Southern Miss’ Carley Marks a Decade of YouTube Storytelling

Wed, 10/28/2026 - 10:17am | By: David Tisdale

In 2016, Taylor Carley—with an idea, a camera and a will to try something new—began pursuing a dream that became reality and continues to inspire others to emulate his example.

Carley, who serves as self-advocacy coordinator for the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS) at The University of Southern Mississippi, learned about video production technology to produce an online media presence. Working with experts in that field, over the next decade he produced a series titled “Chit Chat Thursdays with Taylor” that has grown into a monthly YouTube series.

Over the years, Carley has sat down with guests to discuss self-advocacy efforts across Mississippi as well as community initiatives and statewide developments concerning the ADA and disability issues, among other topics. Some episodes have turned the camera toward Taylor himself, giving viewers a glimpse into his life as a self-advocacy coordinator at IDS through personal updates and vlog-style content.

Today, 414 videos later, Chit Chat Thursday with Taylor celebrates its 10th anniversary, and Carley is as passionate about the program as he was in the beginning.

“When you finalize the script, set the date, and then arrive at interview time, it’s a joy to meet my guests in person or virtually,” he said. “And I always want my Chit Chat interviews to be like a casual conversation between friends.”

With a decade under its belt, “Chit Chat Thursdays with Taylor” is still making its presence known and inspiring others to follow their own dreams.  It is supported through a collaborative grant with the Southeast ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Center and IDS’s core grant funding.

Early on, the first videos in the series weren’t polished productions. There was still plenty to learn about interviewing, filming, editing and everything happening in between. But a driven Taylor Carley, with something to say, was determined to figure out how to say it his own way.

In recounting the first years of Chit Chat, Jerry Alliston, executive director of IDS said, “My favorite is the first video, as it set the tone for all future videos. I know it is not Taylor’s favorite because it’s raw and has an amateur feel to it. But it reminds me of our early talks on his Chit Chat dream, and when you see all the amazing video work he is doing now, it is just so impressive.”

Along the way, Chit Chat has also pushed Taylor outside his comfort zone, with one interview particularly standing out in his memory.

“For me, it was when I interviewed Toby Barker because he’s the mayor of Hattiesburg,” Carley recalled.

The two had not met previously. For Carley, the interview turned into a lesson in not letting nerves, or someone’s job title, get in the way of a good conversation.

“I really wanted to look good. I had my questions ready. But when he came in—oh, it was a breeze!”

As Carley’s skills grew, so did the possibilities for Chit Chat. Over the years, he has produced several spin-off series that put other self-advocates in front of the camera to share their own interests, personalities and perspectives. Ten years on, he is a shining example for others with similar aspirations.

Last spring, Carley also was among the first graduates of the RISE (Reaching, Including, Supporting and Educating) program to participate in Southern Miss’ commencement exercises. Offered through IDS, RISE is a postsecondary program for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

“My experience has shown me that anyone can do a video series,” Carley said. “You just need a passion for what you like to discuss.”

Playing a key role in the success of Chit Chat is Rich Baker, IDS’s director of technology and accessibility. Over the years, Baker has been instrumental in helping Taylor and other self-advocates develop their technology skills in everything from filming and editing to 3D printing and beyond, providing the guidance and support allowing them to become increasingly independent in turning their ideas into finished products.

“Taylor picked up video production pretty quickly,” Baker recalls. “We started him with an editor called Camtasia by TechSmith. As the years went on, and Camtasia seemed to be lacking some capabilities, we moved to Wondershare Filmora. Taylor ran with it, clearly demonstrating he grasped the concepts as well as the mechanics of video editing.”

“I get a kick out of watching him in front of, and behind, the camera. His professional mentor, Dr. Alliston, has taken this young man from a shy person who really didn't want to engage to being a vibrant professional colleague.”

Baker continues to be a part of Carley’s success with the program.

“Taylor and I still get to figure out problems and develop solutions together,” Baker noted. “He's a real success on many levels."

What’s next for Chit Chat Thursday with Taylor? Carley says he pictures future interviews like he’s walking through an open door.

“Anyone may be a future guest, as you never know who’s doing something interesting or great,” he explained. “Having a guest willing to share their passion makes me excited for the interview.”

Watch Chit Chat Thursday with Taylor on YouTube.