Real Mississippi

Real Mississippi

By A Student Podcast from MSMSSociety & CultureDocumentary
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Real Mississippi episodes

  • A Model of Small-Town Flourishing

    In this podcast, the reasons for Starkville, Mississippi’s economic growth is examined. It focuses on city council’s Mayor Lynn Spruill and the Board of Aldermen and their proactive policies over the past decade. Finally, it examines Starkville’s connection to Mississippi State University and how the Board has capitalized on the college’s successes. 

    8 min
  • Eudora Welty's Legacy

    Take a deep dive into the history and legacy of American short story novelist and Pulitzer Prize winner Eudora Welty! Learn about Eudora Welty’s young start to writing and her life’s journey as a young female writer in Mississippi! Written and produced by Ally Mack.

    8 min
  • Dr. Theodoric James

    In this Podcast, Alexander Allison explores the life and legacy of Dr. Theodoric James, the first Black physician from Columbus, Mississippi.

    8 min
  • The State Line Mob

    Alcorn county, the seemingly peaceful, perfect place to raise a family, has a bloody history that few seem to know. In the time of prohibition and dry states, Mississippi wanted to stay clean of alcohol, which prompted some to begin smuggling the outlawed beverage through the state line of Tennessee and Mississippi. This birthed the State Line Mob, a group of southerners determined to indulge in a beer. Run by a woman that struck fear into men's hearts and backed by the few brave enough to fight with her, Alcorn county became a terror zone filled with violence, robbery, and even murder. This podcast tells their story. 

    7 min
  • Delta Dogs

    Mississippi is a state known for having many issues, but among the many concerns in Mississippi one, in particular, is becoming increasingly prevalent: stray animals. In this podcast, we will explore how and why this issue has become so extensive and the ways the average citizen can help. Written by Vincent Wang and produced by Mehar Gill.

    7 min
  • Leaders and Tough Questions

    When Becky Watkins, a new school board member in Quitman, Mississippi, heard that the district superintendent had been charged with embezzlement at her previous job, she asked questions that nobody wanted to hear. Written by Ava Dedwylder and produced by Myia Williams.

    6 min
  • Shalaan Hendricks: Making Lifelong Learners in Columbus, Mississippi

    Shalaan Hendricks is a talented and passionate kindergarten teacher at Joe Cook Elementary in Columbus, Mississippi. She has been an integral part of her schools, and her dedication to her students’ education is evident in everything she does. Shalaan is also an active participant in the school’s community. She collaborates with other teachers and staff to create a positive learning environment for all her students. Her enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to the Joe Cook Elementary School community. Written by Kinsley Hendricks and produced by A'Meya Stewart.

    7 min
  • An Amazing Education

    Amazing programs and flourishing businesses probably do not come to the forefront of people’s minds when thinking of Mississippi. However, Petal,

    Mississippi manages to overcome stereotypes with great teachers and a top-ranked school district. Mrs. Robin Rector is one of the teachers and mentors out of many that make Petal so special. Written by Gracyn Young and produced by Komal Patel.

    7 min
  • Evangelism or Intimidation? Starkville's Cross of Christ

    Another cross has been erected along Highway 25 near Starkville, Mississippi. Its presence sparked an argument among the people of Starkville: does it represent good-natured evangelism or an effort to intimidate people of different religious backgrounds. Starkville is one of Mississippi's most diverse communities. The Cross of Christ may be an important symbol for Christians, but it may not be perceived in the same way by people of different faiths. How might it affect Starkvillagers' impressions of the place they call home? Written and produced by Vivian Peng.

    8 min
  • Where Do You Go When Your Blue Collar Town Loses Businesses?

    In the not too distant past, blue collar jobs abounded in Columbus, Mississippi. A person could graduate from high school,  start working as, say, a machinist, and retire comfortably a quarter century later. NAFTA effectively did away with that kind of opportunity at the turn of the century. Manufacturing jobs have returned for skilled laborers since then. But will those be enough to keep people here?

    8 min

About Real Mississippi

From the publisher's feed

You can't understand the world unless you understand Mississippi. People here experience all the joys and pains everyone does, but with a statewide population of just three million, everything is…