Meanwhile in Memphis with New Memphis

In Memphis, innovation and collaboration go hand in hand. Explore what that looks like at a civic level with Innovate Memphis and The City of Memphis ' innovation team. Guests: Jessica Lotz (Innovate Memphis) Jasmine Worles (The City of Memphis) Resources mentioned in this episode include: The City of Memphis i-team Innovate Memphis Binghampton Business Center Bloomberg Center for Public Innovatio...

Memphis isn't simply hoping for a bright future; we're creating the blueprint for success! Explore how collaboration is preparing a new generation to take an active role in historic preservation and the future of social justice with Arlinda Fair Cathey (National Civil Rights Museum) and Sam O'Bryant (BRIDGES USA). Resources mentioned in this episode include: Bayard Rustin Institute at the National...

Memphis is a vibrant city that is home to artists and creatives in every medium. Crosstown Arts is an organization that is reshaping creative and economic opportunities for artists while providing Memphians with new opportunities to experience art in every form. In today's episode, hear from two areas of Crosstown Arts -- Crosstown Sync and the Crosstown Artist Residency -- and learn how they are...

Investments in youth sports are unlocking community impact in Memphis! Degan Mesler (Memphis Inner City Rugby) and Becky Erickson (Memphis Rox) share how the use of "sport as a vehicle" is creating pathways for success for both individuals and neighborhoods. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Memphis Inner City Rugby Memphis Rox Teach for America Memphis Project Green Fork Clea...

Memphis is THE place for collaboration , and our friends at The Daily Memphian recently invited New Memphis President & CEO Anna Mullins Ellis to their studio for an episode of their podcast, The Sidebar, which is hosted by The Daily Memphian CEO, Eric Barnes. We are thrilled to have such collaborative partners on the airwaves, and we’ll be airing their conversation today! Host: Eric Barnes Gu...

One Memphis-based company has embedded itself in the city and the community through a legacy of leadership and a model for talent attraction and retention. Joe Lyons (Barr Brands) and Scott Beal (Barr Brands) share the impact of two major milestones in today's conversation. Resources mentioned in this podcast include: Barr Brands Memphis-Based Barr Brands Marks 80 Years in Business and 30 Years of...

Memphis' economic advantage is its young people. New Memphis always says that our city's greatest resource is its people. Today, we will be focusing on one subset of the population and how they are poised to make the most impact. Join us as we take a look back to take a step forward. Longtime journalist Tom Jones and economics professor Dr. David Ciscel join us to share insights on the economic st...

Shelby County students can earn and learn through a collaborative model for student success. Talking about this innovative partnership from both the logistical side and the employer perspective are Cortney Richardson (Peer Power) and Roxy Nunnally (4D Marketing and Business Solutions Firm Corporation). Resources mentioned in this episode include: Peer Power Peer Power's Earn and Learn program 4D M...

- Shelby County government provides free community-based resources to help youth and their families overcome obstacles. From therapy sessions to early intervention and alternatives to arrest and detention, the Shelby County Youth and Family Resource Center exists to meet the needs of youth and families in Shelby County. This conversation — led by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris — illuminates innova...

A proven model of success is helping students in Memphis persist to graduation and launch careers in the Mid-South thanks to an impact-driven collaboration between tnAchieves and MDRC. Listen in to learn how a state-wide program is taking a tailored approach to help students in Memphis succeed! Guests: Krissy DeAlejandro (tnAchieves) Sonia Drohojowska (MDRC). Resources mentioned in this episode in...

The City of Memphis named the goal of 10,000 housing developments by 2030 in an effort to create a vibrant city core with community-lifting development. This conversation with Mayor Young (City of Memphis) and John Zeanah (Chief of Development and Infrastructure for the City of Memphis) explores the "how" and "why" behind the goal. Resources mentioned in this episode include: T...

The local farming and agriculture community is helping Memphians to bloom where they're planted.  Camille "Farmer C" James (Halls of Ivy) and Derravia and Bobby Rich (Black Seeds and Black Seeds Urban Farms) share how to grow what you know by discussing creative solutions and collaborations that make Memphis more sustainable while providing access to food education and healthy options. R...

Memphis is a media oasis! The city has a vibrant, people-powered ecosystem with a wealth of public radio stations. Go behind the scenes of two of the city’s signature public stations with Jared "Jay B" Boyd (WYXR 91.7 FM - the host station for Meanwhile in Memphis) and Charles McLarty. (WKNO 91.1 FM) to learn what role they play in connecting the community through news, music, and future...

Christian Brothers University is turning learners into leaders. This conversation with President-Elect Ronald Brandon is part of a series that explores the role Memphis' colleges and universities play as essential civic anchors shaping the region's talent pipeline, stabilizing neighborhoods, driving research and innovation, and influencing long-term economic vitality. Resources mentioned in this e...

In this episode, New Memphis shares the mic with a special guest host — City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young — to explore how collaboration led to the transformation of Historic Melrose High School and how the project is revitalizing the community. Orange Mound -- a historic neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee -- was the first subdivision in America built specifically for Black homebuyers, and at the h...

Learn how Memphis' HBCU is anchoring talent in the city by creating job-ready, community-informed leaders. This conversation with Dr. Christopher Davis , president of LeMoyne-Owen College , is part of an ongoing series that explores the role Memphis’ colleges and universities play as essential civic anchors shaping the region’s talent pipeline, stabilizing neighborhoods, driving research and innov...

Memphis’ colleges and universities are essential civic anchors shaping the region’s talent pipeline, stabilizing neighborhoods, driving research and innovation, and influencing long-term economic vitality. All of these factors play a critical role in employee readiness, attraction, and retention for local employers. Hear how university leaders are navigating challenges and creating a thriving Memp...

Memphis is teaming with talent, both on and off the field, thanks in part to the ways The University of Memphis is developing future professionals with transferable skills through sport. By equipping student athletes with professional development resources, mentors, and connections to career opportunities in Memphis, the 901Women program is creating success stories and future Memphians. Guests: Ed...

Memphis is a city known for its creative output. With new strategic priorities in place, both public and private investments are shaping the trajectory of the city’s cultural impact and the community’s civic pride. Guests: Elizabeth Rouse, ARTSmemphis Rachel Knox, Hyde Family Foundation __ Resources mentioned in this episode include: ARTSMemphis Hyde Family Foundation ARTSMemphis event calendar Yo...

Learn how Memphis is building and expanding economic opportunities with the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis & Shelby County — better known as EDGE — and the City of Memphis. Guests: Mayor Paul Young , City of Memphis Dr. Joann Massey , EDGE Hear from real leaders making a real impact in Memphis each week on the Meanwhile in Memphis podcast! Meanwhile in Memphis conversations con...

From economic lifts to culture and connection, Downtown is a vital piece of the Memphis ecosystem.  Chandell Ryan , President and CEO of the  Downtown Memphis Commission , discusses what it means to shape and share a vibrant vision for Downtown. This episode first aired on September 23, 2025 (S5E38). References mentioned in this episode include: Downtown Memphis Commission State of Downtown (2025)...

Memphis is a city teeming with talent, and one of the city's largest employers is working to keep that talent here through innovative partnerships. Explore how Memphis Light, Gas and Water ( MLGW ) is taking a meaningful, measurable, and memorable approach to connect high school students with career pathways, and hear why they see it as a smart business decision to keep them growing and keep them...

Explore how one organization's transportation model in Memphis is going the extra mile to make transportation reliable and affordable while also investing in workforce development. Guests today are David Short and Ben Walsh from My City Rides . Resources mentioned in this conversation include: My City Rides Boys and Girls Club of Memphis Bird Scooter Vespa RISE Memphis Hope Works Rhodes College Th...

Hear from real leaders making a real impact in Memphis on the Meanwhile in Memphis podcast! Join the hosts at New Memphis for a weekly window into what makes Memphis a vibrant place to live, work, and play. In this episode, New Memphis shares the mic with a special guest host — City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young — to explore how the city’s approach fighting blight is increasing safety and shaping ci...

This year marks huge milestones for arts and culture institutions across the city of Memphis. There are also new opportunities to get involved in all things creative. Josh Campbell  of the Spillit True Story Film Festival  and Noah Glenn  of the Like You Film Club and Festival  share the importance of film as an artistic medium as well as the impact of the shared experience film-viewing offers. Re...