Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

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!

Episode Notes
My guests include Dr. Dale Criner, Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital Chief Medical Officer. Intense heat and humidity are something all of us in the mid south are accustomed to but it’s dangerous. Dr. Criner tells us it’s nothing to play with and taking proper precautions could save your life. Next, the Chamber of Commerce is the public face of any city or community. The Millington Area Chamber of Commerce is led by Chris Thomas who works hard with business members and community partners to make Millington one of the best places to work and live. He joins me to share why it’s a special place. That and more on air and online Monday, 6 pm 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 Memphis NAACP Chapter President Kermit Moore. Last week, a lawsuit was filed by the Southern Environmental Law Center, on behalf of the NAACP to xAI signaling their intent to sue over the company’s continued use of unpermitted gas turbines at its data center in South Memphis. He explains why this issue has become so important to our community.
Next, the Immigration issue continues to be front and center across this country as fears continue to mount for so many. Immigration attorney Lily Axelrod joins to give us the latest updates and why this population of people should stay vigilant.
Agape Child & Family Services’ Becoming ONE program is set to provide married couples, single individuals and fathers with relationship-building tools through three upcoming free workshops this week.
This program provides training through workshops, couple support. Jim Harbin, Jr. is the program coordinator will explain why this might be something you may not want to miss.
That and more on air and online Monday, 6 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, the WYXR app, Tunein, YouTube and Facebook Live.
It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes
Guests include Sarah Houston, the Executive director of Protect Our Aquifer 'aka' the water warrior. She has an update on the xAI issue and some community meetings and toxic tours you need to know about. Next, 201 Poplar and the Shelby County Jail have been prominent headlines of late, and the discussion of the need for a new jail and a possible future change of location are front and center. Sheriff Floyd Bonner joins me to share his thoughts. Lastly, our City Council recently signed off on the new budget for the fiscal year, but with a couple of noticeable changes. Councilwoman Pearl Walker returns to RTM to lay out her community priorities moving forward. That and more on air and online Monday, 6 pm 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 this week include a piece of history as the Mayor Elect of Horn Lake MS, Jimmy Stokes joins me for a conversation. The historic part, is that he is the first Black to hold that position in their history. He shares why he believes he won and his plans to move the city forward. Next, we all remember the statement made by the FBI DIrector recently that said Memphis is the homicide capital of America. Rev. Dr. Earle Fisher returns to share his thoughts on that, sending a task force and what the DOJ consent decree investigation ending means for the accountability of law enforcement in our city. Finally, we have all heard of Yoga and the benefits it can provide. Shawandra Ford is the founder of Brwnskn Yoga and she says that wellness is a public safety issue. She explains what that means and how teaching people to regulate stress and heal from trauma could reduce crime and uplift communities for a better Memphis. That and more on air and online Monday, 6 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, WYXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live. YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts!

Episode Notes
My guests include Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green. To say there are a lot of issues and items on the city council agenda including balancing the budget, pay raises and how to fund MATA not to mention crime rates and citizen safety. She joins me with an update. Alex Hensley is a political, policy and advocacy expert. Recently, she was very outspoken in reference to the MPD and police accountability since the DOJ ended the Consent Decree agreement. If there have been changes to how the department deals with citizens, she wants to hear about it. Alex explains in her first visit to the show. Finally, our hometown pride was on full display when the Central High School Jazz band recently beat out other groups gathered from around the world at the Ellington High School Jazz Festival in New York City. Dr. Ollie Liddell is the band director and he joins me as we all share this amazing accomplishment. That and more on air and online Monday, 6 pm on 91.7 WYXR 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 MSCS board member Tamarques Porter. A lot has happened the last few months and as we put the wrap on another school year, I ask him how challenging it’s been and what he hopes to see moving forward. Next, speaking of challenges, crime continues to a major concern in the city and for the law enforcement community. Memphis Police Association VP John Covington joins me to discuss manpower issues and where morale is within the department as a whole. Finally, the story of a man who contracted COVID, was hospitalized for over 40 days on a respirator and ventilator and was very close to death. Rev. Dr. Chuck Lester has an inspirational story to share and a new book detailing his amazing story that he simply calls, A Real Time Miracle. 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 Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. We discuss the state case of the three former officers who were accused along with two more of killing Trye Nichols. Charged with 21 counts and found not guilty on all counts. The city is reeling and he shares his thoughts. Eric Barnes is the CEO of the Daily Memphian and host of Behind The Headlines. We discuss the trial and the responsibility as a news source to stay relevant on various issues while earning the public trust. Finally, Leadership Memphis is a non-profit, community leadership development organization. Its mission is to prepare and mobilize leaders to work together. President and CEO Dr. Bobby White heads both this group and Volunteer Memphis. He tells us why the organization is so vital to our city's future. That and more on air and online Monday @ 6 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, TuneIn, Facebook Live and YouTube.
It's time to talk!

Episode Notes
My guest include Anasa Troutman, Executive Director, Clayborn Temple Restoration. We all know about the fire that destroyed the iconic structure that served as a living, Breathing symbol of the Civil Rights movement, a meeting place for Dr. King and the sanitation workers. She talks about its history and if any part of it can be saved. Violence and the path many of our young folks are taking is the wrong path. Durell Cowan is the founder and Executive Director of Heal 901. The non profit’s goal is to cultivate the minds of young leaders while eradicating violence. I ask him how we can all as a city do more to help our next generation break the cycle of trauma for a more positive future. State Representative Torrey Harris just completed the 2025 Legislative Session. I ask him how it went ( or didn’t)and whether anything that happened was beneficial to Memphis and Shelby County. That and more on air and online Monday, 6 pm on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live and wherever you get your podcasts.
It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes
My guests include Education leader Dr. Marie Feagins. She joins me to discuss an upcoming event she is participating in this week called Take A Seat where she will discuss leading in high-stakes roles and preparing the next leaders to carry the mantle. Next, MSCS Board member Michelle McKissack returns to discuss the pause in the proposed state takeover, and the possibility of the County Commission changing the election rules to put the board on the same election cycle as the rest of the County next year. State Representative Torrey Harris joins me to discuss the just ended legislative session, and how if any decisions made affected Shelby County in a positive or negative way. That and more both on air and online Monday nite, 6 pm on 91.7 WYXR. Also, WYXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
It’s time to talk!