Our students adventurers are back in the secret lab, but this time the witches were waiting for them. It's time for a showdown, but who will prove more powerful? Join students Thadward Castellan (Matt Smith), Manny McQuaid (Ben Renfro), Dickson Scyder (Brad Richards), and Milo Yishithris (Brad Renfro) on their adventures at the Arcshine. Catch up o…

American Giant CEO Bayard Winthrop and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai discuss rebuilding a fully American-made apparel supply chain, from cotton fields to finished garments. They highlight the importance of worker-centered trade policy, economic security, and the potential to make affordable, high-quality products in America.Not…

Episode Notes My guests include Criminal Defense Attorney Michael Working. As we watched the conclusion to the Tyre Nichols Federal criminal case, many of us were left a bit confused as to why the three former officers involved were found guilty and convicted of a single charge, witness tampering. Working explains why people might be disappointed a…

When one Portland dad couldn't find a high-quality truck camper for family adventures, he decided to build his own. Peter Williams, co-founder and president of Super Pacific, shares what his company's "built like an airplane" mantra means for their production process and discusses the challenges of building the business during the pandemic and how …

Episode Notes My guests include; Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner. His administration is going through a few challenges recently such as much needed repairs to the jail. Initial estimates for emergency repairs are at about $17 million. I also ask about the recent school safety threats and the arrest of a 15 year old in connection to them. Next, I…

In 2020, U.S. diplomats Kris Forrest and Rebecca Beardsley hosted a cocktail party, but their shaker just wasn’t up to snuff. So they decided to make their own. Forty cold calls to American steel fabricators and many YouTube CAD tutorial videos later, they launched C&D Tools, a veteran- and minority-owned company. Within six months, they had landed…

Episode Notes My guests include Memphis City Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton. She is quickly distinguishing herself as someone who is very committed to the citizens she serves. I ask her about a couple of recent issues; filing a lawsuit against the Shelby County Election Commission denying the citizens a chance to vote on a gun control referendu…

Episode Notes My guests include City Council Chairman JB Smiley. There has been a lot of conversation of late regarding the state house leadership threatening our city by withholding tax revenues if we put a gun control initiative up for a vote. The Council has now filed a lawsuit against the local Election Commission and he tells me why it was nec…

While studying at Yale Law School, Darnell Epps heard that U.S. manufacturers were grappling with a labor shortage, and he was baffled that tens of thousands of valuable community-supporting jobs weren't finding applicants. So, he enrolled at a trade school to become a certified machinist and find out what the heck was going wrong. What he learned …

Jumping into a new podcast can be intimidating! Or perhaps you forgot some key points? Rest easy with our "In Review" chapters that will recap full sections of the story. You'll be caught up on large sections of our campaign in no time. With major accusations now floating around the Arcshine campus, our student adventurers finally have the faculty …

Episode Notes We talk about a variety of subjects; Paul Martin, VP of Health & Wellness for Trezevant will talk about the importance of both health and wellness and especially the physical, social and emotional well-being of our seniors. Next, so many are coping with family members who have either Dementia or Alzheimer’s. These diseases can cause s…

For decades, Image Pointe's unionized workers have screen-printed clothing in Iowa. So, when the company contemplated starting its own American-made apparel factory that held true to the same ethical labor practices, Image Pointe CEO Josh Ruyle knew it had to be union-represented. In 2024, Image Pointe opened Dignity Apparel in Tennessee with 100% …

Episode Notes My guests include Bacarra Mauldin, Interim CEO of MATA Transit. As many of you know, the organization is facing some steep financial challenges and difficulties to the tune of a $60 million dollar debt. She talks to me about some of the drastic changes they are looking at to right the ship. Natalie McKinney is a newly elected MSCS boa…

Episode Notes My guests include newly elected MSCS Board member Tamarques Porter. He is one of four new members responsible for helping guide our superintendent to best help our students to succeed. He tells me why he decided to run and what his priorities will be moving forward. If many of you are familiar with the STEM program you know that scien…

Grilling is an iconic American pastime, but unfairly subsidized Chinese imports threaten to dissolve the U.S. factories making our grills right here. Meco President Whitney Winter discusses the impact of unfair Chinese competition on the Tennessee-based family-owned grill manufacturing company and highlights the critical role Meco plays in supporti…

Donny is in trouble. Winona is in trouble. Apparently "The Master" is inbound?? Time is running out, and our adventurers must make quick decisions. Will they be able to save the school, or are they barrelling toward the worst possible outcome? Join students Thadward Castellan (Matt Smith), Manny McQuaid (Ben Renfro), Dickson Scyder (Brad Richards),…

Episode Notes My guests include Natalie McKinney, newly elected MSCS board member for District 2. She defeated incumbent and board chair Althea Greene. Now that she is in the seat, she tells me why she choose to run, what she sees as the major issues of concern and how she’s plans to help address them. Now that we are upon the beginning of another …

Episode Notes Guests include TN. State Senator Raumesh Akbari. As a delegate to the Democratic Party, and who some consider a rising star, what is her take on the change at the top of the ticket and can Kamala Harris make history twice. Also, what she thinks about the state Republican Party plan to take over Shelby County. Next, mental health issue…

Family-run shoe manufacturer Rancourt & Co. has maintained its commitment to Made in America quality and tradition for more than 50 years. This year, you can catch their shoes on full display at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Co-owner and President Mike Rancourt shares the process of creating these iconic, American-m…

After finishing their first Pyracross match of the season, our student adventurers are asked for their postgame interview. In reality, all they really want to do is engage in postgame antics. Hopefully they get to enjoy their "extracurriculars!" Join students Thadward Castellan (Matt Smith), Manny McQuaid (Ben Renfro), Dickson Scyder (Brad Richards…

Episode Notes Guests include Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. He joins me live in studio to talk about his ouster attempt from Sen. Brent Taylor and House Speaker Cameron Sexton. Also, his latestattempt at bail reform. State Rep. Karen Camper represents many areas including the Whitehaven community. It was scheduled for the second part…

Episode Notes The new President of LeMoyne Owen College Christopher B. Davis. He joins me to talk about his journey, what makes the school so special and how he plans to lead it moving forward. Next, Dementia is an illness that affects thousands of people every year but the care is both expensive and exhausting. Meritan, Inc, a Memphis health care …

If you’ve ever done any water sports, then you’ve probably used TRC Recreation water gear. The Texas company has been a key player in the water sports gear market since the 1950s. CEO Matt Iles shares their rich history, innovative spirit, and commitment to American manufacturing. Photo courtesy of TRC Recreation…

After getting out to a rip-roaring start on the Pyracross pitch, our adventurers simply need to bring it home. Will Dickson be able to seal the match with three quick pitches and three points, or will Thad and Manny need to captain the team through the trenches to victory? Come cheer on Arcshine!! Join students Thadward Castellan (Matt Smith), Mann…

Episode Notes Guests include Shelby County Election Commissioner Linda Phillips. With a big election just around the corner, it's time we got an update on what you can expect to see. New machines are also on the ballot and she explains everything you need to know to be an informed voter. Next, the recent revelation that MPD Asst. Chief Shawn Jones …

Episode Notes My guests include Dr. Michelle Taylor, Director, Shelby County Health department. She joins me to discuss a few top of mind issues like the high incidence of HIV in our community and that gun violence is now a public health emergency. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office has its own set of challenges, one in particular, having enough of…

Wendy Cutler has spent nearly 30 years as a diplomat and negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, working to lower tariffs and open markets. But, now, as the world grapples with a deluge of Chinese industrial overcapacity in key sectors, Cutler is advocating for preemptive trade action and international cooperation to counter Chin…

The time has finally come: our student adventurers are taking the field for the first pyracross match of the season! They will be facing off against the team from DAUNT (Danekesh Arcane University of Natural Trades) in front of a cheering crowd. Does the inexperience of Milo and Dickson portend a terrible loss, or will the leadership and desire of …

Episode Notes On the next and all new Real Talk Memphis my guests include; Chandell Ryan, President/CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission. She makes her first visit to the show to talk about her new position and how if anything she did as the former COO for the City of Memphis helped her. Also, now that we are in the midst of a busy tourist season…

Episode Notes My guests include Sarah Houston, aka the ‘water warrior’. With all the excitement and fuss about the new xAI supercomputer project, many people wonder what it all means and how it will affect certain things like our water. Sarah joins me to share the pros or cons. Next, gun violence can lead to tragic consequences. Bennie Cobb is a fo…

Host Scott Paul shares how to channel all that flag-waving spirit into buying that supports America's workers and economy. And, he revisits conversations with industry experts, Made in America Store Owner Mark Andol and Annin Flagmakers Vice President of Sales Bob Caggiano, who discuss their commitment to 100% American production and the impact on …

It's the day before the big opener of the Pyracross season! Our student adventurers are in Danekesh and carboloading with Coach Rolta while strategizing for the game. But like anything this group does, the strategy sessions are interrupted by a mysterious researcher and a trip to the library. There's definitely something scandalous about to occur w…

Episode Notes My guests include West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon. We get the chance to catch up a bit on what he is doing as the city continues to grow along with some of the challenges he is facing. Next, the MSCS now has a new Superintendent, Dr. Marie Feagins and as she prepares for a new school year, the school board prepares for reelection a…

Episode Notes My guests include Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green. With budget season in full swing, the city is trying to figure out how to fill a $50 million dollar plus budget shortfall without putting a proposed 75 cent property tax increase on taxpayers. She has an idea and will share it with us. Next, we are all aware of some of the issue…

Chinese-made cars are already finding their way onto American streets with brands like Volvo leading the way. Dunne Insights CEO Michael Dunne, a seasoned expert in the automotive industry with extensive experience in both American and Chinese markets, discusses how Chinese automakers have strategically positioned themselves to dominate both the in…

Our student adventurers must leave the Arcshine campus not only to demonstrate their school's superiority in Pyracross but also to get away from the rumors that they might have been involved in the illness incapacitating their fellow students. In Danekesh they'll have time to practice Pyracross and learn about a different culture. It'll be a knucki…

Episode Notes My guests include Marilyn Rucker, Dementia and Alzheimer's advocate. She knows first hand just how difficult dealing with this disease really is. She along with a fellow expert Lynn Doyle will host a free seminar for the public Thursday nite to answer all your questions and provide available resources. Next, this is a challenging time…

Episode Notes My guests include Pastor Dianne Marshall Young co-founder of the Healing Center. She along with her late husband Bishop William Young were given a vision from God years ago to make our community whole in spirit, soul and body. They were also leaders in the conversation surrounding mental health. She joins me to discuss her latest camp…

As America's factory boom comes to fruition, recruiting the next generation of factory workers is more important than ever, but getting them through the door isn't always easy. Taylor Evans, the president and founder of talent recruitment agency Rust Belt Recruiting, shares how manufacturers can go beyond the paycheck to add value to employees' liv…

Episode Notes Guests include MPD victim advocate Alicia Denton. She is a mental health expert who also holds a first of its kind position with MPD over the Victims Services unit for families dealing with major traumatic events. Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner is the top law enforcement authority in Shelby County. These days, he's facing a few ch…

It's another day at the Arcshine, which means adventuring will have to take a back seat to studying! This is a school, after all, despite the crazy illness and attacks occurring. Maybe our student adventurers will get new information to help solve the mysteries... but then again, maybe they've decided they don't care, especially with Pyracross seas…

Amid escalating global competition and trade cheating, the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of the United States is helping American manufacturers play offense. Owen Herrnstadt, a member of EXIM’s Board of Directors, shares how the bank’s Make More in America Initiative works in conjunction with President Biden’s U.S. supply chain resiliency effort to clo…

Episode Notes My guests include City Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper Sutton who is serious about her business and passionate about this city. She talks to me about the continuing violence, the upcoming budget and the proposed property tax increase. Britney Thornton is a County Commissioner who is community strong. We speak with her about her beloved Or…

Episode Notes Guests include; Rev. Dr. Earle Fisher, Sr. pastor, Abyssinian MB Church is a community leader who is concerned about our direction and future. He speaks to me about the current legislative agenda and if their actions are really for the benefit of our city. Lastly, we should all know how important good oral hygiene is, but did you know…

China is the world's biggest shipbuilder by far, an advantage that Beijing has stolen through decades of trade cheating and massive government subsidies. A new trade investigation launched by the Biden administration is America's first step toward course correction. United Steelworkers International President David McCall joins the podcast to share…

Our adventurers might have lost the trail of the witches causing chaos on the Arcshine campus. As they try to regroup, they'll find that when information is scarce, rumors begin to take root. Join students Thadward Castellan (Matt Smith), Manny McQuaid (Ben Renfro), Dickson Scyder (Brad Richards), and Milo Yishithris (Brad Renfro) on their adventur…

Episode Notes My guests include Ted Townsend, President/CEO Greater Memphis Chamber. There is a lot of building going on downtown these days as one can see, and he joins me to share his goals, the overall direction of the city and the concerns about crime and how it might affect future growth. Speaking of crime, the criminal justice system can be a…

China and India are the world's leading mobile phone manufacturers, but one company is moving its production away from these countries and setting up shop in the United States. Dubbed "Project Patriot," Orbic's plan to manufacture connected devices on Long Island will bring more than 1,000 jobs back to America. Orbic North America Founder and CEO M…

Episode Notes My guests include MSCS Board Chair Althea Greene. Difficult times filled with frustration does not begin to describe the many issues the board has had to address over the past year plus, but now the selection of a new school superintendent has finally been completed. She tells me what the path forward now looks like for our students a…

There's witches in the basement and bodies in the attic! The local Arcshine tavern is a building full of unsavory elements, but does it hold the missing puzzle pieces our student adventurers are seeking? Perhaps as a team... wait, they split the party again. This mystery really has them invested, really has them taking risks, really has them saying…