Episode 52: Ken Pogson

Host Marvin Stockwell talks to VooDoo Doughnut founder Ken Pogson in Portland, Oregon. Even a for-profit business is a cause to those hearty souls who take the risk, but Voodoo Doughnut has had a charitable thrust since its earliest days. Ken explains how the company's philanthropy started simply enough with giving away day-old doughnuts, and how it grew along with the business into larger checks that do more good. Ken and Marvin also explore Ken's Memphis roots. Back in the mid 1980s, Ken was Marvin's first real boss at the old Fare Four movie theater. Ken was shaped by Memphis’ 80s and 90s Antenna Club music scene and his friends in the Grifters. Throw in Memphis pro wrestling and Prince Mongo's various establishments, and all of a sudden the Voodoo Doughnut brand makes complete sense. It's uniquely Portland, but has Memphis’ hands all over it.

Champions of the Lost Causes (the podcast) is available via Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Ken Pogson and Marvin Stockwell