Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

Episode Notes My guests include; Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner. His administration is going through a few challenges recently such as much needed repairs to the jail. Initial estimates for emergency repairs are at about $17 million. I also ask about the recent school safety threats and the arrest of a 15 year old in connection to them. Next, I speak with two brothers who understand the street...

Episode Notes My guests include Memphis City Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton. She is quickly distinguishing herself as someone who is very committed to the citizens she serves. I ask her about a couple of recent issues; filing a lawsuit against the Shelby County Election Commission denying the citizens a chance to vote on a gun control referendum. Also, the latest on the state of MATA and a dis...

Episode Notes My guests include City Council Chairman JB Smiley. There has been a lot of conversation of late regarding the state house leadership threatening our city by withholding tax revenues if we put a gun control initiative up for a vote. The Council has now filed a lawsuit against the local Election Commission and he tells me why it was necessary. Next, Lifeline to Success helps former inm...

Episode Notes We talk about a variety of subjects; Paul Martin, VP of Health & Wellness for Trezevant will talk about the importance of both health and wellness and especially the physical, social and emotional well-being of our seniors. Next, so many are coping with family members who have either Dementia or Alzheimer’s. These diseases can cause such emotional heartbreak for everyone involved...

Episode Notes My guests include Bacarra Mauldin, Interim CEO of MATA Transit. As many of you know, the organization is facing some steep financial challenges and difficulties to the tune of a $60 million dollar debt. She talks to me about some of the drastic changes they are looking at to right the ship. Natalie McKinney is a newly elected MSCS board member who is hitting the ground running as the...

Episode Notes My guests include newly elected MSCS Board member Tamarques Porter. He is one of four new members responsible for helping guide our superintendent to best help our students to succeed. He tells me why he decided to run and what his priorities will be moving forward. If many of you are familiar with the STEM program you know that science and technology is going to guide us into the fu...

Episode Notes My guests include Natalie McKinney, newly elected MSCS board member for District 2. She defeated incumbent and board chair Althea Greene. Now that she is in the seat, she tells me why she choose to run, what she sees as the major issues of concern and how she’s plans to help address them. Now that we are upon the beginning of another school year, how do you get your children mentally...

Episode Notes Guests include TN. State Senator Raumesh Akbari. As a delegate to the Democratic Party, and who some consider a rising star, what is her take on the change at the top of the ticket and can Kamala Harris make history twice. Also, what she thinks about the state Republican Party plan to take over Shelby County. Next, mental health issues are something that families through the generati...

Episode Notes Guests include Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. He joins me live in studio to talk about his ouster attempt from Sen. Brent Taylor and House Speaker Cameron Sexton. Also, his latest attempt at bail reform. State Rep. Karen Camper represents many areas including the Whitehaven community. It was scheduled for the second part of their million dollar redevelopment effort, bu...

Episode Notes The new President of LeMoyne Owen College Christopher B. Davis. He joins me to talk about his journey, what makes the school so special and how he plans to lead it moving forward. Next, Dementia is an illness that affects thousands of people every year but the care is both expensive and exhausting. Meritan, Inc, a Memphis health care support provider has been selected for a new progr...

Episode Notes Guests include Shelby County Election Commissioner Linda Phillips. With a big election just around the corner, it's time we got an update on what you can expect to see. New machines are also on the ballot and she explains everything you need to know to be an informed voter. Next, the recent revelation that MPD Asst. Chief Shawn Jones is still a Georgia resident while working here has...

Episode Notes My guests include Dr. Michelle Taylor, Director, Shelby County Health department. She joins me to discuss a few top of mind issues like the high incidence of HIV in our community and that gun violence is now a public health emergency. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office has its own set of challenges, one in particular, having enough officers to handle law enforcement efforts in the ja...

Episode Notes On the next and all new Real Talk Memphis my guests include; Chandell Ryan, President/CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission. She makes her first visit to the show to talk about her new position and how if anything she did as the former COO for the City of Memphis helped her. Also, now that we are in the midst of a busy tourist season how she is positioning her group moving forward....

Episode Notes My guests include Sarah Houston, aka the ‘water warrior’. With all the excitement and fuss about the new xAI supercomputer project, many people wonder what it all means and how it will affect certain things like our water. Sarah joins me to share the pros or cons. Next, gun violence can lead to tragic consequences. Bennie Cobb is a former deputy sheriff and gun safety expert. He tell...

Episode Notes My guests include West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon. We get the chance to catch up a bit on what he is doing as the city continues to grow along with some of the challenges he is facing. Next, the MSCS now has a new Superintendent, Dr. Marie Feagins and as she prepares for a new school year, the school board prepares for reelection and how to deal with teacher shortages and other ch...

Episode Notes My guests include Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green. With budget season in full swing, the city is trying to figure out how to fill a $50 million dollar plus budget shortfall without putting a proposed 75 cent property tax increase on taxpayers. She has an idea and will share it with us. Next, we are all aware of some of the issues the Memphis Police Department is dealing with th...

Episode Notes My guests include Marilyn Rucker, Dementia and Alzheimer's advocate. She knows first hand just how difficult dealing with this disease really is. She along with a fellow expert Lynn Doyle will host a free seminar for the public Thursday nite to answer all your questions and provide available resources. Next, this is a challenging time of year for our city and county elected officials...

Episode Notes My guests include Pastor Dianne Marshall Young co-founder of the Healing Center. She along with her late husband Bishop William Young were given a vision from God years ago to make our community whole in spirit, soul and body. They were also leaders in the conversation surrounding mental health. She joins me to discuss her latest campaign regarding our youth. Al Lewis is a long time...

Episode Notes Guests include MPD victim advocate Alicia Denton. She is a mental health expert who also holds a first of its kind position with MPD over the Victims Services unit for families dealing with major traumatic events. Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner is the top law enforcement authority in Shelby County. These days, he's facing a few challenges in terms of manpower and new state laws....

Episode Notes My guests include City Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper Sutton who is serious about her business and passionate about this city. She talks to me about the continuing violence, the upcoming budget and the proposed property tax increase. Britney Thornton is a County Commissioner who is community strong. We speak with her about her beloved Orange Mound, the recent events of violence and how...

Episode Notes Guests include; Rev. Dr. Earle Fisher, Sr. pastor, Abyssinian MB Church is a community leader who is concerned about our direction and future. He speaks to me about the current legislative agenda and if their actions are really for the benefit of our city. Lastly, we should all know how important good oral hygiene is, but did you know that oral cancer is one of the most deadliest dis...

Episode Notes My guests include Ted Townsend, President/CEO Greater Memphis Chamber. There is a lot of building going on downtown these days as one can see, and he joins me to share his goals, the overall direction of the city and the concerns about crime and how it might affect future growth. Speaking of crime, the criminal justice system can be a complicated issue. We speak with two people; Lesl...

Episode Notes My guests include MSCS Board Chair Althea Greene. Difficult times filled with frustration does not begin to describe the many issues the board has had to address over the past year plus, but now the selection of a new school superintendent has finally been completed. She tells me what the path forward now looks like for our students as well as other priorities. Brian Harris is a man...

Episode Notes My guests include Durell Cowan, founder and executive director of Heal 901. Since 2018, this organization has focused on violence prevention especially within youth populations. He tells us the challenges they face as well as the successes they continue to see. Next, remember the days when physicians actually made house-calls? Angela Owens joins me to talk about her business; By Fait...

Episode Notes My guests include Bacarra Mauldin, Interim CEO of MATA. She is the first Black female to head the transit organization. She speaks to me about the significance of being selected to this position as well as the challenges and her vision for the future. Mack Weaver has been with the Memphis in May organization for over 25 years, and was recently named the new President and CEO. After a...