Just Bluffin’

“This is OUR city.�  This episode of Just Bluffin’ features a bonus episode with Megan May of Backbeat Tours. Megan is such a wealth of Memphis knowledge that we had to dedicate another episode just to her! We cover a variety of fun things to do, see, and eat in the city. She also tells the infamous Elvis story that started his career and discusses how Memphis comes through for one another when we are facing grief.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Creative, and a part of the WYXR Podcast Network. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

“If we really want to change the outcome for Memphis children, we have to support their mothers.�

On this week’s episode, we chat with Lori Jones from the DeNeuville Learning Center for Women about the impact of quality education for women and girls and the importance of an organization like this in Memphis. In this episode, we learn more about DLC’s mission and how their programming improves the lives of all Memphians. Lori also tells us about an African proverb that says, “When you educate a boy or a man you educate an individual. When you educate a girl or a woman, you educate a community.�

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Creative, and a part of the WYXR Podcast Network. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

“In the Bluff City, we just bluffin’.� 

On this week’s episode, Shannon and Cecilia talk to Meka Egwuekwe of Code Crew. He teaches us about the value of a skill like coding and how AI will continue to impact our society. We learn about all the programs and classes available at Code Crew, including a special upcoming program for toddlers. He also talks about his love of the Grizzlies and how it fits into the origin story of Code Crew.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Creative, and a part of the WYXR Podcast Network. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

“You have to go deeper in order to make positive change.�   On this week’s show we talk with Jeremy Park from City Current, a nonprofit in Memphis and Nashville that connects businesses with nonprofits. We chat about volunteerism and the importance of giving back in our community. Jeremy tells us about his time in LA and how playing tennis led him to where he is now.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Creative, and a part of the WYXR Podcast Network. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

“It is a privilege to get to tell people’s stories.�   On this episode of Just Bluffin’ we are joined by The Daily Memphian’s Geoff Calkins. Shannon and Cecilia discuss what it means to be a sports fan in a city like Memphis. Geoff tells us about his family up north, his favorite columns, and why community journalism matters. We learn why Geoff chose to leave sports journalism and how often he writes about sports now.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Creative, and a part of the WYXR Podcast Network. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

We want to make Memphis a good place to live, work and retire.� This week, Shannon, Cecilia, and Sophie chat with Mia Henley from Creative Aging! She explains how creativity and the arts can help older adults thrive during retirement. In our conversation, we discuss Creative Aging's many programs and events, including the often-sold-out theater performances for older adults and its partnership with local arts organizations.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan. Sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications, and a part of the WYXR Podcast Network. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

On today’s episode of Just Bluffin’, we chat with Laird Veatch, the Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at The University of Memphis. He tells us all about the future of Memphis collegiate sports and what is to come for Simmons Bank Memorial Stadium among other exciting development projects. We chat about everything from NIL to his game day routine. Go Tigers Go!

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

"If we got into those neighborhoods and really listened to each other, then we could make some real progress.�

During this week’s show, Shannon and Cecilia are joined by Josh Campbell of Spillit Memphis. He tells us about his love for storytelling and how the Spillit Grand Slam came to be. We discuss the impact of good stories and how storytelling can change communities.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

“We are the world, we are the Memphis.�

On this very special episode of Just Bluffin’, we chat with Al Kapone. The Memphis hip-hop legend gives us an in-depth history of the Memphis sound and the “gangsta walk.� He talks about his start in music and how he was influenced by Stax and other local legends. Cecilia and Al bond over their love of “taking risks� and Shannon nerds out over hip-hop history. He talks about the Memphis Grizzlies and his Hollywood fame, and how 'Whoop That Trick' fits into both. 

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

“What I have noticed about Memphis is people tend to leave and come back because there is space to think and be creative here.�

Shannon and Cecilia are joined by Daiquiri Baptiste from the Orpheum Memphis. We chat about her day-to-day at the Orpheum and how not one day looks the same. She tells us all about her history as a dancer and how it impacts her role today, as well as how Memphis creates and cultivates art in all aspects of our community. 

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

On this episode of Just Bluffin’, we talk with Ciara Neill with LPI Memphis about her academic background that indirectly led her to be the marketing pro she is today. Listen as she shares all the fun details on upcoming events in Overton Square, Broad Avenue Arts District, and all the other LPI entertainment districts that help Memphis thrive.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

“I know in Memphis, we are hard on ourselves on everything that we want to improve, but it's always so great when you see people from other cities just be blown away.�

On this week’s show we chat with Jessica Lotz of Innovate Memphis about the impact of community engagement in Memphis and how Innovate Memphis supports the city. We also talk about how stats and data can help us make important decisions in urban planning, as Jessica shares with us that Innovate Memphis will be creating a special platform for Memphis data.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

It's spooky season in the 901! On this special Halloween episode of Just Bluffin’ we talk with paranormal enthusiast Bill Webb, founder and host of the short wave radio show Memphis Weirdos and local haunted tour guide. He tells us all about Memphis’s spooky history, his most experiences as a paranormal investigator, and how much the yellow fever impacted the city. Listen if you dare!

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

“We have a responsibility to bring Memphis history to an entire new generation of people.�

On this episode of Just Bluffin’ we chat with Meagan May of Backbeat Tours. Meagan tells us all about Memphis history and what makes us the music city of the world. She shares stories about her favorite Memphis landmarks and we learn about the impact of the National Civil Rights Museum.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

“Memphis needs to build up, not out.� This week, we chat with Jackson McNeil from Commute Options about Memphis transportation and our city’s transit and safety needs. He discusses how childhood impacted his love for cities and movement. From city density to bicycling to work and how Memphis is superior to Nashville, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

“Those smaller wins at the neighborhood level are the ones that strengthen Memphis.� This week, we chat with Gwyn Fisher with the Greater Memphis Chamber about the importance of economic development in Memphis. Tune in to learn more about the impact of projects like Blue Oval City and how much fun Memphis is on the weekends.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

“I can only hope that my children experience the spirit of Memphis the same way where we just have such a specific culture.�  

On this week’s episode, we chat with Jared Boyd from WYXR, our favorite local radio station. We discuss Memphis music, culture and a really awesome trip to New York where Jared brought Memphis to New York.  

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

“Memphis is the cultural heartbeat of the world.� 

During this week’s episode, we chat, laugh, and learn with Lar’Juanette Williams from Memphis Black Arts Alliance. We discuss the power of performing arts and its impact in neighborhood communities like the ones in Memphis, TN. She shares stories from her Broadway tour days and we learn all about her role as Effie in Dreamgirls.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

This week we chat with Andrew Arbogast of Arbogast Foods, the creator of Arbo’s Cheese Dip. He tells his incredible story of how his military service transformed into entrepreneurship. We chat about parenthood, the silver linings of life, and the importance of supporting local.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

“We're always working with our economic development team to look at how to revitalize the buildings in downtown.�

Join us for a fun and informational chat with Lauren Bermudez, the Transportation Program Manager for the Downtown Memphis Commission. We discuss the importance of accessible transportation options, the new mobility center coming this summer, and ways to get around Memphis.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

“Art is a very powerful thing. It's a tool, but it's a powerful one.�  

On this week’s episode of Just Bluffin’ we chat with the lovely and talented Jazmin Miller from Carpenter Art Garden. She serves as the Executive Director and helps the children of Binghampton grow through artistic abilities. We discuss the power of art and the importance of creativity.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

“Our goal was to bring people back to Memphis.�

Join us for a very special episode with Cecilia’s Dad, Chris Fay and also Chris Carr from C.A.T Global. Just in time for National Logistics Day, We discuss the importance of logistics in the city of Memphis, generating a good workforce and some cool Memphis memories.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

“We want to make a measurable, tangible difference in the lives of the community's most vulnerable people.� 

This week, just before Juneteenth, we spoke with Wendi Thomas from MLK50, a nonprofit news outlet in Memphis focused on the intersection of poverty, power and policy. We discuss her 2019 investigative project, the Memphis housing crisis, the power of journalism, and her love of attending Grizzlies games with her dad.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

"I think we have to, we have to open our hearts and we have to open our mouths and we have to make ourselves heard and understood by other people."

Just in time for Pride Month, we chat with Molly Quinn about her role at OUTMemphis and how the organization is working against the new state legislation here in TN. She also gives us a glimpse into her former New York life and how her love for writing translated into a love for helping people.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

"Just spark curiosity, and we will get a lot of good work done."- Leigh Mansburg   This week, just before JA Inspire, we spoke with the amazing Leigh Mansburg of Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Midsouth. In this episode, we discuss what Junior Achievement means to Memphis, the new Biztown and JA building, and how JA Inspire will help shape the future generation of our city.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.

“Tourists want to go where the locals go� – George Abbott, Director of External Affairs, Memphis River Parks

Join us for an amazing conversation where we get to hear firsthand how Abbott led the $61 million transformation of Tom Lee Park on the bluff of the Mighty Mississippi River.. In this episode, we chat about the new and improved Tom Lee Park, Memphis in May, and how much the park will benefit Memphians, the local tourism industry and the city as a whole.

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Just Bluffin’ is a Campfire Collective podcast co-hosted by Shannon Briggs and Cecilia Fay. It’s produced by Sophie Townsend and Mackenzie Grannan and sponsored by Cecilia Fay Communications. The podcast is recorded in-studio at the University of Memphis in partnership with the Meeman Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Artwork by Elizabeth Berglund. Music is by local Memphis musician and PR professional Jeff Hulett and audio editing is by Keep It 100 Productions. Photos by Erica Haskett.