Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

Episode Notes
Guests include TN. State Senator Raumesh Akbari. As a delegate to the Democratic Party, and who some consider a rising star, what is her take on the change at the top of the ticket and can Kamala Harris make history twice. Also, what she thinks about the state Republican Party plan to take over Shelby County. Next, mental health issues are something that families through the generations have dealt with privately in the past but today it might starting to change a bit. Mental health professional Brandy Flynn joins me to talk about this sensitive issue and why it’s important to bring it out of the shadows and into the light. Next, there isn’t a person alive that hasn’t had to deal with an emotional loss of some kind. The question is the ‘how’ do we deal with loss? Counselor and Therapist Alicia Denton joins the conversation to discuss her new book and a special series of conversations and sessions thru the month of August in cooperation with a local area church in the hopes of making uncomfortable conversations a bit more comfortable. That and more both on air and online Monday, 6-7 pm on WYXR radio 91.7 FM. Also, WYXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes
Guests include Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. He joins me live in studio to talk about his ouster attempt from Sen. Brent Taylor and House Speaker Cameron Sexton. Also, his latest
attempt at bail reform. State Rep. Karen Camper represents many areas including the Whitehaven community. It was scheduled for the second part of their million dollar redevelopment effort, but somehow the money earmarked for it has disappeared. She gives us an update on what she has found out. Finally, the Hope House mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families affected by HIV and poverty. Yolanda Fant joins me to talk about a huge grant award and how it will help their mission.
That and more both on air and online Monday, 6-7 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live and wherever you get your podcasts
.Its time to talk!

Episode Notes
The new President of LeMoyne Owen College Christopher B. Davis. He joins me to talk about his journey, what makes the school so special and how he plans to lead it moving forward. Next, Dementia is an illness that affects thousands of people every year but the care is both expensive and exhausting. Meritan, Inc, a Memphis health care support provider has been selected for a new program to support care for those with dementia. Their President/CEO Melanie Keller joins me to explain how it works. Lastly, Memphis Area Legal Services is the primary provider of civil legal representation to low-income families in western TN and surrounding areas. They have a new CEO, Atty Nicole Grida, and she joins me to share the organizations continued vision. That and more Monday both on air and online, 6-7 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
Guests include Shelby County Election Commissioner Linda Phillips. With a big election just around the corner, it's time we got an update on what you can expect to see. New machines are also on the ballot and she explains everything you need to know to be an informed voter. Next, the recent revelation that MPD Asst. Chief Shawn Jones is still a Georgia resident while working here has people starting to talk. One in particular, former officer and MPA president Mike Williams joins me to share his thoughts on the situation and it's effects on the department. Finally, things have been relatively quiet on the medical front of late but with Covid numbers rising a bit and the Avian flu making noise it's time for a check up with Dr. Steve Threlkeld. 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 Dr. Michelle Taylor, Director, Shelby County Health department. She joins me to discuss a few top of mind issues like the high incidence of HIV in our community and that gun violence is now a public health emergency. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office has its own set of challenges, one in particular, having enough officers to handle law enforcement efforts in the jail and on the streets. Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner joins me to talk about it. The new superintendent of education, Dr. Marie Feagins has set a challenging course and the MSCS school board is in charge of overseeing the process. Outgoing member Kevin Woods joins me to share his thoughts and hopes for the future. That and more both on air and online Monday, 6-7 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
On the next and all new Real Talk Memphis my guests include; Chandell Ryan, President/CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission. She makes her first visit to the show to talk about her new position and how if anything she did as the former COO for the City of Memphis helped her. Also, now that we are in the midst of a busy tourist season how she is positioning her group moving forward. Van Turner is a familiar face to many in our city and these days he is still helping others. The Town of Mason is preparing to welcome Blue Oval City, but they also want to be an inclusive partner. Van explains how a community coalition wants a Community Benefits Agreement with Ford that will benefit everyone. Lastly, the number of juvenile shooting victims continues to grow and is putting a great strain on the area hospitals. Dr. Nick Watkins is an ER specialist at Le Bonheur. He tells me what it's like to be on the front lines of an overwhelmed emergency room. That and more on air and online Monday from 6-7 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 Sarah Houston, aka the ‘water warrior’. With all the excitement and fuss about the new xAI supercomputer project, many people wonder what it all means and how it will affect certain things like our water. Sarah joins me to share the pros or cons. Next, gun violence can lead to tragic consequences. Bennie Cobb is a former deputy sheriff and gun safety expert. He tells us about an upcoming event that you might be interested in knowing more about. Geoff Calkins is an award winning sports columnist and radio host, in other words a man with opinions. He joins me to talk about what’s on his mind including paying now college players and his memories of the late Jerry West. That and more on air and online Monday 6-7 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 West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon. We get the chance to catch up a bit on what he is doing as the city continues to grow along with some of the challenges he is facing. Next, the MSCS now has a new Superintendent, Dr. Marie Feagins and as she prepares for a new school year, the school board prepares for reelection and how to deal with teacher shortages and other challenges. Board member Mauricio Calvo joins me to talk about the path forward and his priorities for our young people. Lastly, for many, food insecurity especially access to fruits and vegetables is not always readily available. Black Seeds Urban Farms is a local food movement that has its roots in a desire to grow organic, non-toxic, nutritious foods for Memphians who have little or no access to sustainable foods. Founders, Bobby & Derravia Rich join me to share how important it is to ‘plant the seed’ to get the right results. That and more both 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 Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green. With budget season in full swing, the city is trying to figure out how to fill a $50 million dollar plus budget shortfall without putting a proposed 75 cent property tax increase on taxpayers. She has an idea and will share it with us. Next, we are all aware of some of the issues the Memphis Police Department is dealing with these days with morale and hiring being high on the list.
Memphis Police Association Vice President John Covington joins me to talk about that and the lawsuit they filled about a recent issue concerning the promotion process of 2nd Lt. positions. Finally, we have seen many of our young people committing various crimes across the city which has been a cause for concern as to why. We speak with an organization that is dedicated to the discovering the root causes of mental illness and how it can change behaviors with Dr. Shaneika Smith and Kache Brooks.
That and more both on air and online Monday, 6-7 pm central on WYXR 91.7 FM, WYXR. org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes
My guests include Marilyn Rucker, Dementia and Alzheimer's advocate. She knows first hand just how difficult dealing with this disease really is. She along with a fellow expert Lynn Doyle will host a free seminar for the public Thursday nite to answer all your questions and provide available resources. Next, this is a challenging time of year for our city and county elected officials as they are trying to balance budgets for the new fiscal year. Commissioner Mickell Lowery joins me to discuss the challenging process and other issues before them at this time. Finally, m any of us don't understand the legislative process as pertains to state government. One lawmaker is out to change that. State House Representative Leader Karen Camper is hosting an event bringing the State to the City June 8th. She explains what it's about, services provided and how it will benefit the citizens. That and more both on air and online Monday, 6-7 pm on W_YXR 91.7 FM, the WYXR app, the TuneIn app, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
it's time to talk!