Meanwhile in Memphis with New Memphis

What does it really mean to champion your city? Tune in to today's conversation to hear how leaders are able to thrive in Memphis inside arenas, on fields, and most importantly, in their connections with others. Today's guests are Chandell Ryan from the Downtown Memphis Commission and Jason Mims from Memphis 901FC. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Memphis 901FC Downtown Memphis Commission Our previous conversation with Chandell Ryan Cancer Kickers The Memphis Redbirds 100 North Main Sterick Building Brooks Museum of Art Renasant Convention Center Downtown Memphis Commission Instagram Memphis 901FC Instagram Tom Lee Park Birdies Memphis in May AAPI Heritage Month This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

What happens when a community takes chance on second chances? Ellen Zahariadis of the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County and Dominique Winfrey-McKinnie of Shelby County Mayor's Office of Innovation share how their new project is creating meaningful experiences and increasing empathy for animals and humans alike in this week's episode. With dogs being utilized in hospitals, schools, and more for their therapeutic benefits, we'll dive deeper into how "man's best friend" is continuing to provide purpose, confidence, and joy. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County Humane Society Services and Programs Shelby County Office of Re-Entry The Memphis Flyer's article "Pawsitive Training Benefits Shelter Dogs and Incarcerated Women" "Our Faithful Comeback" via Shelby County Mayor's Office during the pandemic William "Fry" Arnold's TEDxMemphis Talk and subsequent conversation with us DeAndre Brown's conversation with us Josh Spickler's TEDxMemphis Talk and previous conversation with us Allegiance Canine 901 Student Passport This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"The first eight years really determine so much about our life in the future. Most of our brain growth and development happens in the first five years of life. Then at eight, there's a lot of research that shows that, good or bad, we have a general sense of how someone's life will be like as adults." Dr. Kandace Thomas of First 8 Memphis and Kimberly Carter of Brilliant Minds Child Development Center share how infant mental health impacts children and those caring for them. First 8 Memphis conducted a landscape survey to glean data directly from those in our community, and some of the findings may surprise you. Resources mentioned in this episode include: First 8 Memphis NEXT Memphis Tennessee's Department of Children Services Shelby County Early Childhood Education Plan Tennessee Early Intervention Services Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) First 8 Memphis Partner Organizations and Leadership Council Pre-K readiness website Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ministry Habitat for Humanity This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"It is about leveraging all the stories that we have from the past -- every song, every story, every everything -- to be able to co-create the stories of the future." Memphis is making a smart business case for arts and culture because t_here's no business like show business, after all!_ New Memphis' Celebrate What's Right: Creative Economics brought local experts to the stage who shared how to artfully blend creativity and business at a scale that is shaping our city, its image, and its bottom line. Revisit this conversation with Jessica Mosley, Lakeisha Edwards, George Monger, Elizabeth Rouse, and Anasa Troutman. This event was powered by Duncan Williams Asset Management and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. Resources mentioned in this episode include: artsMemphis Greater Memphis Chamber Urban Arts Commission Connect Music Historic Clayborn Temple ArtsMemphis arts calendar Memphis Cultural Coalition Memphis' first mayoral arts forum This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"We stand by the fact that these individuals will be some of the best employees you've ever had -- they're going to work hard, come in on time, do what they have to do, and then go home. But until more employers start giving opportunities to justice-involved individuals, it will be a revolving door system of barriers." Josh Spickler of Just City and Myletta Moore-Dawson of Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) are working to create sustainable employment for all which will in turn increase the local workforce & employment but also reduce recidivism. They will share why employers not only can but should consider hiring justice-involved individuals. Resources mentioned within the episode include: William "Fry" Arnold's TEDxMemphis Talk and subsequent conversation with us DeAndre Brown's conversation with us Just City Josh Spickler's TEDxMemphis Talk and previous conversation with us Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) Slingshot's 2024 MPACT Award spotlight on CEO Clean Slate Fund Tennessee expungement fee reduced over Just City's 5 year effort City and County governments are encouraging employers to look beyond criminal history when hiring This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

In 2023, Memphis earned the dubious distinction of being ranked the second most overweight city in America. With the health of our city on the line (literally!), medical professionals across organizations are joining hands to rally for our community. Healthier 901 aims to help Mid-Southerners create small changes to access the vibrant quality of life we all deserve. Here with us to discuss the initiative are Tabrina Davis, Dr. John Leslie, and Jimmy Scott. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Healthier 901 Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Learn more about Jimmy Scott's journey here Side effects of obesity according to the CDC Mid-South health challenges according to UTHSC A note of motivation from Methodist's CEO This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"You can complain about what you don't have or you can build what you want. If we want a prosperous Memphis, we can't expect anyone to give it to us. It is something that we have to work, spend our own blood, sweat, and tears to build. Whether it's a business, your career, or anything -- you can complain about it or you can build it." Alan Gumbel of Black Business Association of Memphis and Cynthia Daniels of Cynthia Daniels & Co. join us to show how Memphians can harness the inspiring, dynamic potential of minority-owned and operated businesses to reach greater success for all. Resources mentioned in this episode include: The Link Up Memphis Milton Memphis Entertainment Memphis 101 Delta Regional Authority Black Business Association of Memphis Cynthia Daniels & Co. Memphis Black Restaurant Week Cynthia Daniels' signature events Clayborn Temple India Festival Greek Festival Italian Festival BBA Business Booster The Four Way Interstate BBQ Memphis Black Restaurant Week Kick-Off Preview Party Arnold's BBQ & Grill Shroomlicious Meals Smurfey's Smokehouse SugaShack Epicenter Memphis City of Memphis Office of Diversity and Compliance TN Small Business Development Center, Tom Lee Park Instagram for BBAMemphis Instagram for Cynthia Daniels & Co. Mahogany Terrace Oteka Technologies Muggin Coffee House The Frosted Oven Alcenia's Brother Juniper's This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"The opportunity for students to see Memphis outside the classroom brings the city to life." We're heading out on a discovery mission to learn more about the impacts of experiential learning on students in the Mid-South. Interim Superintendent Toni Williams, Dr. Myke Collins, and Ekundayo Bandele of Hattiloo Theatre are sharing how they've collaborated to create access for students to explore. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Hattiloo Theatre Self-Identity Theatre Camp Memphis Shelby County Schools MSCS Discovering Memphis Field Trip Passport Tom Lee Park National Civil Rights Museum MoSH Graceland Memphis Brand Initiative Metal Museum Brooks Museum Dixon Gallery and Gardens Wolf River Conservancy 901 Student Passport with Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris TN Arts Commission This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"The world is changing more rapidly today than ever before; so, the needs of young people are different than even the needs of young people five years ago. If we don't center the experience, expertise, and lived experience of young people in decision-making that impacts them directly, we're missing the mark." Leadership has no age requirements, and we're diving into why with Dana Wilson, President and CEO of BRIDGES, and Anthony Miles, college student, Mr. University of Memphis and New Memphis Accelerate alum. Resources mentioned in this episode include: TEDxMemphis speaker applications Celebrate What's Right: Creative Economics BRIDGES New Memphis' Jay Uiberall Accelerate Alternative Break Experience Empowered Men of Color University of Memphis Civil Engineering Creative Aging This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"Memphis, we have an abundance of talent, not only on the stage as artists but also session musicians, producers, and audio engineers. You name it, it's here. And we want to make sure that they know there are many avenues to take their creative genius and utilize it." McKenzii Webster (Crosstown Arts) and Lee Rankin (media, technology, and virtual reality legal marketing attorney) are helping us understand the nuances of music industry publishing, combining the creative side with the business logistics, and what the future holds for music technology (including how AI helps or hurts the artists). Resources mentioned in this episode include: TEDxMemphis speaker applications Celebrate What's Right: Creative Economics on February 27 Memphis 101 on March 19 Crosstown Arts Songtrust Crosstown Sync Musician and Artist Services at Crosstown Arts Shelby County Board of Commissioners The ELVIS Act (proposed legislation) Daily Memphian article "Tennessee bill targeting AI is first of its kind in the US" New York Times article "‘The Godfather of A.I.’ Leaves Google and Warns of Danger Ahead" This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"How do we connect residents to theatres, dance companies, instructional opportunities within their community they might not even know about? The map with MATA came into play as a resource for riders showcasing all of the arts and culture assets in our county." The Mid-South is rich in creative assets, but are we maximizing them to the best of our bottom line? Hear from Shelby County's first Arts & Culture Liaison, Nykesha Cole, and MATA's Chundra Smith on the recently unveiled MATA Arts & Culture Bus Route Map and more! _This conversation is an excellent precursor to the Celebrate What's Right: Creative Economics conversation happening later this month. _ Resources mentioned in this episode include: MATA Arts and Culture Map MATA Shelby County Government Arts and Culture Art for All Shelby County Nonprofit Committee Memphis Symphony Orchestra Iris Orchestra Young Actors Guild Cocoa, Cookies, and Holiday Cheer events Hattiloo Theatre Dixon Gallery and Gardens I Am A Man plaza and Historic Clayborn Temple Ida B. Wells Plaza Arts & Economic Prosperity Study 6 (AEP6) artsMemphis This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"I've learned the lifecycle of things -- how human actions can destroy beauty, whether intentional or neglect, but human actions can also put it back together. Adaptive re-use is not limited to a singular building." Great Scott! We're going back to the future to explore adaptive reuse in our city. How can looking backward propel the community forward? Tune in to hear from local experts on how Memphis is learning and leading by example. Resources mentioned in this conversation include: The Shrine Building The Works, Inc. Frayser Neighborhood Initiative Northside Square Looney Ricks Kiss The Sterick Building Urban Land Institute Crosstown Concourse Kemmons Wilson Companies Central Station Church Health Memphis 3.0 Division of Housing and Community Development Historic Melrose renovation This conversation took place at Celebrate What's Right: Back to the Future at The Kent in October 2023. Learn more about New Memphis events here. The panel included: Emcee: Brandon Herrington | Director of Marketing and Business Development at Montgomery Martin Ashley Cash | Director for the Division of Housing and Community Development for City of Memphis Stuart Harris | Principal at Constellation Properties Tonya Meeks | District Council Coordinator for the Urban Land Institute of Memphis Tony Pellicciotti | Principal at Looney Ricks Kiss Alexandra Willis Boddie | Vice President of Development for ComCap Partners McLean Wilson | Principal at Kemmons Wilson Companies This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"The need is there; people are hungry. We will continue to provide resources, but we have to also figure out a way to truly make it attainable with the education piece and policy, too. We continue to be reactive rather than proactive... food should be a true right attainable to everyone." New Memphis has had several conversations about how social determinants of health all rely on each other for optimal community health. Research indicates a link between chronic diseases — such as heart disease, cancer, asthma, diabetes, and kidney disease — and low food security.  Joining us to discuss the essential stopgaps as well as what is needed to address basic, structural problems, are Ann Perry Wallace of First Congo and Karen Bernard of The Works Inc. Resources mentioned in this episode include: The Memphis Flyer article "The Fight for Food" The Works, Inc First Congo Church Meanwhile in Memphis S3E47 "...It's What's for Dinner" Food Swamps vs Food Deserts Mid-South Food Bank South Memphis Farmers Market Meanwhile in Memphis S3E11 "Let's Go..VTO" This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"For many Memphians, the system that they know has always worked against them. We have built a system that works for them by mobilizing and aligning resources to address priority issues." It takes a village to support individuals and families in Memphis --  everyone is needed to create impacts from generation to generation. Dr. Kenneth Robinson of The United Way of The Mid-South, and Kiki Hall from Catholic Charities of West Tennessee join us to share how non-profits are working together to create change. Resources mentioned in this episode include: The United Way of the Mid-South Catholic Charities of West Tennessee Driving The Dream MIFA 844-444-4211 (Driving the Dream) 901-722-4700 (Catholic Charities of West Tennessee) Endeavor Staffing This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"Adaptive reuse, at its core, is looking at the inherent value of these places, how they speak in context to the surrounding history, and repurposing that place that might have perceived loss of value. It's an interaction with the neighborhood." Ben Schulman of the Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC) and Deveney Perry of BLDG Memphis share the important connections between people and the places they utilize to live, work, and play in Memphis. They detail how partnerships and collaboration can turn city blight into beautiful treasures to be enjoyed by all, and encourage Memphians to have high expectations for the future. Resources mentioned in the episode include: Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC) BLDG MEMfix Adaptive reuse "Capital stack" refers to the organization of all capital contributed to finance a real estate transaction or a company. CDFI HUD Urban Land Institute (ULI) Projects to watch in the future Crosstown Concourse design among world's best Memphis 3.0 (the City's land use plan) This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Happy New Year, Memphis! 🍾 Special guest Geoff Calkins joined us in the studio to share how sports unifies cities, has the power to change city narratives, and why his biggest hope for Memphis might be different than you'd think. This episode is a great refresher for a new season. We encourage you to also “trust the process” when it comes to beginning a new year. Whether you have new resolutions, intentions, or are just excited about flipping the calendar page, trust the process. This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"It's the glue that holds community together -- I would argue it holds democracy together. Yes, parks provide fun, respite, and peace, but I think at their best, they really underpin what's needed to build strong communities." Whether you get outside today or over the next few weeks, we want to remind you about the power of Memphis’ public parks. Jen Andrews (Shelby Farms Park Conservancy), Tina Sullivan (Overton Park Conservancy), and Carol Coletta (Memphis River Parks Partnership) bring their passion to the studio as they discuss their love of Memphis, parks and each other. Their enthusiasm and work ethic make our city a more beautiful place to live, work and play. Since this episode aired, there have been a lot of new developments in their work, but the sentiment remains the same— our city’s outdoor spaces are unique and essential to the vibrant place we all call home. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Shelby Farms Park Conservancy Overton Park Conservancy Memphis River Parks Partnership This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Dr. Mario Brown and Dr. Mary "MJ" McConner are here to help us sort through the A-B-Cs of DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) and more. It might feel a little like alphabet soup, but when you simply it, people want to belong, feel included and welcomed. It's about the journey, not necessarily a particular destination. This episode is particularly meaningful as it directly points back to the values of our organization. We hope you take time this season to reflect on the ways in which you belong right here in our community. Resources mentioned in this episode include: The New York Times article summarizing The Punishing Reach of Racism How SCOTUS decisions impact talent pipeline: Brookings article Correction: At its peak in the early 1990s, First Horizon employed 15,000 people. This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"In a lot of ways, teachers are not given the respect as the professionals that they are. It sounds so simple. I'm finding myself focusing on teacher mental health as much as student mental health because I have to create the space where they [all] want to be here." 2023 New Memphis Educators of Excellence Kerrith Griffin, Executive Director of University Middle School, and Danny Song, Founder and Executive Director of Believe Memphis Academy, share how to lead with love, the importance of empathy in leadership, and the importance of shifting the narrative and knowing your value. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Believe Memphis Academy Building Excellent Schools fellowship University Middle School Memphis Teacher Residency Veritas College Prep New Memphis Educators of Excellence Award New Memphis LDI Charter schools Simon Sinek's TED Talk on leadership This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"You're in a perfect place in the world to find yourself a nice wetland or a bottomland hardwood and watch a wetland wake up. It's pretty magical." Chuck Smith and Karen Waldrop of Ducks Unlimited Inc. join us to share how Memphis has become the hub of the continent's wetland conservation efforts. tune in to learn about the impacts of wetlands -- from clean water and flood mitigation, to yes, waterfowl production. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Ducks Unlimited Inc. Wetlands America Trust Ducks Unlimited Waterfowling Heritage Center Ducks Unlimited Park Mississippi River Towns and Cities Initiative Ducks Unlimited Podcast Conservation easements Prairie Pothole Region Wings Over Water film Conservation for the Continent initiative North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) Duck Stamps Migratory flyways of North America Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman-Robertson PR) HATS for conservation Habitat Surveys Flyway Councils Wildlife Management Areas Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.