Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

Episode Notes A public community affairs show that speaks to and addresses current issues that affect our lives.

Episode Notes My guests include MS State Senator Elect Theresa G. Isom. The former healthcare administrator was elected representing the 2nd District which includes parts of DeSoto and Tunica counties. The result of a special election becoming the first African American and female to represent DeSoto County. She tells me how she did it and finally broke the long-standing white majority. Dana Brook...

Episode Notes My guests include Scott Fortin, President and CEO of the Mid-South Food Bank. This has been a pretty stressful time to be sure, with the government shutdown putting federal employees out of work and food programs like SNAP being effectively shut down. With thousands being affected and inventory low, he tells me how they will continue to operate in spite of great challenges. In times...

Episode Notes My guests include MICAH Memphis President Rev. Keith Caldwell. In the midst of what is happening in our city on a few fronts, he has been pretty busy of late. From the Federal intervention and the fear and uncertainty for many as it continues, to the refusal of the Mayor to sign a memorandum of understanding with unions, he shares his thoughts on a busy time. Next, the government shu...

Episode Notes My guests include the first appearance of Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris. He was one of the first public officials to speak out regarding the Memphis Safe Task Force in his opposition against it. Three weeks later, we have seen over 1000 arrests, thousands of tickets written, 200 ICE arrests and many unanswered questions. He joins me live to discuss his concerns. Another concern is t...

Episode Notes My guests include County Commissioner Erika Sugarmon. First, they vote to change the election cycle of the school board only to have the Mayor veto it. Will there be an override? Also, the state Comptroller has not approved the Shelby County budget so what could that mean? I ask and she responds. Natalie McKinney was elected to the school board in 2024 to a four year term. That was r...

Episode Notes Guests include Maria Oceja and Hunter Dempster from the watchdog group Vecindarios 901. The Memphis Safe Task Force is here to watch us, but who is watching them? They join me to share what they have seen and discovered so far. Next, we have seen several pieces of information as to how people should respond if or when stopped. K. Durrell Cowan, founder and Executive director of Heal...

Episode Notes My guests include MSCS Board member Amber Huett-Garcia. Recently, the County Commission voted to move their election cycle to 2026 with the rest of the county elections. I ask her what she thinks about the move and how it might affect their business moving forward. Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton is a woman who takes the responsibility of her duties very seriously. I ask her thoug...

Episode Notes On the next live and all new Real Talk Memphis; One big issue with three differing points of view. Guests include State Senator Raumesh Akbari. With the advent of the state national guard. State troopers and other federal assets, our city will under the microscope. She tells me what she hopes will happen and what the takeaway will be. Luke Cymbal, Vice Chairman, Republican Party of S...

Episode Notes My guests include Leslie Taylor and Ron Walter from Memphis Crime Beat. They are a volunteer watchdog organization who follow various court cases and they are working to reduce crime by bringing transparency and accountability to the justice system. They tell us what's on the radar of late. Next, DA Steve Mulroy makes a return visit. I ask him about several high profile cases with in...

Episode Notes My guests include County Commissioner Erika Sugarmon. A lot of attention has been directed towards the Commission lately regarding what to do about the MSCS Board in terms of changing the election cycle, potentially shortening terms and a potential landing spot for a new jail, we discuss. Speaking of a new jail, Shelby Country Sheriff Floyd Bonner has some things on his mind too rega...

Episode Notes My guests include Sarah Carpenter, Executive director, Memphis Lift. They educate and empower parents to advocate for their children. She shares her thoughts on the beginning of this school year, thoughts about the current board and if she agrees with the County Commission. Next, are you aware that you can learn how to fly the friendly skies in college? There is a new course at TN So...

Episode Notes My guests include LaTricea Adams, founder and president of Young, Gifted and Green. They are an environmental justice organization that influences policy change through political advocacy, mentorship, and training. We recently heard that 24 MSCS schools were found with excessive amounts of lead in the water. She explains the dangers of lead exposure and what needs to happen to keep s...

Episode Notes My guests include MSCS Board member Michelle McKissack. It has been quite a year from the education perspective and now that another year of school is beginning it’s time to assess and look forward. We talk expectations, County Commission issues, potential state takeover and more. The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis connects the Mid South with nonprofits, individuals and init...

Episode Notes My guests include State Representative Torrey Harris. One of the biggest issues in our community is the drama surrounding the MSCS Board members and the County Commission regarding a possible shortened term and term limits. He was one of state sponsors of the proposal and will tell me why he thinks it’s a good move. Next, Cardell Orrin is the Executive Director of Stand For Children,...

Episode Notes My guests include the Honorable Mayor Jaylen Smith of Earle, Arkansas. He was elected in 2022 at the age of 18 making him the youngest elected official in the country. I ask him how he’s grown along with the city and if he has any future political aspirations. Next, if you are of a certain age and were born and raised in the south you were familiar with Jim Crow laws that enforced ra...

Episode Notes My guests include Glen Thomas, Public Information Officer for the Memphis Airport Authority. He tells me about all the changes happening at the airport including recent construction projects and the newest routes. Next, while we love our Grizzlies, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the NBA champions. Matt Pinto is their radio voice not to mention my life long friend. He joins me to discu...

Episode Notes My guests include Glen Thomas, Public Information Officer for the Memphis Airport Authority. He tells me about all the changes happening at the airport including recent construction projects and the newest routes. Next, while we love our Grizzlies, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the NBA champions. Matt Pinto is their radio voice not to mention my life long friend. He joins me to discu...

Episode Notes My guests include Dr. Dale Criner, Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital Chief Medical Officer. Intense heat and humidity are something all of us in the mid south are accustomed to but it’s dangerous. Dr. Criner tells us it’s nothing to play with and taking proper precautions could save your life. Next, the Chamber of Commerce is the public face of any city or community. The Milli...

Episode Notes My guests include Memphis NAACP Chapter President Kermit Moore. Last week, a lawsuit was filed by the Southern Environmental Law Center, on behalf of the NAACP to xAI signaling their intent to sue over the company’s continued use of unpermitted gas turbines at its data center in South Memphis. He explains why this issue has become so important to our community. Next, the Immigration...

Episode Notes Guests include Sarah Houston, the Executive director of Protect Our Aquifer 'aka' the water warrior. She has an update on the xAI issue and some community meetings and toxic tours you need to know about. Next, 201 Poplar and the Shelby County Jail have been prominent headlines of late, and the discussion of the need for a new jail and a possible future change of location are front an...

Episode Notes My guests this week include a piece of history as the Mayor Elect of Horn Lake MS, Jimmy Stokes joins me for a conversation. The historic part, is that he is the first Black to hold that position in their history. He shares why he believes he won and his plans to move the city forward. Next, we all remember the statement made by the FBI DIrector recently that said Memphis is the homi...

Episode Notes My guests include Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green. To say there are a lot of issues and items on the city council agenda including balancing the budget, pay raises and how to fund MATA not to mention crime rates and citizen safety. She joins me with an update. Alex Hensley is a political, policy and advocacy expert. Recently, she was very outspoken in reference to the MPD and p...

Episode Notes My guests include MSCS board member Tamarques Porter. A lot has happened the last few months and as we put the wrap on another school year, I ask him how challenging it’s been and what he hopes to see moving forward. Next, speaking of challenges, crime continues to a major concern in the city and for the law enforcement community. Memphis Police Association VP John Covington joins me...

Episode Notes My guests include Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. We discuss the state case of the three former officers who were accused along with two more of killing Trye Nichols. Charged with 21 counts and found not guilty on all counts. The city is reeling and he shares his thoughts. Eric Barnes is the CEO of the Daily Memphian and host of Behind The Headlines. We discuss the tria...