Best WYXR Podcasts (2025)

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Erika Sugarmon, Floyd Bonner, and Kelcey Johnson 59:38

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11d ago59:38

59:38

Episode Notes My guests include County Commissioner Erika Sugarmon. A lot of attention has been directed towards the Commission lately regarding what to do about the MSCS Board in terms of changing the election cycle, potentially shortening terms and a potential landing spot for a new jail, we discuss. Speaking of a new jail, Shelby Country Sheriff…

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Sarah Carpenter, Dr. Aaron Jagers, and Patrick and Shemika Herrington 58:53

18d ago58:53

58:53

Episode Notes My guests include Sarah Carpenter, Executive director, Memphis Lift. They educate and empower parents to advocate for their children. She shares her thoughts on the beginning of this school year, thoughts about the current board and if she agrees with the County Commission. Next, are you aware that you can learn how to fly the friendl…

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LaTricea Adams, Malcom Rawls, and Marco McClendon 59:26

25d ago59:26

59:26

Episode Notes My guests include LaTricea Adams, founder and president of Young, Gifted and Green. They are an environmental justice organization that influences policy change through political advocacy, mentorship, and training. We recently heard that 24 MSCS schools were found with excessive amounts of lead in the water. She explains the dangers o…

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Michelle McKissack, Veronica Jamison, and Josh Spickler 58:21

1M ago58:21

58:21

Episode Notes My guests include MSCS Board member Michelle McKissack. It has been quite a year from the education perspective and now that another year of school is beginning it’s time to assess and look forward. We talk expectations, County Commission issues, potential state takeover and more. The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis connects t…

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Torrey Harris, Cardell Orrin, and Towanda Peete Smith 59:35

1M ago59:35

59:35

Episode Notes My guests include State Representative Torrey Harris. One of the biggest issues in our community is the drama surrounding the MSCS Board members and the County Commission regarding a possible shortened term and term limits. He was one of state sponsors of the proposal and will tell me why he thinks it’s a good move. Next, Cardell Orri…

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Jaylen Smith, Raka Nandi, and Melissa Farrar 59:15

2M ago59:15

59:15

Episode Notes My guests include the Honorable Mayor Jaylen Smith of Earle, Arkansas. He was elected in 2022 at the age of 18 making him the youngest elected official in the country. I ask him how he’s grown along with the city and if he has any future political aspirations. Next, if you are of a certain age and were born and raised in the south you…

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Glen Thomas, Matt Pinto, and Chef Wykey 1:00:01

2M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Episode Notes My guests include Glen Thomas, Public Information Officer for the Memphis Airport Authority. He tells me about all the changes happening at the airport including recent construction projects and the newest routes. Next, while we love our Grizzlies, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the NBA champions. Matt Pinto is their radio voice not to…

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Dr. Dale Criner and Chris Thomas 57:11

2M ago57:11

57:11

Episode Notes My guests include Dr. Dale Criner, Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital Chief Medical Officer. Intense heat and humidity are something all of us in the mid south are accustomed to but it’s dangerous. Dr. Criner tells us it’s nothing to play with and taking proper precautions could save your life. Next, the Chamber of Commerce is t…

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Kermit Moore, Lily Axelrod, and Jim Harbin Jr. 59:19

2M ago59:19

59:19

Episode Notes My guests include Memphis NAACP Chapter President Kermit Moore. Last week, a lawsuit was filed by the Southern Environmental Law Center, on behalf of the NAACP to xAI signaling their intent to sue over the company’s continued use of unpermitted gas turbines at its data center in South Memphis. He explains why this issue has become so …

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Sarah Houston, Floyd Bonner, and Pearl Walker 56:09

3M ago56:09

56:09

Episode Notes Guests include Sarah Houston, the Executive director of Protect Our Aquifer 'aka' the water warrior. She has an update on the xAI issue and some community meetings and toxic tours you need to know about. Next, 201 Poplar and the Shelby County Jail have been prominent headlines of late, and the discussion of the need for a new jail and…

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Jimmy Stokes, Earle Fisher, and Shawandra Ford 59:26

3M ago59:26

59:26

Episode Notes My guests this week include a piece of history as the Mayor Elect of Horn Lake MS, Jimmy Stokes joins me for a conversation. The historic part, is that he is the first Black to hold that position in their history. He shares why he believes he won and his plans to move the city forward. Next, we all remember the statement made by the F…

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Jerri Green, Alex Hensley, and Dr. Ollie Liddell 59:47

3M ago59:47

59:47

Episode Notes My guests include Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green. To say there are a lot of issues and items on the city council agenda including balancing the budget, pay raises and how to fund MATA not to mention crime rates and citizen safety. She joins me with an update. Alex Hensley is a political, policy and advocacy expert. Recently, sh…

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Tamarques Porter, John Covington, and Dr. Chuck Lester 57:28

4M ago57:28

57:28

Episode Notes My guests include MSCS board member Tamarques Porter. A lot has happened the last few months and as we put the wrap on another school year, I ask him how challenging it’s been and what he hopes to see moving forward. Next, speaking of challenges, crime continues to a major concern in the city and for the law enforcement community. Mem…

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Steve Mulroy, Eric Barnes, and Bobby White 57:03

4M ago57:03

57:03

Episode Notes My guests include Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. We discuss the state case of the three former officers who were accused along with two more of killing Trye Nichols. Charged with 21 counts and found not guilty on all counts. The city is reeling and he shares his thoughts. Eric Barnes is the CEO of the Daily Memphian and…

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Anasa Troutman, Durell Cowan, and Torrey Harris 57:06

4M ago57:06

57:06

Episode Notes My guest include Anasa Troutman, Executive Director, Clayborn Temple Restoration. We all know about the fire that destroyed the iconic structure that served as a living, Breathing symbol of the Civil Rights movement, a meeting place for Dr. King and the sanitation workers. She talks about its history and if any part of it can be saved…

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Dr. Marie Feagins, Michelle McKissack, and Torrey Harris 58:15

4M ago58:15

58:15

Episode Notes My guests include Education leader Dr. Marie Feagins. She joins me to discuss an upcoming event she is participating in this week called Take A Seat where she will discuss leading in high-stakes roles and preparing the next leaders to carry the mantle. Next, MSCS Board member Michelle McKissack returns to discuss the pause in the prop…

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Dr. Kandace Thomas, and Dr. Russell Wigginton 32:27

5M ago32:27

32:27

Episode Notes My guests include Dr. Kandace Thomas, Executive Director of First 8 Memphis. They are celebrating a big win with a resolution that approves a partnership with Shelby County and the City of Memphis to establish universal, need-based Pre-K. This has been proven to improve grade school and high school education rates. She tells me why th…

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KeShaun Pearson, John Lewis, and Vincent Perry 57:42

5M ago57:42

57:42

Episode Notes My guests include KeShaun Pearson, Executive Director, Memphis Community Against Pollution. The Elon Musk backed xAI Supercomputer project has caused quite a bit of controversy in our community, the latest issue is the possibility of polluted air and the harm to residents. KeShaun will tell me why he is concerned and others are as wel…

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Dr. Christopher Davis, Brian Stephens, and Thomas Burrell 57:11

5M ago57:11

57:11

Episode Notes My guests include Dr. Christopher Davis, President of LeMoyne Owen College. He is reviving this historic HBCU and its recruitment efforts by forming a partnership with TN SW Community College. He shares with me how this came about and why it’s so important for students wanting the HBCU experience without leaving home. Next, when Presi…

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Stephanie Love and Natalie McKinney, , Rachael Goodwin Spriggs, and Meka Egwuekwe 59:54

6M ago59:54

59:54

Episode Notes My guests include two MSCS School Board members, Stephanie Love and Natalie McKinney. With all the drama involving the board which has now led to a possible legislative takeover drafted by Rep. Mark White, they tell me how they think we got here, and how will this action will affect the future education of our children. Also, the role…

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Ron Redwing, Mike Working, and Keith Norman 54:31

6M ago54:31

54:31

Episode Notes On the next live and all new Real Talk Memphis; my guests include Ron Redwing who knows how important education is. This is why when he saw the situation with the school district take an unfortunate turn, he took action by forming the non profit group (SOS) or Save Our Schools. He explains his mission. The tragic shooting death of Pas…

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Charlie Caswell and Britney Thornton, Carol Jackson, and Sam O'Bryant III 57:59

6M ago57:59

57:59

Episode Notes My guests include County Commissioners Charlie Caswell and Britney Thornton. It's been a busy time as they are tackling several issues heading into budget season. I ask them about that and a possible change to the charter regarding term limits and possible recall for school board members. Next, we have heard many times about the impor…

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Dr. Roderick Richmond, Dr. Tracy Hall, and Brian Harris 58:30

6M ago58:30

58:30

Episode Notes My guests include Interim MSCS Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond who makes a first time visit. We all know where things stand with the district these days especially with the threat of a state takeover looming. I’ll ask him what he thinks of that possibility but more importantly, what his focus is with a new plan, and how to gain t…

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Mayor Paul Young, Aarron Fleming, and Yolanda Cooper-Sutton 59:35

6M ago59:35

59:35

Episode Notes My guests include the honorable Mayor of Memphis Paul Young who will give us an update on his plans for our city ahead in 2025. Next, there has been a lot in the news about the issues at the Shelby County Jail regarding its overall condition and the need for a new facility to be built. Daily Memphian reporter Aarron Fleming drops in t…

1
Raumesh Akbari and Antonio Harvey 58:38

7M ago58:38

58:38

Episode Notes My guests include State Senator Raumesh Akbari. With so much on the table affecting both Memphis and Shelby County, this legislative session has faced intense focus. She joins me to discuss a state possible takeover of the MSCS Board, the threat to withhold state tax revenue to the tune of $75 million dollars if Memphis moves forward …

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Sarah Houston, Rob Moore, and Adrian Maclin 56:28

7M ago56:28

56:28

Episode Notes My guests include Sarah Houston, aka the Water Warrior and Executive Director of Protect Our Aquifer. For many, including myself do not understand the xAI supercomputer project. Lately, there has been some conversation and doubt about the proposed location, and why the Boxtown community feels left out of the process. She explains why.…

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Mick Wright, Andrew Rankin, and Racheal Shanta 57:09

7M ago57:09

57:09

Episode Notes My guests include County Commissioner Mick Wright. He was one of many who disagreed with the MSCS school board in terminating Dr. Marie Feagins. He and a number of his fellow colleagues backed a resolution of no confidence in the board prior to the vote and now the stage is set for a state takeover. I ask him whether he is for or agai…

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Michelle McKissack and Amber Huett-Garcia, K. Durell Cowan, and Mauricio Calvo 56:36

7M ago56:36

56:36

Episode Notes My guests include MSCS Board members Michelle McKissack and Amber Huett-Garcia in an exclusive interview to discuss the termination of Dr. Marie Feagins. They were the two members who fought against this move saying it was an overreaction and that other options should have been considered. K Durell Cowan is the executive director, fou…

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S1E192 - GA Hardaway, Yolanda Cooper Sutton, and Forrest Edwards 59:40

8M ago59:40

59:40

Episode Notes My guests include State Representative GA Hardaway who will tell me what he is planning legislatively in Nashville in light of the move by the MSCS Board to remove Dr. Feagins. He’s looking to create a recall election option for citizens. Memphis City Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper Sutton is someone who always puts the citizens first. Sh…

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S1E191 - Alan Crone, Amber Huett-Garcia, and Arturo Azcarate 57:50

8M ago57:50

57:50

Episode Notes My guests include prominent employment attorney Alan Crone who is representing Dr. Marie Feagins in her case against being terminated by the MSCS board. He explains why he feels the case against her is not supported by fact. Next, MSCS Board Member Amber Huett-Garcia joins me to discuss the termination effort by some of her colleagues…

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S1E190 - Harold Love Jr, and Jerred Price 53:38

8M ago53:38

53:38

Episode Notes My guests include TN. State Representative Harold Love Jr. joins me to discuss his alma mater Tennessee State University who is at the center of many conversations mostly centered around its financial problems. A new board of trustees, new President, layoffs and financial debt. He tells me about his fight for TSU to restore the proud …

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S1E189 - Michelle McKissack, Leslie Taylor, and Otis Sanford 58:58

9M ago58:58

58:58

Episode Notes My guests include Shelby County School Board member Michelle McKissack who will give her only interview since the contentious meeting to remove the Superintendent. Leslie Taylor, Executive Director, Memphis Crime Beat talks the legal process and columnist, commentator and author Otis Sanford who will breakdown the highs and lows of 20…

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S1E188 - Steve Mulroy, Laurie Powell, and DeAndre Brown 56:34

9M ago56:34

56:34

Episode Notes My guests include Shelby County District Atty Steve Mulroy. The criminal justice system has been in the spotlight of late. Recently, after arrests had been made in a couple of notable cases, the suspects were released after bond was set on their own recognizance. He tells me why this sets back efforts on public safety. Next, Laurie Po…

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S1E187 - Chris Conlee, and Devin Schniepp 58:36

10M ago58:36

58:36

Episode Notes Chris Conlee is the Co-founder and Sr. Pastor of One City Church. In a country that seems more divided than together, healing is the word that comes to mind. He tells me about creating the Race for Reconciliation and why he thinks our city really needs a revival. Finally, our population is different and diverse but for many from diffe…

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S1E186 - Jerri Green, Marco McClendon, and Pam Ware 58:24

10M ago58:24

58:24

Episode Notes My guests include Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green. She is part of an active group of elected officials who are fighting for change. I ask her about the accountability of MATA and what she would like to see change with the new board, also the gun control referendums overwhelming passing and what’s next. West Memphis Mayor Marco M…

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S1E185 - Deborah Clubb, Hendrell Remus, and Cynthia Bailey 59:33

10M ago59:33

59:33

Episode Notes This week's guests include Deborah Clubb, Executive director, Memphis Area Women's Council. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. She joins me to talk about the latest trends in this troubling epidemic and what resources are available. Next, the upcoming election is probably the most important in our lifetime. Not only nationa…

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Marcus Cox with Welcome to Memphis 1:03:40

11M ago1:03:40

1:03:40

“You can have a long-term, sustainable career in the hospitality industry that supports you in every way that you need to be supported.” On this episode of Just Bluffin, we talk to Marcus Cox, Executive Director of Welcome to Memphis. He discusses the organization's mission to support and recognize hospitality workers in Memphis and Shelby County. …

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S1E184 - Melvin Burgess, Yolanda Cooper-Sutton ; Ann Perry Wallace and Santyria Johnson 58:50

11M ago58:50

58:50

Episode Notes My guests include Shelby County Assessor of Property Melvin Burgess. He says that if you own property in Shelby County, your taxes could be going up substantially because of rising property values. His office will host public meetings, but he will join me to explain what to expect. We are all aware that there is a major election soon,…

1y ago57:57

57:57

Episode Notes My guests include Bacarra Mauldin, Interim CEO of MATA Transit. As many of you know, the organization is facing some steep financial challenges and difficulties to the tune of a $60 million dollar debt. She talks to me about some of the drastic changes they are looking at to right the ship. Natalie McKinney is a newly elected MSCS boa…