For our final installment of episodes in 2021, our very own Erin Wendell, Director of New Memphis Educator and Collegiate Programs, chose an episode that she just could not stop thinking about. This episode, which originally aired in May 2021, is more of a hearty main dish than a starchy side, so put on your stretchy pants and get ready to dig in! Law and Order. Our justice system is set up to be a fair system of checks and balances.. right? Not necessarily. When you're a hammer, everything can look like a nail. Josh Spickler of Just City shares gaps where the justice system continually says, "can't touch this" because it's "hammer time" in his 2018 TEDxMemphis Talk, "Crime and Lots of Punishment." But what's the alternative? He gives his a-ha moments, possible solutions, and ways he and others have already made lasting change in Tennessee. You won't want to miss this one!

The second installment of "Our Favorite Things" is the delightful Shamichael Hallman! His career is as generous as he is, spanning from tech and ministry to being a 2020 TEDxMemphis speaker and reimagining public spaces like the historic Cossitt Library. This episode originally aired in February 2021, and was quickly a staff and fan favorite. Tune in and you'll see why!

As our holiday gift to you, dear listener, we're revisiting a few of our favorite episodes in a series we're literally calling "Our Favorite Things." (cue the Julie Andrews music!) This first one was hand-selected by our sometimes co-host, AT, and originally aired in December 2020. As to why she selected this particular episode, she said: "First, Ned Canty is hilarious! But more importantly, he has a way of explaining things that seem so high-brow to make them very accessible and exciting. I assumed I wouldn't like opera, but this episode made me rethink that entire notion completely." We dare you to not smile while you re-visit just how fun opera (and Opera Memphis) can be!

Whether you can sing along with the title reference or have no idea what on earth High School Musical is... you've come to the right place! Today, we have Dr. Krista Johnson, Executive Director and Founder of ALL Memphis, in the studio to share her unique approach to "teaching the teacher" so that no student is left behind. Then, you'll hear from New Memphis' very own Laura Beth Davis and Christy Mullen to answer some FAQs about what it means to give to New Memphis. So, see? We really are all in this together!

Memphians pride themselves on knowing a thing or two about a thing or two. For example: blues, BBQ, and Beale. But what if I told you there's always something to discover about this city.... would you believe? Whether it's a new entrepreneurial effort or a foundation celebrating their diamond anniversary, our city (and its people!) never cease to deliver on generosity. Fresh off of Small Business Saturday, the sisters of ARCHd share their story and why they teamed up with other dynamic duos (like City Tasting Box, Terra Cotta, Primas, and WeTightKnit) to share the love. Then, Jenny Koltnow of The Campbell Clinic Foundation shares the impact of their 75 year history + what's on the horizon. On this Giving Tuesday, we also ask that you consider New Memphis and WYXR with your own generosity. This radio station and our show may be powered by sound, but it's funded by the heart and soul of this city...YOU! If you like what you hear, help us keep it going into 2022 and beyond by giving at newmemphis.org. and wyxr.org.

Welcome to Part 2 of our spotlight on our 2021 Educators of Excellence honorees! Last week, you heard from the ladies, and this week the gentlemen get a turn to share their stories. We dive deep into the importance of representation, radical innovations for teaching, and why it's so impactful to pour into young people. BONUS: Taylor Cao and Aaron Youngblood just so happen to be New Memphis Embark alumni! DOUBLE BONUS: This episode is the extended cut of what aired live on the radio on WYXR (8 extra minutes of insights!). This year, the New Memphis Educators of Excellence Award was generously funded by the Crews Foundation.

1-2-3, eyes on me! It's time to get to know our 2021 Educators of Excellence in a two part series where they share why they got into education, what keeps them there (and in Memphis!), and what they wish the community knew about what it's really like to equip the next generation of leaders! Tune in the hear from our first three honorees on this episode. This year, the New Memphis Educators of Excellence Award was generously funded by the Crews Foundation.

Maya Angelou said it best, and our guests are living her words out. Sam O'Bryant is the newly minted executive director of Literacy Mid-South, which is working to provide "literacy across the lifetime." Jill Shanker, a Jay Uiberall Foundation Board Member, joins Will Perry, facilitator of the Jay Uiberall Scholars program at REACH Memphis (and a New Memphis Fellows alum!) to share the impact of one Memphians love for his community. These individuals and their respective organizations are working to make Memphis brighter and more accessible, and we're thrilled to share their stories with you, dear listener!

How sweet it is to have SweetBio, Inc. buzzing around our city! 🍯 The brother/sister duo at the helm of this innovative medical device company, Dr. Isaac Rodriguez & Kayla Rodriguez Graff, took the science behind manuka honey and paired it with the venture capital world to create a truly unique solution to wound care. But they aren't done yet! They continue to challenge themselves to lean into their specialized skill sets to disrupt the status quo and give back to their community. Their efforts gained national attention when SweetBio and VC firm VamosVentures received funding through Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative. These New Memphis alumni stop by the New Memphis studio to share the history of their company and why Memphis was the perfect place to headquarter it.

Today's episode is all about SUPERwomen! Hear how Arrow Creative and the (brand new!) Women's Business Center South are providing resources for local artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs right here in Memphis! Proving that with the right resources in play, our creative thinkers will STAY!