Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

Episode Notes My guests include Memphis District 3 City Councilwoman Patrice Robinson. She is winding up her second and final term and as she prepares to leave, I ask her about the high and low points, where the city is at today from her view and about her upcoming new position with TVA and why it’s so important for MLGW customers. LifeLine to Success is an organization that accepts people where they are. Founded by DeAndre Brown and now run by his wife Vinessa, they help people to deal with the problems, confusion and frustration of returning to functioning in a community after prison- to help others. Vinessa joins me to talk about a major grant award that will continue to help them transform lives but also help tackle some of the city’s biggest problems like blight and crime. Finally, helping our youth deal with life’s problems and pressures is a priority these days. Rev. Dr. Reginald Boyce is a pastor, but he is also the founder of Empower901. He joins me to talk about why motivating and empowering at risk youth is so important. That and more on air and online Monday 6-7 pm. Catch it on WYXR 91.7 FM, WYXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes Guests include Sarah Houston, the Executive director of Protect the Aquifer. Water, as we know is our most precious resource and it is imperative that we do all we can to keep it safe and pure. Sarah gives us the latest update and tells us about the new fellows position. Monique Williams is a woman of many talents including being a restaurant owner. She now adds a new title and role as the first African American Alderwoman in the City of Bartlett, TN. She speaks to me about the new role and how she will handle it moving forward. September is Sickle Cell Awareness month and for many a difficult issue in life. Dr. Childi Zacheaus from Faharri Health is hosting a health fair with the message, if you know better, you do better. All this and more on air and online Monday, 6-7 pm, WYXR 91.7 FM. Also WYXR.org, Tunin, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode Notes My guests include Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. He has just finished his first year in office and to say it’s been challenging is an understatement. From Eliza Fletcher to Young Dolph to Tyre Nichols just to name a few, his office has been under the hot glare of the spotlight. He tells me how it’s been and what other new initiatives he’s working on. Next, Katherine Burgess is a government reporter for the Commercial Appeal newspaper and of late has reported quite a bit on the upcoming mayor’s race. She will also be a moderator for the upcoming Mayor’s debate on Sept 14th. She will tell me what the important issues are and who looks to be making up ground with the undecided voters. Next, the theatre is great way to relax and it plays an important role, pardon the pun, in our city. CJ Thomas is the Director of Community Relations for the Playhouse on the Square and he joins me to share the rundown of this seasons best shows and why there is a greater effort to be more inclusive to bring more audiences. That and more both on air and online Monday nite at 6pm. On WYXR 91.7 FM, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts! It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include Johnnie Mosley, Chairman, Citizens for Better Service. Recently, a group of concerned citizens held a community meeting about problems and issues facing the bus riders of MATA. They met with CEO Gary Rosenfeld and Congressman Steve Cohen about issues ranging from delayed to ‘no show’ buses on fixed routes to scheduling issues just to name a few. He tells me if they reached common ground. The NAACP has been fighting the good fight for justice and equality for decades. Recently, the organization selected a long time member to serve as the new President. We meet Kermit Moore and find out what his agenda looks like moving forward. Next, you can say it’s been a long time coming, what are we talking about? On September 2, the long awaited opening of the newly designed Tom Lee Park will officially open to the public. Carol Coletta, President and CEO of Memphis River Parks Partnership will join me to talk about what has been a true labor of love and a major showcase for years to come. It’s a can’t miss RTM both on air and online Monday, 6-7 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include Leta McCollough Seletzky, author of ‘The Kneeling Man’ with an unbelievably true life story involving a member of her own family. When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was shot and killed in Memphis April 4, 1968 at the Lorraine Motel, several people were with him on that balcony including one man who knelt next to him after he was hit trying to render aid. That man was Leta’s father Marrell but there is much more to the story! She joins me to discuss how his being a spy placed him in the center of history. Next, a very important election with significant consequences will be held on October 5 when we select the next Mayor and City Council. MICAH- Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope is hosting a public meeting and forum August 27th at New Sardis Baptist Church. It’s a session for the citizens to realize the importance of voting and a chance to meet some of the candidates to address their concerns face to face. Rev. Rosalyn Nichols and Janiece Lee drop by to discuss. Finally, the importance of early reading skills is a top priority these days as it can define how your child performs in the future. Karen Vogelsang, Executive director of Arise2Read and 2015 Tennessee Teacher of the Year will tell us why children who read proficiently by the third grade have a greater chance for success and how we can help. It’s a powerful RTM both on air and online, Monday, 6-7 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and and wherever you get your podcasts.It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include Ernest Strickland, President of the Black Business Association of Memphis. They are tasked to improve the economic well being of Memphis by developing successful entrepreneurs through business development. He will tell us about a very important event they are hosting called Building Wealth in the Black Community and why you should attend. We all know that gun violence is a huge problem in our city, state and country. The governor has called a Special session August 21st to address the issue. State Representative John Ray Clemmons of Nashville and head of the House Democratic Caucus joins me to discuss the importance of this session and why we should ALL stand for change. The organization Girls on the Run is one that recently came to my attention and because of who they are and what they do I want to bring them to yours. I will speak with two of their members about how combining physical sportsmanship and instilling valuable life skills are the keys to developing a better you. That and more Monday @ 6pm both on air and on line. WYXR 91.7 FM, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include the newest MSCS board member Mauricio Calvo, who will share his thoughts on why he wanted to be a part of this body and how he will strive for greater accountability and transparency for the board and the district. Next, the election of the next Mayor of the city of Memphis may never have greater consequences. The right to vote was hard fought and the Rev. Dr. Earle Fisher, Sr. Pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church, and director of Up The Vote 901 will host the People’s Convention. He tells us why this is the most significant election in the last 50 years and why information is power. It has been said that reading is fundamental and Literacy Mid-South is asking for your help. Candace Freeman joins me to share how the organization is looking for more than 100 paid tutors who want to help students with critical reading skills. That and more both on air and online Monday, 6-7 pm live on the next RTM. WYXR 91.7, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include MSCS board member Michelle McKissack who will update us as to what to expect we prepare to begin another school year. We also get an update on the next superintendent selection process and timetable. Next, the process of re-inserting oneself back into society can at times be challenging especially after incarceration . DeAndre Brown is the Director of the Office of Reentry and will tell us about the new FOCUSED training program and how it will help those formally offended the opportunity to earn a living wage He also explains why this could be a game changer. Lastly, Rev. Dr. Bartholomew Orr, Sr. Pastor of Brown Baptist is a dynamic preacher but did you know he is an author? He joins me to discuss his second book, Outside the Box and how it could help it could help change a community. That and more both on air and online Monday, 6pm on WYXR 91.7 FM. Also on the WYXR app, WYXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include Jennifer Christian who is the founder and Executive Director of My Girl - Tennessee. My Girl is a non-profit organization that empowers young girls through mentorship. They serve girls between the ages of nine and 18 holding numerous events throughout the year, like vision board parties, financial literacy workshops and My Best Self Sessions. She explains why it is some important for them to live their best life. Next, every year about this time we deal with the high heat of the summer months. This year, the entire country, even the world is experiencing the hottest temperatures we have ever seen. Dr. Carlos Shammas, ER doctor for the Baptist Medical Group joins me to talk about the dangers of heat exposure and the warning signs. Lastly, extremely bad weather can be a headache and when it does we rely on our local meteorologists to guide us thru. Tim Simpson has been doing this in the mid-south for 29 years. This is his last week at WREG as he is retiring and he and his wife Leah are moving to South Carolina. He tells us why he’s ready for the next chapter of life. That and more, on air and online Monday 6-7 pm central on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also on the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include Shanika Walls, a Certified Life Coach who says exceptional life skills begin with exceptional life coach training. She teaches others to help identify obstacles or barriers needed to achieve success. She tells us how. Next, we all know that the violence in our streets is top of mind for many of us. Recently, a meeting was held with law enforcement officials and the Marshals Service. U.S. Marshal for the Western District Tryeece Miller joins me to share what their role is and how an increased presence will hopefully provide a benefit of additional safety to our communities. Finally, it’s lights, camera and action as we pull up the curtains on a new season of entertainment at the Orpheum Theatre. We speak with the President and CEO Brett Batterson who gives us a preview of upcoming events as well as the new sidewalk of stars. It’s a must check out edition both on air and online, Monday 6-7pm. WYXR 91.7 FM, WYXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and Facebook Live. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes On the next and all new Real Talk Memphis my guests include Jessica Van Dyke. You may not know her name but you do know the organization she is the lead counsel for. She tells us about the Innocence Project and some big news involving our city. Next, Renardo Baker is Orange Mound grown and strong. He is a community organizer and one who understands the streets and is tired of the violence and committed to saving lives. Finally, there is a big event coming to the big apple aka NYC. Our city soul is on the move and WYXR 's Jared 'JB' Boyd is part of it and tells us what to expect. That and more on air and online, Monday, 6-7 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM, the WYXR app, TuneIn, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It's time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include Kelly Sealey who is one of many thousands across this country who contracted Covid initially, but when the initial symptoms subsided she was left with the long-term effects. She joins me to discuss some of the difficult symptoms she still deals with today. Dr. Sapna Kripalani from Vanderbilt University also joins her to tell us why it's so difficult to diagnose. Jacqueline Oselen is a health and wellness coach, health practitioner and certified yoga teacher. Her main goal is to help the mental, physical and spiritual needs of the black community. She tells us how the Memphis Black Healers Collective can and does help. Rev. Melvin Watkins of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church is a man with a vision for the Westwood community he serves. He along with the community are embarking on a revitalization project. The Southwest Twin Drive-in was once a staple of the area, but it has been dormant for decades. Uplift Westwood CDC says it's time for a new and positive change, he explains the process. All that and more Monday both on air and online. Live 6-7 pm central, 91.7 WYXR also the WYXR app, TuneIn, Facebook live, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.It's time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include SunAh Laybourn. Author, Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Memphis, the host of “Let’s Grab Coffee on WYXR and the person who singlehandedly put a spotlight on the Asian American impact in our city. How? By creating the first formal celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Memphis last month. She tells me why it was so important and how she pulled it off. The Ford plant in the town of Stanton in Haywood County called BlueOval City is the largest manufacturer in TN history. Thomas Burrell is the President of the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association, Inc. Their job is to make sure that Black farmers and landowners get fair and equitable financial representation and the real possibility of generational wealth and partnership. He tells me what they hope to achieve. Lastly, this is Black Music Month and the history of Memphis is at the forefront. Memphis Music Initiative Executive Director Amber Hamilton joins me to celebrate their mission and to share a very special partnership that adds a flavorful note with a catchy theme. ‘Break me off a piece of that”.. So join me both on air and online Monday 6-7pm, WYXR 91.7 FM, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes Guests include Elaine Turner of Heritage Tours. Today we celebrate Juneteenth, which is known by some to be the second Independence Day but how much do you really know about it and its relevance or significance today? She gives us a history lesson and explains. Agape means love and for Agape Child and Family services, it is something they strive to accomplish every day for the people in our city. They are hosting a very special event this weekend which emphasizes hope, encouragement and fellowship with one another when we need it the most. Pastor Daniel Henley joins me to tell us what to expect at this years Faith Family Festival. You may not know his name but he has a very important job in enforcing the law. Kevin Ritz is the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. He has held the position since September of 2022 after being appointed by President Biden. He is the chief federal law enforcement officer in West Tennessee and he explains what determines a federal case and why it is different from locally prosecuted cases. This and more on the Juneteenth edition of Real Talk Memphis both on air and online. Monday, 6-7pm on WYXR 91.7 FM, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include County Commissioner Henri Brooks. While the commission is in the middle of budget season, she tells us how that is going and about an initiative that starts this week with area churches. The focus is to open up various churches to provide for many of our youth a safe place for activities and fun. State Representative Jessie Chism joins me to discuss the recent legislative session, the escalation of crime in our city and how he feels about the Governor’s upcoming special session to address gun control legislation. Lastly, Sam Hardiman is an enterprise and investigative reporter for the Daily Memphian. He will give me an update on some of the current issues of interest, plus what is the most important aspect of what makes a good reporter. That and more both on air and online Monday, 6-7 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include Kim Keblish from FEMA and Liliana Tschanett from the US Small Business Administration (SBA). The tornados that roared through West TN and many other areas in March caused an incredible amount of damage as well as displacing so many families. They join me to tell us how you still have time to file for these economic disaster loans in order to rebuild your life. Next, there is one word we can all relate to these days, security. Many places we find sacred are now targets like places of worship which is why Brown Baptist Church is sponsoring a special event called Protecting the Flock, church safety and security seminar. Brown Executive pastor Derrick Anderson and St. Jude Director of Security Toney Armstrong tell us what to expect and why it’s so important. Our streets are becoming war zones and crime is continually on the rise. Keith Leachman is a community activist who knows the streets of Orange Mound from his own prior experience. Now, his life’s work is to find a solution to stop the killings. He explains his foundation wants to stop the beef and how his ‘memory wall’ just might help. It’s a powerful new episode on air and online Monday, 6-7 pm, WYXR 91.7 FM. Also on the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes Guests include Sarah Houston, Executive director, Protect Our Aquifer. While our water issues haven’t made front page news of late, there are always concerns that bare watching. Sarah shares the latest. It’s budget season with our local government officials and there is one issue our county commissioners are wrestling with, the Wheel tax. Commission chairman Mickell Lowery pays a return visit to update us on that and other business. Charnel Smith is an educator who believes that education is one of the most profound professions in the world. She is the Founder and Director of Rescue Me Education LLC which offers professional development sessions to teachers across the country. She is also an employee of the Tennessee Department of Education as a CTE CORE Consultant. She explains why it's important for our children to have educational options. All this and more both on air and online Monday 6-7pm central. WYXR 91.7 FM, WYXR.org, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.It’s time to talk!

Episode Notes Guests include Capt. Albert Glenn, one of the first Black pilots at FedEx who has embarked on yet another mission. He has started and oversee's a Flight school in Olive Branch for minority students in order to teach and diversify the airline industry. He explains. Next, for those of you who like me have major back problems, I speak with Dr. Chad Campion from Campbell Clinic who tells us about a new less invasive surgery procedure. I'll be paying close attention. Finally, the Grizzlies season has come to an end and there are a few more questions than answers. Grind City media reporter and host Michael Wallace joins me to break it all down plus the latest on Ja Morant and what's next on his latest situation. That and more on air and online. Monday, 6-7pm on 91.7 FM WYXR, the WYXR app, TuneIn, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode Notes My guests include State Senator Raumesh Akbari. With the Legislature recently ending we get a report card on how things went, both the highs and lows. Also, what is the realistic hope (if any), for any Red flag laws regarding any type of gun laws or restrictions. She shares her thoughts. With the crime rate at an all time high and our juvenile crime situation very much out of control how do we ensure our citizens safety? We ask Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy about that, bail reform, the blended sentencing effort for juveniles and just how to enforce a curfew for our teens. Next, we introduce you to Cassandra Corbin Blake who is a poet, book author and a minister. She tells us what the inspiration was for her collection of poems and how her home town in Arkansas inspired them. It's all Monday both on air and online, 6-7 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM, WYXR.org, TuneIn, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. It's time to talk!

Episode Notes My guests include school board member Stephanie Love. With all the confusion surrounding the selection of a new Superintendent and a pause in the process, there are more questions than answers. She will share their thoughts and what happens going forward. Next homicide has become a very big problem in our city adding even more stress on our police force and the families left behind. Alicia Denton is a crime victim’s counselor and supervisor for the homicide bureau. Her office serves as advocate to respond to the emotional needs of victims families to grieve while dealing with loss. It’s a powerful episode both on air and online, Monday, 6-7 pm on WYXR 91.7 FM also on the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.It’s time to talk!