Real Mississippi

In this episode of Real Mississippi, we analyzed the systemic water crisis in Mississippi. This podcast explored how underfunding, insufficient workforce development, inadequate policies, and environmental stressors have contributed to this water predicament. Through interviews with fellow students William Magic, Khang Tran, and Josh Davis, we uncovered the public’s perception of the water crisis and its implications on local residents. Featuring professional perspectives, we showcased solutions like increased funding towards rural communities, workforce expansion, and knowledgeable policies better benefiting those in greatest need. Ultimately, this podcast strives for drastic reforms to ensure the safety and prosperity of those in Mississippi.

The increasing production and consumption of cannabis has sparked concern in many communities, often due to a lack of accurate information about the substance. While some people view the rise of cannabis dispensaries as a threat to society, much of this concern stems from misunderstandings and outdated perceptions. With proper education and responsible regulation, cannabis may not be as harmful as it is often portrayed. As a society, we must gain reliable knowledge about cannabis, both its benefits and risks, so informed decisions can be made. Choose knowledge over fear.  Written by Adah Anderson and produced by Maya Jacobsen.

In this episode, Daniel Hu and Anya Rai explore Mississippi courts' heavy reliance on plea bargains to resolve cases without trials. While plea bargains help courts handle heavy workloads efficiently, they often pressure defendants—especially those with limited resources—to plead guilty out of fear of harsher sentences. Through real examples and different perspectives, Rai and Hu highlight how this system often prioritizes speed over fairness. Does plea bargaining in Mississippi deliver true justice or simply an efficient form of injustice?

Those Left Behind dives into the effects of the mass deportations happening in America under the administration of Donald J. Trump. The podcast includes interviews which help the listener put themselves into the tough situation of that child in the case of their parents being deported. Beyond that, the podcast allows the listener to hear experiences of being Latino or Mexican in America. “Those Left Behind: The Impact of Deportation on Children” offers an educational experience for each listener that will stick with them as they live their life seeing the current event unfold.  

-Maya Diaz and Amaya Savage

School absences plague the state of Mississippi, but they are concentrated mostly in "King Cotton," a region of the state commonly known as the Delta. To understand why this is, Christopher Chen and Aaden Khaek-On explain how socioeconomic status and systemic consequences might lead to the rising statistics of chronic absenteeism. This episode was written by Christopher Chen and produced by Aaden Khaek-On. Background music was provided courtesy of Irene Doyle.

Extinction comes in many forms, some being animals, corporations, and even zoos. In this podcast, we will explore how the Jackson Zoo has gone from a wonderful educational and entertainment center to a deserted ghost town. With increase in crime rate and economic downfalls, zoos globally have also experienced this dilemma. The internet can show you a picture or video of an animal, but what special memories come with that? Adriana Geno and Annabelle Banda will show listeners why more people should know what is happening to zoos, and why this is important to animals, and to citizens.

Students across the United States are frequently taught about the history of racial inequality embedded in the nation. However, there still remain many stories surrounding this dark topic that go untold. America's past of eugenics and forced sterilization has affected thousands of African women for over several decades. Its consequences still linger even today, but why is this important?

This podcast is about how students are affected by school funding, especially children who come from low-income homes. Interviewees give their opinions on how they believe funding affects students.

Frequent moves can make school life challenging, especially for military kids. In this episode, we explore how the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3) ensures fair treatment for military students, helping them transition smoothly between schools. Through personal interviews and real experiences, we discuss the mental, social, and academic struggles of relocating—both for military and non-military students. Should MIC3 protections extend to all kids facing frequent moves? Tune in as we uncover the challenges, solutions, and the need for broader support in education.

The great basketball star Lusia Harris-Stewart, born inMinter City, Mississippi, was the first woman ever to be drafted into the NBA by the New Orleans Jazz in 1977. However, she declined the offer in hopes of starting afamily. Her accomplishments include holding every Delta State basketball record, shooting and making the first shot in the Olympics for women’s basketball, and being the first African American female college player inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1992. Lusia Harris shows that it's not where you come from, but where you go.