Meanwhile in Memphis with New Memphis

"Before JLM, I would've run from a critical conversation, and now I have them daily. It helped me to kick out of my comfort zone because it is a safe space to try, and fail, and grow in my leadership." Today, we chat with Traci Strickland of the Junior League of Memphis We discuss the 100+ year-history of JLM, their community-minded approach to philanthropy, and the need for connection among women...

"If a child experiences JA from Kindergarten to 8th grade, that is 108 hours of financial literacy and work force preparedness for that child." Leigh Mansberg is taking a moment from her crazy-busy schedule to share all about Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South and why it's important for Memphis' young people to live a life of choice equipped with essential knowledge to succeed in life...

"It is odd that sports is a place where people are willing to listen when we talk about other things. The cliché is people always tell you to stick to sports, but people really do like engaging when we talk about deeper topics." Today we have special guest Geoff Calkins in the studio to show how sports unifies cities, has the power to change city narratives, and why his biggest hope for Memphis mi...

"I represent the most precious gem there is to Memphis, and that’s the arts. I’m one of many, [and we] represent what makes our city worldwide." Happy Black History Month, Memphis! We are talking with Lar'Juanette Williams about the importance of preserving Black art in the 901, the 40th anniversary of Memphis Black Arts Alliance, what makes the Memphis arts community unique, and how she feels abo...

What do the film's Ready! Fire! Aim! and Poltergeist have in common? Holiday Inn. "At the end of [ Poltergeist ], you see the family who has survived the worst experience of their life, and where do they go for safety and comfort? Holiday Inn. What better way to show the global impact?" We're chatting with director Melissa Anderson Sweazy about how the film was created, why it debuted at Indie Mem...

"...Sometimes the answer is ready but you have to wait for someone to ask the question..." Jessica Lotz. Innovation requires a lot of research, data analysis, and collaboration, and Memphis is blazing a trail for other cities to follow. Jessica Lotz of Innovate Memphis and Chandell Ryan of City of Memphis join in today to share the nuts and bolts of our city's innovation teams + exciting projects...

Jennifer Balink joins me in the studio to share about Kindred Place, the importance of healthy family relationships, her work with Imagination Library, and MORE! Plus, she gives a teaser for her upcoming TEDxMemphis talk coming up on February 11, 2023. This episode is made possible in partnership with iBank Memphis.

"It's not the ones that make a profit that matter; it's the ones that make a difference." Real estate is about so much more than buying and selling -- it's place-making. Tune in to hear Tim Rollins' -- a "chosen Memphian," a U.S. Army veteran, and "place-maker" with Cushman Wakefield Commercial Advisors -- take on the impact of real estate professionals in our Memphis community. This episode was m...

Happy New Year, dear listener! For our final installment of our favorite things, Kim revisits Fletcher Cleaves' episode that originally aired in February 2022. His story of tragedy to triumph is more than a little inspiring, and his resilience is the perfect way to enter a new chapter. You can see Fletcher aka The Wheelchair Nomad LIVE at TEDxMemphis this February as he takes the stage to share hi...

For our final episode of 2022, Jamie is in the studio to share why this particular episode was her favorite of the year. We are revisiting Nighat's 2021 TEDxMemphis talk and why the impact of being agreeable is so dangerous. She discusses how society conditions certain behaviors for "success," and how generally women are applauded for how they are while men are applauded for what they do. Trigger...

Part 2 of our "favorite things" is brought to you by the one and only, Erin Wendell. One of her many favorites was Eso Tolson's "Chill Mode" which revisits his 2021 TEDxMemphis talk and reminds us all that we can have less grind, and more chill. Tune in for a reminder that it's ok to take that nap. While we replay his TEDxMemphis talk in full, you can also view it here: https://www.ted.com/talks/e...

"These are a few of my favorite things" The time has come for New Memphis' "favorite things" series where we replay our staff's very favorite "Meanwhile in Memphis" episodes from the year as a holiday gift to YOU! We are proud of EVERY episode we produce in partnership with WYXR and iBank Memphis, but these stood out for a re-listen. Tune in to hear our fearless leader's, Anna Ellis', fav, William...

Today we're chatting with Clay Presley of The 901 Fund. The recent name, image and likeness rules make it possible for University of Memphis athletes to engage with the Memphis community as well as earn money in the process. The 901 Fund is led by Tigers On A Mission to drive awareness of local charities and deepen the connection between Memphis and the student-athletes who represent us. Tune in t...

Happy Giving Tuesday, Memphis! Laura Beth Davis and Raquel Capocaccia drop by the studio to share about all things development and fundraising. We'll take a deep dive into how New Memphis serves and celebrates Memphis + share our own program experiences as alumni of Embark and Fellows. We also announce the generous match from Dunvant Enterprises for donations to New Memphis. This episode is made p...

Wear your crown, mane! 👑 Today's episode of "Meanwhile in Memphis" features Justin Hart of Black Men Crowned. He is back in town from L.A. for Thanksgiving and made some time for New Memphis in his busy schedule to share why he's passionate about rewriting the narrative for Black men in Memphis. Tune in for his insights + to hear how GRATEFUL we are for YOU! This episode is made possible in partn...

Tune in for the second installment of our 2022 Educators of Excellence series featuring Nekishia Woods Dobbins. 🍎 🏆 She shares how she pivoted from commanding a courtroom to commanding the classroom, and the importance of being the change you wish to see -- form teaching her students how to "secure their own bag" to taking time to reflect, she is intentional in every aspect of her work. This par...

The "face of the Fellows" himself, John Bass, stops by the studio today to discuss the Mike Curb Institute for Music at Rhodes College, their unique approach to hands-on learning, and the history of music in Memphis. This episode is made possible in partnership with iBank.

Spooky scary skeletons might send shivers down your spine💀 .... but our conversation with the newest New Memphians is sweeter than the candy you collected last night.🍬 Get to know Bridget Sisney, Jalisha Toy, Jamie Boller and Caleb Fowler a little better, and how they're plugging in at our organization and our city. This episode is brought to you in partnership with iBank.

You knew Southland Casino Hotel was a fun place for entertainment but did you know about their strong ties to the community through volunteerism and activation? Neki Catron stops by the studio to talk about how Southland Casino Hotel gives back to the Mid-South from areas like education to healthcare. A few of the most recent noteworthy items they've helped with are bringing an OBGYN clinic to the...

Happy Monday, Memphis! It's an unusual week for us since it's WYXR's annual Pledge Drive. Catch Anna Thompson LIVE in WYXR studio on October 18th from 8-9 am. So this episode is a quick recap of who we are, what we do, and how important YOU are to us, dear listener! As always, please subscribe, rate and review us, and tune in next week for your regular programming. This episode is brought to you i...

Today, AT and Erin chat with the first of the 2022 honorees of the New Memphis Educator of Excellence award, Mrs. Valen Warner. Valen is surrounded by a strong family of educators, and her passion for students is palpable. She shares how she seeks out opportunities for grants to better improve her knowledge and classroom environment, what she learned on her trip abroad to bring back to her student...

Carmeon Hamilton is no stranger to the spotlight -- after starting her own business and being cast for the reboot of HGTV Design Star: Next Gen , she emerged the champion, snagged her own tv show based in the 901 ( Reno My Rental ), and was flying high. She's persevered through personal tragedy, sustained her business throughout the height of the pandemic, and forged an unbreakable bond with her s...

Lights, camera, ACTION! 🎭 🎦 Paul Chandler has worked every role in the biz, and now he's settled into the top job at The Germantown Performing Arts Center (aka GPAC). Today he stops by to share their upcoming Fall schedule (including something exciting this Friday), the impact of GPAC's The Grove during the pandemic, and the unique partnership with the City of Germantown. In this extended cut ep...

To kick off spooky season, we're chatting with Kim Bearden, the Executive Director of Elmwood Cemetery. This Level III Arboretum, official historic site, and final resting place for more than 80,000 souls is unique and an integral part of Memphis' story. "To best understand our city, you first have to understand Yellow Fever. The best way to understand that is a tour of Elmwood." Learn Kim's favor...

Today we chat with Shelby County School's board chair, Michelle McKissack about her 2021 TEDxMemphis talk, why public education matters for the community, and how every Memphian can roll up their sleeves and get involved. This is the extended cut episode, so be sure to tune in for all of the goodness! This episode is made possible in partnership with iBank.