Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

Episode Notes
My guests include Amy Kalb and Kache Brooks who will share information and details about a County program that deals directly with both youth and families hopefully keeping them from making dangerous choices. There is also a new mental health component included that meets young people where they are. Brian Harris will proudly tell anyone who asks that he IS Memphis. A community leader drops by to talk about the new plans for this year’s Thanksgiving holiday for so many of those in need and how the community can help. County Commissioner Charlie Caswell is a man who has always put the community first. Crime affects all of us, but for him it hit very close to home when his daughter got caught in the middle of a terrifying act one night recently while driving home. He shares the details. That and more both on air and online Monday nite, 6-7 pm central on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also available on WYXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes
My guests include Carol Jackson, Executive Director of Families Matter. This organization is intentional as they dedicate themselves to the betterment of children while caring for and instructing parents in understanding their God given role within the family. She tells me about their latest initiative. The Chris Hope Foundation is a nonprofit organization providing financial and social support services to families in their child’s fight against life-threatening illnesses. Chris Hope tells us why this is his mission and about expanding their network of partnerships. Wendi C. Thomas is a long time columnist for the Commercial Appeal who is the founder, Editor and Publisher of MLK50; Justice Through Journalism since 2017 as a one-year project that grew into a nonprofit newsroom that focuses on poverty, power and public policy in Memphis. The multi award winning writer shares her motivation for the newsroom and what their focus is moving forward. That and more on air and online Monday, 6-7pm on WYXR 91.7 FM, YXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode Notes
Guests include Dr. Derek Kelly, Pediatric Orthopedic surgeon for Campbell Clinic and LeBonheur Children's hospital. Kym Clark is a long time and very popular news anchor for WMC TV Action News 5. My former colleague joins me to discuss her legendary career which spans almost three decades and how the business has changed. Finally, we profile one of our best kept secrets in the academic world, but is also achieving great success. Tiffani Perry, Chief of External Affairs joins to tell us about the high achieving Freedom Academy Prep and why they are so good at what they do. That and more on air and online Monday, 6-7pm 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 Kimberly Gaither who, as we honor Breast Cancer Awareness month is a survivor more than once. She was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, (TNBC) which is an aggressive less common type of breast cancer affecting women younger than 40. She shares her story of struggle, courage and survival. We all enjoy a good meal every now and then and culinary excellence takes training. Vintage901 is a nonprofit organization that promotes access to the culinary arts through education, enrichment and community engagement. Stephanie Ferreira, founder and CEO, joins me to talk about a brunch event that will help support students get a scholarship award for pursuing a career in culinary arts. Finally, film making is a talent and an art, one Robert Salone has been involved in for many years. He joins me to share his passion, discuss his latest project why it’s important to give back to aspiring artists. That and more both on air and online Monday, 6pm 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 Mark Russell, Executive editor of the Commercial Appeal newspaper. He shares what it’s like to run a daily paper in digital and in print, and determining what is important to readers. Also, in a changing world, how has the newspaper business changed for today’s audience. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and it is an issue that so many people are still dealing with daily. Ponya Dodson is a survivor and the founder of the nonprofit organization Beauty Beyond the Scars. She says the mission is to provide an opportunity for healing, restoration, emotional resurrection and redemption. Her goal is for others not to be a victim. Lastly, hair loss is something that millions of people face whether from natural loss or a medical condition. Ursula Logan is a hair care professional who is dedicated to helping others through her business by helping people feel whole again. She says it’s both a mission and a calling. That and more both on air and online Monday, 6-7pm 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 District 10 County Commissioner Britney Thornton who is rescheduled from last week. I speak with her about her first year in office, the challenges and the triumphs. Also, what she sees as the road ahead and what other issues she wants to tackle. Brett Batterson is the President and CEO of the Orpheum Theatre Group. While we know of its artistic history, how many of you remember a time in this city when segregation was a factor just going to the movies. In September, the Orpheum unveiled a new immersive educational initiative surrounding civil rights history in Memphis called ‘The Balcony Project’. He drops by to talk about this significant moment and why it was important to do it now. Lastly, life is full of stresses and pressures and for many it can be overwhelming. Joyce Franklin-Smith is a Nonprofit professional who founded an organization called the Helping Hand Asset Relief. It’s a community development relief program established to assist low income, unemployed and the disabled through difficult times. She joins me to share more about this life changing program. That and more both on air and online Monday 6-7 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also available on the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes
My guests include Memphis District 3 City Councilwoman Patrice Robinson. She is winding up her second and final term and as she prepares to leave, I ask her about the high and low points, where the city is at today from her view and about her upcoming new position with TVA and why it’s so important for MLGW customers. LifeLine to Success is an organization that accepts people where they are. Founded by DeAndre Brown and now run by his wife Vinessa, they help people to deal with the problems, confusion and frustration of returning to functioning in a community after prison- to help others. Vinessa joins me to talk about a major grant award that will continue to help them transform lives but also help tackle some of the city’s biggest problems like blight and crime. Finally, helping our youth deal with life’s problems and pressures is a priority these days. Rev. Dr. Reginald Boyce is a pastor, but he is also the founder of Empower901. He joins me to talk about why motivating and empowering at risk youth is so important. That and more on air and online Monday 6-7 pm. Catch it on WYXR 91.7 FM, WYXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes
Guests include Sarah Houston, the Executive director of Protect the Aquifer. Water, as we know is our most precious resource and it is imperative that we do all we can to keep it safe and pure. Sarah gives us the latest update and tells us about the new fellows position. Monique Williams is a woman of many talents including being a restaurant owner. She now adds a new title and role as the first African American Alderwoman in the City of Bartlett, TN. She speaks to me about the new role and how she will handle it moving forward. September is Sickle Cell Awareness month and for many a difficult issue in life. Dr. Childi Zacheaus from Faharri Health is hosting a health fair with the message, if you know better, you do better. All this and more on air and online Monday, 6-7 pm, WYXR 91.7 FM. Also WYXR.org, Tunin, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode Notes
My guests include Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. He has just finished his first year in office and to say it’s been challenging is an understatement. From Eliza Fletcher to Young Dolph to Tyre Nichols just to name a few,  his office has been under the hot glare of the spotlight. He tells me how it’s been and what other new initiatives he’s working on. Next, Katherine Burgess is a government reporter for the Commercial Appeal newspaper and of late has reported quite a bit on the upcoming mayor’s race. She will also be a moderator for the upcoming Mayor’s debate on Sept 14th. She will tell me what the important issues are and who looks to be making up ground with the undecided voters. Next, the theatre is great way to relax and it plays an important role, pardon the pun, in our city. CJ Thomas is the Director of Community Relations for the Playhouse on the Square and he joins me to share the rundown of this seasons best shows and why there is a greater effort to be more inclusive to bring more audiences. That and more both on air and online Monday nite at 6pm. On WYXR 91.7 FM, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts!
It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes
My guests include Johnnie Mosley, Chairman, Citizens for Better Service. Recently, a group of concerned citizens held a community meeting about problems and issues facing the bus riders of MATA. They met with CEO Gary Rosenfeld and Congressman Steve Cohen about issues ranging from delayed to ‘no show’ buses on fixed routes to scheduling issues just to name a few. He tells me if they reached common ground. The NAACP has been fighting the good fight for justice and equality for decades. Recently, the organization selected a long time member to serve as the new President. We meet Kermit Moore and find out what his agenda looks like moving forward. Next, you can say it’s been a long time coming, what are we talking about? On September 2, the long awaited opening of the newly designed Tom Lee Park will officially open to the public. Carol Coletta, President and CEO of Memphis River Parks Partnership will join me to talk about what has been a true labor of love and a major showcase for years to come. It’s a can’t miss RTM both on air and online Monday, 6-7 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
It’s time to talk!