The RON BURGUNDY of MEMPHIS - Joe Birch: Anchorman

For nearly half a century, he’s been one of the most trusted faces in Memphis television — the calm voice delivering breaking news, historic moments, and the stories that connected an entire community. * But who is Joe Birch when the cameras are off? What shaped the man behind the anchor desk? Which stories stayed with him long after the broadcast ended? And how did a young journalist become one of the most respected voices in Mid-South history? From presidential visits and national headlines to the quiet human moments that rarely make the promo reel, Joe has witnessed the events that helped define Memphis for generations. Today on TrailHeads, we step away from the prompter and beyond the headlines for a conversation about journalism, service, community, and the city Joe proudly calls home. Join us as we get to know the man behind the microphone, the camera, and the smartphone. Veteran Memphis news anchor Joe Birch joins TrailHeads with Jim Barrett. #gratitude #wmctv #trailheadswithjimbarrett #joebirch #memphistn #serving #eallifeanchorman 00:00 "We don't want that to happen in the United States." 00:14 TrailHeads show Open 01:00 Welcome, Joe introduction. 01:27 Came to Memphis in 1974. From Teaneck to Christian Bros. 03:10 I winked at a girl. We got married. 04:57 TrailHeads brand. Joe’s running backstory, with 112 year-old trophy. 09:00 ‘The Anvil’ - Kicking the habit for running. 11:35 St. Jude, The Rotary Club & Joe’s addiction to serving. 14:00 13,000 NonProfits! 14:56 “…my own enlightened self interest.” :) 17:45 "500 families receive a week’s worth of groceries.” 20:20 Stan Bell of WDIA’s role in helping serve Memphis. 22:40 “If you can dream it, you can do it.” quote and belief. 25:07 “Ron Burgundy of Memphis” origin story. Intern to “Icon” 29:40 “More news to cover, than people to cover it.” The Grip-porter 34:13 “The movie Broadcast News” a Niagra of sweat. 35:20 Behind-the-scenes laughs, One-Finger-Typing 37:20 Joe’s biggest challenges & mentors. Mason Granger 40:20 A poet’s touch. A storyteller’s gifts. 43:40 Jim’s career birth at WMC. Becoming an editor. 48:20 The AMAZING China Connection! 48:52 Memphis in May 52:40 Chinese fluent in Memphis, Tennessee 54:20 "A Father from Memphis. A beautiful Mom from China.” 57:30 What drew you to Memphis and kept you there? 58:39 THE JOB OFFERS. Specifics. :) 1:03:57 “...Nothing without a Focus Group" 1:05:00 Trust and Getting Scoops 1:05:55 St. Jude and Danny Thomas 1:06:53 America’s #1 Most-Trusted NonProfit 1:10:00 “He was my icon...” 1:13:13 Where were you when… 1:15:20 When there was bipartisanship… 1:16:20 The shrinking of ’Tech’. Joe’s first Email 1:20:05 State of FREEDOM OF SPEECH Joe’s first-hand story. 1:22:59 Joe’s “Lightning Round” 1:31:10 “You were very kind to my Dad.” 1:31:48 “Speak from your heart.” 1:33:45 “Thank you, Joe. Congratulations” 1:24:00 “The X-rated statue.” BIG LAUGHS