Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

Episode Notes My guests include Rev. Dr. Walter Womack, Sr. Pastor of Faithful Baptist Church and SCLC president. He, like many of us is very troubled by the senseless violence we see on a daily basis in our city. Recently, he launched an effort he hopes others follow. He hit the streets for a real conversation and will tell us what he learned. Next, we have all heard of the fine work of the 100 B...

Episode Notes Guests include Rick James, CEO and owner of the Castle Retail Group, High Point grocery and Cash Saver. We have heard about the recent supply chain issues nationwide that are causing both shortages and higher prices in time for the holidays. He will explain the local impact and what you can expect. Next, as we enter into the holidays, our thoughts turn to those less fortunate. Anna K...

Episode Notes Guests include Jared Barnett, the CEO of Slingshot Memphis. Their purpose is simple; to be a catalyst for change behind a movement to fight poverty in our city. He will share their vision along with some of the various organizations they work with. LaDell Beamon is a man from and of the streets. His Heal the Hood Foundation is working hard to turn the hurt and pain into healing. He j...

Episode Notes Guests include Dr. Steve Threlkeld, Infectious disease specialist, Baptist hospital group. We will catch up all things Covid, whar the flu season will bring and how the recent actions in Nashville regarding the virus will affect us in Memphis and Shelby County. Next, this is Lung Cancer Awareness month. Dr. Anurag Mehrotra, specialist in pulmonary medicine. He will tell us about a ne...

Episode Notes Guests include Celebrity Chef Daudi McLean, aka Da Vegan Guru. His vegan menu has been catered by various celebrity clients, but NOW he is focusing his energy on opening Guru’s City Vegan which is Memphis’ first full service Black owned vegan restaurant. He explains how his plant based soul food menu will bring you back for more. This time of year is paradise for sports fans and espe...

Episode Notes My guests include Randa Lipman from Mid-South Transplant. She will talk to us about the great need for thousands of people who are awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant and how you can support their motto and mission; Give Hope. Give Life. Continuing the ‘giving’ theme, Erskine Gillespie from Vitalant Blood Donation will also join me to talk about the critical need and shortage they...

Episode Notes Guests include the new President of Rust College in Holly Springs, MS., Dr. Ivy Taylor. She tells us about her plans to make the HBCU bigger, bolder and better. She will also tell us what brought her there after holding political office. This is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Advocate and survivor Gwen Turner joins me for a frank and honest discussion about the issue and how to e...

Episode Notes My guests include Collierville Police Chief Dale Lane. This small town became the site of a national nightmare when a lone gunman opened fire in a Kroger grocery store that ended up wounding 15 people, killing one. He will talk to us about this unspeakable situation and how he and the community are trying to heal. Also, talking business as the demand for workers is paying off in high...

Episode Notes My guests include West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon. He is going to tell us about the many projects he is working on in his city, the economic effect the I-40 bridge closure had, and what the future holds. Also, Talia Palacio, Community advocate and WYXR radio host will explain the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month. Finally, we will end this edition on a musical note with Jim Co...

Episode Notes My guests include Tori Boyland, who is on a mission to promote mental health awareness through her ‘Tori Talks’ organization. She will tell us about her next Community Day of Service and how you can help. Broad Baptist Church Pastor Keith Norman is a man who deeply cares about community. He has strong opinions about the church and the Delta variant and the senseless violence on our s...

Episode Notes My guests include Commercial Appeal columnist Corinne Kennedy. She recently penned an article about how the lack of employees has and is affecting the local work force. Hear what she found out from several businesses who are affected. Anna Kathryn Word from MIFA pays a return visit. She will talk about this years, “Our City, Our Story” series, with two very well-known authors’ Elizab...

Episode Notes My guests include Michelle Robinson McKissack Shelby County School Board member. We are all aware of the great impact the Delta variant has caused to our community, and is now affecting our children in a big way. She will tell us how the board is fighting back to protect them. When you hear the name Fred Jones you think of some very big events. He joins me to talk about the comeback...

Episode Notes My guests include an up close and personal look at what goes on in an ER in the midst of the explosive Delta variant outbreak. Baptist Medical ED Nurse Luke Parker shares his life changing experience. Rent and utility assistance along with the eviction moratorium have been front and center these days. Karen Gause, Division of Community Services Program Manager will tell us where thin...

Episode Notes My guests this week include a man who has too many jobs; host of Behind the Headlines, The Sidebar podcast Oh...and let's not forget CEO of the Daily Memphian. Eric Barnes stops by to discuss all things Memphis. Many of you fans of the theater have missed live shows. Well, they are coming back for a new season at the Orpheum and Pres. and CEO Brett Batterson joins me to raise the cur...

Episode Notes My guests include Dr. Nick Hysmith, Infectious disease physician, Medical Director of Infection Prevention, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. As was predicted, the Delta variant has become far worse that initially thought and our children are being affected at a dangerous rate never seen before. He will breakdown the numbers and where things can go. Back in June, Dr. (Jack) Shannon Jr,...

Episode Notes My guests include Criminal Court Clerk Heidi Kuhn. Her office does many things, but one of primary focus is that of expungement. Clearing criminal records means that those who have made mistakes won’t have it held against them so they can care for themselves and their families. Cathy Pope, Pres/CEO of the Mid South Food Bank makes a return visit. She will update us on their continued...

Episode Notes My guests include Lisa Moore, President/CEO of Girls Inc. They recently broke ground on a multimillion expansion of their current youth farm in Frayser. She explains how this project will continue to build young women in mind, body and spirit. Michael Harris is a Whitehaven native that has seen both good and bad days in the area. As the newly named Executive Director of the Whitehave...

Episode Notes The Byhalia Pipeline connection issue has been front and center for a while now in a very public war between Plains All American, Protect Our Aquifer and MCAP. On July 2, Plains withdrew its bid. New POA Executive Director Sarah Houston joins me to discuss. Personal grooming is a big business, none more so then the nail industry. Kamecha Wilson founded the Nail Institute in 2017 and...

Episode Notes My guests include Amaranthus Hyden from the Cooper and Young Community Farmers Market. They will speak to how a new program will offer a two for the price of one deal to those of you who enjoy living healthier lives. Next, we have all seen construction workers on our streets and highways. June is National Safety Month and Jeremy Ramberg will join us to discuss how drivers should slow...

Episode Notes My guests include Barbara Farmer-Tolbert and Olliette Drobot partners, consultants and founders of L.A.C.E. Find out what it means and how they work to improve our city. Infectious disease Dr. Steve Threlkeld, returns to talk about the Delta variant and the danger it poses to those who are not vaccinated. Its RTM, Monday, 6-7 pm central on 91.7 WYXR, Tunein, WYXR.org or wherever you...

Episode Notes My guests include Kevin Kern, VP, of Public Relations for Memphis Tourism. As we are quickly marching towards the post pandemic period, the crowds are back, the streets are full and business is coming back. Kevin will tell us what it means for our economic outlook. Then it’s the Mad Man of morning radio, Michael Adrian Davis from The voice of SCS, joins me to talk about a Juneteenth...

Episode Notes Our hearing and even our speech is something many of us take for granted. Dr. Jani Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the U of M. Her research aims to improve access to affordable hearing health care for diverse adults and improve outcomes with hearing aids. Also joining me is Mike Miller, President, Memphis restaurant associati...

Episode Notes Join me for the next Real Talk Memphis radio podcast with my guests Lee Chase from Literacy Mid-South, Sheila Terrell, President and CEO of the RISE Foundation of Memphis and Emily Wyonzek, Board President from the Memphis Farmer's Market. From the importance of literacy to the growth of our city, to economic empowerment and how you can achieve it, and to living a healthier lifestyle...

Episode Notes May is Better Hearing and Speech month. Dr. Jani Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the U of M. Her research aims to improve access to affordable hearing health care for diverse adults and improve outcomes with hearing aids. Also joining me is Robert Marcy, Exec. Dir., of the Memphis Farmers Market. He will tell us about the cha...

Episode Notes My guests include Dr. Jon McCullers, Chair of Pediatrics at UTHSC, and pediatrician-in-chief at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. He joins me to talk about being a member of the Shelby County Board of Health, Covid 19 restrictions and if we have turned the corner. Next, Marvin Coleman sells cars, but he also gives back to the community. His is a story of revival and redemption and how...