Memphis is a city known for its entrepreneurial spirit and drive for innovation. This conversation with Anthony Young and Nate Smith explores the ways Epicenter is working to showcase Memphis' talent and resources for compounded growth locally and across the nation.

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

The Legis-lately series with Mayor Lee Harris is created by the office of Mayor Lee Harris. This episode will feature a conversation with State Representative and Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, John Ray Clemmons. He is joining Mayor Harris today to share a state-level perspectives on their party’s approach to the intersection of policy and politics as they relate to issues impacting Tennesseans, and what gives him hope about the future of Memphis, Shelby County, and Tennessee

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the podcast publisher or New Memphis.

Community development corporations are standing at the intersection of preservation and progress, ready and willing to showcase their own neighborhood's unique culture and assets for the city to share in. Randall Garrett of Klondike Smokey City CDC and Michael Cowan of Community LIFT share (in this extended-cut episode) the details of how collaboration, trust, and relationships create pathways for participation within communities to not just build back, but build better.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Memphis leads in many ways when it comes to healthcare, notably because of the institutions that are shaping the medical professionals of tomorrow.

Dr. Peter Buckley of University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) and Dr. Lewis Reich of Southern College of Optometry (SCO) stopped by the studio to share how their institutions in the Memphis Medical District are working to build an interdisciplinary workforce that is connected to the community in meaningful ways. Tune in to hear how they are planting seeds of success in Memphis and beyond!

Join New Memphis to hear from more leaders in the Memphis Medical District, in person at Celebrate What’s Right: Anchoring the Community on September 15!

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Memphis is known for its creative and cultural identity, and one organization stands out as a champion for the creative sector. Over the last 10 years, UNAPOLOGETIC. has helped artists remain authentic while building resources and infrastructure to help their work remain authentically Memphis. This conversation with IMAKEMADBEATS and Kid Maestro explores the need for diversity in all sectors and how to turn what makes you different into your superpower.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Meanwhile in Memphis conversations showcase collaboration in Memphis and beyond, and today's episode is part of a mini-series within the show: Legislately with Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris! This collaboration will bring together nationally-renowned experts and local leaders to amplify ways leaders in our community are learning, collaborating, innovating, and working to set Memphis and Shelby County up for success.

Today's installment features a conversation with Shelby County Commissioner Michael Whaley. Commissioner Whaley also serves as the Tennessee Director for Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE) where he empowers current and former educators to enhance their civic engagement and leadership skills. Commissioner Whaley is joining Mayor Harris to share insights on leadership lessons learned throughout various stages of his own journey and to offer tangible takeaways for leaders at every stage.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

This episode is made possible in partnership with Shelby County Government.

It’s often said that the “magic” of Memphis comes from its people. In this conversation, learn how an innovative organization (UMRF Ventures) is implementing a unique business model with unique solutions for building a talent pipeline: helping students build professional skills to kick-start careers by employing them before they graduate. UMRF Ventures CEO, Pierre Landaiche, and student employee, Marcus Jordan, share how this dynamic model is engaging students and companies to build — and keep — experienced professionals in Memphis. This episode originally aired on March 25, 2025

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Leadership at the highest levels involves a lot of listening — to constituents, to peers, to other leaders. In today’s conversation, a group of local elected officials (Commissioner Miska Clay Bibbs, Commissioner Mickell Lowery, Memphis Shelby County Schools Board Member Michelle McKissack, Germantown Mayor Mike Palazzolo and Councilman JB Smiley) take to the mics to interview each other about what it looks like to lead in their roles, what drew them to pursue a path to public office, what motivates them to do the work, and what they hope will inspire other leaders to take an active role in the community.

This live event conversation was powered by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and Kroger.

Memphis is home to a world-class facility that's attracting regional and national events and tournaments but its primary role is to serve and create community right here in Memphis and Shelby County.

Joining us to share a peek behind the operations and the details of the economic impact of this work are JJ Greer (Memphis Sports Council) and Kiyla Glasper (Memphis Sports and Events Center).

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

This episode is made possible by Independent Bank.

Meet Memphians making meaningful change! Two Memphis organizations are creating reliable and replicable pathways for economic mobility by reshaping the way communities engage with vulnerable populations through both direct services and systems-level change, and their work is being studied in communities across the country. Kelcey Johnson (The Hospitality Hub) and Ashton Alexander (Community Alliance for the Homeless) join in conversation to dispel common myths and misconceptions about about economic mobility in Memphis while diving into the innovative ways their organizations — and many others — are collaborating to build a bright future for everyone.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.