Verbally Effective

From student government president at LeMoyne-Owen College to Shelby County Mayor, Mickell Lowery's journey is rooted in leadership, service, and a commitment to community.In this episode of Verbally Effective: Magic 807 Sessions, we sit down with Mayor Lowery for an insightful conversation about his evolution from LOC student leader and county commissioner to leading Shelby County. We break down a question many Memphis residents have: Why does Memphis have two mayors, and what exactly are the responsibilities of the City of Memphis Mayor versus the Shelby County Mayor? We also explore the notable presence of Kappa men in leadership positions throughout Memphis, the influence of fraternity and service on leadership, and Mayor Lowery's strategy, priorities, and vision as he steps into his new role. What does his “One Shelby” slogan really mean? How does he plan to bring communities together, address the county's challenges, and move Shelby County forward?It's a conversation about HBCU roots, public service, leadership, civic responsibility, and the work ahead. One Shelby. One conversation. Plenty to discuss.

On this episode of Verbally Effective (Magic 807 Sessions), Ena Esco sits down with Memphis designer, entrepreneur, creator and HGTV host Carmeon Hamilton for a conversation about creativity, culture, community and building a career in the new media landscape. Carmeon talks about her journey from winning HGTV’s Design Star: Next Gen and hosting Reno My Rental to expanding her work beyond television and thriving as a creator in today’s creator economy.She also breaks down the inspiration behind Wing Wars, her first major event happening Saturday, October 3, at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The Memphis cultural experience brings together wings, basketball, music and community while intentionally highlighting local businesses and a part of South Memphis that doesn’t always get positioned as a destination for major events and investment. Carmeon shares why the location mattered, how intentional she was about curating the experience, and why celebrating the beauty and creativity already present in Memphis is such an important part of her work.Plus, Ena and Carmeon get into what it really takes to build your own platform, turn creativity into a career, and create opportunities when the traditional media gatekeepers are no longer the only path.

On this episode of Magic 807 Sessions, Ena Esco sits down with Memphis environmentalist, technologist and advocate KeShaun Pearson, Executive Director of Memphis Community Against Pollution and Vice Chair of Protect Our Aquifer, to discuss technology, environmental justice and the future of AI. KeShaun shares his story of growing up in Westwood, Tennessee, as the oldest of five boys, his early love of computers and programming, and how that passion evolved into advocacy around data centers, Elon Musk’s xAI, digital redlining, air pollution and Memphis’ water resources. We take a closer look at the environmental costs of the AI boom, the massive energy and water demands of data centers, and the question: What is the worst-case scenario with AI? KeShaun also examines who benefits from the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure and who bears the environmental costs. Toward the end, we turn our attention to Memphis’ proposed data-center moratorium, with a City Council vote scheduled for October 6, 2026. It’s a conversation about technology, power, the environment and who gets to shape the future.

What happens when you've been misunderstood, tested, or forced to stand on the truth when everything around you says otherwise? In this episode of Magic 807 Sessions, Ena Esco sits down with Pastor Stephen L. Brown, founder and lead pastor of Light of Glory International Church, for a powerful conversation about faith, resilience, leadership, and his newly released book, Vindicated. Pastor Brown shares the journey behind Vindicated, the importance of trusting God through seasons of pressure, and what it means to allow truth to prevail without feeling the need to defend yourself. He also reflects on his journey from Division I basketball player to pastor, author, gospel recording artist, and mentor to student-athletes.

On this reflective episode, I sit down with Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum for a conversation about music, Memphis, creativity and the journey behind the sound. Kirk takes us beyond the stage and into the experiences that shaped his remarkable career—from his Memphis roots and early musical influences to becoming one of the most celebrated saxophonists of his generation. We talk about the evolution of his sound, navigating the music industry, collaborating with some of the biggest names in music and what it takes to remain creatively inspired after decades in the business. We also discuss the importance of faith, purpose, mentorship and using your gifts to create opportunities for the next generation.This is more than a conversation about a Grammy-winning career. It's a conversation about finding your voice, staying true to your purpose and understanding that your greatest contribution may be the legacy you leave behind.