Real Mississippi

In this podcast I’ll discuss how tipping is viewed, interviewing servers about their personal experiences. I will suggest ways to make the issue on tipping better.

In "Beyond the Plate," we dig into what’s really going on with food in Mississippi, from the rise of ultra-processed foods to struggling small farmers. Are community driven solutions and policy changes even possible? Come with us as we dive into the world of food, culture and sustainability, and how we can work to build a healthier future for Mississippi. Its rich culinary heritage and the comfort of Southern cooking, however, often hide a more serious crisis of food insecurity, poor health, and environmental problems in agriculture.

Imagine a child sitting in class, but their mind is elsewhere—haunted by the violence they experience daily. In Jackson, Mississippi, this is a reality for many kids, and it’s affecting their ability to learn, grow, and dream. But what if we could change that? What if, together, we could create a community where kids are safe, supported, and free to reach their full potential? This episode dives deep into how violence impacts children, how that affects their future, and what we can do to break the cycle. Tune in to learn how we can help them build a brighter future.

“How Activities Help Heal the Mind” is an episode on ways to improve mental health without using medication. In the episode, we talk about ways people were able to feel better from doing activities such as working out, going on walks, and just forgetting about it. Our goal is to focus on approaches that have worked for people and share those solutions with others who struggle with their mental health. If you want a non-medicated way to take of your mental health, this episode is for you.

During this podcast, we explore the significant impact language barriers have on the healthcare system. Through a personal account of an individual affected by these barriers and insights from healthcare professionals, we explore the challenges that arise when inefficient communication causes misunderstandings. Although overcoming language barriers is not an immediate fix, we discuss practical solutions and strategies that could improve patient care and also make healthcare more accessible to everyone.

Young student and martial artist Enoch Clardy examines whether Mixed Martial Arts can benefit Mississippi. He interviews Noel McMichael, a world champion and 24-time national taekwondo champion and jiu-jitsu promoter, alongside his best friend and wrestling teammate, Jayden Wagner. Together, they discuss the personal impact MMA has had on their lives and explore how the sport could contribute to Mississippi’s communities through discipline, opportunity, and growth. 

People’s favorite hangout spots and comfort spaces are fading away right in front of our eyes. While these physical spaces are leaving, a new way to connect with others and have fun is now in the spotlight: video games. This episode talks about how video games can emulate the benefits of these social spaces and could be the face of a new revolutionary way of socializing.

CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary tool for genetic engineering that allows scientists to precisely alter DNA within living organisms. Sickle cell disease is a terrifying problem prevalent in Mississippi. CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to correct the genetic mutation that causes sickle cell disease by editing the patient's stem cells to produce healthy red blood cells. Trial runs using this solution have been performed in Mississippi, and CRISPR has been proven to have the potential to change the medical world.

Throughout the United States, women’s reproductive issues have been significantly controversial since the early 20th century. Mississippi has continuously displayed its complex feelings through deep-rooted restrictions and legal battles. For many years, Mississippi has implemented some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country, including limited medical care, mandatory waiting periods, and temporary abortion bans. Leading to the overturning of Roe v. Wade through the passing of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization rooted in Mississippi, longstanding efforts to limit reproductive freedom shaped the nation’s abortion access setting back years of progress. Produced by Annaliese Coughlin and Anna Anderson.

This episode of Real Mississippi follows a conversation between Noah Maksi and Raymond Yang as they explore the true essence of blues music. They take a deep dive into the genre’s history, uncovering the raw emotion and cultural significance behind the music. The discussion traces the blues’ role in the Civil Rights Movement through artists like B.B. King, as well as important places like Clarksdale, Mississippi—a city rich in blues history and a hub for musical tourism.