In this episode, David Olds and Jim Newman engage with retired Rear Admiral Jamie Barnett to discuss the complexities of national security, the DIME framework (Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic), and the implications of the Trump administration's policies on these areas. They explore the American public's disinterest in foreign affairs, the erosion of democratic norms, and the importance of maintaining a robust diplomatic presence. The conversation also touches on the role of information in shaping global perceptions, the risks to the rule of law, and the future of U.S. economic power in a changing world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and New Beginnings
01:15 Understanding DIME: The Framework of National Power
03:07 The American Disinterest in Foreign Affairs
05:29 The Impact of Trump's Administration on DIME
13:19 Navigating Complex Decisions in National Security
15:36 The Role of Information Power and Voice of America
20:05 The State of Democracy and Rule of Law
30:14 The Future of Federal Employment and Public Service
34:31 Civil Service and Employment Rights
35:51 Economic Power and Global Financial Systems
38:59 Tariffs and Market Manipulation
43:43 Military Decisions and National Security
47:54 Intelligence and Military Oversight
54:44 Debt and Economic Stability
59:57 Education and Future Generations

In this episode of the Mississippi Happenings podcast, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage with Mary Jane Meadows and Jamie Rebentisch from Indivisible Northeast Mississippi. They discuss the grassroots activism efforts of their organization, which focuses on advocating for social justice, healthcare access, and civic engagement in their community. The conversation highlights the growth of the group since its inception in 2017, the importance of community involvement, and the upcoming events aimed at raising awareness and mobilizing citizens. The guests share their experiences in organizing protests, building a diverse coalition, and utilizing tools for activism, emphasizing the need for collective action in addressing local and national issues.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
02:39 Grassroots Activism: Indivisible Northeast Mississippi
04:55 The Growth and Impact of Indivisible
07:46 Community Engagement and Political Advocacy
10:49 Mobilizing for Change: Strategies and Successes
13:52 Protests and Public Engagement
17:03 Safety and Community Support in Activism
19:56 Historical Context and Educational Initiatives
22:52 Key Issues Driving Activism
25:58 Conclusion and Future Plans
37:01 Education and Knowledge Sharing
37:01 Community Engagement and Activism
43:22 Upcoming Events and Public Actions
48:15 Organizational Structure and Endorsement Process
52:16 Activism Tools and Resources

In this episode of the Mississippi Happenings Podcast, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage in a profound conversation with Lovie West and Virginia Tolliver, two women who share their personal experiences growing up during segregation in Mississippi. They discuss the impact of segregation on education, the role of caring teachers, the significance of sororities and fraternities in empowering the Black community, and the ongoing challenges of racism and inequality. The conversation also touches on the Great Migration, the struggles of sharecropping, and the importance of acknowledging and addressing racism in today's society.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mississippi Happenings Podcast
03:07 Meet the Guests: Lovey West and Virginia Tolliver
05:04 Growing Up in Rural Mississippi: Lovey's Story
11:09 Virginia's Experience in Segregated Schools
19:49 The Role of Education and Community Support
24:24 The Impact of Jim Crow Laws
31:39 Reflections on Racial Dynamics Today
36:42 Confronting the Legacy of the KKK
38:45 Navigating Fear and Survival in a Hostile Environment
42:04 The Impact of Integration on Community Dynamics
44:23 Current Challenges and the Erosion of Civil Rights
47:16 Racism: A Persistent Underlying Issue
52:06 The Great Migration: Seeking Better Opportunities
57:19 The Reality of Sharecropping and Economic Struggles
01:00:07 The Strength of Black Women in Adversity
01:03:20 Reflections on Progress and Regression in Racial Equality

In this conversation, David Olds and Jim Newman discuss juvenile crime and education in Mississippi with District Attorney Scott Colom. They explore the challenges facing public education, the importance of community support, and the role of employment in preventing crime. Colom emphasizes the need for advocacy, mentorship, and collaboration to improve educational outcomes and reduce juvenile crime. The discussion also touches on the impact of federal funding, the disconnect between politics and education, and the importance of local governance in addressing these issues.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Juvenile Crime in Mississippi
02:58 The Importance of Education in Preventing Crime
06:01 Challenges in Mississippi's Public Education System
08:51 Funding Disparities and Their Impact on Education
11:58 The Role of Community and Advocacy in Education
14:54 Cultural Influences on Youth and Crime
18:04 Real-Life Consequences of Crime on Youth
21:10 The Need for Positive Role Models and Opportunities
23:57 Teacher Support and Educational Funding
27:01 The Federal Government's Role in Education Funding
29:49 The Importance of Mentorship and Community Engagement
33:49 Reclaiming Local Politics
36:18 Understanding Voter Apathy
39:31 The Importance of Local Governance
43:41 Connecting Stories to Policies
47:42 Addressing Drug Addiction as a Public Health Issue
52:50 Employment Opportunities and Economic Development

In this episode of the Mississippi Happenings podcast, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage in a comprehensive discussion with former Governor Ronnie Musgrove about the pressing issues facing Mississippi, particularly in the realms of public education, economic development, healthcare, and the implications of state policies. Governor Musgrove shares insights from his tenure, emphasizing the importance of investing in education and healthcare to foster economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Mississippians. The conversation also touches on the challenges of funding education, the impact of school vouchers, and the need for a strong healthcare system to support the workforce.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mississippi Happenings Podcast
02:56 Public Education: The Foundation of Economic Growth
08:06 School Vouchers and Accountability in Education
11:32 Impact of Funding Cuts on Mississippi Schools
13:08 The Legacy of No Child Left Behind
16:49 Economic Development and Job Creation
29:47 Healthcare Challenges in Mississippi
34:47 Healthcare Delivery Transformation
36:57 Child Investment Programs and Economic Growth
41:13 Racial Dynamics and DEI Policies
44:10 Economic Opportunities and State Investments
46:48 State Income Tax Elimination Debate
52:09 Governor's Current Projects and Reflections
58:40 The Importance of Compassion in Governance

In this episode of the Mississippi Happenings podcast, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman discuss the implications of eliminating the Mississippi state income tax with guest Kyra Roby, the policy director for One Voice. The conversation covers the importance of taxes in funding public services, the regressive nature of Mississippi's tax system, and the potential consequences of tax cuts on low-income families. Roby emphasizes the need for a fair and equitable tax system, civic engagement, and accountability from elected officials to ensure that the needs of all Mississippians are met. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to stay engaged and advocate for better policies in their communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and COVID Experience
02:48 The Impact of COVID Medication Costs
05:55 Understanding Mississippi's Tax System
08:49 Concerns Over Income Tax Elimination
12:04 The Role of One Voice in Policy Advocacy
15:01 Disparities in Tax Cuts
18:01 The Need for Fair Taxation
21:07 Legislative Process and Governance Issues
24:06 Empowering Communities for Change
33:24 Empowering Voter Engagement for Better Policies
36:00 The Impact of Tax Policies on Education and Community
39:25 Federal Funding and Its Role in Mississippi's Education
42:03 Challenges Facing Public Education in Mississippi
46:05 The Need for a Focused Legislative Agenda
49:00 Misplaced Priorities in Economic Development
51:48 The Call for Civic Engagement and Accountability

This conversation explores the history and impact of desegregation in Mississippi public schools, focusing on the legacy of Jack Reed Sr. and the community's efforts to integrate schools. The discussion highlights the challenges faced during this process, the role of education and sports in promoting integration, and the ongoing issues in education funding and leadership in Mississippi.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Desegregation in Mississippi
03:06 Jack Reed Jr.'s Family Legacy and Activism
06:15 The Role of Community Leaders in Integration
09:07 Challenges and Triumphs of School Integration
12:06 The Impact of Desegregation on the Black Community
15:14 Jack Reed's Influence on Education Reform
18:06 The Importance of Church and Community in Desegregation
21:00 The Legacy of Private Academies and School Choice
24:04 Conclusion and Reflections on Progress
37:59 Funding Disparities in Education
40:19 Impact of Budget Cuts on Rural Schools
43:04 The Role of Education in Economic Mobility
46:10 Reflections on Leadership and Community
51:07 Integration and Sports as a Unifying Force
58:13 The Importance of Historical Awareness in Education
01:06:14 MS HAPPENINGS INTRO.mp4

In this episode of Mississippi Happenings, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage with Mississippi House Representative Robert Johnson to discuss pressing issues in the state, including redistricting, the recent legislative session, the elimination of the state income tax, and the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Johnson expresses disappointment in the legislative outcomes, particularly regarding education and healthcare, and emphasizes the need for stronger Democratic representation and accountability in the state government. In this conversation, Robert L. Johnson III discusses the systemic issues facing Mississippi, including the flaws of private prisons, the need for Medicaid expansion, challenges in education funding, and the state's poor rankings in healthcare and economy. He emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and leadership to address these pressing issues and improve the quality of life for all Mississippians.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mississippi Happenings
01:37 Redistricting and Voting Rights
08:12 Legislative Session Review
14:03 Democratic Representation and Accountability
20:12 State Income Tax Elimination Debate
28:30 Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Discussion
31:41 The Flaws of Private Prisons
34:28 Healthcare and Medicaid Expansion in Mississippi
38:55 Education Funding Challenges
44:27 Mississippi's Rankings and Leadership Issues
49:21 Economic Disparities and Jim Crow-ism
52:05 The Importance of Civic Engagement