Meanwhile in Memphis with New Memphis

A proven model of success is helping students in Memphis persist to graduation and launch careers in the Mid-South thanks to an impact-driven collaboration between tnAchieves and MDRC. Listen in to learn how a state-wide program is taking a tailored approach to help students in Memphis succeed!

Guests:

Krissy DeAlejandro (tnAchieves)

Sonia Drohojowska (MDRC).

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

tnAchieves

MDRC

MEMcomplete

MDRC Post Secondary focus

Tennessee Promise

Slingshot Memphis

MEMworks

Southwest Tennessee Community College

Previous Meanwhile in Memphis episodes on related topics can be found here , here , here , here , and here

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co

The City of Memphis named the goal of 10,000 housing developments by 2030 in an effort to create a vibrant city core with community-lifting development. This conversation with Mayor Young (City of Memphis) and John Zeanah (Chief of Development and Infrastructure for the City of Memphis) explores the "how" and "why" behind the goal.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

The City of Memphis

Housing and Community Development

Previous episodes featuring Mayor Young can be found here , here , and here .

Previous conversations featuring John Zeanah can be found here and here .

State of the City 2026

Community Redevelopment Agency

Memphis 3.0

HOME Program

EDGE

Downtown Memphis Commission

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co

The local farming and agriculture community is helping Memphians to bloom where they're planted. Camille "Farmer C" James (Halls of Ivy) and Derravia and Bobby Rich (Black Seeds and Black Seeds Urban Farms) share how to grow what you know by discussing creative solutions and collaborations that make Memphis more sustainable while providing access to food education and healthy options.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Halls of Ivy

Black Seeds Urban Farms

Mia's Orchard

Frayser Community Garden

Everbloom Farmacy

Alpha and Omega Veteran Services

New Way Aquaponic Farms

Agritourism

The Works

Jones Orchard

Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) Certified

Tubby Creek Farm

Booker T. Whatley

Girls Inc.

Black Seeds Urban Farms Instagram

Farmer C Instagram

Black Seeds Urban Farms: From Family Garden to Local Food Movement

The Giving Garden: Black Seeds Urban Farms Feeds the Soul of Its Memphis Community

Roxie's Market

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co

Memphis is a media oasis! The city has a vibrant, people-powered ecosystem with a wealth of public radio stations. Go behind the scenes of two of the city’s signature public stations with Jared "Jay B" Boyd (WYXR 91.7 FM - the host station for Meanwhile in Memphis) and Charles McLarty. (WKNO 91.1 FM) to learn what role they play in connecting the community through news, music, and future-focused missions. This episode first aired on November 18, 2025 (S5E46)

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

WYXR

WKNO

The Daily Memphian

Previous episodes on similar topics can be found here , here , here , and here

NPR

PBS

Morning Edition

All Things Considered

Behind the Headlines

KLOVE

Donate to WKNO and donate to WYXR

The University of Memphis

Crosstown Concourse

Congress rolls back $9 billion in public media funding and foreign aid article from NPR

Timeline: The History of Public Broadcasting in the U.S.

Educational Television Facilities Act of 1962

Public Broadcasting Act of 1967

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co

Christian Brothers University is turning learners into leaders. This conversation with President-Elect Ronald Brandon is part of a series that explores the role Memphis' colleges and universities play as essential civic anchors shaping the region's talent pipeline, stabilizing neighborhoods, driving research and innovation, and influencing long-term economic vitality.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Christian Brothers University

Christian Brothers University Appoints Ronald L. Brandon as Next President

John Baptist de la Salle

Christian Brothers University gifted $5M to implement new academic programs

Other episodes in this series can be found here and here

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co