Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

Episode Notes
My guests include MSCS Board member Amber Huett-Garcia. Recently, the County Commission voted to move their election cycle to 2026 with the rest of the county elections. I ask her what she thinks about the move and how it might affect their business moving forward. Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton is a woman who takes the responsibility of her duties very seriously. I ask her thoughts about MATA, and the force Federal effort by the President and Governor Lee coming to Memphis and if she thinks this is necessary or reactionary. Lastly, no matter what you think of the criminal justice system. There are many important upcoming cases on the docket. Attorney Michael Working will join me to share his views on some of them and what we might expect. That and more, on air and online Monday, 6 pm on 91.7 WYXR FM. Also on WYXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts!
It’s time to talk.

Episode Notes
On the next live and all new Real Talk Memphis; One big issue with three differing points of view. Guests include State Senator Raumesh Akbari. With the advent of the state national guard. State troopers and other federal assets, our city will under the microscope. She tells me what she hopes will happen and what the takeaway will be. Luke Cymbal, Vice Chairman, Republican Party of Shelby County joins me to say how their party believes this is a good thing and a way to restore law and order. Finally, the immigrant population will be watching this situation very closely as ICE is expected to increase their efforts. Latino Memphis Executive director Mauricio Calvo drops by to share his thoughts and concerns. That and more on an important conversation Monday, 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, and listen!

Episode Notes
My guests include Leslie Taylor and Ron Walter from Memphis Crime Beat. They are a volunteer watchdog organization who follow various court cases and they are working to reduce crime by bringing transparency and accountability to the justice system. They tell us what's on the radar of late. Next, DA Steve Mulroy makes a return visit. I ask him about several high profile cases with interesting verdicts and how he feels about public opinion in regards to them. Lastly, the future of the MSCS Board still very much seems to be a topic of interest and conversation. Rachael Goodwin Spriggs is a community activist and a very involved observer. She shares her take on how we should best move for the future of our children's education. This 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. A lot of attention has been directed towards the Commission lately regarding what to do about the MSCS Board in terms of changing the election cycle, potentially shortening terms and a potential landing spot for a new jail, we discuss. Speaking of a new jail, Shelby Country Sheriff Floyd Bonner has some things on his mind too regarding that issue and a recently filed lawsuit against Mayor Lee Harris over a $67 million dollar deficit. He says it puts his officers and inmates in jeopardy and keeps him from doing his job effectively. He joins me to explain. Finally, many of us have heard of the Hospitality Hub especially during these hot weather months with the cooling center. Kelcey Johnson is the Executive Director and tells us what their true mission is which is to work to end homelessness in Memphis by connecting individuals with the resources they need. That and more on air and online Monday, 6pm on WYXR. Also, wyxr.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes
My guests include Sarah Carpenter, Executive director, Memphis Lift. They educate and empower parents to advocate for their children. She shares her thoughts on the beginning of this school year, thoughts about the current board and if she agrees with the County Commission. Next, are you aware that you can learn how to fly the friendly skies in college? There is a new course at TN Southwest Community College that takes the first step. Dr. Aaron Jagers oversees the program and explains how it works. Finally, relationships can be complicated at times which can cause stress and frustration among couples. Patrick and Shemika Herrington are the founders of Hiswife Herhusband coaching which helps couples from surviving to thriving from a biblical perspective. That and more Monday nite both on air and online on 91.7 WYXR. Also, WYXR.org, TuneIn, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
It’s time to talk

Episode Notes
My guests include LaTricea Adams, founder and president of Young, Gifted and Green. They are an environmental justice organization that influences policy change through political advocacy, mentorship, and training. We recently heard that 24 MSCS schools were found with excessive amounts of lead in the water. She explains the dangers of lead exposure and what needs to happen to keep students safe. Next, Rise Memphis empowers people to become self-sufficient by building and sustaining human and financial assets. Their executive director Malcom Rawls explains how they do that and why it’s so important. Finally, the City of West Memphis is on the rise in a very big way. I ask their Mayor, Marco McClendon to share the latest projects and how they got one of the biggest travel center franchises in the country! 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 MSCS Board member Michelle McKissack. It has been quite a year from the education perspective and now that another year of school is beginning it’s time to assess and look forward. We talk expectations, County Commission issues, potential state takeover and more. The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis connects the Mid South with nonprofits, individuals and initiatives making an impact and change in our community. Veronica Jamison joins me to talk about Black Philanthropy Month and its support of Black led nonprofits who help to make Memphis strong. Finally, there have been many who are troubled by how the criminal system works in our city and why it seems to be so unequal and even broken. Josh Spickler is the Executive Director of Just City who recently announced a $50,000 community bail fund effort that will help non violent offenders to keep from spending so long behind bars thus giving those an opportunity to reclaim their lives in a clogged and overcrowded system. That and more Monday, 6 pm on 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 State Representative Torrey Harris. One of the biggest issues in our community is the drama surrounding the MSCS Board members and the County Commission regarding a possible shortened term and term limits. He was one of state sponsors of the proposal and will tell me why he thinks it’s a good move. Next, Cardell Orrin is the Executive Director of Stand For Children, a non profit advocacy organization designed to create policy change to help our children. He joins me to share his hopes and agenda as we prepare to begin another school year. Finally, speaking of the new school year, Porter Leath has announced it’s taking over the reins of Shelby County’s Head Start services. MSCS will no longer hold the $30 million federal contract. Preschool Director of Porter Leath, Towanda Peete Smith joins me to discuss what the change will mean in terms of additional students, services and staff. That and more on air and online Monday, 6 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, the WYXR app, the Tunein app, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes
My guests include the Honorable Mayor Jaylen Smith of Earle, Arkansas. He was elected in 2022 at the age of 18 making him the youngest elected official in the country. I ask him how he’s grown along with the city and if he has any future political aspirations. Next, if you are of a certain age and were born and raised in the south you were familiar with Jim Crow laws that enforced racial segregation. Raka Nandi, Director of Exhibits & Collections at MoSH joins me to talk about their newest exhibit, Overcoming Hateful Things and why it’s important to remember history and teach it to the next generation. Finally, last week, the city of Memphis held a special ceremony to salute and honor the work of area nonprofits with $6.5 million dollars in grant awards. One of those organizations is Hope House Memphis who received $1.3 million dollars. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families affected by HIV and poverty. Melissa Farrar, COO, joins me to share what this will mean as they continue to build on their efforts in a greater way. 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 Glen Thomas, Public Information Officer for the Memphis Airport Authority. He tells me about all the changes happening at the airport including recent construction projects and the newest routes. Next, while we love our Grizzlies, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the NBA champions. Matt Pinto is their radio voice not to mention my life long friend. He joins me to discuss their season, if they can repeat, and the NBA evolution as a 30 year broadcast veteran. Finally, we all like to eat but someone has to cook it. Caterer Chef Wykey joins me to talk about her new special project created for youth that can cook, color and learn. 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!