Salam Rida is the operations director and co-founder of Carbon Office and Ecoshed in the Industry Park neighborhood of Jackson, Mississippi. A native of Detroit, Rida worked as part of the team that established the Long Range Planning team at the City of Jackson Planning Department and, more recently, led notable projects like ONELINE: Multi-Modal Corridor, the JTRAN Rebrand, the Downtown Design Dialogue, PARKing Day 2018 / 2019, and The Fertile Ground Project. Rida believes that collaboration and community-driven solutions are the key to Jackson’s future.
 
In this episode: carbonoffice.net | ecoshedjxn.com | visitjackson.com

Salam Rida

Gwen Harmon is the Director of Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center in Jackson’s historic Farish Street District and says the small but mighty museum is a great starting place to discover more about the civil rights story in Jackson, Mississippi.

Learn more & transcript: visitjackson.com/directory/smith-robertson-museum-and-cultural-center/

Living History in February: visitjackson.com/events/black-history-month-living-history/

Gwen Harmon - Smith Robertson Museum

On today's episode is pediatric dentist and restaurateur, Dr. Jerrick Rose. When COVID-19 closed his dental practice temporarily in 2020, Dr. Rose took out his notes from years of travel and inspiration – and opened La Cour Kitchen and Bar in Jackson’s Highland Village.

Learn more & transcript: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-jerrick-rose/

https://www.lacourkitchenandbar.com
https://highlandvillagejxn.com

Dr. Jerrick Rose - restaurateur

Malcolm White is the visionary and cultural provocateur behind Hal & Mal's restaurant and the Hal's St. Paddy's Parade founded alongside his late brother, Harold White.

Learn more & transcript: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-malcolm-white/

Parade: https://www.halsstpaddysparade.com

Origins of the Parade: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/legacy-of-celebration

Explore Jackson: https://www.visitjackson.com

Soul Sessions Season 2

Malcolm White - Hal's St Paddy's Parade founder

Ryan Dennis, Chief Curator and Artistic Director for the Center for Art and Public Exchange at the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson, shares her passion for storytelling and the intersection of community and art, and her observations on Jackson. Plus, we get an inside look at the exhibition "A Movement in Every Direction: Stories of the Great Migration."

Transcript: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-ryan-dennis/

A Movement in Every Direction: https://www.msmuseumart.org/event/the-great-migration-opening-weekend-events/

Ryan Dennis: https://www.ryanndennis.com/

Ryan Dennis - MS Museum of Art curator

On this episode, Gray Welch is the owner of Poppy Pies, a popup oven fired pizza venture specializing in Neapolitan style crust and creative flavor combinations. Gray says he sees the future of Jackson's creative class and wants to be a part of the positive change in Mississippi's capital city.

Gray Welch's Poppy Pies - pizza entrepreneur

In this episode of Soul Sessions, Hal & Mal's and Campbell's Bakery Chef Damien Cavicchi discusses his love for storytelling through food and how he draws inspiration from his travels and the history of different places.

Damien Cavicchi | Hal & Mal's

In this episode of Soul Sessions, we’ve put together an episode featuring The Local Palate’s Amanda FitzGerald, Chef Nick Wallace and Chef Cat Cora. It's worth listening back to hear their affections for Jackson and have them talk more about the upcoming JXN Food & Wine.

Amanda FitzGerald, Nick Wallace and Cat Cora | JXN Food & Wine

In this episode of Soul Sessions, Yolanda Clay-Moore interviews Walt Grayson, a veteran television and radio personality in Mississippi and Grand Marshal of this year's Hal's St. Paddy's Parade. They discuss Walt's career, his coverage of Mississippi, and his experiences at the parade. The conversation highlights the sense of community and diversity at the parade, as well as the significance of the event for Jackson. 

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-walt-grayson

Walt Grayson | Broadcaster, St Paddy's Parade Grand Marshal

In this episode, Mayor Kane Ditto and Mike Williams, discuss the history of the JXN planetarium, the new design, and the challenges and triumphs of fundraising. The planetarium aims to provide a unique and immersive experience for visitors, with interactive displays and educational spaces. The conversation highlights the importance of the planetarium for education and tourism in Mississippi.

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-kane-ditto-mike-williams-planetarium

Kane Ditto + Mike Williams | JXN Planetarium

In this episode, Elvie's Chef Hunter Evans, a James Beard finalist, discusses his nomination and his plans for a classic Jackson restaurant.

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-hunter-evans/

Hunter Evans | Elvie's

In this episode, we're celebrating local businesses and events - Offbeat's 10-year anniversary and the upcoming 601 JXN Day celebration.

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-phillip-rollins-kim-lewis

Kim Lewis and Phillip Rollins | 601 Jxn Day and Offbeat

On today's show, Belhaven residents George and Ann Elizabeth Gillespie just opened Wing Mouth at Belhaven Town Center, a simple concept that specializes in wings, tenders and fries. And after years in the restaurant business, George says they're filling a need for more fast, casual options at the town center, a spot that's brimming with activity almost every day of the week. 

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-george-gillespie

George Gillespie | Wing Mouth

In this episode, meet Sophie McNeil Wolf, the Director of Communications and Insights for the Community Foundation for Mississippi. We discuss Sophie's journey in community work, the role of community foundations, and their impact on local projects in Jackson. The conversation highlights CFM's November Friendsgiving event, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and generosity in Mississippi.

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-sophie-mcneil-wolf

Sophie McNeil Wolf | Community Foundation for Mississippi

On today's show, we talk Mistletoe Marketplace, organized annually by the Junior League of Jackson. Douglas Strahan Loftin and Carter Whitehood share insights about the event's history, its impact on the community, and the various activities and vendors that make it a cherished holiday tradition.

Transcript: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-mistletoe

Douglas Loftin And Carter Hood | Mistletoe Marketplace

In this episode, Kamel King, the director of cultural tourism for Visit Mississippi, discusses the state's cultural trails program, which includes the Mississippi Blues Trail, Country Music Trail, Freedom Trail, and Writers Trail. King shares insights on the impact of these trails, memorable unveilings of markers, and the importance of recognizing local legends.

Transcript: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-kamel-king

Kamel King | MS Trails Program

In this episode of Soul Sessions, host Paul Wolf speaks with Lynsie Armstrong, the event coordinator for Capital City Lights, a holiday event in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. They discuss the event's evolution, community engagement, and the various activities planned for families and attendees. The conversation highlights the importance of creating an intimate and festive atmosphere while showcasing local vendors and food options. The event aims to bring the community together in celebration.

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-lynsie-armstrong

Lynsie Armstrong | Capital City Lights

In this episode of Soul Sessions, host Paul Wolf talks with guest curator Sharbreon Plummer to explore the Mississippi Museum of Art's exhibition 'Of Salt and Spirit: Black Quilters in the American South.' The conversation delves into the selection process of quilts, the personal stories behind them, and the cultural significance of quilting as a form of artistic expression and community bonding.

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-sharbreon-plummer

Sharbreon Plummer | MS Museum of Art

In this episode of Soul Sessions, we celebrate Mississippi's cultural spotlight at the Tournament of Roses Parade. Dr. Roderick Little, Director of the Sonic Boom of the South, discusses the band's preparation and significance in representing Jackson and HBCUs. Katie Coats from Visit Mississippi shares insights on their first-ever float honoring musical legends Elvis Presley and B.B. King, emphasizing the importance of showcasing Mississippi's rich musical heritage to a global audience.

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-roderick-little-katie-coats

Dr Roderick Little And Katie Coats | 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade

Think coffee is just a quick caffeine fix? Think again—it's an art, a science, and a connection to the world around us. We’re diving in with Trey Malone—coffee aficionado and CEO at Northshore Specialty Roasters—about how a great cup of coffee isn’t just about the brew, but about creating spaces that connect us all.

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-trey-malone

Trey Malone: Northshore Specialty Roasters

On today's show, restaurateur Chaz Lindsay takes us inside his newest venture, Rowan's - a neighborhood pub that's 'family-friendly by day, a little loose at night.' From fried bologna sandwiches to weenie martinis, we'll explore how this former donut shop is being transformed into Belhaven's newest gathering spot, plus get the scoop on what's cooking at the upcoming Jackson Food and Wine Festival.

TRANSCRIPT and SHOW NOTES: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-chaz-lindsay

Chef Chaz Lindsay | Rowan's

From Beatles inspired dishes to family style feasts, Chef Enrika Williams proves that nostalgia can be deliciously innovative. From nerding out about Apple varieties with Chef Hunter Evans at Elvie's to watching him shine at the James Beard House in New York recently, Enrika shares what makes Jackson's collaborative food scene so special. Plus she gives us a glimpse of what's cooking for the upcoming Jackson Food and Wine Festival and reveals the food trends she sees emerging in 2025.

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-enrika-williams

Chef Enrika Williams | Fauna Foodworks

Sometimes losing your tech job leads you straight to your calling – just ask the man who turned his weekend hobby into Jackson's hottest food truck. On today's show, we visit with Eddie Wright of Eddie Wright BBQ.

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-eddie-wright

Season 5

Eddie Wright | Eddie Wright BBQ

From appetizers to entrées, Jackson's culinary scene is serving up a feast for the senses that's as rich as our Mississippi soil. On today's show, we're dishing with Amanda Fitzgerald from the local palate about the much-anticipated JXN Food & Wine festival, where over 30 chefs from across the South will bring their unique flavors to our capital city for a two-day culinary celebration.

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-amanda-fitzgerald-jfw

Amanda FitzGerald | Jackson Food & Wine

Think great writers are all serious business? Not in Jackson, where literary legend Eudora Welty left her mark with both brilliance and playful spirit! On today's show, we're celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Eudora Welty House with Welty Education Specialist Anna Traylor, who's bringing the beloved author's vibrant legacy to new generations at this perfectly preserved piece of Jackson history.

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-anna-traylor

Anna Traylor | Eudora Welty House & Garden

On today's show, we're talking with Ryan Parker, the executive director of the Mississippi Film Society, bringing Hollywood to Mississippi's capital city. Ryan accomplishes this through special screenings and the upcoming Stranger Than Fiction Film Festival, bringing a passion for creating shared experiences to our local movie screens.

Ryan Parker | Stranger Than Fiction Film Festival

On today's show, we're talking with Maureen Scott, a certified Master Gardener and member of the Metro Master Gardeners Association. From her work at Greenwood Cemetery and the Ag Museum Herb Garden to a touching award-winning project at St. Dominic's, Maureen shares how gardening can be both personal therapy and public service. 

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-maureen-scott

Maureen Smith | Metro Master Gardeners

Interior Designer Mary Sanders Ferriss is the principal and founder of Ferriss and Company, known for its work in culinary, corporate and residential interior projects. Ferriss’s work has taken her across the country for clients like Starwood Properties, Eat Here Brands and many others.
 
Jackson native and artist Scott Allen owns A Plus Signs and Creative, a company specializing in large format, handcrafted signs. His work with wood, glass and metal to create unique branding projects may only be eclipsed by his accomplished career-of-late in the public art and hand-painted sign space.
 
Both artists are frequent collaborators whose work can be found, notably at Sophomore Spanish Club and Cultivation Food Hall, both at the District at Eastover in the LeFleur East neighborhood of Jackson.

In this episode: www.ferrissandco.com | Instagram.com/a_plussignsandcreative | www.sophomorespanish.com | www.jxn.ms

*Show note: this episode was recorded prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Soul Sessions

Mary Sanders Ferriss and Scott Allen

Creative Design Manager Reshonda Perryman is the artistic mind responsible for Visit Jackson´s new image and the visionary behind Pixels & Paint, LLC. Perryman is a graduate of Jackson State University and received her Master´s of Fine Arts at Savannah College of Art and Design. She is a self-described lifelong creative that specializes in many aspects of art and graphic design.

visitjackson.com | pixelspaint.com | Instagram.com/pixelspaintllc | visitjackson.com/publicartmap

Reshonda Perryman

From former teacher to musician and barista to baker, Cody Cox (along with wife, Molly West) are owners of Urban Foxes, the small batch bakery and coffee shop in Jackson’s Belhaven Heights neighborhood where food, family and community are all intertwined.
 
Cody sees the city as fertile – “if you want to put the work in” – through grassroots championing for change alongside fellow Jacksonians, from citizens to city leadership.  
 
In this episode: www.urbanfoxesjxn.com | facebook.com/eleganttrainwreck/ | www.discoverjxn.ms/travel/24hours-codycox | www.sippjackson.com/coffee2

Cody Cox

Be it our people, music, food, history or culture, there’s always something good to talk about in the City With Soul, Jackson, Mississippi!

Visit Jackson is the destination organization charged with connecting, engaging and inspiring the city with a rewarding sense-of-place for visitors and an economically beneficial and an enhanced quality-of-life for residents.

Soul Sessions Jackson

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