During Episode 14 of The Southern Citizen Podcast, I join forces with my sister in law and friend Rebekah to teach you all a bit about the rich and inspiring history of Laurel, MS – our hometown. From revolutionaries to renegades to Olympians to opera singers – folks from Laurel are cut from a different cloth.

Also, I would like to extend a huge thank you to Bigger Pie Forum for allowing me to share this episode on my platform! Please check them out at biggerpieforum.org.   

During Episode 13 of The Southern Citizen Podcast, Ms. Pearl shares about her love of faith, family, and good food. Most week days, you can find her serving up neck hugs and banana pudding in her diner in downtown Laurel, MS, - Pearl's Diner. Her bubbly personality and can-do attitude is sure to inspire the masses.

During Episode 12 of The Southern Citizen Podcast, Holly tells all about her journey in women’s sports and athletic training. From yellow jacket, to wild cat, to sycamore, to hawkeye – Holly has been there done that – and has probably published a paper about it!   

During Episode 11 of The Southern Citizen Podcast, Dink talks of hosiery – cigarettes – coffee – milk and so much more. From early life on the farm in Lauderdale County, MS -  to meeting Elsie the cow -  to traveling the country during his retirement years, Dink seems to always be able to find the silver lining in all situations.

Episode 10 ~ Welcome back to the Southern Citizen. Long time; no see. Or should I say, long time; no hear. For our family, Autumn of 2024 has been one for the books. It’s been a season full of school, work, travel, and the general act of living life as best we know how.

In an unexpected turn of events, it has also been a season loss; a season of goodbye for now. My forever young mother-in-law Ms. Kay slipped away into the next room – a room prepared for her by the Savior.

During the days that followed her earthly departure, we looked for ways to celebrate Ms. Kay.

We searched through old photos looking for the ones that captured her charm.

We cut zinnias from our yard to use in countless flower arrangements.

We requested folks wear color to her service because, after all, color was her favorite. And ROY G. BIV, did folks understand the assignment: florals, jewel tones, tie dye, Hawaiian shirts, animal print, and even a few couples dressed in coordinating outfits. We saw and loved it all.

During the afternoon following her service, we asked folks to talk with us about Ms. Kay. And that’s what you are about to hear. During the hustle and bustle of a large family meal, folks shared their perspective, their memory, their story of Ms. Kay.

During Episode 9 of The Southern Citizen, Storme and Meagan share stories from their life together. From love at first sight to facing the trials of life hand-in-hand. This sweet love story will live rent-free in your heart from now til kingdom come.

During Episode 8 of The Southern Citizen Podcast, Kay and Shirley return to the pod! After finishing up our first conversation, it was decided amongst ourselves that there was more ground to cover. Listen in as we dive headlong into syllabi creation (and revision), program recruitment, and Kay's not-so-distant connection to Dr. Samuel T. Orton. 

During Episode 7 of The Southern Citizen Podcast, we're at YWCO to celebrate 100 years of service in downtown Laurel, Mississippi. Through the decades the YWCO has been a landmark in our community as it has offered something for just about everyone. From belly dancing classes, to bingo nights, the YWCO has stood the test of time, and the organization has always found a way to serve and support the community.

During Episode 6 of The Southern Citizen Podcast, we meet Burly - quick-witted and ever so charming, Burly shares stories spanning the 101 years he has walked this earth. From ear notching cattle in Scott County, Mississippi, to hauling communication equipment through the European countryside in WWII, Burly shares stories of true love, good biscuits, and "full-blooded" American patriotism. 

During Episode 5 of The Southern Citizen Podcast, we walk through the history and timeline of dyslexia research and dyslexia therapy. Our discussion transitions to how and where Mississippi College belongs on this remarkable timeline. We are introduced to Kay and Shirley; these two women, as the saying goes, found themselves in the right place at the right time, and they have lived to tell the tale of how the Mississippi College Dyslexia Therapy Master's Program came to be.