Dr. Thomas Dobbs, former Mississippi State Health Officer and current Dean at the John D. Bower School of Population Health, shares candid insights from the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the early fears of system collapse to evolving views on masks, vaccines, and misinformation, Dr. Dobbs reflects on what Mississippi got right—and what…

Rebecca Staples and Hope Newsome Staples continues they conversation as they explore the vibrant community of Laurel, Mississippi. In this episode, they delve into the town's rich cultural events, such as the renowned Lauren Rogers Museum Gala and Pancake Day, and discuss the town's unique architectural heritage. They celebrate the local arts scene…

Join Rebecca Staples and Hope Newsome Staples, guest podcasters for Bigger Pie Forum, as they continue they conversation and delve into the rich tapestry of Laurel, Mississippi’s history of innovation and community spirit. Broadcasting from the heart of the Pine Belt, they explore the town’s notable contributions to industry, from the revolutionary…

Join Rebecca Staples and Hope Newsome Staples, guest podcasters for Bigger Pie Forum, as they explore the rich heritage of Laurel, Mississippi. Broadcasting from the heart of the Pine Belt, they delve into the town's unique history, from its timber industry roots to its proud spirit of independence symbolized by the Free State of Jones. In this epi…

Embark on a culinary journey with us as we continue our conversation with Chaz Lindsay, the brilliant mind behind Pulito Osteria, Jackson's latest gastronomic sensation. 🍽️ From his humble beginnings at Pizza Shack to a revolutionary stint at the Culinary Institute of America, Chaz shares the story behind his passion, education, and relentless purs…

Join us as we sat down with the remarkably talented Chaz Lindsay, the mastermind behind Pulito Osteria, Jackson's new culinary sensation. Listen in as Chaz recounts his extraordinary path from his teenage years at Pizza Shack to his revolutionary time at the Culinary Institute of America. Our conversation takes you behind the scenes of his rigorous…

As we continue our conversation with the mastermind behind Applos Restaurant, Alex Eaton , we explore the evolution of the dining experience to include fast fine dining and the addition of a family-friendly courtyard. This shift not only accommodates the growing demand for to-go orders but also caters to a younger audience, proving that innovation …

Join us as we sit down with the culinary maestro Alex Eaton, mastermind behind Aplos Restaurant, and uncover his gastronomic odyssey. Alex walks us through a tapestry of flavors from his Lebanese-Louisiana heritage, recalling his early days cooking over an open fire with the Boy Scouts and his journey through college that ultimately led him to culi…

We continue to unlock the secrets of how our local brewery, the Fertile Ground Brewery, is transforming the community and economy, one pint at a time. Join us as we reveal the resilient spirit of craft breweries, which have become the bedrock of local camaraderie by allowing food from surrounding eateries and creating a hub for social gatherings. D…

Listen in as we take you on a journey through the world of craft breweries in Mississippi with our esteemed guests Matt Jeffries, Connor Reeves, and Matthew McLaughlin, the co-founders of Fertile Ground Brewery. We discuss the evolution of the industry, touching on the trials and tribulations faced by early pioneers like Lucky Town Brewery, and how…

The final cut to the conversation with Mark Mills of the Manhattan Institute. We continue to discuss energy: how it is affected by political decisions, and how these decisions affects our economy. You would not want to miss this episode!By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF continues its conversation with Mark Mills of the Manhattan Institute as he debunks myths and shines a light on the future. From the realities of electric vehicles to the impact of green energy on the mining industry, we cover it all.By Bigger Pie Forum

We delve deep into the complex world of energy with expert Mark Mills of the Manhattan Institute as he debunks myths and shines a light on the future. From the realities of electric vehicles to the impact of green energy on the mining industry, we cover it all. We even discuss the energy costs of AI and computing, comparing it to scenarios from two…

BPF continues its conversation with Hunter Evans of Elvie's Restaurant. Hunter shares his journey with us to becoming a chef and how Elvie's came to fruition.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF visits with Hunter Evans of Elvie’s, one of Jackson’s most popular restaurants and a part of the Belhaven Town Center Development. Hunter shares his journey with us to becoming a chef and how Elvie’s came to fruition.By Bigger Pie Forum

In the second installment of the Belhaven Town Center Development Series, BPF continues the conversation with successful entrepreneur developers of the Belhaven Town Center, David Turner and Ruffin Lowry — the area that houses extremely popular businesses like Pulito Osteria, Elvie's and Fertile Ground Beer Co. Listen in to the unfolding of the Bel…

BPF sits down with successful entrepreneur developers of the Belhaven Town Center, David Turner and Ruffin Lowry — the area that houses extremely popular businesses like Pulito Osteria, Elvie's and Fertile Ground Beer Co. Listen in to the unfolding of the Belhaven Town Center that has energized both the Belhaven neighborhood and business area.…

In this first part of our series on economic growth in the Golden Triangle, we focus on Plum Creek Environmental. In this episode, James Wamble III shares about their exclusive growth partnership with other Mississippi companies and organizations and what it’s like to run an Inc 5000 company in rural Mississippi. You won't want to miss this episode…

Listen in as Kristen discusses knowing who your customers are and getting back to the basics of customer service. With the growth of internet shopping, being intentional with your consumers' experience is paramount to beat out the competition.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF has an insightful conversation with Mississippi’s own, Kristen Ley, founder and owner of Thimblepress - a nationally recognized, creative and innovative line of greeting cards and gifts that spring from her faith-based mission. Listen in to Kristen’a journey with her achievements and challenges that provide some insight for those desiring to pu…

BPF wraps up our fascinating time with Mr. Meredith with excerpts from his powerful 1961 letter to the Kennedy Administration regarding his rights as an American citizen.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF continues the conversation with James Meredith to discuss the time surrounding his entrance to the University of Mississippi and his time in the Air Force.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF sits down with James Meredith to hear about his fascinating life story. Listen as we dive into Meredith's formative years growing up in North MS.By Bigger Pie Forum

In our final episode with Jack and Elizabeth Coleman, we learn their plans for economic development in Rosedale, Mississippi.By Bigger Pie Forum

In our most recent episode, Jack and Elizabeth discuss battery technology and storage capacity in electric vehicles and giving the American people both sides of the story.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF continues the conversation on what Mississippi can do to prevent an energy and electricity crisis from coming here.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF had the fortunate opportunity to discuss timely topics with a few of Mississippi's top experts in the energy and electricity industry at the regulatory & policy making levels. Listen in as they dive into the energy & electricity crisis in the U.K. and Europe that's beginning to happen in parts of the U.S. and what Mississippi can do to prevent …

BPF continues the conversation with Secretary Michael Watson on cutting regulations to help make Mississippi more business friendly and more Mississippians realize their dreams.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF visits with Secretary Watson to find out more on the "Tackle the Tape" initiative and the plan within it titled "29 x 29." The aim is to review every regulation for all 29 occupational licensing boards and commissions by the year 2029.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF guest podcasters had the opportunity to meet and talk with gallerist and curator Stacy Conde of Conde Contemporary. Listen in as she tells how she makes a pivot from Miami to Mississippi and illuminates Natchez the way only she can.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF had the opportunity to sit down with Mrs. King and hear how she's an agent for change in her community through her Natchez Heritage School of Cooking. She's also gearing up for the 3rd annual Soul Food Fusion Festival, (June 17 - 19) where the community celebrates together at a block-long white linen dining table eating the cuisine of the local…

Tate Taylor discusses the needs of Natchez and how he's investing in the community to help build a city that implores newcomers to stay. Tate addresses Mississippi's tarnished past and how we can shake the sensationalism and stereotypes.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF sits down with successful filmmaker and writer Tate Taylor. We had the opportunity to hear his fascinating journey back to the Church Hill community outside of Natchez, Mississippi where he's shaking things up.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF continues the conversation with Mayor Dan Gibson on his vison and goals for the decade ahead and the continued renaissance of Natchez, MississippiBy Bigger Pie Forum

BPF travels to the jewel of the Mississippi River to meet Mayor Dan Gibson at the National Historic Landmark of Dunleith Historic Inn and discuss how Natchez is finding itself in an upside surprise renaissance on the heels of a pandemic — thanks to its diversity, hospitality and culture.By Bigger Pie Forum

Listen in as BPF discusses the history and policies regarding energy and electricity with Douglas Carswell of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF has a fascinating conversation with Douglas Carswell of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy on the electricity crisis in the U.K. and why it matters to Mississippi's citizens and policy makers.By Bigger Pie Forum

Guest podcasters Ann Seale and Mona Reddy talk with Interim Executive Director of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi at the Waller Craft Center to talk about the artisans renderings this Christmas season.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF continues the conversation with Blake Dubinski of GenTeal Apparel on the challenges of growing a new business in a highly competitive marketplace.By Bigger Pie Forum

Blake Dubinski and Dr. Brice Noonan, Ole Miss Professors, are the co-founders of GenTeal Apparel — a men's fine apparel line that is currently distributed to 140 retailers across the U.S. Listen in to their journey to becoming entrepreneurs in their spare time.By Bigger Pie Forum

Restaurateur Emily Blount - owner of St. Leo Italian restaurant, and retail store owner Anne-Marie Gordon of CICADA - a high fashion women's apparel fixture in Oxford tell us how their businesses survived the pandemic being in a small college town.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF sits down with restaurateur Emily Blount - owner of St. Leo Italian restaurant, and with retail store owner Ann Marie Gordon of CICADA - a high fashion women's apparel fixture in Oxford. Listen to their entrepreneurial journeys resulting to the good for Oxford, Mississippi.By Bigger Pie Forum

How Blue Delta Jeans co-founder Josh West has carved out a niche in high-end apparel to make the "The best jean I've ever put on." A good product and great story.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF visits with Josh West of Blue Delta Jeans to hear the story behind the highly coveted bespoke jeans and why he thinks Mississippi is a hidden gem for entrepreneurs.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF continues the conversation with Jon and Allen on investing in the people of Oxford and building a thriving community that attracts others - paying large dividends toward economic development.By Bigger Pie Forum

In this first episode of our latest series, BPF sits down with Jon Maynard and Allen Kurr of the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation to discuss their version of economic development, growth from the inside out or the bottom up approach.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF continues the conversation with State Auditor Shad White as he discusses fraud abuses of MS unemployment benefits under the 2020 stimulus, the challenges facing PERS, as well as the upside and downside surprises over the last three years as State Auditor.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF sits down with State Auditor Shad White to take an in-depth look at the mission and operation of the auditor's office.By Bigger Pie Forum

BPF turns off of Porter Avenue and heads for the corner of Washington Avenue and Government Street — the heart of downtown Ocean Springs, where the local shops, art galleries, restaurants, bars and music bring the town to life. It's here that we sit down with three successful entrepreneurs — Adrea Maxwell of Seaside Fitness, Chris Collier of The Of…

BPF continues the conversation with Ted and Roxy Condrey of The Roost Boutique Hotel. In this episode we discuss the community feel of Ocean Springs and how Ted and Roxy balance keeping that charming small town feel with the growth of their properties. We also dive into the highlights throughout the year in Ocean Springs with its art shows and othe…