Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley

Episode: That's My Truth (feat. Alexis Wilkins)
Release Date: January 20, 2026
Host: Savannah Chrisley | Guest: Alexis Wilkins

Episode Overview

In this episode of Unlocked, Savannah Chrisley welcomes Alexis Wilkins—country music artist, political commentator, and activist—for an intimate, candid conversation about identity, standing in truth, the pitfalls of public life, and the challenges of navigating media scrutiny. Together, they unmask the reality of being women in politics and the entertainment industry, discuss the toll of misinformation, and reflect on maintaining authenticity under pressure.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Alexis Wilkins' Multifaceted Journey

• Background in Music & Politics
  • Alexis started as a songwriter for various genres before launching her own artist career in Nashville.
    • "I started out in country music writing for other artists in both the pop and hip hop world and country music. And then of course, writing for myself, which launched into... doing the artist thing." (02:08, Wilkins)
  • She moved from small-town Arkansas and a stint in Europe to Nashville at a young age, attending Belmont University.
• Political Activism and Roles
  • Served as interim Press Secretary for Congressman Abel Hamadeh, sits on the NRA board, and comments on current events.
    • “I'm on the NRA board, you know, senior fellow for organizations and different programs.” (03:34, Wilkins)
  • Inspired by disparities and growing polarization in entertainment and on university campuses, she became more outspoken about her values.
    • “When it starts to become this polarizing, you have to stand up and say something. And I'm clearly not going to bend the knee to the entertainment industry.” (07:41, Wilkins)
• Relationship with Turning Point
  • Early involvement with Turning Point as a student, ultimately using it as a resource to amplify her voice.
    • “It really started, honestly, with Turning Point as me using it as a resource.” (08:50, Wilkins)

2. Navigating Public Controversy & Defamation

• Being in the Public Eye
  • Media and online speculation often distill Alexis to “Cash Patel’s girlfriend,” overlooking her own extensive accomplishments.
    • “You're so much more than that. So that's why I wanted to emphasize who you were.” (09:28, Chrisley)
• Handling False and Damaging Rumors
  • Faced internet rumors accusing her of being an “Israeli spy.” Initial silence was meant to deprive the rumor of oxygen but ultimately led to legal action.
    • “I didn't want to give the fire any oxygen...I probably would have said something more straightforward now if I, you know, having known.” (16:12, Wilkins)
  • Filed a lawsuit against the originator of the claims for defamation, describing how false allegations have tangible, dangerous consequences—death threats, business losses, and personal distress.
    • “It not only puts me in tangible, physical danger...but it also puts a huge looming cloud that bleeds over...” (17:41, Wilkins)
• Protecting Identity and Faith
  • Alexis brings out her childhood baptism certificate to counter online accusations about her religious background.
    • “For someone to start a rumor online that not only twists your relationship, your personal character, your integrity, but also your faith, it feels like an onslaught, a purposeful attack...” (21:51, Wilkins)
  • She shares how this scrutiny has affected her family—her mother searching for proof of her Christian faith to defend her online.

3. Consequences of Misinformation & Online Harassment

• Impact on Personal and Professional Life
  • The rumors negatively affected her ability to book performances, collaborate musically, and maintain professional relationships, especially given her openly patriotic stance.
    • “It also affects your business. Because if you're getting paid to perform at political events or...maybe a songwriter doesn't want to write with you...” (20:15, Chrisley)
• Legal Boundary Between Free Speech and Defamation
  • Alexis emphasizes the importance of the First Amendment, but draws a clear line at the deliberate spread of falsehoods designed to ruin reputations.
    • “What is not included is defamation...Saying things that are completely untrue to ruin someone's life, their career, their reputation, the things that they have built.” (28:10, Wilkins)
  • Lawsuit as a step to reclaim her power and set precedent against monetized misinformation:
    • “You gotta draw a line in the sand. You say, don't mess with me. I know I look like an easy target, but I am not." (29:54, Wilkins)

4. Protecting Relationships and Private Life

• Maintaining Relationship with Cash Patel
  • Alexis describes how she and Cash built a strong foundation before the public drama, and how they support each other against media attacks.
    • "We have a great foundation. We have a great support system in one another, in our families." (34:08, Wilkins)
  • She asserts they do not discuss confidential information relating to Cash’s work.
    • "We don't talk about anything to do with his work. That was very well understood from day...I don't want to know. He would never tell me anyway." (49:30, Wilkins)
• Window Dressing Versus Reality
  • The real relationship is distinct from what media tries to exploit.
    • “I just don't want to be turned into something that you can use against the person that I love. That's horrible.” (34:47, Wilkins)

5. Being a Woman in Male-Dominated Spaces

• Facing Stereotypes and Doubts
  • Both Savannah and Alexis relate experiences where their abilities were underestimated due to their gender.
    • “People assume that you're not tough...people look at you and make certain assumptions about what your intelligence is going to be.” (39:32, Wilkins)
  • Discuss the added effort and higher standards required for women in politics and conservative movements, especially when staying true to personal values.
    • “You don't get to waltz in to the NRA board and be put on three committees just by, you know, sitting there and looking pretty.” (37:16, Wilkins)
• Intra-Women Criticism
  • The hardest criticisms often come from women, who project their own struggles.
    • "It's always, not always, but the majority of the time, these hateful comments are coming from women...It's a mirror, ultimately." (40:54, Chrisley/Wilkins)

6. Media, Influence & Responsibility

• Mainstream vs. Influencer Media
  • Both critique how influencers now routinely parrot mainstream media and fail to check facts, even as they once disdained traditional outlets.
    • “The influencer crowd that a year ago thought that mainstream media was, you know, the least credible source is now parroting the fake news media.” (33:07, Wilkins)
  • Inaccurate reporting and unchecked rumors are now commonplace, with little accountability or research. Both wish for more substantive debate and critique over surface-level attacks.
    • “The thing that nobody's really attacking is my work.” (44:23, Wilkins)

7. Personal Resilience and the Power of Truth

• Faith and Belief as Anchors
  • Alexis shares how her faith, family and inner resilience have helped her weather repeated attacks, drawing the most strength from clinging to her spiritual identity.
    • “What I would say is, like, I would like to be remembered for my faith. I am a Christian.” (21:02, Wilkins)
• Message to Her Younger Self
  • Reminds herself (and listeners) that present difficulties prepare us for tougher ones ahead, but stresses the importance of using adversity for a greater purpose.
    • “Everything that you think is difficult now is preparing you for what you will know to be difficult later.” (54:03, Wilkins)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On standing firm:
  “When it starts to become this polarizing, you have to stand up and say something. And I'm clearly not going to bend the knee to the entertainment industry." (07:41, Wilkins)

• On strategic silence:
  “I didn't want to give the fire any oxygen...I probably would have said something more straightforward now if I, you know, having known.” (16:12, Wilkins)

• On the real danger of rumors:
  “It not only puts me in tangible, physical danger...but it also puts a huge looming cloud that bleeds over...from the really fluffy, no research Internet, Twitter space...into reality.” (17:41, Wilkins)

• On the necessity of drawing lines:
  “You gotta draw a line in the sand. You say, don't mess with me. I know I look like an easy target, but I am not." (29:54, Wilkins)

• On seeking the truth and research:
  “If you do one iota of research, you would know that that was false. And that concerns me...If you can't find one detail and figure out the truth about it, you know, how are we approaching big things?” (45:30, Wilkins)

• On legacy and faith:
  “I would like to be remembered for my faith. I am a Christian.” (21:02, Wilkins)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:00-05:00] Wilkins recounts her path in music and initial steps into politics.
• [06:45-08:50] Alexis discusses first-hand experiences with political bias in higher education, early activism, and Turning Point origins.
• [09:00-11:00] Addressing being defined solely by her relationship with Cash Patel.
• [15:00-17:30] The Israeli spy accusation, initial response, legal action, and online consequences.
• [21:00-24:00] The continued challenge of defending her faith and family’s efforts to counter misinformation.
• [28:10-30:00] The boundary between defamation and free speech, and reclaiming agency via legal means.
• [33:30-38:00] Women’s role in conservative and political spaces, stereotypes, and personal stories.
• [40:32-44:00] Dealing with intra-women criticism and influencer/media attacks.
• [49:30-52:30] Clarifying her professional boundaries with Cash, and being trusted to avoid confidential discussions.
• [54:03-55:55] Reflections on adversity, resilience, and channeling struggle into positive action.

Conclusion

Savannah and Alexis close the conversation affirming the power of truth, conscious choice, and refusing to be defined by false narratives or hostility. Through courage and clarity—rooted in family, faith, and purpose—Alexis Wilkins emerges as a vivid example of steadfast authenticity in a chaotic digital world.

Alexis Wilkins can be found on all streaming platforms and via her socials @lexiswilkins.