“Aunties Unfiltered” podcast co-hosts, from left, TaJuan Stout Mitchell, Deidre Malone, Gale Jones Carson dissect the effects of governmental decisions on local communities. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)

Three influential voices in Memphis politics, communications and civic engagement have joined forces for a new podcast focused on the issues shaping the city’s future.

Co-hosts Deidre Malone, Gale Jones Carson and TaJuan Stout Mitchell, who bring decades of experience in government service, political strategy and civic leadership, developed their weekly podcast, “Aunties Unfiltered,” for in-depth conversations about politics, public policy and culture.

The show examines developments across Tennessee and the nation, spotlighting how government decisions made at the state and federal levels affect local communities.

Arrielle Gipson Martin and Kristy Sullivan, on the couch, get a tickle during a taping of “Aunties Unfiltered,” where co-hosts TaJuan Stout Mitchell, Deidre Malone, Gale Jones Carson often inject comic relief while tackling serious topics. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)

“We’ve spent our careers helping people understand politics and public affairs behind the scenes,” said Malone, president and CEO of The Carter Malone Group public relations firm. “‘Aunties Unfiltered’ gives us the opportunity to have the conversations people are already having around their kitchen tables with honesty, experience and a little laughter along the way.”

Jones Carson, president of the Memphis Urban League, said the podcast goes beyond the daily news cycle to analyze current events.

“People are hungry for conversations that move beyond the headlines,” Jones Carson said. “We want listeners to hear different perspectives, challenge assumptions and leave each episode better informed about the issues affecting their communities.”

Mitchell, a former Memphis City Council chair and Memphis school board chair, said another goal is to make government more accessible and engaging for the audience.

(Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)

“Our goal is to make politics and public policy approachable,” Mitchell said. “Whether we’re talking about Memphis neighborhoods, the Tennessee legislature or what’s happening in Washington, D.C., we want people to understand why these issues matter and how they can make a difference.”

Upcoming topics for “Aunties Unfiltered” include the mid-term elections, government accountability, public education, economic development, healthcare, social justice issues, civic engagement and cultural trends.

The show will also feature elected officials, community leaders, policy experts and other changemakers as guests to discuss issues affecting Memphis and communities across the country.

Ramon Johnson and Patrick Malone produce the podcast, which is part of The Carter Malone Network.

New episodes of “Aunties Unfiltered” are available on The Carter Malone Network’s YouTube channel and major podcast platforms.

For more Memphis news and community stories, visit www.tsdmemphis.com and follow the Tri-State Defender on YouTube.