Community and Creativity: The Heartbeat of Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
Release Date: 06/12/2024
The Art Of The Jingle With Paul Loomis
Bottled Up
In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen sits down with , founder of and partner at Luminous Sound Studios. Paul Loomis shares his journey from growing up in Washington, D.C., with a musical family to writing iconic jingles, such as "Stanley Steemer." He discusses his switch from dreaming of film composition to building a successful career in advertising music, working fast under tight deadlines, and creating memorable brand music for companies. Andrew Allen and Paul Loomis also discuss how jingles are crafted, the impact of AI on the industry, and offer advice for young musicians....
info_outline
Charity and Podcasting with Jourdan Derouen
Bottled Up
In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen sits down with , owner of , host of his own podcast, and co-founder of Carter's Champions. Jourdan shares his story growing up on the Gulf Coast, how he got into podcasting, and his passion for community service. They dive into the origins of Carter's Champions and the annual , which raises money and awareness for cancer patients. This year, thanks to years of hard work, the event will provide free mammograms through Memorial Hospital. Jourdan also opens up about overcoming personal struggles, the power of failure, and why real connections...
info_outline
With David Lewis
Bottled Up
In this episode of Bottled Up, David Lewis, Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, shares his journey from growing up in Jackson to revitalizing the city’s cultural spaces and leading statewide arts initiatives. David talks about his early love for architecture and community, working on projects like the Welcome to Jackson mural and the renovation of the Mississippi Planetarium. He explains how public art can change city narratives, what it takes to fund creative projects in Mississippi, and how the coast has become a hub for vibrant arts. David also highlights opportunities...
info_outline
From Marketing to Philanthropy: Emily Sham's Community Journey With The Red Cross
Bottled Up
In this episode of Buttoned Up, Andrew Allen talks with Emily Sham, the regional philanthropy officer for the , and shares her journey from Madison, Mississippi, to the Gulf Coast. She discusses her background in marketing and event planning, her impactful work at , and her passion for community engagement. Emily details the Red Cross's diverse efforts, disaster relief, home fire response, blood drives, and military family support, emphasizing the need for local involvement and volunteerism. The conversation highlights the unique spirit of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and ways listeners can...
info_outline
Finding Your Voice and Special Olympics Mississippi with Monica Daniels
Bottled Up
In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with Monica Daniels, Executive Director of . Monica shares her personal journey into the nonprofit world, inspired by her daughter's experience with Magnolia Speech School. She explains how the Special Olympics empowers athletes with intellectual disabilities through competitive sports. She discusses the history of the Special Olympics, its focus on inclusion and unified teams, and highlights how athletes now compete at high levels with dedicated training and support. Monica also talks about the organization's year-round events, the...
info_outline
Inside the Culture of Allen Beverages With Jeff Weatherford and Mike Hinton
Bottled Up
In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen sits down with Mike Hinton and Jeff Weatherford, two longtime leaders at Allen Beverages. With over 50 years of combined experience, they share how they worked their way up from trainees to management, recall how technology and the soft drink business have evolved, and highlight what makes their workplace culture feel like family. From hilarious stories of soda mishaps to practical advice for new hires, Mike and Jeff stress the importance of building relationships, adapting to new challenges, and supporting each other. Whether you’re curious...
info_outline
Family, Community, and Nostalgia: Inside the Frosty Mug with the Gollotts
Bottled Up
In this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen talks with Chris and Payton Gollott, owners of in Wiggins, Mississippi. Chris shares his background growing up in D'Iberville, MS., his lifelong experience in the restaurant industry, and the journey to acquiring The Frosty Mug in December 2023. He discusses balancing tradition with new ideas, improving menu quality, and the importance of maintaining the community's beloved gathering spot. Payton, Chris's son, talks about joining the family business while studying business in college and how the hands-on experience is shaping his future goals....
info_outline
Inside the World of MS Sneaker Culture with Randy Richardson and John Carter
Bottled Up
In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with Randy Richardson and John Carter, co-founders of MS Sneaker Culture. They dive into the world of sneakers, discussing their passion for collecting, trading, and customizing sneakers. Randy talks about his long-time love for sneakers and how he has around 150 pairs in rotation. John shares how he got into sneakers with Randy's influence, now owning about 70 pairs. The episode also explores the origin of MS Sneaker Culture and its fast-growing sneaker conventions. They discuss the details of their events, emphasizing an upscale,...
info_outline
From Family Roots to Radio Waves With Rip Daniels
Bottled Up
In this episode, Andrew Allen chats with Rip Daniels, CEO of WJZD Incorporated. Rip shares his journey from growing up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to becoming a successful entrepreneur and radio station owner. With deep family roots in the area, Rip discusses his family's history of entrepreneurship, which inspired his desire to start his own business. He recounts his early endeavors, from working in construction to becoming an announcer and eventually launching in 1994. Rip emphasizes the importance of community involvement and how the station remains dedicated to serving their local...
info_outline
Infinity and Beyond: Exploring Mississippi's Space Legacy with Michelle Anderson
Bottled Up
In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with , CEO and Executive Director of the . They discuss Michelle's background, including her education and journey to the Science Center. Michelle shares the history and development of the Infinity Science Center, starting from its early days as the Stentosphere to its grand opening in 2012. They talk about the center's relationship with NASA's Stennis Space Center, its major fundraisers, and future plans. Michelle touches on exciting new exhibits and her favorite one. They also highlight the center's role in both public education and...
info_outline
In this episode, Andrew Allen talks with Cindy DeFrances, Executive Director of Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. They delve into the museum's history, community impact, and new additions like a sensory tree house and Mars rover exhibit. Cindy highlights how the museum has grown from an idea in the 1960s to a beloved family destination, attracting over 120,000 visitors annually. They discuss community outreach efforts, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, including "discovery at home kits" and partnerships with local libraries and organizations. Cindy shares her thanks to the Coastal Community for their support, helping to make the museum a vital part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
3 Episode Key Takeaways
1. A Legacy of Learning: Discover how Lynn Meadows has continued to innovate and provide educational fun for generations, from hands-on science exhibits to art and sensory spaces.
2. Growing Community & Resilience: Learn about the museum's remarkable journey, from surviving Hurricane Katrina to expanding its facilities and outreach programs, thanks to community support and partnerships.
3. Accessible Exploration: Explore the various ways Lynn Meadows makes their exhibits accessible, including reduced admission rates for EBT cardholders, free museum passes via library partnerships, and free Friday nights for all families.
Show Overview
02:49 Lynn Meadows Discovery Center’s history dates back to 1960s.
05:09 Idea becomes reality through strong perseverance.
10:04 STEM education grant provides free field trips.
12:14 Community involvement in children's museum design.
17:53 Expanded museum property with new deck, sensory space.
22:18 Support for Discovery Center vital for community growth.
26:35 Supporting local communities with educational programs and resources.
28:23 Providing transportation and access to museum programs.
33:52 Nature, play, and creativity at kids street.
35:02 Museum features unique, interactive, imaginative exhibits.