The Empower Podcast

Dayton Duncan: The Story Behind America's National Parks

In this episode, Grant sits down with award-winning writer and filmmaker Dayton Duncan, longtime collaborator of acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and co-creator of The National Parks: America's Best Idea. Drawin

Sen. Jeremy England: Neighbors Before Opponents

Politics works best when we remember we're neighbors before we're opponents. But in an age of polarization, is that still possible? In this episode, Grant sits down with State Senator Jeremy England to discuss the experi

Andy Taggart: The Ideas That Made America

In this episode, Grant sits down with attorney, writer, and student of history Andy Taggart to explore the ideas behind the Declaration of Independence and why they remain relevant nearly two and a half centuries later.

Dr. Branden Henry: How People Change

For years, Empower Mississippi has focused on removing external barriers to opportunity. But what if some of the barriers holding people back aren't external at all? In this episode, Grant sits down with licensed profess

Rep. Otis Anthony: Can the Delta Rise Again?

On this episode of the Empower Podcast, State Rep. Otis Anthony joins Grant for a wide-ranging conversation about poverty, work, education, economic development, and the future of the Mississippi Delta. Anthony shares ho

Josh McManus: Jackson's Comeback Story

What does it take for a struggling city to turn the corner? In this episode of The Empower Podcast, Grant Callen sits down with urban strategist and entrepreneur Josh McManus to discuss the rise, decline, and revitalizat

Michael Watson: Faith, Family, and Public Service

Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson returns to the Empower Podcast as he launches his campaign for Lt. Governor. In this conversation, Grant sits down with Watson for a more personal look at the experiences and

Capitol Chat: Sine Die

Lawmakers returned to Jackson expecting veto overrides, but what followed was one of the more unusual endings to a legislative session in recent memory. We unpack the final day's twists, the political fallout, and close

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker: Strength Abroad, Opportunity at Home

In a time of growing global instability, the role of American strength is back at the center of the conversation. In this episode, Grant sits down with Roger Wicker, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Mi

Capitol Chat: Week 13

The 2026 legislative session is over… or is it? We break down the budget, education legislation, and a host of other bills that made it across the finish line during a busy week at the Capitol.

Dr. Jennifer Doleac: What Actually Deters Crime?

Public safety is foundational to strong communities, but too often, the policies we rely on to reduce crime are driven more by intuition than evidence. As Mississippi and states across the country look for ways to build

Capitol Chat: Week 12

In this Conference Weekend Edition of Capitol Chat, we break down key dates and legislative processes for the remaining 9 days of the 2026 Session. We also dive into the latest on teacher pay raises, PBM reform, a contro

Capitol Chat: Week 11

With only a few weeks remaining in the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers are narrowing their focus. This week, we take a look at three issues dominating discussions at the Capitol and what's on the horizon as the 2026

Rep. Sam Creekmore: Chasing Lions in Healthcare

In this episode of The Empower Podcast, host Grant Callen sits down with State Representative Sam Creekmore, chairman of the House Public Health and Human Services Committee, for a wide-ranging conversation about the maj

Capitol Chat: Week 10

At the Mississippi Capitol, nothing is truly dead until it's dead, dead, dead. This week's episode features the resurrection of teacher pay raises, movement on pharmacy benefit manager reform, and the latest on a controv

Capitol Chat: Week 9

Dr. Clay Routledge: Meaning, Purpose, and Flourishing

In this episode of The Empower Podcast, host Grant Callen sits down with Dr. Clay Routledge, Executive Vice President of the Archbridge Institute and Director of the Human Flourishing Lab, to explore what really makes li

Capitol Chat: Week 8

As another committee deadline approaches, some bills are gaining steam while others quietly stall. In this week's episode, we unpack a significant school choice–adjacent tax credit bill, a proposed workforce initiative,

Capitol Chat: Week 7

It was a budget-heavy week under the Dome, with more than 100 appropriations bills clearing a critical hurdle. We unpack the latest on education funding, the lingering school choice conversation, and what to watch as the

Aaron Rice: Defending the Constitution in Uniform and in Court

What does it look like to defend the Constitution with your life, and then keep defending it with your career? In this episode, Grant sits down with Aaron Rice, a Mississippi Marine and Purple Heart recipient who was wou