Community Studio

Phillip Lilley, Clinton's Public Works Director, has intentionally worked to influence the culture within the City of Clinton's Public Works Department. He talks on how building leaders internally have had a direct impact on the efficiency of the department. He shows that it's more than fixing pipes or laying asphalt. It works around trust and taking pride in your work. As always, thanks to Ty Garvey, Drew Mellon and the rest of Don Quixote's Horse for allowing their music to set the local tone for these podcasts.

Here's a recap from the City of Clinton's Board of Aldermen meeting from July 2, 2024.

Ford Hayman, Clinton's longtime police chief, allowed me to visit him and ask a few questions about his department's approach to policing the Clinton community. With his focus on serving others and treating people the right way, he's proven to be a quality leader inside the Clinton Police Department.  In this episode, we talk trends in policing, community relations, technological advancement and challenges the future holds.  He's truly one of my favorite guys on the beat (no pun intended) and an asset to our community. 

Here's a recap from the City of Clinton's Board of Aldermen meeting from June 4, 2024. 

For the longest time, I told my wife, Megan, that we should record one of our conversations during one of our many road trips. So, during a recent road trip to New Orleans with my wife, we did just that. We talked about the past 17 years of marriage, about what we'll miss from the previous chapters of our attempts at being parents and what we're looking forward to in the next few chapters down the road.  I'm hoping this is just the first edition of Words with the Wife, so enjoy!

Here's a recap from the City of Clinton's Board of Aldermen meeting from May 7, 2024. 

For May, we look at the steps we've taken to set up where we are today and focused on the ever dreaded yet present idea of "CHANGE."  The Chapman Brothers Podcast is a monthly conversation between myself and my brother, Phillip Chapman. As always, thanks to Ty Garvey, Drew Mellon and the rest of Don Quixote's Horse for allowing their music to set the local tone for these podcasts.

For April, we took a step back from the serious talks and landed on talking about everything from glasses to movies to travels and family.  The Chapman Brothers Podcast is a monthly conversation between myself and my brother, Phillip Chapman. As always, thanks to Ty Garvey, Drew Mellon and the rest of Don Quixote's Horse for allowing their music to set the local tone for these podcasts.

For February, we're looking at what we put our hope and trust in. It's easy to say, as a good, strong person, that we don't put too much trust in things "things" that are fragile, but we find ourselves grasping for straws when things fall apart. The Chapman Brothers Podcast is a monthly conversation between myself and my brother, Phillip Chapman. As always, thanks to Ty Garvey, Drew Mellon and the rest of Don Quixote's Horse for allowing their music to set the local tone for these podcasts.

I'm willing to bet there are a good many people who don't fully understand "taxes." So, I talked with Nathan Cummins, a CPA who has also served as President of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce and who has formal training in taxes. I, for one, could always learn more about how the money business of government works, so I asked him to talk about taxes in the Michael Scott format: "Explain it to me like I'm 5." As always, thanks to Ty Garvey, Drew Mellon and the rest of Don Quixote's Horse for allowing their music to set the local tone for these podcasts.

Here's a recap from the City of Clinton's Board of Aldermen meeting from January 2, 2024. 

I'm joined by my brother, Phillip Chapman, on a new journey for 2024. We're out to make 12 monthly episodes to talk about life and to have an excuse to record ourselves on Zoom. In this first episode, we asked what three words would use if we could travel back in time and talk to our 18-year-old selves.  As always, thanks to Ty Garvey, Drew Mellon and the rest of Don Quixote's Horse for allowing their music to set the local tone for these podcasts. 

Here's a recap from the City of Clinton's Board of Aldermen meeting from November 7, 2023.   Listen to "A Work Session Suggestion" for more on my proposal for the BoA to meet once a month for work sessions instead of twice a month. 

At the December 4 work session, I brought up the possibility of only having one work session a month instead of having two like we have for the past couple of years. Here are a few thoughts on why I believe one work session a month is worthwhile (and why holding a second when needed is still an option).

I had the chance to meet up with recently elected Representative Clay Mansell who will represent those in District 56. This position has been held by longtime Representative and Speaker of the Mississippi House Philip Gunn. We discussed some of his goals and motivations for running.    As always, thanks to Ty Garvey and Don Quixote's Horse for allowing their music to set the local tone for these podcasts. 

How often do we give into the habit of (adjacently) throwing in our two-cents when someone else is going through an issue? We're quick to give advice but extremely slow to heed our own words. Too often, those on the outside-looking-in like to show off how much they know and how much their advice is worth. But how often do we find ourselves being "those people?" What would happen if we intentionally changed our habits instead of passively criticizing so many? 

Thanksgiving may be a staple for many, but we all know it gets treated like the middle child when it comes to the end-of-the-year-holidays. How intentional will you be with your Thanksgiving this year? We're not promised tomorrow, so be thankful for today. 

Here's an over-due recap from the City of Clinton's Board of Aldermen meeting from November 7, 2023.

Here's an important recap from the City of Clinton's Board of Aldermen meeting from September 19, 2023.

It's important for elected officials and citizens to recognize the relationship that exists between them. In order to enact change and properly govern an entity, there has to be a healthy form of communication. That starts with constituents contacting their elected official, and the elected official listening.

Here's a quick recap from the City of Clinton's Board of Aldermen meeting from July 18 and August 1, 2023.

Here's a quick recap of the City of Clinton's Board of Aldermen meeting from July 5, 2023.

Here's a quick recap of the City of Clinton's Board of Aldermen meeting from June 20, 2023

Here's a quick recap of the City of Clinton's Board of Aldermen meeting from June 6, 2023.

A conversation with Rusty Bryant, General Manager and founder of Mississippi Brilla FC. We discussed the history of the club, new coach Mike Azira and Brilla FC's connection with the community of Clinton. Special thanks to Don Quixote's Horse for letting us use their music.

A conversation with Corey Wolfe with the Clinton Soccer Association. We discussed the new "Mini Pitch" that CSA is gifting to the city. We talk about the value it brings to the city, the value of recreational sports, and the future of CSA in Clinton.  Special thanks to Don Quixote's Horse for letting us use their music. 

Here's a quick recap of the Board of Aldermen meeting from April 18, 2023.

Here's a quick recap of the Board of Aldermen meeting from April 4, 2023.

A conversation with The City of Clinton's Public Works Director Phillip Lilley. We discussed the City's efforts in cleaning up after the March 2023 storms as well as the Spring Clean Up and Hazardous Waste Clean Up events.  Original music by Don Quixote's Horse. 

Here's a quick recap of the Board of Aldermen meeting from March 21, 2023.