Meanwhile in Memphis conversations showcase collaboration in Memphis and beyond, and today's episode part of the mini-series within the show: Legislately with Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris. This collaboration will continue to 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 episode is the second installment of the Meanwhile in Memphis Legislately series, and the conversation illuminates the connections between local and federal government with Mayor Lee Harris and former Mayor of Salt Lake City, Utah, State Senator and Congressman, Ben McAdams.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

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

"It's ok to stand up for your city. There's a sense of ownership and with that comes both pride and sometimes frustration."

Memphis is a city worthy of championing! In today's conversation, we chat with fellow city champions John Carroll of City Leadership and David French of Memphis Brand to discuss why it's valuable, important, and necessary for there to be multiple organizations working toward a shared goal.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

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Memphis is not only setting records, we're making them, too! We're taking a look at the state if the music industry Memphis is so well known for. Today's guests are shaping the way the world sees our city and its iconic culture. Matt Ross-Spang (Southern Grooves) and Brandon Seavers (Memphis Record Pressing) share why Memphis is the place to be right now and moving forward.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Memphis is leading the way when it comes to connecting people, and today’s conversation on the Meanwhile in Memphis podcast dives into the ways two world-renowned organizations use the lens of history to build community, propel innovation, and shape the future of the city. Tune in to hear a conversation with Dr. Russell Wigginton (National Civil Rights Museum) and Pat Mitchell Worley (The Soulsville Foundation)!

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 kicks off an exciting 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.

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

Every leader is only as good as their tool kit. Today we're learning about the unique educational assets available to our city's youngest leaders. Devon Harkins (Libertas School of Memphis; New Memphis 2024 Educator of Excellence) and Wynett Jones (Porter Leather's Books from Birth) share how early literacy sets the foundation for life-long success.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

New Memphis always says that our city's greatest resource is its people. Today we will be focusing in on one subset of the population and how they are poised to make the most impact. Join us as we take a look back to take a step forward. Longtime journalist Tom Jones and economics professor Dr. David Ciscel join us to share insights on the economic structure of Memphis, provide context for why specific decisions were made, and platform where Memphis has the economic advantage -- its young people!

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Leadership has the power to transform — people, organizations, and communities. New Memphis recently hosted an in-person conversation spotlighting some impactful nonprofit leaders in new roles who are leading the organizations that are shaping the city’s future. These leaders are not new to the work but are new to their organizations, and today' we're going to share the conversation they had on stage to learn what led them to lead at the highest levels, how transition and transformation can go hand-in-hand, and how they hope to grow themselves and the city from here.

This episode features live audio from Celebrate What's Right: Leading the Next Chapters which took place on April 30, 2025, and features panelists: Bobby White (Leadership Memphis), Tomeka Hart Wigginton (United Way of the Mid-South), Anthony Young (Epicenter), and Sam O'Bryant (BRIDGES).

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

This episode was made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

The Front Porch is providing a gathering place to rest, restore, and renew individually and holistically for the city. Becky Wilson (The Front Porch) and Angela Hamblen-Kelly (Baptist Centers for Good Grief) share how they hope this new venue will provide healing for all.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

This conversation explores the importance of finding mentors, not pouring from an empty cup, and how to be both a champion in education and of education. Valen Warner (Memphis Literacy Institute; 2022 New Memphis Educator of Excellence) and Taylor Price (English and AP African American Studies Educator at East High School; 2024 New Memphis Educator of Excellence) share their experiences of continuing their education and creating pathways for mentorship.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

This episode was made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.