Magic City Spotlight: Recent Episodes
The City of Birmingham
The Magic City Spotlight is the Official Podcast of the City of Birmingham, Alabama. Sponsored by the Office of the Mayor.
In this episode, we take a closer look at the realities facing Birmingham’s unhoused population. Through personal stories, expert voices, and community perspectives, we explore the challenges, misconceptions, and efforts reshaping how we define community, care, and belonging. Tune in for a powerful conversation on humanity, housing, and hope.
In 2025, Birmingham’s commitment to empowering its young people will take on new urgency. This episode highlights how the city is enhancing programs for youth leadership, including new mentorship and career development initiatives. With the mayor’s insight, we’ll explore plans for ensuring that Birmingham’s youth are prepared to shape the city’s future, from educational opportunities to community involvement programs.
This episode will focus on Birmingham’s emerging role as a tech hub. With 2025 marking new strides in tech innovation, we’ll dive into how the city is fostering startups, attracting tech talent, and developing initiatives to boost the digital economy. The mayor will discuss Birmingham’s plans for growing its tech industry, creating jobs, and preparing residents for the tech-driven future.
This episode focuses on the vibrant small business community in Birmingham. We’ll showcase success stories, discuss the city’s efforts to support local entrepreneurs and provide resources for residents looking to start their own businesses. The mayor will share insights on economic development and how Birmingham’s growth is fueled by the creativity and resilience of its small business owners.
Neighborhood revitalization is a top priority for Mayor Woodfin's administration. Hear how his team is bringing new life to neighborhoods from the residents who live there.
Join Mayor Woodfin and Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan as they discuss the State of the Community.
Public safety remains a top priority for Birmingham. This episode will feature discussions on the latest public safety reforms, new initiatives to foster trust between law enforcement and the community, and the steps being taken to reduce crime while addressing the root causes of violence. The mayor will also discuss how the city is using data and technology to improve public safety outcomes, hiring and retaining public safety individuals.
The City of Birmingham's RISE Program, which stands for Retention Incentives for Success and Expansion, establishes two funds with the purpose of providing resources for area businesses.
We highlight the powerful collaboration between the City of Birmingham, Birmingham City Schools, and our vibrant community, united by a common mission: enhancing student reading proficiency.
A candid conversation and discover valuable insights as we discuss financial strategies within our city while providing practical advice on wealth building.
Join our conversation with the visionaries behind Birmingham's $50 million effort in Historic Smithfield. Learn about their strategies, upcoming projects, and how they're collaboratively shaping the landscape of our neighborhoods.
Kick off the new year with a special edition of Mayor Woodfin’s State of the City! Get a pulse on everything Birmingham. Mayor Woodfin will provide show listeners with insight into the city's plans, aspirations, and key initiatives for 2024.
Each March, the City of Birmingham publishes daily StrongHer profiles featuring under-recognized women who are leading our community. Join Mayor Woodfin and his friends as they celebrate five years of StrongHer and share stories of the women who inspire us.
Guests:
Chanda Temple, Senior Project Manager, City of Birmingham Mayor's Office
Andrea Parker, StrongHer Honoree
Parker is the president and CEO of Parker and Associations Investment Co. This new project is allowing Parker to stretch her wings as she focuses on developing underserved communities, by starting with Ensley. she purchased five acres near 22nd Street and Avenue E in Ensley, which is where she plans to break ground on a multi-use facility by 2024. The space will be home to condos, eateries and an incubator space for small businesses.
Terri Harvill, StrongHer Honoree
Terri has worked for the YMCA of Greater Birmingham for more than 30 years, first working while she was in high school. Serving the community has always been her focus, which is why a new project in Roebuck means so much to her. She and a team of volunteers and staff worked to raise nearly $3.6 million during the pandemic to help revamp the eight acres where the current Northeast YMCA sits in Roebuck.
Did anyone ever talk to you about money? Mayor Woodfin and leaders of the Birmingham Financial Freedom project will be discussing wealth building and what Birmingham youth and their families can do enjoy financial prosperity.
Guests:
Isaac Cooper, CEO, IMC Financial
Samantha Williams, CEO, The Birmingham Promise
Judy Wood, Wellness Coach, OperationHope
Each March, the City of Birmingham publishes daily StrongHer profiles featuring under-recognized women who are leading our community. Join Mayor Woodfin and his friends as they celebrate five years of StrongHer and share stories of the women who inspire us.
Guests:
Chanda Temple, Senior Project Manager, City of Birmingham Mayor's Office
Jacqueline McKinney - StrongHer Candidate Retired dressmaker, housekeeper and caterer Jacqueline McKinney has taken it upon herself to pick up trash in her neighborhood after failing to get a larger dumpster for her Woodlawn apartment complex. Once she is done in her neighborhood, the 69-year-old hits First Avenue North to pick up litter. She does all this, despite health issues. She also volunteers to cook to help loved ones when they've lost someone. Allison Sanders - StrongHer Candidate Made her stage debut at the Alabama Theatre at the age of six in the Sound of Music. Singing opera and performing with various groups, including the Opera Company of Philadelphia, the New York City Opera, Opera Memphis, the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Allison was a soloist during the closing ceremony of the World Games in Birmingham.
Many of Birmingham's biggest innovations have come from entrepreneurs. They are our family members, they are our employers and they are investing in our neighborhoods in every corner of Birmingham. Meet today's leading entrepreneurs as they share their challenges, triumphs and advice.
Guests:
Kellie Clark, CEO of Appthink
Shegun Otulana, founder and CEO of Harmony Venture Labs and CEO of Copysmith AI
Entrepreneur, mogul, teacher, marketer, broadcaster, owner, investor, survivor, philanthropist, husband, father, civil rights pioneer, son of Mattie C. At nearly 90-years-old, Dr. Stewart continues to share his voice, wisdom, and love with Birmingham. In an exclusive, one-on-one discussion, Dr. Stewart and Mayor Woodfin will discuss the history, present and future of the City of Birmingham as the city celebrates the 60th commemoration of the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement.
Guests:
Dr. Shelley Stewart, Radio pioneer, civil-rights activist, business owner and author
Uche Bean, Deputy Director, Division of Social Justice and Racial Equity
Birmingham was forever changed by the courageous efforts of it's youth. Today, there are young people creating new movements in neighborhood revitalization, homelessness, and many other issues important to their generation.
Guests:
November Boler, student at Woodlawn High School participating in the Woodlawn Early College program, and the Woodlawn Neighborhood Association (WNA).
Ethan Hill serves as the 11 year old Founder of Ethan's Heart, a social change agency serving unsheltered residents. Rylen Dempsey serves as President of the Alabama Key Club. Shuntasia Williams, student at Wenonah High School active in Student Ambassador for Black Women Roundatble, and the Youth Peace Action Builders.
Birmingham is being led by a core of young CEOs and Chairpersons of public agencies, including Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. Learn more about what is happening in their agencies and what it takes to lead during turbulent times.
Guests:
Deon Gordon, President and CEO, TechBirmingham
Anthony C Hood, PHD, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer of First Horizon Bank & Chairman of Board for the Housing Authority of Birmingham.
Mashonda S. Taylor, Executive Director Woodlawn United
Birmingham is a national leaders HBCU talent strategies and football classics. Join Mayor Randall Woodfin and his special guests as they discuss Black colleges, Black excellence, and Fall Football Classics.
The Woodfin Administration and Birmingham City Council are driving an unprecedented number of dynamic neighborhood revitalization projects in neighborhoods across Birmingham during one of the most dynamic periods of growth in the city’s recent history. Join Mayor Randall Woodfin and his special guests as they share, celebrate, and engage this pivotal moment.
Join Mayor Randall Woodfin and his friends as they discuss money. How to get it, how to keep it, and what the City of Birmingham is doing to ensure the next generation of residents can improve their quality of life and financial futures.
Join Mayor Randall Woodfin and his friends as they welcome Birmingham City Schools students and their families back for the school year. Learn what the City of Birmingham is doing to support students and families on issues such as mental health, financial literacy, and job opportunities.
Local artists are the life blood of local culture. Many of our local artists go on to national and international fame. Meet many of the people that help make many of your favorite memories in local social spots to performing at your wedding — get the inside scoop on what it is like to be a performing artist in the City of Birmingham.
Entrepreneurs are the unsung heroes of our community. Their courage, innovation, and skills create jobs, products, and services for Birmingham residents. Hear inspiring stories of triumph as well as updates about new programs and resources from city leaders.
In 1995, Andre “3000” Benjamin of the group Outkast proclaimed, “The South Got Something to Say!” Since then, the South has become dominant in music, film, and publishing. Join Mayor Randall Woodfin and friends as they discuss the art of storytelling.
Join Mayor Randall Woodfin and his friends as they discuss our city's cultural legacy, neighborhood revitalization and financial literacy.
Join Mayor Randall Woodfin, World Games CEO, Nick Sellers, and Opening Ceremonies Executive Producer, Rashada LeRoy, as they offer updates on everything related to World Games!
Hosts
- Mayor Randall L. Woodfin
- Isis Jones
Guests
- Kelvin Datcher, Senior Advisor for Special Projects, City of Birmingham Department of Community Development
- Mashonda Taylor, CEO, Woodlawn United
- Lisa McCarroll, CEO, Navigate Birmingham
Selected Neighborhood Revitalization Partners
- North Titusville Neighborhood Association – Michael Broadnax, President
- https://nhsbham.org/ - Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham
- https://hicaalabama.org/en/home - Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama
- https://apcsmartneighborhood.com/ - Alabama Power Smart Neighborhood
- https://www.housingaffordabilitytrust.com/about - Housing Affordability Trust
- https://www.design-initiative.net/ - Design Initiative
- https://www.titusvilledevelopment.org/ - Titusville Development Corporation
- https://www.buildup.work/ - Build UP for Urban Prosperity
- https://commonthread.org/ - Common Thread
- https://www.birminghamal.gov/parks-and-recreation/recreation/ - City of Birmingham Parks and Recreation Memorial Park
- https://www.bhamcityschools.org/Domain/32 - Birmingham City Schools Booker T. Washington K-8 School
- https://www.uab.edu/livehealthsmartal/ - UAB Live Healthsmart Alabama
The love of a father is like no other! Despite the challenges in our communities we know there are examples of fathers who will work, love, pray, and fight for their children. Join Mayor Randall Woodfin and friends as they share stories and resources that will be sure to brighten your day and your family's path to success.
Join Lady Woo, Pastor Thomas Beavers and Frank Barefield of Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama and the mother of the eight year old shot on Warrior Rd to tell you about the $25,000 reward being offered in the unsolved shooting case and break the "no snitching" culture.
This weeks Episode is about leadership. Tune in as Lady Wood talks with Alice Williams, Deputy Director of Community Resources, East Thomas neighborhood association secretary, Everett Ferguson and Thomasine Jackson, President of East Thomas neighborhood association. Tune in!
Birmingham is celebrating 150 years! Tune in to Magic City Spotlight with Lady Woo to hear what's in store, including the Take Pride Where I Reside citywide cleanup campaign.
Join Lady Woo for this weeks episode featuring a conversation with Police Chief Patrick Smith.
Join Lady Woo and this weeks guests as she discusses the Birmingham Promise with Director Rachel Harmon and scholarship recipient Kristin Mayes.
Catch Mayor Woodfin and Lady Woo as they discuss the budget, Birmingham Promise and more! Magic City Spotlight is here to keep you informed.
Welcome to the Magic City Spotlight! I’m your host, Eunice Elliott. We’ve got a great show for you today, highlighting our Hometown Heroes. We’ve got a special guest here this week. Firefighter Charles Covington and of course we have the Mayor himself in studio.
On this episode we have some young professionals who are doing great things throughout the city. Alexus Cumbie, is the Founder of Birmingham Literary Vibes, a Lead Digital Strategist at Woke Vote, and a Graduate Student at the University of Alabama earning her Master of Arts in Communication Studies. Tyrin Kirkland, CEO of Fly Forever and a Graduate Student at Clark Atlanta University studying Supply Chain Management. Alana Baumann, is a Business Analyst 2 at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Co-Founder and ½ of She Well Read, Graduate Student at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Samra Michael, Birmingham native, Co-Founder and ½ of She Well Read, Digital Assistant for Martin Retail Group, Founder of Cross Dressin, and a sustainable stylist at Basic. Finally, Mya Jolly (this week's host), is the project coordinator at CBG Strategies, CEO of GH Communications and a MPA Candidate at the University of Alabama Birmingham.
We are discussing the impact of COVID-19 on local small businesses and the purpose of the Legacy Building Program and it’s 25 year impact. We’ve got some special guests here this week. Monique Shorts, Manager of Partnerships and Entrepreneurship for the Office of Business Diversity and Opportunity within the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity for the City of Birmingham and Percy Hornbuckle Jr., owner of Magic City Barbershop.
Welcome to the Magic City Spotlight! I’m your host, Eunice Elliott. We’ve got a great show for you today, discussing the upcoming Magic City Classic, the new mask ordinance for Birmingham and the importance of getting vaccinated not just for yourself but for the community as well. We’ve got a special guest here this week. Dr. Lindsey Harris, President of the Alabama State Nurses Association and she’s going to give us an update on where we stand as a state and nation battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
This week, Eunice is joined by the City's Public Information Officer Chanda Temple and two StrongHER nominees Becky Wright and Tameka Holmes. The ladies tell us about their respective organizations and how they remained active throughout the community during the pandemic. Find out more about the Meals on Wheels initiative and the Community Care Development Network by following the City of Birmingham on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
On this week's episode, we kick off Women's History Month with two dynamic women in Birmingham making their mark on their respective fields. Eunice Elliot sits down with UAB Professor and renowned Egyptologist Sarah Parcak and legal superstar Sara Williams Davis, Esq. The two women tell us how they managed to find their way to their respective careers and how being a woman has helped them be better at their jobs. Tap in and check us out!
On this episode, we're closing out Black History Month with a show focused on Birmingham's rich legacy of black entrepreneurship. Eunice Elliot walks us through a conversation with Denise Gilmore, Senior Director of the Division of Social Justice and Racial Equity and Elijah Davis, Strategic Growth Manager of Urban Impact. We get an update on the renovations to the AG Gaston Motel and a history lesson about LR and Birmingham's Own Black Wall Street, 4th Avenue North.
Our episode today is all about DNA. We're joined by Birmingham native Simone Jones, the Director of Business Analytics for African Ancestry DNA. We're also joined by the Co-Founder and CEO of Acclinate, a new Biotech company in the area. Our host, Eunice Elliot, has a great conversation with the both of them about the origins of both companies and a little but about the importance of knowing where you come from and participating in biomedical research.
On this episode of the podcast, we've got the Mayor back. Glad to see him fully recovered from his battle with COVID-19. We're also joined by Deon Gordon, the CEO of Tech Birmingham. We start off with a bit of a recap on the inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris. We then take a bit of a deep dive on the future of Birmingham's growing tech scene.
On this episode of the Magic City Spotlight, we've switched things up a bit. As we wish Mayor Woodfin a speedy recovery from his battle with COVID-19, Eunice speaks to the man behind some of the Magic in the Magic City. Chief Strategist Ed Fields joins the show this week to talk to us a bit about what the city's planning for 2021.
Birmingham is a city with a rich history and glowing legacy. This week we're joined by two people that are responsbile for continuing to document that legacy and tell Birmingham's story, the City's Head of Communications Rick Journey and the City's Chief Storyteller Edward Bowser. Also, we're talking to Dee Reed, a Program Director for the non- profit organization Woke Vote, about various ways that the fight for equal voting rights is still underway. Happy Holidays!!!
This week, Eunice is joined by the city's Public Information Officer Chanda Temple. The ladies go through a number of topics related to the city. They discuss 311 and the ways citizens have been using it. Chanda breaks down the Woodfin Administration's values. Last but definitely not least, they discuss the D.U.M.M.Y (Dumping Ugly Mess In My Yard) program. This episode is full of good information about the city.
On this episode, we're joined by journalist, author, and podcast host Roy S. Johnson and our very own Birmingham Chief of Police Patrick Smith. We begin by discussing the new podcast "Unjustifiable" hosted by Roy S. Johnson. The podcast discusses the death of 20-year-old Bonita Carter at the hands of a Birmingham Police Department Officer in 1979. As this conversation had many parallels to protests and conversations of today, Chief Smith joins in to lead us through the ways the Birmingham PD keeps us safe in 2020 and beyond.
On this episode, the Mayor is joined by Eunice Elliot, Attorney Eric Guster, and the city's Executive Assistant for Government Affairs Tiffanie Thompson.
We start off discussing the Super Tuesday Election and the question of absentee ballots. From there we get info about the Pardons for Progress program and discuss the Ensley/Ramsay McCormick development.
Welcome to Season 2! On this episode, we kick off the season by introducing a new host of the show, the lovely and talented Eunice Elliot! Eunice and Mayor Woodfin are joined by Attorney Joyce Vance to discuss the ins and outs of voting in this upcoming election.
By the end of this episode you should know how to find your polling place, what you need to do to vote, what is and isn't allowed at the polls, and even a little history and context around the Electoral College.
In our first remote episode of Magic City Mondays, we're joined by Dr. Anthony C. Hood and Dr. Josh Carpenter to discuss #BhamStrong, an effort by the city to help small business and entrepreneurs stay afloat during the COVID crisis. We also discuss the 5% raise for City Employees. Last, but not least, we have a FIRST on the podcast...you don't want to miss it.
This episode is packed with useful information. We're joined by Tene Dolphin, who shares with us an exciting opportunity for local business owners. We also discuss the StrongHer campaign and the #ReadWithWoodfin book series.
Also, MARCH 1st is the deadline for FAFSA and Birmingham Promise applications to be submitted! March 1st! Let all the BCS high school seniors in your life know!
On this episode we're joined by Alicia Lumpkin, one of the city employees spearheading the DUMMY (Dumping Ugly Mess in My Yard) that targets illegal dumping across the city. We're letting you know how to dispose of your unwanted trash and talking about the efforts underway to keep Birmingham Beautiful.
Also, we'll be discussing the legacy of Kobe Bryant, Bad Boys 3, and Popeye's Chicken new fashion line. This one's informative and hilarious. You don't want to miss it.
This week's episode kicks off with two major updates on the Birmingham Promise. Also on we're joined by Jonathan Porter, the Chairman of the 2021 World Games. He stops by to chat with us about what we can expect to see at the 2021 World Games in Birmingham. We also discuss Pardons for Progress, Crime, Employment, and a number of other issues affecting our city.
On this episode, we're joined by the city's head storyteller, Edward Bowser. We go through the good, the bad, and the ugly of the last year and have a serious discussion on the state of hip-hop. Also, we're joined by a VERY VERY VERY special guest for our "Dear Birmingham" segment, with a message of hope for us all this holiday season.
See you in 2020!
On this episode, we have Darlene Wilson, a member of the newly formed City of Birmingham Small Business Council joining us to discuss their impact on the city. We also have exciting news about Birmingham's new rideshare service and an opportunity that could change tens of thousands of lives in the city. Check us out!
On this week's episode of Magic City Mondays, we're joined by two special guests. Uche Bean, from the city's Office of Social Justice & Racial Equity, and Tiffanie Thompson, from the city's Office of Governmental Affairs, join us and make sure they let us know how we can find out what the "Big Picture" is for Birmingham today and for the future. They had a lot of fun with us on this show and we had a great discussion.
On this week's episode of Magic City Mondays, we sit down with the city's Chief of Police to discuss public safety and crime reduction. We also discuss our favorite roles by the late John Witherspoon, Big K.R.I.T.'s upcoming show, and our favorite Thanksgiving foods.
This Bonus Episode of Magic City Mondays is the captured audio from last week's event at the Crossplex, "Awaken." This conversation between Mayor Woodfin and the first Black mayor of Birmingham, Dr. Richard Arrington, speaks not only to the history and powerful legacy of the "Magic City," but also to the future of our great city.
On this episode, it's all about the Magic City Classic. Mayor Woodfin kicks it off by sharing his most vivid memory associated with the Magic City Classic. We're joined by Faye Oates, the city's Commissioner for Sports and Entertainment, to give you a rundown of Magic City Classic events and tell us about this year's parade Grand Marshal. He's a BIG deal. Happy Magic City Classic Week!
Welcome to Magic City Mondays!
On this inaugural episode of the official podcast of the City of Birmingham, Mayor Woodfin and the crew discuss some of their favorite memories from Birmingham's yesteryear.
We're joined by Erica Williams, the city's Director of Educational Advancement, to discuss the Birmingham Speaks Initiative, the #ReadWithWoodfin Campaign, and the Birmingham Promise Program.