What happens when a community takes chance on second chances? Ellen Zahariadis of the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County and Dominique Winfrey-McKinnie of Shelby County Mayor's Office of Innovation share how their new project is creating meaningful experiences and increasing empathy for animals and humans alike in this week's episode. With dogs being utilized in hospitals, schools, and more for their therapeutic benefits, we'll dive deeper into how "man's best friend" is continuing to provide purpose, confidence, and joy. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County Humane Society Services and Programs Shelby County Office of Re-Entry The Memphis Flyer's article "Pawsitive Training Benefits Shelter Dogs and Incarcerated Women" "Our Faithful Comeback" via Shelby County Mayor's Office during the pandemic William "Fry" Arnold's TEDxMemphis Talk and subsequent conversation with us DeAndre Brown's conversation with us Josh Spickler's TEDxMemphis Talk and previous conversation with us Allegiance Canine 901 Student Passport This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"The first eight years really determine so much about our life in the future. Most of our brain growth and development happens in the first five years of life. Then at eight, there's a lot of research that shows that, good or bad, we have a general sense of how someone's life will be like as adults." Dr. Kandace Thomas of First 8 Memphis and Kimberly Carter of Brilliant Minds Child Development Center share how infant mental health impacts children and those caring for them. First 8 Memphis conducted a landscape survey to glean data directly from those in our community, and some of the findings may surprise you. Resources mentioned in this episode include: First 8 Memphis NEXT Memphis Tennessee's Department of Children Services Shelby County Early Childhood Education Plan Tennessee Early Intervention Services Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) First 8 Memphis Partner Organizations and Leadership Council Pre-K readiness website Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ministry Habitat for Humanity This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"It is about leveraging all the stories that we have from the past -- every song, every story, every everything -- to be able to co-create the stories of the future." Memphis is making a smart business case for arts and culture because t_here's no business like show business, after all!_ New Memphis' Celebrate What's Right: Creative Economics brought local experts to the stage who shared how to artfully blend creativity and business at a scale that is shaping our city, its image, and its bottom line. Revisit this conversation with Jessica Mosley, Lakeisha Edwards, George Monger, Elizabeth Rouse, and Anasa Troutman. This event was powered by Duncan Williams Asset Management and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. Resources mentioned in this episode include: artsMemphis Greater Memphis Chamber Urban Arts Commission Connect Music Historic Clayborn Temple ArtsMemphis arts calendar Memphis Cultural Coalition Memphis' first mayoral arts forum This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"We stand by the fact that these individuals will be some of the best employees you've ever had -- they're going to work hard, come in on time, do what they have to do, and then go home. But until more employers start giving opportunities to justice-involved individuals, it will be a revolving door system of barriers." Josh Spickler of Just City and Myletta Moore-Dawson of Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) are working to create sustainable employment for all which will in turn increase the local workforce & employment but also reduce recidivism. They will share why employers not only can but should consider hiring justice-involved individuals. Resources mentioned within the episode include: William "Fry" Arnold's TEDxMemphis Talk and subsequent conversation with us DeAndre Brown's conversation with us Just City Josh Spickler's TEDxMemphis Talk and previous conversation with us Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) Slingshot's 2024 MPACT Award spotlight on CEO Clean Slate Fund Tennessee expungement fee reduced over Just City's 5 year effort City and County governments are encouraging employers to look beyond criminal history when hiring This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

In 2023, Memphis earned the dubious distinction of being ranked the second most overweight city in America. With the health of our city on the line (literally!), medical professionals across organizations are joining hands to rally for our community. Healthier 901 aims to help Mid-Southerners create small changes to access the vibrant quality of life we all deserve. Here with us to discuss the initiative are Tabrina Davis, Dr. John Leslie, and Jimmy Scott. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Healthier 901 Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Learn more about Jimmy Scott's journey here Side effects of obesity according to the CDC Mid-South health challenges according to UTHSC A note of motivation from Methodist's CEO This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"You can complain about what you don't have or you can build what you want. If we want a prosperous Memphis, we can't expect anyone to give it to us. It is something that we have to work, spend our own blood, sweat, and tears to build. Whether it's a business, your career, or anything -- you can complain about it or you can build it." Alan Gumbel of Black Business Association of Memphis and Cynthia Daniels of Cynthia Daniels & Co. join us to show how Memphians can harness the inspiring, dynamic potential of minority-owned and operated businesses to reach greater success for all. Resources mentioned in this episode include: The Link Up Memphis Milton Memphis Entertainment Memphis 101 Delta Regional Authority Black Business Association of Memphis Cynthia Daniels & Co. Memphis Black Restaurant Week Cynthia Daniels' signature events Clayborn Temple India Festival Greek Festival Italian Festival BBA Business Booster The Four Way Interstate BBQ Memphis Black Restaurant Week Kick-Off Preview Party Arnold's BBQ & Grill Shroomlicious Meals Smurfey's Smokehouse SugaShack Epicenter Memphis City of Memphis Office of Diversity and Compliance TN Small Business Development Center, Tom Lee Park Instagram for BBAMemphis Instagram for Cynthia Daniels & Co. Mahogany Terrace Oteka Technologies Muggin Coffee House The Frosted Oven Alcenia's Brother Juniper's This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"The opportunity for students to see Memphis outside the classroom brings the city to life." We're heading out on a discovery mission to learn more about the impacts of experiential learning on students in the Mid-South. Interim Superintendent Toni Williams, Dr. Myke Collins, and Ekundayo Bandele of Hattiloo Theatre are sharing how they've collaborated to create access for students to explore. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Hattiloo Theatre Self-Identity Theatre Camp Memphis Shelby County Schools MSCS Discovering Memphis Field Trip Passport Tom Lee Park National Civil Rights Museum MoSH Graceland Memphis Brand Initiative Metal Museum Brooks Museum Dixon Gallery and Gardens Wolf River Conservancy 901 Student Passport with Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris TN Arts Commission This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"The world is changing more rapidly today than ever before; so, the needs of young people are different than even the needs of young people five years ago. If we don't center the experience, expertise, and lived experience of young people in decision-making that impacts them directly, we're missing the mark." Leadership has no age requirements, and we're diving into why with Dana Wilson, President and CEO of BRIDGES, and Anthony Miles, college student, Mr. University of Memphis and New Memphis Accelerate alum. Resources mentioned in this episode include: TEDxMemphis speaker applications Celebrate What's Right: Creative Economics BRIDGES New Memphis' Jay Uiberall Accelerate Alternative Break Experience Empowered Men of Color University of Memphis Civil Engineering Creative Aging This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"Memphis, we have an abundance of talent, not only on the stage as artists but also session musicians, producers, and audio engineers. You name it, it's here. And we want to make sure that they know there are many avenues to take their creative genius and utilize it." McKenzii Webster (Crosstown Arts) and Lee Rankin (media, technology, and virtual reality legal marketing attorney) are helping us understand the nuances of music industry publishing, combining the creative side with the business logistics, and what the future holds for music technology (including how AI helps or hurts the artists). Resources mentioned in this episode include: TEDxMemphis speaker applications Celebrate What's Right: Creative Economics on February 27 Memphis 101 on March 19 Crosstown Arts Songtrust Crosstown Sync Musician and Artist Services at Crosstown Arts Shelby County Board of Commissioners The ELVIS Act (proposed legislation) Daily Memphian article "Tennessee bill targeting AI is first of its kind in the US" New York Times article "‘The Godfather of A.I.’ Leaves Google and Warns of Danger Ahead" This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"How do we connect residents to theatres, dance companies, instructional opportunities within their community they might not even know about? The map with MATA came into play as a resource for riders showcasing all of the arts and culture assets in our county." The Mid-South is rich in creative assets, but are we maximizing them to the best of our bottom line? Hear from Shelby County's first Arts & Culture Liaison, Nykesha Cole, and MATA's Chundra Smith on the recently unveiled MATA Arts & Culture Bus Route Map and more! _This conversation is an excellent precursor to the Celebrate What's Right: Creative Economics conversation happening later this month. _ Resources mentioned in this episode include: MATA Arts and Culture Map MATA Shelby County Government Arts and Culture Art for All Shelby County Nonprofit Committee Memphis Symphony Orchestra Iris Orchestra Young Actors Guild Cocoa, Cookies, and Holiday Cheer events Hattiloo Theatre Dixon Gallery and Gardens I Am A Man plaza and Historic Clayborn Temple Ida B. Wells Plaza Arts & Economic Prosperity Study 6 (AEP6) artsMemphis This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.