Soul Sessions Jackson

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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 agency charged with connecting, engaging and inspiring the Jackson community to be a welcomin

Visit Jackson


    • May 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 11m AVG DURATION
    • 111 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Soul Sessions Jackson

    Michelle McAdoo | MS Blues Trail featuring Chicago Blues Festival and Jesse Robinson

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 15:01


    On today's show, we're celebrating the roots and rhythms of Mississippi blues and its powerful connection to the Chicago Blues Festival with Visit Mississippi's Michelle McAdoo. From the local legends to their lasting legacies, Michelle will help us explore how Mississippi continues to shape—and share—the soundtrack of the south. TRANSCRIPT and SHOW NOTES: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-michelle-mcadoo

    mississippi trail mcadoo chicago blues festival visit mississippi jesse robinson
    Austin Evans and Richard Patrick | Cathead Distillery

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 15:49


    We're catching up with Austin Evans and Richard Patrick, co-founders of Cathead Distillery. With bourbon, gin, and liqueurs, plus a music festival that's just as soulful as their spirits. They're here to talk Cathead Jam, community, and the culture that keeps them rooted in Jackson. TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-cathead

    KIMBERLEE COOPER MAKERS FEST

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 9:16


    We're catching up with Kimberlee Cooper from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the organization behind Mississippi Makers Fest, a free family friendly celebration of local art, music and food. From pottery demos to American Idol headliners, Kimberly shares how this growing festival turns downtown Jackson into a showcase of Mississippi creativity.

    Maureen Smith | Metro Master Gardeners

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 11:40


    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

    Ryan Parker | Stranger Than Fiction Film Festival

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 15:52


    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.

    Anna Traylor | Eudora Welty House & Garden

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 13:04


    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

    Amanda FitzGerald | Jackson Food & Wine

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 15:02


    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

    Eddie Wright | Eddie Wright BBQ

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 13:12


    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

    Chef Enrika Williams | Fauna Foodworks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 14:20


    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 Chaz Lindsay | Rowan's

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 11:13


    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

    Trey Malone: Northshore Specialty Roasters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 15:21


    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

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 13:37


    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

    Sharbreon Plummer | MS Museum of Art

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 11:47


    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

    Lynsie Armstrong | Capital City Lights

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 9:23


    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

    Kamel King | MS Trails Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 11:33


    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

    trails kamel freedom trail mississippi blues trail visit mississippi
    Douglas Loftin And Carter Hood | Mistletoe Marketplace

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 9:52


    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

    Sophie McNeil Wolf | Community Foundation for Mississippi

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 11:20


    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

    George Gillespie | Wing Mouth

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 8:45


    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

    Nellie Neal | Fondren Garden Tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 11:59


    On today's episode, the Garden Mama, Nellie Neal talks about the upcoming Fondren Garden and Bottle Tree Tour and the importance of community in gardening, innovative practices in Jackson, and advice for aspiring gardeners. Transcript and show notes: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-nellie-neal

    Conner Reeves | Belhaven's Bright Lights

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 9:29


    On today's episode, we talk to Conner Reeves about Belhaven's Bright Lights, a celebration of the artisans, musicians and creators of the Greater Belhaven neighborhood that features music, food, and local vendors.

    Ellen Daniels | MS Book Festival 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 9:58


    Today, Ellen Daniels, the executive director of the Mississippi Book Festival, discusses the ten-year-old festival's history and what makes it special. The festival brings together authors and book lovers from all walks of life, creating a magical and intimate atmosphere. TRANSCRIPT AND SHOW NOTES: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-ellen-daniels-24

    daniels book festival mississippi book festival
    ENCORE: De Shannon Williams | Food Truck Friday

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024 9:13


    Today in this encore presentation, De Shannon Williams is one of the owners of Smokey's Meal on Wheels food truck, and she's an organizer of Food Truck Fridays, which have returned to Smith Park in downtown Jackson every first, third and fifth Friday.

    Noah Saterstrom | What Became of Dr. Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 11:59


    On today's episode, artist Noah Satterstrom discusses his exhibition 'What Became of Dr. Smith' at the Mississippi Museum of Art and how his curiosity led him to uncover his great-grandfather's story. The exhibition explores themes of mental illness, family history, and the power of art to spark conversations. TRANSCRIPT, RESOURCES: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-noah-saterstrom

    Yolanda Singleton | Xperience JXN

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 9:44


    On today's episode, Yolanda Singleton, President and CEO of Xxperience JXN, discusses her role as a promoter, community advocate, and trendsetter in bringing entertainment to Jackson, Mississippi. TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-yolanda-singleton

    Ayana Jones | MDAH

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 9:59


    On today's episode, the Two Mississippi Museums' Ayana Jones helps give context to Freedom Summer, where over 700 mainly white volunteers came to our state and teamed up with African Americans for a voter registration drive to boost Black voter registration and combat discrimination and intimidation. TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-ayana-jones

    Michael Morris | Juneteenth

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2024 9:54


    On today's episode, Two Mississippi Museums' Executive Director Michael Morris joins us to share a look at Juneteenth. And Michael helps to tie in this holiday to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. SHOW NOTES: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-michael-morris-juneteenth

    Justin Nipper | Pickle Fest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2024 8:58


    On today's episode, Justin Nipper, the marketing and events manager at the Ag Museum, gives us a look at Pickle Fest. It's an event that's drawing record interest this year for its brine-soaked celebration of all things pickled. TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-justin-nipper-pickle-fest GUIDE TO PICKLE FEST: https://www.visitjackson.com/pickle-fest/

    Kim Lewis and Phillip Rollins | 601 Jxn Day and Offbeat

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 9:25


    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

    Aseelah Rashid

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 9:03


    In this episode, Aseelah Rashid, the new director of the International Museum of Muslim Cultures in Jackson, Mississippi, discusses the significance of the museum being the first of its kind in America and its role in educating people about Islam and Muslim cultures. TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-aseelah-rasheed

    Hunter Evans

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2024 9:20


    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/

    Soul Sessions Show Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2024 0:35


    This is where you'd normally find a new episode. But, we have a bit of big news that just wasn't ready to share. So, watch this feed on Tuesday, April 23, and, we promise, it's news worth waiting for.

    Kane Ditto + Williams: JXN Planetarium

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2024 9:53


    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

    David Long for Jackson Friends of the Library

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2024 9:35


    In this episode, we talk to David Long, the president of the Jackson Friends of the Library who discusses the importance of promoting libraries and literacy in the city of Jackson. We also talk about the fundraising efforts and community engagement initiatives of the organization and a call to action to get involved and support the Friends of the Library. TRANSCRIPT: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-david-long

    Walt Grayson

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 9:45


    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

    Jackson Food & Wine featuring Amanda FitzGerald, Nick Wallace and Cat Cora

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 8:28


    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.

    Mark Geil and Shon Perryman

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 8:40


    In this episode of Soul Sessions, we explore a collaborative project between Visit Jackson and Jackson State University's art department, a rebranding of local restaurants that provides real-world experience for art students. The project has had a positive impact on the students, allowing them to leave their mark on beloved Jackson institutions Bully's, Sugar's Place and Taste of the Island.

    Cat Cora | JXN Food & Wine

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2024 11:32


    In this episode, our guest is none other than Jackson, Mississippi native and Iron Chef, Cat Cora. Cat returns home on March 2 - and says she can't wait - and talks today about her memories and culinary roots in Jackson.

    Nick Wallace | JXN Food & Wine

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2024 9:58


    In this episode, Chef Nick Wallace discusses the upcoming Jackson Food & Wine Festival and the importance of celebrating Jackson, Mississippi. He also talks about bringing fellow Top Chef contestants to Jackson and the diverse culinary talent in the state.

    Amanda FitzGerald | Jxn Food & Wine

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2024 9:58


    In this episode of Soul Sessions, Amanda FitzGerald of The Local Palate talks about the upcoming JXN Food and Wine Festival. Amanda talks about the chef lineup, the talent from Jackson and surrounding areas, the importance of the event to the capital city, the cuisine and history of Jackson, the partnership with The Local Palate, and more. Transcript: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-amanda-fitzgerald

    Keith Ferguson and WellsFest CARES

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2024 9:34


    In this episode of Soul Sessions, Keith shares the importance of musicians' contributions to the WellsFest community, an upcoming fundraiser for the late Steve Chester and an invitation to support the WellsFest CARES Fund at the Community Foundation for Mississippi. Transcript and additional links: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-keith-ferguson/

    Damien Cavicchi

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2024 9:58


    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.

    Brad Kamikaze Franklin and Jackson Indie Music Week

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2023 9:39


    Today, we're talking to Brad Kamikaze Franklin, the founder of Jackson Indie Music Week, a seven-day music festival that celebrates independent music in Jackson, Mississippi. The conversation covers the origins of the event, its growth and impact, and the recognition of Visit Jackson's contributions to the independent music scene.

    Kaegan Sparks

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2023 9:59


    Kaegan Sparks, the new curator at the Mississippi Museum of Art, talks to us about the significance of their latest exhibition - the final stop on a multi-state tour that focuses on the landscapes of an artist that everyone knows - Pablo Picasso.

    Chief Anu Amen Ra

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2023 9:47


    On this episode, we talk with Chief Anu Amen-Ra – the Sartorial Tobacconist and Season 4 host of Dirty Napkins – to learn how one man shares his family legacy while finding a career in doing something he truly loves.

    Tyler Alford & Eudora's

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2023 9:57


    Eudora's Mississippi Brasserie operating partner, Tyler Alford, explores the origins of his unapologetically fine dining establishment and gives us a background on where he's been and the experience he's bringing to the City with Soul's culinary landscape. https://eudoras.com/ Transcript: https://www.visitjackson.com/blog/soul-sessions-tyler-alford-eudoras

    Dr. Ebony Lumumba

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2023 9:55


    The Phillis Wheatley Poetry Festival, celebrating 50 years since its inception in 1973, is set to take place at Jackson State University. The festival was originally organized by poet Margaret Walker and brought together 30 leading black female authors. The event aimed to celebrate Black women writers and pay homage to Wheatley, the first Black woman to publish a book of poetry in the United States. The festival continues to honor Walker's legacy and will feature both established and emerging Black women writers. Dr. Ebony Lumumba is our guest and hopes to showcase the beauty and creativity of Jackson, Mississippi, and its people during the festival.

    Dr. Clay Hays & The Museum Trail

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2023 9:21


    Today on our show, Dr. Clay Hays, President of Jackson Heart Clinic and Vice Chair of the Jackson Heart Foundation was one of the people instrumental in bringing about the Museum Trail and pushing for its expansion, like this month's Waterworks Connector in the Waterworks Curve.

    Chris Goodwin

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2023 9:57


    Today, we're talking with Chris Goodwin, the special projects manager for the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. He's the man behind History is Lunch and other fascinating programs. And, we've been planning this for so long that Chris has just added more to his plate.

    TC Taylor - Updated Sep 23

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2023 9:06


    Today, we've freshened up and episode - a conversation my colleague Yolanda Clay-Moore has a conversation with the 22nd head coach of the Jackson State University Tigers, TC Taylor. Coach Taylor talks about his lifelong preparation for the job and he recruits players and coaches for the team. And to say the coach understands the gravity of the big shoes he's filling, all that might be an understatement.

    coach taylor tc taylor
    Robert Langford for Operation Shoestring and Wells Fest

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2023 9:53


    Today we're talking WellsFest, the annual family-friendly, alcohol-free event, with food, kids' fun, and a full day of local music. Each year, a local organization benefits from this fundraiser. I'm talking to Robert Langford today, Executive Director of Operation Shoestring, this year's WellsFest charity.

    Mississippi Science Fest 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2023 6:56


    Today on this special edition of the show, we talk to Andrea Patterson about the Mississippi Science Fest weekend, September 14 through 16.

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