, watching professional wrestling, Mayor Jacobs, you were a staple in my life on Monday nights.

Steve Campbell: 00:02:38

And so now it's very cool that when I had relocated from upstate New York three years ago and I had moved to the area, they said, hey, did you know who your mayor is?

Steve Campbell: 00:02:47

And when I looked it up, I thought, I think every, every town, every county needs a mayor like Mayor Jacobs, you know, who was choke slamming people for a real life.

Steve Campbell: 00:02:55

But I appreciate you being on the one big thing for those that know you, family members, friends, those that are on to listen today, this is an interview style show.

Steve Campbell: 00:03:03

I have people from all walks of life, NFL athletes, instructors, business owners, that kind of share their one big thing or their big ideas that can really help 30 and 40 year olds that are trying to grow personally and professionally become the best people that they can.

Steve Campbell: 00:03:17

You know, obviously, we know you as Mayor Jacobs, but as I turn it over to you as a quick introduction, is there anything right at the forefront that you think people should know about you?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:03:27

So I'd say a little bit about myself.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:03:28

I was actually born in an air force base.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:03:30

My dad's a 21 year military veteran.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:03:33

I was born in Spain.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:03:34

We moved back to the states when I was probably a year old or less.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:03:39

Four years old.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:03:40

Dad retired from military.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:03:41

I grew up in very rural northeast Missouri.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:03:43

Wanted to play sports all my life.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:03:45

Unfortunately, I had an injury in college playing football.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:03:48

That ended my football career and my aspirations, practical aspirations, to become a professional athlete.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:03:55

And then I kind of fell into professional wrestling.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:03:58

I still want to do something involving athletics and all that sort of stuff that seemed like the venue that I could vehicle through which I could do that.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:04:05

I was very blessed and fortunate.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:04:08

Ahead, a long wrestling career.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:04:09

Traveled the world, entertained millions of people all around the world, live and on tv.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:04:14

It's just been a remarkable life.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:04:16

ecame mayor of Knox county in: 2018

Glenn Jacobs: 00:04:23

I guess I did a pretty good job my first term because I won that, and here we are today.

Steve Campbell: 00:04:28

Well, I appreciate you being on the show and didn't even know that about you because an injury kind of derailed my sports career, too.

Steve Campbell: 00:04:34

I was a d one lacrosse player, but blew out my ACL in my last high school football game.

Steve Campbell: 00:04:38

What was injury ACL?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:04:40

ACL and meniscus and Carlos in my left knee.

Steve Campbell: 00:04:43

Yeah.

Steve Campbell: 00:04:43

And, you know, I've had prior guests on the show that are in, you know, physical fitness.

Steve Campbell: 00:04:47

I had Zach Woodfin, who trains the Tennessee Titans, as her strength coach, and we had talked about how sometimes the injuries or the setbacks that are unexpectedly are actually the setups for the things that we're about to do.

Steve Campbell: 00:04:59

So, obviously, you had this ACL injury, derailed football, but then went on to a pretty prolific career in the WWE as Kane.

Steve Campbell: 00:05:07

But what I thought is the dual aspects of your life, I think are fascinating to me.

Steve Campbell: 00:05:12

I've always been fascinated by politics, but also entertainment.

Steve Campbell: 00:05:15

And it's very rare that you have somebody who makes the jump in the way that you did from having a tremendous WWE, you know, career, who I am a hero to many kids in my neighborhood.

Steve Campbell: 00:05:25

Today, when I told them I was interviewing you because they said, hey, make sure that he shouts me out or recognizes our neighborhood, you still, even though you're not in the WWE, carry such a lineage or, you know, such an awe that people have due to your physical stature, but also the presence that you had on screen, you know, and I thought about, as I was kind of thinking about today, Kane was an iteration that came out of a couple of different characters.

Steve Campbell: 00:05:49

So I think what's cool about your life is you had an injury which changed the trajectory of your life.

Steve Campbell: 00:05:54

You came into professional wrestling in the first few characters that you tried to develop didn't really take off until you kind of found your spot.

Steve Campbell: 00:06:03

And when I think about us in our thirties and forties that we're trying to find our spot, maybe we thought that marriage was going to be the quote unquote character that would change things or having our first child or our second child.

Steve Campbell: 00:06:15

And I think there's a lot of people out there today that are just wondering, like, when is this going to take off or happen the way that it did?

Steve Campbell: 00:06:22

So was there anything from just your initial years in wrestling and the change to becoming Cain?

Steve Campbell: 00:06:29

Like, what was that like behind the scenes for you?

Steve Campbell: 00:06:32

You know, when you had characters that you were coming out to the ring every night that just weren't taking off in the way that it was like, what is that process, like for somebody in professional wrestling to say, this isn't working.

Steve Campbell: 00:06:42

I need to make an about turn.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:06:45

My life has actually been much more defined by my failures than it has been my successes.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:06:50

As pointed out, I wouldn't have had the successes that I had had if I hadn't had the failures.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:06:57

And when I talk to young people, that's one of the most important things that I talk about, is you have to keep going no matter what, because you never know what life has in store for you.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:07:08

And often what happens is your dreams are going to come true, but maybe not in the way you thought that they would.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:07:14

And you just see that time and time again.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:07:18

So for me, when I got to wrestling, as you said, it's a hard road.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:07:22

Okay.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:07:22

When I started out, it was still, it was different than it is now in that you still had some smaller companies around.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:07:29

They weren't really competing with the big guys.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:07:31

At the time, it was WWF now, WWE and world Championship wrestling out of Atlanta.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:07:37

So they, they weren't at that level.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:07:39

But you still have places you could go and learn and just all that sort of stuff.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:07:45

Then when I got to WWE, I'd only been in the business three or four years, so I was still learning stuff and I didn't feel like I belonged either.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:07:52

Here I am.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:07:53

All of a sudden, I'm part of this big thing, this big WWE.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:07:59

And a few weeks before, I'd been watching these guys on tv, so I really kind of held them in a bit of awe and I didn't, I just didn't feel like I belonged.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:08:09

And that was kind of a process for me, is just getting to the point where like, yeah, I'm good enough to do this.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:08:16

I belong here, I'm talented just like all these other guys are.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:08:20

Then.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:08:20

Yeah, it switches, though, because you go from, you go from kind of like everybody else is the person that's making everyone money.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:08:30

Okay.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:08:31

And they're, they're, for lack of a better term, they're the team captain.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:08:35

Right.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:08:36

And all of a sudden here you are in that role and it's completely different role and it's no longer just about, I don't know, it's no longer just about hanging out and having fun and being glad that you're there.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:08:49

All of a sudden it becomes a lot more pressure because you have people that are relying on you and we folks don't think about this, but you have literally thousands of people who are, at least in part, relying on you for their livelihood.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:09:07

And that's, that just puts things in a completely different perspective.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:09:10

There's a lot more pressure.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:09:13

There's just, it's just a change.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:09:17

And for those folks that are still kind of bouncing around and I would still say in my life, I kind of do still bounce around with, oh, you know, what I want to do next or things like that.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:09:33

I think the key is just to keep going, to keep stepping no matter what life is.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:09:41

As you said, sometimes you get a bad break and you find out later that that was the best thing that could ever happen to you.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:09:49

I think about if I still played football, I mean, I might have been able to play in the NFL, but it only been for a few years, and I wouldn't have been set for life like they are now.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:09:59

Just players weren't making that kind of money back then, especially I was an offensive lineman, so it's not like I would have been able to play three or four years in the NFL and retire and not have any financial worries for the rest of my life.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:10:10

And that was really my motivation when I grew up, my family didn't have a whole lot of money, so I just wanted to have financial security is really why I did all that.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:10:21

But I look back, if you'd have told the 20 year old me that blowing my knee out would be a good thing, I would have said, you're crazy.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:10:29

But now I look back, I'm like, that's really probably the best thing that could have happened to me because it got me thinking of moving my life in a different direction.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:10:37

So I would just tell people, no matter what, just keep going.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:10:41

And don't be afraid to take risks either.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:10:45

I've made a living of stepping outside of my comfort zone.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:10:49

I'm naturally an introvert, so it's hard for me.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:10:54

It's weird because I keep on picking these careers when I'm in the public eye, and that's not something that I'm really comfortable with or something that.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:11:00

That I really, a lot of folks, that's where they want to be, and that is not me.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:11:04

I do not like that at all.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:11:07

But that's also what I've had to do to take advantage of the opportunities that have presented themselves to me.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:11:13

So I would say keep going no matter what.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:11:16

Don't be afraid to take risks and also understand that there's and opportunities come and sometimes you just don't recognize them.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:11:24

I've seen that happen in my life.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:11:26

And when an opportunity comes along, make sure you take advantage of it because you never know where it is going to take you.

Steve Campbell: 00:11:33

Let's take a break to hear a word from our sponsor.

Steve Campbell: 00:11:36

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Steve Campbell: 00:11:39

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Steve Campbell: 00:11:46

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Steve Campbell: 00:12:01

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Steve Campbell: 00:12:11

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Steve Campbell: 00:12:14

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Steve Campbell: 00:12:18

Yeah, well, before we jump into kind of the life and politics, too, I'm just thinking about you and these characters that you played before you developed Kane.

Steve Campbell: 00:12:26

And you had mentioned that there's.

Steve Campbell: 00:12:27

There's so much that people don't realize riding on these decisions that you're making, family members that are financially being supported, your marketing team.

Steve Campbell: 00:12:35

Was there a moment, I mean, obviously, I remember when Kane was introduced that first night, you're standing backstage, you'd played all these other characters, and now you're standing there in the big red suit and the mask and the story and the buildup.

Steve Campbell: 00:12:46

I mean, we don't know what it's like standing under pyrotechnics, hearing your song played.

Steve Campbell: 00:12:51

Now, knowing and seeing you on camera, it seems like you have a very inviting, jovial type personality.

Steve Campbell: 00:12:56

But here you're supposed to be this intimidating, almost monster on screen.

Steve Campbell: 00:13:00

Is it just in your head when you have that cane mask on?

Steve Campbell: 00:13:03

You're like, crap, crap, crap, crap, crap.

Steve Campbell: 00:13:05

And like, you just gotta go, and no one knows it.

Steve Campbell: 00:13:08

Cause we don't see that.

Steve Campbell: 00:13:09

Right.

Steve Campbell: 00:13:09

And so for the people I've had on that have played in the NFL, this is a very unique platform that I have that I get to talk to musicians that are selling them millions of records and star quarterbacks in the NFL, and you hear from them, they're normal people.

Steve Campbell: 00:13:23

Like, like, I can't say you and I, because you're seven foot and I'm not.

Steve Campbell: 00:13:27

But for normal people that are, maybe they're not wearing a mask as cane or whatever.

Steve Campbell: 00:13:33

Maybe they're leading a business or a nonprofit or just truthfully raising kids, there's a lot riding on them.

Steve Campbell: 00:13:39

Was there like a moment, though, where you didn't fit in?

Steve Campbell: 00:13:42

Was there like a moment in your career that you were like, this is frickin cool.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:13:49

Yeah, there were many moments like that.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:13:51

In fact, when I look over my career, we were working all the time, so everything was always a blur.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:13:57

And I wish that I had enjoyed it more and taken time to really savor things.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:14:04

And when you talk about being backstage and all that.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:14:10

It's a lot like an athletic game, you know, I mean, you have to put yourself in a certain place emotionally and a little different, because in a game, you're still you, but, you know, you still like.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:14:25

For someone like me, I remember my high school basketball coach would talk about stepping outside of your comfort zone, because when I was playing basketball in high school, I was a timid, shy kid.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:14:35

I wasn't aggressive on the court, and that's how what I had to do to be successful.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:14:40

So, you know, just stuff like that.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:14:42

Just putting yourself psychologically and mentally into a certain position.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:14:47

But, yeah, man, I'll never just even that first night and walking out and as you said, I did some characters which were not successful and to walk out and, like, the reaction of the audience and to, wow, you know, it was the first time when I debuted that I, as Kane that I really felt like I belonged to WWE.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:15:11

That that was like a superstar, right?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:15:14

And, uh, and along the way, you kind of get used to that after a while.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:15:18

But every once in a while, like, something will happen.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:15:20

Like, uh, you get introduced at Wrestlemania and you're walking down the ramp at, at and t stadium, and there's over 100,000 people there and they're all looking at you.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:15:29

Um, that stuff's pretty cool.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:15:31

Then, of course, in the back of my mind, I'm also thinking, man, I hope I don't trip because this would be really embarrassing if that happened with all these people.

Steve Campbell: 00:15:37

Kane's inner thoughts.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:15:38

Yeah, but it's, you know, stuff like, that, man, is so cool and something that most people will never get to.

Steve Campbell: 00:15:44

Experience well, and this is why I always wish I had more time with people because my brain goes a mile a minute.

Steve Campbell: 00:15:48

And I just think about, like, in entertainment, you have the opportunity to say, like, mulligan, I'm this new guy now.

Steve Campbell: 00:15:55

And we'll mostly accept, like, okay, you were the dentist, and now you're Kane.

Steve Campbell: 00:15:59

Like, that's fine.

Steve Campbell: 00:16:00

I think as people, though, we struggle is you don't always get that get out of jail free card, right?

Steve Campbell: 00:16:04

When you blow it with another human or a relationship, you can't just show up with a mask and be like, now I'm this person, and we accept it.

Steve Campbell: 00:16:10

And so when I think about your career, which folks go on YouTube, your first night when you came out as Kane, I mean, I think it's very cool to hear from you.

Steve Campbell: 00:16:18

Like, don't fall.

Steve Campbell: 00:16:20

But in my mind as a teenager watching you, I was like, did he really get burned in a fire.

Steve Campbell: 00:16:25

So to now, think of, like, I see you and the difference you're making here in Knox county.

Steve Campbell: 00:16:29

And even just in your role in politics, you spent your career as Kane not speaking, and now you're speaking behind a platform all the time.

Steve Campbell: 00:16:38

And so what I thought would be cool for part of this conversation today is I think a lot of us are trying to figure out, like, where do I fit in this world?

Steve Campbell: 00:16:47

You know, like, I see stuff happening on the news every night.

Steve Campbell: 00:16:50

Some of it I agree with, some of it I disagree with.

Steve Campbell: 00:16:53

I see what's happening in my communities, but I don't know, like, what difference I really make.

Steve Campbell: 00:16:58

And so for you, like, what was the role into politics?

Steve Campbell: 00:17:02

You had, obviously, a very thriving career in the WWE.

Steve Campbell: 00:17:05

Most people wouldn't assume that that would be the next.

Steve Campbell: 00:17:08

It's not like the NFL, and you go into, you know, sports, you know, NFL live or anything like that.

Steve Campbell: 00:17:14

So for you, was there always a love of politics, or what was that process from the WWE?

Steve Campbell: 00:17:20

And how did you even get into the political realm?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:17:23

That's a great question.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:17:24

I've always been interested in government politics.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:17:27

I didn't have a love for it.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:17:28

Mostly for me, it was designed to keep.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:17:31

Yeah, trying to keep politicians off my back.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:17:35

But it's just as you talked about.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:17:40

Right.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:17:41

The fact that I felt that I could make a difference.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:17:43

I've had a life that I never thought would have been possible.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:17:46

When I was a little kid again, I grew up, my family didn't have a whole lot of money.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:17:50

We didn't have any connections, no political connections or business connections or anything like that.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:17:55

And I was able to travel the world and entertain people and provide my family with a life that I wouldn't have thought possible.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:18:04

And when I think about that, it's actually impossible that someone like me could be so blessed to do those things.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:18:12

But I'm a product of the american dream.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:18:16

I was able to find something I was good at.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:18:18

And in this country, if you do that and you work hard and you get a break here, or there's no ceiling to what someone can accomplish in America.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:18:28

And I really do believe that in our, the free enterprise system, by improving our, our lives, we improve the lives of people around us, and vice versa.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:18:37

One of my favorite quotes is from Zig Ziglar, who said, you can have everything you want if you help enough other people get what they want.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:18:43

And really, that's what it's all about.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:18:45

So for me, it was just, I didn't want to feel like when at the end of my life, I looked back and said, I was given all these wonderful opportunities, all these wonderful things, and I didn't do anything to pass it on to the next generation.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:19:02

It's especially important to me now because I have two grandkids and I have a 15 year old granddaughter and a nine year old grandson and often wonder about what kind of world are they getting?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:19:13

What kind of America are they getting?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:19:15

Will they have the chance to live the life that they want to live like I did, to build a life that they want to live?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:19:22

And right now, I would say a little iffy, and that might sound weird.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:19:27

As county mayor, what can you do about that?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:19:29

Well, I do have a bully pulpit, and I can at least do some things locally here, and I can have some influence.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:19:35

So that was the real reason for getting into politics, was I just want to make sure that our country stays strong and that there's opportunities available for young people as they're growing up.

Steve Campbell: 00:19:45

Hey, everyone.

Steve Campbell: 00:19:46

Steve Campbell, thank you so much for listening to this episode.

Steve Campbell: 00:19:49

If it's made an impact on you, I would love to take a moment to ask you to subscribe to this podcast so you never miss an episode.

Steve Campbell: 00:19:55

But I would also love for you to leave a five star rating and review your ratings and review help other listeners know that this show is worth their time.

Steve Campbell: 00:20:02

So thank you so much for tuning into the one big thing, and let's enjoy the rest of the episode.

Steve Campbell: 00:20:08

Well, one thing that you had just said, kind of as we were talking about the WWE, is you wish you had enjoyed it more.

Steve Campbell: 00:20:13

And that's one of my greatest fears as a father.

Steve Campbell: 00:20:16

I have four kids that are eight years old and younger.

Steve Campbell: 00:20:19

And, I mean, in between helping my, you know, team run our businesses and podcasting and being involved in my church and kids sports, I coach all these things.

Steve Campbell: 00:20:28

There gets to a point where it becomes a lot, and you have self doubt, you have imposter syndrome.

Steve Campbell: 00:20:34

Am I a good dad?

Steve Campbell: 00:20:35

Am I a good husband, or am I raising my kids right?

Steve Campbell: 00:20:38

And I think we can fall into the illusion of when they're older, things will be easier.

Steve Campbell: 00:20:43

So just get to that point.

Steve Campbell: 00:20:45

And I think what I recognize in what you just said is you wish you had enjoyed the process more as Kane in your WWE.

Steve Campbell: 00:20:51

Has there been anything super practical for those that are out there today that in this role now in politics that allows you.

Steve Campbell: 00:20:58

It's kind of like your wedding day.

Steve Campbell: 00:21:00

Like, if we all could have gone back to our wedding day, we wish we would have paused more throughout the day.

Steve Campbell: 00:21:04

And looked around and taken inventory, because you start the day, and then the next thing you know, you're hitting the hotel bed and you're like, where did our wedding day go?

Steve Campbell: 00:21:11

Has there been anything on this side of politics that's not entertainment, it's real life change.

Steve Campbell: 00:21:16

But has there been anything, as you've matured in your career that does allow you, in a way, to take in the moment or the people you're meeting or the lives you're changing?

Steve Campbell: 00:21:25

Is it journaling?

Steve Campbell: 00:21:26

Is there anything that you do now that you didn't do back then that you wish maybe you knew about?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:21:30

Well, prioritizing as far as, like, with family and, you know, making sure that you do set some time aside for them and making that a priority.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:21:39

You know, too often what happens is that becomes flexible and.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:21:43

You know what I mean?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:21:44

And instead of that being the priority, the other stuff's actually the priority, and you have some time.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:21:48

But if it has to get knocked off, so be it.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:21:52

And I get it.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:21:53

We're all, you know, we all have stuff sometimes that does come up.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:21:55

But just making, as far as the family stuff, making that a priority, I don't.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:22:00

I don't really.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:22:02

I don't take notes.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:22:03

I don't keep journal, which is terrible of me, but I just kind of keep, you know, things up here.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:22:09

And I think, to answer your question, I think a lot of it is just experience and realizing that you have to make a conscious decision to kind of slow down every once in a while and enjoy where you at at least be cognizant of that.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:22:29

When I was in WWE, I mean, we were on the road 250 days a year, and it was always New York one day, Albany, New York the next day, Syracuse the next day.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:22:41

Then you get on a plane and fly to Denver, and it was just all the time.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:22:45

It was a blur and never had time to actually sit back and say, this is pretty cool.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:22:49

We're selling out every arena that we go to, and you just never had that to digest that.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:22:58

So now I'm at a point to where, yes, I can actually, every once in a while, slow down and not necessarily enjoy things, but at least recognize that I'm in the moment, as opposed to always being, where do I have to be tomorrow?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:23:15

What do I have to be doing at that particular moment?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:23:19

And, of course, again, that's maturity, and that's also just a conscious decision.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:23:22

It's not necessarily mindfulness and that when you think of meditation, mindfulness, but it is mindfulness of being aware and much more self aware than I was years ago when I was just literally on the treadmill trying to go as fast as I could all.

Steve Campbell: 00:23:38

Yeah.

Steve Campbell: 00:23:39

And I think for a lot of us, too, in the political realm, we don't fully understand all the moving parts that happens for somebody as a mayor or as a governor, as a senator, you know, kind of getting started in that.

Steve Campbell: 00:23:49

So for those that, you know, aren't aware, what has that process been like, you on the political side now for what can really change?

Steve Campbell: 00:23:58

And, you know, like, even for somebody who might have an interest in saying, like, I want to see my community thrive or I want to run for a position, like, what is that process like for somebody going from an idea to actually do you just get people around you and say, I want to run for this position?

Steve Campbell: 00:24:12

Or what is getting into politics?

Steve Campbell: 00:24:15

Like, what are the steps for that?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:24:17

Yeah, that, that is one thing is just talking with folks.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:24:21

Every once in a while I have someone reach out to me that's thinking about running for office and what is it really like and what do I need to do?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:24:29

So, yes, you talk to the folks around you.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:24:33

You know, you look at, if you're looking at a certain position, sometimes people run for stuff and then they realize that they can't necessarily do what they thought they could do because that doesn't have the authority to do that.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:24:47

For instance, before I became mayor, I thought the mayor could do all this stuff.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:24:51

Then I became mayor and realized that actually the mayor can't do a lot of those things.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:24:54

And I need help from commission or whoever in order to get that stuff done.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:25:02

And just like everything else, you just balance it out.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:25:07

There are some positives, there are some negatives running for elected office that no matter where you are, it's a time consuming process.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:25:14

It can be a full time job itself.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:25:16

And yet you do.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:25:17

I mean, it stinks, but money's part of it, too.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:25:19

You know, have to be able to raise, especially, you know, when you get up to state and federal stuff, you have to be able to raise some money.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:25:26

How do you do that?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:25:28

You know, all those sort of things are decisions that you have to make ultimately, too.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:25:33

You know, is do you just have the personality to do it?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:25:36

It, or, and that's not everybody does.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:25:40

Right.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:25:41

And, or would you be a better fit someplace else so, and doing some, something else?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:25:47

And I think obviously, you know, I know people who've, who've either gotten into politics, hated it, did something else constructive for the community, or just decided this.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:25:58

Not for me.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:25:58

I don't want to do that, but I would rather do this.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:26:02

And they've had a huge impact on the community as well.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:26:05

So, yeah, the process is just, is this like, when you're thinking of what are you going to major in in college or where do you want your, you know, what do you want to.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:26:13

What are you interested in as a career?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:26:15

It's a lot the same decisions that you make if you decide to run for office.

Steve Campbell: 00:26:20

Yeah.

Steve Campbell: 00:26:21

And I know we only got about five minutes here.

Steve Campbell: 00:26:22

The last thing that I was thinking about, Glenn, in your world, is, you know, you.

Steve Campbell: 00:26:26

You run for.

Steve Campbell: 00:26:27

When you're in wwe, you're an entertainer.

Steve Campbell: 00:26:29

People pay a ticket to watch you.

Steve Campbell: 00:26:31

They can love and hate you as a character.

Steve Campbell: 00:26:33

When you're in politics, people can love or hate you depending on what you stand for.

Steve Campbell: 00:26:38

There is no hiding.

Steve Campbell: 00:26:39

When you say, I stand up for x, y, z, you expose yourself to people that are going to say, that's my guy, or how dare he.

Steve Campbell: 00:26:46

Are there things on this side of the equation?

Steve Campbell: 00:26:49

Because you were in packed out arenas where everybody yelled your name and loved you, and now you're in the political realm that when you stand up for certain things, you alienate groups of people that don't understand.

Steve Campbell: 00:27:00

I mean, what has that kind of been like for you, that emotional roller coaster?

Steve Campbell: 00:27:04

Is that just strengthened your resolve, or are there things that listeners that may not understand about politics that they have more control over now that you've been in kind of the machine, if you will?

Steve Campbell: 00:27:14

Like, are there things that we could be doing in our communities when you want to stand up for things that outside of a voting day, most people don't realize that they can be a part of?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:27:23

Oh, yeah, absolutely.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:27:25

Voting is certainly very important, but it's just one aspect of the whole political, I should say, public square.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:27:34

You know, just advocacy and making her voice heard is also a huge deal.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:27:41

Sometimes what happens is someone has an idea, and it seems like a really great idea, but they haven't heard from the other side how it's going to impact them.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:27:53

And, look, if you're intellectually honest, you at least have to say, okay, these people don't like it.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:28:00

I think it's great, but these people don't like it.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:28:02

Why don't they like it?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:28:03

And then sometimes, well, there's, there's, oh, my gosh, they're right.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:28:06

Other times it's like, okay, they got a point.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:28:09

But if we do this, it addresses their concerns.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:28:13

See, actually, things actually become better when you talk with folks who might be in the opposition just nowadays.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:28:23

I think with the country as divided as it is, I wish we could do more of that because it doesn't mean that we have to be mortal enemies.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:28:29

Sometimes we just don't agree on things, too.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:28:32

And sometimes, sometimes we're trying to get to the same place.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:28:36

We just see different paths going there.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:28:39

For me, I mean, I believe in what I believe in.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:28:41

I'm always willing to listen to folks, but in the end, I have to.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:28:45

I have to do what I believe or I can't, I can't sleep at night.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:28:49

That's just how I'm built.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:28:51

That doesn't mean, again, that doesn't mean that I hate people who disagree with me.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:28:55

Far from that.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:28:58

I don't like it when people yell and scream at me.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:29:00

But nevertheless, if you're going to tell me, hey, this is wrong and these are the reasons why, okay, we can have that conversation.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:29:08

And certainly I think that's constructive.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:29:11

But in the end, and I think one of the issues that we have with politics nowadays is, yeah, there's no middle ground.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:29:18

We don't talk.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:29:20

But at the same time, too many politicians also stick their fingers in the wind and just say, which way is the wind blowing?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:29:25

And I'm going to vote this way or do this according to that.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:29:28

And that's not where you want be either.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:29:29

I think we need to hit a happy medium where you're guided by certain principles, but you're also willing to talk to people.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:29:37

And sometimes you're like, yeah, they got a point.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:29:39

Now, how can I make this work in a way that doesn't contradict my principles?

Glenn Jacobs: 00:29:47

And sometimes you can actually do that, and that's a win for everybody.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:29:52

So, you know, you should never go in thinking, I'm always right.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:29:56

You should go in thinking that this is my position.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:29:59

This is why I have this position.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:30:01

And these folks over here might be thinking this, but they might be right about something, too.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:30:06

And I need to keep that in mind.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:30:09

But for folks that aren't inclined to get in politics, and I certainly understand that, like I said, in advocacy, just being involved in your community, taking an active role in your kids lives, I think one of the issues that our country faces is we've put our schools in a very, at a disadvantage in that they're literally now they're, in some cases, we think that they're the primary rearers of our kids and they're not.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:30:39

I mean, to me, I always thought that the education you got at school was very important, was kind of really supplementing what you got at home.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:30:48

And now, the schools, in a lot of cases, they're just.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:30:51

They're it, and that's not a good place to be either.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:30:54

I think families and parents need to take a much more active role as a generalization.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:30:59

That can be difficult because there's just, you know, we're so busy and so many things going on.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:31:05

But nevertheless, you know, too often I feel that we just leave it up to schools and then we don't get the result that we want, and then we blame it on the schools.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:31:12

And it's like, well, it's kind of difficult to do what exactly you want to do when that's really the job of the family.

Steve Campbell: 00:31:20

Yeah.

Steve Campbell: 00:31:21

Well, Glenn, I want to thank you as we bring this one to a close, because there's so much more.

Steve Campbell: 00:31:24

I feel like I could talk to you about the parallels in your life.

Steve Campbell: 00:31:27

I got to imagine that in your role now in politics, just like in WWE, you don't feel like you fit in.

Steve Campbell: 00:31:32

I don't know that there's many seven foot tall politicians out there and, you know, the role that you're playing, obviously being successful and being reelected to a second term.

Steve Campbell: 00:31:41

Sometimes politics can seem like characters on tv that we watch.

Steve Campbell: 00:31:45

You know, the names, you know what people look like regardless of what side of the aisle they sit on.

Steve Campbell: 00:31:49

They seem like figureheads that don't do a lot.

Steve Campbell: 00:31:52

But when you live in a county like we do, and we see the work that you're doing, I just, regardless, I want to champion you for your work because you're out there taking the.

Steve Campbell: 00:32:00

The boos and the cheers from people that you don't have a mask on anymore.

Steve Campbell: 00:32:04

Sometimes I wish you could throw that sucker on and choke slam some people, but that's not too civil.

Steve Campbell: 00:32:09

But I just appreciate, as a public servant, you putting yourself and your family out there, because I think, just like the WWE, we don't always realize that politicians are also human beings, just like you were as a wrestler.

Steve Campbell: 00:32:20

And you have to go back to your spouse and your kids and talk to them about what's going on.

Steve Campbell: 00:32:25

So, you know, regardless of how somebody votes, just understanding that civility standpoint and the fact that you can make a difference with advocacy, but also raising your kids, that's the nucleus.

Steve Campbell: 00:32:35

And that's a lot of my listeners.

Steve Campbell: 00:32:36

So much of what you said, your setbacks can become your setups.

Steve Campbell: 00:32:40

And sometimes, even though you don't fit in, you still have to find your way and reinvent yourself until you become the person you're meant to be and you've been able to do that on both sides, both as a professional wrestler and now as a politician.

Steve Campbell: 00:32:52

So for somebody here that lives in this state, appreciates the work that you do.

Steve Campbell: 00:32:56

I appreciate you coming on.

Steve Campbell: 00:32:57

The one big thing.

Steve Campbell: 00:32:58

I wish you all the success and all the endeavors that are coming your way, because I'm sure there's some great ones coming, but I just appreciating in the busyness of your life, you taking these 30 minutes to inspire and encourage a lot of us, I think, that are trying to make a difference in this world, sometimes we might just need to reinvent ourselves a little bit until we find that spot.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:33:16

That's exactly right.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:33:17

Thanks.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:33:17

I've had a good time.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:33:18

I appreciate it.

Glenn Jacobs: 00:33:18

Thanks for having me on.

Steve Campbell: 00:33:19

Thank you.

Steve Campbell: 00:33:21

Well, thanks for listening to that episode.

Steve Campbell: 00:33:22

I'm going to be honest, man.

Steve Campbell: 00:33:23

I feel like throwing on a cane, mask and chokeslam.

Steve Campbell: 00:33:25

And some people, I mean, you got to love Glenn Jacobs and the work that he's doing, both in his world as a WWE wrestlers cane, but also now just as a public servant serving as the Knox county mayor.

Steve Campbell: 00:33:36

I mean, this is somebody who has left a life of entertainment where he was wearing a mask, nobody heard his voice, he sold out arenas to now becoming somebody who's in the public eye that's loved by some, hated by others as a politician.

Steve Campbell: 00:33:49

And for you and I, no matter what community you live in or how you feel or how you vote, I think just having a respect for people that are out there trying to make a difference, and not these people you see on tv that are lifelong politicians, but people like Glenn that have given up a life of entertainment or business to go into really making a difference in the communities that they live.

Steve Campbell: 00:34:08

So I just appreciate and want to champion Glenn for coming on the show.

Steve Campbell: 00:34:12

And if you're brand new to the one big thing, hope it's not your last stop.

Steve Campbell: 00:34:15

I hope you'll check out other great guests that I've had on, like Glenn.

Steve Campbell: 00:34:19

And if you are interested in topics or hearing from people, I'm hoping that this starts a movement of WWE wrestlers, because I'll tell you, man, there's a grab bag of people that I would love the opportunity that I grew up watching to like this conversation with Glenn, get to know who's behind these people, and humanize them a little bit.

Steve Campbell: 00:34:35

So, as always, I appreciate you guys more than you know.

Steve Campbell: 00:34:37

Thank you for being a fan of the one big thing.

Steve Campbell: 00:34:39

I can't wait to bring more exciting guests to you.

Steve Campbell: 00:34:42

We are just beginning to scratch the surface on what this show can become.

Steve Campbell: 00:34:45

So I appreciate you coming on.

Steve Campbell: 00:34:47

I hope that this inspired you to move the ball forward in your life.

Steve Campbell: 00:34:49

And as always, thanks for being my guest.

Steve Campbell: 00:34:51

And the one big thing.