What does it really mean to champion your city? Tune in to today's conversation to hear how leaders are able to thrive in Memphis inside arenas, on fields, and most importantly, in their connections with others. Today's guests are Chandell Ryan from the Downtown Memphis Commission and Jason Mims from Memphis 901FC.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• Memphis 901FC
• Downtown Memphis Commission
• Our previous conversation with Chandell Ryan
• Cancer Kickers
• The Memphis Redbirds
• 100 North Main
• Sterick Building
• Brooks Museum of Art
• Renasant Convention Center
• Downtown Memphis Commission Instagram
• Memphis 901FC Instagram
• Tom Lee Park
• Birdies
• Memphis in May
• AAPI Heritage Month

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

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.