Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

Episode Notes
We are back with another great show! My guests include Leshundra Robinson from the National Kidney Foundation. March is National Kidney Month and the time to spread awareness about a disease that affects nearly 40 million adults. She tells us about what we can do to help others thru transplant donation. Next, have you ever heard of immersive art? It’s part of a new exhibit experience called “Baron Von Opperbean and the River of Time” and is taking shape inside the river museum on Mud Island. Exhibit CEO Jee Vahn Knight joins me to talk about this one of a kind adventure and says, “So if you’ve ever wanted to jump inside your favorite movie and have an open world exploration from the inside out… that’s what we’re building here.” Finally, our city is proud to claim an HBCU of its very own. LeMoyne-Owen College continues to stand proudly in South Memphis and is doing some great things. College President Dr. Christopher B. Davis joins me to talk about a busy time including the annual Gala and a few more surprises. This and more Monday, 6 pm 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
In honor of Women's History Month, I speak to one of the best people I know. Memphis businesswoman Beverly Robertson. We discuss her amazing career as mentor and trailblazer. Monday nite, 6pm on 91.7 FM WYXR and Facebook Live!

Episode Notes
Guests include Rev. Dr Earle Fisher. On the eve of a very important and consequential election for our county, I ask him about that and his thoughts on the Memphis Safe Task Force, positive or negative. Next, our city made the news again, this time by a couple of NBA players regarding their past stays in our hotels...let’s just say it wasn’t a glowing report. Carol Silkes, hospitality expert joins me to discuss. Finally, radio broadcasting has grown by leaps and bounds and one of the biggest areas is the podcast. There are literally thousands and radio media expert Ena Esco explains the why and about her latest project as the program director of a new communications center at her Alma mater Lemoyne Owen College. That and more Monday, 6pm on 91.7 FM 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 Dr. Joseph B. Kyles, President of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Memphis. With the recent passing of Civil Rights icon Rev. Jessie Jackson, I wanted to speak to someone who knew him well and can reflect on his life and legacy. Next, the health of our community is always important so I thought it was time for an update. Dr. Bruce Randolph is the Interim Director of the Shelby County Health Department and he stops by to give us an update on what things to look out for and how we’re doing as a community. Last but not least, Stacy Lattisaw Jackson was a teen R\&B singer and star in the 80’s and 90’s. Some of her biggest hits include ‘Let Me Be Your Angel’, Love on a Two-Way Street, Miracles and a number 1 R\&B hit with Johnny Gill called ‘Where Do We Go From Here’ in 1989. In addition, she was the opening act on the Jackson’s Triumph Tour in 1981. I find out what the experience was like, why she retired so early and if there is a comeback in her future. That and more both on air and online Monday 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
Let's keep it going with another great show coming your way as I celebrate Black History Month with you. Don't miss it Monday nite, 6pm on 91.7 FM WYXR

Episode Notes
How fitting that we celebrate Black History Month with a guest who has a new book out that tells the story of the Civil Rights Movement from a man who was one of the architects of it, Reverend James Lawson Jr. He along with journalist and author Emily Yellin co-authored Nonviolent: A memoir of Resistance, Agitation, and Love. It speaks of his role in shaping nonviolent action during the sanitation workers strike in 1968. She explains why this such an important piece. My next guest knows directly about second chances. Stacy Hobson is a living kidney transplant recipient who understands the importance of donor and tissue donation. She tells me how we can all provide a future to someone made possible by one decision. Next, the focus and success of our children has been and continues to be a priority of Brian Harris who is the Director, Office of Youth Services for the city of Memphis as well as Special Assistant to the Mayor. He speaks to me about the road to success and some of the key programs his office sponsors including the MPLOY Youth Summer Experience jobs program taking registrations now. That and more, Monday, 6 pm on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes
My first guest is someone many of you may have heard of. The name Valerie Calhoun is a very familiar one to Memphis and the Mid South. As the long time morning news Co-anchor at FOX13 along with Ernie Freeman, she wakes us up daily with the latest news and information. She and I both broke in this market in the mid 90’s as part of the first morning team of Good Morning Memphis and now, after many years it’s the long awaited reunion! Next, we are all familiar with the amazing non profit organization called MIFA (Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association). They have supported the independence of vulnerable seniors and families in crisis. Sally Jones Heinz joined the organization in 2007 and became President and CEO in 2011 as the 6th person to hold the position. She recently announced her retirement and she joins me to share her time and experience after nearly 20 years. Lastly, Colin Burress began his career with the Memphis Fire Department in 1998. 28-years later after rising through the ranks, he was recently appointed Fire Chief of the City of Memphis Division of Fire Services. He joins me to talk about his journey and why giving back is in his DNA. That and more Monday, 6pm on 91.7 FM 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 the honorable Memphis Mayor Paul Young who will be joining me live in studio. He is about to enter his third year in office and it’s time to look back at what was, and what challenges lie ahead for 2026. Next, the State Legislative session begins in another week and they have an ambitious agenda. I speak with Representative GA Hardaway who joins me to give us a preview of what the agenda looks like including the National Guard presence and a possible takeover of the MSCS school district. Finally, as this new year year begins many of us are leaning on God in prayer for a better future. Rev. Dr. Reginald Boyce, Sr. Pastor of Riverside MB Church drops in to share his 5 things we’re leaving behind in 2025 to release and restart. That and more both on air and online Monday, 6pm on 91.7 WYXR FM. Also, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
It’s time to Talk Memphis!

Episode Notes
My guests include MSCS Board Chairman Natalie McKinney who will breakdown a challenging year to be sure along with a pending lawsuit and possible school closures. Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell makes a return visit after a long absence. Speaking of challenges, this commission had had more than its share; from voting to move the school board under the county election cycle next year cutting some terms in half, to the challenge of trying to fund a new jail not to mention budgetary issues which include the cost of the Memphis Safe Task Force. He gives me his take as we prepare to tackle even more in 2026. Finally, a man who has a reputation for never pulling punches and telling it as he sees it. Columnist, commentator and author Otis Sanford makes a special appearance and gives me his highs and lows of 2025. That and more both on air and online Monday, 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 Ben and Jessica Owen, founders of We Fight Monsters. This organization provides trauma informed care and shelter while helping those in need of help transform their lives from darkness to light just like they were both able to do. Speaking of transforming lives, the Heal the Hood Foundation of Memphis is dedicated to empowering youth through arts and media. Their founder and CEO LaDell Beamon joins me to talk about maintaining their focus in the new year by offering programs to inspire change and resilience in Memphis. Lastly, where do our future leaders come from and how do we help them get there? Kesha Ivy, Chief Academic Officer from Junior Achievement of Memphis tells me how they are getting our children world ready by pushing them through hard work and effort to provide all the tools they need to become successful leaders of tomorrow.
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!