Cuisine, Heritage, and Adaptability in Chef Eaton's Kitchen: Part 2
Release Date: 01/30/2024
The Next Generation's Case for Mississippi
Bigger Pie Forum Podcast
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 community, the conversation explores what attracts young talent—and what it will take to keep the next generation here. Whether you're a student, business leader, policymaker, or someone considering a move...
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Don't Let Mississippi Get Hot: Building the Next Generation of Leaders
Bigger Pie Forum Podcast
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 affordability, community, and opportunity, the conversation highlights what makes the state unique—and why its best days may still be ahead.
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Brain Drain or Brain Gain? Why Mississippi’s Young Leaders Are Staying
Bigger Pie Forum Podcast
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
Bigger Pie Forum Podcast
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 certificate of need law and an overlooked moratorium made it virtually impossible. What followed was a constitutional challenge that led to a federal court ruling striking down Mississippi’s 45-year...
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2000 Residents, One Street, and a Chance to Save Jackson
Bigger Pie Forum Podcast
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 years—and what still needs to happen to make this comeback real.
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Threading the American Dream: Deepa’s Fight for Freedom and Business in Mississippi
Bigger Pie Forum Podcast
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 business owners across the South.
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From Chick-fil-A to City Hall: Zach Servis’ Bold Mission for Jackson
Bigger Pie Forum Podcast
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 accountability. Whether you agree or not, you’ll be challenged to think differently.
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COVID, Health Equity, and the Mississippi We Face: A Conversation with Dr. Thomas Dobbs
Bigger Pie Forum Podcast
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 everything from rising syphilis cases and tuberculosis to food deserts, obesity, autism research, and the social determinants of health. It’s an honest and enlightening look at the systemic challenges and...
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Celebrating Laurel, Mississippi: A Community of Tradition, Innovation, and Charm | Part 3
Bigger Pie Forum Podcast
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 and Adam Trest, and share personal anecdotes about the impact of HGTV's "Hometown" on the community. This episode encapsulates Laurel's spirit of independence, innovation, and community pride, inviting...
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Celebrating Laurel, Mississippi: A Legacy of Innovation, Art, and Community Spirit | Part 2
Bigger Pie Forum Podcast
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 board. Discover the stories behind major employers like Howard Industries and Sanderson Farms, and their impact on the local and national economy. This episode also highlights the cultural gem of...
info_outlineAs we continue our conversation with the mastermind behind Applos Restaurant, Alex Eaton , we explore the evolution of the dining experience to include fast fine dining and the addition of a family-friendly courtyard. This shift not only accommodates the growing demand for to-go orders but also caters to a younger audience, proving that innovation and adaptability are the true spices of life in the culinary industry. Tune in to hear how Alex and his team have redefined dining in the post-pandemic world, ensuring that the restaurant continues to be a place where families and food lovers alike can find both comfort and excitement on their plates.