Biz Talks

Flynn Zaiger is the CEO of Online Optimism, a digital marketing agency that has been aiding small businesses in the region for 13 years. In this week's episode, he shares how his company uses AI, the biggest misunderstandings people have about AI, and his top tips and suggestions for easily using this new technology to enhance your business.

A new “Top 250” study found that 88% of the top 250 conventions in the country will meet in only 20 cities and New Orleans tops the list at number three, behind only San Diego and Orlando. Stephanie Turner, SVP of convention sales and strategies for New Orleans & Co. explains how this industry works, how competition has changed post-Covid and how New Orleans is positioned for the future.

Almost 100,000 people in the Greater New Orleans region suddenly lost power on a perfectly sunny day on Sunday, May 25.  Logan Atkinson Burke, executive director of the Alliance for Affordable energy, explains why this shouldn't have happened, what questions still need to be answered and what changes we all should be pushing for now.

There are a lot of things on the chopping block with President Trump's big bill, not the least of which is funding for women's business centers throughout the country. Klassi Duncan, VP of entrepreneurship and innovation at the Urban League of Louisiana — which operates two women's business centers in the region – explains what this loss would mean to Louisiana and shares the 30-second act you can do now to fight back. Send a letter to your state representatives by clicking here: https://awbc.org/supportwbcs/

Today, Tuesday, May 20, is Early Care and Education Day at the Capitol, and among those organizations in Baton Rouge today fighting for the importance of funding for this need is the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, which just released some sobering new data on single mothers in the region. UWSELA President and CEO Michael Williamson joins us again on the podcast to share the latest findings, as well as what his organization is doing to fight for the nearly one-third of working Southeast Louisiana households that can't afford basic necessities.

The opioid epidemic is not just exacerbating our issues with crime, homelessness and public health, it's also harming our next generation — a warning that local entrepreneur Cammy Livingston is trying to spread by cofounding Generation O: The National Organization for Opioid-Exposed Children, a national nonprofit led by foster/adoptive moms across the U.S. to advocate for kids impacted by the opioid crisis. She explains more about why you haven't heard about this problem and what her organization is doing now to change that.

On April 29, Louisiana Children's Museum (LCM) announced its receipt of a $2.5 million grant – the largest contribution the museum has received outside of a capital campaign in its almost 40-year history. It will be using the money to expand both its programming and exhibit space to a new audience. Who is this audience and what are they doing? LCM CEO Tifferney White shares the news.

After 10 years running her social impact firm, TCG (Thomas Consulting Group) CEO Michelle Thomas was inspired to make some big changes that resulted in phenomenal growth that placed her at No. 15 on the 2025 Inc. list of fastest-growing private companies in the Southeast. She shares her biggest tips for success on this week's Biz Talks.

Louisiana needs a population and workforce boost — both of which are being addressed by an organization founded last summer called The Boot. CEO Ben Armstrong explains who is involved and how local employers can get in on the action.

Corporate Realty published the latest (and 13th) version of their Greater New Orleans Annual Office Market Report — which looks at rates and movement within the city's corporate spaces. To share the highlights of the report's findings and what they mean for the local economy, we're joined by Austin Lavin, sales and leasing associate with Corporate Realty.

For 100 years, Try-Me Coffee has been operating out of an unassuming building in the Bywater, supplying some of New Orleans' most iconic restaurants and cafes. In 2023, it was purchased by a local couple (Lauren “Mermaid” McCabe and Abby King) who are determined to spread the word about their unique, roast to order options — so much so that they'll hand deliver it right to your door!

Voting is going on this week on four amendments to Louisiana's constitution. One of those, Amendment 2, would be the biggest change to the state's constitution since it was adopted in 1974. Sanders Colbert, tax attorney with Stone Pigman law firm, explains a bit about what this amendment would mean for local businesses.

This week we're starting to get ramped up for the 14th return of New Orleans Entrepreneur Week March 24 - 29. Among many firsts this year will be the first Startup Noir Nola Mini Summit – a free, full-day event focused on celebrating Black entrepreneurs and investors, with a lineup focused on funding, scaling, and breaking barriers to growth. To share more about the Startup Noir Nola initiative, and the mini summit, BizTalks welcomes Salem Habte, workforce and entrepreneurship manager at GNO, Inc., and lead for the Startup Noir initiative.

The Trump administration is pushing for drastic cuts to medical research around the country — a move that was paused by a federal judge last week pending the results of a lawsuit filed by 22 states. What would cuts mean locally? This week we talked with Patrick Norton, senior VP and COO for Tulane University, who shared what the funding drop would look like for Tulane and what its broader effects would be for our health and economy.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO) was completely full during the four days before the Super Bowl, serving as the media center and as home to the Super Bowl Experience that drew more than 100,000 fans. This week, Linda Baynham, director of sustainability and corporate social responsibility at the convention center, as well as its COO, Adam Straight, share how New Orleans shined in sustainability during and after the big event.

Who decides what Broadway shows we'll have and how does it all work? David Skinner, general manager of the Saenger Theatre, answers this, and many other questions about Broadway and the Saenger. After 50 years spent in the live entertainment business, he also shares stories of the one performer that remains his favorite and why. 

Just in time for Valentine's Day, StayLocal, Greater New Orleans' independent business alliance, is kicking off a fun campaign designed to boost relations between New Orleanians and local businesses, as well as among the businesses themselves. Maryann Miller, StayLocal program manager, shares all the details, including for tonight's kickoff event.RSVP to "Love Letters to Local Businesses” in 2025 kickoff event Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at StayLocal, 1239 Baronne St., byclicking here.

After 19 years, there is finally hope for the former Six Flags site in New Orleans East thanks to the tenacity of Bayou Phoenix, led by native New Orleanian Troy Henry. Henry shares why the project is a very personal one for him, where it's at in development, and when we'll start to see new development.

How are businesses and residents feeling in the French Quarter in the wake of the New Year's terrorist attack? What are the thoughts going into the Super Bowl? How is the French Quarter Management District adapting its efforts? Jane Cooper, chair of the board of commissioners for the French Quarter Management District, shares her thoughts.

Following the horrific events of New Year's Eve, Editor Kim Singletary chats with Jane Cooper, chair of the board of commissioners for the French Quarter Management District, to learn about the notable role FQMD plays in the Quarter's security. Cooper also adds clarification to a recent negative CNN article.

This week, editor Kim Singletary shares the year's top executives from around the city, and who grabbed the top spot of CEO of the Year and why.

This week, producer Kelly Massicot interviews host and editor of Biz New Orleans Magazine Kim Singletary about the stories that made headlines in 2024. From healthcare to banking and Taylor Swift, we've got the Top 10 Stories of the year to round out our 2024 season. Thanks for listening to Biz Talks.

In the second part of our conversation with Amanda and Isaac Toups, the couple share the latest happenings with their nonprofit, Toups Family Meal, including how they, and a growing legion of volunteers, made Halloween and Thanksgiving a little brighter this year. They also share their plans for the upcoming holidays, how you can get involved, and their plans for a major expansion.

Renowned on the culinary scene, chef Isaac Toups is a four-time finalist for James Beard  “Best Chef: South” and co-owner of the award-winning restaurant Toups Meatery with his wife, Amanda Toups.  Since the pandemic, however, the duo has also co-founded a nonprofit called Toups Family Meal that is dedicated to remedying food insecurity in New Orleans. To date, TFM has served over 175,000 meals to Orleans Parish residents. In part one of our conversation, the Toups share how this new venture came about and what they've accomplished so far.

In the second part of Biz's conversation with New Orleans Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sandra Lindquist looks at the future of the organization, which includes a can't miss event on Dec. 12, where the organization will hand out its first-ever award to a local business leader.

As the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce celebrates two decades serving area businesses, President and CEO Sandra Lindquist shares how the chamber has evolved to fit the needs of its 1,300 members and growing — including its move into legislative advocacy. She shares details on the chamber's biggest wins and groundbreaking events.

Anyone interested in the future of energy in Louisiana is invited to attend a free, three-day event at Tulane's Uptown campus Nov. 13-15. This week, Biz talks with the executive director of the Tulane Energy Institute and Tulane Center of Energy Law who share what most excites them about the forum, and the state's future.

In the second part of our conversation with Dr. Sonnier at Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, she shares the organization's plans for the future, including the conversations they've been having, and are continuing to have, with area businesses.

Celebrating 10 years this month, the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is an independent source of data and research on early care and education for young children in the state. CEO Libbie Sonnier shares the biggest successes of the past decade – which have put the state in a surprising spot in state rankings nationwide.

When it comes to input on City Park planning, City Park Conservancy President and CEO Rebecca Dietz joins Bobbie Hill, principal of Concordia, share some of the feedback they've received, along with when we can expect to see some new additions in the second part of this two-part conversation.

One of the largest urban parks in the country, City Park is one of the city's brightest jewels. Now halfway through the planning process for the next few decades, City Park Conservancy President and CEO Rebecca Dietz joins Bobbie Hill, principal of Concordia, to discuss how they're engaging public opinion in new ways in the first part of this two-part conversation.

In the second part of our conversation with Maloz and Trail, we hear about what the Pontchartrain Conservancy is up to and learn more about the status of the lake, along with some of the efforts being made to try and meet the huge need for workforce in coastal restoration.

Simone Maloz, campaign director of the Restore the Mississippi River Delta Coaltion, and Kristi Trail, executive director of the Pontchartrain Conservancy (a member of the coalition) give Biz Talks an update on the state of our coast and what they're doing, and recommending we do, to save it. 

The big game is fast approaching, but there is still time for local businesses and industries to start working on how they're going to capitalize on the worldwide attention the Super Bowl will bring. In the second part of this conversation, members of the Super Bowl Host Committee share what excites them most about the opportunities.

With the Super Bowl coming to New Orleans in less than five months, the pressure is on for the Super Bowl Host Committee to make sure the welcome mat is rolled out. This week, we chat with the stars of Biz New Orleans' September issue, who are all playing crucial positions in making sure the region takes home a big win.

Evan Canzoneri the safety services consultant for LWCC, a private, nonprofit mutual insurance company and the largest workers' compensation carrier in Louisiana, has spent a decade in risk management and prevention working with businesses across Louisiana. In this week's podcast, he shares the best practices and tips he advises to keep you and your company from unnecessary harm.  Link to step-by-step storm prep guide: https://www.lwcc.com/hurricane-preparedness Link to free safety resource library: https://www.lwcc.com/resource-category/safety

A premium whiskey or rum takes a few years to reach peak quality, and the same may be true for a distillery itself. On today's episode, Old Alker Distillery owner Kevin Alker talks about the six years he spent bringing his new venture to the marketplace. Old Alker celebrates its grand opening on Aug. 2 and 3 at 8304 Oak St. Ryan Guillory, Old Alker's head bartender and mixologist, joins the conversation to provide some Oak Street history and to detail some of the new cocktail creations he's created using Old Alker products.

A member of the Biz New Orleans New & Notables class of 2024, Dr. Christopher Lege became the official CEO of Touro in April. A 20-year primary care physician at Touro prior to this appointment, Lege talks about his move into the realm of hospital administration at a time when Touro is recovering from the pandemic and focusing in on new programs for the fastest-growing demographic in the region.

In April, a wind turbine and its components arrived in Louisiana after a transatlantic journey from Ireland. Gulf Wind Technology is preparing the onshore turbine for installation at the Port Fourchon Coastal Wetlands Park. Initial deployment and testing of the equipment is slated to begin late this year. GWT founder James Martin leads Biz New Orleans on an audio tour of the new gear at his company's headquarters at Avondale Global Gateway.Note: The final minutes of this conversation were cut from this podcast because background noise made the audio hard to understand.

Electric grids in Louisiana and nationwide are aging. Meanwhile, extreme weather events are increasing. That means utilities need to invest in new technologies to prevent dangerous and expensive power outages during and after storms. On this week's episode, Tulane professor Fariba Mamaghani shares her research on the subject.

For the second year in a row, a lucky high school senior received a free car thanks to an organization called NOLA Black Wall Street. The organization's main mission, however, is lowering the enormous racial wealth gap in the region. How are they doing this? Founder Goldie Gasper shares all the details, including big news for next year's giveaway. 

In this week's episode, Pastor Shawn Anglim, a clergy leader with Together New Orleans, talks about the origin and status of the Community Lighthouse project. An initiative of Together New Orleans, the project aims to provide commercial-scale solar power and back-up battery capacity to 86 congregations and community institutions throughout the city. These will provide cooling and heating stations, charging stations, food distribution, oxygen exchange, light medical equipment, and other critical services. So far, Together New Orleans opened the first 11 as part of its pilot of 16 lighthouses.

Based on the 2009 hit animated film "The Princess and the Frog," Tiana's Bayou Adventure opens June 28 at Walt Disney World Florida. "Biz Talks" team members Kelly Massicot and Kim Singletary attended the media preview, along with many well-known New Orleanians. In this week's episode, they share their take on the three-day event that drew media from around the world.  

This week, attorney Michelle Craig of Transcendent Law Group talks about how the active 2024 legislative session will alter Louisiana's legal landscape — from a ban on transgendered bathrooms in schools to new rules for emotional support animals. A slate of new laws will bring big changes for the state's schools, businesses and citizens.

The Olympics of food service, the Bocuse D'Or and the Pastry World Cup have never been held in America since their founding in 1987. From June 11-13, these prestigious events will take place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. New Orleans & Company Executive Vice President Alice Glenn shares all the details.

Louisiana has a higher incidence of cancer and a lower rate of survival than most states, so it's more important than ever for the state's healthcare providers to coordinate efforts to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The director of the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center and director and CEO of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center breaks down the statistics, discusses revolutionary new therapies, and gives an update on efforts to bring a National Cancer Institute Designated Cancer Center to the state.

If passed, Louisiana Senate Bill 237 would eliminate virtually all hemp products from the market, killing what has fast become a $33 million industry spurred by the booming popularity of THC-infused beverages. On this week's podcast, hemp industry advocate Monica Olano shares who is behind the bill and why she thinks it would be a bad move for Louisiana.

Kevin Ferguson, a VP at New Orleans & Company, provides an update on the Home For Good New Orleans Homeless Initiative, a community-wide effort to achieve low to no unsheltered homelessness in New Orleans by the end of 2025.

NOLA native Elizabeth Tilton is shaking things up in hospitality by offering up an industry first — easy, affordable health insurance and other wellness benefits to hospitality workers around the nation through her company OS BENEFiTS. How does it work and how affordable are we talking? She shares all the details in this week's BizTalks.

Courtney Durham Shane from Pew Charitable Trusts and Cam Poole from Greater New Orleans Inc discuss a report that contains recommendations to help boost jobs and economic development related to offshore wind in Louisiana.

New York City native and real estate mogul Charles D. Urstadt fell for New Orleans' rich culture when he moved here eight years ago. Last year, Urstadt joined with fellow New Orleanian and veteran Tony Award-winning producer Dale Mott to form a new live theater company called Edgewood Entertainment focused on producing works by authors from marginalized communities. In this week's podcast, Urstadt shares his journey to this new career and the similarities he sees between New Orleans and New York City.