Meanwhile in Memphis with New Memphis

There is always something exciting to talk about in Memphis, and Memphis Magazine and The Memphis Flyer have weathered decades of change, and they continue to evolve, proving that good reporting is always relevant.

This conversation with Anna Traverse (Chief Executive Officer of Memphis Magazine and The Memphis Flyer) explores how these publications are stepping into a new era with a new publication partner: Noisy Creek, a media company that’s working to bolster independent, local publications.

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This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Memphis has a long, rich history of music, and there are many organizations working to ensure culture and creativity are part of the city's present and future. This conversation features Natalie Wilson (Overton Park Shell) and Isaac Daniel (Stax Music Academy), who are working to build a bright future for Memphis.

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This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Memphis' higher-ed institutions play a critical role in city vibrancy. 

Memphis’ colleges and universities are essential civic anchors shaping the region’s talent pipeline, stabilizing neighborhoods, driving research and innovation, and influencing long-term economic vitality. All of these factors play a critical role in employee readiness, attraction, and retention for local employers. This conversation, moderated by Dr. Joann Massey (EDGE), features Dr. Bill Hardgrave (University of Memphis), Jennifer Collins (Rhodes College), and Dr. Tracy D. Hall (Southwest Tennessee Community College).

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Note: This is a recording of a live Celebrate What's Right: Educating Memphis' Future that happened on February 24 at The National Civil Rights Museum for a conversation with presidents from Memphis-area institutions.

Memphis is a media oasis! The city has a vibrant, people-powered ecosystem with a wealth of public radio stations. Go behind the scenes of two of the city’s signature public stations with Jared "Jay B" Boyd (WYXR 91.7 FM - the host station for Meanwhile in Memphis) and Charles McLarty. (WKNO 91.1 FM) to learn what role they play in connecting the community through news, music, and future-focused missions. This episode first aired on November 18, 2025 (S5E46).

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Entrepreneurial spirit has shaped Memphis for decades, and the city still supports entrepreneurship today! This conversation has a strategic focus on attracting and retaining businesses — from small businesses to large-scale industry leaders — as well as exploring what makes Memphis a city of choice for entrepreneurs and innovators looking to launch a business. These leaders not only see what's possible, but they are also carving paths for the future of the city and positioning Memphis as a city of choice for changemakers. 

This conversation originally took place as a live event on August 26, 2026, as part of New Memphis’ Celebrate What’s Right series and was made possible by Tennessee Valley Authority, Kroger, and Servis1st Bank. We work very hard to make these events accessible, but we know that there are a myriad of reasons why members of our community had to miss this live event. In an effort to ensure that these leaders’ insights are disseminated far and wide, we’re bringing you their conversation on the radio waves this morning.

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Memphis builds community through collaboration. Habitat for Humanity's initiatives to build homes, help citizens age in place, and showcase leadership through volunteerism create a more vital and prosperous 901 for today, tomorrow, and generations to come. 

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This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Downtown Memphis is a vibrant place to live, work, play, and thrive! Adding to downtown's appeal is an immersive experience, Baron Von Operbean and the River of Time, affectionately known as BVO. The attraction has been noted as a "jewel of an asset" and is playing a role in the forward momentum of the city's vision. 

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This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Memphis is fighting blight through teamwork! While preventative measures are being taken to stop the progression of blight throughout the community, the city is also working collaboratively to create long-term solutions through legal support and community-informed efforts. Tune in to learn how the City of Memphis is collaborating to help Memphis reach its fullest potential!

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This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Memphis is made vibrant by its green spaces and the wildlife that inhabit them. Those spaces exist, and wildlife populations persist thanks in part to the organizations dedicated to protecting and preserving them, including today's guests from Ducks Unlimited and Wolf River Conservancy. From Ducks Unlimited's work conserving more than 20 million acres of waterfowl habitat across North America to Wolf River Conservancy's work planting more than 60,000 trees and protecting upwards of 20,000 acres of land, there's a lot to unpack in today's conversation. Joining us from Ducks Unlimited is Chief Operating Officer Karen Waldrop, and joining from Wolf River Conservancy is Chief Conservation Officer Ryan Hall. 

A proven model of success is helping students in Memphis persist to graduation and launch careers in the Mid-South thanks to an impact-driven collaboration between tnAchieves and MDRC. Listen in to learn how a state-wide program is taking a tailored approach to help students in Memphis succeed!

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This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.