Best Owner at The Primary Brain Podcasts (2025)

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Mississippi Today goes to Washington 23:34

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3h ago23:34

23:34

Mississippi Today reporters Michael Goldberg and Taylor Vance recount their recent trip to Washington, D.C., and meetings with the state’s congressional delegation, covering topics including the use of National Guard troops in U.S. cities — potentially even in Jackson — disaster relief policies and the debate over the release of the Epstein files.…

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037 Dinosaur Themed Toddler Activities 10:03

2h ago10:03

10:03

Dinosaurs are always a toddler favorite — and for the 4th week of homeschool preschool, I’m sharing five fun and simple ways you can bring dinosaurs to life at home! From sensory play to art, fine motor, math, and gross motor activities, you’ll have everything you need to create a week of fun and learning. Links Mentioned: Dinosaur Toddler Unit: ht…

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The Black Box: Inside Mississippi's opioid settlement spending 54:50

3h ago54:50

54:50

Mississippi has been received tens of millions of dollars in opioid settlements each year since 2022, and the use of those dollars has been mostly a mystery. But a Mississippi Today investigation this summer found that of over $124 million the state has received, less than $1 million has been used by public officials to address addiction. Managing …

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036 | 5 Cars Themed Activities for Toddlers 11:40

4h ago11:40

11:40

This week we are driving into cars week! We're chatting about 5 simple, hands-on activities that are easy to set up and enjoy with your little ones. We’ll explore literacy, math, fine motor, gross motor, and art in a way that keeps learning playful and engaging. I’ll walk you through each activity so you can picture how to bring Cars Week to life i…

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Coast senator says Mississippi woefully behind other state in storm mitigation program for home and business owners 31:40

1d ago31:40

31:40

Sen. Scott DeLano, a Republican from Biloxi, says Mississippi has done little to help protect South Mississippians from storm damages and residents statewide from rising insurance costs in the 20 years since Hurricane Katrina. He says Mississippi lags behind other Gulf states, in part, because the state insurance commissioner has not pushed for a r…

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035 | 5 Rainbow Themed Activities for Toddlers with 3 Organization Tips for Homeschool Preschool 11:31

4d ago11:31

11:31

This week we wrapped up our apple theme from episode 34 and now it’s time to get ready for rainbow week! In this episode, I share my 3 favorite organizational tips for keeping preschool simple and walk you through five fun rainbow activities you can use next week. Get prepped this weekend so you’re ready to jump into a COLORful week of learning on …

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House Ed Chairman Rob Roberson recaps school choice hearing, outlines issues moving forward to legislative session 33:15

9d ago33:15

33:15

House Education Chairman Rob Roberson, on the heels of a first select committee hearing on school choice and other education policy, tells Mississippi Today that lawmakers should be open to discussions on school choice, consolidation or any other measures that might move the state's education system forward. "The only people who don't have school c…

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034 | 5 Apple Themed Toddler Activities for Homeschool Preschool 13:53

11d ago13:53

13:53

Here are 5 apple themed toddler activities you can enjoy at home with your little ones! I am so excited to come alongside you on this journey of teaching your children and I hope these activities help you create a fun day of learning with your preschoolers. Links Mentioned: Apple Toddler Unit Blog Post: http://theprimarybrain.com/toddler%20school/2…

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033 | Kickoff Your Homeschool Preschool Year with a Plan 6:44

12d ago6:44

6:44

After a short break, I’m back and so excited to help you kick off your homeschool preschool year as I do the same with my 2 ½-year-old daughter! In this episode, I’ll walk you through the simple daily structure you can use—starting with blanket time, then moving into sensory play, fine motor, gross motor, math, and crafts. I hope you are as excited…

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Hurricane Katrina 20 years later -- the politics, allowing casinos to rebuild onshore and a special Mississippi Today documentary 44:46

16d ago44:46

44:46

Veteran editors Bobby Harrison, Geoff Pender and Emily Wagster Pettus recall the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and a monumental special legislative session to address storm recovery 20 years ago. They are joined by multimedia and video editors Michael Guidry and Richard Lake for a preview of "The Bulletin," a Mississippi Today video documentary th…

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MUW president says all taxpayers should be concerned about idea to relocate school for gifted students 26:28

23d ago26:28

26:28

Nora Miller, the president of the Mississippi University for Women, is pushing back on a recommendation from the state Board of Education to relocate the Mississippi School for Math and Science off the campus of MUW to another of the state universities. MSMS, a gifted program for high school juniors and seniors, has been located on the Mississippi …

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Elections, EVs, gambling and the proper way to pronounce mobile -- a roundtable roundup of the week's news 26:14

1M ago26:14

26:14

Mississippi Today's politics and government team breaks down the week's news, including the special legislative primaries held across the state and the Magnolia State's exposure to any slump in EV sales and production. Also, Ole Miss has a new study out about college students' online gambling habits as lawmakers consider making "mo-bile" sports bet…

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Temperature was hot, political stumping was mild at Neshoba County Fair 24:20

1M ago24:20

24:20

Mississippi Today’s politics team recaps the 2025 Neshoba County Fair. This year’s political speaking lacked some of the fire and brimstone of big election years, but state leaders laid out some major policy plans sure to dominate debate in the next legislative session.By Mississippi Today

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Brain Drain in Mississippi 1:02:12

1M ago1:02:12

1:02:12

Mississippi Today editor-in-chief Adam Ganucheau sits down with Jake McGraw, a policy analyst and researcher who runs Working Together Mississippi's Rethink Mississippi initiative, to discuss the state's brain drain crisis. Together with the University of Mississippi Center for Population Studies, the organizations launched the state's first-ever s…

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Rep. Wallace tees up special House committee on Mississippi voters' rights 35:26

2M ago35:26

35:26

Rep. Price Wallace, a Republican from Mendenhall, is co-chair of a House select committee Speaker Jason White created to tackle restoration of voting rights to former felons, reinstituting voters' right to put issues directly on a ballot and allowing early voting before Election Day. Wallace tells Mississippi Today's Geoff Pender and Taylor Vance t…

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Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson on why he's running for governor, his platform 41:50

2M ago41:50

41:50

Republican Andy Gipson, the first candidate to publicly announce a run for Mississippi governor in 2027, outlines his five-plank platform. No. 1 is fighting crime, which Gipson says is rising in what were once quiet rural areas, because "If people don't feel safe, nothing else matters." He also offers a brief sampling of his baritone crooning from …

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School choice’ chances in 2026 and another Democratic defection 18:58

2M ago18:58

18:58

Mississippi Today’s Geoff Pender, Taylor Vance and Michael Goldberg discuss political news of the week, including House Speaker Jason White announcing “school choice” issues as his top priority for 2026 and perennial U.S. Senate candidate Ty Pinkins departing the Democratic Party.By Mississippi Today

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Mega merger: Business, industry groups join forces as Mississippi Business Alliance 33:46

2M ago33:46

33:46

John McKay, chairman and CEO of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, talks with Mississippi Today's Geoff Pender and Bobby Harrison about MMA, the Mississippi Economic Council and the Business and Industry Political Education Committee merging into a single organization to represent business and industry across the state. The new Mississippi …

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Horhn transition chairman discusses what challenges new Jackson administration faces 50:29

3M ago50:29

50:29

Robert Gibbs, chairman of newly elected Jackson Mayor John Horhn's transition team, discusses what issues the team has found with city administration and changes that may be forthcoming with Mississippi Today's Jackson coverage team.By Mississippi Today

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Author, former GOP strategist Stuart Stevens says Republican Party has 'declared war on the future' 50:48

3M ago50:48

50:48

Stuart Stevens, a Jackson native who over many years helped numerous Republicans win the White House and seats in Congress, believes today's GOP is "an autocratic movement masquerading as a political party" as Marines deploy to Los Angeles and Trump has troops and tanks parade through D.C. Stevens tells Mississippi Today, "I think that the Republic…

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Podcast: Medgar Evers at 100: He was a giant in fight for justice, but to Reena Evers-Everette, he was just 'Dad' 23:04

3M ago23:04

23:04

Reena Evers-Everette talks with Mississippi Today about her father's Civil Rights legacy, and his humanity, in advance of Medgar Evers at 100 Weekend events June 26-29th at the Jackson Convention Complex. Events will kick off at 6 p.m. on June 26th with a conversation titled, "Daddy's Daughters," featuring Evers-Everette; Ambassador Attallah Shabaz…

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Rep. Omeria Scott on state budget, lack of transparency, unmet needs statewide 37:45

4M ago37:45

37:45

State Rep. Omeria Scott of Laurel helps unpack the tumultuous two-day special session of the Mississippi Legislature last week and the $7.1 billion budget lawmakers passed. Scott, a longtime veteran lawmaker, is known for digging in deep on state budgets and spending, and for speaking her mind to leadership on both sides of the aisle.…

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Famed political consultant James Carville, the "Ragin' Cajun," handicaps national, Mississippi politics in the Trump era 23:50

4M ago23:50

23:50

James Carville says Democrats lost in 2024 but, "We played our seventh-string quarterback and still only lost by a point-and-a-half." He said a serious Democratic challenger (and he has a particular one in mind) could provide an upset in Mississippi's U.S. Senate race. Carville, who has for years had a home on the Mississippi Coast, explains his lo…

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Sen. Sparks on special session, PERS and project spending 30:51

4M ago30:51

30:51

Sen. Daniel Sparks, a Republican from Belmont, says the Legislature in the 1990s wrote a blank check for the state public employee retirement system and the bill is coming due now.By Mississippi Today

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Mississippi Today welcomes longtime veteran Mississippi journalist Emily Wagster Pettus as its new senior editor. 17:48

4M ago17:48

17:48

Pettus shares a few war stories with Bobby Harrison and Geoff Pender, including her dealings with the irascible former Gov. Kirk Fordice.By Mississippi Today

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Economist discusses Mississippi economy's vulnerability 27:59

4M ago27:59

27:59

State Economist Corey Miller talks with Mississippi Today's Geoff Pender and Bobby Harrison about the state of the state economy, chances of recession amid trade war, federal spending cuts and state tax overhaul. He declines to answer questions about MSU baseball.By Mississippi Today

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Mississippi citizens often left in the dark on special-interest lobbying of politicians 21:28

5M ago21:28

21:28

With Mississippi's lack of laws and transparency, citizens are often in the dark about special-interest spending to influence politicians. Mississippi Today's politics team discusses its recent article shedding light on efforts by DraftKings and others lobbying for legalized online sports betting, including the speaker of the House and his staff be…

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Mississippi Democratic legislative leader says GOP bickering prevents work on transformative issues 40:50

5M ago40:50

40:50

Mississippi House Minority Leader Robert Johnson discusses the 2025 legislative session that was derailed by Republican infighting with Mississippi Today's Geoff Pender and Bobby Harrison, and outlines issues he'd like to see addressed in a pending special session.By Mississippi Today

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Former Rep. Cecil Brown talks current state budget disagreement, compares to past standoffs 31:23

5M ago31:23

31:23

Cecil Brown, who previously served as a key member of the state House, talks with Mississippi Today’s Bobby Harrison, Taylor Vance and Michael Goldberg about budget battles, past and present, and about the importance of the state budget. He also gives his thoughts on the tax bill passed during the 2025 session.…

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What happened (or didn't) in the rancorous 2025 Mississippi legislative session? 27:59

6M ago27:59

27:59

Mississippi Today's political team unpacks the just ended -- for now -- legislative session, that crashed at the end with GOP lawmakers unable to pass a budget after much infighting among Republican leaders. The crowning achievement of the session, a tax overhaul bill, was passed by accident and full of major errors and omissions.…

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032 | Teaching Phonics Skills Through Everyday Moments 10:37

6M ago10:37

10:37

On today’s episode, we’re talking about some simple, real-life moments when you can naturally work on letter sounds with your child, without any special planning or prep needed! Links mentioned: Episode 30: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-littles-at-home-homeschool-preschool-activities/id1763629783?i=1000699516681 Episode 31: https…

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Tariff trade war, rising costs, immigration: Mississippi Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson discusses challenges facing Mississippi farmers 39:58

6M ago39:58

39:58

Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson gives Mississippi Today's Geoff Pender and Michael Goldberg an update on the challenges facing Mississippi farmers, including the burgeoning trade war with countries that buy our chicken, soybeans, cotton and other products as well as rising costs and immigration/labor issues. Gipson,…

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031 | Teach Your Child to Read Through Play Based Phonics Activities 7:59

6M ago7:59

7:59

If you have an older preschooler who is showing signs of being ready to learn to read, then this episode will give you simple, hands-on ways to help them master phonics skills without worksheets or flashcards—because we are talking about teaching phonics through play. In today’s episode, we’re starting with letter sounds and recognition, which is t…

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Bill to ensure rape kits are available pending in final days of legislative session 19:41

6M ago19:41

19:41

Rep. Dana McLean, R-Columbus, joins Mississippi Today's Bobby Harrison and Sophia Paffenroth to explain the importance of passing her legislation during the 2025 session to ensure local emergency rooms use rape kits in a timely manner.By Mississippi Today

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030 | What is Phonics and How Will Phonics Skills Help My Preschoolers? 7:22

6M ago7:22

7:22

Have you ever asked yourself the following questions? What is phonics? How will I teach my child to read? Before we can begin to teach our child to read, we first need to understand what phonics is—especially since you’re working with your preschoolers, and this is the very beginning of their reading journey! Over the next few weeks, we are talking…

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Podcast: Is the Mississippi Legislature any closer to a tax cut/elimination/increase deal? 30:31

6M ago30:31

30:31

Senate Finance Chairman Josh Harkins gives an update on where negotiations stand on tax overhaul proposals in the Mississippi Legislature, and his thoughts on the differing Senate and House proposals that would include cutting or eliminating the personal income tax and raising taxes on gasoline.By Mississippi Today

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029 | 7 St. Patrick's Day Activities for Preschoolers 11:32

6M ago11:32

11:32

Do you know how to catch a leprechaun? On today’s show, we are talking about 7 activities to help make St. Patrick’s Day memorable for your little ones. We are even talking about how to catch that pesky leprechaun this year. I hope this episode helps you make new memories with your little ones. Links Mentioned: St. Patrick’s Day Preschool Unit: htt…

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Mississippi Legislature enters homestretch, still facing uncertainty from Trump admin maneuvers 28:01

7M ago28:01

28:01

Mississippi Today's politics team outlines some challenges lawmakers face in the final month of their session, from uncertainty of the effects the Trump administration moves will have on the state level. They also discuss what lived and died with last week's deadline for committee passage.By Mississippi Today

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028 | Activities to Explore the 5 Senses This Spring 11:02

7M ago11:02

11:02

Since the spring season is right around the corner, what better way to explore the world with your kids than through sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch? The best part? With simple, everyday learning moments you can help your child learn while enjoying the beauty of spring right from home! Join our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: h…

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Retired educator, PERS board member McCoy warns of proposed changes to state employee retirement system 42:15

7M ago42:15

42:15

Dr. Randy McCoy, a retired longtime public school superintendent and member of the state employee retirement system board, says a plan passed by the Senate aimed at financially stabilizing PERS would cause long-term problems in hiring and retaining teachers and other state employees. He says the system can be shored up with less drastic reductions …

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027 | 5 Art Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers 7:38

7M ago7:38

7:38

On today's episode, we are diving into 5 simple art activities you can do with your preschoolers using items you may already have on hand. Share your art masterpieces in our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826 Where to follow us: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain Pinteres…

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Republican Sen. England addresses red-on-red political 'dustup' with governor over early voting bill 29:27

7M ago29:27

29:27

Senate Elections Chairman Jeremy England defends his early voting bill, for which his fellow Republican Gov. Tate Reeves slammed him on social media. England said it's time Mississippi join 47 other states in allowing the convenience of early voting, and the issue should not be partisan.By Mississippi Today

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026 | 10 Free Local Field Trips for Toddlers and Preschoolers 10:25

7M ago10:25

10:25

Today we are chatting about 10 field trips you can take in your local community for free! You'll learn how to take a simple field trip and turn it into a fun learning experience! Blog Post Mentioned: https://theprimarybrain.com/preschool/2025/02/16/Field-Trips-In-Your-Community/ Check out our Preschool Curriculum for Plans and Activities to Pair wi…

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Lawmaker says paid parental leave crucial in 'post Roe v. Wade' Mississippi 25:02

7M ago25:02

25:02

Rep. Kevin Felsher of Biloxi discusses the bill he authored, and the House passed unanimously, to provide eight weeks of paid maternity or adoption leave, two weeks for fathers/secondary caregivers for state employees.By Mississippi Today

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025 | Make Learning Part of Your Daily Routine with your Toddlers and Preschoolers 11:22

7M ago11:22

11:22

Today we are talking all about how to make learning part of your daily routine with your little ones. Whether you are doing dishes, folding laundry, or out for a walk, there are so many opportunities for learning in these tiny moments of our day. Connect with Laurin in our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/grou…

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The health care issues lawmakers are debating in 2025 17:51

8M ago17:51

17:51

Mississippi Today’s health team outlines the major health care issues the Mississippi Legislature is dealing with in the 2025 session.By Mississippi Today

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024 | 12 Bible Activities for Preschoolers to Add to Your Homeschool Preschool Lessons 8:35

8M ago8:35

8:35

Today we are talking about how to introduce Bible studies into your weekly routine with your preschoolers. You’ll learn 12 activities that you can rotate through each week to help give your children a greater understanding of the Bible. Links mentioned: The Beginners Bible: https://amzn.to/4ht1YEi Old Testament Bible Lessons Bundle: https://theprim…

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Lawmaker outlines city of Jackson legislative issues 38:22

8M ago38:22

38:22

State Rep. Zakiya Summers discusses with Mississippi Today's Anna Wolfe, Maya Miller and Geoff Pender some of the issues the Capitol city of Jackson and the Metro Area face, and legislative priorities to deal with them.By Mississippi Today

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023 | 5 Essential Skills for Preschoolers to Learn for Kindergarten Readiness 15:16

8M ago15:16

15:16

Today, we’re diving into an important topic: five essential preschool skills to master before starting kindergarten. I hope you enjoy learning with us as you play at home today! ⭐️ Download your FREE Preschool Activities Bonus Bundle: https://theprimarybrain.com/menu/podcast-bonus-bundle Episode Links: 11 – Fine Motor Skills: https://podcasts.apple…

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House Education Chairman Roberson talks 'school choice,' K-12 funding, consolidation and finding 'things that work' 30:49

8M ago30:49

30:49

House Education Chairman Rob Roberson, a Republican from Starkville, outlines for Mississippi Today's Geoff Pender and Michael Goldberg some of the top issues his committee will tackle this legislative session.By Mississippi Today

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