When is the last time you connected with someone who looks, acts, or thinks differently than you? Today we're exploring how being different can be a superpower. Memphis is a vibrant community made up of out-of-the-box thinkers, countless creatives, and innovators who march to the beat of their own drums. In today's episode we'll hear from three TEDxMemphis speakers who shared impactful ideas that shine a light on the power of perspective and the magic that can happen when we're curious. Resource...
Dec 10, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 48
What is a nonprofit? As we were gearing up for the super bowl of our sector (aka Giving Tuesday), we realized we needed to cover the fundamentals of nonprofits. What makes these organizations unique? Who governs them? How do they operate? We’re getting answers to all of these questions and more with Tennessee Nonprofit Network's Kevin Dean. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Tennessee Nonprofit Network "I was told there would be snacks..." A Nonprofit Podcast Hope Hou...
Dec 03, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 47
Do you need to see it to be it? In this conversation, we’re taking a closer look at the impact of quality educators on student academic success, and the role that mentorship and representation play in preparing leaders for their future. LaDerrick Williams (2024 Educator of Excellence) and Dr. Michael Brown (ManUp Teaching Fellowship) share the their insights. Resources mentioned in this episode include: New Memphis Educators of Excellence Alumni Holiday Party ManUp Teaching Fellowship Brown v. B...
Nov 26, 2024•52 min•Season 4Ep. 46
What does it look like for wrap-around resources to be readily accessible? In today's conversation, we're taking a look at a an innovative collaboration that challenges us to expand our understanding of what it can look like to build community by meeting people where they are -- at home. Affordable housing can provide so much more than a residence, but rather a home and a community of supports. Joining us to share more about the ways Memphis - and Memphians - are leading in this work are Ephie B...
Nov 19, 2024•55 min•Season 4Ep. 45
Where is agriculture's place within urban communities? Today we're digging deep to find the root of the unique relationship between our thriving city and its perfectly planted location to grow and study crops. Did you know? Memphis is Ag Tech capital of the world and is leading, both locally and globally, when it comes to research, ag tech, and agribusiness. Resources mentioned in this episode include: University of Memphis ACRE University of Memphis institute invests in agri-STEM research to gr...
Nov 12, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 44
Today is November 5, 2024, so happy election day, Memphis! We want to make sure you have made your voice heard by casting your vote this election season. Whether you early voted or will be headed to your designated polling location TODAY, we want to be sure you have everything you need to vote with confidence. Happy voting! What does the path to public office look like at the local level? New Memphis recently hosted a live event at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art to explore this question and mo...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 43
What does it look like to create socioeconomic mobility for all young people? Today we’re taking a closer look at the realities young people face in creating pathways to economic success. In doing so, we will hear from both sides of this equation — the employer and resource creator, Sarah Lockridge Steckel, and a young adult who has experienced the resources of The Collective Blueprint, Shyana Brown. Together, they will share the impact of workforce readiness and and why economic mobility should...
Oct 29, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 42
How does real estate development contribute to the momentum of the local economy? Chance Carlisle (River City Momentum Fund) joins us in the studio to discuss local projects, the need for a new collaborative capital fund, and the overall impact of real estate developments. Building a more prosperous and vital city rich with talented professionals cannot be a reality without residential and commercial real estate. Learn more about where Memphis stands in comparison to other cities, how the proces...
Oct 22, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 41
"That is what records are, they are just evidence or proof that someone was here, that they had a statement, and that they left a mark on this world." Today we’re taking it back to the very beginning of our journey with WYXR. We will hear from our friends at the radio station about who they are, the history of the station, what New Memphis’ role is within that rich history, and the importance of not only archiving musical history but lifting voices into the narrative. Memphis really does have a ...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 40
What do individuals need from their built environment in order to not just survive but thrive? In this episode, we are discussing housing solutions and the need to have access to safe, affordable, reliable housing options. The champions of this work are not only assisting individuals but also impacting future policy for housing solutions. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Memphis Public Interest Law Center The Black Clergy Collaborative of Memphis The Greater Memphis Housing Justice P...
Oct 08, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 39
What could Memphis look like if we from imagination to activation? Hear from leaders at Seeding Success and More for Memphis about how collaboration is the key to working toward a better Memphis together. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Celebrate What's Right: Public Space for Common Good New Memphis Digital Communications Survey Seeding Success More for Memphis The More for Memphis Plan Playhouse on the Square Choose901 First 8 Memphis Porter Leath Start Co. EDGE Greater M...
Oct 01, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 38
What supports are in place for students and faculty stressors? Hear from Dr. Jessi Gold (UTHSC and University of Tennessee) and Dr. Justin Lawhead (University of Memphis) about how universities are intentionally creating access to resources for help-seekers in a culture of competition among highly competitive world of undergraduate and graduate students and faculty. Demonstrating a community of care translates into all areas of workforce development and helps retain talented, connected changemak...
Sep 24, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 37
Do you know the areas in which the Memphis medical field is a leading innovator in lifesaving research being used across the globe? If your answer was “childhood cancer,” you are correct...but only partially ! Dr. Michelle Taylor (Shelby County Health Department) and Elizabeth Propst (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital) join us for a conversation to expand our understanding of the global innovations in public health that are needed to shape healthy communities and how those connect to Memphis...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 36
Does volunteering really matter? In today's fast-paced culture of instant news cycles and drive-thru living, is setting aside time to invest my time and talent (not just my treasures) really impactful? Lori Evans of Junior League of Memphis and Jeremy Park of cityCURRENT share how volunteerism is the backbone of thriving cities and how to not only find but also power the good in Memphis. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Teachers' Lounge Memphis 101 TEDxMemphis Junior League ...
Sep 10, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 35
"We all have these tools inside of us, we just need to learn how to use them." What if something you rarely think about had the power to transform your life and your health? As a supplement to medically based healthcare, mindful wellness programs can have a positive impact on productivity, effectiveness, and the general health of individuals, organizations, and communities. Joining us to talk about that today are Taylor Sommerville founder of Symmetry and Kemp Conrad, Principal at Commercial Adv...
Sep 03, 2024•47 min•Season 4Ep. 34
_ "When you empower Memphians to be innovators, you solve Memphis problems becasue you see what you're closest to."_ Is Memphis fertile ground for innovators? Entrepreneurship is rooted in innovation and job creation, two things that are critical to economic development and economic mobility. We’re chatting with experts on how collaboration and access are transforming the ways that Memphians are moving and shaking whole industries. Joining us for this conversation are Anthony Young of Epicenter ...
Aug 27, 2024•47 min•Season 4Ep. 33
As a new school year begins, we want to take a deeper dive into the data of where Memphis is shining in the education sector, what challenges are at play, and how creative solutions are being implemented. To do this, we will be referencing the 2024 Memphis State of Education Report created by Memphis Education Fund . Tune in to get fired up about opportunities to create solutions for the future of Memphis. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Memphis Education Fund 2024 Memphis State of ...
Aug 20, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 32
On the heels of a sold out New Memphis Leadership Summit last week, it got us thinking about other leadership lessons we’ve learned along the way. Some have come from amazing facilitators, others from workshops, and more still from the TEDxMemphis stage. As Memphis gears up for another TEDx event on September 28, we wanted to focus in on a few of the lessons that are not only impactful to leadership at every stage, but also lessons for community activation and growth. Resources mentioned in this...
Aug 13, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 31
"You shouldn't have to travel outside of our city to have this multi-dimensional experience and playground, and I like to nickname it the multiverse of Memphis." How do global technological advancements impact local entertainment and tourism? It may come as no surprise, but Memphis is once again at the forefront of trends in the entertainment industry. The tech-savvy team behind Baron Von Opperbean and The River of Time joins us for a behind-the-scenes conversation about the diverse range of loc...
Aug 06, 2024•55 min•Season 4Ep. 30
"We knew that we had an opportunity to be the difference. It is a challenge for those 18 to 25 years old currently; I need them to see themselves [in their elected officials]. They have the opportunity to be the change." It is election season, mane! This topic is mission critical all year long, but the need for courageous conversations is always heightened during this season. We're chatting with Shelby County Commission Chairwoman Miska Clay Bibbs about the nuances of the job, the need activatio...
Jul 30, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 29
"If we're looking at long term solutions, the changes need to be within the systems that prevent people from realizing the opportunities they can have." How would our city change if we collaborated more? New Memphis convened a series of conversations with leaders from three visionary organizations who are revolutionizing the way Memphis develops and implements solutions. Hear how these big visions for big change are coming to life and learn how you can get involved to amplify access in this week...
Jul 23, 2024•58 min•Season 4Ep. 28
"You borrow things from your neighbors, and the library is everyone's neighbor. We lend you our books, our space; why not lend other stuff, too?" They say don’t judge a book by the cover, but what about libraries? Memphis is full of unique libraries that create access and opportunity, not only for knowledge, but experiences. Today we’re chatting with Anthony Lucatelli and Jenna Pertl of Memphis Public Libraries to share about the access made possible through collaboration, specifically their Lib...
Jul 16, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 27
"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...
Jul 09, 2024•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 26
What does the path to public office look like at the local level? New Memphis recently hosted a live event at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art to explore this question and more...and we're bringing audio from the event to your inbox today! In a series of short, nonpartisan conversations in which elected officials interviewed each other, this week's episode gives some insight into what drew some our community's leaders – from mayors to State Representatives – to serve in public office, what motiv...
Jul 02, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 25
Whether or not you're a sports fan, there is something we can all learn from the way a team functions. Luckily for Memphis, there are some dedicated city champions who are working collaboratively to help the community evolve. Not only are they working to attract global sporting talent for locally-hosted events, they also work hard every day to shine a light on the city where the champions want to play: Memphis. Today's guests are: Joe Tomek | Executive Director, FedEx St. Jude Championship JJ Gr...
Jun 25, 2024•53 min•Season 4Ep. 24
"We do see real estate breathe new life into communities and neighborhoods where they go." How do residential and commercial real estate work together to create an attainable city? Hear what makes our city attractive to investors, renters, home-owners, and varied industries alike as Landon Williams and Worth Jones share trends, barriers, and exciting projects on the horizon. Resources mentioned in this episode include: New Memphis Summer Experience New Memphis Leadership Summit New Memphis Fello...
Jun 18, 2024•53 min•Season 4Ep. 23
Does behavior and mindset impact medical outcomes? We discuss how holistic care is a critical piece of the healthcare sector with Leighanne Soden of the West Cancer Foundation and Dr. Marian Levy of The University of Memphis' School of Public Health. Together they share the confidence-building the resources available to Mid-South patients and caregivers that provide grow confidence and take back their own story from their diagnosis. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Celebrate What&...
Jun 11, 2024•47 min•Season 4Ep. 22
"As a kid I spent so much time trying to not be different, but I finally realized being different is my superpower." Today's conversation takes a closer look at inclusive, healthy communities -- how they're created, why visible leadership is critical, and their impact to city livability. For communities to thrive, all members must be valued, safe, and respected. Renee Parker Sekander and Fire Chief Gina Sweat share their experiences in their respective career paths, the economic impact of divers...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 21
"There is an age where [young people] stop believing they can do anything and start to develop language about comparison. We need mentors, who are not the parent or caregiver, there to help young people grow in self respect, develop resiliency, and get back to believing in themselves." Do extracurricular activities impact student success in the classroom? Giving young people tools to manage stress, reach goals, and create community early in life is helping the next generation of Memphis leaders ...
May 28, 2024•56 min•Season 4Ep. 20
"The stakes are so high, and it's very easy for educators to get overwhelmed and burnt out with things often outside the locus of their controls. You really need to build some sustainability in order to persist in the classroom, and that's where our organizations come in." If educators support students, who is supporting the educators?_ _Hear about the resources available to local educators to ensure their cups are overflowing before they pour into scholars at their schools. Taylor Cao of Teach9...
May 21, 2024•56 min•Season 4Ep. 19
