The Talk Chamber

Barr Brands: 80 Years of Memphis-Made Innovation and Employee Ownership

In this episode, Scott Beal and Joe Lyons of Barr Brands discuss the company’s 80-year history, its evolution from solvent-maker to a house of consumer brands, and its growth strategy through acquisitions and innovation. They also explain Barr’s 30-year ESOP, share powerful employee stories about long-term wealth creation, and describe why Barr chooses to stay and invest in Memphis.

Paper with Purpose featuring Neki Catron

Neki Catron, Sylvamo’s Corporate Global Community Engagement Manager, discusses the company’s roots, mission, and deep commitment to Memphis.
The episode highlights Sylvamo’s values-driven community investment—especially literacy and education partnerships—and spotlights the Reading Is Fundamental 60th anniversary kickoff event in Memphis at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.

Avoiding Complacency & Fueling Growth with Josh Brown

Josh Brown, President and CEO of the Tennessee Chamber, discusses Tennessee’s competitive strengths while warning against complacency. He highlights recent policy wins, the push for nuclear energy, and statewide workforce improvements. Brown explains the role regional hubs like Memphis play in logistics, healthcare, and as cultural centers. He stresses the importance of collaboration among local chambers, trade groups, and policymakers to keep Tennessee growing and competitive. 

Thriving Business with Mark Halperin

This week on The Talk Chamber, Mark Halperin joins Taylor Ann as they discuss Boyle Investment Company's long history in Memphis. Mark talks about what makes a company not just survive but thrive. He shares why Memphis is a great place to live and work, and why he chose to stay in Memphis.

Memphis on the Main Stage with Jay B

Jay B, a Memphis-born radio programmer, DJ, and co-founder of WYXR, discusses his journey from local journalism to curating Memphis music at South by Southwest. He highlights the city’s deep musical legacy, his DJ sets, and his work showcasing Memphis artists on an international stage.
JB explains how music becomes a bridge to economic opportunity and cultural tourism, inviting listeners to visit Memphis, support local scenes, and consider the city and region for future investment and collaboration.

The Power of Ambassadors with Whitney Jo

In this episode Whitney Jo, managing director of Playhouse on the Square, shares her 33-year Memphis story and explains her role as a Greater Memphis Chamber ambassador, celebrating new and long-standing local businesses through ribbon cuttings and community outreach.
She discusses how the Chamber supports small businesses and nonprofits, the power of positive community voices, and encourages listeners to explore and support Memphis arts and mom-and-pop shops.

Memphis Takes on Austin with Ted Townsend

Ted Townsend, president and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber, explains why Memphis shows up at South by Southwest, how the Tennessee House showcases the city’s music, culture, and growing tech scene, and how brief encounters can spark business attraction and investment.The episode highlights Memphis’s momentum in AI, partnerships at SXSW (including a panel at the Ireland House), and the city’s strategy to reshape its narrative and attract startups, visitors, and investors.

For Memphis with Duncan Williams

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Greater Memphis Chamber, Duncan Williams, returns on this episode of The Talk Chamber. He and Taylor Ann discuss the Memphis narrative and Duncan's new "For Memphis" initiative. Duncan sends a weekly email that shares good Memphis news. He challenged recipients of the email to share it with 100 other people and continue to share the good news. Hear how Duncan's changing the Memphis narrative on this episode.
 
Sign up for the FOR MEMPHIS newsletter: https://forms.office.com/r/Fh9GJrumbq
See previous editions of FOR MEMPHIS: https://memphischamber.com/blog/ 

Music Unites with Pat Mitchell Worley

This week, Pat Mitchell Worley, CEO of The Soulsville Foundation, sits down with Taylor Ann Carpenter on The Talk Chamber. They talk about her journey to her role as CEO and why music matters to Memphis. Tune in to hear her insights on Memphis music.
 
 
For more information of the Soulsville Foundation visit: https://soulsvillefoundation.org/
 

Empower & Impact with YPC Chairs

This episode of The Talk Chamber features two incredible young professionals, Lionel Davis and Maria Rios. Lionel and Maria are the Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of our Young Professionals Council. They both have passion for Memphis and the growth of our young professional community. Tune in to this episode to hear about the future of YPC and the future of Memphis.