Bigger Pie Forum Podcast

Can Jackson turn itself around? Wyatt Emmerich sits down with urban revitalization strategist Josh McManus to explore what Jackson can learn from the remarkable comebacks of cities like Chattanooga and Detroit. From tackling blight and rebuilding downtown to creating economic opportunity and bringing public and private leaders together, McManus lays out why he believes Jackson has the ingredients for a comeback—and why the future of Mississippi is closely tied to the future of its capital city.

What if solving Mississippi's brain drain isn't only about keeping people from leaving—but giving them a reason to come home? Rebecca Staples talks with Mary Elizabeth Stringer and Colin Caranna, two Mississippi natives who spent years building careers outside the state before returning to the Gulf Coast. They discuss career opportunities, competitive salaries, affordability, family, community, and the quality-of-life investments that could help Mississippi attract its people back home.   

Is Mississippi really losing its best and brightest, or is a different story beginning to emerge? In this episode of the Bigger Pie Forum Podcast, host Rebecca Staples brings together three young professional women to discuss why they chose to build their careers in Mississippi instead of leaving the state. From mentorship and entrepreneurship to career opportunities, quality of life, and community, the conversation explores what attracts young talent—and what it will take to keep the next generation here. Whether you're a student, business leader, policymaker, or someone considering a move to Mississippi, this episode offers an encouraging look at the state's future.  

Can Mississippi turn brain drain into brain gain? In this episode of the Bigger Pie Forum Podcast, Rebekah Staples sits down with Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson, Student Ambassador Hattie Heindel, and Communications Coordinator Elena Magliola to discuss why young leaders choose to stay, serve, and build their futures in Mississippi. From mentorship and leadership development to affordability, community, and opportunity, the conversation highlights what makes the state unique—and why its best days may still be ahead.   

What if Mississippi isn't a place you have to leave to succeed? In this episode of Bigger Pie Forum, a new generation of leaders shares why they chose to return home—and how they're thinking about jobs, innovation, affordability, and long-term impact. It's a candid, hopeful conversation about redefining success and building something meaningful right where you are.