Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington is where the city’s most important conversations come to life. Each week, Chip sits down with the people shaping Memphis — community leaders, newsmakers, innovators, activists, and everyday citizens with extraordinary stories. Real stories. Real issues. Real Talk. Join the conversation and stay connected to the pulse of Memphis.

Real talk, real Memphis!

Episodes

Feb 3, 2025

57 min

Episode Notes
My guests include County Commissioner Mick Wright. He was one of many who disagreed with the MSCS school board in terminating Dr. Marie Feagins. He and a number of his fellow colleagues backed a resolution of no confidence in the board prior to the vote and now the stage is set for a state takeover. I ask him whether he is for or against the move. Next, the President has made it his mission to remove undocumented immigrants from this country for criminal behavior, but does it stop there? Andrew Rankin, ESQ is a local Immigration Atty who is working with many in the Mid South who are very concerned about their future and what might happen to themselves and their families. He explains the options. Lastly, are you familiar with the expression Mane Up? I speak with Racheal Shantal, Executive director of Mane UP Memphis. It’s a non-profit organization that helps empower youth and families through mental health services and financial literacy programs. She tells me why programs like this are so vitally important for the future of our community. That and more 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.

Feb 3, 2025

57 min

Jan 27, 2025

56 min

Episode Notes
My guests include MSCS Board members Michelle McKissack and Amber Huett-Garcia in an exclusive interview to discuss the termination of Dr. Marie Feagins. They were the two members who fought against this move saying it was an overreaction and that other options should have been considered. K Durell Cowan is the executive director, founder of Heal 901 and an advocate for our young people. He was a vocal community member at the school board meetings and expressed his displeasure as did many in the audience who were seemingly ignored in the process. He tells me why this was such a bad idea. Next, President Trump is fulfilling his promise to deport illegal immigrants. Mauricio Calvo, executive director of Latino Memphis joins me to talk about the fear many have about the uncertainty of their status and future. 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.
it's time to talk!

Jan 27, 2025

56 min

Jan 20, 2025

59 min

Episode Notes
My guests include State Representative GA Hardaway who will tell me what he is planning legislatively in Nashville in light of the move by the MSCS Board to remove Dr. Feagins. He’s looking to create a recall election option for citizens. Memphis City Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper Sutton is someone who always puts the citizens first. She gives me a legislative update on city business and her take on MATA, the school board issue and the loss of the COGIC Convocation. Finally, domestic violence is a big problem here in our city and several organizations are working together in partnership with a new initiative to help victims and put offenders behind bars. MPD Investigative counsel Forrest Edwards joins me to talk about this important effort.
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!

Jan 20, 2025

59 min

Jan 13, 2025

57 min

Episode Notes
My guests include prominent employment attorney Alan Crone who is representing Dr. Marie Feagins in her case against being terminated by the MSCS board. He explains why he feels the case against her is not supported by fact. Next, MSCS Board Member Amber Huett-Garcia joins me to discuss the termination effort by some of her colleagues against the Superintendent. She disagrees with that and tells me about a proposal she has drafted that she hopes will turn down the temperature on both sides. Finally, many of you have noticed that several restaurants closed last year disappointing many patrons. Memphis Restaurant Association member Arturo Azcarate, owner of Curry N Jerk joins me to talk about the reasons and to tell us about some of the new spots we can expect to tickle our tastebuds. That and more both on air and online, Monday, 6pm on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, WYXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
It’s time to talk!

Jan 13, 2025

57 min

Jan 6, 2025

53 min

Episode Notes
My guests include TN. State Representative Harold Love Jr. joins me to discuss his alma mater Tennessee State University who is at the center of many conversations mostly centered around its financial problems. A new board of trustees, new President, layoffs and financial debt. He tells me about his fight for TSU to restore the proud school back to where it should be. Finally, Jerred Price, head of the Downtown Neighborhood Association says it’s time to bring back the energy to Mud Island and its Amphitheatre. He tells me what he has in mind and that the magic could be in the music. That and more both on air and online, Monday, 6pm on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, WYXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
It’s time to talk!

Jan 6, 2025

53 min

Dec 23, 2024

58 min

Episode Notes
My guests include Shelby County School Board member Michelle McKissack who will give her only interview since the contentious meeting to remove the Superintendent. Leslie Taylor, Executive Director, Memphis Crime Beat talks the legal process and columnist, commentator and author Otis Sanford who will breakdown the highs and lows of 2024. That and more, live and local, 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!

Dec 23, 2024

58 min

Nov 25, 2024

56 min

Episode Notes
My guests include Shelby County District Atty Steve Mulroy. The criminal justice system has been in the spotlight of late. Recently, after arrests had been made in a couple of notable cases, the suspects were released after bond was set on their own recognizance. He tells me why this sets back efforts on public safety. Next, Laurie Powell, CEO of Alliance Healthcare joins me to talk about the rising number of individuals who are dealing with mental health issues and how a new facility in Binghamton can get them the help they need. Speaking of help, the Division of Re-Entry was recently awarded a nearly $1 million dollar grant award to help with housing for people recently released from prison. The money will support Shelby County’s Returning Neighbors Program to create a task force to address barriers to post-release housing. Executive director DeAndre Brown drops by to tell us more. All that both on air and online Monday nite, 6 pm, WYXR 91.7 FM. Also available on the WYXR.org, TuneIn, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
It's time to talk!

Nov 25, 2024

56 min

Nov 18, 2024

58 min

Episode Notes
Chris Conlee is the Co-founder and Sr. Pastor of One City Church. In a country that seems more divided than together, healing is the word that comes to mind. He tells me about creating the Race for Reconciliation and why he thinks our city really needs a revival. Finally, our population is different and diverse but for many from different countries, adapting to a new way and language can be difficult. Devin Schniepp is the executive director of Multinational Memphis. Their mission is to show kindness to limited English speaking families living in Memphis to help them feel excepted, achieve academic success, understand our cultures and to feel the love of God. She explains why this is so gratifying. That and more both 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!

Nov 18, 2024

58 min

Nov 11, 2024

58 min

Episode Notes
My guests include Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green. She is part of an active group of elected officials who are fighting for change. I ask her about the accountability of MATA and what she would like to see change with the new board, also the gun control referendums overwhelming passing and what’s next. West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon is making big moves in his city and joins me to discuss how he got the very popular Buc-ee’s franchise to open a new location there, as well as a new park project that is very family friendly. Pam Ware spent 20 years in the death industry. She is now bringing a unique perspective to helping youth and educators resolve conflicts, reduce behavioral issues, and unlock their full potential for lasting positive change. She explains what we as a community needs to do to encourage and motivate our youth from taking a wrong path. That and more, Monday 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!

Nov 11, 2024

58 min

Oct 28, 2024

59 min

Episode Notes
This week's guests include Deborah Clubb, Executive director, Memphis Area Women's Council. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. She joins me to talk about the latest trends in this troubling epidemic and what resources are available. Next, the upcoming election is probably the most important in our lifetime. Not only nationally, but locally with three gun control referendums. TN Democratic Party Chair Hendrell Remus joins me to break down the numbers as well as what else is at stake. Finally, MATA has a newly named board to bring much needed oversight to the organization. New member Cynthia Bailey joins me to talk about the importance of understanding the needs of the bus rider as she is one herself. That and more on air and online Monday on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also, WYXR.org, TuneIn, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
It's time to talk!

Oct 28, 2024

59 min

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