Just Bluffin’

“You can have a long-term, sustainable career in the hospitality industry that supports you in every way that you need to be supported.”    On this episode of Just Bluffin, we talk to Marcus Cox,  Executive Director of Welcome to Memphis. He discusses the organization's mission to support and recognize hospitality workers in Memphis and Shelby County. He also tells us about his long and fascinatin...

“Looking at the city of Memphis, I started to fall more and more in love with every single corner that was sometimes under- resourced or outright neglected.”   On this week's episode of "Just Bluffin", we chat with Jonathan Torres and Danny Song. They share their insights on how successful business operations are driven by effective leadership, cultural impact, and empowerment. They tell us how th...

“We believe that entrepreneurship education is not something that should be exclusive to those that want to start a business."   In this episode, we chat with Adrian Smith from LITE Memphis, an entrepreneurial nonprofit for Memphis teens. He discusses the organization's youth entrepreneurship program and how much it has grown in the last decade. We also learn about a multiyear grant from the NBA P...

“A lot of people who grow up in an disadvantaged environment don’t grow up thinking they can be whatever they want to be because they aren’t exposed to specific opportunities.”   This week’s episode of Just Bluffin features Jared Barnett from Slingshot Memphis, a local nonprofit. Slingshot Memphis’s mission is to ignite a movement that revolutionizes the way we fight poverty in Memphis. They help...

“There is hope through art.”   On this episode of Just Bluffin, Cole Early with Overton Park Shell Discusses the importance of music and how it has brought people together in times of strife and turmoil. He tells us about the brand new museum at The Shell and what his job is like as the archive manager. Lastly, we learn about the time that Cole was on stage himself at the historic venue ----- Just...

“There was something magical about working in a nonprofit that helps other nonprofits.”   On this week’s episode of Just Bluffin, we talk with Kevin Dean AKA Mr. Nonprofit of the Tennessee Nonprofit Network. We learn about his impressive background in leadership and nonprofit work. He also gives us the inside scoop on the rebrand and rebuilding of TN Nonprofit Network. Later we learn about Kevin’s...

”When people from all walks of life and all income levels can rally around Memphis, those are my favorite moments in the city because we can all believe in one thing.”   During this episode of Just Bluffin’ Cecilia and Shannon talk with Roshun Austin from The Works, a nonprofit that helps Memphians with affordable housing. We get to learn more about the Northside Square project and how it will imp...

“A home is a part of a family.”   On this episode of Just Bluffin, we chat with Annestatis owner Stacey Saed about compassion-forward relocation. Deep emotions and feelings come with packing, moving and leaving a home, and Stacey tells us about her kind and humanitarian approach to this process. We also learn about a sweet memory she made with her daughter at the National Civil Rights Museum. ----...

“I didn’t like the idea of how your zip code could affect your health.” This week’s show features Jani Rad of Regional One Health Solutions LLC. Jani is a super star in the healthcare world, but she is also an entrepreneur, podcast host, speaker with her own Ted Talk, mental health advocate, and so much more. During this episode, we learn about her love for helping people and side gigs. She also t...

“If people are our greatest assets, we have to approach it from a relational perspective.” On this week’s show,Brent Nair of Project Teamwork talks about his people-first coaching company based in Memphis that helps organizations work better together. He gives us a deep dive into the working genius and how he uses it to help teams. We also talk about the importance of seeing employees as whole peo...

“Memphis supports us, so we want to support Memphis.”   On this week’s episode, Shannon and Cecilia talk with Chris Taylor from Mempops. He tells us how the tasty popsicle operation got started and has also remained a family business, including how eager his 11 year old son is to get to work. We also learn Cecilia may have gotten the last ever fudged dip popsicle at an event. ----- Just Bluffin’ i...

“You are not going to be able to grow your business without partners.”   On this week’s episode with Ron Brooks from River City Capital, we talk all things money, credit and budget. We also learn the value of having a solid business budget and how much he could change the impact of credit history. River City Capital uplifts local businesses by not only helping with the capital, but also educating...

“Feeding into that creative mind is the foundation.”   On this week’s show we sit down with Lakeisha Edwards with Urban Art Commission. She tells us about her journey from social work into the arts and how the two intertwine now and also gives us a deep dive into UAC’s current and future installation projects. . We also learn about the importance of creativity and art to our next generation.  ----...

“This is OUR city.”  This episode of Just Bluffin’ features a bonus episode with Megan May of Backbeat Tours. Megan is such a wealth of Memphis knowledge that we had to dedicate another episode just to her! We cover a variety of fun things to do, see, and eat in the city. She also tells the infamous Elvis story that started his career and discusses how Memphis comes through for one another when we...

“If we really want to change the outcome for Memphis children, we have to support their mothers.” On this week’s episode, we chat with Lori Jones from the DeNeuville Learning Center for Women about the impact of quality education for women and girls and the importance of an organization like this in Memphis. In this episode, we learn more about DLC’s mission and how their programming improves the...

“In the Bluff City, we just bluffin’.”  On this week’s episode, Shannon and Cecilia talk to Meka Egwuekwe of Code Crew . He teaches us about the value of a skill like coding and how AI will continue to impact our society. We learn about all the programs and classes available at Code Crew, including a special upcoming program for toddlers. He also talks about his love of the Grizzlies and how it fi...

“You have to go deeper in order to make positive change.”   On this week’s show we talk with Jeremy Park from City Current, a nonprofit in Memphis and Nashville that connects businesses with nonprofits. We chat about volunteerism and the importance of giving back in our community. Jeremy tells us about his time in LA and how playing tennis led him to where he is now. ----- Just Bluffin’ is a Campf...

“It is a privilege to get to tell people’s stories.”   On this episode of Just Bluffin’ we are joined by The Daily Memphian’s Geoff Calkins. Shannon and Cecilia discuss what it means to be a sports fan in a city like Memphis. Geoff tells us about his family up north, his favorite columns, and why community journalism matters. We learn why Geoff chose to leave sports journalism and how often he wri...

We want to make Memphis a good place to live, work and retire.” This week, Shannon, Cecilia, and Sophie chat with Mia Henley from Creative Aging! She explains how creativity and the arts can help older adults thrive during retirement. In our conversation, we discuss Creative Aging's many programs and events, including the often-sold-out theater performances for older adults and its partnership wit...

On today’s episode of Just Bluffin’, we chat with Laird Veatch, the Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at The University of Memphis. He tells us all about the future of Memphis collegiate sports and what is to come for Simmons Bank Memorial Stadium among other exciting development projects. We chat about everything from NIL to his game day routine. Go Tigers Go! ----- Just Bl...

"If we got into those neighborhoods and really listened to each other, then we could make some real progress.” During this week’s show, Shannon and Cecilia are joined by Josh Campbell of Spillit Memphis. He tells us about his love for storytelling and how the Spillit Grand Slam came to be. We discuss the impact of good stories and how storytelling can change communities. ----- Just Bluffin’ is a C...

“We are the world, we are the Memphis.” On this very special episode of Just Bluffin’, we chat with Al Kapone. The Memphis hip-hop legend gives us an in-depth history of the Memphis sound and the “gangsta walk.” He talks about his start in music and how he was influenced by Stax and other local legends. Cecilia and Al bond over their love of “taking risks” and Shannon nerds out over hip-hop histor...

“What I have noticed about Memphis is people tend to leave and come back because there is space to think and be creative here.” Shannon and Cecilia are joined by Daiquiri Baptiste from the Orpheum Memphis. We chat about her day-to-day at the Orpheum and how not one day looks the same. She tells us all about her history as a dancer and how it impacts her role today, as well as how Memphis creates a...

On this episode of Just Bluffin’, we talk with Ciara Neill with LPI Memphis about her academic background that indirectly led her to be the marketing pro she is today. Listen as she shares all the fun details on upcoming events in Overton Square, Broad Avenue Arts District, and all the other LPI entertainment districts that help Memphis thrive. ----- Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast...

“I know in Memphis, we are hard on ourselves on everything that we want to improve, but it's always so great when you see people from other cities just be blown away.”

On this week’s show we chat with Jessica Lotz of Innovate Memphis about the impact of community engagement in Memphis and how Innovate Memphis supports the city. We also talk about how stats and data can help us make important deci...