In this episode of Mississippi Stories, Mississippi Today Editor-At-Large Marshall Ramsey visits with golfer Ethan Mangum. Mangum tells about how he started playing golf at the age of two, his pathway of success, how his parents influenced him and how he trains to be the world-class athlete and student. His is an inspirational story and a blueprint for anyone who wants to be successful. His story is a perfect blend of talent and hard work. 

In this episode of Mississippi Stories, Mississippi Today Editor-At-Large Marshall Ramsey sits down with award-winning author W. Ralph Eubanks to talk about his book, A Place Like Mississippi. A Place Like Mississippi takes readers on a complete tour of the real and imagined landscapes that have inspired generations of authors. Eubanks is also the author of two other books: Ever Is a Long Time: A Journey Into Mississippi's Dark Past (Basic Books) and The House at the End of the Road: The Story of Three Generations of an Interracial Family in the American South (HarperCollins) and recently received the Nonfiction award for “A Place Like Mississippi: A Journey Through a Real and Imagined Literary Landscape” by the The Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters. Eubanks talks about teaching other writers to learn their voice and how those voices have helped lift Mississippi’s literary tradition.

In this episode of Mississippi Stories, Mississippi Today Editor-at-Large Marshall Ramsey sits down with award-winning author W. Ralph Eubanks to talk about his book, A Place Like Mississippi. Eubanks talks about teaching other writers to learn their voice and how those voices have helped lift Mississippi’s literary tradition.

In this episode of Mississippi Stories, Mississippi Today Editor-At-Large Marshall Ramsey sits down with Brigadier General Maxey J. Phillips (Retired) of the Mississippi Air National Guard. From the Cuban Missile Crisis, to Vietnam, to England and back to Mississippi, Maxey tells stories about his nearly 40-year career in the Air Force. Those stories include a career-altering conversation with legendary aviator General Chuck Yeager, a near-fatal encounter with a turkey buzzard while flying at 480 knots and his time as the 172nd Airlift Wing Commander in Jackson, Mississippi. Most poignantly for Memorial Day weekend, though, Maxey talks about his fallen comrades and a beloved uncle who died in Vietnam. Sponsored by the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Mississippi Today’s Editor-At-Large Marshall Ramsey sits down with singer, songwriter and musician Scott Albert Johnson. A graduate of Harvard and Columbia, Johnson shares stories about his time as a kicker and then how his career as a musician took off. Ramsey and Johnson talk creativity, dreams and how to achieve them. Johnson also tells how to achieve balance in life rooted in family, friends and music.

In this episode of Mississippi Stories, Mississippi Today Editor-At-Large Marshall Ramsey sits down with Pam Confer. Pam is an international, award-winning, bilingual singer, song-writer, and speaker. She recently wrote and debuted the song, “Mississippi Beautiful,” which has quickly become a unifying and favored piece in Mississippi. “Mississippi Beautiful” is also permanently featured in Gallery 8 of the new Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. A self-proclaimed “Joy Scout,” Pam talks about positivity, empathy and the beauty all Mississippians process. Prepared to be inspired. 

On this episode of Mississippi Stories, Editor-At-Large Marshall Ramsey sits down with Sammy Moon. Sammy is the executive director of the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy. In his role, Sammy provides leadership and support to nonprofit and philanthropic organizations in their efforts to strengthen Mississippi’s children, families, and communities. His work involves interaction with nonprofits organizations, foundations, United Ways, public sector entities, and businesses throughout the state. 

On this episode of Mississippi Stories, Mississippi Today Editor-At-Large Marshall Ramsey sits down with Rita Soronen, President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Under her leadership, the Foundation has significantly increased its grant-making while developing strategic initiatives that act on the urgency of the issue. Marshall caught up with Ms. Soronen when she was in Mississippi to announce a partnership with the Mississippi Department of Children Protection Services.

On this episode of Mississippi Stories, Mississippi Today Editor-At-Large Marshall Ramsey sits down with magician, entertainer and speaker Joe M. Turner. Turner is an American corporate magician, mentalist, and a frequent keynote speaker at conferences and other meetings. Turner talks about growing up in Mississippi, overcoming challenges presented by the pandemic, and how his many talents led to a magical career.

On this episode of Mississippi Stories, Mississippi Today Editor-At-Large Marshall Ramsey catches up with entrepreneurs Hagan Walker and Anna Barker, the founders of the Starkville-based company Glo. They share how the disruption in the Global Supply Chain nearly prevented them from having products for Christmas. But in a story that is almost like an action thriller, Walker and Barker tracked down their shipment and helped navigate all the obstacles thrown up by the new normal. It’s a story of grit, resilience and a touch of Mississippi charm.