Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson returns to the Empower Podcast as he launches his campaign for Lt. Governor.

In this conversation, Grant sits down with Watson for a more personal look at the experiences and convictions that have shaped his leadership. From growing up on the Gulf Coast in a blue-collar, faith-centered family to his work in the State Senate and as Secretary of State, Watson reflects on how those influences guide his approach to public service.

They discuss faith, family, education, and the future of Mississippi, along with Watson's vision for leadership rooted in consistency, conviction, and a commitment to serving others.

In a time of growing global instability, the role of American strength is back at the center of the conversation. In this episode, Grant sits down with Roger Wicker, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Mississippi's senior senator. From rebuilding America's military strength to confronting the "axis of aggression," Senator Wicker offers a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions shaping global security. They discuss modernizing the military, why deterrence still matters, and how the U.S. should respond to threats from China, Russia, and Iran. Wicker also makes the case for standing firmly with Ukraine in its fight against Vladimir Putin. The conversation also turns to Mississippi's recent momentum, from the decision to change the state flag to the growing push for school choice and broader efforts to create opportunity across the state.

The 2026 legislative session is over… or is it? We break down the budget, education legislation, and a host of other bills that made it across the finish line during a busy week at the Capitol.

In this Conference Weekend Edition of Capitol Chat, we break down key dates and legislative processes for the remaining 9 days of the 2026 Session. We also dive into the latest on teacher pay raises, PBM reform, a controversial veto, and banning lab-grown milk.

With only a few weeks remaining in the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers are narrowing their focus. This week, we take a look at three issues dominating discussions at the Capitol and what's on the horizon as the 2026 session winds down.

In this episode of The Empower Podcast, host Grant Callen sits down with State Representative Sam Creekmore, chairman of the House Public Health and Human Services Committee, for a wide-ranging conversation about the major healthcare issues facing Mississippi. From certificate of need reform and rural hospital access to mental health, ibogaine research, and scope of practice, Creekmore explains how he is thinking through the state's most pressing health policy debates. He reflects on how his personal experiences and conversations with families affected by addiction have shaped his legislative priorities. He also discusses the role of innovation in Mississippi policymaking, the challenges of legislating in a complicated healthcare system, and why he believes the state must be willing to tackle hard problems if it wants a healthier future.