Soul Sessions Jackson

In this episode, meet Sophie McNeil Wolf, the Director of Communications and Insights for the Community Foundation for Mississippi. We discuss Sophie's journey in community work, the role of community foundations, and their impact on local projects in Jackson. The conversation highlights CFM's November Friendsgiving event, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and generosity in Missis...

On today's show, Belhaven residents George and Ann Elizabeth Gillespie just opened Wing Mouth at Belhaven Town Center, a simple concept that specializes in wings, tenders and fries. And after years in the restaurant business, George says they're filling a need for more fast, casual options at the town center, a spot that's brimming with activity almost every day of the week. TRANSCRIPT: https://ww...

On today's episode, the Garden Mama, Nellie Neal talks about the upcoming Fondren Garden and Bottle Tree Tour and the importance of community in gardening, innovative practices in Jackson, and advice for aspiring gardeners. Transcript and show notes: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-nellie-neal

On today's episode, we talk to Conner Reeves about Belhaven's Bright Lights, a celebration of the artisans, musicians and creators of the Greater Belhaven neighborhood that features music, food, and local vendors.

Today, Ellen Daniels, the executive director of the Mississippi Book Festival, discusses the ten-year-old festival's history and what makes it special. The festival brings together authors and book lovers from all walks of life, creating a magical and intimate atmosphere. TRANSCRIPT AND SHOW NOTES: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-ellen-daniels-24

Today in this encore presentation, De Shannon Williams is one of the owners of Smokey's Meal on Wheels food truck, and she's an organizer of Food Truck Fridays, which have returned to Smith Park in downtown Jackson every first, third and fifth Friday.

On today’s episode, artist Noah Satterstrom discusses his exhibition 'What Became of Dr. Smith' at the Mississippi Museum of Art and how his curiosity led him to uncover his great-grandfather's story. The exhibition explores themes of mental illness, family history, and the power of art to spark conversations. TRANSCRIPT, RESOURCES: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-noah-saterstrom

On today’s episode, Yolanda Singleton, President and CEO of Xxperience JXN, discusses her role as a promoter, community advocate, and trendsetter in bringing entertainment to Jackson, Mississippi. TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-yolanda-singleton

On today’s episode, the Two Mississippi Museums’ Ayana Jones helps give context to Freedom Summer, where over 700 mainly white volunteers came to our state and teamed up with African Americans for a voter registration drive to boost Black voter registration and combat discrimination and intimidation. TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-ayana-jones

On today's episode, Two Mississippi Museums’ Executive Director Michael Morris joins us to share a look at Juneteenth. And Michael helps to tie in this holiday to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. SHOW NOTES: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-michael-morris-juneteenth

On today's episode, Justin Nipper, the marketing and events manager at the Ag Museum, gives us a look at Pickle Fest. It's an event that's drawing record interest this year for its brine-soaked celebration of all things pickled. TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-justin-nipper-pickle-fest GUIDE TO PICKLE FEST: https://www.visitjackson.com/pickle-fest/

In this episode, we're celebrating local businesses and events - Offbeat's 10-year anniversary and the upcoming 601 JXN Day celebration. TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-phillip-rollins-kim-lewis

In this episode, Aseelah Rashid, the new director of the International Museum of Muslim Cultures in Jackson, Mississippi, discusses the significance of the museum being the first of its kind in America and its role in educating people about Islam and Muslim cultures. TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-aseelah-rasheed

In this episode, Elvie's Chef Hunter Evans, a James Beard finalist, discusses his nomination and his plans for a classic Jackson restaurant. TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-hunter-evans/

In this episode, Mayor Kane Ditto and Mike Williams, discuss the history of the JXN planetarium, the new design, and the challenges and triumphs of fundraising. The planetarium aims to provide a unique and immersive experience for visitors, with interactive displays and educational spaces. The conversation highlights the importance of the planetarium for education and tourism in Mississippi. TRANS...

In this episode, we talk to David Long, the president of the Jackson Friends of the Library who discusses the importance of promoting libraries and literacy in the city of Jackson. We also talk about the fundraising efforts and community engagement initiatives of the organization and a call to action to get involved and support the Friends of the Library. TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/b...

In this episode of Soul Sessions, Yolanda Clay-Moore interviews Walt Grayson, a veteran television and radio personality in Mississippi and Grand Marshal of this year's Hal's St. Paddy's Parade. They discuss Walt's career, his coverage of Mississippi, and his experiences at the parade. The conversation highlights the sense of community and diversity at the parade, as well as the significance of th...

In this episode of Soul Sessions, we’ve put together an episode featuring The Local Palate’s Amanda FitzGerald, Chef Nick Wallace and Chef Cat Cora. It's worth listening back to hear their affections for Jackson and have them talk more about the upcoming JXN Food & Wine.

In this episode of Soul Sessions, we explore a collaborative project between Visit Jackson and Jackson State University's art department, a rebranding of local restaurants that provides real-world experience for art students. The project has had a positive impact on the students, allowing them to leave their mark on beloved Jackson institutions Bully's, Sugar's Place and Taste of the Island.

In this episode, our guest is none other than Jackson, Mississippi native and Iron Chef, Cat Cora. Cat returns home on March 2 - and says she can't wait - and talks today about her memories and culinary roots in Jackson.

In this episode, Chef Nick Wallace discusses the upcoming Jackson Food & Wine Festival and the importance of celebrating Jackson, Mississippi. He also talks about bringing fellow Top Chef contestants to Jackson and the diverse culinary talent in the state.

In this episode of Soul Sessions, Amanda FitzGerald of The Local Palate talks about the upcoming JXN Food and Wine Festival. Amanda talks about the chef lineup, the talent from Jackson and surrounding areas, the importance of the event to the capital city, the cuisine and history of Jackson, the partnership with The Local Palate, and more. Transcript: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-session...

In this episode of Soul Sessions, Keith shares the importance of musicians' contributions to the WellsFest community, an upcoming fundraiser for the late Steve Chester and an invitation to support the WellsFest CARES Fund at the Community Foundation for Mississippi. Transcript and additional links: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-keith-ferguson/

In this episode of Soul Sessions, Hal & Mal's and Campbell's Bakery Chef Damien Cavicchi discusses his love for storytelling through food and how he draws inspiration from his travels and the history of different places.

Today, we're talking to Brad Kamikaze Franklin, the founder of Jackson Indie Music Week, a seven-day music festival that celebrates independent music in Jackson, Mississippi. The conversation covers the origins of the event, its growth and impact, and the recognition of Visit Jackson's contributions to the independent music scene.