I don't know about you, but we're feelin' 2022!

For our final "favorite thing" and the first episode of 2022, Christy Mullen (our weekly co-host and Director of Marketing and Communications) shares her favorite... "the wonderful and effervescent Ephie...". It originally aired in June of 2021, and is actually our longest episode to date at an hour and 20 minutes. We trimmed it down for today, but please feel free to scroll on back and listen to the full cut later on!

Ephie Ballard-Johnson is at the helm of "the family business" of caring for people as the President and CEO of Neighborhood Christian Centers (a 44-year-old Memphis organization!). They're tackling not only systematic, multi-generational challenges by bridging the immediate gaps, focused on truly meeting each individual where they are - insisting it's never too late to make an authentic change.   In this episode, she's bringing it in for the real deal with this genuine conversation about everything from leading by example to learning not to cry over logistics. Plus we'll chat about her 2015 TEDxMemphis talk, "Do First Years Last a Lifetime?" where she explains the urgency of intersecting with a person in need sooner rather than later. Her hustle knows no bounds!   You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll leave fully inspired by this extended-cut episode (including 20 extra minutes of goodness that we didn't have time for live on air).

For our final installment of episodes in 2021, our very own Erin Wendell, Director of New Memphis Educator and Collegiate Programs, chose an episode that she just could not stop thinking about. This episode, which originally aired in May 2021, is more of a hearty main dish than a starchy side, so put on your stretchy pants and get ready to dig in!

Law and Order. Our justice system is set up to be a fair system of checks and balances.. right? Not necessarily. When you're a hammer, everything can look like a nail. Josh Spickler of Just City shares gaps where the justice system continually says, "can't touch this" because it's "hammer time" in his 2018 TEDxMemphis Talk, "Crime and Lots of Punishment."

But what's the alternative? He gives his a-ha moments, possible solutions, and ways he and others have already made lasting change in Tennessee. You won't want to miss this one!

The second installment of "Our Favorite Things" is the delightful Shamichael Hallman! His career is as generous as he is, spanning from tech and ministry to being a 2020 TEDxMemphis speaker and reimagining public spaces like the historic Cossitt Library.

This episode originally aired in February 2021, and was quickly a staff and fan favorite. Tune in and you'll see why!

As our holiday gift to you, dear listener, we're revisiting a few of our favorite episodes in a series we're literally calling "Our Favorite Things." (cue the Julie Andrews music!)

This first one was hand-selected by our sometimes co-host, AT, and originally aired in December 2020. As to why she selected this particular episode, she said: "First, Ned Canty is hilarious! But more importantly, he has a way of explaining things that seem so high-brow to make them very accessible and exciting. I assumed I wouldn't like opera, but this episode made me rethink that entire notion completely."

We dare you to not smile while you re-visit just how fun opera (and Opera Memphis) can be!

Whether you can sing along with the title reference or have no idea what on earth High School Musical is... you've come to the right place! Today, we have Dr. Krista Johnson, Executive Director and Founder of ALL Memphis, in the studio to share her unique approach to "teaching the teacher" so that no student is left behind. Then, you'll hear from New Memphis' very own Laura Beth Davis and Christy Mullen to answer some FAQs about what it means to give to New Memphis.

So, see? We really are all in this together!

Memphians pride themselves on knowing a thing or two about a thing or two. For example: blues, BBQ, and Beale. But what if I told you there's always something to discover about this city.... would you believe?

Whether it's a new entrepreneurial effort or a foundation celebrating their diamond anniversary, our city (and its people!) never cease to deliver on generosity.

Fresh off of Small Business Saturday, the sisters of ARCHd share their story and why they teamed up with other dynamic duos (like City Tasting Box, Terra Cotta, Primas, and WeTightKnit) to share the love. Then, Jenny Koltnow of The Campbell Clinic Foundation shares the impact of their 75 year history + what's on the horizon.

On this Giving Tuesday, we also ask that you consider New Memphis and WYXR with your own generosity. This radio station and our show may be powered by sound, but it's funded by the heart and soul of this city...YOU! If you like what you hear, help us keep it going into 2022 and beyond by giving at newmemphis.org. and wyxr.org.

Welcome to Part 2 of our spotlight on our 2021 Educators of Excellence honorees! Last week, you heard from the ladies, and this week the gentlemen get a turn to share their stories. We dive deep into the importance of representation, radical innovations for teaching, and why it's so impactful to pour into young people. BONUS: Taylor Cao and Aaron Youngblood just so happen to be New Memphis Embark alumni! DOUBLE BONUS: This episode is the extended cut of what aired live on the radio on WYXR (8 extra minutes of insights!).

This year, the New Memphis Educators of Excellence Award was generously funded by the Crews Foundation.

1-2-3, eyes on me! It's time to get to know our 2021 Educators of Excellence in a two part series where they share why they got into education, what keeps them there (and in Memphis!), and what they wish the community knew about what it's really like to equip the next generation of leaders! Tune in the hear from our first three honorees on this episode.

This year, the New Memphis Educators of Excellence Award was generously funded by the Crews Foundation.

Maya Angelou said it best, and our guests are living her words out.

Sam O'Bryant is the newly minted executive director of Literacy Mid-South, which is working to provide "literacy across the lifetime." Jill Shanker, a Jay Uiberall Foundation Board Member, joins Will Perry, facilitator of the Jay Uiberall Scholars program at REACH Memphis (and a New Memphis Fellows alum!) to share the impact of one Memphians love for his community. These individuals and their respective organizations are working to make Memphis brighter and more accessible, and we're thrilled to share their stories with you, dear listener!

How sweet it is to have SweetBio, Inc. buzzing around our city!