Memphis has a vibrant Downtown and with key projects underway. There are also new reasons for Memphians to celebrate the city's civic assets and come Downtown to engage in community.
In this conversation, you'll hear from Chandell Ryan of the Downtown Memphis Commission, Zoe Kahr of The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Paul Chandler of Memphis River Parks Partnership, Jessica Benson of Memphis Grizzlies and Grind City Media, John Zeanah of The City of Memphis, and Russ Wigginton of the National Civil Rights Museum.
This episode revisits a live-event of a recent “Celebrate What’s Right” conversation that illuminates the ways Downtown city-centers fuel vibrant cities. This event took place on November 5, 2025 and was made possible in partnership with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Kroger, Duncan Williams Asset Management, Bass Berry and Sims, Downtown Memphis Commission, and LRK.
Resources mentioned in this episode in include:
State of Downtown from Downtown Memphis Commission
Downtown Memphis Commission
Downtown Action Plan
Block by Block
Memphis Brooks Museum
Memphis Grizzlies
City of Memphis
Grind City Media
The Jessica Benson Show
Memphis River Parks Partnership
National Civil Rights Museum
Tom Lee Park
Metal Museum
BVO
Mahogany River Terrance
Memphis 3.0
Previous episodes including these organizations are
here
,
here
,
here
,
here
,
here
,
here
,
here
, and
here
This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.
--------
58:47
--------
58:47
S5E47 - The Impact of Recurring Donors with GiVE 365 and RISE Memphis
Collective impact is moving Memphis forward. If you care about Memphis, you're already a philanthropist, and this conversation with Julia McDonald of The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis and DeVonté Payton of RISE Memphis explores accessible pathways for giving that create maximum potential.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Community Foundation of Greater Memphis
GiVE 365
RISE Memphis. Inc.
Goal Card program
Save Up program
Silver Neighbors program
Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center
(GMFEC)
Previous episode featuring Community Foundation of Greater Memphis can be found
here
Carpenter Art Garden
This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.
--------
43:27
--------
43:27
S5E46 - The Power of Public Radio with WYXR and WKNO
Memphis is a media oasis! The city has a vibrant, people-powered ecosystem of 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.
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
WYXR Raised by Sound Fest
The University of Memphis
Crosstown Concourse
The Impact of the Federal Rescission on Public Media article from Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Arthur on PBS Kids
Learn more about "Hello, Mr. Chuck" here and here
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.
--------
53:53
--------
53:53
S5E45 - Legislately Episode 5: ShelbyCares
Meanwhile in Memphis conversations showcase collaboration in Memphis and beyond, and today's episode is part of a mini-series within the show: Legislately with Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris. This collaboration will bring together experts and local leaders to amplify the way leaders in our community are learning, collaborating, innovating, and working to set Memphis and Shelby County up for success.
Today's installment features a conversation about the ShelbyCares initiative with Dr. Jim Bailey that showcases how Memphis' Neighborhood Health Hub model is the national standard.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
ShelbyCares
Nieghborhood Health Hub Model
Previous episodes of Legislately with Mayor Harris can be found here, here, here, here, and here
This episode is made possible in partnership with Shelby County Government and Independent Bank.
--------
25:46
--------
25:46
S5E44 - Collaboration between DMC and South Main Association
Vibrant communities have activated downtown civic centers, and Memphis is a shining example of what's possible when you bring people together and the power of connectivity for both businesses and residents.
Joining us are Milton Howery of the Downtown Memphis Commission and Joe Simon of the South Main Neighborhood Association.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
The Downtown Memphis Commission
The South Main Association
Previous conversation about a shared vision for Downtown
Trolley Night
Downtown Parking Map
Live from Ernestine and Hazel's
DMC's event calendar
This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.
Meanwhile in Memphis is a program dedicated to conversations that celebrate the organizations, initiatives, and people that are shaping Memphis for the better. Meanwhile in Memphis is brought to you by New Memphis, an organization whose mission is develop, activate, and retain the city's most important resource - its people!