Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

Episode Notes
My guests this week include Memphis Crime Beat Executive Director Leslie Taylor. We all know that many of the individuals that have been arrested are not first time visitors or offenders. She tells me just how big a problem the issue of recidivism is in Memphis and you might be surprised at the numbers. Next, the Youth, Justice and Education Center has a new leader as custody of juveniles is now in under the control of Shelby County Government and the Corrections Center. Reese Walker was recently named as Interim Executive Director of the center, and tells me about how emphasizing and encouraging them thru support and training can make a positive difference. Finally, as we get closer to the holidays, emotions can often times get the best of us allowing deep depression to set in. Therapist and counselor Alicia Denton joins me to share tips on how to cope thru a difficult period for so many people. That and more both on air and on line 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
We begin the year end countdown with my guests; Shelby County Commissioner Britney Thornton. From the Memphis Safe Task Force, to the funding of a new jail detention center and a budget shortfall it’s a busy time. She talks about the challenges coming into 2026. Next, the official holiday season is here and that means shopping in the stores and online. Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Calvin Grantham joins me to talk holiday shopping safety tips and how to keep yourself and others from becoming an easy target. Lastly, this time of year can be very difficult emotionally as we think about those who are no longer present physically but always in our hearts. Mental Health Counselor and author of, Under the Purple Clouds Alicia Denton joins me to talk about how we can cope with grief through this holiday season and how to overcome. That and more, Monday, 6 pm 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
My guests include Shelby County DA Steve Mulroy, who at present is juggling many more responsibilities these days. The Safe Task Force record number of arrests are straining court resources leaving him scrambling and looking for options. He joins me live to lay it all out. State Representative Gabby Salinas was one of the plaintiffs along with Mayor Lee Harris and other officials who sought an injunction against the Governor for the National Guard deployment. They won temporarily and now the state has appealed. She tells me what they expect. Next, the weather's changing and illnesses are on the rise. Shelby County Interim Health Director Dr. Bruce Randolph joins me to discuss that and other health disparities. That and more both on air and online Monday, 6 pm on 91.7 WYXR. Also on the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts!
It's time to talk.

Episode Notes
A public community affairs show that speaks to and addresses current issues that affect our lives.

Episode Notes
My guests include MS State Senator Elect Theresa G. Isom. The former healthcare administrator was elected representing the 2nd District which includes parts of DeSoto and Tunica counties. The result of a special election becoming the first African American and female to represent DeSoto County. She tells me how she did it and finally broke the long-standing white majority. Dana Brooks is the Executive Director of the Shelby County Community Agency. They help people with rent and utility assistance with federal dollars but that has suddenly become more difficult and challenging with a new online system people must use while the government shutdown freezes funding. She explains how they must now help people to navigate a complicated system. Finally, for most of us getting the latest information regarding our everyday lives comes from our local TV news stations. Joy Redmond is the evening news anchor at WMC TV 5 and can be seen on the 5, 6 and 10 pm newscasts. I get a chance to visit with her for the first time to find out why she chose this field as a career, what goes into building the community trust and how she brings her own ‘Joy’ to every broadcast. That and more on air and online 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 guests include Scott Fortin, President and CEO of the Mid-South Food Bank. This has been a pretty stressful time to be sure, with the government shutdown putting federal employees out of work and food programs like SNAP being effectively shut down. With thousands being affected and inventory low, he tells me how they will continue to operate in spite of great challenges. In times of uncertainty, people of the mid-south don’t ask what the problem is, but how to solve it. Many people rely on area food pantries and recently at Advent Presbyterian Church, a rise in food insecurity brought on by SNAP benefits caused a traffic overload. Rich Lando coordinates the church’s efforts and says it’s another example of sharing God’s love. Finally, Gloria Browne-Marshall is an Emmy Award winning author, law professor and playwright. She has written a new book dealing with the history of protest movements, called A Protest History of the United States. She joins me to talk about the 500 year journey of protests highlighting the individuals and moments that have shaped our country. That and more on air and online Monday, 6 pm on 91.7 WYXR. Also, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, and wherever you get your podcasts.
It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes
My guests include MICAH Memphis President Rev. Keith Caldwell. In the midst of what is happening in our city on a few fronts, he has been pretty busy of late. From the Federal intervention and the fear and uncertainty for many as it continues, to the refusal of the Mayor to sign a memorandum of understanding with unions, he shares his thoughts on a busy time. Next, the government shutdown is starting to have a real effect on federal workers and programs like SNAP and other vital programs people depend on to feed their families that are in real jeopardy. TN State Representative and Democratic Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons joins me to express his concerns and what the Governor should do to help, not harm thousands who would be affected. Now that the weather is changing and turning cooler, illnesses are beginning to crop up. It’s time for a medical update from Infectious disease specialist Dr. Steve Threlkeld to tell us what to watch out for. 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 the first appearance of Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris. He was one of the first public officials to speak out regarding the Memphis Safe Task Force in his opposition against it. Three weeks later, we have seen over 1000 arrests, thousands of tickets written, 200 ICE arrests and many unanswered questions. He joins me live to discuss his concerns. Another concern is the number arrests by 20 plus agencies and the THP as to where to put the individuals being charged. Josh Spickler, Executive Director of Just City is also wondering the same thing as the jail population goes above its limit. He returns to share his thoughts on the additional strain this will put on an already over burdened court system. Finally, In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month I speak with Stephanie Yarbrough, a survivor with a story of support and encouragement to share in hopes of saving lives. That and more, 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 County Commissioner Erika Sugarmon. First, they vote to change the election cycle of the school board only to have the Mayor veto it. Will there be an override? Also, the state Comptroller has not approved the Shelby County budget so what could that mean? I ask and she responds. Natalie McKinney was elected to the school board in 2024 to a four year term. That was recently changed by the Shelby County Commission to a reelection in 2026 only to be vetoed by Mayor Harris. She was also recently elected by her peers to be the next board chair. She tells me what the priorities will be moving forward. State Representative Torrey Harris drops in to share his thoughts on the Federal incursion into our city, if it was necessary and what he has heard about the reaction from residents. That and more both on air and online 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
Guests include Maria Oceja and Hunter Dempster from the watchdog group Vecindarios 901. The Memphis Safe Task Force is here to watch us, but who is watching them? They join me to share what they have seen and discovered so far. Next, we have seen several pieces of information as to how people should respond if or when stopped. K. Durrell Cowan, founder and Executive director of Heal 901 adds to the conversation as to what our young people need to know and how to act accordingly. Finally, MSCS has launched a new, mandatory one-day gun safety course for all students to comply with a new Tennessee law, which focuses on the four safety rules: Stop, Don't Touch, Leave the area and tell an adult. Dr. Rahmod Traylor from MSCS explains why this is so important and could save lives. This and more on air and online 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!