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Welcome To The Empower Podcast
Empower Mississippi is committed to helping all Mississippians rise by removing barriers to opportunity. In this podcast, we talk with state and national experts about ways the Magnolia State can grow and thrive. These conversations help shape the debate for future legislative sessions and highlight policy changes that are necessary to make Mississippi the best place in America to live, work, and raise a family.
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Interview Library
Written by Empower Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves: Momentum and Good Policy In this episode of the Empower Podcast, Grant Callen sits down with Governor Tate Reeves for a wide-ranging conversation about the state’s growing momentum and what comes next. Recorded from the Governor’s office overlooking the State Capitol, the discussion explores why Mississippi is climbing national…
Written by Empower Mississippi Commissioner Andy Gipson: Family, Food Security, and Mississippi’s Future On this episode of The Empower Podcast, host Grant Callen sits down with Commissioner Andy Gipson—Mississippi’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, former state legislator, Baptist minister, cattleman, and announced candidate for governor. Gipson shares how his journey into public service began with a…
Written by Empower Mississippi Sen. Rod Hickman: Rural revitalization, public safety, and education opportunity On this episode of The Empower Podcast, host Grant Callen sits down with Mississippi State Senator Rod Hickman, a lawyer, educator, and public servant representing a stretch of communities across East Mississippi from Macon to Louisville to Meridian. Sen. Hickman shares how…
Written by Empower Mississippi Dr. Brad Wilcox: Get Married On this episode of The Empower Podcast, host Grant Callen talks with Dr. Brad Wilcox, Director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia and author of Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization. Dr. Wilcox shares striking…
Written by Empower Mississippi Mayor John Horhn: Jackson Rising What does it take to turn around a city? In this special episode recorded at Jackson City Hall, host Grant Callen talks with Mayor John Horhn about his love for Jackson, the lessons from his childhood and career in public service, and his mission to restore trust,…
Written by Empower Mississippi Dr. Steven Skultety: Freedom, Rights, and Civil Disagreement On this episode of the Empower Podcast, Grant Callen sits down with Dr. Steven Skultety, Director of the Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Freedom at the University of Mississippi. They explore the foundations of American democracy, the origins of rights, and…
Capitol Chat Library
Written by Empower Mississippi Capitol Chat: Week 4 A shortened week at the Capitol didn’t significantly stall progress ahead of a critical deadline next week. In this episode, we dive into the latest on House Bill 2 and highlight some intriguing bills that are already making their way through the legislative process.
Written by Empower Mississippi Capitol Chat: Week 3 With an ice storm looming and the bill introduction deadline behind them, lawmakers shifted gears during week three of the legislative session. We highlight a few bills drawing early attention and break down this week’s action, including a couple of celebrity appearances and the latest on House Bill…
Written by Empower Mississippi Capitol Chat: Week 2 A sweeping education bill, hours of debate, and a narrow House vote put school choice at the center of Week 2 action. In this edition of Capitol Chat, we unpack what happened with House Bill 2, take a quick look at early budget hearings, and highlight a few…
Written by Empower Mississippi Capitol Chat: Week 1 Capitol Chat is back for the 2026 legislative session, which is off to a quick start after only one week! Host Wil Ervin highlights early Senate action on teacher pay and public school choice, a sweeping House education bill, and a major Senate proposal to shore up PERS, setting the…
Written by Empower Mississippi Capitol Chat: Special Session Lawmakers were called into Special Session to adopt a $7.135 billion budget for State Fiscal Year 2026 after failing to adopt a budget during the 2025 regular session. Although it lasted only two days, the Special Session was not without drama and excitement. We break down all the…
Written by Empower Mississippi Capitol Chat: Week 13 In the Sine Die episode of Capitol Chat, we’re wrapping up the 2025 legislative session, which finished a bit ahead of schedule. However, lawmakers did not agree on a budget before adjourning, which means a special session is on the horizon. We break down the key details,…