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Ena Esco sits down with Memphis environmentalist, technologist and advocate KeShaun Pearson, Executive Director of Memphis Community Against Pollution and Vice Chair of Protect Our Aquifer, to discuss technology, environmental justice and the future of AI. KeShaun shares his story of growing up in Westwood, Tennessee, as the oldest of five boys, his early love of computers and programming, and how that passion evolved into advocacy around data centers, Elon Musk’s xAI, digital redlining, air pollution and Memphis’ water resources. We take a closer look at the environmental costs of the AI boom, the massive energy and water demands of data centers, and the question: What is the worst-case scenario with AI? KeShaun also examines who benefits from the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure and who bears the environmental costs. Toward the end, we turn our attention to Memphis’ proposed data-center moratorium, with a City Council vote scheduled for October 6, 2026. It’s a conversation about technology, power, the environment and who gets to shape the future.

What happens when you've been misunderstood, tested, or forced to stand on the truth when everything around you says otherwise? In this episode of Magic 807 Sessions, Ena Esco sits down with Pastor Stephen L. Brown, founder and lead pastor of Light of Glory International Church, for a powerful conversation about faith, resilience, leadership, and his newly released book, Vindicated. Pastor Brown shares the journey behind Vindicated, the importance of trusting God through seasons of pressure, and what it means to allow truth to prevail without feeling the need to defend yourself. He also reflects on his journey from Division I basketball player to pastor, author, gospel recording artist, and mentor to student-athletes.

On this reflective episode, I sit down with Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum for a conversation about music, Memphis, creativity and the journey behind the sound. Kirk takes us beyond the stage and into the experiences that shaped his remarkable career—from his Memphis roots and early musical influences to becoming one of the most celebrated saxophonists of his generation. We talk about the evolution of his sound, navigating the music industry, collaborating with some of the biggest names in music and what it takes to remain creatively inspired after decades in the business. We also discuss the importance of faith, purpose, mentorship and using your gifts to create opportunities for the next generation.This is more than a conversation about a Grammy-winning career. It's a conversation about finding your voice, staying true to your purpose and understanding that your greatest contribution may be the legacy you leave behind.

In this episode, I sit down with Teresa Dickerson, CEO of Isaiah 54 Films, award-winning director, writer and executive producer of the Memphis film “Hoop Street.” We reminisce about our college days, sisterhood and those early radio experiences that taught us lessons about storytelling, resilience, relationships and navigating the media industry. Teresa takes us through her evolution from radio to corporate leadership, including her work as an award-winning Director of Community Investment with the Memphis Grizzlies and later Kroger. But while building her corporate career, she was quietly building another dream - becoming a filmmaker. She shares what it took to finally walk away from corporate America and bet on herself, investing in her vision to create Hoop Street which is a film deeply rooted in Memphis and powered by Memphis talent. With 99% of the cast and production team coming from Memphis, Teresa talks about the heart work, sacrifice and community support that made the film possible. And the journey hasn't stopped there. Hoop Street has traveled from Paretà, Italy, to Las Vegas, NV and beyond earning recognition and awards along the way on the film festival circuit. We also have a candid conversation about Black women in leadership, navigating male-dominated industries, misogyny, finding your voice and knowing when it's time to bet on yourself. Plus, Teresa gives us an exclusive tease about what's next for Isaiah 54 Films.

What does it mean to truly love your alma mater? In this Verbally Effective: Magic 807 Sessions with Ena Esco, Ena talks with Tracy L. Miller, LOC Class of 1994, about his journey from LeMoyne-Owen College to a successful career as a retired railroad industry executive. Tracy takes us back to the HBCU experience of the mid-’90s, sharing why he chose LOC, what made the culture special, and why the institution continues to hold a special place in his heart. Recorded during 807 Giving Day, Tracy explains why he makes giving to LOC an annual commitment and challenges fellow alumni to think beyond a donation to think about building financial literacy, creating opportunities, and opening pathways for the next generation of Magicians.

On this episode of Verbally Effective, host Ena Esco welcomes Dr. Earle J. Fisher—Assistant Professor and Dean of Chapel at LeMoyne-Owen College, Senior Pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church, and Founder of Up The Vote 901—for a thought-provoking conversation on faith, education, civic engagement, and the issues shaping our communities. Dr. Fisher discusses his work at LeMoyne-Owen College, where he is committed to developing the next generation of critical thinkers, servant leaders, and engaged citizens. He shares how education, faith, and community advocacy intersect to empower students and inspire meaningful change beyond the classroom. The conversation also explores Memphis' Souls to the Polls initiative and the ongoing importance of voter education, civic participation, and collective action. Dr. Fisher explains how faith leaders and community organizations are working together to increase voter engagement and strengthen democracy at the local level. Additionally, Ena and Dr. Fisher discuss the public reaction to the Karmelo Anthony verdict, examining the broader conversations surrounding justice, accountability, public perception, and the responsibility of communities to engage in thoughtful dialogue during difficult moments.

On this episode of Verbally Effective, host Ena Esco welcomes ABC24 News anchor and reporter Pepper Baker for an inspiring conversation about journalism, community, and the future of local news. Pepper shares her journey from Tallahassee, Florida, to the anchor desk in Memphis, reflecting on her path through UMass Boston and Columbia University, her experiences as a former collegiate volleyball player, and the stories that have shaped her award-winning career in broadcast journalism. She also discusses her Emmy-nominated reporting, the responsibility of informing the public, and why authentic storytelling remains at the heart of her work. Together, Ena and Pepper explore how local news is evolving in the digital age, the importance of making politics and civic issues accessible, what happens behind the scenes in a newsroom, and how journalists can build trust while staying connected to the communities they serve. They also bond over their shared volleyball backgrounds and discuss why Memphis has become a city they're both proud to call home.

In this episode of The Ena Esco Show, Ena Esco gets #VerballyEffective with filmmaker Dominic Lawson and community activist Keedran Franklin about Restored Voice—a powerful documentary that began with a voter restoration drive in Memphis but became a much larger conversation about what happens after punishment. The conversation explores the realities formerly incarcerated people face when trying to reenter society, the barriers that can make restoration feel out of reach, and the grassroots organizers working to reconnect people with their communities and their civic power. Dominic Lawson discusses his evolution from nonfiction audio into filmmaking and the decision to tell this story in real time, allowing Memphisvand the people navigating this process to become central characters in the film. Keedran Franklin brings the perspective of someone deeply involved in community organizing and civic engagement, offering insight into the importance of helping people understand that they still belong, their participation still matters, and their voices still have power. This is a conversation about voting but it is also about redemption, dignity, second chances, reentry, representation, and belonging.Because sometimes restoring someone's voice is about far more than giving them the right to cast a ballot.

In this episode of The Ena Esco Show, Ena Esco sits down with John Best, General Manager of 88.5FM MSCS Radio, AI industry expert, and Technical Engineer for the Lowery Communication Center at LeMoyne-Owen College. John shares his journey through the world of radio, technology, and media while offering insight into the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. From his work in broadcasting to helping build and support the next generation of multimedia professionals, John discusses how technology continues to reshape the way we communicate, create, work, and consume content. The conversation explores some of the leading AI tools transforming today's industries, the opportunities and challenges AI presents, and why understanding this technology is becoming increasingly important for media professionals, students, educators, and creators.

In this episode of The Ena Esco Show, Ena Esco sits down with comedian, entertainer, and recent LeMoyne-Owen College ASAP graduate Demario “Poundcake” Hollowell for a candid conversation about his journey as a nontraditional student, finding his voice as a comedian, and his ambitions to take his talents all the way to Hollywood. Poundcake opens up about balancing education, life, and entertainment while navigating the ASAP program at LOC. He also shares his perspective on the Memphis comedy scene, building an audience online, the realities of creating content in today's digital landscape, and his plans for the next chapter of his career. The conversation also dives into the cultural conversation surrounding Yung Miami's new song “Spend Dat,” including the debate over scammer culture, the glorification of the lifestyle, and the tragic Nolan Well controversy that has sparked broader conversations about social media, influence, accountability, and the culture surrounding online fame. From the classroom to the comedy stage, from Memphis to Hollywood, this episode is a real conversation about ambition, entertainment, culture, and the courage to pursue your next level.

In this episode of Verbally Effective, host Ena Esco sits down with Dr. Seth E. Davis, Assistant Professor of English & Communications at LeMoyne-Owen College and host of the Black College Matters podcast, for a thought-provoking conversation on higher education, media, culture, and today's biggest headlines.Dr. Davis shares insights into teaching the next generation of communicators, the growing role of artificial intelligence in higher education, and how educators are preparing students for an ever-evolving media landscape. He also reflects on his doctoral journey and weighs in on the public discourse surrounding Dr. Cheyenne Bryant and the conversations around academic credentials and credibility. The discussion also explores: 🎙️ Queen Latifah's candid conversation with Angie Martinez and the public's continued fascination with celebrity privacy. 🎙️ Gayle King's revelation on Call Her Daddy about overcoming personal betrayal and finding resilience. 🎙️ Naomi Osaka's private dinner honoring Black tennis players during the French Open and what it says about representation, community, and inclusion in sports. 🎙️ The power of media narratives, identity, and the evolving conversations shaping Black culture.If you're passionate about media, education, culture, and meaningful dialogue, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Subscribe to Verbally Effective for new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday featuring influential voices in business, entertainment, education, politics, and culture.

On this episode of the Verbally Effective Podcast: Magic 807 Sessions, host Ena Esco welcomes Jerry Redmond, Chief of Alumni Affairs and Relations at LeMoyne-Owen College, for a timely conversation about the vital role alumni play in sustaining and advancing HBCUs. Jerry shares his vision for strengthening alumni engagement, cultivating a culture of giving, and creating meaningful opportunities for graduates to invest in the next generation of students. From financial support and mentorship to advocacy and community involvement, this discussion explores why alumni participation is essential to the future of historically Black colleges and universities. The conversation also examines the NAACP's call for Black student-athletes to reconsider commitments to SEC institutions amid concerns surrounding voting rights in the South. Ena and Jerry discuss the intersection of athletics, education, civic engagement, and the broader responsibilities of colleges, alumni, and community leaders during pivotal moments in history. Whether you're an HBCU graduate, student, educator, or supporter, this episode offers valuable insight into preserving the legacy of Black higher education while empowering future generations.

In this powerful episode of Verbally Effective, Ena Esco sits down with Memphis Mayor Paul Young inside Cossitt Library for an honest and forward-thinking conversation about leadership, perception, and the future of the city. Mayor Young addresses some of the biggest misconceptions about him and breaks down what it truly means to serve as a government official in today’s climate. From navigating the city’s budget to responding to the recent “No Kings” protest in Memphis, he offers transparency and insight into the decisions shaping the city. The conversation also explores the growing role of AI and big tech in Memphis and the Mid-South, along with the importance of youth programming and workforce development in building sustainable opportunities for the next generation. Looking ahead, Mayor Young shares his thoughts on future ambitions, including another mayoral run, and paints a vision for what Memphis can become. Most importantly, he challenges Memphians to take pride in who they are and push back against negative narratives surrounding the city. This is more than a conversation. It’s a call to reimagine Memphis through leadership, innovation, and community pride.

In this powerful episode of Verbally Effective, American writer, professor, editor, and social commentator Roxane Gay joins Ena Esco for an intimate conversation that spans identity, intellect, and influence. Roxane reflects on her upbringing in Omaha, Nebraska as the daughter of Haitian immigrants, and how those roots shaped her voice as a writer and cultural critic. We dive into the evolution of feminism, her current role as a professor at Rutgers University, and why she believes HBCUs are more vital than ever. Roxane also shares bold thoughts on artificial intelligence—and why she’s not impressed—plus details on her exciting new romance novel project with none other than Channing Tatum.

In this Financial Literacy Month edition of the Verbally Effective Podcast, we’re diving deep into smart money moves, digital banking trends, and everyday financial empowerment. Ena Esco is joined by Brody Wamble of Simmons Bank and Karen Madlock of the Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center for a powerful conversation on FINTECH, budgeting, credit, and how to build wealth in a digital world. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or ready to level up, this episode is packed with insight and practical advice you can bank on.