Fresh off his speech at the Neshoba County Fair, Mississippi's 62nd Speaker of the House, Jason White joins host Grant Callen for this episode of the Empower Podcast. We recap his fair speech and talk about the experience of walking out on that storied stage at Neshoba. We discuss the impact of President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill and the Speaker’s plans for a similar omnibus bill, which will incorporate a range of education reform priorities to build on the Mississippi Miracle and our recent economic achievements. The Speaker makes his case for education freedom and why this is the moment for Mississippi to join the school choice revolution that is sweeping the country. He explains why the House is prioritizing the next generation over the next election, and challenges both policymakers and citizens to think about who current systems are really serving. He previewed the upcoming House Select Committees on voting rights, PERS, and revitalizing Jackson, explaining how his priorities focus on dismantling barriers to ensure more Mississippians can thrive.

In this episode, host Grant Callen sits down with former Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn to trace his journey from Clinton’s small-town roots to state leadership. Gunn shares how a personal tragedy at Ole Miss Law upended his life, yet God’s faithfulness sustained him, strengthened his faith, and taught him resilience. From his 2003 House race to winning the Speaker’s gavel, he reveals lessons from the political trenches. We dive into his proudest wins: helping overturn Roe v. Wade, driving education reform, and changing Mississippi’s flag. Is a 2027 gubernatorial run next? Tune in for his answer and a vision for a thriving Mississippi where everyone can rise.

Join us on the Empower Podcast as we dive into the transformative world of industry-specific high schools with Dr. Keri Ingraham, whose recent policy brief at the American Enterprise Institute, “The Case for Industry-Specific High Schools,” is sparking conversation. In this episode, Dr. Ingraham explains why these specialized schools are a timely solution to align education with labor market demands, offering students industry-recognized credentials and hands-on training. From the success of schools like West Michigan Aviation Academy to the broader education freedom movement sweeping the nation, we explore how this model empowers students and complements traditional education. Tune in to discover why states like Mississippi could lead the charge in reimagining education for the future!

The Case for Industry-Specific High Schools: https://www.aei.org/research-products/report/the-case-for-industry-specific-high-schools/

In this episode, host, Grant Callen sits down with State Representative Lee Yancey, a seasoned lawmaker with 11 years of service in the Mississippi Legislature. A one-time Senator, Rep. Yancey now chairs the House Business and Commerce Committee and serves on eight other committees including Drug Policy. This conversation covered a litany of bills from the regular and special sessions, including bills on minors' healthcare, occupational licensing reform, kratom, hemp, and cannabis regulations, and *checks notes* that’s right, school choice. We also tackle the state of the medical marijuana industry, the drug war, and Mississippi's progress overcoming poverty and learning to win in education. Don't miss this episode!

Representative Jansen Owen is a key leader in the Mississippi House of Representatives. In his six-year legislative career, he has already seen several of his bills signed into law. In this episode of the Empower Podcast, host Grant Callen speaks with Rep. Owen about the recently completed special session and the tension between the two chambers. Rep. Owen offers an insider’s perspective on what really happened—and why it matters. They also discuss education freedom, exploring the future of portability, charter schools, the Tim Tebow Act, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), and the fight to expand opportunities for every Mississippi student. Rep. Owen doesn’t hold back, criticizing the so-called Parents’ Campaign for failing to represent parents and students. Additionally, as a vocal supporter of criminal justice reforms, Rep. Owen shares his passion for second chances, discussing his support for parole reform, the Fresh Start Act, work release programs, and the restoration of voting rights for felons. This conversation covers a wealth of topics, so don’t miss it. Tune in!

Lawmakers were called into Special Session to adopt a $7.135 billion budget for State Fiscal Year 2026 after failing to adopt a budget during the 2025 regular session. Although it lasted only two days, the Special Session was not without drama and excitement. We break down all the action in a special (session) edition of Capitol Chat.

State Senator Brice Wiggins (R-Pascagoula), Chairman of the Judiciary-A Committee, joins Grant Callen to discuss his journey from prosecutor to legislative leader. Representing Jackson County since 2011, Senator Wiggins shares insights into his proudest legislative achievements, including 2014’s House Bill 585 that reshaped Mississippi’s criminal justice system, reducing incarceration rates and saving taxpayers millions. They also discussed the Early Learning Collaboratives, the Literacy Based Promotion Act, Medicaid Expansion, income tax elimination, and school choice. Plus, hear his prediction about the upcoming special session. 

In this jam-packed episode, host Grant Callen serves up a buffet of political topics with Russ Latino, Founder & CEO of Magnolia Tribune. From the highs and lows of President Trump’s first 100 days—covering tariffs, taxes, and the “Big Beautiful Bill”—to Texas’ groundbreaking $1 billion school choice program and Mississippi’s historic income tax phase-out, no stone is left unturned. We dive into the state’s legislative wins, the wide-open 2027 race for governor, and contemplate the next big reform for Mississippi’s future. Tune in for a lively discussion that’s as diverse as it is insightful.

Mississippi’s economy is on fire! In this episode, host Grant Callen sits down with Bill Cork, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority, to discuss Mississippi’s economic surge. With the state ranking No. 2 in the nation for GDP growth in 2024, record-breaking employment numbers, and over $32 billion in new business investments under Governor Tate Reeves’ leadership, Mississippi is experiencing unprecedented momentum. Bill shares insights into the strategies behind landing major projects like Amazon Web Services’ $10 billion data centers, the role of workforce development, and how Mississippi is overcoming its historical challenges to become a magnet for hyperscale companies. Tune in to hear about the ripple effects of these developments on communities statewide, the impact of policy wins like tax reform, and what’s next for Mississippi’s economic future. 

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!