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Bigger Pie Forum Podcast

Promoting market-driven economic growth for a bigger and brighter Mississippi

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The Next Generation's Case for Mississippi

Is Mississippi really losing its best and brightest, or is a different story beginning to emerge? In this episode of the Bigger Pie Forum Podcast, host Rebecca Staples brings together three young professional women to discuss why they chose to build their careers in Mississippi instead of leaving the state. From mentorship and entrepreneurship to career opportunities, quality of life, and…

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Don't Let Mississippi Get Hot: Building the Next Generation of Leaders

Can Mississippi turn brain drain into brain gain? In this episode of the Bigger Pie Forum Podcast, Rebekah Staples sits down with Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson, Student Ambassador Hattie Heindel, and Communications Coordinator Elena Magliola to discuss why young leaders choose to stay, serve, and build their futures in Mississippi. From mentorship and leadership development to…

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Brain Drain or Brain Gain? Why Mississippi's Young Leaders Are Staying

What if Mississippi isn't a place you have to leave to succeed? In this episode of Bigger Pie Forum, a new generation of leaders shares why they chose to return home—and how they're thinking about jobs, innovation, affordability, and long-term impact. It's a candid, hopeful conversation about redefining success and building something meaningful right where you are.

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The Fight to Bring More Home Health Options to Mississippi

What happens when a 45-year-old law blocks innovation in health care? In this reunion episode of the Bigger Pie Forum podcast, host sits down again with physical therapist Butch Slaughter and attorney Aaron Rice to revisit a legal battle years in the making. During the height of COVID, Butch sought to open a home health agency to serve patients in their homes—only to discover that a decades-old…

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2000 Residents, One Street, and a Chance to Save Jackson

Downtown Jackson is at a tipping point. Liz Brister, head of Downtown Jackson Partners, and her husband Bill—a retired finance professor—sit down with Wyatt Emmerich to talk population decline, property redevelopment, safety perceptions, and why one vibrant street could change everything. Hear how private developers, state leaders, and grassroots efforts are aligning for the first time in…

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Threading the American Dream: Deepa's Fight for Freedom and Business in Mississippi

In 2019, Deepa's eyebrow threading business was shut down by Mississippi's cosmetology board for not having a license to practice a skill they didn't even teach. Six years later, she's thriving with multiple locations—and a landmark legal victory behind her. Hear the full story of how Deepa, alongside Aaron Rice, took on state regulations, rewrote the law, and is now empowering other women as…

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From Chick-fil-A to City Hall: Zach Servis' Bold Mission for Jackson

Zach Servis isn't your typical political candidate. In this Bigger Pie Forum conversation, he unpacks his journey from Fort Worth to Jackson, blending music, ministry, and entrepreneurship with a deep sense of public duty. With four children, a booming sourdough business at home, and a nonprofit in motion, Zach's vision for Jackson centers on systems reform, civic education, and faith-based…

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COVID, Health Equity, and the Mississippi We Face: A Conversation with Dr. Thomas Dobbs

Dr. Thomas Dobbs, former Mississippi State Health Officer and current Dean at the John D. Bower School of Population Health, shares candid insights from the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the early fears of system collapse to evolving views on masks, vaccines, and misinformation, Dr. Dobbs reflects on what Mississippi got right—and what still needs work. The conversation spans…

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Celebrating Laurel, Mississippi: A Community of Tradition, Innovation, and Charm | Part 3

Rebecca Staples and Hope Newsome Staples continues they conversation as they explore the vibrant community of Laurel, Mississippi. In this episode, they delve into the town's rich cultural events, such as the renowned Lauren Rogers Museum Gala and Pancake Day, and discuss the town's unique architectural heritage. They celebrate the local arts scene, highlighting notable artists like Mark Landis…

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Celebrating Laurel, Mississippi: A Legacy of Innovation, Art, and Community Spirit | Part 2

Join Rebecca Staples and Hope Newsome Staples, guest podcasters for Bigger Pie Forum, as they continue they conversation and delve into the rich tapestry of Laurel, Mississippi's history of innovation and community spirit. Broadcasting from the heart of the Pine Belt, they explore the town's notable contributions to industry, from the revolutionary Lindsay wagon to the globally recognized Masonite…

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