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The Geoff Calkins Podcast

Long-time Memphis columnist Geoff Calkins with The Daily Memphian digs into the biggest stories of the week – or at least the most interesting – as he talks to the people who make Memphis great, including people from sports, politics and the entire community. Tune in weekly to hear Geoff’s interviews, his conversation with friends, and his take on Memphis.

Latest Episodes:

Ed Scott talks Penny Hardaway, the Power 4 & a big week for Memphis -- PLUS Fishman on elections Nov 09, 2026

Show notes

Memphis athletic director Ed Scott on why he is so optimistic about the basketball program, the job rumors already swirling around football coach Charles Huff, the chances Memphis will get into a power conference — and the reason Scott has already turned down another job to stick around.

A last-minute election thought; how great are these Grizz? And what to think about the perils of gambling from an expert on the subject Nov 02, 2026

Show notes

The Grizzlies are hot, Mike Norvell got canned and gambling addiction is a rising problem across the country. All that, plus a thought on why this election is particularly important for Memphians.

Hot start by Grizzlies, a sex therapist on breast cancer, and SpaceXAI has jobs for you Oct 26, 2026

Show notes

The Grizzlies and basketball Tigers both had surprising (and critically important) big weeks. Calkins talks about it with John Martin. He then has local sex therapist Jennifer Valli on her own diagnosis with breast cancer. And author Charles Fishman on SpaceXAI.

Pete Pranica and Brevin Knight have thoughts on the Grizzlies season. And what's up with the lease? Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

Will the Memphis Grizzlies start their rebuild with a promising season? Will they ever sign a new lease? And why was the city of Memphis featured in a centerpiece story in The Wall Street Journal this week?

These are among the questions Geoff and his guests tackle on this week's podcast. Daily Memphian reporter Sam Hardiman stops by with an update on lease negotiations. Then beloved broadcasters Brevin Knight and Pete Pranica join the podcast to offer their thoughts on the Grizzlies's 26th season in Memphis. Along the way, Knight clears up why Jerry West once traded him from the Grizzlies to the Phoenix Suns.

Finally, Charles Fishman tackles about a handful of developing stories, including the perils of Union Avenue, KFC switching from Pepsi to Coke and whether AI really is going to be the end of humanity. So stick around to the end.

Mayor Paul Young on data centers, the Grizzlies future and his favorite place in the city Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

Memphis Mayor Paul Young is the first guest on the Geoff Calkins Podcast. Why? "It is intentional for me," he said. "I want people to understand I'm not ducking, dodging any question or any issue."

Coming soon Oct 09, 2026

Show notes