The Empower Podcast

More than just a paycheck, work is the foundation of prosperity and the pathway to earned success. This week, host Grant Callen sits down with Rebekah Staples President & Founder of Free State Strategies and a Contributing Fellow at Empower Mississippi. Hailing from The Free State of Jones (County), Rebekah shares her journey from working in Governor Haley Barbour's office during Hurricane Katrina to shaping major economic policies under Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves. They dive into the dignity and joy of work, Mississippi's challenges with labor force participation, recent progress in wages and job growth, and bold reforms like income tax elimination and school choice. Grant and Rebekah discuss why work is central to economic mobility, why so many Mississippians are outside the workforce, and how policies can better connect opportunity with responsibility. They also explore the future of Jackson, Rebekah’s leadership on the Capitol Complex Improvement District, and her hopes for Mississippi’s trajectory. Whether you’re interested in public policy, the dignity of work, or the future of Mississippi, this conversation is for you. 

On this episode, host Grant Callen sits down with Mississippi’s 40th Attorney General Lynn Fitch. A Holly Springs native, General Fitch has 35 years in public and private legal service, made history as the state’s first female Attorney General, and earned national recognition for her leadership. We talk about her roots, her legal career, and her pivotal role in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the landmark Supreme Court case that overturned Roe v. Wade. She also shares insights on fighting human trafficking, protecting children online, preserving Title IX, and her support for school choice. Additionally, we preview the upcoming Mississippi Women’s Summit and pose the question on many minds: Is a run for governor in her future? Tune In. 

With Speaker Jason White and Governor Tate Reeves signaling school choice as the top priority for the 2026 legislative session, momentum is building—but so is the opposition. On this episode, host Grant Callen sits down with the Chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party for a deep dive into the heated debate surround school choice. Grant and Mike unpack the myths, address concerns like constitutionality and the impact on public schools, and explore what’s at stake for Mississippi’s families and future. And stick around to the end for some thoughts on the 2027 governor’s race, which is already in full swing.

Fresh off his speech at the Neshoba County Fair, Mississippi's 62nd Speaker of the House, Jason White joins host Grant Callen for this episode of the Empower Podcast. We recap his fair speech and talk about the experience of walking out on that storied stage at Neshoba. We discuss the impact of President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill and the Speaker’s plans for a similar omnibus bill, which will incorporate a range of education reform priorities to build on the Mississippi Miracle and our recent economic achievements. The Speaker makes his case for education freedom and why this is the moment for Mississippi to join the school choice revolution that is sweeping the country. He explains why the House is prioritizing the next generation over the next election, and challenges both policymakers and citizens to think about who current systems are really serving. He previewed the upcoming House Select Committees on voting rights, PERS, and revitalizing Jackson, explaining how his priorities focus on dismantling barriers to ensure more Mississippians can thrive.

In this episode, host Grant Callen sits down with former Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn to trace his journey from Clinton’s small-town roots to state leadership. Gunn shares how a personal tragedy at Ole Miss Law upended his life, yet God’s faithfulness sustained him, strengthened his faith, and taught him resilience. From his 2003 House race to winning the Speaker’s gavel, he reveals lessons from the political trenches. We dive into his proudest wins: helping overturn Roe v. Wade, driving education reform, and changing Mississippi’s flag. Is a 2027 gubernatorial run next? Tune in for his answer and a vision for a thriving Mississippi where everyone can rise.

Join us on the Empower Podcast as we dive into the transformative world of industry-specific high schools with Dr. Keri Ingraham, whose recent policy brief at the American Enterprise Institute, “The Case for Industry-Specific High Schools,” is sparking conversation. In this episode, Dr. Ingraham explains why these specialized schools are a timely solution to align education with labor market demands, offering students industry-recognized credentials and hands-on training. From the success of schools like West Michigan Aviation Academy to the broader education freedom movement sweeping the nation, we explore how this model empowers students and complements traditional education. Tune in to discover why states like Mississippi could lead the charge in reimagining education for the future!   The Case for Industry-Specific High Schools: https://www.aei.org/research-products/report/the-case-for-industry-specific-high-schools/

In this episode, host, Grant Callen sits down with State Representative Lee Yancey, a seasoned lawmaker with 11 years of service in the Mississippi Legislature. A one-time Senator, Rep. Yancey now chairs the House Business and Commerce Committee and serves on eight other committees including Drug Policy. This conversation covered a litany of bills from the regular and special sessions, including bills on minors' healthcare, occupational licensing reform, kratom, hemp, and cannabis regulations, and *checks notes* that’s right, school choice. We also tackle the state of the medical marijuana industry, the drug war, and Mississippi's progress overcoming poverty and learning to win in education. Don't miss this episode!

Representative Jansen Owen is a key leader in the Mississippi House of Representatives. In his six-year legislative career, he has already seen several of his bills signed into law. In this episode of the Empower Podcast, host Grant Callen speaks with Rep. Owen about the recently completed special session and the tension between the two chambers. Rep. Owen offers an insider’s perspective on what really happened—and why it matters. They also discuss education freedom, exploring the future of portability, charter schools, the Tim Tebow Act, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), and the fight to expand opportunities for every Mississippi student. Rep. Owen doesn’t hold back, criticizing the so-called Parents’ Campaign for failing to represent parents and students. Additionally, as a vocal supporter of criminal justice reforms, Rep. Owen shares his passion for second chances, discussing his support for parole reform, the Fresh Start Act, work release programs, and the restoration of voting rights for felons. This conversation covers a wealth of topics, so don’t miss it. Tune in!

Lawmakers were called into Special Session to adopt a $7.135 billion budget for State Fiscal Year 2026 after failing to adopt a budget during the 2025 regular session. Although it lasted only two days, the Special Session was not without drama and excitement. We break down all the action in a special (session) edition of Capitol Chat.

State Senator Brice Wiggins (R-Pascagoula), Chairman of the Judiciary-A Committee, joins Grant Callen to discuss his journey from prosecutor to legislative leader. Representing Jackson County since 2011, Senator Wiggins shares insights into his proudest legislative achievements, including 2014’s House Bill 585 that reshaped Mississippi’s criminal justice system, reducing incarceration rates and saving taxpayers millions. They also discussed the Early Learning Collaboratives, the Literacy Based Promotion Act, Medicaid Expansion, income tax elimination, and school choice. Plus, hear his prediction about the upcoming special session. 

In this jam-packed episode, host Grant Callen serves up a buffet of political topics with Russ Latino, Founder & CEO of Magnolia Tribune. From the highs and lows of President Trump’s first 100 days—covering tariffs, taxes, and the “Big Beautiful Bill”—to Texas’ groundbreaking $1 billion school choice program and Mississippi’s historic income tax phase-out, no stone is left unturned. We dive into the state’s legislative wins, the wide-open 2027 race for governor, and contemplate the next big reform for Mississippi’s future. Tune in for a lively discussion that’s as diverse as it is insightful.

Mississippi’s economy is on fire! In this episode, host Grant Callen sits down with Bill Cork, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority, to discuss Mississippi’s economic surge. With the state ranking No. 2 in the nation for GDP growth in 2024, record-breaking employment numbers, and over $32 billion in new business investments under Governor Tate Reeves’ leadership, Mississippi is experiencing unprecedented momentum. Bill shares insights into the strategies behind landing major projects like Amazon Web Services’ $10 billion data centers, the role of workforce development, and how Mississippi is overcoming its historical challenges to become a magnet for hyperscale companies. Tune in to hear about the ripple effects of these developments on communities statewide, the impact of policy wins like tax reform, and what’s next for Mississippi’s economic future. 

This week, host Grant Callen dives into the world of charter schools with DeArchie Scott, Founder of Ambition Prep, Mississippi’s top-performing public charter school located in west Jackson. Ambition Prep is a B-rated school (and climbing) and is the most academically successful open-enrollment public elementary school in Jackson. In this episode, we explore the impact of charter schools 12 years after their introduction to Mississippi, debunk common misconceptions, and hear inspiring stories of transformation from the frontlines of education. DeArchie shares his journey, the innovative two-teacher model, and his vision for the future of education in the state. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or advocate, this conversation is for you. Tune in!

Sine Die!

The countdown is on! Only 9 days remain in the legislative session. This week, the Governor signed House Bill 1 into law, and this weekend is crunch time on appropriations and revenue bills. All that, and more, on this week’s episode of Capitol Chat.

Following in the footsteps of the legendary radio host Paul Gallo, Richard Cross has quickly become a significant player in every public policy debate because he interviews the policymakers. Every morning Richard welcomes heavyweights like the Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker, U.S. Senators, and lawmakers from across the state, asking insightful questions until he gets to the root of the issue. This week, host Grant Callen sits down with Richard Cross so you can get to know him, his story, how Mississippi has shaped him, and how he thinks about public policy.  Tune in! 

A little luck of the Irish helped push an income tax elimination bill over the finish line this week. We’ll dive into House Bill 1 and what it means for you, as well as what’s next in the legislative session, on this week’s episode of Capitol Chat.

Week 10 was filled with excitement and acronyms! On this week’s episode we cover DEI, PBMs, and THC, as well as everything else you need to know from this week at your state Capitol. 

In this episode host Grant Callen sits down with Dallis Ketchum, a real estate broker, co-founder of NeighborHouse, and a dedicated community leader in Jackson. Dallis recounts how entrepreneurship became his defining path, from an unforeseen shift into real estate following his paramedic career to launching a business amid the 2008 housing crisis. Together, they explore the spirit of Mississippi’s capital city—its unique strengths, persistent challenges, and untapped potential. Dallis reflects on Jackson’s evolution since 2005, the impact of initiatives like the Belhaven Mountain Bike Trails, and what it will take to make the city a thriving hub for families and businesses. Tune in!

Dead or alive? That’s the key question this week as another big deadline has come and gone. With yet another key deadline on the horizon, we’ll highlight some of the bills that are still moving forward this session – at least for now.