Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

My guests include State Senator Raumesh Akbari. With the redistricting issue at the forefront of the upcoming elections, I wanted to catch up with her to have her share why this is no time to be complacent. Also, her feelings about the MSCS oversight committee and what might this look like moving forward. Next, the County Commission just approved the new budget but not without a property tax incre...

My guests include Sarah Carpenter, a community and education advocate. She has been at the forefront and a passionate voice for the education of our children. I ask her how she feels about the new oversight management board and what she expects as they try to turn things around. Next, 1-year old Kohen Wiley was laid to rest after being shot and killed by police at a Senatobia Walmart. Many people...

Guests include Karen Vogelsang, former long time educator and the final member of the new MSCS Oversight management board. She tells me why she said yes and why this is a challenging yet necessary step forward for the future of our children’s education.  Next, The Souls to the Polls event was recently held to inform and educate the public about the redistricting issue and how critical it is for pe...

My guests include the Honorable Mayor Paul Young. It’s time for a check in on the pulse of the city, where things stand these days, how the city is doing and what else he’s working on. Next, we are all aware of the redistricting issue and how important it is to the future of our voting rights. He also talks about The Souls to the Polls event and the message for the people. Last but certainly not l...

Guests include TN Minority House Leader Karen Camper. The events of the last couple of weeks have been difficult and even transformative with more questions than answers. A Special Session was held which split the only Black district in the state (9), into three sections, redistricting and diluting the black vote. After that happened, the House Speaker stripped some House dems of committee assignm...

On the next live and all new Real Talk Memphis; Guests include Elaine Turner, civil rights activist, historian, educator and owner of Heritage Tours. As someone who marched with Dr. King and was even arrested, she remembers the bad old days of discrimination and shares her thoughts on why the recent redistricting move is dangerous. Next, Sr. Pastor Keith Norman of First Baptist Church Broad Avenue...

We are back with a live and all new Real Talk Memphis; my guests include Beverly Robertson. She is a well established community leader and businesswoman. Now, she is taking on a new challenge as an appointed member of the MSCS Oversight board as chosen by Governor Lee. She joins me to talk about why she accepted the offer and the challenges that might lie ahead. Speaking of the MSCS School Board,...

Episode Notes My guests include TN State Senator Raumesh Akbari. After an uneventful legislative session that concluded with the unexpected passing of G.A. Hardaway, we were even more shocked with a Supreme Court ruling that could change our city forever. A redistricting effort by the state that will split the 9th congressional district 3-ways turning it republican. We discuss. Next, the legislati...

Episode Notes On the next live and all new Real Talk Memphis; Guests include MSCS Board Chair Natalie McKinney. With the state takeover bill done and awaiting the Governor's signature the real question is what happens next. She tells me about exploring possible legal options. Next, DA Steve Mulroy has a difficult job but a recent decision by the legislature may have added more to it. He drops by t...

Episode Notes On the next live and all new Real Talk Memphis; My guests include Sarah Houston, Executive director of Protect Our Aquifer. Recently, what appears to have been paused is the planned water recycling or greywater facility that was supposed to reduce strain on Memphis groundwater. She explains what that could mean potentially mean. Next, its election time in Shelby County and early voti...

Episode Notes My guests include newly appointed 9th District County Commissioner Matthew Szalaj and he joins me for a chat since taking the position. He recently had a meet and greet in front of a packed house and shares what drove his decision, gaining community trust, his priorities and what he wants to accomplish in his short tenure. Last week, the State legislature held a press conference to a...

Episode Notes My guests include Memphis City Councilwoman Rhonda Logan. She catches us up on several priorities including the President’s recent visit, the No Kings Rally and downtown street violence involving our young people, absenteeism and curfews. Lastly, Geoff Calkins is a trusted voice in the world of newspaper journalism and after deciding to leave sports radio now writes a daily column fo...

Episode Notes We are back with another great show! My guests include Leshundra Robinson from the National Kidney Foundation. March is National Kidney Month and the time to spread awareness about a disease that affects nearly 40 million adults. She tells us about what we can do to help others thru transplant donation. Next, have you ever heard of immersive art? It’s part of a new exhibit experience...

Episode Notes In honor of Women's History Month, I speak to one of the best people I know. Memphis businesswoman Beverly Robertson. We discuss her amazing career as mentor and trailblazer. Monday nite, 6pm on 91.7 FM WYXR and Facebook Live!

Episode Notes Guests include Rev. Dr Earle Fisher. On the eve of a very important and consequential election for our county, I ask him about that and his thoughts on the Memphis Safe Task Force, positive or negative. Next, our city made the news again, this time by a couple of NBA players regarding their past stays in our hotels...let’s just say it wasn’t a glowing report. Carol Silkes, hospitalit...

Episode Notes My guests include Dr. Joseph B. Kyles, President of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Memphis. With the recent passing of Civil Rights icon Rev. Jessie Jackson, I wanted to speak to someone who knew him well and can reflect on his life and legacy. Next, the health of our community is always important so I thought it was time for an update. Dr. Bruce Randolph is the Interim Director of the S...

Episode Notes Let's keep it going with another great show coming your way as I celebrate Black History Month with you. Don't miss it Monday nite, 6pm on 91.7 FM WYXR

Episode Notes How fitting that we celebrate Black History Month with a guest who has a new book out that tells the story of the Civil Rights Movement from a man who was one of the architects of it, Reverend James Lawson Jr. He along with journalist and author Emily Yellin co-authored Nonviolent: A memoir of Resistance, Agitation, and Love. It speaks of his role in shaping nonviolent action during...

Episode Notes My first guest is someone many of you may have heard of. The name Valerie Calhoun is a very familiar one to Memphis and the Mid South. As the long time morning news Co-anchor at FOX13 along with Ernie Freeman, she wakes us up daily with the latest news and information. She and I both broke in this market in the mid 90’s as part of the first morning team of Good Morning Memphis and no...

Episode Notes My guests include the honorable Memphis Mayor Paul Young who will be joining me live in studio. He is about to enter his third year in office and it’s time to look back at what was, and what challenges lie ahead for 2026. Next, the State Legislative session begins in another week and they have an ambitious agenda. I speak with Representative GA Hardaway who joins me to give us a prev...

Episode Notes My guests include MSCS Board Chairman Natalie McKinney who will breakdown a challenging year to be sure along with a pending lawsuit and possible school closures. Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell makes a return visit after a long absence. Speaking of challenges, this commission had had more than its share; from voting to move the school board under the county election cycle...

Episode Notes My guests include Ben and Jessica Owen, founders of We Fight Monsters. This organization provides trauma informed care and shelter while helping those in need of help transform their lives from darkness to light just like they were both able to do. Speaking of transforming lives, the Heal the Hood Foundation of Memphis is dedicated to empowering youth through arts and media. Their fo...

Episode Notes My guests this week include Memphis Crime Beat Executive Director Leslie Taylor. We all know that many of the individuals that have been arrested are not first time visitors or offenders. She tells me just how big a problem the issue of recidivism is in Memphis and you might be surprised at the numbers. Next, the Youth, Justice and Education Center has a new leader as custody of juve...

Episode Notes We begin the year end countdown with my guests; Shelby County Commissioner Britney Thornton. From the Memphis Safe Task Force, to the funding of a new jail detention center and a budget shortfall it’s a busy time. She talks about the challenges coming into 2026. Next, the official holiday season is here and that means shopping in the stores and online. Shelby County Sheriff’s Office...

Episode Notes My guests include Shelby County DA Steve Mulroy, who at present is juggling many more responsibilities these days. The Safe Task Force record number of arrests are straining court resources leaving him scrambling and looking for options. He joins me live to lay it all out. State Representative Gabby Salinas was one of the plaintiffs along with Mayor Lee Harris and other officials who...