Best Emily Gipson Podcasts (2025)

1
Famed political consultant James Carville, the "Ragin' Cajun," handicaps national, Mississippi politics in the Trump era 23:50

5d ago23:50

23:50

James Carville says Democrats lost in 2024 but, "We played our seventh-string quarterback and still only lost by a point-and-a-half." He said a serious Democratic challenger (and he has a particular one in mind) could provide an upset in Mississippi's U.S. Senate race. Carville, who has for years had a home on the Mississippi Coast, explains his lo…

1
Sen. Sparks on special session, PERS and project spending 30:51

12d ago30:51

30:51

Sen. Daniel Sparks, a Republican from Belmont, says the Legislature in the 1990s wrote a blank check for the state public employee retirement system and the bill is coming due now.By Mississippi Today

1
E20: Unity of Posture as the Body of Christ 37:37

15d ago37:37

37:37

Submit a Question Here! What is the difference between the practices of our personal prayer and those of community worship? Why does maintaining unity of posture during Mass matter? Join us for this month’s episode of Catholicism 101 as we dig into why our Bishops call for outward unity in liturgical celebrations and what issues are actually caused…

1
Mississippi Today welcomes longtime veteran Mississippi journalist Emily Wagster Pettus as its new senior editor. 17:48

19d ago17:48

17:48

Pettus shares a few war stories with Bobby Harrison and Geoff Pender, including her dealings with the irascible former Gov. Kirk Fordice.By Mississippi Today

1
Economist discusses Mississippi economy's vulnerability 27:59

26d ago27:59

27:59

State Economist Corey Miller talks with Mississippi Today's Geoff Pender and Bobby Harrison about the state of the state economy, chances of recession amid trade war, federal spending cuts and state tax overhaul. He declines to answer questions about MSU baseball.By Mississippi Today

1
Mississippi citizens often left in the dark on special-interest lobbying of politicians 21:28

1M ago21:28

21:28

With Mississippi's lack of laws and transparency, citizens are often in the dark about special-interest spending to influence politicians. Mississippi Today's politics team discusses its recent article shedding light on efforts by DraftKings and others lobbying for legalized online sports betting, including the speaker of the House and his staff be…

1
Mississippi Democratic legislative leader says GOP bickering prevents work on transformative issues 40:50

1M ago40:50

40:50

Mississippi House Minority Leader Robert Johnson discusses the 2025 legislative session that was derailed by Republican infighting with Mississippi Today's Geoff Pender and Bobby Harrison, and outlines issues he'd like to see addressed in a pending special session.By Mississippi Today

1
Former Rep. Cecil Brown talks current state budget disagreement, compares to past standoffs 31:23

2M ago31:23

31:23

Cecil Brown, who previously served as a key member of the state House, talks with Mississippi Today’s Bobby Harrison, Taylor Vance and Michael Goldberg about budget battles, past and present, and about the importance of the state budget. He also gives his thoughts on the tax bill passed during the 2025 session.…

1
What happened (or didn't) in the rancorous 2025 Mississippi legislative session? 27:59

2M ago27:59

27:59

Mississippi Today's political team unpacks the just ended -- for now -- legislative session, that crashed at the end with GOP lawmakers unable to pass a budget after much infighting among Republican leaders. The crowning achievement of the session, a tax overhaul bill, was passed by accident and full of major errors and omissions.…

1
E19: Assisted Reproductive Technology: The Reality of IVF 53:55

2M ago53:55

53:55

Submit a Question Here! Why does the Church condemn IVF as immoral? What really happens as a result of IVF? So many people struggle with infertility and loss—why can't the Church just be happy that people want to have children? Tune into this month's episode to understand and encounter the love of the Father for all of his children as we dig into w…

1
Tariff trade war, rising costs, immigration: Mississippi Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson discusses challenges facing Mississippi farmers 39:58

2M ago39:58

39:58

Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson gives Mississippi Today's Geoff Pender and Michael Goldberg an update on the challenges facing Mississippi farmers, including the burgeoning trade war with countries that buy our chicken, soybeans, cotton and other products as well as rising costs and immigration/labor issues. Gipson,…

1
Bill to ensure rape kits are available pending in final days of legislative session 19:41

2M ago19:41

19:41

Rep. Dana McLean, R-Columbus, joins Mississippi Today's Bobby Harrison and Sophia Paffenroth to explain the importance of passing her legislation during the 2025 session to ensure local emergency rooms use rape kits in a timely manner.By Mississippi Today

1
Podcast: Is the Mississippi Legislature any closer to a tax cut/elimination/increase deal? 30:31

3M ago30:31

30:31

Senate Finance Chairman Josh Harkins gives an update on where negotiations stand on tax overhaul proposals in the Mississippi Legislature, and his thoughts on the differing Senate and House proposals that would include cutting or eliminating the personal income tax and raising taxes on gasoline.By Mississippi Today

1
Mississippi Legislature enters homestretch, still facing uncertainty from Trump admin maneuvers 28:01

3M ago28:01

28:01

Mississippi Today's politics team outlines some challenges lawmakers face in the final month of their session, from uncertainty of the effects the Trump administration moves will have on the state level. They also discuss what lived and died with last week's deadline for committee passage.By Mississippi Today

1
Retired educator, PERS board member McCoy warns of proposed changes to state employee retirement system 42:15

3M ago42:15

42:15

Dr. Randy McCoy, a retired longtime public school superintendent and member of the state employee retirement system board, says a plan passed by the Senate aimed at financially stabilizing PERS would cause long-term problems in hiring and retaining teachers and other state employees. He says the system can be shored up with less drastic reductions …

1
E18: The Healing Power of the Holy Spirit (with Mike Nolan) 50:32

3M ago50:32

50:32

Submit a Question Here! Do healing miracles still happen today? Who can receive the authority to heal? What if I’m in need of healing? Tune into this month’s episode of Catholicism 101, where Mike Nolan from Shadow on the Water joins us for a conversation about the power of the Holy Spirit and healing. Be sure to check out Shadow on the Water for m…

1
Republican Sen. England addresses red-on-red political 'dustup' with governor over early voting bill 29:27

3M ago29:27

29:27

Senate Elections Chairman Jeremy England defends his early voting bill, for which his fellow Republican Gov. Tate Reeves slammed him on social media. England said it's time Mississippi join 47 other states in allowing the convenience of early voting, and the issue should not be partisan.By Mississippi Today

1
Lawmaker says paid parental leave crucial in 'post Roe v. Wade' Mississippi 25:02

3M ago25:02

25:02

Rep. Kevin Felsher of Biloxi discusses the bill he authored, and the House passed unanimously, to provide eight weeks of paid maternity or adoption leave, two weeks for fathers/secondary caregivers for state employees.By Mississippi Today

1
The health care issues lawmakers are debating in 2025 17:51

4M ago17:51

17:51

Mississippi Today’s health team outlines the major health care issues the Mississippi Legislature is dealing with in the 2025 session.By Mississippi Today

1
E17: The Jubilee Year Indulgence | Pilgrims of Hope 35:32

4M ago35:32

35:32

Submit a Question Here! What’s special about a Jubilee Year and why do I keep hearing about an indulgence? In this episode, we’ll learn what an indulgence actually is - hint: it’s not what you learned in school! We’ll also talk about the difference between plenary and partial indulgences as well as why the plenary indulgence is offered during a Jub…

1
Lawmaker outlines city of Jackson legislative issues 38:22

4M ago38:22

38:22

State Rep. Zakiya Summers discusses with Mississippi Today's Anna Wolfe, Maya Miller and Geoff Pender some of the issues the Capitol city of Jackson and the Metro Area face, and legislative priorities to deal with them.By Mississippi Today

1
House Education Chairman Roberson talks 'school choice,' K-12 funding, consolidation and finding 'things that work' 30:49

4M ago30:49

30:49

House Education Chairman Rob Roberson, a Republican from Starkville, outlines for Mississippi Today's Geoff Pender and Michael Goldberg some of the top issues his committee will tackle this legislative session.By Mississippi Today

1
Mississippi transportation director discusses proposed new gasoline tax 28:04

4M ago28:04

28:04

Mississippi Department of Transportation Director Brad White tells Mississippi Today's Geoff Pender and Taylor Vance he's staying "in his lane" and out of the politics of a House tax overhaul that would eliminate the income tax and raise sales and gasoline taxes, but that he's pleased lawmakers are trying to address the longrunning need for a stead…

1
Deja vu all over again': Senate President Protem Dean Kirby outlines 2025 issues 34:08

5M ago34:08

34:08

Sen. Dean Kirby, second ranking leader of the state Senate, says many of the issues Mississippi lawmakers will be tackling this year are recurring ones: tax cuts, education funding, Medicaid expansion, and issues with the Public Employees Retirement System. He's also helping lead court mandated redistricting that will likely result in do-over elect…

1
Expanded Mississippi Today politics team talks 2025 legislative session 23:55

5M ago23:55

23:55

The Mississippi Today politics team, including its two newest members, Simeon Gates and Michael Goldberg, outline the major issues lawmakers face as the 2025 legislative session begins this week.By Mississippi Today

1
E16: Redemptive Suffering & Christian Hope 34:37

5M ago34:37

34:37

Submit a Question Here! Many of us have grown up being told to 'offer it up' when we encounter some sort of suffering or are complaining, but what does this really mean? How can we find comfort, Hope, and Peace in the midst of pain and trials? Tune into this month's episode of Catholicism 101 and learn how to better suffer and choose the gift of Ho…

1
Former auditor recalls his (authorized) government spending study 27:17

5M ago27:17

27:17

Former Auditor Steve Patterson joins Mississippi Today's Adam Ganucheau, Bobby Harrison and Geoff Pender to discuss a government waste study he conducted in the 1990s. Patterson draws contrasts between his 1990s study, which was legally authorized by the Legislature, and a highly scrutinized 2024 study from current Auditor Shad White, who did not g…

1
Ray Higgins: PERS needs both extra cash and benefit changes for future employees 33:17

5M ago33:17

33:17

Mississippi Today’s Bobby Harrison talks with Ray Higgins, executive director of the Mississippi Public Employees Retirement System, about proposed changes in pension benefits for future employees and what is needed to protect the system for current employees and retirees. Higgins also stresses the importance of the massive system to the Mississipp…

1
Fitch vs. White vs. Hosemann: What on earth is going on? 22:13

6M ago22:13

22:13

Mississippi Today's Adam Ganucheau, Bobby Harrison and Geoff Pender recap a wild situation in which three prominent Republicans with 2027 gubernatorial ambitions — Attorney General Lynn Fitch, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Auditor Shad White — are engaged in an intra-party food fight.By Mississippi Today

1
E15: Making the Most of Advent & Christmas 24:25

6M ago24:25

24:25

Submit a Question Here! What are the biggest themes of Advent and how can we best prepare for the coming of Christ? Why are the readings at Mass talking about the ‘end times’ as we anticipate the celebration of Christmas? When does the Christmas season actually end, and why? Tune in to this month’s episode of Catholicism 101 to not only learn more …

1
Steve Holland recounts strange events leading to Tupelo-based Netflix crime documentary 31:48

6M ago31:48

31:48

Mississippi Today’s Bobby Harrison and Geoff Pender talk with former state Rep. Steve Holland about the bizarre case of a Tupelo martial arts instructor mailing ricin to elected officials and attempting to frame an Elvis Presley impersonator for the crime. The episode is now the subject of a Netflix documentary entitled “The Kings of Tupelo: A Sout…

1
Private school vouchers, teacher pay, teacher shortage: Education advocate outlines likely issues for Mississippi Legislature in 2025 session 31:17

6M ago31:17

31:17

Nancy Loome, director of the public education advocacy group The Parents Campaign, outlines major issues for the Mississippi Legislature's 2025 session to Mississippi Today's Geoff Pender, Bobby Harrison and the newest member of the politics team, Simeon Gates, who will be covering education issues at the Capitol.…

1
Mississippi Hospital Association's Roberson discusses Medicaid expansion outlook under Trump, other 2025 legislative health care issues 36:39

6M ago36:39

36:39

Richard Roberson, president and CEO of the Mississippi Hospital Association, tells Mississippi Today's Bobby Harrison and Geoff Pender a new Trump administration would likely approve Mississippi Medicaid expansion work requirements. He says revamping the state's certificate of need laws is likely to be a major issue before lawmakers, and he discuss…

1
A critical Mississippi Supreme Court runoff 29:39

6M ago29:39

29:39

Voters will choose between Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Jim Kitchens and state Sen. Jenifer Branning in a runoff election on Nov. 26, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Mississippi Today’s Adam Ganucheau, Bobby Harrison, and Taylor Vance break down the race and discuss why the election is so important for the future of the court and policy in Mi…

1
BONUS: God Wants to Marry Us (Theology of the Body) 32:04

7M ago32:04

32:04

Submit a Question Here! "What are you looking for?" | "Come, and you will see." We're so excited to be introducing a series of BONUS EPISODES on The Theology of the Body! The Theology of the Body is the first major teaching of Pope St. John Paul II’s papacy given over a series of 129 Wednesday audiences at the Vatican. Contrary to what you may or m…

1
Jim Kitchens touts his experience in Supreme Court runoff election 29:33

7M ago29:33

29:33

Mississippi Today’s Taylor Vance and Bobby Harrison interview Central District Supreme Court Justice Jim Kitchens about his Nov. 26 runoff election. Kitchens is being challenged by state Sen. Jenifer Branning, R-Philadelphia. (Note: Mississippi Today also has extended an invitation to Branning to appear on “The Other Side” podcast.)…

1
Mississippi's top election official discusses Tuesday's election 31:10

7M ago31:10

31:10

Secretary of State Michael Watson talks with Mississippi Today's Geoff Pender, Bobby Harrison and Taylor Vance ahead of Tuesday's election. He urges voters to remember sacrifices many have made to protect Americans' voting rights and get to the polls, and he weighs in on whether a recent court ruling on absentee vote counting will impact this year'…

1
E14: Forgiveness: Who is it Really For? 31:10

7M ago31:10

31:10

Submit a Question Here! We've all given or received the advice of "forgive and forget," but what does the Catholic Church think about this notion? In fact, is it even truly possible? Join us for this month's episode of Catholicism 101 where we'll talk about what forgiveness actually is, what it isn't, and how to foster sincere forgiveness in our ow…

1
How are patients faring with Mississippi's medical marijuana program? 30:07

7M ago30:07

30:07

Mississippi Today's Geoff Pender and Bobby Harrison get an update on the state's medical cannabis program from Angie Calhoun, founder and CEO of the Mississippi Cannabis Patients Alliance. Calhoun became an advocate for medical marijuana when her son suffered debilitating Lyme Disease symptoms but could not try cannabis treatment in Mississippi. He…

1
A paved road, a push poll, and an uber-political Supreme Court race 27:09

7M ago27:09

27:09

Mississippi Today’s Adam Ganucheau, Geoff Pender, and Taylor Vance discuss three major political news events: the funding of Rep. Trey Lamar’s Jackson street replacement, a poll from Speaker Jason White on tax elimination, and a contentious Mississippi Supreme Court race that could come down to the wire.…

1
Mississippi Today's investigation of Rep. Trey Lamar's state-funded projects 43:24

8M ago43:24

43:24

Mississippi Today's Adam Ganucheau sits down with politics editor Geoff Pender and reporter Taylor Vance to discuss their new investigation of state-funded projects that benefited Rep. Trey Lamar’s neighborhoods. They detail how the story came about and share their key takeaways from the investigation.…

1
Bill Waller Jr.: State faces same woes as in 2019 when he ran for governor 35:27

8M ago35:27

35:27

Mississippi Today’s Bobby Harrison talks with former Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr. about his life after retiring from the judiciary and running for governor in 2019. He says he still is concerned about issues facing the state and does not completely rule out another campaign for governor.…

1
E13: The Reality of the Occult & Spiritual Warfare (with Johnny Sherfick) 38:31

8M ago38:31

38:31

Submit a Question Here! Ouji Boards, Horoscopes, Crystals, Tarot Cards, Psychics, and Palm Reading: What does all of this have to do with Spiritual Warfare? Join Emily Gipson and Johnny Sherfick, Director of Youth Ministry, for a discussion about what the Catholic Church teaches about occult practices and why. All this and more in this month’s epis…

1
The push for Mississippi income tax elimination continues 28:54

8M ago28:54

28:54

Mississippi Today's Geoff Pender, Bobby Harrison and Adam Ganucheau discuss the continued effort to eliminate Mississippi's income tax. They discuss what that could mean for Mississippi and how the process could play out moving forward.By Mississippi Today

1
This Mississippi elected official wants his office off the statewide ballot 20:42

8M ago20:42

20:42

Mississippi Today's Adam Ganucheau and Bobby Harrison discuss Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney's recent proposal to change his office's traditionally elected position to an appointed one. Chaney is not the first Mississippi elected official to suggest such a bold step, and the politics of the state could make this debate a fiery one in 2025.…

1
Sen. David Blount discusses tax cuts, retirement system, mobile sports betting 25:40

9M ago25:40

25:40

State Sen. David Blount sits down with Mississippi Today's Bobby Harrison and Adam Ganucheau to discuss the push for income tax elimination and how that would affect the state's budget. He also talks about needed funding for the state's troubled retirement system and whether Mississippi will soon adopt mobile sports betting.…

1
Who, really, is pushing for an income tax elimination? 29:39

9M ago29:39

29:39

As Republican lawmakers begin a series of fall hearings to consider an elimination of the individual income tax, Mississippi Today’s Adam Ganucheau, Bobby Harrison, and Geoff Pender break down the recent history of tax cut and the politics surrounding the idea.By Mississippi Today

1
E12: The Heart of Catholic Morality (with Fr. Larry Hostetter) 46:55

9M ago46:55

46:55

Submit a Question Here! Join Emily Gipson and Fr. Larry Hostetter, President of Brescia University, for a discussion about what really constitutes the heart of Catholic Morality. Is God a law-giving tyrant out to suppress our freedom and happiness, or is He a loving Father who wants what’s best for us? All this and more in this month’s episode of C…

1
State economist: On average, Mississippi economy is stable 36:15

9M ago36:15

36:15

Corey Miller, state economist and director of Mississippi's University Research Center, gives Mississippi Today's Bobby Harrison and Geoff Pender a briefing on the economic state of the state, unemployment and workforce participation. He also tells a funny economist joke!By Mississippi Today

1
Lt. Gov. Hosemann on tax cuts, Medicaid expansion, campaign finance reform, Auditor Shad White and more 47:08

9M ago47:08

47:08

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann tells Mississippi Today's Geoff Pender, Bobby Harrison and Taylor Vance the state's financial position should allow for cutting the state's grocery tax next year. He covers numerous other topics and also talks about state Auditor Shad White's political scorched-earth from his new book on the welfare scandal.…

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Emily Gipson Podcasts

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