Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

Episode Notes
Guests include newly elected County Commissioner's Erika Sugarmon and Charlie Caswell from District's 6 and 12 respectively. As first time members, they will tell us why they ran and the particular issues moving forward that are most important to them. Next, the issue of equal opportunity bid contracts for minority and women owned businesses had been put aside for a while but is now back at the forefront. Shep Wilbun, Equal Opportunity Compliance administrator and Commissioner Van Jones join me to discuss a new minority business program in county government that will be more labor intensive to make sure contractors getting a share of county contracts are hiring and paying minority and women-owned subcontractors on time. Also, the MWBE efforts to equal the bid contracts for minority companies. That and more on an enlightened RTM. On air and online Monday, 6-7pm central, 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 Dr. Steve Threlkeld, infectious disease doctor in the Baptist medical group. With school back in session, it's time for a medical checkup. His thoughts on Omicron, Monkeypox, vaccines and what comes next. Rev. Dr. LaSimba Gray is among other things a historian and the man behind the Ida B. Wells memorial. He will give us a history lesson on her life and it's significance to Memphis. Next, it's time to work up an appetite as we celebrate Chris and Regina Moore owners of Chef Flavas. They recently signed a distribution deal with Walmart for their wildly popular Spinach Artichoke dip. They share details and how it felt to have a former President and his wife as a customer. All that and more on the next RTM on air and online. Monday, 6-7pm, WYXR 91.7 FM, WYXR.org, TuneIn, YouTube, Facebook Live and wherever you get your podcasts!

Episode Notes
Guests include Pat Mitchell- Worley, the new President and CEO of Stax Soulsville Foundation. The former head of the Stax Music Academy shares her vision as she now leads the entire operation into the future while sharing their musical legacy. TN Southwest Community College recently announced a new academic program that will literally take students up, up and away to one day take flight. Dr. Kendricks Hooker shares details about a new 2-year Aviation course which is the first offered in the state. MICAH is the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope. Their goal is to is to give a more powerful voice for issues of justice in our city. Their Executive Director and Lead organizer Ayanna Watkins joins me to talk more about their mission and how collectively we can all help to create positive needed change. It's worth an hour of your time Monday, 6-7pm both on air and online. WYXR 91.7 FM, WYXR.org, TuneIn, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode Notes
The community is still both reeling and grieving over the tragic and totally senseless death of Rev. Dr. Autura Eason-Williams who was carjacked and shot to death in front of her Whitehaven home last week. Records show the suspect is a 15-year old male. This show is dedicated to her memory as we speak about her life and legacy with two men who knew her very well. Pastor James Kirkwood and Pastor Dr. Martin McCain. Both community activists and both committed to making sure there is a new call to action against tragic acts like this. Later, we will also speak with weather expert and memphisweather.net founder Erik Proseus. We are all seeing record breaking hot temps daily and he joins us to break it all down and some important tips to keep you and your family safe. That and more on RTM Monday both on air and online. 6-7pm central time on 91.7 WYXR, WYXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts!It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes
Guests include Sen. Raumesh Akbari. She will discuss a host of issues during this last legislative session including the passage of the Crown act which she  sponsored. What is it and what does it mean? She explains. With this extreme heat many of us are trying to find ways to keep cool and getting into a pool is a popular choice. Unfortunately, every year we lose someone to drowning. We speak to Aquatics Manager Scott O'Reilly from the Bartlett Rec Center about water safety whether it's a pool, beach or a lake. That and more on air and online. Monday, 6-7pm central, 91.7 WYXR, the YXR app, TuneIn, Facebook Live or wherever you get your podcasts!

Episode Notes
My guests include Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner. Among the topics we will discuss is the recently passed Truth in Sentencing law which states anyone convicted of a crime will have to serve all their time. We will also talk about the rise in crime and what keeps him up at night. Property Assessor Melvin Burgess drops by to share his concerns about the housing situation, why its more difficult to buy or find affordable housing, what’s the cause and can anything be done about it. Next, we are all troubled about the high cost of everything…gas, rising food prices, inflation and how it affects our wallets. The Mid-South Food Bank is also facing its own set of challenges in trying to feed so many who desperately need the help. President and CEO Cathy Pope returns to the show to explain how they balance that need and what we can do to assist them. All that and more Monday, 6-7 pm central. WYXR 91.7 FM, the YXR app, the Tunein app, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts!

Episode Notes
My guests include Jerri Green, Policy Advisor and Assistant County Attorney. She will tell us about the Shelby County Commission recently passing the Fair Chance to Serve ordinance that gives opportunities to those with criminal records to volunteer on local boards and commissions. She explains what it means and the importance of being part of the process. TVA has been front and center recently involving whether MLGW will stay with them or end their contract to provide electricity and move in another direction. Mark Yates, TVA Regional VP, Western Region stops by to discuss this very controversial and at times, contentious issue. Finally, let’s hit the stage and turn up the lights. Writer/Director Dennis Claxton joins me to talk about his latest project, a play entitled ‘Sisterly’ that is coming to the Cannon Center next month. All that and Birthday shout outs Monday, on air and online. 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 Roshun Austin, President/CEO, The Works, Inc. They rebuild, restore and renew Memphis neighborhoods. She has been described as a dynamic force for change. She will tell us about recent projects and what plans she is developing. The heat is all anyone is talking about but it's a dangerous situation. Dr. Ben Bowman, Medical director Emergency Dept. at Methodist Germantown joins me to discuss how to deal with it, how it can adversely affect you and how hydration is your best defense. Finally, I'm going to introduce you to a health clinic in Horn Lake, MS that provides care and services and what you pay is not an issue. Irene Wilson is the director of Trinity Health Center and she will explain how God guides what they do to help others. That and more Monday on air and online. 6-7 pm WYXR 91.7 FM, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and you get your podcasts!

Episode Notes
Guests include a man who has and continues to wake us up every morning for the last three decades on the radio airways. Ron Olson is a very familiar voice and personality to anyone who calls Memphis home already knows. From K-97 to FM-100 and now 104.5 WRVR, he along with his sidekick Karen Perrin keep us entertained from 6-10 am daily. The legend joins me to discuss his career, his art and his path to the TN Radio Hall of Fame. Next, we all know how vital and important MATA is to so many in our community. Chief of Staff, Bacarra Mauldin will tell me about where things are these headed these days, new routes, additional funding and about the latest news you can use. Now that summer has finally arrived, (just ask the temperatures) our thoughts turn to some cool and tasty treats. Kiamesha Wilson is the owner of Kaye’s Pints and Scoops in Whitehaven. She gives me the ‘scoop’ on how her business dream first came about, what's now and what you all can expect moving forward. It’s a flavor-filled RTM both on air and online.  Monday, 6-7pm central time on WYXR 91.7 FM, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts!

Episode Notes
Guests include Justin Johnson, Regional Dir., TN Suicide Prevention Network. He joins me for an honest and frank discussion about mental illness and how it seems to be affecting so many prompting dramatic tragic actions and suicides. How much do you know about or even heard about the Black Rodeo circuit? To be honest, I don’t know much at all but Marcous Friday, Professional Rodeo announcer drops in to talk about it and its increasing popularity. Finally, with everything going on out here and none of it very good, Otis Sanford, columnist, commentator, professor and author will share his viewpoint on the upcoming elections, a referendum regarding increasing term limits, the recent mass shootings and more. Please join me for RTM both on air and online. It’s  Memorial Monday, 6-7 pm central, WYXR 91.7 FM, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!Its time to talk!