Small businesses struggling to recover from the pandemic, listen up! Darrell 'DC' Catron and Evangeline Parker-Guest discuss the Comcast Rise program, a vital initiative aimed at supporting small businesses in Memphis and Shelby County. Evangeline Parker-Guest is a dynamic and committed leader with over 25 years of experience at Comcast. As the Senior Manager of External Affairs, she oversees efforts to support the community by partnering with non-profit organizations and implementing essential programs. Join us to hear Evangeline share her insights on the impact of the Comcast Rise program and its potential to transform the small business landscape in the region.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn the significance of nurturing small businesses within Memphis and Shelby County.

• Gain insight into how the Comcast Rise program revolutionizes small businesses.

• Acquire knowledge about applying and qualifying for the Comcast Rise program to uplift your small business.

• Understand the critical role played by expert business consultation in small business success.

• Familiarize yourself with government-supported programs helping low-income households access necessary cable services.

Meet Andre Fowlkes, a hometown hero dedicated to elevating black businesses in Memphis as President of StarCo. For over a decade, Andre has honed his expertise in the tech industry, understanding the vital role that small businesses play in the local economy. Alongside his business partner, Eric Matthews, he's been working to bridge the gap and create equitable opportunities for black entrepreneurs. Andre is committed to uplifting the Memphis black business community by empowering them with resources, mentorship, and guidance they need to succeed and flourish.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the current landscape of black businesses in Memphis and how it impacts the local economy.

• Explore the significance of collaboration in driving economic development and fostering growth.

• Uncover the essential role of investing in education and training programs for a thriving community.

• Delve into the crucial part technology plays in shaping the future of work and staying ahead of the curve.

• Envision the potential of Memphis as an upcoming innovation hub and its implications for the region.

Haley Simmons, Chief Public Policy Officer for Seeding Success, joins DC to talk about being a part of the solution in our city.  Our public school kids are still testing below grade level. There is still an insufficient plan to address trauma and ACEs. But Seeding Success keeps its boots on the ground and nose to the grindstone, participating with the implementation of the More for Memphis initiative. Tune in to hear more of that they're doing to lift our kids and our community.  

Good sense and gun laws - yes the two can go together. Our nation can have both. Keenon James (Senior Director of Everytown Survivors Network) joins DC to talk about his connection to the cause, having lost his brother to gun violence. At Everytown Survivors Network, Keenon supports gun violence victims and their families in their journey to healing. His work in law enforcement, criminal justice reform, and as former Deputy Director of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) lends him a unique perspective on the issue. He and DC have a riveting conversation as they unpack the nuances of this epidemic, talk about the action and inaction of our federal and local governments and how to create a safer America. 

On this episode, Michelle McKissack shares her passion and vision for the city of Memphis. DC gets a peek inside her life to better understand who she is, what moves the needle for her and why she thinks she should be Mayor. She talks about her journalism background and her experiences interviewing huge notable figures like Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama as well as her role on the MSCS school board. Tune in and get to know Michelle McKissack!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.  As a society, we are not OK. People are hurting or unwell yet not seeking the help they need.  Or, they're flying under the radar.  Black folks in particular needs to have a conversation as a family.  Montoyia McGowan (therapist and social worker) talks signs of mental illness, policing and mental illness , pushing past stigma,  misdiagnosis of Black people and our community's (understandable) distrust of the medical community. 

Kenneth Anderson has an interesting story. He's a North Memphis dude who is ivy league educated twice over who is now the owner and operator of Everbloom Farmacy.  He educates us about food insecurity, food and health equity and putting the power of provision in the hands of the people who need it most.  Truly enlightening show! Tune in.