Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

Episode Notes My guests include KeShaun Pearson, Executive Director, Memphis Community Against Pollution. The Elon Musk backed xAI Supercomputer project has caused quite a bit of controversy in our community, the latest issue is the possibility of polluted air and the harm to residents. KeShaun will tell me why he is concerned and others are as well. Next, MATA has been and continues to be a big problem for so many citizens who rely on it to get around daily. Interim CEO John Lewis joins me to talk about the challenges, changes and what moving forward looks like and what it will take. Vincent Perry is a financial analyst and knows the importance of planning. The problem these days is with tariffs and the ever changing effect it is having on the stock market and the uncertainty that surrounds it. He will break down whether the concern will be an economy boom or a bust as time goes by. That and more on air and online Monday, 6 pm on 91.7 WYXR. Also, WYXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include Dr. Christopher Davis, President of LeMoyne Owen College. He is reviving this historic HBCU and its recruitment efforts by forming a partnership with TN SW Community College. He shares with me how this came about and why it’s so important for students wanting the HBCU experience without leaving home. Next, when President Trump decided to dissolve the Department of Education many of us don’t know what that really means and more importantly, what it will mean for the future of education in this country and your public schools. Brian Stephens is the founder of Caissa K12 and an expert source on public schools. He breaks down how this decision will impact school districts nationwide, statewide and locally. Finally, we are all affected by high prices and inflation these days none more so than the farmers. Thomas Burrell is a farmer and the president of Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association which is fighting for the rights of Black Farmers, their heirs and administrators who are being discriminated against the USDA. He tells me why this fight for justice is even more necessary today. That and more on air and online Monday, 6 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, WYXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include two MSCS School Board members, Stephanie Love and Natalie McKinney. With all the drama involving the board which has now led to a possible legislative takeover drafted by Rep. Mark White, they tell me how they think we got here, and how will this action will affect the future education of our children. Also, the role the County Commission might have played in this situation. Next, Rachael Goodwin Spriggs is an educational advocate who is a staunch supporter of our children. She has been very outspoken about how we got to this place and she will tell me what concerns her most about possible state intervention. Lastly, we all know that technology is clearly the wave of the future. Meka Egwuekwe is the Chief Executive Officer of CodeCrew. They mentor underrepresented youth to be the next tech innovators and leaders. He joins to tell me how they do that and why the future is now! That and more on air and online Monday, 6pm, on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also, on the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes On the next live and all new Real Talk Memphis; my guests include Ron Redwing who knows how important education is. This is why when he saw the situation with the school district take an unfortunate turn, he took action by forming the non profit group (SOS) or Save Our Schools. He explains his mission. The tragic shooting death of Pastor Ricky Floyd still has many people reeling and with questions. Many are wondering about the charge of Voluntary Manslaughter and I thought it might help to understand what it actually means. Atty Mike Working joins me to break it down and give us some clarity. Next, Pastor Ricky Floyd was a true man of God who fought tirelessly with courage and determination to make Memphis safer and a better place to live especially in his beloved Frayser community. Pastor Keith Norman joins me to honor his friend and what made him special. That and more both on air and online Monday nite, 6 pm on 91.7 WYXR. Also, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts! It’s time to talk.

Episode Notes My guests include County Commissioners Charlie Caswell and Britney Thornton. It's been a busy time as they are tackling several issues heading into budget season. I ask them about that and a possible change to the charter regarding term limits and possible recall for school board members. Next, we have heard many times about the importance of men in a family for a child's development. Carol Jackson, executive director of Families Matter returns to tell us what they have been up to and why the message of the importance of a healthy family structure is still a priority in this current environment. Speaking of the next generation, do you know about the work Bridges USA is doing with our young people in Memphis? The President and CEO Sam O'Bryant III joins me to talk about the work of getting these young people to develop into the next leaders of tomorrow. That and more on air and online, Monday, 6 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, the WYXR app, TuneIn, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.It's time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include Interim MSCS Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond who makes a first time visit. We all know where things stand with the district these days especially with the threat of a state takeover looming. I’ll ask him what he thinks of that possibility but more importantly, what his focus is with a new plan, and how to gain the confidence of both the board members and the public. Next, we stay in the education zone and talk collaboration and partnership. Dr. Tracy Hall from Southwest TN Community College will share why this will be a great benefit to students and our city's future as a whole. Speaking of the future, we are looking towards our youth and so is my guest Brian Harris, Director Memphis Office of Youth Services. He joins me to discuss his new programs and how your child can make a few dollars by registering for summer employment. All that and more on air and online Monday nite @ 6 pm on 91.7 WYXR. Also the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include State Senator Raumesh Akbari. With so much on the table affecting both Memphis and Shelby County, this legislative session has faced intense focus. She joins me to discuss a state possible takeover of the MSCS Board, the threat to withhold state tax revenue to the tune of $75 million dollars if Memphis moves forward with gun control legislation and how a bill she is co-sponsoring could help fund a new jail. Next, we often hear about the role fathers play in a child’s life. Antonio Harvey is the founder and Executive Director of Fathers First Memphis whose mission is to cultivate nurturing and engaged fathers who will enhance the well-being of children. He joins me to discuss its importance and a new partnership with MSCS. That and more, on air and online Monday nite on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include State Senator Raumesh Akbari. With so much on the table affecting both Memphis and Shelby County, this legislative session has faced intense focus. She joins me to discuss a state possible takeover of the MSCS Board, the threat to withhold state tax revenue to the tune of $75 million dollars if Memphis moves forward with gun control legislation and how a bill she is co-sponsoring could help fund a new jail. Next, we often hear about the role fathers play in a child’s life. Antonio Harvey is the founder and Executive Director of Fathers First Memphis whose mission is to cultivate nurturing and engaged fathers who will enhance the well-being of children. He joins me to discuss its importance and a new partnership with MSCS. That and more, on air and online Monday nite on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include Sarah Houston, aka the Water Warrior and Executive Director of Protect Our Aquifer. For many, including myself do not understand the xAI supercomputer project. Lately, there has been some conversation and doubt about the proposed location, and why the Boxtown community feels left out of the process. She explains why. Next, the former Executive Director of the Landers Center in Southaven was recently fired after 14 years but the reason raises some interesting questions. Todd Mastry says it was because he was booking too many Black artists and does not like the crowds they draw from Memphis. These statements came from the CVB and members of the Board of Supervisors. He has since filed a lawsuit claiming his civil rights were violated and it would be illegal under the Civil Rights Act. Daily Memphian reporter Rob Moore broke the story and joins me to discuss. Finally, it’s not a secret that there is an abundance of musical talent in our city. Recently, an organization you may be familiar with called the Grammys took note. They honored one of our very own with a major honor. Adrian Maclin, is recipient of the 2025 Music Educator award presented by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Foundation. The Cordova High School Choir Director joins me to talk about that honor and what makes him the most proudest about this recognition. That and more on air and online Monday, 6 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, WYXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include County Commissioner Mick Wright. He was one of many who disagreed with the MSCS school board in terminating Dr. Marie Feagins. He and a number of his fellow colleagues backed a resolution of no confidence in the board prior to the vote and now the stage is set for a state takeover. I ask him whether he is for or against the move. Next, the President has made it his mission to remove undocumented immigrants from this country for criminal behavior, but does it stop there? Andrew Rankin, ESQ is a local Immigration Atty who is working with many in the Mid South who are very concerned about their future and what might happen to themselves and their families. He explains the options. Lastly, are you familiar with the expression Mane Up? I speak with Racheal Shantal, Executive director of Mane UP Memphis. It’s a non-profit organization that helps empower youth and families through mental health services and financial literacy programs. She tells me why programs like this are so vitally important for the future of our community. That and more on air and online Monday nite, 6 pm on 91.7 WYXR. Also, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts! It’s time to talk.

Episode Notes My guests include MSCS Board members Michelle McKissack and Amber Huett-Garcia in an exclusive interview to discuss the termination of Dr. Marie Feagins. They were the two members who fought against this move saying it was an overreaction and that other options should have been considered. K Durell Cowan is the executive director, founder of Heal 901 and an advocate for our young people. He was a vocal community member at the school board meetings and expressed his displeasure as did many in the audience who were seemingly ignored in the process. He tells me why this was such a bad idea. Next, President Trump is fulfilling his promise to deport illegal immigrants. Mauricio Calvo, executive director of Latino Memphis joins me to talk about the fear many have about the uncertainty of their status and future. That and more on air and online Monday, 6 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, WYXR.org, TuneIn, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. it's time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include State Representative GA Hardaway who will tell me what he is planning legislatively in Nashville in light of the move by the MSCS Board to remove Dr. Feagins. He’s looking to create a recall election option for citizens. Memphis City Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper Sutton is someone who always puts the citizens first. She gives me a legislative update on city business and her take on MATA, the school board issue and the loss of the COGIC Convocation. Finally, domestic violence is a big problem here in our city and several organizations are working together in partnership with a new initiative to help victims and put offenders behind bars. MPD Investigative counsel Forrest Edwards joins me to talk about this important effort. That and more on air and online Monday, 6 pm on WYXR 91.7. FM. Also, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include prominent employment attorney Alan Crone who is representing Dr. Marie Feagins in her case against being terminated by the MSCS board. He explains why he feels the case against her is not supported by fact. Next, MSCS Board Member Amber Huett-Garcia joins me to discuss the termination effort by some of her colleagues against the Superintendent. She disagrees with that and tells me about a proposal she has drafted that she hopes will turn down the temperature on both sides. Finally, many of you have noticed that several restaurants closed last year disappointing many patrons. Memphis Restaurant Association member Arturo Azcarate, owner of Curry N Jerk joins me to talk about the reasons and to tell us about some of the new spots we can expect to tickle our tastebuds. That and more both on air and online, Monday, 6pm on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, WYXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include TN. State Representative Harold Love Jr. joins me to discuss his alma mater Tennessee State University who is at the center of many conversations mostly centered around its financial problems. A new board of trustees, new President, layoffs and financial debt. He tells me about his fight for TSU to restore the proud school back to where it should be. Finally, Jerred Price, head of the Downtown Neighborhood Association says it’s time to bring back the energy to Mud Island and its Amphitheatre. He tells me what he has in mind and that the magic could be in the music. That and more both on air and online, Monday, 6pm on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, WYXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include Shelby County School Board member Michelle McKissack who will give her only interview since the contentious meeting to remove the Superintendent. Leslie Taylor, Executive Director, Memphis Crime Beat talks the legal process and columnist, commentator and author Otis Sanford who will breakdown the highs and lows of 2024. That and more, live and local, on air and online Monday, 6 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, the wyxr app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include Shelby County District Atty Steve Mulroy. The criminal justice system has been in the spotlight of late. Recently, after arrests had been made in a couple of notable cases, the suspects were released after bond was set on their own recognizance. He tells me why this sets back efforts on public safety. Next, Laurie Powell, CEO of Alliance Healthcare joins me to talk about the rising number of individuals who are dealing with mental health issues and how a new facility in Binghamton can get them the help they need. Speaking of help, the Division of Re-Entry was recently awarded a nearly $1 million dollar grant award to help with housing for people recently released from prison. The money will support Shelby County’s Returning Neighbors Program to create a task force to address barriers to post-release housing. Executive director DeAndre Brown drops by to tell us more. All that both on air and online Monday nite, 6 pm, WYXR 91.7 FM. Also available on the WYXR.org, TuneIn, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It's time to talk!

Episode Notes Chris Conlee is the Co-founder and Sr. Pastor of One City Church. In a country that seems more divided than together, healing is the word that comes to mind. He tells me about creating the Race for Reconciliation and why he thinks our city really needs a revival. Finally, our population is different and diverse but for many from different countries, adapting to a new way and language can be difficult. Devin Schniepp is the executive director of Multinational Memphis. Their mission is to show kindness to limited English speaking families living in Memphis to help them feel excepted, achieve academic success, understand our cultures and to feel the love of God. She explains why this is so gratifying. That and more both on air and online Monday, 6 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also the wyxr app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green. She is part of an active group of elected officials who are fighting for change. I ask her about the accountability of MATA and what she would like to see change with the new board, also the gun control referendums overwhelming passing and what’s next. West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon is making big moves in his city and joins me to discuss how he got the very popular Buc-ee’s franchise to open a new location there, as well as a new park project that is very family friendly. Pam Ware spent 20 years in the death industry. She is now bringing a unique perspective to helping youth and educators resolve conflicts, reduce behavioral issues, and unlock their full potential for lasting positive change. She explains what we as a community needs to do to encourage and motivate our youth from taking a wrong path. That and more, Monday both on air and online on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes This week's guests include Deborah Clubb, Executive director, Memphis Area Women's Council. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. She joins me to talk about the latest trends in this troubling epidemic and what resources are available. Next, the upcoming election is probably the most important in our lifetime. Not only nationally, but locally with three gun control referendums. TN Democratic Party Chair Hendrell Remus joins me to break down the numbers as well as what else is at stake. Finally, MATA has a newly named board to bring much needed oversight to the organization. New member Cynthia Bailey joins me to talk about the importance of understanding the needs of the bus rider as she is one herself. That and more on air and online Monday on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, WYXR.org, TuneIn, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It's time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include Shelby County Assessor of Property Melvin Burgess. He says that if you own property in Shelby County, your taxes could be going up substantially because of rising property values. His office will host public meetings, but he will join me to explain what to expect. We are all aware that there is a major election soon, and there are issues related to gun control that are very important to our city and citizens. City Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton joins to talk about the importance of voting and what the passage of gun control referendums could mean for the safety of our city. Finally, there is a lot of pride in our city, especially for our many historic areas. One of those areas will feature a new play coming to the Orpheum Thestre entitled, “We All We Got: A Binghamton Play”. I speak with the writer Ann Perry Wallace and Santyria Johnson from the Orpheum to talk about this exciting project. This and more both on air and online Monday, 6 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, WYXR.org, the Tunein app, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!