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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 Russ Latino: A Political Potpourri: From Trump’s First 100 Days to Mississippi’s Momentum In this jam-packed episode, host Grant Callen serves up a buffet of political topics with Russ Latino, Founder & CEO of Magnolia Tribune. From the highs and lows of President Trump’s first 100 days—covering tariffs, taxes, and the…
Written by Empower Mississippi Bill Cork: Mississippi’s Economic Momentum Mississippi’s economy is on fire! In this episode, host Grant Callen sits down with Bill Cork, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority, to discuss Mississippi’s economic surge. With the state ranking No. 2 in the nation for GDP growth in 2024, record-breaking employment numbers, and over…
Written by Empower Mississippi DeArchie Scott: Charter Schools and Educational Excellence This week, host Grant Callen dives into the world of charter schools with DeArchie Scott, Founder of Ambition Prep, Mississippi’s top-performing public charter school located in west Jackson. Ambition Prep is a B-rated school (and climbing) and is the most academically successful open-enrollment public elementary…
Written by Empower Mississippi Richard Cross: Quarterbacking Mississippi’s Political Discourse Following in the footsteps of the legendary radio host Paul Gallo, Richard Cross has quickly become a significant player in every public policy debate because he interviews the policymakers. Every morning Richard welcomes heavyweights like the Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker, U.S. Senators, and lawmakers from across…
Written by Empower Mississippi Dallis Ketchum: Building a Better Jackson In this episode host Grant Callen sits down with Dallis Ketchum, a real estate broker, co-founder of NeighborHouse, and a dedicated community leader in Jackson. Dallis recounts how entrepreneurship became his defining path, from an unforeseen shift into real estate following his paramedic career to…
Written by Empower Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour: Leadership and Legacy When Mississippians think about consequential leaders who have significantly impacted the Magnolia State over the last half century, it’s hard to name anyone who looms larger than Mississippi’s 63rd governor, The Honorable Haley Barbour. In this episode, host Grant Callen sits down with Governor Barbour to…
Capitol Chat Library
Written by Empower Mississippi Capitol Chat: Week 8 As another committee deadline approaches, some bills are gaining steam while others quietly stall. In this week’s episode, we unpack a significant school choice–adjacent tax credit bill, a proposed workforce initiative, and a handful of other bills that could either advance or die in the coming days.
Written by Empower Mississippi Capitol Chat: Week 7 It was a budget-heavy week under the Dome, with more than 100 appropriations bills clearing a critical hurdle. We unpack the latest on education funding, the lingering school choice conversation, and what to watch as the session heads toward its next deadline.
Written by Empower Mississippi Capitol Chat: Week 6 From floor votes to a few “spirited” House measures, Week 6 had a little bit of everything. We break down the education bills still moving, the buzz around a recent voice vote, and what’s brewing as lawmakers eye the next big deadline.
Written by Empower Mississippi Capitol Chat: Week 5 Week 5 at the Capitol featured some of the most consequential policy and political moves yet. In this episode, we walk through some of the biggest developments, including shifts in the education debate, major House action, an update on the ballot initiative, and another big deadline on the…
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…