Scotty Mac With Cheese! (And Everything Else On It)

Erika Sanders is a very special lady. She's not only a bonus daughter (NOT stepdaughter), Erika is a stroke survivor who is always positive about life, and one who freely offers genuine encouragement to others. To me, she was the perfect choice to co-host this podcast, since she has a great deal of patience and tolerance with me and my quirky ways. And I am putting ALL that love and support to the test with this world-class cheddar presentation! And-after you’ve made it through all the groans of pain, be sure to stick around for Erika's Thanksgiving blessing. That’s legit. While I recognize this year's Thanksgiving celebrations are taking on a more serious tone because of Covid, we don't have to take it all too serious. Which is why we did this podcast. For a smile--or nausea . Which is why I need to tell you - up front - if you don't like puns, this podcast is not be for you. But I know deep down you're probably gonna listen anyway just to see how bad/good they are!

Let me start off with a Captain Obvious statement: The world is not the same place it was a year ago. Last year, we had the fun October stuff like Halloween, fall wardrobe shopping, and every major sport to watch. Stadiums were packed with screaming fans. Then, this Covid-19 Pandemic came in like a mutant lion in March, sweeping the nation like LSU swept through their football schedule last year. Hundreds of thousands lost their lives, and thousands more were forced to mourn the losses of family and friends without even being able to say goodbye. But, the mourning didn’t stop there. So many of the things that were so much a vital part of who we were was suddenly ripped away with the Quarantine. For me, it was a real sense of other losses. Like so many others, there was the loss of a job. Loss of social interaction. Parties. Church. Restaurants. Weddings. Reunions. In the beginning, most of us thought that- at the most – the socially distancing thing would go away in 3 months. It’s still here 7 months later, and we’re still feeling it. Stronger than ever. That’s why I enlisted the help of my friend – and licensed therapist and counselor – Lori LeBlanc. In this podcast, my wife Melanie joins me in this 27-minute session to walk through this valley. The emotional stress and trauma. And the feelings of isolation. I’m sharing because I know it’s important. Improving our emotional state is imperative, and it’s not that hard to do. Please take a moment to hear. And share with those who need to be encouraged during these isolation moments. Lori says, “Be KIND to your MIND.” We can do this.

There are your standard issue questions in that manager's office (or NOW with Zoom video). You know these. "Where do you see yourself in 5 years," or "why should we hire you?" Fine. Got those. But what about the oddball questions? Spoiler Alert: Most of those strange questions have no right or wrong answer. Lucky us. I'll give my answers to three of these really-way-out-there ones. "Do you believe in Bigfoot?" I believe in the legend and the marketing of the Big Foot brand. Name and brand awareness are vital to any successful person or business. Mr. Foot checks both of those boxes. "Are you more of a hunter or gatherer?" I'm not refusing to make this choice, but the reality is today that one should do both. I know people actually "lean" more towards one than the other, so, personally, I would choose "hunter," then "mentoring" after the fact on how to gather for the good of the team. "What was the last gift you gave someone?" Gift card. But understand this is not the easy way out. Hopefully, I would know this person well enough to understand which products or services are most important to the gift receiver, and give specifically based on that. (Easy for me to say, right? Since I did not have the face-to-face experience.) But WAIT, there's more! I have enlisted a couple of friends in the media industry to help me do a deeper dive into the World of The Weird Questions. Creative? Or just stupid? You decide.

This is a podcast I recorded about a year ago at the radio station, and I’m bringing it back, because it still has “traction in analytics.” Those fancy words are from the former Digital Content Director at iHeart Media-London Marchand. The way this all came down was over a conversation I overheard on the elevator. These two women were trying to decipher a text message from a guy one of the ladies liked. The problem was, she was trying to read between the lines searching for meaning, and getting nowhere. I mentioned this conversation to London-who is single-and we came up with some very inciteful ways to interpret “manspeak;” ESPECIALLY when it come from a guy’s mysterious texts. Together we came up with the 15 ways to know he’s interested. Even if he’s being somewhat mysterious. Here are just 5 of the of the 15 signals we will discuss. Emoji usage—and choices. What they mean. Double texts. Twice the fun? They text you first—before you get your first daily text off to him. They talk about themselves a lot, but that could be more of a sales pitch than bragging. They may seek your advice on a not-too-serious personal matter. BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!

The damage resulting from Hurricane Laura hit hard for me personally, since my hometown of Lake Charles was ripped apart from the highest winds in 150 years. Damage was everywhere, from the Capital One high-rise building downtown (losing most of its windows), to KPLC's TV steel studio transmission tower bent in half like a cheap coat hanger. Even with all of the devastation, it was a miracle that the loss of life numbers were kept under a dozen. There was a last-minute saving grace for Lake Charles that WWL Channel 4's meteorologist Dave Nussbaum talks about here, and the latest tracking for two MORE systems in the Atlantic. Great, huh? Well, we are in the peak part of hurricane season right now, and that's just the way things roll. We just want them to roll away from us. Finally, the 15-year anniversary of the most-deadly storm in New Orleans is August 29. Hurricane Katrina rocked the Crescent City with high winds and rain, but the levee breaches from the storm, surge proved deadly to thousands. Dave looks back. And ahead.

You’d probably have to go back to 2005 to get the same kind of tropical storm/hurricane activity in the Gulf of Mexico like we’ve had recently. Dr. Josh Eachus- chief meteorologist with WBRZ Channel 2 breaks it down for us. The thing that is most intriguing about what will develop over THIS weekend with two Gulf storms is widespread speculation in social media of a Fujiwhara Effect. That’s what is described on what could happen if two storms merge. Dr. Josh says it won’t be like the Day After Tomorrow film, but we need to watch BOTH storms carefully—Laura and then later Marco. Here’s why….

Those of us who are old enough to remember the Saints from the very beginning, know about the very unique moments in their infancy years. In their first season, the Saints won five of their six preseason games, then opened the regular season on Sept. 17, 1967 against the Los Angeles Rams. Over 80,000 packed themselves into old Tulane Stadium to watch, as John Gilliam took the opening kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown. Just like that. Then, the Rams calmed everyone down and would go on to win that game. Three years later on November 8, 1970, Tom Dempsey made one of the most historic plays in Saints' history, as he kicked a record-breaking 63-yard field goal with just two seconds on the clock to beat Detroit 19-1. (OK, that play made #7 on this list) Play-by-play announcer Al Lester got just a LITTLE excited. The other soundbytes will include games in the Sean Payton/Drew Brees era. So buckle up the earbealts for an awesome 15 minute ride down WhoDat memory lane. But don't be surprised to find out that the Super Bowl win was the #2 highlight on my list. Yep, there was one better. Well at least, I think there was. Take a listen.

Caregivers. And those future ones. Or the ones who want to understand. We hope our story will help encourage you. You're not alone in this.

When it comes to social media, many companies get stuck in trying to do too much based on too many different opinions. Enter Jenna Winzenburg. A voice a clarity that's refreshing. And right. Jenna is a 10 year veteran of social media, website creation, and a former regional Digital Content Manager for national companies like Universal and iHeartMedia. Having worked with Jenna for several years, I can tell you she can analyze statistics and research with the best of ‘em. But Jenna never sacrifices common sense. And I’m here to tell you, that’s rare. Here are some examples from this podcast. Google ads are not as hot as you think. Just expensive. And if you’re with an ad agency that says digital advertising alone will make your company successful, you might want to define what “success” means. Likes? Clicks? Or Sales? Most agencies are all about showing the clicks, while the clients want to be shown the money. “The number one thing most new clients tell me is how they have been advised by sellers to spend thousands of dollars a month on digital ads to grow their leads. Here's the thing you must remember: CONTENT still wins.” Alright, so let’s take 25 minutes with Jenna Winzenburg and get Social. Results.

Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety during this pandemic. It’s something that does not get a lot of attention, but something that needs to be said. Here, I offer some info from what I’ve learned with my family, and what the experts from the CDC are offering. I look forward to hearing your experiences in the comment section of my social media platforms.

We will journey the Galaxy Far, Far away and compare that to the voyages to The Final Frontier. I’ve always considered myself to be Trekker (not Trekkie) first, THEN Star Wars for just passing some time until the next Star Trek episode or movie comes out. That’s my corner of the galaxy. In the other corner is Dave Sorge, a podcasting guru and coach who is a very smart guy that has a lot of things in life already figured out. Except on this issue. The Star Wars Saga has given us so much. Like EWOKS? In this battle for supremacy, we won’t need phasers, photon torpedoes or blasters to decide this. We will just present the facts rapid-fire at warp speed, and you be the judge. But, I will tell you that I won’t let the Wookie win. Not this time.

Let's be honest, care giving is not easy work. And we ought to know. My wife Melanie and I are caregivers for TWO in our home. Her 93 year-old mother, and her 42 year-old daughter, Erika. My bonus daughter Erika-as some of you already know- had a sudden stroke at the age of 20, and has been in a wheelchair ever since. Miss Connie has lived well beyond the years of most people, yet still is pretty sharp. She might get a little confused one day out of 7, but for the most part, she's in good mental shape. And physically, getting stronger. For caregivers, the responsibilities of juggling work schedules, scheduling doctor visits, organizing meds, house chores, meals and individual care can be a bit challenging at times. Even overwhelming. But, there are rewards to the job. It's a chance to show love to those who need it most. And building bonds in a way that few will experience. Even if you care for someone who has dementia, they may not always recognize you right away, but they will sure recognize the way you make them FEEL. What we are offering in this podcast to those who walk in this season of life as Melanie and I do, is 24 minutes of some life moments of other caregivers, and what they have done to make this time-demanding calling a little bit easier. Here in this village, we recognize the importance of that. On this podcast, you'll also hear some great common-sense advice from people who know. Even if you're not a caregiver, there may be someone you know who is. Feel free to share, because it's important.

They often say that knowledge is power. Well, Doctor Josh Eachus' has that--and more. His expertise is always in demand; especially during high impact weather events such as hurricanes, floods and tornadoes. People within the field know Josh’s research recommends the best practices to field leaders at meteorological conferences around the United States, including the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association. Josh is a local expert with national recognition. Today, he is a 7 year veteran of the WBRZ News 2 Weather Team, where he serves as Chief Meteorologist. People look to Josh for accurate forecasting, and that's what they always get. In 2017, Josh became Doctor Josh; receiving his Ph.D. from LSU. But it didn’t stop there. Today, he is all about sharing that knowledge. He has served on various panels to discuss the effectiveness of social media in weather alerts. Regionally, he launched the Integrated Warning Team—a bi-annual conference that assembles the National Weather Service, Emergency Managers, and local media to improve weather communication. Nationally, in addition to numerous conference presentations, Josh has contributed to wxshift.com and created thewxsocial.com, a blog site dedicated to better weather communication. In 23 minutes, you will hear his passion for weather, teaching and community involvement. I learned a LOT, and I know you will. About the flood. The snow. And-wait for it-the surprising revelation about Lake Pontchartrain's unusual effect on our weather. So, let’s go to the Josh Weather School.

One of my favorite parts of this podcast is when Melanie revealed her request of seeing a single man's credit report before the relationship got serious. For real. When she asked me. I told her I didn't have the report handy but I told her my score. I passed. Thankfully. Then, I had to ask if she asked other men she saw for that information. She told me if the relationship was going anywhere, she would ask for it. Melanie once told me of a single attorney who was offended when she offered up that request. He then told her several days later, "you know, that's actually not a bad idea." Yep. A strong woman with a wise idea. Many of you already know that Melanie is a hairdresser with many years of experience. Over those years, she's heard numerous stories about dating from both men and women. Teamed with her own personal experience, I found out she had the most grounded approach to dating I had ever seen. And I dated a lot before my first marriage, and some after my divorce. It wasn't just about wisdom through experience. It's how she arrived there that was so impressive. Singles, I hope you take a few minutes to hear Melanie's heart. You won't learn everything there is to know in 25 minutes, but you'll get a lot.

It's now been a couple of months since many of us have actually been to the gym, so Dr. Shay offers the most efficient ways to ramp back up to a program that will work for you. His main goal here is to share the basics to help you get back to where you used to be without risk of injury or too much muscle fatigue. There are the simple rules about hydration and nutrition that’s in the mix, AND what to expect (and not expect) when you go back to the gym for the first time. You won't conquer the world in just one or 2 visits. But you can get back to where you used to be fairly soon, and here's how you can do it. Safely.

Seeing things from a fresh, unbiased perspective is sometimes difficult. But, it’s the most beneficial thing you can do for your business. For 25 years, David Day has given businesses objectivity in the pursuit of their goals. Now, the old rulebook for operating in business has been thrown out the window. The good news is there are positives emerging. Most people already know about the facts of the changes brought forth from the Coronavirus. David takes us further down the road (post-pandemic) ; taking the current trends and seeing a glimpse of the future. For companies and individuals. (Spoiler alert: The future looks bright for women in leadership.) And it doesn't stop there.

What I've discovered over many years of being a cheesy guy, is that many people moan and groan at those corny, cheesy jokes, riddles and pick up lines. They will give the joke teller a look that says "Really?" But here's the interesting kicker—while most people will cringe at the punch lines, they always seem to come back to get hit again and again. Maybe one day I will do a study on why people who hate cheesy jokes can't wait to hear the next one. But until then, we'll just let the bad jokes roll. I recognize there's only so much one person can take. So, in the interest of fairness with poor taste, I was able to get this podcast down to 15 minutes. Believe me when I say...it's better this way. This podcast is PACKED with puns that you'll feel in your teeth. (Hopefully I won't hurt your FILLINGS.) I include answers to the most pressing riddles, like "How do you plan a space party?" OR what's the first word in a scarecrow's pickup line?" (HAAAY!) But WAIT there's more...a lot more. So here we go-break out the Cheeto's, because this very well may be the longest 15 minutes you've experienced in quite a while.

There are so many ways to get into podcasting, and perhaps you've want to get into it yourself, OR you know of someone who wants to get started. You probably already know there are numerous training programs out there that can cost hundreds of dollars. Good news in this podcast. After listening for just a couple of minutes, you'll find out-fairly quickly- that this is some “how-to” gold. And it's free, with no pitch to buy any training at the end. My personal "Coach" is Dave Sorge, and he helps guide new podcasters through the processes in the same way he is helping me. Dave has been overseeing digital content in large companies for 15 years; having expertise in connecting social content, social and business networking, blogs, and - of course- podcasts. In fact, he's been watching the growth of the podcast phenomenon since its infancy, so he knows more about where it’s been and a great idea of where it’s going. I like the fact Dave is also an audio and computer technician, so he knows how to guide you on the technical end. (Spoiler alert: You don't have to spend a money on equipment to get started.) Click and see for yourself. And if you don't have your questions answered, he will give his email for those at the end. No Charge. And now, here he is - The Podcaster Coach--DAVE SORGE!

My wife’s niece Lindsay is married to Craig Steltz, so we’ve shared many a Thanksgiving and Christmas lunch with Craig and his family, along with my brother-in-law and his wife. We do talk some sports at family gatherings, but to be honest, it’s about the food. And my brother-in-law cheating at croquet. And watching the Dallas Cowboys lose on Thanksgiving Day. The last time Craig was on my Podcast, it was right before the LSU Championship game against Clemson. He reflected back on what is was like to play on the pervious championship team in 2007. Now that this year’s virtual NFL draft is completed, he joins me once again for analysis of how it went down this year, and what it actual feels like to be a draft choice. Then we’ll do a deeper dive into the LSU future. And his Saints thoughts too.

SocialDistancing and the #quarantine against COVID-19 is working, and the proof is in the hospital. RN Lacey says we gotta keep it that way. #StaySafe #StayHome And she's STILL a Saints fan.

My special guest on my Scotty Mac With Cheese Podcast is my lovely wife, Melanie Carwile. She is a certified educator for Chi Products (used in the Miss Universe Pageants), with 40 years’ experience in hair and makeup. Melanie has choreographed numerous fashion shows, and provided her makeup expertise for dance reviews, print, television, and film; including "The Big Easy." But, as her husband, I can tell you Melanie’s biggest accolades come from her clients. That's because she's found her space as a hair ARTIST, instead of stylist. So she knows from which she speaks. Good timing for some wise consultation in this podcast, since we all have this quarantine thing going on. Before you take matters into your own scissors, Listen, and you'll hear better solutions. You can actually slow down the hair color fade the next time you get in the shower. Got the frizzies? Something for that too that’s not on the shelf. And when you get the green light to go back to your stylist, you won't have green hair to walki in with. Unless you wanted it that way.

We have gone through-and ARE going through- one of the most radical lifestyle changes since World War 2. And it's not over yet. The Coronavirus has affected all of us; psychologically, physically, and professionally. Our economy is going crazy. Unemployment is way up. Many companies and small businesses are running scared. And it shows. As a result, many companies have moved in to a "hunker down" kind of mode; with advertising expenditures going down an average of 30% across the board, But for it's not all doom and gloom to report. Far from it. In this podcast, you will hear how the advertising and marketing can have AMAZING results during COVID-19, and after. Marketing and advertising consultant guest David Day says that it just takes some common sense and a little creativity. And we are already seeing some of that build right now.

Special #Coronavirus PODCAST today is with my bonus daughter Lacey, who is a hospital #RN in the Louisiana hotbed for this pandemic- #NewOrleans. Hope you will listen and learn fro this latest update. #SocialDistancing #Covid19

#Narcissistic #boss You don't have to be unhappy where you are. You might just want to manage the situation. It's really not that difficult.