The Talk Chamber

Neki Catron, Sylvamo’s Corporate Global Community Engagement Manager, discusses the company’s roots, mission, and deep commitment to Memphis. The episode highlights Sylvamo’s values-driven community investment—especially literacy and education partnerships—and spotlights the Reading Is Fundamental 60th anniversary kickoff event in Memphis at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.

Josh Brown, President and CEO of the Tennessee Chamber, discusses Tennessee’s competitive strengths while warning against complacency. He highlights recent policy wins, the push for nuclear energy, and statewide workforce improvements. Brown explains the role regional hubs like Memphis play in logistics, healthcare, and as cultural centers. He stresses the importance of collaboration among local c...

This week on The Talk Chamber, Mark Halperin joins Taylor Ann as they discuss Boyle Investment Company's long history in Memphis. Mark talks about what makes a company not just survive but thrive. He shares why Memphis is a great place to live and work, and why he chose to stay in Memphis.

Jay B, a Memphis-born radio programmer, DJ, and co-founder of WYXR, discusses his journey from local journalism to curating Memphis music at South by Southwest. He highlights the city’s deep musical legacy, his DJ sets, and his work showcasing Memphis artists on an international stage. JB explains how music becomes a bridge to economic opportunity and cultural tourism, inviting listeners to visit...

In this episode Whitney Jo, managing director of Playhouse on the Square, shares her 33-year Memphis story and explains her role as a Greater Memphis Chamber ambassador, celebrating new and long-standing local businesses through ribbon cuttings and community outreach. She discusses how the Chamber supports small businesses and nonprofits, the power of positive community voices, and encourages list...

Ted Townsend, president and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber, explains why Memphis shows up at South by Southwest, how the Tennessee House showcases the city’s music, culture, and growing tech scene, and how brief encounters can spark business attraction and investment. The episode highlights Memphis’s momentum in AI, partnerships at SXSW (including a panel at the Ireland House), and the city’s...

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Greater Memphis Chamber, Duncan Williams, returns on this episode of The Talk Chamber. He and Taylor Ann discuss the Memphis narrative and Duncan's new "For Memphis" initiative. Duncan sends a weekly email that shares good Memphis news. He challenged recipients of the email to share it with 100 other people and continue to share the good news. Hear how Dun...

This week, Pat Mitchell Worley, CEO of The Soulsville Foundation, sits down with Taylor Ann Carpenter on The Talk Chamber. They talk about her journey to her role as CEO and why music matters to Memphis. Tune in to hear her insights on Memphis music.     For more information of the Soulsville Foundation visit: https://soulsvillefoundation.org/  

This episode of The Talk Chamber features two incredible young professionals, Lionel Davis and Maria Rios. Lionel and Maria are the Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of our Young Professionals Council. They both have passion for Memphis and the growth of our young professional community. Tune in to this episode to hear about the future of YPC and the future of Memphis.

The latest episode of The Talk Chamber features Dusky Grimmig, founder of Behind the Scenes Events. Dusky shares how she started her event business, what makes them different, and how they made it to 25 years of business. Listen to this episode to hear her advice for business owners of all industries.

Rory Thomas, President and CEO of the Memphis Medical District Collaborative, joins Taylor Ann on the latest episode of The Talk Chamber. They celebrate 10 years of MMDC, the new developments and improvements, and why the Medical District is crucial to Memphis. Listen to this episode to discover the great work of the Memphis Medical District Collaborative.   For more information on the Memphis Med...

This week, Julian Cross, the Communications Manager at the Greater Memphis Chamber, joins Taylor Ann Carpenter on The Talk Chamber. Julian looks back on his first year at the Chamber and discusses what it's like being a young professional and why it's important to cultivate the YoPros in your office.     Music by: #mubert https://mubert.com/render

We're kicking off season 2 of The Talk Chamber with another great episode. This week, Pierre Landaiche, CEO of UMRF Ventures, joins Taylor Ann Carpenter. They discuss what UMRF Ventures does, how that helps students, and how it plays into the Memphis economy.    For more about UMRF Ventures visit: https://umrfventures.com/home   Music by: #mubert https://mubert.com/render

As we wrap up our year, let's end on a high note. Bill Dunavant, CEO & President of Dunavant Enterprise, one of the greatest cheerleaders for our city, shares his Memphis story and why you need to be all in on Memphis.

As we begin to wind down such an incredible year, it's important to look back and reflect. So many wonderful guests have joined Taylor Ann this season to talk about Memphis and our business community. Listen to this episode featuring George Monger, CEO of Connect Music.

At the 2025 Annual Chairman's Luncheon, Duncan Williams was named the new Chairman of the Greater Memphis Chamber's Board of Directors. Prior to becoming Chair, Duncan had over a decade of involvement with the Chamber. Discover his love for Memphis and for the Chamber as we look back at the Best of The Talk Chamber.

This year has been an incredible one for The Talk Chamber. So many wonderful guests have joined Taylor Ann this season to talk about Memphis and our business community. Let's look back at some of our favorite episodes. First, Ayile Arnett, CEO of Arnett Logistics and a person who is all in on the Chamber.

Amy Daniels, Chief Communications Officer at the Greater Memphis Chamber, joins Taylor Ann to talk about one of our signature events, the Annual Chairman's Luncheon. They discuss all that goes into the production and why it is necessary for the business community to celebrate Memphis. Plus, hear how Taylor Ann got her start at the Chamber. Tune in to discover the magic of ACL and the magic of Memp...

Jamal Muhammad, Brent Hooks, and Jameson Murrey join Taylor Ann Carpenter on this episode of The Talk Chamber for the final conversation with the 2025 Next Gen Award recipients. They discuss how Memphis IS a place you can dream, dream big, and fulfill those dreams. Discover how Memphis is a place for dreamers.

Another group of Next-Gen Awardees- Desiree Burroughs-Ray, Hannah Leon, Romanethia Green, and Zachary Amos- join Taylor Ann on this episode of The Talk Chamber. These young professionals share their insights and passion for Memphis. Whether born here or not each of them chose Memphis and believe in this city. Tune in to discover why!

Three incredible young professionals: Jevonte Porter Sr., Donae Gooden, and Madison Dobbins join Taylor Ann as Memphis Next-Gen 10 recipients. They discuss why they love Memphis, what they hope to see in Memphis' future, and how they are making Memphis GREATER. Listen to this episode to feel inspired by the future leaders of our city.

This week's episode of The Talk Chamber features Rob Recker, President of Chamber Benefits Inc. Rob sits down with Taylor Ann to discuss all the benefits the Greater Memphis Chamber offers their members, from office savings to health insurance. Learn about CBI and what the Chamber has to offer. 

The incredible duo behind Bluff City Parties and Events, Janniece Garner and Jay Smith, sit down with Taylor Ann Carpenter on this episode of The Talk Chamber. Janniece and Jay share why Memphis is a GREATER place to be and what makes owning a business here so special. They celebrate one year of membership with the Chamber and discuss how they got involved in the first place. Tune in to this episo...

This week on The Talk Chamber, Micheal Cristal, the Division President at Kroger, sits down with Taylor Ann Carpenter to discuss how a business like Kroger can impact its community beyond just groceries. We talk about Micheal's story and how he always finds himself back in Memphis, despite working all over the United States. Tune in to this episode to learn about how Kroger gives back to the commu...

Leighanne Soden, President of West Cancer Foundation, joins Taylor Ann Carpenter on this week's episode of the Talk Chamber. Leighanne shares about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the powerful work she does at West Cancer, how it changes lives, and why we all need to join the fight against cancer. Tune in to discover the great work West Cancer Foundation is doing, not just for Breast Cancer Awarene...