On this episode of The Local Yokel’s Podcast, host Neil Colley welcomes Michael Lee and Kathleen LoSapio to talk about one of DeSoto County’s most exciting new developments—the DeSoto County Agri-Education Center. The conversation explores the vision behind this 200-acre, state-of-the-art campus designed to bring agriculture, education, and community together in one place. From hands-on learning opportunities and agricultural partnerships to public events, farmers markets, rodeos, and scenic walking trails, the Agri-Education Center is built to serve residents of all ages. Michael and Kathleen share how this facility honors tradition while cultivating innovation and opportunity for the future of DeSoto County.

Mississippi State University over view of program can be accessed at the following website:
Extension.msstate.edu.
Go to Master Gardener training.

Desoto county classes are (as noted on sheet titled)  “ Why become a Master Gardener”, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting March 10  thru April 9th, 8:30 am to 12 pm.

Guest Links

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On this episode of The Local Yokel’s Podcast, host Neil Colley sits down with TikTok influencer JaNae Popwell (@sonup2sondown13) for a wide-ranging and honest conversation touching on sports, culture, growth, and finding peace in a rapidly changing world. JaNae shares her thoughts on Ole Miss’s tough playoff loss to Miami, the ongoing Lindsey Whiteside sexual abuse case, and the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by ICE in Minneapolis. The discussion also dives into the explosive growth of Southaven and DeSoto County, xAI’s development in the area, the situation unfolding in Venezuela, and how different types of liquor can bring out very different personalities. JaNae reflects on her time playing softball, the business side of youth athletics, and the importance of working toward peace in everyday life.

TikTok - @‌sonup2sondown13

This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks

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You can reach us at [email protected]

The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

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On this episode of The Local Yokel’s Podcast, host Neil Colley sits down with Horn Lake Mayor Jimmy Stokes to discuss his journey into public service and what led him to the mayor’s office. Mayor Stokes shares the path that shaped his leadership style, reflects on the current state of Horn Lake, and outlines his vision for moving the city forward. From community growth to long-term planning, this conversation offers insight into local leadership and what it takes to guide a city in the right direction.

This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks

http://RoofworksMidsouth.com

You can reach us at [email protected]

The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu

YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

On this episode of The Local Yokels Podcast, host Neil Colley welcomes David Vincent, CEO and Founder of the Warriors Center for Women in Olive Branch, along with Lucia Strauss, Assistant Executive Director. The conversation highlights the mission and impact of the Warriors Center, including the exciting expansion into a new facility in New Albany, Mississippi. Lucia shares her powerful personal journey, reflecting on her time going through the Warriors Center program as a resident and how that experience shaped her path into leadership. Together, David and Lucia discuss how the organization provides hope, healing, and support for women in crisis, and they remind listeners that help is always available through the Warriors Center for Women’s 24-hour Help Hotline at 901-351-1259.

24hr Help Hotline - 901-351-1259

https://www.facebook.com/ladieswarriorscenterob

This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks

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You can reach us at [email protected]

The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

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Sarita Drake | Executive Director for the House of Grace

On this episode of The Local Yokels Podcast, host Neil Colley is joined by Sarita Drake, Executive Director of House of Grace in Southaven, Mississippi. Sarita opens the conversation by sharing the mission of House of Grace and the critical services they provide to survivors of domestic violence across 11 Mississippi counties. She bravely reflects on her own 30-year journey as a survivor of domestic abuse and emphasizes the importance of a “see something, say something” mindset within our communities. Neil also shares his personal experience visiting the House of Grace shelter and witnessing firsthand the compassion, care, and life-changing support offered to those in need. This powerful and informative episode highlights hope, advocacy, and the importance of standing up for survivors.

CRISIS HOTLINE - 662-342-1432

House of Grace - http://www.houseofgracedv.org

This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks

http://RoofworksMidsouth.com

You can reach us at [email protected]

The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

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#TheLocalYokelsPodcast, #HouseOfGrace, #DomesticViolenceAwareness, #SurvivorStories, #CommunitySupport, #SeeSomethingSaySomething, #NonprofitSpotlight, #MississippiNonprofits, #AdvocacyMatters, #HopeAndHealing, #EndingDomesticViolence, #SupportSurvivors

On this episode of The Local Yokel’s Podcast, host Neil Colley sits down with Pam Pegram, a Leadership & Personal Growth Coach whose mission is to inspire others to “do the right things for the right reasons.” Pam shares how she discovered her passion for coaching, speaking, and empowering individuals through her work, events, and her podcast Confident Christian Influence.

Pam also opens up about a deeply personal chapter of her life: her granddaughter’s involvement in the Lindsey Whiteside sexual violence case in DeSoto County. With transparency and strength, she explains the emotional weight her family has carried, the challenges they’ve faced, and the latest updates on the ongoing case. She also discusses her new Facebook initiative, Strengthen Communities To Keep Children Safe, created to raise awareness and protect children across the region.

Pampegram.com

Strengthen Communities To Keep Children Safe Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583744895641

This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks

http://RoofworksMidsouth.com

You can reach us at [email protected]

The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

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On this episode of The Local Yokel’s Podcast, host Neil Colley sits down with Ricky and Michael Neal of Neal Racing—the father-son BB/FC team from North Mississippi making waves on the national funny car circuit. Together, they dive into their journey from Ricky’s early days turning wrenches to Michael’s first taste of competition through BMX racing. The Neals open up about the intense time and financial commitment it takes to run a competitive funny car program, the unwavering family support behind the scenes, and the tight-knit camaraderie within the racing community. They also break down horsepower classes, track distances, and the importance of giving fans—especially kids—real access to the sport. The episode wraps with heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who keep Neal Racing on the road and in the fight.

https://www.facebook.com/NealRacing

https://funnycarchaos.com/

This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks

http://RoofworksMidsouth.com

You can reach us at [email protected]

The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

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On this episode of The Local Yokel’s Podcast, host Neil Colley sits down with Mississippi Public Adjuster Lauren Olmsted of Gavnat. Lauren shares what inspired her to become a public adjuster—stemming from her own difficult experience navigating the insurance claims process. With a firsthand understanding of the stress and confusion homeowners often face, she has dedicated her career to being the advocate she wishes she’d had.

Lauren and Neil discuss Gavnat’s mission to work collaboratively with both policyholders and insurance companies to ensure fair, accurate, and well-supported property damage settlements. Through education, empowerment, and hands-on support, Lauren helps homeowners feel confident and protected during some of their most challenging moments.

This episode highlights the importance of understanding your policy, knowing your rights, and having a knowledgeable partner on your side when disaster strikes.

www.gavnat.com

This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks

http://RoofworksMidsouth.com

You can reach us at [email protected]

The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

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In this deeply emotional episode of The Local Yokel’s Podcast, host Neil Colley sits down with Chris Pierce, who courageously shares the heartbreaking story of losing his brother, David Pierce, after he was tragically struck by a car in August 2025. Chris opens up about his frustrations with the lack of investigation surrounding the incident and the many unanswered questions that continue to haunt his family. In a desperate call for justice, Chris explains what led him to shut down the I-40 Memphis Bridge, one of the Mid-South’s busiest highways, to demand attention and accountability. His story is one of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks

http://RoofworksMidsouth.com

You can reach us at [email protected]

The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu

YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

In this powerful episode of The Local Yokels Podcast, host Neil Colley sits down with Pat Hardison, a former firefighter whose life changed forever the day he ran into a burning home—and came out unrecognizable. Pat joins the show to share his incredible journey and discuss his new book, Facing the Fire.

Through unimaginable pain, years of surgeries, and a record-breaking face transplant, Pat never lost his faith or his drive to be the husband and father his family deserved. His story is one of courage, hope, and divine perseverance—a testament to the human spirit and the God who never left him in the flames.

Facing The Fire on Amazon - https://a.co/d/gZLxe4a

This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks

http://RoofworksMidsouth.com

You can reach us at [email protected]

The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu

YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa

🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com