Best WYXR Podcasts (2024)

1
Roshun Austin with The Works, Inc. 36:24

5h ago36:24

36:24

”When people from all walks of life and all income levels can rally around Memphis, those are my favorite moments in the city because we can all believe in one thing.” During this episode of Just Bluffin’ Cecilia and Shannon talk with Roshun Austin from The Works, a nonprofit that helps Memphians with affordable housing. We get to learn more about …

1
S1E173 - Steve Mulroy, Karen Camper, and Yolanda Fant 57:33

1d ago57:33

57:33

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 latestattempt at bail reform. State Rep. Karen Camper represents many areas including the Whitehaven community. It was scheduled for the second part…

1
S1E172 - Christopher B. Davis, Melanie Keller, and Nicole Grida 56:11

2d ago56:11

56:11

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 …

1
Stacey Saed with Annestasis 35:55

4d ago35:55

35:55

“A home is a part of a family.” On this episode of Just Bluffin, we chat with Annestatis owner Stacey Saed about compassion-forward relocation. Deep emotions and feelings come with packing, moving and leaving a home, and Stacey tells us about her kind and humanitarian approach to this process. We also learn about a sweet memory she made with her da…

1
S1E171 - Linda Phillips, Shawn Jones, Mike Williams 59:13

8d ago59:13

59:13

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 …

1
S1E170 - Dr. Michelle Taylor, Anthony Buckner, and Kevin Woods 58:56

22d ago58:56

58:56

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 of…

1
Jani Rad with Regional One Health 34:15

19d ago34:15

34:15

“I didn’t like the idea of how your zip code could affect your health.” This week’s show features Jani Rad of Regional One Health Solutions LLC. Jani is a super star in the healthcare world, but she is also an entrepreneur, podcast host, speaker with her own Ted Talk, mental health advocate, and so much more. During this episode, we learn about her…

1
S1E169 - Chandell Ryan, Van Turner, and Dr. Nick Watkins 59:05

22d ago59:05

59:05

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…

1
S1E168 - Sarah Houston, Bennie Cobb, and Geoff Calkins 58:47

26d ago58:47

58:47

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 fo…

1
With Special Guest Robert Traxler 1:00:01

26d ago1:00:01

1:00:01

From the WYXR studio Sonosphere welcomes experimental sound artist and founder of Memphis Concrete, Robert Traxler. We play some tunes and talk about a few local and regional artists who recently played in Memphis. Join us!By Sonosphere Podcast

1
Brent Nair with Project Teamwork 32:16

1M ago32:16

32:16

“If people are our greatest assets, we have to approach it from a relational perspective.” On this week’s show,Brent Nair of Project Teamwork talks about his people-first coaching company based in Memphis that helps organizations work better together. He gives us a deep dive into the working genius and how he uses it to help teams. We also talk abo…

1
S1E167 - Marco McClendon, Mauricio Calvo, and Bobby & Derravia Rich 59:08

1M ago59:08

59:08

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 a…

1
S1E165 - Jerri Green, John Covington, Dr. Shaneika Smith, and Kache Brooks 59:28

1M ago59:28

59:28

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 issue…

1
Chris Taylor with Mempops 33:49

2M ago33:49

33:49

“Memphis supports us, so we want to support Memphis.” On this week’s episode, Shannon and Cecilia talk with Chris Taylor from Mempops. He tells us how the tasty popsicle operation got started and has also remained a family business, including how eager his 11 year old son is to get to work. We also learn Cecilia may have gotten the last ever fudged…

1
S1E164 - Marilyn Rucker, Mickell Lowery, and Karen Camper 55:54

2M ago55:54

55:54

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…

1
S1E163 - Dianne Marshall Young, Al Lewis, and Tangua Houston 56:49

2M ago56:49

56:49

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 camp…

1
Ron Brooks with River City Capital 1:14:09

2M ago1:14:09

1:14:09

“You are not going to be able to grow your business without partners.” On this week’s episode with Ron Brooks from River City Capital, we talk all things money, credit and budget. We also learn the value of having a solid business budget and how much he could change the impact of credit history. River City Capital uplifts local businesses by not on…

1
S1E162 - Alicia Denton, Floyd Bonner, and Rev. Dr. Bartholomew Orr 59:34

2M ago59:34

59:34

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 ch…

1
Lakeisha Edwards with UrbanArts Commission 36:53

2M ago36:53

36:53

“Feeding into that creative mind is the foundation.” On this week’s show we sit down with Lakeisha Edwards with Urban Art Commission. She tells us about her journey from social work into the arts and how the two intertwine now and also gives us a deep dive into UAC’s current and future installation projects. . We also learn about the importance of …

1
S1E161 - Yolanda Cooper Sutton, Britney Thornton, and Jesse Chism 58:34

3M ago58:34

58:34

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 Or…

1
S1E160 - Rev. Dr. Earle Fisher and Dr. Taylor Reed 54:10

3M ago54:10

54:10

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…

1
Meagan May with Backbeat Tours (Part 2) 47:06

3M ago47:06

47:06

“This is OUR city.” This episode of Just Bluffin’ features a bonus episode with Megan May of Backbeat Tours. Megan is such a wealth of Memphis knowledge that we had to dedicate another episode just to her! We cover a variety of fun things to do, see, and eat in the city. She also tells the infamous Elvis story that started his career and discusses …

1
S1E159 - Ted Townsend; Leslie Taylor and Norman Blake; and Vincent C. Perry 57:15

3M ago57:15

57:15

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…

1
Lori Jones with DeNeuville Learning Center for Women 46:15

4M ago46:15

46:15

“If we really want to change the outcome for Memphis children, we have to support their mothers.” On this week’s episode, we chat with Lori Jones from the DeNeuville Learning Center for Women about the impact of quality education for women and girls and the importance of an organization like this in Memphis. In this episode, we learn more about DLC…

1
S1E158 - Althea Greene, Brian Harris, and August White 56:57

4M ago56:57

56:57

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 a…

1
Moog Show 58:34

4M ago58:34

58:34

Today on the show I feature songs with the Moog synthesizer. I had the opportunity to visit the Moogseum in Asheville, NC. It is funded by the Bob Moog Foundation and I feature tunes from Lisa Bella Donna's commissioned album for the Moogseum's 15 anniversary. Bob Moog saw himself as a tool maker, creating tools for artists and muscians to bring th…

1
S1E157 - Durell Cowan, Angela Owens, and Otis Sanford 58:28

4M ago58:28

58:28

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 …

1
Meka Egwuekwe with Code Crew 39:57

4M ago39:57

39:57

“In the Bluff City, we just bluffin’.” On this week’s episode, Shannon and Cecilia talk to Meka Egwuekwe of Code Crew. He teaches us about the value of a skill like coding and how AI will continue to impact our society. We learn about all the programs and classes available at Code Crew, including a special upcoming program for toddlers. He also tal…

1
S1E156 - Bacarra Mauldin, Mack Weaver, and Kadesha Gordon 58:33

4M ago58:33

58:33

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…

1
MMI X Unapologetic Partnership 58:39

5M ago58:39

58:39

On Sonosphere today we hear live from the WYXR studios my chat with Kid Maestro of Unapologetic collective and Brandy Cassius with the Memphis Music Initiative. They teamed up to put on a free arts workshop for Memphis youth! On March 16, MMI is partnering with UNAPOLOGETIC. for an artist & engineer music recording workshop. Kid is and the UNAPOLOG…

1
Jeremy Park with City Current 50:34

5M ago50:34

50:34

“You have to go deeper in order to make positive change.” On this week’s show we talk with Jeremy Park from City Current, a nonprofit in Memphis and Nashville that connects businesses with nonprofits. We chat about volunteerism and the importance of giving back in our community. Jeremy tells us about his time in LA and how playing tennis led him to…

1
S1E155 - Ramesh Akbari, Kevin Ritz, and Sondra Kaye King 1:00:32

4M ago1:00:32

1:00:32

Episode Notes Guests include State Senator Ramesh Akbari. She is having a busy legislative season with a primary focus on public safety. She speaks about her sponsorship of a bill that could soon become law which would reduce medical deaths in police custody among other things. U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz is the Chief federal law enforcement officer i…

1
S1E154 - Dr. Reginald Boyce, and Carol Jackson 55:01

5M ago55:01

55:01

Episode Notes My guests include Rev. Dr. Reginald Boyce, Dir. Office of Community Affairs and Special Assistant to Mayor Young. This week, the City of Memphis begins a listening tour called One Memphis beginning in Whitehaven. Dr. Boyce shares its intent and why it’s important for all citizens to be involved. Next, we all know how important the fam…

1
Geoff Calkins with the Daily Memphian 56:56

5M ago56:56

56:56

“It is a privilege to get to tell people’s stories.” On this episode of Just Bluffin’ we are joined by The Daily Memphian’s Geoff Calkins. Shannon and Cecilia discuss what it means to be a sports fan in a city like Memphis. Geoff tells us about his family up north, his favorite columns, and why community journalism matters. We learn why Geoff chose…

1
S1E153 - Dwania Kyles and Leigh Mansberg 58:20

5M ago58:20

58:20

Episode Notes My guests include a true Memphis trailblazer and barrier breaker in 1961. As she was a member of the Memphis 13, who helped open doors in education many of us take for granted. Dwania Kyles shares her story as one of the first Black students to integrate a Memphis City School. Next, Junior Achievement of the Mid South is an organizati…

1
S1E152 - Erika Sugarmon, Madeline Lyles and Dana Taylor; and Trey Moore 59:37

5M ago59:37

59:37

Episode Notes My guests include Shelby County Commissioner Erika Sugarmon. It has already been a busy legislative session with several issues at the forefront. One of those is the appointment of a civilian review board for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. She tells me as sponsor, why it was so important to the community. Next, as we celebrate Bl…

1
Mia Henley with Creative Aging 42:55

6M ago42:55

42:55

We want to make Memphis a good place to live, work and retire.”This week, Shannon, Cecilia, and Sophie chat with Mia Henley from Creative Aging! She explains how creativity and the arts can help older adults thrive during retirement. In our conversation, we discuss Creative Aging's many programs and events, including the often-sold-out theater perf…

1
S1E151 - Kirsten Hipkins, Andrew Humphrey, and Stan Bell 1:00:13

5M ago1:00:13

1:00:13

Episode Notes On this episode of Real Talk Memphis, my guests include Kirsten Hipkins from the Community Alliance for the Homeless. Recently, as the Coordinated Entry Director, her team went into our streets for the Point in Time Count. Their goal is to not only help the homeless but to one day eliminate it. Next, weather in the Mid-South can be on…

1
S1E150 - Jerri Green, Sam McKenzie, and Sarah Houston 59:35

6M ago59:35

59:35

Episode Notes My guests include Newly elected Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green. She is one of seven women on the body and recently voted no to reappoint now Interim Chief CJ Davis. She gives her reasons and what steps she thinks should happen next. Last week, a City Hall press conference was held to announce the introducing a new amendment to …

1
Laird Veatch with University of Memphis Athletics 1:00:36

6M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

On today’s episode of Just Bluffin’, we chat with Laird Veatch, the Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at The University of Memphis. He tells us all about the future of Memphis collegiate sports and what is to come for Simmons Bank Memorial Stadium among other exciting development projects. We chat about everything from NIL to…

1
S1E149 - Paul Young, Toni Williams, and Evan Wu 58:52

6M ago58:52

58:52

Episode Notes My guests include the honorable Mayor Paul Young who after only being in office barely a month already has a full plate. A major snow storm that brought things to a grinding halt and a new City Council that put the brakes on the reappointment of Police Chief Davis. He talks about that and the rest of his agenda. Toni Williams is the I…

1
Josh Campbell with Spillit Memphis 48:32

7M ago48:32

48:32

"If we got into those neighborhoods and really listened to each other, then we could make some real progress.” During this week’s show, Shannon and Cecilia are joined by Josh Campbell of Spillit Memphis. He tells us about his love for storytelling and how the Spillit Grand Slam came to be. We discuss the impact of good stories and how storytelling …

1
S1E148 - Yolanda Cooper-Sutton, Pearl Eva Walker, and Tarik Sugarmon 59:37

7M ago59:37

59:37

Episode Notes My guests include newly elected City Councilwomen Yolanda Cooper-Sutton, Super district 8-3 and Pearl Eva Walker who represents District 3. They are part of history as two of seven women elected making them the majority for the first time since the Mayor-Council form of government. I ask them why they decided to run, what their consti…

1
Al Kapone 44:47

7M ago44:47

44:47

“We are the world, we are the Memphis.” On this very special episode of Just Bluffin’, we chat with Al Kapone. The Memphis hip-hop legend gives us an in-depth history of the Memphis sound and the “gangsta walk.” He talks about his start in music and how he was influenced by Stax and other local legends. Cecilia and Al bond over their love of “takin…

1
S1E147 - Randy Taylor, Justin J. Pearson, and Otis L. Sanford 58:34

7M ago58:34

58:34

Episode Notes My guests include Randy Taylor, MPD officer, community activist and founder of Hope Activated. He felt this to be a calling he had to follow in order to save the lives of young men by making right choices. He shares his ministry which involves his own two sons. To say this year has been a whirlwind for State Representative Justin J. P…

1
Dacquiri Baptiste with Orpheum Memphis Group 25:57

7M ago25:57

25:57

“What I have noticed about Memphis is people tend to leave and come back because there is space to think and be creative here.” Shannon and Cecilia are joined by Daiquiri Baptiste from the Orpheum Memphis. We chat about her day-to-day at the Orpheum and how not one day looks the same. She tells us all about her history as a dancer and how it impact…

1
S1E146 - Rhonda Logan, Trevia Chatman, and Dr. Steve Threlkeld 58:55

8M ago58:55

58:55

Episode Notes My guests include Councilwoman Rhonda Logan who will begin her second term representing district 1 January 1. As she prepares for the last council meeting of 2023 and the addition of several new members I ask the important questions; how do we get a handle on crime, strengthen the economic picture and what her overall agenda looks lik…

1
S1E145 - Ike Griffith, Rhonda Treadwell, and Tiffani Morrow Smith 57:35

8M ago57:35

57:35

Episode Notes My guests include Ike Griffith, Director Memphis Office of Youth Services. He will tell us about the Summer Employment Registration, (MPLOY) signup program for ages 14-22 and also bringing back another community initiative involving our young people. Next, being designated a Neighborhood Champion is no small feat, but one organization…

1
Ciara Neill with LPI Memphis 37:18

8M ago37:18

37:18

On this episode of Just Bluffin’, we talk with Ciara Neill with LPI Memphis about her academic background that indirectly led her to be the marketing pro she is today. Listen as she shares all the fun details on upcoming events in Overton Square, Broad Avenue Arts District, and all the other LPI entertainment districts that help Memphis thrive. ---…

1
S1E144 - Amy Kalb and Kache Brooks; Brian Harris, and Charlie Caswel 58:17

8M ago58:17

58:17

Episode Notes My guests include Amy Kalb and Kache Brooks who will share information and details about a County program that deals directly with both youth and families hopefully keeping them from making dangerous choices. There is also a new mental health component included that meets young people where they are. Brian Harris will proudly tell any…

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