Cliff Martin is the man behind the JKSN brand. Chances are you’ve seen those four bold letters crisply placed across the front of countless t-shirts in Jackson. He frankly discusses the hustle in college that led to his inspiration for future entrepreneurship. We talk about race, social structures, and the progression of Jackson.

Lauren Kirk is the Chief Innovation Officer for the City of Jackson. If you don’t know what that is, Lauren sums it up quite well by saying “My job is to make government better for people.” We discuss the work being done by the city to ensure that every community member is being served.

Keith, our town’s wise yoga instructor, discusses the anguish he experienced in the 60s as a black gay male growing up in the South. His story is filled with wonderful memories and excruciating trauma. We explore how stressful events can attach themselves to our personhoods affecting our mind and bodies and how movement can be a part of the healing process.

Hunter and I discuss his creative path—from a burgeoning 11-year-old independent filmmaker to an arts cultivator in Jackson. Not only does Hunter care about his art, but he also has a heart for members of his community. We discuss Krewfest and the need he felt to help the homeless population in Jackson.

Drew has spent the majority of his adult life in the food service industry, but a battle with alcoholism nearly derailed what has turned out to be one hell of a story. His restaurant, Baker Bros BBQ, is a cornerstone of downtown culture in Jackson with music, barbecue, and the occasional drag show–the progressive South at its best.

Trunetta discusses her work as a photographer, business owner, and creator in Jackson. I’ve admired Trunetta and her work for a long time simply by following her on social media, but being able to hear her story face-to-face helped me gain an even greater appreciation for the work she’s doing for women and the African-American community in Jackson through S.O.U.L. Collective.

On this episode, we sit down with Oliver Rieger and discuss our mutual love for books, Oliver’s career path, and his personal journey to authenticity as a trans man. Oliver’s story, like most people’s, is filled with times that were challenging, struggles to be seen, and a continuing perseverance to live a true-to-self life even when society doesn’t seem so welcoming.

Devante’ is an amateur MMA fighter in pursuit of professional status, but that’s not his only goal. Devante’ is a trainer and coach, too, helping people achieve their fitness goals as well kids gain confidence and skills in combat sports. We discuss growing up in Jackson, why his grandmother put him in a self-defense class when he was eight, and how being a good fighter involves focus and control.

Chris Felder opened Grubb’s Grocery eight years ago in Jackson. Throughout this conversation, we touch on a variety of topics including the duality of beauty and ugliness in the culture of the South, 90s country music, the importance of a supportive family, and why Grubb’s Grocery is a unique business in Jackson.

Sabrina’s son Tyler was shockingly shot and killed while driving on North Highland. A year and a half later, there are still no answers or suspects. Sabrina’s story is one of immense pain, a story that every parent wants to avoid. She talks with me about navigating the gray waters of grief while also mazing through the law enforcement investigative system as she searches for answers about her son’s death.

Patrick Nelson is the Operating Manager of Hemphill Pharms–an organic, hand-harvested hemp farm. The farm began after Patrick’s sister Kelly passed away from cancer. During the final stages of her life, Kelly switched from pharmaceutical drugs to CBD-infused healing products. Seeing what CBD was able to do for her, Patrick and his family learned more and eventually began planting and harvesting in order to help others live a healthier life.

Cody Stooksberry loves beer. In fact, he loves it so much that his job is to create new flavors and styles of beer. Yes, he’s actually paid to do that. Cody is the brewmaster for Hub City Brewing and Rock-N-Dough Pizza, two staples of Downtown Jackson. On this episode, we discuss the how and why of Cody’s start in brewing and how the process for him is both artistic and scientific.