Podcasts
Bigger Pie Forum – Promoting market-driven economic growth for a bigger and brighter Mississippi.
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Episode 1: MS Secretary of State Michael Watson
June 21, 2022
BPF visits with Secretary Watson to find out more on the "Tackle the Tape" initiative and the plan within it titled "29 x 29." The aim is to review every regulation for all 29 occupational licensing boards and commissions by the year 2029.
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Episode 2: MS Secretary of State Michael Watson
July 5, 2022
BPF continues the conversation with Secretary Michael Watson on cutting regulations to help make Mississippi more business friendly and more Mississippians realize their dreams.
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Episode 1: Natchez Renaissance — Mayor Dan Gibson
March 29, 2022
BPF travels to the jewel of the Mississippi River to meet Mayor Dan Gibson at the National Historic Landmark of Dunleith Historic Inn and discuss how Natchez is finding itself in an upside surprise renaissance on the heels of a pandemic — thanks to its diversity, hospitality and culture.
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Episode 2: Natchez Renaissance — Mayor Dan Gibson
April 12, 2022
BPF continues the conversation with Mayor Dan Gibson on his vision and goals for the decade ahead and the continued renaissance of Natchez, Mississippi.
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Episode 3: Natchez Renaissance — Filmmaker & Writer Tate Taylor
April 26, 2022
BPF sits down with successful filmmaker and writer Tate Taylor. We had the opportunity to hear his fascinating journey back to the Church Hill community outside of Natchez, Mississippi where he's shaking things up.
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Episode 4: Natchez Renaissance — Filmmaker & Writer Tate Taylor
May 10, 2022
Tate Taylor discusses the needs of Natchez and how he's investing in the community to help build a city that implores newcomers to stay. Tate addresses Mississippi's tarnished past and how we can shake the sensationalism and stereotypes.
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Episode 5: Natchez Renaissance — Chef Jarita Frazier-King
May 24, 2022
BPF had the opportunity to sit down with Mrs. King and hear how she's an agent for change in her community through her Natchez Heritage School of Cooking. She's also gearing up for the 3rd annual Soul Food Fusion Festival, (June 17 - 19) where the community celebrates together at a block-long white linen dining table eating the cuisine of the local chefs.
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Episode 6: Natchez Renaissance — Art Gallery Owner Stacy Conde
June 7, 2022
BPF guest podcasters had the opportunity to meet and talk with gallerist and curator Stacy Conde of Conde Contemporary. Listen in as she tells how she makes a pivot from Miami to Mississippi and illuminates Natchez the way only she can.
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Episode 1: Electricity Lessons from the U.K.
February 8, 2022
BPF has a fascinating conversation with Douglas Carswell of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy on the electricity crisis in the U.K. and why it matters to Mississippi's citizens and policy makers.
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Episode 2: Electricity Lessons from the U.K.
February 22, 2022
Listen in as BPF discusses the history and policies regarding energy and electricity with Douglas Carswell of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy.
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Chimneyville Arts Festival 2021
December 17, 2021
Guest podcasters Ann Seale and Mona Reddy talk with Interim Executive Director of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi at the Waller Craft Center to talk about the artisans renderings this Christmas season.
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Episode 1: Oxford, Mississippi — A Hotbed of History, Culture, Kudzu and Commerce
October 4, 2021
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Episode 2: Oxford, Mississippi — A Hotbed of History, Culture, Kudzu and Commerce
September 7, 2021
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Episode 3: Oxford, Mississippi — A Hotbed of History, Culture, Kudzu and Commerce
September 21, 2021
BPF visits with Josh West of Blue Delta Jeans to hear the story behind the highly coveted bespoke jeans and why he thinks Mississippi is a hidden gem for entrepreneurs.
Episode 4: Oxford, Mississippi — A Hotbed of History, Culture, Kudzu and Commerce
October 5, 2021
BPF continues the conversation on how Blue Delta Jeans co-founder Josh West has carved out a niche in high-end apparel for "The best jean I've ever put on." A good product and great story.
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Episode 5: Oxford, Mississippi — A Hotbed of History, Culture, Kudzu and Commerce
October 19, 2021
Episode 6: Oxford, Mississippi — A Hotbed of History, Culture, Kudzu and Commerce
November 2, 2021
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Episode 7: Oxford, Mississippi — A Hotbed of History, Culture, Kudzu and Commerce
November 16, 2021
Blake Dubinski and Dr. Brice Noonan, Ole Miss Professors, are the co-founders of GenTeal Apparel — a men's fine apparel line that is currently distristributed to 140 retailers across the U.S. Listen in to their journey to becoming entrepreneurs in their spare time.
Episode 8: Oxford, Mississippi — A Hotbed of History, Culture, Kudzu and Commerce
November 30, 2021
BPF continues the conversation with Blake Dubinski of GenTeal Apparel on the challenges of growing a new business in a highly competitive marketplace.
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Episode 1: State Auditor of Mississippi — Shad White
July 7, 2021
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Episode 2: State Auditor of Mississippi — Shad White
July 20, 2021
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Episode 1: Mississippi's Hotspot of Ocean Springs — The Roost Boutique Hotel
May 11, 2021
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Episode 2: Mississippi's Hotspot of Ocean Springs — The Roost Boutique Hotel
May 25, 2021
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Episode 3: Mississippi's Hotspot of Ocean Springs — Entrepreneur Trio
June 8, 2021
BPF turns off of Porter Avenue and heads for the corner of Washington Avenue and Government Street — the heart of downtown Ocean Springs, where the local shops, art galleries, restaurants, bars and music bring the town to life. It's here that we sit down with three successful entrepreneurs — Adria Maxwell of Seaside Fitness, Chris Collier of The Office Bar & Lounge and Ken Williams of Mosaic and The Beer House — to hear their stories and perspectives on why Ocean Springs has become such a hotspot in Mississippi.
Episode 1 Video Highlight
Episode 1: Douglas Carswell - New President and CEO of MCPP - Former Parliament Member and Brexit Leader
March 9, 2021
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Episode 2: Douglas Carswell - New President and CEO of MCPP - Former Parliament Member and Brexit Leader
March 23, 2021
BPF continues the discussion with Douglas Carswell on America's exceptionalism, his decision to move to the U.S. and why Mississippi specifically.
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Episode 1: A Huge Roadblock in Trying To Start a Small Business in the Healthcare Industry
January 26, 2021
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Episode2: A Huge Roadblock in Trying To Start a Small Business in the Healthcare Industry
February 9, 2021
BPF continues its conversation with Mississippi Justice Institute (MJI) Director Aaron Rice and client Butch Slaughter, a physical therapist who is challenging Mississippi’s regulations that are preventing him from opening his own home health agency. Listen to the backstory on Certificates of Need, the need for regulatory reform and how they stymie not only competition, but access to health care, lower costs and a higher level of service for the people of Mississippi.
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Small Town Economies and Newspapers: How they can survive and thrive.
October 20, 2020
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Small Town Economies and Newspapers: How they can survive and thrive.
November 3, 2020
BPF Tribute Podcast: 75th Anniversary of V-J Day
September 2, 2020
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Episode 1: Music and Cultural Ambassador of Mississippi — Steve Azar
July 14, 2020
Rosedale - Unplugged
Bonus: Steve Azar — Rosedale (Unplugged)
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Episode 2: Music and Cultural Ambassador of Mississippi — Steve Azar
July 28, 2020
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Episode 3: Music and Cultural Ambassador of Mississippi — Steve Azar
August 11, 2020
Episode 1: Restaurateur Jeff Good and Mangia Bene Restaurant Management Group
April 28, 2020
Episode 2: Restaurateur Jeff Good and Mangia Bene Restaurant Management Group
May 12, 2020
Episode 3: Restaurateur Jeff Good and Mangia Bene Restaurant Management Group
May 25, 2020
BPF continues its dialogue with Jeff Good as he discusses teaming up with Jackson area leaders to form a workforce development café called the Refill Café. The young adult staff is enrolled in a 10-week work training program to help develop skills needed for entering the workforce.
Episode 1: DAB Hand Sanitizer - Technology That Acts Like A Glove
April 7, 2020
Episode 2: DAB Hand Sanitizer - Challenges of Entering the Marketplace
April 14, 2020
Episode 1: Mississippi's Real Loss — Donna Harris's Weight Loss Program
March 17, 2020
BPF's new podcast series is with Aaron Rice of The Mississippi Justice Institute and Donna Harris, a weight loss program entrepreneur. The Mississippi State Board of Health has shut down Ms. Harris's program claiming giving weight loss advice is unlawful in the state of Mississippi. Listen in to hear about Ms. Harris's case through The Mississippi Justice Institute.
Episode 2: Mississippi's Real Loss — Donna Harris's Weight Loss Program
March 31, 2020
BPF continues its conversation with Aaron Rice of MJI and weight loss program entrepreneur Donna Harris.
Episode 1: Eyebrow Threading in Mississippi — Regulatory Burdens by the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology
October 22, 2019
BPF's new podcast series is with Aaron Rice of The Mississippi Justice Institute and Dipa Bhattarai, an eyebrow threading entrepreneur. The Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology has shut down Ms. Bhattarai's two store locations stating that eyebrow threaders are required to have an esthetician's license to practice eyebrow threading in the state of Mississippi. This would require Ms. Bhattarai to spend hundreds of hours learning cosmetology methods that threaders do not use or need. Listen in to hear Ms. Bhattarai's case through The Mississippi Justice Institute.
Episode 2: Eyebrow Threading in Mississippi — Regulatory Burdens by the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology
November 5, 2019
BPF continues its conversation with Aaron Rice of MJI and eyebrow threading entrepreneur Dipa Bhattarai. In this episode we discuss the major mismatch between the minor risks and the amount of training hours required to accomplish the common sense sanitation measures for public health and how surrounding states have handled the same issue.
Episode 1: The Junior Cadet Corps - A Closer Look At This Very Successful Program
September 10, 2019
BPF is starting a new podcast series on the Junior Cadet Corps (JCC) program with Chief Petty Officer Ernest Terry and Sergeant First Class Renthane Smith. The JCC is a middle school program designed to inspire these young people to set a course for success. This program gives students a sense of self-reliance and motivation to complete their education, establish jobs and careers and to be successful, productive citizens. We hope you enjoy listening to the discussion on this very successful program that deserves a closer look.
Episode 2: The Junior Cadet Corps - A Closer Look At This Very Successful Program
September 24, 2019
BPF continues its conversation with Officer Terry and Sergeant Smith on the Junior Cadet Corps (JCC) program. In this episode, we discuss the program's goals and plans to mentor its cadets in navigating middle school and entering high school with valuable life skills and abilities to problem solve and resolve conflict.
Episode 3: The Junior Cadet Corps - A Closer Look At This Very Successful Program
October 8, 2019
In this last episode, Officer Terry and Sergeant Smith discuss the JCC Program's curriculum based on citizenship, leadership and character development — a proven recipe for inspiring middle school students giving them confidence and motivation in education, careers and their lives. Indeed, this is a very successful program and deserves a closer look, especially by school administrators seeking success for their students.
Episode 1: Craft Economy and Farm-to-Table — Nature's Gourmet Farm
June 18, 2019
From Farm-to-Table by way of Petal, Mississippi
Episode 2: Craft Economy and Farm-to-Table — Nature's Gourmet Farm
July 2, 2019
BPF continues its conversation with Ben Simmons to talk about their customer base and why Nature's Gourmet Farm checks all of their boxes for real farm food — clean eating and Mississippi raised.
Episode 3: Craft Economy and Farm-to-Table — Nature's Gourmet Farm
July 16, 2019
BPF is continuing its discussion with Ben Simmons of Nature’s Gourmet Farm — producers of Mississippi raised 100% grass fed to finish beef, pastured pork, chicken and eggs without hormones, antibiotics, chemicals or GMO products. In this episode, BPF talks with Ben on the challenges and regulatory issues he faces as a small farmer.
Episode 4: Craft Economy and Farm-to-Table — Nature's Gourmet Farm
July 30, 2019
BPF concludes its discussion with Ben Simmons of Nature’s Gourmet Farm — producers of Mississippi raised 100% grass fed to finish beef, pastured pork, chicken and eggs without hormones, antibiotics, chemicals or GMO products. In this episode, BPF extends its talks with Ben on Mississippi regulatory issues and how Ben accomplishes his mission and passion of producing real farm food.
Episode 5: Craft Economy and Farm-to-Table — MS Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson Talks About Mississippi's Small Farmers
August 13, 2019
Mississippi's new Agriculture Commissioner, Andy Gipson, sits down with BPF to discuss Mississippi's small farmers and the Genuine Mississippi Program. (GenuineMS.com) — Now more than ever people want to know where their food comes from and know they're buying fresh healthy food for their families. They want to support Mississippi's local farmers and buying local has become a huge deal. Mississippians are willing to pay a premium to be able to buy local and support their local communities and farmers. The Genuine Mississippi Program provides a list of members who produce fresh locally sourced foods.
Episode 6: Craft Economy and Farm-to-Table — MS Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson Talks About Mississippi's Small Farmers
August 27, 2019
BPF continues its conversation with Mississippi’s Agricultural Commissioner - Andy Gipson to discuss the support of our local farmers. Now more than ever people want to know where their food comes from and know they're buying fresh healthy food for their families. They want to support Mississippi's local farmers and buying local has become a huge deal. Mississippians are willing to pay a premium to be able to buy local and support their local communities and farmers. The Genuine Mississippi Program (GenuineMS.com) provides a list of members who produce fresh locally sourced foods.
Episode 1: Craft Economy and Farm-to-Table — The Flora Butcher's lowdown on Wagyu beef
April 3, 2019
Talking farm-to-table and what it takes to make it happen here in Mississippi with The Flora Butcher owner -- Chef David Raines
Episode 2: Craft Economy and Farm-to-Table — The Flora Butcher's lowdown on Wagyu beef
April 16, 2019
BPF continues its conversation with Chef David Raines.
Episode 1: Starting a Craft Brewery — Hold my beer and watch this!
March 5, 2019
Talking beer and breweries with Lucky Town Founder and President of the Mississippi Brewers Guild — Lucas Simmons.
Episode 2: Continuation of Starting a Craft Brewery — Hold my beer and watch this!
Coming March 19, 2019
BPF continues its conversation with Lucas Simmons.
Episode 1: A Risky Venture
January 8, 2019
BPF is expanding our discussion on the growing impact of the craft economy. In this series, we sat down with Mark Henderson of Lazy Magnolia Brewery - Mississippi's oldest brewery, even though it's only been in business since 2005.
Episode 2: The Hurdles of Entrepreneurship
January 22, 2019
BPF continues talking with Mark Henderson of Lazy Magnolia Brewery on the hurdles he's faced as an entrepreneur and how his entrepreneurial spirit demands his commitment.
Episode 3: Distribution Battles
February 5, 2019
BPF continues talking with Mark Henderson of Lazy Magnolia Brewery on managing a start-up business in a highly regulated industry.
Episode 4: Entrepreneurial Lessons Learned
February 19, 2019
BPF continues the craft discussion with tips for creating a more vibrant craft industry through the lessons learned by Mark Henderson of Lazy Magnolia Brewery.
The Craft Economy and its Entrepreneurs Episode 1
November 20, 2018
An innovative feature of the 21st century has been the emergence of the craft economy which is reinventing industries that have been around for centuries. To learn more about it, we visited with Cathead Distillery.
The Craft Economy and its Entrepreneurs Episode 2
December 4, 2018
How does Cathead take on highly-capitalized, well-entrenched mega-brand competitors?
The Craft Economy and its Entrepreneurs Episode 3
December 18, 2018
What are the challenges and lessons of a craft start-up in Mississippi?
JROTC Episode 1
July 15, 2018
JROTC - A Program That Works.
JROTC is an upside surprise for inner city schools. JROTC produces exceptional results by providing mentorship, experience and exposure to students. JROTC's curriculum focuses on leadership skills and character development.
JROTC Episode 2
July 15, 2018
JROTC Instructors Bring Passion and Patience
The instructors are the big difference makers to the JROTC program. JROTC instructors’ main goal is to help students finish high school and gaining acceptance into a four year college or university. They accomplish this by instilling life skills - motivating the students to become better citizens.
JROTC Episode 3
July 15, 2018
JROTC Students - Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders
Exposures and experiences for JROTC students are life changing. JROTC students are prepared for a life of leadership. These students reflect on their personal experiences with JROTC and how the program helped prepare them for their chosen careers.
Bigger Pie Forum Projects
The Kemper County Clean Lignite Project
