The show is hosted by Visit Jackson’s Director of Destination Storytelling, Paul Wolf, with Visit Jackson Director of External Affairs, Partnerships and Alliances, Yolanda Clay-Moore occasionally hosting conversations.
Uncover the stories of Jackson's changemakers, bringing them to life in short, easy-to-digest episodes that reveal what makes this city truly special.
Launched officially in February 2020, Soul Sessions explores the heart of Jackson's culture through engaging conversations, dropping twice a month on various podcast platforms. Tune in and immerse yourself in the soulful essence of this incredible city.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Rochelle Hicks, Katie Coats and Mona Nicholas | Tournament of Roses Parade
On today's show, we're talking about Mississippi's return to the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Kayla Thompson
On today's show, we're talking with WJTV's Kayla Thompson, who turned a scary moment in Tupelo into a career-defining revelation.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Ally Durr | Singer-Songwriter
On today's show, we sit down with Ally Durr, visual designer by day, soulful musician by calling.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Blaine Wade | National Folk Festival
On today's show, Blaine Wade, the president and CEO of the National Council for the Traditional Arts, joins us to talk about the National Folk Festival, coming to Jackson for a three…
Soul Sessions Podcast: John Evans | Lemuria Books
On today's show, we're sitting down with John Evans, the man behind Lemuria Books, one of the South's most beloved independent bookstores.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Liz Brister | Downtown Jackson Partners
On today's show, we're talking with Liz Brister, the dynamo president of Downtown Jackson Partners who's been leading the charge to change perceptions about our capital city's core since February.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Dr. Tonja Murphy | MS Book Festival
On today's show, we're talking with Dr. Tonja Murphy, the Community Engagement Director for the Mississippi Book Festival, about what she calls their Super Bowl, the annual literary lawn party happening September…
Soul Sessions Podcast: Alex Davis | HBCU Labor Day Classic
On today's show, Alex Davis is the visionary behind the HBCU Labor Day Classic Battle of the Bands.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Sade Meeks | Growing Resilience in the South (GRITS)
On today's show, we're talking with Sade Meeks, a registered dietitian and founder of Growing Resilience in the South—GRITS—an organization fighting for food justice here in Mississippi.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Alexis Noble | Vibe Studio
On today's show, we're talking with Alexis Noble, the powerhouse gallery owner and creative director who's transforming an unexpected location in a University Boulevard shopping center into Jackson's creative hub.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Thabi Moyo | National Folk Festival
On today's show, we're talking with Thabi Moyo, the local director for the National Folk Festival, coming to Jackson November 7th through 9th.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Maya Kyles | Musician
On today's show, we talk with Maya Kyles, a dynamic drummer and Jackson native who's carved out her own space in the city's vibrant music scene.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Gerry Wilson | Author
On today's show, we’re sitting down with Jackson author Gerry Wilson, who published her first novel at age 82.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Michelle McAdoo | Mississippi Blues Trail, Chicago Blues Festival and Jesse Robinson
On today's show, we’re celebrating the roots and rhythms of Mississippi blues and its powerful connection to the Chicago Blues Festival with Visit Mississippi’s Michelle McAdoo.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Austin Evans and Richard Patrick | Cathead Distillery
On today's show, we're catching up with Austin Evans and Richard Patrick, co-founders of Cathead Distillery.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Kimberlee Cooper | Mississippi Makers Fest
On today's show, Yolanda Clay Moore is catching up with Kimberlee Cooper from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the organization behind Mississippi Makers Fest, a free family friendly celebration of…
Soul Sessions Podcast: Mauren Scott | Metro Master Gardeners Association
On today's show, we're talking with Maureen Scott, a certified Master Gardener and member of the Metro Master Gardeners.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Ryan Parker | Stranger Than Fiction Film Fest
On today's show, we're talking with Ryan Parker, the executive director of the Mississippi Film Society, bringing Hollywood to Mississippi's capital city.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Anna Traylor | Eudora Welty House & Garden
Think great writers are all serious business? Not in Jackson, where literary legend Eudora Welty left her mark with both brilliance and playful spirit!
Soul Sessions Podcast: Amanda FitzGerald | JXN Food & Wine
On today's show, we're dishing with Amanda FitzGerald from The Local Palate about the much-anticipated JXN Food & Wine Festival, where over 30 chefs from across the South will bring their unique…
Soul Sessions Podcast: Eddie Wright | Eddie Wright BBQ
Sometimes losing your tech job leads you straight to your calling – just ask the man who turned his weekend hobby into Jackson's hottest food truck.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Chef Enrika Williams | Fauna Foodworks
From Beatles-inspired dishes to family-style feasts, Chef Enrika Williams proves that nostalgia can be deliciously innovative.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Chaz Lindsay | Rowan’s
When life gives you donut shops, make a dive bar! On today's show, restaurateur Chaz Lindsay takes us inside his newest venture, Rowan's - a neighborhood pub that's 'family-friendly by day, a…
Soul Sessions Podcast: Trey Malone | Northshore Specialty Roasters
Think coffee is just a quick caffeine fix? Think again—it's an art, a science, and a connection to the world around us.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Dr. Roderick Little and Katie Coats | 2025 Rose Parade
In this episode of Soul Sessions, we celebrate Mississippi's cultural spotlight at the Tournament of Roses Parade.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Sharbreon Plummer | MS Museum of Art
In this episode of Soul Sessions, host Paul Wolf talks with guest curator Sharbreon Plummer to explore the Mississippi Museum of Art's exhibition 'Of Salt and Spirit: Black Quilters in the American…
Soul Sessions Podcast: Lynsie Armstrong | Capital City Lights
In this episode of Soul Sessions, host Paul Wolf speaks with Lynsie Armstrong, the event coordinator for Capital City Lights, a holiday event in downtown Jackson, Mississippi on December 6, 2024.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Douglas Strahan Loftin and Carter White Hood | Mistletoe Marketplace
On today's show, we talk Mistletoe Marketplace, organized annually by the Junior League of Jackson.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Sophie McNeil Wolf | Community Foundation for Mississippi
On today's show, Sophie McNeil Wolf, APR, the Director of Communications and Insights for the Community Foundation for Mississippi, is my guest.
Soul Sessions Podcast: George Gillespie | Wing Mouth
On today's show, Belhaven residents George and Ann Elizabeth Gillespie just opened Wing Mouth at Belhaven Town Center, a simple concept that specializes in wings, tenders and fries.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Nellie Neal | Fondren Bottle Tree & Garden Tour
On today's episode, the Garden Mama, Nellie Neal talks about the upcoming Fondren Garden and Bottle Tree Tour and the importance of community in gardening, innovative practices in Jackson, and advice for…
Soul Sessions Podcast: Conner Reeves | Belhaven’s Bright Lights
On today's episode, we talk to Conner Reeves about Belhaven's Bright Lights, a celebration of the artisans, musicians and creators of the Greater Belhaven neighborhood that features music, food, and local vendors.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Ellen Daniels | MS Book Festival
Today, Ellen Daniels, the executive director of the Mississippi Book Festival, discusses the ten-year-old festival's history and what makes it special.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Noah Saterstrom | What Became of Dr. Smith
On today’s episode, artist Noah Saterstrom discusses his exhibition 'What Became of Dr. Smith' at the Mississippi Museum of Art and how his curiosity led him to uncover his great grandfather's story…
Soul Sessions Podcast: Yolanda Singleton | Xperience JXN
On today’s episode, Yolanda Singleton, President and CEO of Xperience JXN, discusses her role as a promoter, community advocate, and trendsetter in bringing entertainment to Jackson, Mississippi.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Ayana Jones | Freedom Summer
On today’s episode, the Two Mississippi Museums’ Ayana Jones helps give context to Freedom Summer, where over 700 mainly white volunteers came to our state and teamed up with African Americans for…
Soul Sessions Podcast: Michael Morris | Juneteenth 2024
On today's episode, Two Mississippi Museums’ Executive Director Michael Morris joins us to share a look at Juneteenth.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Justin Nipper | Pickle Fest
On today's episode, Justin Nipper, the marketing and events manager at the Ag Museum, gives us a look at Pickle Fest.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Phillip Rollins and Kim Lewis
In this episode, we're celebrating local businesses and events - Offbeat's 10-year anniversary and the upcoming 601JXN Day celebration.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Aseelah Rashid
In this episode, Aseelah Rashid, the new director of the International Museum of Muslim Cultures in Jackson, Mississippi, discusses the significance of the museum being the first of its kind in America…
Soul Sessions Podcast: Hunter Evans
In this episode, Elvie's Chef Hunter Evans, a James Beard finalist, discusses his nomination and his plans for a classic Jackson restaurant.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Kane Ditto + Mike Williams — JXN Planetarium
In this episode, Mayor Kane Ditto and Mike Williams discuss the history of the JXN Planetarium, the new design, and the challenges and triumphs of fundraising.
Soul Sessions Podcast: David Long for Jackson Friends of the Library
In this episode, we talk to David Long, the president of the Jackson Friends of the Library who discusses the importance of promoting libraries and literacy in the city of Jackson.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Walt Grayson
In this episode of Soul Sessions, Yolanda Clay-Moore interviews Walt Grayson, a veteran television and radio personality in Mississippi and Grand Marshal of this year's Hal's St. Paddy's Parade.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Mark Geil and Shon Perryman
In this episode of Soul Sessions, we explore a collaborative project between Visit Jackson and Jackson State University's art department, a rebranding of local restaurants that provides real-world experience for art students.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Cat Cora
In this episode, our guest is none other than Jackson, Mississippi native and Iron Chef, Cat Cora. Cora returns home on March 2 - and says she can't wait - and talks…
Soul Sessions Podcast: Nick Wallace
In this episode, Chef Nick Wallace discusses the upcoming Jackson Food & Wine Festival and the importance of celebrating Jackson, Mississippi.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Amanda Fitzgerald
In this episode of Soul Sessions, Amanda FitzGerald of The Local Palate talks about the upcoming JXN Food and Wine Festival.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Keith Ferguson
In this episode of Soul Sessions, Keith Ferguson discusses WellsFest CARES, a fundraising effort that supports musicians with their life needs.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Damien Cavicchi
In this episode of Soul Sessions, Hal & Mal's and Campbell's Bakery Chef Damien Cavicchi discusses his love for storytelling through food and how he draws inspiration from his travels and the…
Soul Sessions Podcast: Brad “Kamikaze” Franklin
Today, we're talking to Brad Kamikaze Franklin, the founder of Jackson Indie Music Week, a seven-day music festival that celebrates independent music in Jackson, Mississippi.
Soul Sessions Podcast: MS Museum of Art’s Kaegan Sparks
Kaegan Sparks, the new curator at the Mississippi Museum of Art, talks to us about the significance of their latest exhibition - the final stop on a multi-state tour that focuses on…
Soul Sessions Podcast: Chief Añu Amen-Rá
On this Native American Heritage Day, we talk with Chief Anu Amen-Rá, the Sartorial Tobacconist, and season four host of Dirty Napkins.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Dr. Ebony Lumumba
Today, Yolanda Clay-Moore is in conversation with Jackson's First Lady and Jackson State University English professor, Dr. Ebony Lumumba.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Dr. Clay Hays and the Museum Trail
Today on our show, Dr. Clay Hays, President of Jackson Heart Clinic and Vice Chair of the Jackson Heart Foundation was one of the people instrumental in bringing about the Museum Trail…
Soul Sessions Podcast: Chris Goodwin
Today, we’re talking with Chris Goodwin, the special projects manager for the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Robert Langford (Operation Shoestring & WellsFest)
Today we're talking WellsFest, the annual family friendly, alcohol-free event, with food, kids' fun, and a full day of local music.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Mississippi Science Fest
Today on this special edition of the show, we talk to Andrea Patterson about the Mississippi Science Fest weekend, September 14 through 16.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Ryan Parker & Mississippi Film Society
Today, we're talking with Ryan Parker, a Jackson-based publicist and promoter for TV and film.
Soul Sessions Podcast: De Shannon Williams and Food Truck Friday at Smith Park
Today, De Shannon Williams is one of the owners of Smokey's Meal on Wheels food truck, and she's an organizer of Food Truck Fridays, which have returned to Smith Park in downtown…
Soul Sessions Podcast: Jesse Thompson and the Jackson Music Awards
Today on Soul Sessions, Jesse Thompson shares with us his legacy - three award shows and even more to come, and he says he's ready to give it another 50 years.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Stephen Brown
Today on Soul Sessions, Stephen Brown, aka 5th Child, talks making music in Jackson, and how a pandemic eyesore has turned into a mission in his North Jackson neighborhood.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Pulito Osteria
Today on Soul Sessions, we're talking with Chef Chaz Lindsay and General Manager Jonathan Webb of Pulito Osteria at the Belhaven Town Center.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Pam Junior & Juneteenth 2023
Today on Soul Sessions, we'll revisit a conversation I had last summer with Two Mississippi Museums director Pamela D.C. Junior to learn more of about the significance of Juneteenth - plus get…
Soul Sessions Podcast: Mona Nicholas & USAIBC
Today on Soul Sessions, we hear from USAIBC Executive Director, Mona Nicholas, who's joining us to talk about the two-week ballet competition, held here every four years in the City With Soul.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Mississippi Makers Fest
Today on Soul Sessions, we're talking to Tori Rice, the organizer for the Mississippi Makers Fest, their second annual all-day event putting Mississippi on full display.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Dr. Nashlie Sephus
Today on Soul Sessions, we visit with the founder of the Bean Path, applied science manager for Amazon artificial intelligence, and founder of the Jxn Tech District, tech evangelist, Dr. Nashlie Sephus.
Soul Sessions Podcast: JSU Coach TC Taylor
Today on Soul Sessions, we update a conversation with the 22nd head coach of the Jackson State University Tigers, TC Taylor.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Emily Pote
Today on Soul Sessions, we're taking you to Belhaven Town Center and one of the most unique retailers this city has ever seen.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Abram Orlansky & Jewish Cinema Mississippi
Today on Soul Sessions, we chat with president of the Beth Israel Congregation and Co-Chair of Jewish Cinema Mississippi, Abram Orlansky.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Kam Ridley
Mississippi Humanities Council Communications Director Kam Ridley is our guest.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Keena Graham
It's been almost 60 years since civil rights leader Medgar Evers was gunned down in his Jackson driveway.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Mary Rooks
On today's show, Mary Rooks is a mom of four who once had her sights set on being a geologist in Alaska.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Garrad Lee & Priced to Move
On today's show, Garrad Lee is one of the organizers of Priced to Move, happening this weekend at Fertile Ground Beer Company in Belhaven.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Tim Walker & the Belhaven Singing Christmas Tree
On today's show, Tim Walker, Director of Choral Arts, here to talk about the 90th Annual Belhaven University Singing Christmas Tree.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Jim Beaugez
On this episode, content marketer and freelance music writer Jim Beaugez is here.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Christina Spann
On today's show, she's the community liaison for the Jackson Bicentennial Celebration, a podcast host, and gal about town - Christina Spann.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Conner Reeves for Fertile Ground Beer Co.
On today's show, Conner Reeves is one of the founding partners of Fertile Ground Beer Company, a tap room and brewery located at the Belhaven Town Center in Jackson's Belhaven neighborhood.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Kim Lewis for ‘Coming Home With Pride’
On today's show, Kim Lewis is the destination development manager for Visit Jackson and a board member of Mississippi Capital City Pride.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Rev. Chris Cumbest and Kathy Clem Talk WellsFest
On today's show the Reverend Chris Cumbest, pastor at Wells United Methodist Church, and Kathy Clem, the Executive Director of the Good Samaritan Center, talk to us about WellsFest, the annual family…
Soul Sessions Podcast: MS Science Fest’s Andrea Patterson
On today's show, Andrea Patterson is here to tell us about the Mississippi Science Fest coming up September 17.
Soul Sessions Podcast: JSU’s Terrance Jones
On today's show, Terrence Jones is the assistant athletic director of external operations and stadium management for Jackson State University.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Gray Welch’s Poppy Pies
On this episode, Gray Welch is the owner of Poppy Pies, a popup oven fired pizza venture specializing in Neapolitan style crust and creative flavor combinations.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Ellen Daniels
On this episode, Ellen Rodgers Daniels is the Executive Director of the Mississippi Book Festival, happening August 20.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Carla Hall
On this special episode, Chef Carla Hall is best known as the co-host of Emmy award-winning series “The Chew” and her appearances on Bravo’s Top Chef and Top Chef All-Stars.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Michael Morris
On today’s show, Director of Public Engagement from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Michael Morris.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Fabian Nelson
On today’s show, Fabian Nelson is a real estate broker, a dad and a board member of Capital City Pride, advocating for the LGBTQ+ community in Jackson.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Pamela DC Junior
On today’s show, we visit with the Director of the Two Mississippi Museums, Pamela DC Junior.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Patrick Harkins
On today’s show, we speak with Patrick Harkins, a musician and owner of instrument and lesson shop and venue Fondren Guitars in Jackson’s Fondren neighborhood.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Dr. Robby Luckett
On this episode, we hear from Dr. Robby Luckett, professor for the Department of History, Director for the Margaret Walker Center, and the Director of the COFO Civil Rights Education Center at…
Soul Sessions Podcast: Chuck Nix
On today's episode, we talk with sommelier and wine manager for BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar in Highland Village, Chuck Nix.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Malcolm White
On today's episode, Malcolm White is the visionary and cultural provocateur behind Hal & Mal's restaurant and the Hal's St. Paddy's Parade founded alongside his late brother, Harold White.
Soul Sessions Podcast: Dr. Jerrick Rose
On today's episode is pediatric dentist and restaurateur, Dr. Jerrick Rose. When COVID-19 closed his dental practice temporarily in 2020, Dr. Rose took out his notes from years of travel and inspiration…
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