Meka Egwuekwe’s journey into computer science began with a Texas Instruments home computer, which ignited his passion for coding during his youth in South Memphis. Decades later, Meka has a master’s degree from Duke University and nearly twenty years of experience as a software architect for Fortune 500 companies. In 2015, Meka co-founded Code Crew to fill the void of tech opportunities for Memphis’ under-represented youth.

Meet a multi-talented, multi-hyphenated Memphis changemaker! Andrew Arbogast of Arbogast Foods is a combat veteran, a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, and the creator of Arbo’s Cheese Dip. In 2022, he was named one of Memphis Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 business leaders and received  MBJ’s Emerging Entrepreneur Award. A husband and father of two, Andrew wears a lot of hats, but says he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Theatre artist and filmmaker Jazmin “Jazzy” Miller has embraced her role as the Executive Director of the non-profit Carpenter Art Garden. A native of Memphis, Jazzy is an advocate for racial justice and social change. She conducted extensive biographical research on Sojourner Truth and wrote a one-woman play on her life, Journey of Truth, which Jazzy performed across the United States, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. At the time of our podcast, she was working on a documentary film, Jonesland, and was featured on two episodes of Monument Lab's podcast Plot of Land. She is a member of the board of directors of St. Paul Catholic School and Crosstown High School. 

A native of Memphis, musician Al Kapone follows in the footsteps of the greats from STAX, Hi Records, and more. He developed a new Southern hip-hop sound that would later become the Southern rap standard. But outside of groups like Three 6 Mafia, Eightball & MJG, and Yo Gotti, Al went unnoticed by the rest of the country until Craig Brewer and John Singleton’s cult classic film Hustle and Flow. Al wrote and produced three songs for the film and soundtrack, winning a Critic’s Choice Award for the Hustle and Flow theme song It Ain’t Over. His signature composition Whoop That Trick has become one of the most memorable crunk songs of all time.

The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County has been a compassionate force in the community since 1933, dedicated to rescuing and caring for animals in need. From offering medical care and rehabilitation to homeless animals to educating future animal advocates, their work is essential to preventing cruelty and promoting responsible pet ownership.

Carpenter Art Garden began in July 2012 with the transformation of a single blighted lot into an outdoor art classroom for Binghampton children.

Since then, a growing number of neighbors, Memphis artists, and volunteers have worked to build and expand the nonprofit into a creative safe haven for Binghampton kids. Over a decade later, Carpenter Art Garden remains an inspirational outdoor space where children gather to create art, experience performances, and build relationships – all at no cost.

We talked to Jazmin “Jazzy” Miller, CAG’s former Executive Director, about the history, vision, and future of this unique organization.

Today, the Overton Park Shell is one of the only Depression-era bandshells still active, and has hosted local artists and international legends alike. Through the Orion Free Concert Series, the Shell on Wheels, and annual ticketed programming, the Overton Park Shell continues to be a leader in providing performing arts to the Memphis community. We talked to Natalie Wilson, the Overton Park Shell’s Executive Director, about the Overton Park Shell’s storied past and vibrant future.

As a nonprofit subsidiary of Memphis Tourism, Welcome to Memphis aims to support, train, and recognize the 15,000 workers that make up the Memphis hospitality industry. 

We spoke to Marcus Cox, Executive Director of Welcome to Memphis, who works to make sure that every guest-facing hospitality worker gives our city’s visitors the best of us, every time. 

As a nonprofit export office for Memphis music, Music Export Memphis creates opportunities for Memphis artists to showcase their music outside the 901, building their careers and building our city’s international reputation as a contemporary music destination.

We talked to Elizabeth Cawein, Executive Director of Music Export Memphis, about the organization’s work supporting Memphis musicians and shaping opportunities for the future. 

Lucy J’s Bakery opened in 2018 as a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing job training and living wage employment for parents who have lived – or who currently live — at the Dorothy Day House (DDH). The faith-based shelter provides temporary housing and support for unhoused families.

On Episode 25 of Just Bluffin’, we talked with Lori Jones of DeNeuville Learning Center for Women (DLC), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women to improve their lives through education and community. Lori has served as the Executive Director of DLC since 2013.

As River City Capital’s President, Ron Brooks is passionate about maximizing the potential of all community members by providing sustainable access to resources.

Lakeisha Edwards brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to creativity and cultural enrichment to her role as the Executive Director of the Urban Art Commission (UAC). A graduate of the University of Memphis, Lakeisha holds bachelor’s degrees in social work and psychology. She has demonstrated her dedication to community development throughout her career, including ten years of service culminating as the Operations Manager for Shelby County’s Child Support Services. 

On Episode 13 of Just Bluffin’, we chatted with Meagan May of Backbeat Tours.  A lifelong, fifth-generation Memphian, Meagan attended college at Delta State University, graduating in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in English. After being accepted and attending orientation at the University of Memphis law school, she decided to change course.

Celebrating over 13 years of original theatrical productions, Friends of George’s is a non-profit LGTBQ+ theatre company with strong ties to the Memphis community. 

As part of the Theatreworks family of resident companies, Friends of George’s calls Evergreen Theatre home. Dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, each of their shows benefits a local non-profit organization.

Lauren Bermudez works as the Transportation Program Manager at the Downtown Memphis Commission.

Her work focuses on ways to add mobility options to everyday life in Memphis and how to creatively reduce parking demand downtown. Lauren’s projects include sidewalk improvement, parking-demand management strategies, electric vehicle infrastructure, bicycle education programs, and more! 

Memphians interested in finding fun, safe, and easy alternatives to their single-occupancy vehicle commutes have a wonderful ally in Commute Options! An initiative of Innovate Memphis, Commute Options serves as a resource to improve the choice to use public transportation, rideshare, bicycling, and walking to work or school.

Geoff Calkins grew up as the eighth of nine children on a small farm outside of Buffalo, New York. A Magna Cum Laude graduate from Harvard College and Harvard Law School, he practiced law in Washington, D.C. for three years before deciding at 31 to switch to being a sports columnist for more fun and impact.