This week, host Grant Callen dives into the world of charter schools with DeArchie Scott, Founder of Ambition Prep, Mississippi’s top-performing public charter school located in west Jackson. Ambition Prep is a B-rated school (and climbing) and is the most academically successful open-enrollment public elementary school in Jackson. In this episode, we explore the impact of charter schools 12 years after their introduction to Mississippi, debunk common misconceptions, and hear inspiring stories of transformation from the frontlines of education. DeArchie shares his journey, the innovative two-teacher model, and his vision for the future of education in the state. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or advocate, this conversation is for you. Tune in!

Sine Die!

The countdown is on! Only 9 days remain in the legislative session. This week, the Governor signed House Bill 1 into law, and this weekend is crunch time on appropriations and revenue bills. All that, and more, on this week’s episode of Capitol Chat.

Following in the footsteps of the legendary radio host Paul Gallo, Richard Cross has quickly become a significant player in every public policy debate because he interviews the policymakers. Every morning Richard welcomes heavyweights like the Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker, U.S. Senators, and lawmakers from across the state, asking insightful questions until he gets to the root of the issue. This week, host Grant Callen sits down with Richard Cross so you can get to know him, his story, how Mississippi has shaped him, and how he thinks about public policy.  Tune in! 

A little luck of the Irish helped push an income tax elimination bill over the finish line this week. We’ll dive into House Bill 1 and what it means for you, as well as what’s next in the legislative session, on this week’s episode of Capitol Chat.

Week 10 was filled with excitement and acronyms! On this week’s episode we cover DEI, PBMs, and THC, as well as everything else you need to know from this week at your state Capitol. 

In this episode host Grant Callen sits down with Dallis Ketchum, a real estate broker, co-founder of NeighborHouse, and a dedicated community leader in Jackson. Dallis recounts how entrepreneurship became his defining path, from an unforeseen shift into real estate following his paramedic career to launching a business amid the 2008 housing crisis. Together, they explore the spirit of Mississippi’s capital city—its unique strengths, persistent challenges, and untapped potential. Dallis reflects on Jackson’s evolution since 2005, the impact of initiatives like the Belhaven Mountain Bike Trails, and what it will take to make the city a thriving hub for families and businesses. Tune in!

Dead or alive? That’s the key question this week as another big deadline has come and gone. With yet another key deadline on the horizon, we’ll highlight some of the bills that are still moving forward this session – at least for now.

Taxes, taxes, taxes. That and other news from the Capitol this week, including a new entry on “how a bill really becomes law – or doesn’t.”

Empower Mississippi's Tax Calculator: https://empowerms.org/2025-tax-calculator/

Halfway through the legislative session, we’re covering tax cuts, direct wine shipment, critical deadlines, and a scary situation in the Senate. Tune in to learn more on this week’s episode of Capitol Chat.