Podcasts about Acadiana

In “Making Groceries,” New Orleans-based Gravy journalist Katie Jane Fernelius travels to the frontlines of food insecurity in Louisiana—from the bustling warehouse floor of Second Harvest Food Bank in south Louisiana to a grocery aisle in rural Evangeline Parish—to examine the place of food stamps in fighting hunger. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is a federal food-assistance program that helps low-income households buy groceries. It has consistently been shown to reduce food insecurity and poverty, especially among children. But SNAP has also been at the center of policy fights for decades, as legislators at both the state and federal level debate not only who should be eligible to receive benefits, but what they can spend those benefits on. While some legislators may emphasize the impact of SNAP on state and federal budgets, moms like Dafnee Chatman experience the importance of SNAP in their personal budgets, knowing the crucial role that food stamps can play in feeding her family of five. In this episode of Gravy, Fernelius follows Chatman through a grocery store as she does the math of a weekly shop on SNAP benefits. She also speaks with John Sillers and Lindsay Hendrix of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana about how families struggling with food insecurity fill their pantries. Fernelius looks at hunger in Louisiana from a wider angle: not as a single crisis, but as a system of support, strain, and political choices that shapes how everyday families eat. *** Acknowledgements: Thank you to scholars Tracy Roof and Laurie Green for their illuminating conversations about the history of food stamps. Thank you to Second Harvest Food Bank in New Orleans and Dafnee Chatman, for their helpful, impassioned participation in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many of us, reading to a child feels like a cherished bedtime ritual. But what if the benefits begin long before birth? In this fascinating episode of Discover Lafayette, we visit with Dr. Joe Abraham, physician, research biologist, award-winning author, former president of the Lafayette Parish Library Foundation, and president of the Acadiana Educational Endowment, about the life-changing impact of reading with children beginning in the prenatal period. The Acadiana Educational Endowment, founded in 1989 to support public education across Acadiana, has invested more than $650,000 in educational initiatives over the years. Today, its primary focus is Reading With Kids, an initiative encouraging parents to read to children from pregnancy through the preschool years because, as Dr. Abraham believes, “children are the most precious thing in life.” Dr. Abraham’s passion for the project grew from decades practicing emergency medicine. After observing thousands of children, he began noticing a pattern. “I kept coming back to the ones who are cooperative. The ones who are inquisitive. The ones who are engaged, are read to.” He says he can often recognize these children before they can even speak. “I got to the point that I can spot a child at six months of age or earlier. The child is tracking. They’re listening.” “There’s this idea of fetal education. It’s well known in China and Korea. There’s recent research that if you read and talk to your child in the womb, particularly in the third trimester, they can show when they’re born that their brains are advanced. I will meet children who are just spooky smart at two, and they’ve been read to in the womb. Socioeconomic level is totally irrelevant.” That observation led him to explore decades of research connecting early language exposure with lifelong educational and social outcomes. Dr. Abraham explains that research indicates “60% of kids who are not prepared to read by the first grade will end up in jail or on welfare.” While many people have heard that reading proficiency by third grade predicts later success, Dr. Abraham argues that the foundation is laid much earlier, even before birth. He points to emerging research showing that babies exposed to language during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, demonstrate measurable neurological differences after birth. “They can show when they’re born that their brains are advanced.” One French study cited on the Reading With Kids website found that newborns whose mothers regularly read and spoke to them during pregnancy exhibited more advanced neural centers for language acquisition. Another ultrasound study observed babies moving their mouths in response to familiar spoken sounds spoken by the mother before birth. Yet Dr. Abraham repeatedly emphasizes that the science is only part of the story. “The child is not interested in the book. The child is interested in the warm body, the human that will protect them.” He believes reading creates a powerful emotional bond. “The bond between parent and child extends to the book.” This relationship, he explains, becomes what ultimately motivates children to learn. “Changing the world one child at a time“ Throughout our conversation, Dr. Abraham returns to one central theme: reading is about much more than literacy. When children are read to, they begin developing empathy, imagination, curiosity, and the ability to understand perspectives different from their own. “When you read, you slowly come to understand other people’s perspectives.” Reading, he says, becomes “the laboratory of the mind.” That perspective also shapes his concerns about modern society. “We live in a time in which people can’t talk anymore.” Dr. Abraham believes that reading helps people hold thoughtful conversations because it teaches them that disagreement does not necessarily mean someone is wrong; it often simply reflects a different perspective. Our conversation also explored what Dr. Abraham calls “book deserts.” In some communities, he says, there may be only one book available for every 300 children living there. To address that problem, Reading With Kids has collected more than 15,000 books that are distributed throughout Acadiana. Volunteers hand out books at community events, stock Little Libraries, and work with organizations including Kiwanis of Acadiana to place free books where families naturally gather, including laundromats, where children often spend hours waiting with parents. One story perfectly illustrates the demand. After bringing 800 children’s books to an Upper Lafayette event, volunteers didn’t even reach the first stoplight before every single book had been claimed. “The kids just grabbed the books.” The organization is also working with physicians and hospitals to make reading part of routine prenatal and pediatric care. Dr. Abraham hopes electronic medical records will soon prompt physicians and nurses to ask every expectant mother and every parent of a child under five a simple question: “Are you reading to your child?” If the answer is no, providers could immediately share research demonstrating that reading improves school readiness, lifetime earnings, and overall success. As Dr. Abraham notes, physicians are often among the most trusted voices families encounter. “If we show interest in them, and their children, it’s been my experience they grab at it.” Perhaps the most moving portion of our discussion centered on his advice for expectant parents. Rather than waiting until a baby arrives, he encourages parents to begin reading as soon as they begin thinking about starting a family. “We recommend prenatal reading when you start thinking about being pregnant.” He offers several reasons: Reading helps strengthen the emotional bond between parent and child. It encourages calmness and emotional well-being during pregnancy. Most practically, it establishes a habit before, as he laughingly puts it, “all hell breaks loose” after the baby arrives. Then he offered one of the most beautiful thoughts of our conversation. As Reading With Kids says on its website: “It is possible your child is already waiting for you. If so, it is never too early to reach out and begin connecting by reading.” Our discussion eventually broadened into education itself. Dr. Abraham worries that schools sometimes diminish children’s natural curiosity instead of nurturing it. “Every child starts off curious… We kill it.” He argues that reading helps preserve the questioning mindset that fuels creativity and innovation. His upcoming book, On Being Einstein, explores that very idea. “What makes for an Einstein? Somebody with a tremendous memory… or somebody who’s willing to ask questions the rest of us won’t?” Throughout our conversation, one message remained constant: reading is one of the simplest, least expensive, and most powerful investments any parent, grandparent, caregiver, or community member can make. Whether reading begins during pregnancy, while rocking a newborn, or sharing stories with a curious preschooler, those moments become far more than story time. They become opportunities to build language, strengthen relationships, foster imagination, encourage empathy, and perhaps even change the trajectory of a child’s life. To learn more, volunteer, donate books, or support the initiative, visit ReadingWithKids.org, the public outreach program of the Acadiana Educational Endowment. In closing, just a few statistics from Reading With Kid’s website: https://www.readingwithkids.org/research/ 75% of US adults read below the 6th grade level.47% struggle to read basic sentences.20% are functionally illiterate.Magnet ABA Therapy. US Literacy Statistics. The State of Literacy in America: A Comprehensive Overview. February 28, 2025. Link.The National Literacy Institute. Link. In poor neighborhoods, there can be as few as 1 book for every 300 children.(Book Deserts.) Neuman, Susan B. Changing the Odds for Children at Risk. 2008, Bloomsbury Publishing USA. Link.

Money is coming to Acadiana. Lawmakers recently approved funding to build the new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles after state lawmakers gave the project priority status in the new state budget. Legislators also allocated millions to help the University of Louisiana-Lafayette with a budget deficit.  Christiaan Mader, founder of the Current in Lafayette, tells us more about the influx of cash headed to the region. Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order that he said will protect Louisiana's household utility customers from paying for the massive amount of energy needed to power AI data centers. Landry said the order establishes a framework that balances economic opportunity with consumer protection. Reporter Sam Karlin has been covering this story for the Advocate. He joins us with more.The LSU Cold Case project dives into unsolved crimes in Louisiana, particularly those that seem to be racially motivated during the Civil Rights era. This year, students looked into the killings of two World War II veterans, one who refused to give up his bus seat in Alexandria, Louisiana. The other, who was in the middle of a voting rights lawsuit, was killed in a bar scuffle.Current and former LSU students investigated this story. Three of them — Morgan King, Camille Milligan and Miguel Paredes Reyes — join us with more.—Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Our guest is Stacey Knight Mejia, an attorney by training but better known throughout Acadiana as “Sensei Stacey,” co-owner and chief instructor of Acadiana Karate. A ten-time national forms and weapons champion, Stacey has spent decades teaching martial arts, confidence, and practical self-defense to children and adults. Her message is simple but powerful: “The goal isn’t to live in fear. The goal is to live with awareness, confidence, and the ability to trust yourself.” As Stacey explains, avoiding violence begins long before physical self-defense becomes necessary. “Ninety to ninety-five percent of all self-defense scenarios can be avoided by pre-planning.” That single statement frames our entire discussion. Stacey explains that every attack begins with three elements: a predator, a victim, and an opportunity. Predators are looking for easy targets and easy opportunities, which is why awareness matters so much. “You are what you look like. How you stand, how you walk. Eye contact is huge because remember, the predator doesn’t want to get caught.” She encourages women to walk with purpose, maintain awareness of their surroundings, know where exits are located within seconds of entering a building, lock vehicle doors immediately, and always have a response plan before something happens. “Have a plan. What am I going to do? Where are the exits? How am I going to get out of here?” Throughout the interview, Stacey returns repeatedly to the importance of using your voice. “When I teach women physical self-defense classes, I sometimes have issues getting them to use their voice. They feel, ‘I’m silly,’ or they’re shy. I need you to become a tiger or a lion because the guy that’s coming at you has a criminal mindset.” One of the strongest themes of our discussion is learning to trust intuition. Gavin de Becker’s landmark book The Gift of Fear, was discussed and he argues that our instincts often recognize danger before our conscious minds do. “Trust your instinct. Trust your gut. It’s so important.” She tells parents to teach their children the same lesson. “No is a one-word sentence. No means no. Say no and run.” Rather than encouraging people to become fearful, Stacey wants them to become intentional. “I don’t want you to live in fear. But you need to be aware.” We discuss numerous real-world situations that women encounter every day, including shopping centers, grocery stores, parking lots, gas stations, DoorDash deliveries, ride-share services, parks, jogging alone, and even sitting in your own driveway scrolling through your phone. Stacey points out that today’s criminals are increasingly sophisticated, posing as delivery drivers, utility workers, or even leaving seemingly harmless items such as money dropped on the ground, windshield wipers moved out of place, or objects on door handles to create distractions. Her advice remains remarkably practical: “Verify, verify. Do not open the front door of your house for a delivery person or a utility worker until you verify.” She also recommends limiting distractions. “The cell phone can be very helpful but it’s a huge distraction.” Instead, she encourages using technology wisely by sharing locations with friends and family, calling 911 immediately if something feels wrong, and trusting that internal warning system. Another phone trick is to put your camera on if someone is stalking you. “Turn around and say, ‘Do I know you? Do you need anything? and take a picture. If they hurry away, you know they weren’t up to any good.” One of Stacey’s most moving stories involves a woman who survived a brutal sexual assault and eventually found her way to Acadiana Karate. Initially unable to speak about what had happened, she slowly rebuilt both her confidence and her life through training. “She came out victorious. She got her life back.” Stacey also offers reassurance to anyone who has survived an attack. “You survived. You shouldn’t feel shame about that.” Although Stacey has earned national championships in martial arts competition and even performed stunt work on the television series Mortal Kombat: Conquest after being recruited from the national karate circuit, she emphasizes that most people will never need advanced martial arts techniques if they develop strong situational awareness. Stacey recommends simple, easy-to-use personal safety devices such as Birdie or Hootie personal alarms that emit a piercing sound to attract attention and create an opportunity to escape. She is less enthusiastic about pepper spray, guns or knives. “I’m not an expert on those tools. I don’t advocate for it. I’ve heard so many horror stories about the attacker grabbing it and turning it on you.” She also recommends an inexpensive glass breaker/seatbelt cutter device that can be used both in vehicle emergencies and, if necessary, to escape from a locked vehicle. Her philosophy focuses on escape rather than confrontation. “The goal is to escape.” Stacey also explains why a single two-hour self-defense seminar cannot replace consistent training. “Don’t think that you’re an expert after one seminar.” Karate develops something much deeper than physical techniques. Through repetition, students build muscle memory so that, under the stress of an actual attack, simple defensive movements become automatic. “We just drill it, drill it, drill it.” Every August I get calls about teaching safety classes to daughters right before they go iff to college. ‘Please, can you teach self-defense in a week?’ The best thing I tell my parents is to buy this book: Confidence in Conflict for Campus Life, by Jill Weisensel . It goes through all things addressing personal safety awareness like theft in the dorm, sorority parties, how to address hazing and sexual assault, just really great tips on how to address high-risk behaviors.” Stacey also follows Dannah Eve who recently wrote a book called Street Smarts. Introduced to karate by her future husband, Pablo Mejia, while attending college, she earned her first-degree black belt before entering law school. She credits martial arts with helping her persevere through one of the most demanding periods of her life. “There are times in law school where we all just want to quit. Karate really helped me.” The discipline she learned on the mat carried directly into her legal career. Today, Stacey continues serving the community through Acadiana Karate while also sharing health and wellness advice through her “Stacey’s Optimal Health” platform. Whether discussing nutrition, exercise, parenting teenagers, or personal safety, her underlying message never changes: preparation creates confidence. This episode is for every woman, every parent, every college student, and every family member who wants practical, thoughtful guidance on staying safe while living life with confidence instead of fear. “Don’t live in fear. Just be aware.” For more information about Stacey Knight Mejia and Acadiana Karate, visit https://acadianakarate.com/

Many people have never heard of Ryan Furby, yet they have likely experienced the impact of the work he does. After an international career with some of the world’s largest corporations, including FedEx, Philip Morris International, and Biogen, Ryan returned to Louisiana and quietly built a consulting practice that helps organizations navigate complex business challenges through strategic communications, public affairs, and reputation management. Today, as CEO of RAF Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, he advises companies while also giving generously of his time to Acadiana’s nonprofit and civic organizations. In this episode of Discover Lafayette, Ryan demystifies a profession that often operates behind the scenes. He explains how organizations earn, and sometimes lose, the public’s trust, why communications belong at the executive table, and how thoughtful leadership can determine whether a company thrives during moments of opportunity or crisis. As Ryan succinctly explains, “I’m in the trust business. I’m in the reputation business.“ Louisiana Roots, Global Experience Ryan’s career has taken him around the world, but Louisiana has always remained home. Born in Baton Rouge, raised in Mandeville, and educated at Loyola University New Orleans, Ryan grew up with deep family ties throughout South Louisiana. His mother’s family has roots in Lafayette stretching back generations, while his father’s family is from Alexandria. After nearly twenty years of pursuing increasingly demanding international leadership roles, Ryan found himself burned out. “I’d been chasing jobs and money and career all around the world for 20 years,” he recalls. “I was at a point where I was really burned out.” Initially, moving to Lafayette was intended to be temporary, a place where he and his wife could regroup while raising their two young children closer to family. “We’ll spend a year. See how it goes.” Eight years later, Lafayette has become home. That decision changed not only his family’s life, but the community that would eventually benefit from his leadership. Learning Leadership at FedEx Ryan credits much of his professional development to his years at FedEx, where he describes the company as “my training ground” and “my MBA.” Working inside one of the world’s largest transportation companies gave him unprecedented exposure to executive decision-making and corporate strategy. Few people influenced him more than FedEx founder Fred Smith. “I thought of him as a professor,” Ryan says. “Every time he spoke, I just absorbed all of that.” Smith’s military background shaped the culture of the company through a simple but powerful philosophy: “Shoot. Move. Communicate.” Ryan explains that the phrase represented more than a slogan. It embodied how organizations must continually adapt, execute, and communicate internally to remain successful. At FedEx, communications wasn’t an afterthought, it was part of executive leadership. Communications professionals sat alongside legal counsel, operations leaders, marketing executives, and division presidents, helping shape decisions before they became headlines. As Ryan explains, their role was often to become “the conscience of the organization,” helping leaders ask difficult questions: “If you mess up, how do you own it? How do you fix it? How do you prevent it from happening again?” Katrina: Helping New Orleans Recover One of Ryan’s defining professional experiences came in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. From FedEx’s corporate “war room,” he watched the devastation unfold while simultaneously helping coordinate logistics and charitable efforts to support New Orleans’ recovery. The experience was deeply personal. “I felt like New Orleans was my home,” he says. “Watching that and then knowing what my friends and family were experiencing felt very personal.” Among the recovery efforts he remains most proud of was helping the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas reopen. After Katrina, nearly every animal inside the aquarium died when life-support systems failed. The surviving penguins and two sea otters had been relocated to California while the facility rebuilt. When the aquarium asked FedEx for help bringing the animals home, Ryan immediately recognized the symbolic importance. “This is going to be big. This is a story.” FedEx ultimately chartered one of its own aircraft to transport the animals back to New Orleans, sponsored the exhibit, and helped organize a major reopening celebration nearly one year after the storm. “It was symbolic of what New Orleans needed,” Ryan reflects. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUvQQr-obXU The story became a powerful reminder that communications is about far more than publicity; it is about helping communities recover, celebrate milestones, and restore hope. Reinvention on a Global Stage Ryan’s next chapter took him to Switzerland with Philip Morris International. To many, accepting a position with a tobacco company might seem surprising. Ryan explains that by the time he joined, the company’s leadership was investing heavily in research and development to transition smokers toward reduced-risk alternatives. His responsibility was helping one of the world’s most heavily regulated companies navigate communications in an increasingly digital world. Unlike traditional consumer brands, every communication had to operate within extraordinary legal constraints. “It was always trying to find a path through all of the barriers,” he says. Living overseas also transformed his family’s perspective. Ryan and his wife immersed their children in French-speaking schools, traveled extensively throughout Europe, and developed friendships with colleagues from across the globe, including Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and Eastern Europe. Those experiences fundamentally changed how he views the world. “I tend to see things from both sides,” he says. “I give the other side the benefit of the doubt.” That balanced perspective continues to shape both his consulting practice and his civic leadership today. Choosing Lafayette When Ryan eventually returned to the United States through Biogen, he briefly considered relocating to Boston. Instead, he chose Lafayette. His reason was remarkably simple. Family. “I wanted them to know their family,” he says of his children. Equally important was his desire to become part of a genuine community. Living abroad had shown him what it meant to be welcomed professionally but never fully belong. Louisiana offered something different. “I wanted to be part of the people, part of the community.” Rather than simply living in Lafayette, Ryan intentionally sought opportunities to serve. That commitment eventually led him to board leadership with organizations including the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra and Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Louisiana, as well as service on the committee that selected the new president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Building RAF Strategic Communications Ryan eventually founded RAF Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, naming the company after his initials, “RAF,” colleagues had called him throughout his FedEx career. Today, he helps organizations clarify strategy, improve communications, strengthen relationships with government and stakeholders, and successfully compete for major contracts. One example close to home involved Acadiana Waste Services. When the company prepared its proposal for Lafayette’s residential solid waste contract, Ryan brought years of experience responding to complex Request for Proposals. His advice was practical: “Answer the question. Get the score you need.” But beyond simply answering technical requirements, Ryan helped the locally owned company present itself with the polish and professionalism expected of much larger national competitors. “If you want to know how the big ones operate,” he says, “this is how they do it.” Today, he continues serving as a communications consultant for Acadiana Waste Services while helping the company build relationships throughout the community. And Ryan says, ” Just a side note, we have a monthly meeting with LCG and each month, it’s another month of no fines. To have no fines means you’ve collected every single route. If you miss something, you have 24 hours to fix it. No fines in this industry is unheard of. They are a great company and great people. I’m really fortunate to work with them.” Reputation Can Take Decades to Build—and Minutes to Lose One of the most fascinating portions of our conversation centered on reputation management. Ryan discussed recent corporate case studies ranging from Fender Guitars to BP’s Deepwater Horizon response, illustrating how quickly public trust can disappear. Quoting Warren Buffett, Ryan offered one of the interview’s most memorable observations: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” His work often involves helping organizations ask difficult questions before problems become public crises. “The best examples of what I do,” he explains, “never hit the papers because the issues have been handled properly before they were out there to ruin the reputation of the company.” It is a reminder that successful communication isn’t simply about responding well, it is about making wiser decisions from the beginning. Giving Back to Acadiana Despite an international résumé, Ryan speaks most enthusiastically about community service. His involvement with the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra reflects his belief that arts organizations help define the character of a community. He praises board chairman Robert Schacht for modernizing the organization while expanding educational programming, movie concerts, chamber performances, and outreach designed to welcome new audiences. “We’re trying to bring in education and students and have fun,” Ryan says. “I just think performing arts is so important for community.” That same philosophy guides his volunteer work across Acadiana. As he explains: “Work is just a piece of who I am.” “What I can give back is much more rewarding.” Listen to the Full Conversation Ryan Furby’s career has taken him from Louisiana to Switzerland, from global boardrooms to local nonprofit organizations, yet one lesson consistently emerges throughout our conversation: Businesses succeed not simply because they have great products, but because they earn trust. Whether advising Fortune 500 companies, helping a locally owned business compete for a transformational contract, or volunteering with organizations that enrich Acadiana, Ryan brings the same thoughtful approach to leadership: listening carefully, understanding multiple perspectives, and helping people achieve their best outcomes. His story is ultimately not just about communications. It’s about character, credibility, and the relationships that make communities and organizations stronger. For more information about his services, visit https://rafmarketing.com/.

For more than five decades, Trent Angers has dedicated his life to journalism, publishing, and preserving the stories that define Louisiana and its people. As founder, editor, and publisher of Acadian House Publishing, Trent has edited and published 126 books over a 45-year career while also authoring six books of his own. His work has ranged from Cajun history and Louisiana political figures to military ethics, faith, and inspirational storytelling. A graduate of LSU’s School of Journalism, where he was named Outstanding Graduating Senior and received the Hodding Carter Award for Responsible Journalism, Trent followed in the footsteps of his father, Bob Angers, founder of Acadiana Profile magazine. Trent would eventually spend 36 years as editor and publisher of Acadiana Profile, helping build it into one of the longest-running regional magazines in America before selling the publication in 2010 to focus full-time on book publishing with Acadian House Publishing. During our conversation, Trent reflects on a life immersed in words, ideas, and the people behind them. “Born with printer’s ink in my blood” Trent jokes that journalism was his destiny. “You could say I was born with printer’s ink in the blood.” His father purchased the Franklin Banner-Tribune in 1953, and Trent grew up watching the realities of community journalism firsthand. When Bob Angers launched Acadiana Profile in 1968, regional magazines were virtually unheard of. “I thought he had lost his mind because there was almost no such thing as a city or regional magazine in this country at the time.” Instead, Bob Angers proved to be a visionary. More than fifty years later, the publication remains an important voice for South Louisiana. Acadian House Publishing: More Than Books Today, Acadian House Publishing is one of Louisiana’s most respected independent publishers. Its catalog includes biographies, history, cookbooks, inspirational works, faith-based books, and regional classics. Trent describes publishing as far more than simply printing books. “Publishing involves careful acquisition of titles, careful editing, fact-checking, correcting, perfecting, marketing, warehousing, accounting, and distribution.” Acadian House receives approximately 150 manuscript proposals each year but publishes only three or four books annually. “No is the most powerful word in the English language.” With limited capacity, Trent looks for books that move people, educate readers, and inspire meaningful reflection. Dispelling Myths About Cajun Culture At age 40, Trent wrote his first book, The Truth About the Cajuns, a work designed to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Acadian people. “The first book I actually wrote is when I turned 40. The book was titled The Truth About the Cajuns. The book was designed to dispel the myths and stereotypes about the Acadian people. We’re very proud of our Acadian heritage. We’re not simple minded people who aren’t so bright. We don’t all dwell in the swamp. Our lives do not revolve around eating, drinking and dancing Trent wanted readers to understand that Cajun identity extends far beyond the caricatures often portrayed in popular culture. The book remains one of the most thoughtful examinations of Cajun identity and heritage. Dudley LeBlanc: The Original Champion of Cajun Pride Another of Trent’s works is Dudley LeBlanc: A Biography, which chronicles the life of the legendary founder of Hadacol and one of Louisiana’s most colorful political figures. “Dudley LeBlanc, who founded Hadacol, was also known as the political and almost spiritual leader of the Acadian people. He had a French language radio show emanating from from Abbeville. The truth is, Dudley started the French Renaissance movement before Jimmy Domengeaux formalized it through CODIFIL. Dudley LeBlanc would bring it up and say, ‘Let’s stand up for our Acadian heritage and be proud and not ashamed of who we are, not ashamed of our heritage and culture.” While many remember LeBlanc for his wildly successful patent medicine business, Trent argues that his greatest contribution was cultural. Long before organizations formalized the movement to preserve Cajun culture, LeBlanc encouraged Acadians to embrace their language, traditions, and identity. According to Trent, both Dudley LeBlanc and James Domengeaux deserve tremendous credit for preserving and advancing Acadian culture in Louisiana. The Forgotten Hero of the My Lai Massacre Perhaps no project has shaped Trent’s career more than The Forgotten Hero of My Lai: The Hugh Thompson Story. The book tells the story of Hugh Thompson Jr., the American helicopter pilot credited with stopping the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War. “I became Thompson’s biographer and spent lots and lots of time with him in Vietnam, in Norway, and throughout the United States, in Washington, D.C., etc. I wrote his speech when he received the soldier’s medal in Washington at the Vietnam Wall, which is the highest award a soldier can earn for anything other than direct combat with the enemy,” Trent said. Trent devoted more than 3,000 hours of research across three continents to tell Thompson’s story. “That book was my opus.” The defining moment came when Thompson landed his helicopter between fleeing Vietnamese civilians and advancing American soldiers. “Not on my watch,” he said. Thompson ordered his gunner to protect the civilians, even if it meant turning their weapons on fellow Americans. His actions saved lives and ultimately helped bring the massacre to an end. Trent explains why Thompson’s story continues to resonate: “They were willing to give up their lives just because it was the right thing to do.” The book has since been placed on the reading list of the Joint Chiefs of Staff because of its lessons on leadership, battlefield ethics, and moral courage. Publishing Louisiana’s Most Influential Voices Over the years, Acadian House has published works by an extraordinary range of Louisiana authors and leaders. Among them are books by: Dale Brown Lt. General Russel L. Honoré Marcelle Bienvenu Camille Pavy Claiborne Brian Sibley Chad Judice Trent speaks admiringly of each, emphasizing not only their accomplishments but also their character, intellect, and ability to inspire others. Dale Brown and Human Dignity One of Trent’s most meaningful publishing relationships has been with legendary LSU basketball coach Dale Brown. Acadian House published Brown’s Getting Over the Four Hurdles of Life, and Trent later authored Dale Brown: Caught in the Battle for Human Dignity. He also played a significant role, along with Lafayette attorney Glenn Armentor, in the effort to have LSU’s basketball court named in Brown’s honor. “Every generation needs role models.” For Trent, Brown represents integrity, courage, compassion, and leadership. “Dale Brown is a role model of integrity, courage, bravery, intelligence.” Those qualities made him not only a successful coach but also one of America’s most sought-after motivational speakers. The Secret Life of an Editor One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation centered on the editor-author relationship. After working closely with writers for months or years, Trent says editors often develop a deep understanding of how authors think. “We call that mind meld.” His philosophy is simple: “The job of an editor is to make the writer look like a genius.” That requires more than correcting grammar. It involves improving structure, strengthening logic, checking facts, and helping authors communicate their ideas as clearly as possible. Cookbooks Outsell Almost Everything Despite publishing biographies, history, and inspirational works, Trent admits one category consistently surprises him: Cookbooks. Acadian House’s most successful title is Marcelle Bienvenu’s iconic cookbook Who’s Your Mama, Are You Catholic, and Can You Make a Roux? The book has sold approximately 200,000 copies. “That book is in the top one percentile of books ever published in America.” For Trent, the success is both gratifying and humbling. “You do a cookbook and you sell the heck out of it.” The enduring popularity of Louisiana food culture continues to introduce readers around the world to Acadiana traditions. Freedom of the Press As a lifelong journalist, Trent remains deeply passionate about the First Amendment. “Freedom of the press is the hill I would die on. This country is free, in part because of the free press. Because of the free flow of information. It’s the press’s job to educate, to inform, to entertain. We serve the public, not the government. The press exists to serve the public.” He argues that a free society depends upon the free flow of information and a press willing to challenge power when necessary. “The press exists to serve the public, not the government.” Regardless of political affiliation, Trent believes journalism’s highest calling remains informing citizens and protecting democratic accountability. What’s Next: Orphan Train to Louisiana Among Acadian House’s upcoming projects is Orphan Train to Louisiana, a book examining the little-known story of thousands of orphaned children transported from New York City to families across America. The project was inspired by a staggering historical reality. “At one point in New York City there were 30,000 babies and children on the street, homeless.” The book explores the efforts of religious organizations and charitable groups that worked to place children with loving families, including many in Louisiana. For Trent, it is exactly the kind of story Acadian House loves to tell: forgotten history that reveals the best of humanity. Faith, Service, and Gratitude Outside of publishing, Trent is active in the Secular Franciscan Order, whose members seek to live according to the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi through service, humility, and care for others. Reflecting on his blessings, he says: “We’re among the luckiest people in the world, in the history of civilization.” That perspective of gratitude, combined with a lifelong commitment to storytelling, continues to shape his work today. Whether preserving Cajun history, documenting battlefield courage, promoting faith-filled voices, or introducing readers to remarkable Louisianans, Trent Angers remains one of Acadiana’s most important cultural storytellers. To learn more about Trent Angers and Acadian House Publishing, visit their website and explore a catalog that reflects the rich history, culture, faith, and character of Louisiana.

The Lafayette, La., band channels the spirit of classic soul, blues and R&B with a sound that is as timeless as it is fresh.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Few people have shaped environmental policy and conservation efforts in Acadiana as persistently as Harold Schoeffler. Known to many as part of the family behind Schoeffler Cadillac, Harold’s legacy extends far beyond the automobile business. For more than six decades, he has been a tireless advocate for protecting Louisiana’s natural resources, improving public policy, mentoring young people through Scouting, and encouraging citizens to become active stewards of their communities. In this wide-ranging conversation, Harold reflects on a lifetime of work that has touched everything from oil recycling and waste reduction to flood control, wildlife preservation, and public access to Louisiana’s waterways. “The Gifts of the Earth Are Public Gifts” Harold’s philosophy is rooted in a simple belief: “We have private gifts, our health and our intelligence, that we will be held accountable for. But the gifts of the earth are public gifts, and we’ll be just as accountable for that.” That conviction has guided his work for decades. Rather than simply criticizing problems, Harold has focused on finding practical solutions. One of his earliest environmental victories came in the 1970s, when he discovered that used motor oil from most Lafayette service stations was being dumped into storm drains that ultimately emptied into local waterways. At the time, 52 of Lafayette’s 54 filling stations were disposing of waste oil this way. Harold located a New Orleans recycling company willing to install storage tanks at no cost and purchase the used oil from station owners. After identifying a city fire code violation related to dumping petroleum products into storm drains, he worked with local officials to implement a citywide solution. The result? According to Harold, Lafayette became the first community in Louisiana to fully recycle used motor oil, selling it at 50 cents per gallon. “This was just money from heaven, you know.” Transforming Waste into Resources Harold’s efforts extended beyond oil recycling. He became deeply involved in helping Lafayette address mounting waste disposal challenges, particularly yard waste and sewage sludge. At a time when yard waste occupied enormous amounts of landfill space, Harold helped promote the use of tub grinders that could reduce volume by approximately 90 percent. The resulting mulch and compost products created value instead of waste. Similarly, he worked on legislation and policy changes that allowed treated sewage sludge to be safely recycled for agricultural use rather than being hauled to landfills at significant public expense. These initiatives not only reduced environmental impacts but also saved taxpayers money and created new economic opportunities. Today, Harold notes that many residents have little idea how much waste is already being recycled through these systems. Saving the Louisiana Black Bear Perhaps Harold’s most touching conservation achievement is his role in protecting the Louisiana Black Bear. In 1987, he petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to place the Louisiana Black Bear on the endangered species list. After years of advocacy and litigation, the bear was officially listed as threatened in 1992. His efforts later contributed to the protection of more than one million acres of critical habitat for the species. Harold explains that at the time he began his quest to protect the species, there may have been fewer than 300 to 400 Louisiana Black Bears remaining; yet Louisiana was continung to grant 165,000 big game hunting tags yearly before his efforts to save the black bear. His concern was never opposition to hunting itself. As an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and fisherman, he viewed conservation as ensuring that wildlife populations remain healthy enough for future generations. As he notes in our conversation, preservation of the species, not opposition to sportsmen, was always the goal. (Note: Due to recovery, the Louisiana Black Bear was officially removed from the List of Endangered and Threatened Species on March 11, 2016; however, it remains protected under Louisiana state law, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries continues to actively manage this subspecies.) The Atchafalaya Basin and Public Access Another major chapter in Harold’s work involves the Atchafalaya Basin. Over the years he has fought against practices he believed threatened the basin’s ecological health and public accessibility, including shell dredging operations and legal disputes involving public waterways. He recounts the landmark Larry Daigle case, in which a commercial fisherman faced criminal trespassing charges while fishing in waters Harold believed were public. The case ultimately became a significant legal battle involving questions of public access, navigable waterways, and property rights within the basin. Harold views the outcome as a victory not only for one fisherman but for the public’s rights throughout Louisiana’s waterways. His extensive firsthand knowledge of Louisiana’s waterways comes from decades spent hunting, fishing, scouting, and paddling through some of the state’s most remote landscapes. A Lifetime in Scouting Ask Harold what accomplishment makes him most proud, and his answer isn’t environmental litigation. It’s Scouting. For 42 years Harold was involved in the Scouts and helped guide 125 young men to the rank of Eagle Scout. Throughout our conversation, he repeatedly returns to the importance of believing in young people. “If you think they can, they can. If you think they can’t, you can’t. And that’s a lesson for parents. You know, if you’re going to have a negative attitude towards your kids, you’re going to get negative results. But if you think they can, you know, they can sense that also.” Harold shares lessons learned from serving on a military school board, where early special education programs demonstrated how expectations can profoundly affect a child’s success. Those same lessons shaped his approach to mentoring Scouts, many of whom achieved far more than others expected of them. His philosophy also extended to environmental stewardship. He often taught Scouts that if boys are taught not to litter before the age ten, they are unlikely to become litterers later in life. Changing behavior early, he argues, is one of the most effective ways to improve communities. The Power of Citizen Involvement One recurring theme throughout this conversation is Harold’s belief that ordinary citizens can solve extraordinary problems. Whether discussing flood control, environmental policy, waste management, or economic development, Harold consistently points to the value of public participation. He shares stories of public meetings where solutions emerged not from experts or consultants but from local residents willing to speak up and share ideas. For Harold, conservation has never been about politics. It’s about facts, integrity, and doing what is right for the long-term health of the community. “If they catch you in a lie one time, you’re dead.” Integrity, he says, must remain at the center of every public effort. Looking Ahead At a time when environmental issues often become politically polarized, Harold offers a refreshingly practical perspective. His message is simple: “If you pick up one piece of litter a day and all the people in town do it, you’d have no litter.” The lesson applies far beyond trash. Positive change often begins with small actions, sustained over time by people willing to care. Harold Schoeffler’s life demonstrates what can happen when one citizen decides that stewardship is not someone else’s responsibility. It’s ours. Topics Discussed Growing up in Lafayette and the Schoeffler family business Boy Scouts and mentoring 125 Eagle Scouts Recycling used motor oil in Lafayette during the 1970s Protecting the Vermilion River and local waterways Yard waste recycling and composting programs Sewage sludge recycling initiatives Flood control and watershed management The Atchafalaya Basin and public access rights The Larry Daigle case Shell dredging litigation The Louisiana Black Bear and endangered species protection Public engagement and environmental stewardship Why integrity matters in public advocacy

For many people across Acadiana, Allen & Gooch attorney Troy Broussard is known as a respected litigator and senior partner who has practiced law in Lafayette for more than three decades. But in this episode of Discover Lafayette, listeners meet another side of Troy: novelist, storyteller, songwriter, painter, observer of South Louisiana culture, and thoughtful chronicler of the complicated racial history woven into life in Acadiana. Troy joins us to discuss his recently published novel, Where Lies the Truth, a Southern coming-of-age crime story set against the bayous and backroads of St. Landry Parish. The novel opens in the summer of 1976, when 12-year-old Ezra Brasseaux embarks on what should have been an ordinary hunting trip in the swamps near his hometown. Instead, Ezra stumbles into a world shaped by violence, racial tension, buried secrets, and murder — experiences that haunt him well into adulthood. What unfolds during our conversation is far more than a discussion about writing fiction. Troy reflects candidly on growing up in Eunice during the earliest years of racial integration in St. Landry Parish schools. He describes himself and his classmates as “the guinea pigs,” among the first children thrown together as long-segregated cultures suddenly collided in classrooms and communities. “As I grew older,” Troy explains, “my views of it changed looking at it retrospectively.” He discusses the slow and deeply personal evolution away from what he calls “southern small-town indoctrination,” and how exposure to new people, ideas, and experiences gradually reshaped his understanding of race, prejudice, and human complexity. That emotional and intellectual evolution forms the backbone of Where Lies the Truth. Troy emphasizes that while the novel is entirely fictional, it is heavily inspired by real people, real conversations, and real tensions that shaped South Louisiana life in the 1970s and beyond. “This is not a true story,” he says. “But yes, it is inspired by actual events and actual people.” The story follows Ezra Brasseaux and his closest friends, Giles Poirier and Vance Doiron, as they navigate adolescence in a culturally divided Acadiana landscape. Years later, they are pulled back into the mystery of an unsolved crime involving two young Black victims, forcing them to confront painful truths hidden beneath decades of assumptions and silence. Troy says the novel ultimately explores “the idea of learning, trying to unlearn things you believed had been true your whole life, and realizing that there's another side to the story.” One of the most compelling aspects of our conversation is Troy's nuanced discussion of race in South Louisiana. He argues that Acadiana's cultural history cannot simply be reduced to Black-and-white narratives. Instead, he describes a far more layered social reality involving Cajun Catholics, white Protestants, Creoles, and African Americans — all with their own tensions, identities, and historical wounds. In researching the novel, Troy interviewed people from a wide range of backgrounds and heard stories that profoundly affected him, including accounts of colorism and exclusion that persisted even within Black communities themselves. He shares one striking example involving the “brown paper bag test” still being informally referenced in certain university social circles as recently as a decade ago. The conversation also dives deeply into the creative process itself. Troy spent nearly 15 years writing the novel, beginning the project in his early 40s and finally completing it in his mid-50s. What began as a sprawling 1,200-page manuscript eventually had to be painfully condensed into a publishable form. “The difficult part of the editing was not so much the technology,” Troy explains, “but when you write something and you really immerse yourself in the creative process, what you write kind of becomes like your children.” He jokingly compares the process to “Sophie’s Choice of editing,” where every deleted scene altered timelines, relationships, and emotional continuity throughout the story. Troy credits several influential teachers with shaping his ability to write. He speaks with tremendous affection about Elaine Dumais, his teacher in the gifted program in St. Landry Parish, who first introduced him to creativity and artistic thinking. He also honors his demanding high school English teacher Carol Fuselier, whose relentless standards prepared him not only for law school but ultimately for writing fiction. “I knew how to write because she gave that to me,” Troy says. “She pushed me.” Listeners will especially enjoy hearing Troy describe how characters begin to “write themselves” once a novelist becomes immersed in a story. He explains that dialogue became his favorite part of the process because it allowed him to fully inhabit personalities vastly different from his own — from successful professionals to deeply flawed, struggling characters such as Uncle Nedrick, one of the novel's most memorable voices. The discussion also touches on literary influences, including To Kill a Mockingbird and A Time to Kill. Troy shares how Atticus Finch profoundly shaped his image of what a lawyer should be: someone who works with integrity and seeks justice regardless of public pressure or cultural norms. Beyond writing and law, Troy reveals a rich creative life filled with music, painting, travel, mountain biking, and songwriting. He has written more than 75 songs over the years and remains an avid guitarist with a collection ranging from Martin acoustics to smaller travel guitars perfect for early morning songwriting sessions. He and his wife Beth also share a love for the outdoors and for their energetic Hungarian Vizsla, who frequently joins them on hikes and bike trails. Toward the end of the interview, producer Jason Sikora asks the obvious modern question: could Where Lies the Truth someday become a film or streaming series? Troy laughs at the idea but admits he would welcome the opportunity, even suggesting Paul Rudd as his dream casting choice for Ezra Brasseaux because of his ability to balance seriousness with humor. This episode of Discover Lafayette is ultimately a conversation about memory, identity, truth, and the stories we inherit about ourselves and our communities. Through Where Lies the Truth, Troy Broussard invites readers to confront uncomfortable realities while also recognizing the possibility of growth, empathy, and personal evolution. Listeners can find Where Lies the Truth through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and follow Troy through his personal Facebook page as he continues sharing news about the book and future projects.

We're joined by Eric Miller, with the Louisiana Knights of Columbus.  Bethany Kline, founder of 365 Catholic Singles Community, will talk about dating culture and how Catholics should respond. Hannah Guilliam, Acadiana youth director with Louisiana Right to Life, Marie Ortego and Kate Clapper, will talk about the Pulse Leadership Institute. Kathleen Higgins, director of youth and young adult ministry in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, talks about summer activities.

Independent films and film festivals are thriving in Louisiana, and on this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome three passionate advocates helping shape the future of filmmaking across the state: Southern Screen Festival Founder and Executive Director Julie Bordelon; filmmaker and Director of Public Relations for the Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival, Jenika Kolacz; and Lafayette native Kelly Swift, Film Programming Director for Manship Theatre and Events Director for the Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival. The conversation explores Louisiana's growing independent film ecosystem, the importance of film festivals in building creative communities, and the realities filmmakers face trying to sustain careers in the state. Julie Bordelon, founder of Southern Screen Festival, reflects on how she entered the industry without formal film school training, learning production hands-on while working in Lafayette during the height of Louisiana's film production boom. “I had no clue what I was doing,” she says of her early days in production. “By the middle of the first film, I was a department head.” Bordelon later served as an entertainment liaison for the City of Lafayette, helping support Louisiana's tax incentive initiatives for film, music, and digital media before launching Southern Screen Festival nearly sixteen years ago. Southern Screen Festival was born out of a desire to create opportunities for local artists and filmmakers in Acadiana. “I pulled them all on to the board and started the Southern Screen Festival without knowing at all what I was doing,” Bordelon recalls. “Just trying to make a scene for us and for other artists and creatives.” In its 16th year, the festival will be held November 19-22, 2026. Learn more at Southern Screen. Today, Southern Screen Festival has evolved into a year-round, multidisciplinary arts organization that extends far beyond its annual November festival. The organization now presents film screenings, workshops, networking mixers, writing programs, pop-up events, live podcasts, and music showcases designed to strengthen Louisiana's creative economy and connect local artists with national industry professionals. Southern Screen Festival has become one of Louisiana's most respected independent arts festivals, attracting filmmakers, musicians, producers, writers, editors, and storytellers from around the world to downtown Lafayette every November. The four-day festival features international screenings, panels, workshops, live performances, parties, and filmmaker networking events designed to create what Bordelon calls “a festival for filmmakers and for artists.” The festival remains intentionally non-competitive, allowing filmmakers at every level to feel equally supported and accessible to one another. Over the years, Southern Screen Festival has welcomed an impressive lineup of industry guests, including Tom Kenny, editor Javier Marcheselli of “Blade Runner 2049” and “Dune,” “Family Guy” writer and actor Alex Borstein, and producer Monty Ross of “Malcolm X.” Bordelon explains that Southern Screen Festival intentionally creates opportunities for festival attendees to interact directly with accomplished industry professionals in workshops and conversations without barriers or gatekeepers. One of the festival's newest expansions is particularly exciting for Acadiana's growing animation community. Southern Screen Festival recently announced plans to partner with UL-Lafayette on a brand-new animation festival launching in April 2027. The event will feature curated animation screenings, educational panels, artist talks, and hands-on learning opportunities aimed at students, emerging creators, and animation fans of all ages. During the interview, Bordelon explains that the idea grew directly out of audience demand for more animation programming at Southern Screen Festival. Southern Screen's commitment to education also includes its expanding student film initiatives. The organization hosts student workshops and showcases for Acadiana students in grades six through twelve, encouraging young creatives to experiment with filmmaking while gaining exposure to professional industry environments. Bordelon also discussed her work through Create Louisiana, which provides grants, mentorship, and creative support to Louisiana filmmakers and artists statewide. The episode also shines a spotlight on the rapid rise of the Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival, known as BRUFF. Launched in 2025 at Manship Theatre in downtown Baton Rouge, the festival sold out its inaugural year and immediately established itself as a major gathering point for Louisiana's independent film community. The festival celebrates indie and genre-focused filmmaking while creating opportunities for networking, collaboration, and hands-on education. Kelly Swift describes BRUFF as “a film festival for filmmakers by filmmakers,” with programming that intentionally supports student filmmakers, first-time directors, emerging artists, and seasoned professionals equally. Last year's inaugural festival featured more than 50 independent films, educational panels, networking opportunities, workshops, and afterparties throughout downtown Baton Rouge. Organizers say one of the most rewarding aspects was watching filmmakers from Louisiana connect organically with artists visiting from Florida, Texas, Georgia, New York, California, and beyond. This year, the Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival will be held from August 27 – 30, 2026. Festival passes start at $30, with full access available for $75. Visit BRUFF for more information. Jenika Kolacz notes that BRUFF's mission goes beyond screenings. “We really want to celebrate independent filmmaking as a whole,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces where filmmakers can collaborate, share resources, and build careers together. The festival's organizers also experimented this year with a free FilmFreeway submission day to eliminate financial barriers for filmmakers who might otherwise be unable to afford festival fees. The guests also discuss the broader challenges facing Louisiana's film industry, including fluctuating production levels, workforce sustainability, and the need to better support local filmmakers, not just outside productions utilizing Louisiana tax credits. “Those local filmmakers, those are the people we need to be supporting,” Bordelon says. Despite the challenges, the episode is ultimately an optimistic look at Louisiana's creative future. Whether through Southern Screen Festival's expansion into animation and year-round programming, or BRUFF's fast-growing grassroots momentum in Baton Rouge, all three guests emphasize the same goal: creating spaces where Louisiana filmmakers can collaborate, learn, experiment, and build sustainable creative careers right here at home. Learn more about Southern Screen, Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival, Manship Theatre, and Create Louisiana.

In the mid-1700s the Acadian people had been settled in the Nova Scotia region of Canada for over 100 years. When the area was transferred to the British, it was encouraged that the Acadian people take an oath of allegiance to the Crown. While many battles and political moments contributed, which is encouraged for everyone to research, the unrest in the area lead to the British forcibly removing the Acadian people from their homes and lands, causing many to be deported and made to settle elsewhere. It is do to this moment - or The Great Upheaval – that Louisiana now has the Acadiana region and the vast number of Cajun descendants. One person that can trace their roots to Nova Scotia is writer Marianne Sulser. Marianne has written a book titled “Like Snow Before Sun,” which takes a fictional approach to this time period, and a look into some real-life moments of the people that lived it. This week Marianne chats with me about her book and why she wanted to tell this story .

On this episode of The Tea Podcast, we sit down with Oliver Klenert, co-owner of Hot Takes 5, a brand-new Acadiana app that's changing the game for local businesses.Hot Takes 5 lets businesses send short-term offers directly to loyal customers — like Prejean's pinging you mid-afternoon with, “Half off an appetizer if you swing by at 2PM!” Visit: https://hot-takes5.com⸻

On this episode of The Tea Podcast we're joined by Mike, CEO of Louisiana Orthopedic Specialists (LOS), and possibly Ashley, Chief of Operations for LOS Surgery Center.LOS has become a leader in Acadiana's healthcare landscape—bringing together top physicians across every orthopedic sub-specialty so patients receive highly specialized, focused care. From treating chronic spine, back, and neck pain with a dedicated spine team, to offering urgent care, physical and occupational therapy, and the state-of-the-art LOS Surgery Center, their mission is to provide seamless, patient-first treatment across every stage of care.We'll dive into how LOS is structured, why “staying in your lane” creates better outcomes, and what makes the LOS Surgery Center unique as an ambulatory surgery center serving Lafayette and beyond.

It's another “lagniappe” episode of the Gumbo podcast with Mitchell Prudhomme, the director of Southern Board Game Fest!  First, Mitchell regales us with tales of his big game day with Doug and friends, including an epic play of Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship! BJ and Mitchell also dish on two recent games that they both have played:  Golem, a game from the Italian krewe that is getting a lot of recent plays Covenant, a new game from Devir with an interesting theme and lots of combos There's a little bit of lagniappe in this episode -- BJ and Mitchell compete to predict one game that they guarantee will be nominated for Spiel des Jahres and Kennerspiel! Those German game of the year awards generate a lot of discussion with the Acadiana board gamers.  Finally, we throw in our choices for ENVIE game this week!  Mitchell and BJ chat about the games that they really, really, really want to play next.  With a twist!  Sit back with a cold Augustiner Helles, and a plate of some Jägerschnitzel, and enjoy another episode of Lagniappe from Board Game Gumbo! Laissez les bon temps rouler!  Get your Board Game Gumbo merch here: https://boardgamegumbo.wordpress.com/gumbo-merch/ Board Game Gumbo plays your games every TUESDAY on TWITCH! twitch.tv/boardgamegumbo @boardgamegumbo on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Twitch, Bluesky, Threads and Instagram www.boardgamegumbo.com ← our written reviews, news, and convention recaps ** Complimentary copies of some of the games discussed were provided by the publishers. ** 

The Grammy Award-nominated zydeco musician performs songs from his latest album, Live in Alaska.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Few public servants in Louisiana history have worn as many hats, or told as many stories, as Jay Dardenne. Having served as State Senator, Secretary of State, Lieutenant Governor, and Commissioner of Administration under John Bel Edwards, Dardenne has spent decades shaping and promoting the state. But in this conversation, we explore a different dimension of his life: historian, storyteller, and documentarian. Dardenne is the creator and host of Why Louisiana Ain't Mississippi or Any Place Else, a production of Louisiana Public Broadcasting that brings Louisiana's complex history to life. What began as a live presentation he started developing in the 1990s has evolved into a widely viewed documentary, what Jay calls “a gumbo of culture, politics, music, and storytelling.” His goal is simple but profound: to help people understand not just what happened in Louisiana, but why it shaped who we are today. His personal connection to Acadiana runs deep. “It is always good to come to Lafayette,” he shares. “I spend a lot of time here growing up because my mother was born here. It's like a second home.” Dardenne's passion for public service began early. Reflecting on his time as student body president at Louisiana State University, he admits the decision to run came “in a moment of weakness,” but it set the stage for a lifelong commitment to leadership. “I think I did want to serve from a young age. I always wanted to be president of this or that. It was kind of a natural move for me to decide to get into politics.” Even today, he remains active in the legal field, working as a mediator and maintaining a practice focused on business matters and estate planning. “I don't want to retire,” he says candidly. At the heart of this episode is Dardenne's deep dive into Louisiana's identity. He emphasizes that Louisiana's influence far exceeds its size: “We punch above our weight as a state. Our influence and our impact on sports, music, politics, art and literature is disproportionate to our size.” His storytelling traces the state's origins from Indigenous civilizations at Poverty Point, a site he notes was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site during his tenure as Lieutenant Governor, to the layered cultural influences of French, Spanish, African, Acadian, and immigrant communities. He walks listeners through the founding of New Orleans by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville and the early French explorers like René-Robert Cavelier de La Salle, highlighting how these forces combined to create what he repeatedly describes as a uniquely Louisiana “gumbo.” The conversation also captures his appreciation for the state's colorful political past. Figures like Huey Long and Dudley LeBlanc loom large in his storytelling, representing a brand of larger-than-life leadership that he believes has faded over time. “We have characters still,” he says, “but we don't have the color that Huey Long and Dudley LeBlanc brought.” Why Louisiana Ain't Mississippi… or Any Place Else! Documentary Companion Book showcases the photography of visual documentarian photographer Carol Highsmith. The book takes you on a visual journey across Louisiana, revealing hidden beauty and startling new perspectives of iconic images. It can be purchased at LPB’s website here. Dardenne's work is not just about history, it's about connection. Through humor, he makes complex narratives memorable: “People do remember things that entertain them.” That philosophy has helped his presentation resonate with audiences across generations, even leading to curriculum-based lesson plans for students in grades 6 through 12. Educators, students, and parents now have access to new digital resources that complement learning across multiple areas of study and put Louisiana history and culture center stage! Developed by LPB Education, these free educational resources offer entertaining and informative content for twenty-four curriculum supports. This effort was funded through a dedicated percentage of membership revenues raised by Why Louisiana Ain't Mississippi… or Any Place Else! Visit https://whylouisiana.lpb.org/Classroom.html for more information. He also shares insight into his latest documentary project, focused on LSU legend Billy Cannon. The film explores Cannon's life beyond football, including his later work at Louisiana State Penitentiary. “It'll be a football story,” Dardenne explains, “but it'll also be about redemption, what he did at Angola after he was released from prison.” When asked what he is most proud of, Dardenne's answer is deeply personal: “My two sons.” Professionally, however, his guiding principle has remained constant: “I like to leave a place better than I found it.” That ethos extends to his love for Louisiana itself. Despite its challenges, he believes the state's culture and sense of identity keep people rooted here. “We're very self-critical, but nonetheless, this is a place where people want to live. They love the lifestyle. They love who we are.” In this episode, Jay Dardenne reminds us that Louisiana is not easily defined, and that's exactly the point. Through history, humor, and heartfelt reflection, he invites us to see the state not just as a place, but as a living story worth preserving.

There's a version of life in Acadiana that most of us only see from a car window. We live in something of a paradise, it’s just sort of removed from your day-to-day reality. That’s in part because Louisiana’s natural beauty isn’t always so easy to see. Louisiana is flat. Famously so. We don’t have mountain vistas to behold. So, if you want to really drink in Acadiana’s splendor, you probably need to get on the water. Don’t have a boat? Don’t worry about it. Reed Rudasil has you covered. Reed is the owner of Wanderlust Rentals, a startup that rents kayaks, right on the water. He grew up in Lafayette and studied civil engineering at UL. But he figured out pretty quick he didn't want to sit in an office. He tried landscaping, he managed a crawfish restaurant, he started buying rental properties. Eventually Reed founded a property management company called Experience Louisiana, focused on short-term rentals that often put guests close to waterways. Renting kayaks came naturally from there. Many of the properties he manages sit on the water — and guests kept asking what to do once they arrived. Reed's answer was Wanderlust Rentals, Louisiana's first multi-point service kayak rental system. The concept is straightforward: kiosks placed by the water, stocked with single and tandem kayaks. Customers sign a waiver, pay, get a code, and they're on the water. No staff required. No waiting. The whole transaction happens just feet from the bayou. Don’t have a car to get the bayou? Maybe try an e-bike. They’re everywhere, in case you hadn’t noticed. The electric bike market in the United States was worth $2 billion in 2025 and is projected to more than double in the next decade. Gerri Simon is a serial entrepreneur who’s cashing in on that market. She owns eBikes Plus, a one-stop shop for electric bike sales and repair here in Lafayette. She grew up in Vermilion Parish — not far from the water, and not far from the kind of hands-on problem solving that runs in Cajun households. Gerri's dad, she'll tell you, was an engineer who never finished high school. He taught her to build things and to work on things. She took that instinct to UL, where she discovered she was good at math, and came out the other side with a degree in mechanical engineering. She later got an MBA. She went on to found and operate several businesses before landing on eBikes plus. A big part of her customer base is retirees with RVs who pack up the bikes to take with them on their roving vacations. But more and more people are turning to e-Bikes as their primary means of conveyance. Out to Lunch Acadiana was recorded live over lunch at Tsunami Sushi in downtown Lafayette. You can find photos from this show by Astor Morgan at itsacadiana.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danny Gillane, Director of the Lafayette Public Library System, joins Discover Lafayette for a timely conversation about the evolving role of our parish libraries and the tax renewal on the ballot Saturday, May 16, 2026. Gillane has served Lafayette's library system for nearly two decades, following earlier work with public and academic libraries including UL-Lafayette and the Louisiana State Library. He earned a master's degree in library science from Louisiana State University. Serving Lafayette Parish through nine branches, the system has grown steadily over the past two decades, with major regional libraries in Carencro, Youngsville, Scott, and Lafayette, alongside smaller satellite locations embedded in community centers. Gillane emphasizes that the system's mission extends far beyond books and is a community asset offering a treasure trove of resources. “The whole community pays for the library. So we are a shared resource,” he explains. “There's no money transaction when you walk through the door.” That shared investment delivers a remarkable range of services. In addition to physical and digital books, including downloadable audiobooks comparable to commercial platforms, the library offers free access to meeting rooms, study spaces, and technology resources. In 2025 alone, “over 35,000 people booked a study room or a meeting room,” and the library system hosted more than “3,800 programs with over 80,000 attendees.” Programming spans all ages and interests: technology training, genealogy research, makerspaces with 3D printers and laser cutters, and even recreational offerings like Zumba and mahjong. Library members can also check out musical instruments such as violins, guitars, and accordions for 30 days, providing families a low-risk way to explore new interests. “Before you know if it's going to stick,” Gillane notes, “let's check this out.” One of the library's most popular and lesser-known benefits is free access to local cultural institutions. With a library card, patrons can reserve passes to destinations such as the Hilliard Art Museum, Vermilionville, Alexandre Mouton House/Lafayette Museum, Lafayette Science Museum and the Children's Museum, with admission covering an entire household. The system has also recently partnered to provide free parking access at Moncus Park. Additional llibrary membership resources include online access to training and test prep courses such as Udemy, Mometrix Test Preparation, LinkedIn Learning, and Learning Express Library. Gillane describes the library as an essential “third space” in the community: “It's a good space for people to come together. There's no discriminating who comes in, no judging. Check out what we have, book a room, hang out.” This community-centered mission is directly tied to the upcoming May 16, 2026 ballot, where voters will consider renewal of a 3.12 mill property tax that funds approximately 65% of the library's operating revenue. If approved, the renewal would extend funding for ten years beginning in 2027. The tax generates about $8.89 million a year for operation and maintenance of buildings and services and for personnel “It pays for the operation of the library, maintenance of the buildings, any capital improvements, everything is encompassed in these two taxes,” Gillane explains, referencing the system's two dedicated millages. He stresses the importance of voter awareness: “We are at the bottom of the ballot, so keep going.” The stakes are significant. The library system operates on an annual budget of just over $14 million and has recently moved from a $1 million deficit in 2021 to a more stable financial position through cost-cutting and increased tax revenues. That stability is now enabling long-delayed projects, including major renovations to the South Regional Library, expansion of the North Regional Library in Carencro, and plans for a new Northeast Regional Library near the Holy Rosary site which is anticipated to open around early 2028. Gillane underscores that community input remains vital to the system's future. “If you ever go in the library and there is something you wish we had, please reach out. We don't hear from enough people, and we want to be there for everyone in our community.” For those who haven't visited recently, his message is simple: “Please come in. We'd love to see you. There's plenty to see.” As Lafayette Parish prepares for the May 16 vote, this conversation offers a clear reminder that the public library is not just a place for books—it is a dynamic, community-funded resource that continues to evolve with the needs of Acadiana.

Grand Nathaniel, a fixture in the Lafayette, La., scene for over 30 years, performs songs from his latest album, Lonely Wanderer.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Nancy Landry, Louisiana's 45th Secretary of State and the state's chief elections officer. A Lafayette native and former State Representative for District 31, Landry brings both institutional knowledge and a deep personal connection to Acadiana as she returns home to discuss a pivotal moment in Louisiana's election landscape. Landry opens with a reminder that while most people associate her office with elections, its responsibilities extend far beyond the ballot box. “We administer all the elections in the state,” she explains, “but we also are in charge of registering businesses, we administer and run nine museums, and we're in charge of keeping and preserving the state's archives.” She emphasizes the office's goal of providing “a one-stop shop” for businesses, with accessible and largely free public records, a resource many, including those in the legal community, rely upon daily. The heart of the conversation centers on significant changes to Louisiana's election system. Beginning with the May 16 primary, the state will implement a partially closed party primary for five specific races: U.S. House, U.S. Senate, Louisiana Supreme Court, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), and the Public Service Commission. Landry explains clearly: “If you are a registered Republican, you will get a Republican ballot and if you're a Democrat, you'll get the Democrat ballot. And if you are an unaffiliated “No Party” voter, you will get to choose which primary you participate in when you arrive at your precinct to vote.” She stresses that this selection of Democrat or Republican, once made, carries through any runoff election. This shift marks a notable departure from Louisiana's long-standing “jungle primary” system and introduces new responsibilities for voters. Landry underscores the importance of awareness: “Even though you've been voting a certain way your whole life, if you've not officially changed your party registration, that official registration is what determines which ballot you get.” The deadline to update voter registration or party affiliation for the upcoming May 16 primary election is April 25. She strongly encourages voters to verify their party status using the Secretary of State’s GeauxVote webpage or mobile app. The conversation also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the complexity of administering elections across Louisiana's 64 parishes. Landry describes a highly coordinated system of training, logistics, and oversight, calling poll workers “the backbone of elections.” She candidly shares that election days are rarely without incident—“There is a fire somewhere at some precinct in almost every single election,” highlighting the adaptability required to ensure voting continues uninterrupted. Louisiana's election system, she notes, is nationally recognized for its integrity. “We're ranked number four in the nation in election integrity,” Landry says, pointing to what she calls the “four P's”: people, policies, procedures, and physical security. Among those safeguards: voting machines that are never connected to the internet, public testing and sealing procedures, and strict enforcement of election laws. Looking ahead, Landry discusses efforts to modernize Louisiana's voting infrastructure. The current system is more than 30 years old, and the state is working toward a new model that combines efficiency with accountability. “We want the speed and accuracy that we're used to, but we also want to have that paper ballot to provide a check and balance,” she explains, describing plans for risk-limiting audits as the “gold standard” for verifying election results. Photo of Secretary of State Nancy Landry by Javier Gallegos of Nola.com Beyond policy and process, Landry speaks passionately about civic engagement. From serving as a poll worker to contacting elected officials, she encourages citizens to take an active role in shaping their communities. “The number one people that we listen to are our constituents,” she says, reflecting on her own experience as a legislator. She also reminds listeners that even local elections, often overlooked, can have the most direct impact on daily life. At its core, this conversation is a timely and practical guide for Louisiana voters navigating meaningful change. Landry's message is clear: stay informed, verify your registration, and most importantly—show up. We thank Secretary of State Nancy Landry for her service to our state and devotion to making her office the best in the U. S.

*Cajun crawfish safari - The crawfish are bigger and better in Acadiana. Trying restaurants, drive-thrus, and pop-ups. * The Steak Knife - Hospitality, sizzle, and substance * Looking for some outdoor dining? Try Paradigm Gardens - Beautiful, verdant atmosphere "Table Talk" your weekly trip around New Orleans food & restaurant scene underwritten by: Loop Linen & Uniform - where great service starts with clean linens for almost 100 years!

Recorded on March 19, 2026 at Vermilionville during the LFT Fiber Powered by Connectivity Summit, this episode of Discover Lafayette captures a powerful conversation about leadership, innovation, and the role of connectivity in shaping Acadiana's future. The summit's theme, Growth Powered by Fiber – Where Technology Meets Community, comes to life through the perspective of Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, newly appointed seventh president of University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Dr. Kolluru's story is deeply intertwined with Lafayette itself. Reflecting on his journey from India to Acadiana, he shares, “This is not where I was born. I grew up in India. But I chose to grow old in Acadiana, and here at this university that I came to as a graduate student back in 1992.” What began as a practical decision, “Mom and Dad decided that I was going to go where my brother was,” evolved into a lifelong commitment to the region. His early impressions of Lafayette shifted quickly as he immersed himself in research and community, ultimately “falling in love with this place.” A defining moment in his journey came through an unexpected mentor: former university president Dr. Ray Authement. Kolluru recalls how Dr. Authement would quietly visit his lab, asking about his work and future plans. “Here was the president of a university of 16,000 students checking in on an international graduate student; the president was checking in on me.” That experience shaped his philosophy of leadership, instilling a belief in visibility, belonging, and personal impact. As he puts it, “Here was the president of the university that made me feel like I mattered. I was visible and I counted.” Now leading the university himself, Kolluru emphasizes that his success is inseparable from the institution's influence on him. “This university poured itself into me. It made me who I am today.” His presidency builds on decades of service, including his tenure as Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Development, where he helped guide UL Lafayette to its prestigious Carnegie R1 designation, placing it among the top 3% of research universities in the nation. Research at UL Lafayette spans a wide range of critical fields, from artificial intelligence and energy to biotechnology. Kolluru highlights the university's national leadership in data science and AI, noting, “Artificial intelligence and machine learning will continue to inform our society and our economy and our national competitiveness.” He also points to groundbreaking work at the New Iberia Research Center, the country’s largest primate research station, where “the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was proven to be safe and effective on nonhuman primates before the vaccines were available for public use.” These efforts reflect a broader vision of positioning Louisiana as a major player in biotech and advanced manufacturing. Central to this vision is the connection between research and real-world impact. Kolluru has long championed aligning academic innovation with economic development, ensuring students have pathways to meaningful careers. “We wanted to make sure that what we were doing in research translated into jobs here in our community.” That strategy has helped Acadiana retain its talent, with 82% of graduates staying in the region one year after graduation. “That number drops from 82% to 77% five years later and a decade later, from 82% to 72%.” Student success remains at the heart of his leadership. Recognizing the unique challenges facing today's students, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, Kolluru has made wellness a top priority. “Students are our mission, students are our first business,” he says, emphasizing a holistic approach that addresses mental health, financial hardship, and basic needs. Initiatives like food pantries and career closets are essential supports, ensuring “food scarcity is not the reason why they have to drop out of school.” The conversation also addresses the financial challenges currently facing the university. Upon stepping into leadership, Kolluru confronted a $50 million deficit. Through disciplined measures, that gap has been significantly reduced. “At this point, we've dug our way out of the hole; we have covered $38 million.” While difficult decisions have been required and another $12 million must be covered before the end of this fiscal year on June 30, 2026, his focus remains on protecting the university's core mission and people, describing the work as “my opportunity to nurture this university back to good health.” A recurring theme throughout the discussion is the power of community vision, particularly in Lafayette's long history of investing in its own future. From early electrification to today's municipally owned LFT Fiber network, Kolluru sees a direct line of leadership and innovation. “That's in the DNA of the community, that's in the water that we drink.” He credits this legacy for enabling UL Lafayette's current success and future potential. Connectivity, especially through LFT Fiber, is a cornerstone of that future. Kolluru underscores its importance not just for convenience, but for global competitiveness. “Without this enabling capability, we would not be a university that would be leading the nation's next center of excellence in the area of artificial intelligence.” The infrastructure supports data-intensive research and positions Lafayette as a leader on the national stage. “We are poised to take advantage of all of these, and I couldn't be more excited about that.” Ultimately, this episode paints a compelling picture of a university and a community growing together, driven by leadership, sustained by innovation, and connected through a shared vision for the future. Discover Lafayette thanks Dr. Ramesh Kolluru for leading our hometown university to its next level of greatness. We also thank the educators and administrators at the university for all they have done to put Lafayette LA on the map. We are grateful for those who have gone before us and for those who continue to serve!

Five public officials in Evangeline Parish were arrested this week, including the mayor of Ville Platte. They were booked after a Louisiana State Police investigation found they accessed government computer databases and shared protected information with a criminal defendant.Joe Cunningham, host of the Joe Cunningham show and Acadiana's Morning News on Newstalk 96.5 KPEL, gives us the latest.The third annual GenFest is coming to New Orleans. On April 11, the City Archives and New Orleans Public Library will offer a day of presentations that inform listeners about genealogical research. This year's theme is “All in the Family,” and anyone from a seasoned researcher to a curious resident is welcome to attend. Christina Bryant, city archives and special collections director, and Brittanny Silva, archivist and GenFest presenter, joins us with more.New Orleans charter schools value their freedom. But their level of independence from one another can make it harder to get the right staff or tools to help students with disabilities. Aubri Juhasz reports on a new partnership between some charters and the district to better support students.___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Destin Ortego, Executive Director of the Opportunity Machine, known as the “OM,” joined Discover Lafayette to discuss the OM’s role as a driving force behind Lafayette's growing tech and startup ecosystem. This special edition of Discover Lafayette was recorded at LFT Fiber’s Powered by Connectivity Summit hosted at Vermilionville on March 19, 2026. Set against the theme of “Growth Powered by Fiber—Where Technology Meets Community,” Destin offers a candid and insightful look into how connectivity, relationships, and resilience are shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Acadiana. From the outset, Destin emphasizes that success isn't about launching a business, it's about sustaining the business. Endurance, not just an idea, defines success. Destin has been with the Opportunity Machine since 2013, guiding its evolution into a focused hub for high-growth, tech-enabled startups. Founded in 2010, OM is a nonprofit accelerator based in downtown Lafayette that provides mentorship, programming, and access to investors and business leaders. Today, it supports approximately 50 startup teams “in the tech space or doing very heavy Research and Development ranging from early idea stage to growth.” Destin Ortego outside of the Opportunity Machine at 314 Jefferson St. in Downtown Lafayette. Photo by Brad Kemp of the Acadiana Advocate. A key distinction Destin draws is between traditional small businesses and scalable, tech-driven startups. “Startups don't necessarily need the exact same resources, their funding pathways are different, their strategies to launch and scale are different.” By narrowing its focus, OM has made it easier for entrepreneurs to understand when to engage with it, and just as importantly, when to connect with other organizations like LEDA, SBDC, or One Acadiana that can provide more appropriate assistance. That spirit of collaboration defines the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Destin's approach to mentorship is both practical and empathetic. Rather than dismissing ideas outright, he helps founders test them in the real world. “It's not my job to tell people their baby's ugly; it's my job to help them figure that out for themselves.” Entrepreneurs are encouraged to validate their concepts early by talking to potential customers before investing significant time or money. This disciplined approach helps prevent the all-too-common scenario of founders exhausting their resources on products no one wants or needs. The Opportunity Machine meets entrepreneurs where they are, even if that's just an idea “on a napkin.” From there, OM helps founders de-risk their journey by setting milestones and validating assumptions before scaling. Many participants are balancing startups with full-time jobs and family responsibilities, making this structured support essential. Located at 314 Jefferson Street in downtown Lafayette, OM's three-story space reflects the entrepreneurial journey itself: early-stage founders on the first floor, growing teams on the second, and revenue-generating companies on the third. Membership is intentionally accessible, starting at $100 per month, with additional resources available as companies grow. The Opportunity Machine’s downstairs space, photo by Brad Kemp of the Acadiana Advocate. Beyond physical space, OM's real value lies in connection. As Destin explains, “The health of any startup ecosystem is connectivity—how well entrepreneurs know each other, how well they know investors, how plugged in they are to talent.” In an era where remote work is increasingly common, OM provides a place where those vital in-person relationships can form and flourish. The conversation highlights several success stories that underscore Lafayette's emergence as a tech hub. Such an example is FlyGuys, now a national drone services provider, which has roots in the OM ecosystem with several of its team members having been affiliated with Waitr in its early growth stage. (Waitr was a restaurant food delivery system started by Chris Meaux and whose growth was helped by the assistance of the OM and its resources.) Destin shared, “Even though Waitr may not be around anymore, its overall impact on the entire community was over $1 billion.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEixV3f1pME Destin also shares “homecoming” stories of startups like Mallard Bay (an online platform that connects people who want outdoor adventures, like hunting or fishing, with trusted guides and outfitters) and Keepers (a locally founded startup that automates the entire housekeeping process for short-term rental property hosts and managers), which returned to Louisiana after stints in larger markets like Houston and Austin. Their reason? The strength and responsiveness of Acadiana's support network. As one founder told him, “If I wait three or four weeks for help, I'll be dead by then.” This speaks to a broader shift: Lafayette is no longer just nurturing startups, it's attracting them back. Increased access to capital, talent, and infrastructure, especially through LFT Fiber, has made the region more competitive than ever. Reliable, high-speed internet is not a luxury for these companies; it's essential. “Any disruption at all, for even for a few minutes, they notice,” Destin says, praising LFT Fiber's reliability and community commitment. The conversation also explores the growing role of artificial intelligence in business. While AI is accelerating productivity, Destin offers a clear warning: “Garbage in is garbage out.” He stresses that founders must still apply critical thinking and quality control, noting that while AI can increase output, it doesn't replace sound judgment, a point that resonates across all industries. At its core, this episode is about people. Technology may enable growth, but relationships drive it. As Destin puts it, “The internet and AI give us access, but people are still the endpoints.” A native of Parks, Louisiana, Destin is deeply committed to Acadiana's future. His “why” is personal: “Do I leave Louisiana to find opportunity, or stay and create it?” Through his work at OM, he's chosen the latter, helping build a future where the next generation won't feel they have to leave to succeed. This conversation is a powerful reminder that Lafayette's story is still being written, and thanks to leaders like Destin Ortego and organizations like the Opportunity Machine, that story is one of innovation, resilience, and connection. For more information about the Opportunity Machine’s resources, please visit https://opportunitymachine.org/.

Today on Discover Lafayette, we welcome Dale Clark, Ursula Quoyeser, and Kelly Viator to talk about the upcoming fifth annual Fin Feather Fur Food Festival, known as F5, benefiting Team Gleason Foundation. The event will be held April 30, 2026, at Blackham Coliseum, and if you've ever attended, you already know it's one of those rare gatherings where incredible food, community spirit, and a powerful mission all come together. This conversation brings us to the heart of why F5 matters, and why this cause continues to resonate so deeply across Acadiana. Team Gleason is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason following his ALS diagnosis in 2011. Known for his iconic blocked punt in the Superdome that symbolized hope for a recovering New Orleans, Gleason has carried that same spirit into his life's work. His message, “No White Flags,” has become a rallying cry for those facing ALS. Today, Team Gleason is recognized as one of the largest nonprofit providers of equipment and technology to the ALS community. Their mission is focused on helping individuals not just survive, but truly live, through access to communication devices, mobility equipment, care services, and even “adventures” that allow families to create lasting memories together. In the past two years alone, requests for care services, equipment, technology, and experiences have increased by 70%, reflecting both the growing need and the trust families place in this organization. As Kelly Viator of the Team Gleason Founation explains, their work begins with listening: “visit persons in their homes, to understand the environment that they're living in and what technology would best suit them and at what time.” https://youtu.be/ID6gZ85BEeE?si=TuyJG7igU2CupkHp That level of care extends beyond equipment. It includes advocacy, helping families navigate systems that are often confusing and overwhelming, and creating connection through support networks. Kelly shared that their local virtual gatherings offer a space where “sometimes we cry, but mostly we laugh,” a reminder that even in the face of ALS, community remains essential. For Ursula Quoyeser, that community has made a profound difference. She describes how her symptoms began subtly during COVID, with what she thought was a minor issue. “I started getting dropfoot, and little things just kept happening.” After a long wait to see specialists and ultimately receiving her diagnosis, her mobility declined to the point where she now relies on a wheelchair and adaptive equipment. Through Team Gleason, Ursula continues to receive critical support, including a specially equipped van that came at exactly the right moment. “I was pulling into the driveway of the dealership to buy a van when I got the call.” That kind of intervention restores independence. As Ursula shares, “I can still go places and do things.” Ursula Quoyeser, known to many as Coach Q, attended Lafayette High and played volleyball and softball at USL, now known as UL of Lafayette. She was the first female athlete inducted into the UL Lafayette Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992. Dale Clark's journey with ALS led him to channel that same spirit of resilience into action. Diagnosed in October 2020, Dale very quickly began asking what he could do to make a difference. Over breakfast with friends right after his diagnosis, the idea for F5 was born. “They said, what can we do for ALS? Then we saw an article by Team Gleason and I said, we need to talk to them.” From that moment, the Fin Feather Fur Food Festival took shape, rooted in Louisiana culture and driven by purpose. Teams compete by cooking fish, wild game, or fowl; “You either cook a fish, an animal or a feather. Or perhaps a dessert!” F5 is a cooking competition where teams compete for winner status in the Fin, Feather, and Fur or Dessert division. Awards will be presented to each team winning their respective category. Dale Clark, pictured far left, with his buddies from the Florence Club at the 1st annual F5 on April 28, 2022. What started as a grassroots effort has grown into a signature Acadiana event. F5 now draws roughly 1,500 attendees each year and has raised more than $750,000 over the past four years. This year's goal is clear: reach $1 million total raised in its five years of existence. It takes a village to make that happen. Dale is quick to credit the cook teams and volunteers who fuel the event's success: “I can't thank the cook teams enough because without the cook teams, we don't have an event.” And for those attending, the experience is unforgettable with unlimited food tastings, drinks, live energy, silent auctions, and a packed room filled with purpose. But what stays with you isn't just the food. Ursula says her favorite part is seeing all the people. “Friends and family show up in big groups.”And Dale shares what matters most to him: “Meeting all the people with ALS, and their spouse coming up and giving me a hug. I really appreciate that.” Those moments are what this event is really about. Because at the end of the day, Team Gleason's mission is simple but powerful: with the support of caring individuals, people living with ALS can experience greater independence, a higher quality of life, and the dignity they deserve. F5 is how Acadiana shows up to make that happen. General admission tickets may be purchased for only $45.00 and many sponsorship opportunities are available. Visit https://teamgleason.org/f5/ or Team Gleason's website: https://teamgleason.org/. You can also just purchase tickets on April 30 at the door. Once you understand what's behind this event, it becomes very clear. This is something you definitely want to be part of.

671. On this episode of the Louisiana Anthology Podcast, we are joined by Kayla Hardy to discuss her new novel, Quarter Queen. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century New Orleans, the story follows a young woman's journey through the mystique and social complexities of the French Quarter. Kayla shares how she blended historical research with rich storytelling to capture the spirit of an era where power and tradition often collided. We dive into the inspirations behind her protagonist and what it means to reclaim a seat at the table in a city defined by its secrets. She earned a doctorate in English, specializing in creative writing and African American literature, from Binghamton University at age twenty-six. Dr. Hardy served as an adjunct professor at Binghamton University and is an avid scholar and lover of Black folklore, mythology, and Voodoo. Inspired by her Louisiana Creole ancestry and familial lineage of rootwork and magic, Kayla aims to tell diverse-driven horror and dark fantasy stories. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today! This week in the Louisiana Anthology. Traditional. 'Cotton-Eyed Joe.'      "Cotton-eyed Joe, Cotton-eyed Joe, What did make you sarve me so, Fur ter take my gal erway fum me, An' cyar her plum ter Tennessee? Ef it hadn't ben fur Cotton-eyed Joe, I'd er been married long ergo.      "His eyes wuz crossed, an' his nose wuz flat, An' his teef wuz out, but wat uv dat? Fur he wuz tall, an' he wuz slim, An' so my gal she follered him. Ef it hadn't ben fur Cotton-eyed Joe, I'd er been married long ergo. This week in Louisiana history. March 27, 1934. Rev. Gerald Smith addressed citizens in Sulphur's "Share Our Wealth Club."  This week in New Orleans history. March 27, 2020: New Orleans was identified as having the highest COVID-19 growth rate in the world, turning the city into a critical warning site for the global pandemic. This week in Louisiana. April 3-5, 2025 Louisiana Lao New Year Celebration (Pi Mai Lao). 7913 Champa Ave. Lanexang Village Broussard, LA 70518 Hours: Three-day festival (Friday-Sunday of Easter weekend) Website: explorelouisiana.com Email: louisianalaonewyear@gmail.com Phone: (337) 378-9469 Experience one of the most unique cultural festivals in Acadiana, celebrating Southeast Asian traditions: Lao Traditions: The festival features traditional sand castle building, vibrant parades, and a beauty pageant. Culinary Delights: Numerous vendors offer authentic clothes, jewelry, and a wide array of food from Southeast Asia. VIP Experience: All-access passes are available that include reserved parking, guided tours, and access to the Tea-time performance banquet. Admission & Pricing Admission & Pricing General Admission (Before 5:00 PM): Free. Evening Admission (After 5:00 PM): $15.00 per person (covers access to the evening concerts and the dance floor). VIP All-Access Pass: $50.00. This includes reserved parking next to the temple, food, a guided tour, and access to the VIP parade lounge and performance banquet. Parking: Public parking and shuttles are typically free, but limited; arriving early is highly recommended. Postcards from Louisiana. Rug Cutters at Favela Chic. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

At the historic grounds of Vermilionville, beneath the oaks and along the bayou that so vividly reflect our region's living history, this special episode of Discover Lafayette was recorded during the second annual LFT Fiber Powered by Connectivity Summit on March 19th, 2026. The summit's theme, Growth Powered by Fiber, Where Technology Meets Community, comes to life in a conversation with Whitney Savoie, Chief Marketing Officer of FlyGuys, a Lafayette-based technology company operating at the intersection of innovation, safety, and cultural preservation. This LFT summit showcased local leaders and gathered their thoughts on the power of connectivity in shaping our community, businesses and the economy. Whitney brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing, brand development, and customer acquisition, much of it rooted in high-growth tech startups. Her journey includes early work with Waitr, where she says she was “in the first 1% of employees,” helping scale what was then a groundbreaking on-demand food delivery platform. Reflecting on those years traveling across the country launching markets, she shared a perspective that would later shape her appreciation for home: “What that taught me then, and I have an appreciation for now, is in every small to medium community that I went into, you couldn’t feel the culture like you can feel in Acadiana.” That deep connection to place is central to Whitney's story. Raised along the bayous near Morgan City, she recalls a childhood that feels quintessentially South Louisiana. “In high school, my dad would take me crawfishing to make extra money, in the marsh in a pirogue lifting traps.” Today, as she reflects on culture through the lens of technology, she sees opportunity in preserving those moments. “I need to go back out with my dad and take pictures, even maybe put a drone up because I want to preserve that memory.” That idea, technology as a tool to preserve, not replace, human experience, runs throughout this conversation. FlyGuys itself is a powerful example of how innovation can serve real-world needs. Headquartered in downtown Lafayette and operating nationwide, the company provides drone-based data capture services across industries ranging from infrastructure and construction to agriculture. As Whitney explains, “FlyGuys is a reality data capture platform. We match data seekers with data providers.” Those providers include a network of approximately 20,000 FAA Part 107 certified drone pilots across the country. The concept is deceptively simple but highly impactful. When a company needs critical visual or analytical data, whether inspecting a cell tower, surveying farmland, or assessing storm damage, FlyGuys deploys a pilot to capture that data safely and efficiently. “Instead of having a human climb that cell tower, a drone can do it safer, faster, more efficiently.” The data is then processed and analyzed through FlyGuys' platform, delivering actionable insights to clients. The applications are vast. In agriculture, drones can identify disease at the level of a single plant, reducing the need for widespread pesticide use. In infrastructure, they allow for safer inspections of bridges, roofs, and aging structures. In cultural settings like Vermilionville, FlyGuys has even created “digital twins,” highly detailed 3D models, using advanced ground scanning technology to document and preserve historic spaces. Underlying all of this is an immense reliance on connectivity. FlyGuys processes thousands of missions each month, each generating massive amounts of data. “One mission could produce 10,000 files,” Whitney explains. “We do about 8,000 missions a month.” The ability to upload, process, and analyze that data in real time depends entirely on robust, high-speed internet infrastructure, making events like the LFT Fiber Connectivity Summit especially relevant. But for Whitney, the conversation ultimately comes back to people. In one of the most memorable moments of the interview, she reflects on hosting FlyGuys team members from Colombia in Lafayette. A crawfish boil at Moncus Park turned into an impromptu cultural exchange, blending zydeco dancing with salsa. “It was like this beautiful marriage of both cultures coming together… It was the picture of what we’re trying to preserve.” That spirit, connection across cultures, generations, and technologies, is exactly what she hopes people take away from the summit. “My hope is that people really understand what the LFT fiber team is trying to do here. They’re trying to bring us together. It’s really not about the technology. It’s about the fact that we’re all connecting and human. The beauty of the whole conference to me is that tech isn’t the hero, it’s the people that are the heroes and the things that we’re doing with the tech. In this age of technology, with AI, where there is some fear and trepidation, I believe that humans are going to really start leaning into that human connection.” In a time when artificial intelligence and automation are rapidly reshaping how we live and work, Whitney offers a grounded reminder of what matters most. “We need to preserve the human connection through all of it because that is what matters at the end of the day.” From the bayous of her childhood to the cutting edge of drone technology, Whitney Savoie's story is one of honoring where we come from while building thoughtfully toward the future. And in Acadiana, where culture runs as deep as the waters that shape it, that balance may be our greatest strength.

Malentina mixes musical influences from her birthplace in Puerto Rico with the culture of Southern Louisiana.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Deb and Paul Lindsay, the enthusiastic co-chairs of the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival, which celebrates its 10th anniversary April 10–12, 2026 in downtown New Iberia. Centered around the Sliman Theater, Shadows-on-the-Teche, and other historic sites, this year's festival brings together literature, music, food, history, and community for a full weekend of programming. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Rick Bragg is being celebrated as the 2026 Great Southern Writer, with sessions, book signings, museum tours, a book fair, and more planned throughout the weekend. Deb and Paul's story is, in many ways, a love letter to Acadiana. They were living in Guanajuato, Mexico when Deb's health concerns prompted them to consider returning to the United States. As Paul explains, they began researching Acadiana after learning Lafayette had been named “the happiest city in the USA.” Deb knew what she wanted: “I want to go someplace where there's nice people, kind people. I want to go someplace where they have great food, and I want to go someplace where they have great music, great culture.” Their conclusion? “We hit a trifecta.” Deb and Paul LIndsey are pictured in Guanajuato, Mexico in 2019. The couple had no roots in the region and no contacts here when they first began exploring south Louisiana. But a chance stop on Main Street in New Iberia on June 25, 2022, changed everything. While reading the trilingual plaque near the Bayou Teche Museum, they were approached by Cathy Indest of the Iberia Cultural Resources Association, who asked, “Y'all aren't from around here, are you?” That unexpected conversation led to an invitation to come back for the literary festival, and eventually to a much bigger decision. Back in Mexico, the Lindsays decided to do more than simply visit. They would return to volunteer and sponsor the festival as part of what Paul called an exploratory trip. They came for the 2023 festival, met local leaders and volunteers, and quickly found themselves embraced by the community. A memorable and funny festival incident sealed the deal. While attempting Cajun dance lessons, Deb became so dizzy that she had to be helped to a chair and then to an ambulance for evaluation. Paul, not yet realizing how serious things were, responded to a warning from a concerned helper who said, “Your wife is bad,” with the now legendary line: “I'm sorry, but she's always been a bad dancer.” What stayed with them most was not the scare, but the care. Paul recalls that neighbors and new friends, including Wyatt and Becky Collins, immediately stepped in to help, offering to follow him to the hospital and even opening their home if needed. Others checked on Deb throughout the night. “To me, that sealed the deal,” Paul says, “because those are the kind of people I want to be around now.” Deb adds that Acadiana's warmth is more than politeness: “I'm not sure that people in Acadiana fully appreciate just how special the culture of caring for others really is. It is endemic here. It is just part of how people are.” That sense of belonging deepened quickly. The Lindsays moved to New Iberia in October 2023 and were immediately drawn into the life of the community, volunteering at local events and building friendships that made them feel at home. Deb notes, “We have chosen to be here because, as Paul said, we feel like we hit the trifecta.” Their affection for New Iberia and the wider Acadiana region comes through clearly in this conversation, as does their gratitude for the people who welcomed them in. That spirit of welcome is central to the mission of the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival, which Deb describes as preserving “the legacy of Southern storytelling through literature, culture, and community.” The 2026 schedule reflects just how broad that vision has become: guided tours at the Bayou Teche Museum and Shadows-on-the-Teche, free literary sessions at the Sliman Theater, a children's book fair, a Main Street book fair, and multiple ticketed food-and-music experiences designed to bring people together. A major draw this year is Rick Bragg, the festival's 2026 Great Southern Writer. The festival describes Bragg as a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author whose writing captures “the struggles and strength of Southern life,” and notes that he continues to teach at the University of Alabama. Paul shares that he reached Bragg personally after recognizing in his writing a deep connection to family, resilience, and Southern roots. That conversation led Bragg to accept the invitation, telling Paul, “You've made me laugh more in the last 40 minutes than I have in probably a year.” Bragg will appear for both a symposium and a special book club-style event during the weekend. Deb speaks beautifully about why Bragg matters. Though memoir was not previously her preferred genre, she says his storytelling changed that. His books about family and ordinary Southern people, she says, “remind us of our shared humanity, something especially needed in these divided times.” That human-centered view of literature runs through the entire festival. Jane and Scott Wolfe of Melba’s Po Boys in New Orleans The opening Friday session features Jane and Scott Wolfe of the infamouse Melba's Po Boys in New Orleans, who will discuss entrepreneurship, perseverance, literacy, and community. Festival listings describe their presentation as “Building Perseverance and Community: How Two Teenagers Created a Life Inside Small Business in New Orleans.” Deb and Paul highlight Jane Wolfe's remarkable path from earning her GED to studying at Tulane and later Harvard Divinity School, as well as her role in literacy work through Melba's. Published sources confirm that Jane Wolfe received the 2024 Light Up for Literacy Award from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities for her work with Eat and Read at Melba's, and that she is a graduate of both Tulane and Harvard Divinity School. The 2026 schedule also reflects the festival's wide-ranging curiosity. Friday includes a session on the Creole lineage of Pope Leo XIV, a discussion with romance author Juliette Cross, and a closing session on Carville and Hansen's disease. Saturday brings the Dave Robicheaux Readers Theater, a Rick Bragg book club, a session on Louisiana Black Creole Trail Riders, a program on Black female jazz singers, a Swamp Pop-themed session, and Bragg's major symposium and signing. The Children's Book Fair and the Main Street Book Fair, making the festival accessible to readers of all ages. Beyond the literary sessions, the weekend is intentionally immersive. Friday night's ticketed event, “A Novel Evening in Prose and Pours,” unfolds beneath the oaks at Shadows-on-the-Teche and includes food, drink, music, and time for festivalgoers to mingle with authors in a relaxed setting. Saturday morning introduces “Beignets & Beats, A Cajun Breakfast Jam” at Bambino's, while Saturday night has been reimagined as “Swamp Sounds: A Swamp Pop Revival,” complete with dance lessons and live music from The Revelers. The weekend closes with Symphony Sunday in the Park, a free outdoor performance by the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra in New Iberia's City Park on Sunday, April 12 at 3:00 p.m. It is a free concert under the oaks, continuing a long-running partnership between the Symphony and New Iberia. What makes this interview especially meaningful is hearing why Deb and Paul have poured themselves into the festival. Deb says the literary festival “has a special place in my heart, just because it's what brought us to Louisiana in the first place.” She sees their work as “a way of saying ‘we feel like we're a part of the community. We owe the community.” Paul echoes that sentiment and says what he loves most is that books can bring people together across differences: “It doesn't matter who you voted for; it's about coming together with common bonds and trying to learn from each other and listen to each other.” Their vision extends beyond one April weekend. They are exploring interim events throughout the year and building stronger partnerships with other Louisiana book festivals, including those in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, with the goal of strengthening audiences and collaboration rather than competing against one another. That cooperative spirit feels very much in keeping with what they have come to love about this region. As Deb and Paul make clear, the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival is about far more than books alone. It is about story, hospitality, history, music, place, and the kind of human connection that turns visitors into neighbors. Or, as Deb puts it, “It's a terrific place to be.” For festival details, schedules, and tickets, the primary website is BooksAlongTheTecheLiteraryFestival.com; BayouBookFest.com also redirects there. The festival is largely free, with select ticketed food and music events available through the website. Published festival and tourism pages confirm the event dates, venues, and the weekend's featured programming. Thanks to Deb and Paul Lindsey for their commitment to the arts, culture and community! They are eloquent spokespersons for their new home, Acadiana!

Here's a question every small business owner loses sleep over: how do people find out you exist? Word of mouth still works. Always will. But today you need more than that. The challenge is that most small business owners are already doing three jobs at once. Marketing is the thing that slides. The thing you mean to get to. You need a presence — online, in print, somewhere people are actually looking. Figuring out where to start is daunting. What’s worth the investment? How do I know it’ll work? What’s the best media to buy for my business? Two decades into the social media era, getting noticed on platforms can still be a mystery. Ashlynn Gary has built a business around solving exactly that problem. Ashlynn grew up in Lake Charles and came to Lafayette for college, graduating from UL in 2020 with a degree in arts and humanities. She's always been creative — painting, choir, theatre — and she still acts with the local theatre community today. In 2020 she started a t-shirt company called Leading Color, mostly to scratch an entrepreneurial itch. What she discovered was that she loved the marketing and branding side of it more than the shirts themselves. So she pivoted. In 2021 Ashlynn founded Ash Creative Collective, a social media management company that handles content planning, content creation, scheduling, and customer engagement — so her clients don't have to. She also serves as media manager for Leadership Lafayette. Don’t listen to haters. Print isn’t dead. With apologies to Mark Twain, rumors of its demise have been, well, somewhat exaggerated. In Lafayette, hundreds of businesses still rely on good old fashioned print products to sell their brands. And they're not limited to flyers and newspapers. As Jennifer Brewer found out on a visit to Baton Rouge. Jennifer was born in Lafayette, raised in Baton Rouge, and returned to Acadiana about ten years ago after marrying a local. She’s a real estate broker by day. But a few years ago, she and her friend and business partner, Krysten Ledet, spotted something on a visit to Baton Rouge — a beautifully produced print publication called The Scout Guide, displayed in a local shop. Krysten and Jennifer were immediately drawn to it. When they looked into it and found the Lafayette market was still open, they bought in. The Scout Guide is a 100% woman-founded franchise now operating in over a hundred cities across the country. It launched in 2010 in Charlottesville, Virginia, and has grown to support more than three thousand small businesses nationwide. Each edition is a premium print guide — and a community in its own right. Jennifer and Krysten launched the Lafayette Scout Guide in 2023. This year, they printed 20,000. Out to Lunch Acadiana was recorded live over lunch at Tsunami Sushi in downtown Lafayette. You can find photos from this show by Astor Morgan at itsacadiana.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we visit with Maureen Dugas Foster, founder of Designing Women of Acadiana, a collaborative network that has spent the past decade bringing together women interested in architecture, design, creativity, and community. What began as a simple idea during a challenging personal moment has grown into a vibrant organization that has hosted more than 100 events across Acadiana, connecting creative professionals and curious minds while highlighting the role design plays in our everyday lives. Maureen's inspiration for launching the organization came in 2016 during a time when she found herself unexpectedly unemployed and questioning the direction of her career. Having spent years working in architecture, she felt somewhat isolated in the local professional community. “I felt really alone in the architecture community in Lafayette,” she says. Women represent only about 20 percent of licensed architects nationwide, and she was seeking both connection and encouragement within the profession. Instead of waiting for someone else to create that community, Maureen decided to build one herself. “Thanks to a bottle of wine and courage, one night I made a Facebook page,” she laughs. She set a date for an informal meet-up at Pamplona Tapas Bar in downtown Lafayette, inviting women in architecture and design to gather for drinks and conversation. The response was immediate and surprising. “It was amazing because we had over 20 women show up.” Even today, she admits she still gets a little nervous before each event, but that first evening proved there was real interest in building a supportive creative network in Acadiana. In those early days, Designing Women of Acadiana focused largely on architects and interior designers. Over time, however, the organization evolved as more people expressed interest in participating—even those who didn't work directly in design fields. Maureen began to realize that creativity extends far beyond professional labels. “Everyone's creative,” she says. “It just gets like smacked out of you during regular schooling when you're young.” That philosophy led the group to broaden its mission to welcome creative women of all backgrounds. Today the membership includes professionals across many fields, from artists and entrepreneurs to healthcare professionals and business owners who simply enjoy engaging with creative ideas and spaces. As Maureen explains, sometimes the greatest benefit of attending an event is simply the energy that comes from connecting with others. “Show up if you're interested. You're going to get something out of it, whether it's new connections, deep conversation with some new person, or just energized with creativity.” Over the past ten years, Designing Women of Acadiana has hosted more than 100 gatherings, typically meeting once per month outside of the pandemic years. Events have ranged from architectural tours and home visits to creative workshops, networking socials, and community projects. One of the organization's most popular activities has been home tours featuring architect-designed residences. Early members, including local architect Lisa Bourque, opened the doors of newly completed homes so participants could see contemporary design up close. Homeowners would welcome the group with wine and snacks while sharing the story behind their home's design. For Maureen, those experiences illustrate how architecture can be deeply personal. “For the homeowner to show off this piece of architecture that they spent a lot of time on, it's like you're living in a piece of art that was made just for you.” Beyond residential tours, DWA members have also visited commercial spaces and historic buildings around Acadiana. When Bottle Art Lofts was developed in downtown Lafayette, the group toured the property to explore how historic structures can be transformed for modern use. Maureen notes that good architecture often involves re-imagining existing spaces rather than starting from scratch. “You can take any piece of architecture that's already there and scrape out all the insides and do something new,” she explains. “That's what you use your architect for because they've got the mind to do that.” Education has always been another important goal of the organization. Many events are designed to help people understand the value of thoughtful design, particularly for those outside architecture and construction. Maureen emphasizes that the spaces we inhabit every day, from homes to offices, have a direct impact on our mental and emotional well-being. In addition to tours and educational events, Designing Women of Acadiana has also participated in creative civic initiatives. One memorable project was Lafayette Consolidated Government's Parking Day, an international urban design event where participants temporarily transform parking spaces into miniature parks or gathering areas. DWA created parklets in downtown Lafayette that invited pedestrians to sit, draw, and interact with art installations. Their installations were so well received that they won awards both years they participated. These types of projects highlight another important element of DWA: fostering community connections. Over the years, the organization has collaborated with local businesses, artists, and property owners to create pop-up experiences and events that celebrate Lafayette's evolving cultural landscape. For Maureen personally, the organization has also become a source of mentorship and encouragement. Early in her career she often sought advice from mentors like UL architecture professor Michael McClure, who encouraged her to stay committed to her path even during uncertain times. Looking back, she realizes that Designing Women of Acadiana became the supportive professional network she had once been searching for. “I didn't even realize that's what I was looking for,” she says. “Starting DWA, I empowered myself and then created this community of other women who empowered one another.” Outside of her volunteer work with DWA, Maureen's own career has taken several interesting turns over the years. She earned her degree in architecture at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She worked in commercial architecture firms for many years, gaining experience in the field even though she ultimately chose not to pursue full architectural licensure. 2017 Sunset at the Less Pay Motel – “I got to tour the Less Pay Motel with Stephanie & Greg Cornay when they were trying to come up with better ideas for Four Corners. Aileen Bennett came with me and snapped this photo.“ Today she works in commercial lighting sales with Lighting and Electrical Associates (LEA), collaborating with architects, interior designers, and engineers on building projects. Her role often involves helping teams think carefully about how lighting shapes the experience of a space—from aesthetics to mental health. “Lighting can make or break a space,” she says. “If you go into a place and you're feeling icky, look around—it's probably 80 percent due to the lighting.” In 2026, Designing Women of Acadiana celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of creativity, friendship, and professional collaboration. The milestone will be celebrated at the group's annual anniversary party on March 26 at Basin Arts, where guests can enjoy art, raffle prizes from local artists and businesses, and interactive experiences designed to showcase the creativity of the community. Membership in DWA remains intentionally accessible. Individual memberships are $75 per year, corporate memberships are $150 for three participants, and student memberships are available for $25. Most monthly events are free or low-cost, making it easy for anyone curious about creativity and design to participate. For those interested in joining or attending an event, the best place to stay connected is through Designing Women of Acadiana's Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn pages, where the group regularly posts upcoming gatherings and announcements. As Designing Women of Acadiana enters its second decade, Maureen and her board are continuing to expand the organization's mission to embrace an even broader range of creative voices across Acadiana. The goal remains the same as it was on that first night at Pamplona: create a welcoming space where ideas flourish, friendships form, and creativity is celebrated. “Designing Women of Acadiana is a bold and collaborative network of women shaping the creative and professional landscape of Acadiana,” Maureen says. “Rooted in design and driven by connection, we create curated experiences that cultivate confidence, spark inspiration, and ensure women feel seen in their industries and communities.”

Hi, it's Christiaan Mader, host of Out to Lunch Acadiana. I love a dive bar. And I know I’m not alone. They attract a certain cult-like following among people looking for an unpretentious place to share a reasonably priced drink with an old friend or a new one. The appeal is fundamentally American. The drinks are cold, the music is loud, the bathrooms might be suspect — but you can be you and everyone's welcome. In Acadiana, a great dive bar can be a cultural center of gravity. Especially if it’s got a stage and a spunky PA. However adored, dive bars carry a janky reputation. And the people who love them, love them because of that jank. It’s hard to precisely define a great dive bar. But my guest Justin Bennet saw one in the making when he moved to Lafayette and bought Artmosphere, the Downtown Lafayette bar and music venue. Justin Bennett grew up in New York and was literally raised in dive bars, sitting on a barstool drinking cherry cokes from the age of five while his musician father played gigs. He went on to earn a bachelor's in journalism from the University of Washington, spent five years with New York City's Department of Management rising from Press Assistant to Public Information Officer, and later served as Press Secretary for the Louisiana Workforce Commission. But it was Lafayette, Louisiana — a city he and his wife Marcela kept passing through on the way to Lake Charles — that eventually called them back. In February of 2025, Justin purchased Artmosphere, a bar and music venue on Johnston Street that's been a Lafayette landmark for years. He didn't just buy a bar. He bought a vibe, a history, and a whole lot of deferred maintenance. Now he's fixing the bathrooms, booking the bands, and making his grandmother's meatballs. Barbecue There’s maybe no better example of something great out of something humble than American BBQ. We’re not necessarily known for BBQ here in Acadiana, but Shane Wiggins is doing his part to change that. Shane was born and raised in Flynn, Texas. He came up through electronics repair school, then spent years in the oilfield — onshore, offshore, and eventually running a business with his father in Pennsylvania. When that chapter closed, he ended up back in the Lafayette area. Shane had been making brisket for years. His Texas Twister BBQ sauce became so popular with friends and family that by 2020 he was bottling it commercially. He and his wife Allyson had long talked about a food truck. He told her: if that spot on East Main in Broussard ever comes available, that's the sign. It did. He had to keep his word. In early 2022, Deuces Taste of the South opened as a part-time venture — a Texas-style BBQ joint with Cajun influences, built around a forty-two-foot custom trailer that Shane built himself. It didn't stay part-time for long.Out to Lunch Acadiana was recorded live over lunch at Tsunami Sushi in downtown Lafayette. You can find photos from this show by Astor Morgan at itsacadiana.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than six decades, LARC has quietly served one of the most important missions in Acadiana—supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and helping them live meaningful, independent lives. On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we sit down with Nicole Harrison, Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO of LARC, along with Karon Davis, Marketing Director, to learn how this remarkable nonprofit touches hundreds of lives every day. Founded over 60 years ago by parents who wanted better opportunities for their children with disabilities, LARC has grown into a multifaceted organization providing day programs, residential services, community support, and employment opportunities. Today, more than 150 individuals participate in LARC's day program on any given day, building life skills, forming friendships, and engaging in activities that bring meaning and joy to their lives. Nicole Harrison's own journey with LARC began 13 years ago when she started as a Direct Support Worker, working directly with individuals in their homes. A Lafayette native and graduate of Comeaux High School, Nicole says the organization's mission is deeply personal. “LARC is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to live a meaningful, independent and fulfilling life.” Participants attend weekday programs where they choose activities that match their interests and abilities. The campus features ten different classrooms and activity spaces, including a movie room, music room, recreation room, computer lab, and two bingo rooms—because as Nicole notes, “Everyone loves bingo. So we actually had to convert one of our other rooms into a bingo room. So now we have two bingo rooms.” The day begins with transportation provided by LARC, bringing participants to campus where they check into their “homeroom” before exploring the activities they enjoy most. A hot meal is available through the St. Ann's cafeteria, where individuals can choose among several lunch options before continuing with afternoon activities or relaxing outdoors under the gazebo, often dancing to music and enjoying time with friends. LARC serves individuals across the full spectrum of intellectual disability, from mild to profound, and staff members work with each participant to promote independence through personalized goals. Even small achievements can represent powerful milestones. “Once they complete it at 100%, that’s like a huge milestone for them… it’s a satisfaction for them.” Beyond the day program, LARC also provides community support services, helping individuals who live independently or with family members by assisting with transportation, appointments, and daily living needs. The organization operates ten group homes, including four in Lafayette and six in the Zachary area, where staff provide 24-hour care and support. “We have individuals with mild intellectual disabilities that may hold a job in the community… and others who may need assistance with activities of daily living,” Nicole explained. One of the most visible parts of LARC's mission is its employment programs. The organization partners with local businesses to provide supported jobs for participants. In addition, LARC operates Mardi Gras Beads-N-More, where donated parade beads are sorted and resold. providing both employment and income for the program. “When the parade goers donate their beads back, it provides our individuals with the opportunity for employment. It gives them employment and empowerment and independence because they can earn their own paycheck.” Visitors often encounter LARC's work at Acadian Village, the historic cultural site owned and operated by the organization. The village serves as a major fundraising arm for LARC and hosts weddings, events, tours, and the beloved Noel Acadien au Village Christmas celebration, which draws more than 50,000 visitors each year. Karon Davis explains that Acadian Village exists thanks to community generosity. The land was donated by a local couple raising a niece with special needs, while historic homes were moved to the site to preserve Acadiana's heritage. “At the core of this are parents that back over 60 years ago; the only option they had was to institutionalize their child. They got together, formed a group.” The village now serves as both a cultural destination and a critical source of support for LARC's programs. LARC's Acadian Village offers New Hope Chapel as a wedding venue to help create a magical moment. The New Hope Chapel is a non-denominational facility and a stunning replica of an 1850s Acadian-style church, with seating for up to 95 guests. The Bridal Suite at Acadian Village offers the perfect private space for the bride and her bridal party to relax, laugh, sip champagne, and get dolled up before walking down the aisle. Contact kim@acadianvillage.org or 337-981-2364 opt. 8 to learn more. Pictured: the LeBlanc House One of the popular homes to visit onsite at Acadian Village is the LeBlanc House, built between 1821 and 1856 near Youngsville. The LeBlanc house is the birthplace of Sen. Dudley J. LeBlanc. Cajun politician and entrepreneur. “Couzan Dud” LeBlanc was born on August 16, 1894. In 1924, LeBlanc was elected a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, Public Service Commissioner, and served as State Senator from 1940 to 1944, 1948 to 1952, and in 1964. In 1945 he established the Happy Day Company, which manufactured the popular Hadacol brand health tonic; with 12 percent alcohol, it guaranteed to cure all ills. LeBlanc promoted Hadacol extensively, sometimes using major entertainers as spokespersons. An active Cajun culture preservationist, LeBlanc served as president of the Association of Louisiana Acadians, and in the late 1960s helped to establish CODOFIL (Council for the Development of French in Louisiana). He authored three books: The True Story of the Acadians (1927); The Improved Version (1932); and The Acadian Miracle (1966, a revised and expanded version of his first book). LeBlanc appealed to political supporters via radio in Cajun French, at a time when Cajun French was rarely heard on radio. He died on October 22, 1971, and was buried in Abbeville. The LeBlanc exhibit contains memorabilia from the life and times of “Couzan Dud.” Throughout the conversation, Nicole and Karon emphasize that the organization is sustained not only by staff but also by volunteers, donors, and the broader community. LARC welcomes donations of art supplies, office materials, clothing, and even cardboard for creative classroom projects. Volunteers also help with gardening, events, and special activities for participants. Nicole says the most rewarding part of her work is advocating for the people LARC serves. “The most fulfilling part of what I do is being an advocate for them, because when they can't speak or defend themselves, I can.” Karon Davis echoes the deep sense of purpose that motivates everyone involved with the organization: “As a parent, I think I would I would like to know that my children would be taken care of. And I think that’s the most important part of our mission, caring for people that can’t take care of themselves, but also giving those parents peace of mind that they’re going to be okay. And we love them. I mean, they would they give us is much more than we give them. But they’re well taken care of and they’re well loved.” And perhaps the most powerful lesson LARC teaches is about love, community, and human connection. “Everything is beautiful to them. It's truly unconditional love. They just don't care what you look like.” From employment programs to residential care, from the bead shop to Acadian Village's Christmas lights, LARC continues to demonstrate what happens when a community comes together to support its most vulnerable members. As Karon puts it simply: “There's no other place like it.” Learn more about LARC:Noel Acadien au Village is family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible. LARC's Acadian Village is located at 200 Greenleaf Drive in Lafayette. Visit www.lafayettelarc.org for ticket information and more details.Facebook: LARC Lafayette | Acadian Village | Noel Acadien au Village LARC welcomes volunteers, donations, and community engagement. Businesses and organizations interested in tours, partnerships, or service projects are encouraged to reach out.

This Canadian folk singer-songwriter has strong ties to Southern Louisiana.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

From a volunteer-run initiative in the 1980s to a regional continuum of care in 2026: On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we sit down with Claude Martin, CEO of AcadianaCares, to talk about what it looks like when a community builds an institution out of necessity, and then keeps rebuilding it for four decades. AcadianaCares began (originally as “Lafayette CARES”) in 1985, during the earliest, scariest years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, when fear and stigma shut down many traditional systems of response. “CARES” stood for “Concern for AIDS Relief, Education and Support.” Claude remembers those first years in deeply personal terms: “I got involved with this work, HIV work in the early 80s when our community started to get sick.” He describes a time when an HIV diagnosis in Louisiana carried a terrifying prognosis saying, “the life expectancy was about nine months.” The uncertainty felt like a public-health free fall. When we talk about how frightening those early days were, Claude agrees without hesitation: “Very similar to the fear and confusion many of us felt during COVID. Who's going to get it? and what do we do now?” Claude explains that what became AcadianaCares wasn't a government-created program; it was community members stepping in when institutions froze. “It was a groundswell of people saying, I have to do something. We have to do something.” For years, it ran on sheer willpower. “We were volunteers, running it out of our houses. We all had full-time jobs.” Claude's own job then was far from nonprofit administration as he worked as a landscaper. And while the organization was being built, people were dying. Claude doesn't sanitize that reality. “Sometimes they came to a couple of meetings and then they were in the hospital; within a month they were dead. They were gone.” In those first ten years, he says, “We really were concentrating on helping people to die. We were there.” He describes practical, human-scale solutions built by ordinary people: a hotline routed into volunteers' homes, partnerships for training, and a “Buddy program” where volunteers went into homes to help with the basic tasks of living: cleaning an apartment, getting to appointments, answering desperate late-night questions from people who felt helpless. From there, the story becomes one of evolution, not away from HIV care, but outward from it. Claude explains that in the early 2000s, AcadianaCares started asking a different question: if HIV is the core mission, what are the destabilizing forces that make people more vulnerable in the first place? In his words: “Mental illness, homelessness, substance abuse are three of the big areas that really do destabilize people's lives.” That mindset shaped the modern AcadianaCares model: a system designed so that someone can enter through one doorway to have access to housing, clinic, and recovery, and then be “wrapped around” with the rest. The medical reality has changed — and AcadianaCares is trying to reach the whole community Claude also walks us through the medical transformation he's witnessed across the decades. “The pharmaceutical industry has developed all of these medications so that now life expectancy is open ended.” He explains how viral load suppression changes both individual health and transmission risk. When treatment is working, people are no longer infectious. He points to PrEP as a powerful prevention tool: “PrEP is about 99%” effective in preventing acquisition. The goal he lays out is ambitious and clear: get people living with HIV to an undetectable viral load and get people at risk onto PrEP. “Conceivably, we will get to the point where we have no new infections.” Claude shares the regional scope, then and now. He remembers: “There were 11 people in Lafayette Parish that were living with HIV in 85.” Today, he says, “we have 2000 people that are living with HIV in our region,” with about 75 to 100 new infections every year in the seven parish area. Expansion on the northside: “whole-person care in one place” We also discuss AcadianaCares’ expansion of clinical services on Lafayette's northside. Claude explains that the clinic model exists because they were seeing people newly diagnosed with HIV struggling to get into care quickly. “We were having a really hard time getting people into care once we found out that they were positive.” So they built a system where patients could be seen and started on care faster. AcadianaCares purchased and renovated Pride Plaza at Willow and Pierce, turning it into a primary care clinic open to the public. The clinic has a staff of 32 in its 8,900 square-foot space offers a full spectrum of primary care and mental health services available to both insured and non-insured patients. Dr. Clinton Young is at the clinic specializing in sleep medicine and complex sleep-related disorders. Moving clinic services into Pride Plaza also created room on the main campus for expanded substance-abuse programming. AcadianaCares developed Seasons of Serenity (SOS), a network of residential, outpatient, and sober living recovery programs. Clients in SOS transition from dependency to self-sufficiency through structured phases in a safe and caring environment that is free from discrimination. AcadianaCares celebrating its 40th anniversary and opening of the new Primary Care Mental Care and Pharmacy in February 2026. In our conversation, Claude describes the wraparound approach inside the clinic, not just medical appointments, but navigation help: “Our clinic patients have access to navigators who help them apply for insurance… everything from food stamps to finding other agencies.” He contrasts that with many healthcare settings: “A lot of people go to a provider, but they don't have the social services support or the wraparound support.” The MLK campus: housing + recovery, built over time One of the most substantive parts of our conversation is Claude's description of the Acadiana CARES campus on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in North Lafayette: housing and recovery programs built through long-term planning, grants, and renovation. The site is located at 809 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. in North Lafayette. “We have housing there and about 80 people live on the property.” The site originally housed the Lafayette Guest House, formerly a 206-bed nursing facility with an inpatient psychiatric hospital, Oceans Behavior Healthcare, was donated to AcadianaCares by its owners, Jerrine Harrell, Donna McPherson, and John Wright. The owners made the decision to donate the property, valued at approximately $3.5 million, in order to do something good for the community and also be able to claim a charitable donation on taxes. Catholic Charities of Acadiana’s Kim Boudreaux James is the niece of Wright and she helped identify AcadianaCares as the best fit for the donation. (For a comprehensive story of the background of this donation and how it transformed AcadianaCares, see https://theind.com/articles/842/. ) He walks through the arc of development: a major donated property, then years of grants and fundraising to renovate and convert spaces into apartments, and then major investments in addiction treatment. He explains that their Seasons of recovery program now offers “the whole continuum of care,” describing transitions from detox, to a 28-day program, to a 90-day residential program, then outpatient services, and supportive apartment options designed to help people stabilize, work, save money, and re-enter independent life. Claude shares one of the concrete, practical details people often want to know: the outpatient apartment option is “$416” and includes “three meals a day, seven days a week.” He explains the program design goal plainly: “in six months, you ought to be able to save enough money to be independent.” AcadianaCares’ Seasons of Serenity receive referrals statewide: “We get referrals from all over the state,” and adds, “we get probably 7 to 10 referrals a day.” The reality is capacity: “All of our programs are usually at capacity.” Growth that still comes back to one measuring stick Claude has led AcadianaCares through extraordinary growth. He recalls the first state grant: “$34,000.” Today, he says, “our board just approved a $34 million budget.” He notes scale: “We have about 100 employees here, and we help an average of 4000 people a year.” In 2025, 2,495 unique patients received care through its wellness clinic. Its reach is across 25 zip codes in Lafayette, Acadiana, Evangeline, Iberia, St. Landry, St. Martin, and Vermilion parishes. Claude Martin joined AcadianaCares in 1998, after serving as an original volunteer in its early days. “I felt called to do the work. In the early 90s, I went back to school and got a graduate degree in rehabilitation therapy. All my work was focused on getting people living with HIV and having that treated as the same thing that’s a head injury or a substance abuse issue or a mental health issue that would debilitate someone. That degree is designed to help as a life changing experience. to move them through that process and get them back into this life.” But one of the most telling moments in our conversation is his personal standard for quality and dignity. The question he asks himself when planning services and facilities: “Would I let my mother or my sister receive services here?” He connects that directly to the mission: bringing high-quality care to people who often don't have choices, and who may have been neglected for years. Advice for families facing addiction Near the end, Claude offers direct advice to families navigating substance use disorder. His first recommendation is simple and specific: “Join an Al-Anon group.” He explains why: “It's realizing that it's a family disease,” and stresses that the work includes shifting attention toward self-care: “take the focus off of the alcoholic and look at taking care of yourself.” And yes — he shows standard poodles Claude also shares a surprising personal and fun detail that gives listeners as we wound down the interview: “I show dogs. I breed standard poodles.” He competes nationally, and he says, “We won at the nationals last year; Tallulah won the best standard poodle.” It's a reminder that even people carrying enormous community responsibility have a life and identity beyond the mission, and sometimes a very competitive hobby. Claude Martin’s young standard poodle, Talulah, being shown by handler, Kay Peiser, at the Poodle Club of America’s 2025 nationals competition. She won “Best Standard Poodle.” Connect with AcadianaCares Main Office: (337) 233-2437AcadianaCares : (337) 704-0787Pharmacy: (337) 216-1013Locations: 809 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Lafayette, and 850 North Pierce Street (Pride Plaza Clinic / Pharmacy area), Lafayette For more information, visit https://www.acadianacares.org/

Some businesses don’t just sell a product — they sell a feeling. They create an experience you can’t fully describe on a website, because the magic is sensory. It’s atmosphere. It’s memory. It’s the thing that makes you walk into a space and instantly feel like you belong there — or like you’ve been there before. From a business standpoint, that’s a tricky thing to build. You can’t ship “vibe” in a box. But you can design it — intentionally — through the details: the ingredients, the storytelling, the setting, the community you build around it. Johanna Divine sits in for Christiaan Mader on this edition of Out to Lunch and hosts two guests who make their living creating experiences that are hard to explain, but easy to feel. Rochelle Campbell is the founder of Pure Intentions Candle Company, a small candle business based in Youngsville specializing in clean-burning candles — and candle-making experiences that are part product, part party, part community event. Yvette Landry is a musician, educator, author and interpreter, who – between playing shows, teaching and writing books – has also built a successful business hosting Cajun music and history tours in the Atchafalaya Basin. Candles and music are two very different products, but both Rochelle and Yvette are in the business of creating a feeling people want to come back to. Rochelle is building a product line around clean ingredients, seasonal storytelling, and in-person experiences that connect people to her brand. Yvette is proving that culture can be both art and enterprise — through live performance, books, teaching, and tours that translate Acadiana to the world. Out to Lunch is recorded live over lunch at Tsunami Sushi in downtown Lafayette.You can find photos from this show by Alisha Zachery Lazard at itsacadiana.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Order a catfish po-boy or a few pounds of crawfish in Acadiana any Friday between Mardi Gras and Easter, and you may be surprised to learn that your delight is another person's sacrifice. The Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays in Lent is alive and well in Southwest Louisiana, a region where more than a third identify as Catholic. Thanks to the long list of Catholic churches and restaurants that roll out an array of delectable seafood options on Lenten Fridays, it's not much of a burden. St. Francis of Assisi in Breaux Bridge and the Knights of Columbus Council at St. Pius X in Lafayette both have long-standing Lenten fish fry traditions that bring together their communities and welcome anyone hungry for fried catfish, regardless of religion. Olde Tyme Grocery in Lafayette sells close to 2,300 seafood po-boys during the 40-day period. Religious abstinence never tasted so good.  The episode was reported and produced by Sarah Holtz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hi, Christiaan here, host of Out to Lunch Acadiana. Everyone’s got a story. It’s why I got into journalism. People are just interesting. But having a story doesn’t mean you’re any good at telling it. That part takes skill. And a lot of discipline — Even if you’re using a large language model to help. Everyone needs an editor. It’s our motto at The Current. And it’s generally true in the world of business. Having someone to bounce ideas off of is vital for a composition of any size. Writing a book, however, takes a special kind of dedication. You might need something more supportive than an editor. How about a coach? LaToya Guillory is the founder of The Intentional Author and the creator of the Acadiana Black Author Expo. LaToya grew up in an Air Force family, bounced around the country, and eventually landed in Lafayette to attend UL, where she earned a degree in Child and Family Studies. She went on to get a master’s in Human Service Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family, and spent more than twenty years as a social worker. Along the way, LaToya has always been “the helper”: starting a kids’ club in her apartment complex, babysitting for children with Down syndrome, leading worship bands, guiding couples. On track to become a licensed counselor, she hit a major detour when her graduate program lost its accreditation, forcing a rethink at the exact moment she was also raising a young son. As The Intentional Author, LaToya now coaches writers through self-publishing — from the “I’ve got an idea” phase all the way to publication. She offers group masterclasses, year-long coaching plans, and one-on-one support, and she’s published several books of her own on purpose, marriage and faith. LaToya also saw a gap in Lafayette’s literary scene and launched the Acadiana Black Author Expo in 2023 to give local Black writers a place to be seen. A cancer diagnosis is a scary and all-too-common story. And it helps a lot to have someone to walk you through one of life’s most difficult chapters. Phyllis Weaver is the Executive Director of Miles Perret Cancer Services. Phyllis grew up in north Louisiana and moved to Lafayette for college. She thought she might be a teacher or an artist, but what really stuck was her love of community work. She joined the Lafayette YMCA as an assistant program director while she was still in school, and stayed there for fourteen years — eventually becoming Senior Program Director. After that, she led LA Soar, a nonprofit focused on youth, before joining Miles Perret Cancer Services as an event coordinator in 2024.In 2025, she stepped into the role of Executive Director. Miles Perret is a cancer resource center serving ten parishes across Acadiana. They provide everything from care kits and wigs to transportation help, school supplies for kids, counseling groups, fitness and nutrition classes, art therapy, and more — all free to clients. On the fundraising side, the organization is probably best known for big events like the Camellia Crossing “gleaux” run and Games of Acadiana. Out to Lunch is recorded live over lunch at Tsunami Sushi in downtown Lafayette.You can find photos from this show by Alisha Zachery Lazard at itsacadiana.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we talk about running a business, we usually talk about revenue models, staffing, square footage, and growth plans. We talk about work. What we don’t always talk about is emotional work. The phone calls you don’t charge for. The time spent listening instead of billing. The moments when you’re not really running a business so much as helping someone through a rough chapter. Running a business can be really hard. But — hey — life is hard. If you need something to help you cope: Why not a furry friend. You might meet your next pet at Meow Woof Animal Collective. Alex Pitre is the executive director and co-founder of Meow Woof. It’s a café and adoption center designed specifically for animals who have lost their people due to hospice care, medical emergencies, death, or relocation. These are animals who often struggle in traditional shelter environments and need time, calm, and consistency to reconnect. Alex is originally from Opelousas and spent a decade living in New York City, where she built a career working remotely in tech. In 2019, she came back to Louisiana to help her parents relocate — and discovered that returning home didn’t feel temporary. Alex has always done animal rescue work, but after coming back to Acadiana, she began feeling disconnected from her local community. Brainstorming with friends led her to an idea that combined two long-standing passions: animals and hospitality. Self-care is health care. And that’s true for dogs too. If your pup needs a glam-up, Traci Pecot can help. She’s the owner and founder of Paws and PawPaws, a pet daycare and grooming center here in Lafayette. Traci moved to Lafayette in 2005 after graduating from the University of Holy Cross with a degree in marketing. Her early career was spent in healthcare and hospice-adjacent work, followed by corporate sales. The idea for Paws and PawPaws had been in Traci’s mind for years, but it wasn’t until a restructuring at her company that she decided to act on it. Traci traveled the country visiting dog daycare and boarding facilities, earned industry certifications, and opened Paws and PawPaws in 2017. Today, the business employs more than twenty people and serves thousands of clients through boarding, grooming, and daycare. But one of its quieter roles has become something else entirely: a place where seniors who can no longer own pets can still spend time with animals. You can hear the background to those early years in this 2019 conversation with Traci. Out to Lunch is recorded live over lunch at Tsunami Sushi in downtown Lafayette.You can find photos from this show by Alisha Zachery Lazard at itsacadiana.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephanie Manson, President: FMOL Health/ Our Lady of Lourdes, joins Discover Lafayette to talk about leadership, mission-driven Catholic healthcare, and the most significant hospital expansions Lafayette has seen in years. Stephanie shares her deeply personal journey into healthcare administration, her love for Louisiana and Lafayette, and how Our Lady of Lourdes is expanding capacity, technology, and compassionate care through the Advancing Acadiana initiative, while staying grounded in a values-based mission that puts people first. Stephanie has dedicated her professional life to Catholic health care and the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. She began her career as an administrative resident at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge and steadily progressed through leadership roles, including serving as the first administrator of Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital and later as Chief Operating Officer from 2018 to 2023. In March 2023, she joined Our Lady of Lourdes, continuing her work in Louisiana communities she deeply values. “I grew up in Houma, Louisiana, so I'm a Louisiana girl, and it was important to me to give back to Louisiana.” Stephanie holds dual master's degrees in Business Administration and Health Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, along with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from LSU. She describes her path into health care administration as a blend of service and business, exactly the balance she set out to find. “I set out to find a career that balanced service and business; 100% of healthcare administration checked those boxes. I’ve still not touched a patient. Sometimes I try to help and I get told, no, please don’t do that. You’re going to mess us up. But to see the work we do carried out through the work of our team, that’s extremely fulfilling. It is why I’ve kept going in this ministry for so long.” A Health System Serving Acadiana The Our Lady of Lourdes system includes three hospitals, approximately 2,800 team members, and more than 200 employed providers, including physicians and nurse practitioners. Stephanie oversees a rapidly growing regional footprint that now offers comprehensive care from birth through end of life. “We offer comprehensive services from birth until end of life care. And that's important for the community to be able to have access to that.” The system includes: Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, the legacy acute care campus located at 4801 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette LA 70508; Our Lady of Lourdes Heart Hospital, featuring a 32-bed inpatient unit and advanced cardiovascular care, located at 1105 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette LA 70508; and Our Lady of Lourdes Women's & Children's Hospital, acquired in 2019, expanding services for mothers, babies, and pediatric patients, located at 4600 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette LA 70508. Stephanie emphasizes that growth has never been about size—it has always been about mission. “It was never about growth or being the biggest. It's about delivering Catholic health care in the communities that need it.” Advancing Acadiana One of the most significant initiatives underway is Advancing Acadiana, a multi-campus investment focused on expanding access, improving patient flow, and ensuring the hospital can say “yes” to more patients who need specialized care. Projects include: Expansion of inpatient capacity at the Regional Medical Center (approximately 20 additional beds) Emergency department expansion to improve access and efficiency A new electrophysiology lab and additional inpatient beds and operating rooms at the Heart Hospital Major upgrades at Women's & Children's, including approximately 20 private NICU family suites, a refreshed exterior, and a new chapel Our Lady of Lourdes’ Women's and Children's Hospital is undergoing $100 million in improvements. At the heart of the Advancing Acadiana project is the expansion of the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, featuring significant exterior upgrades and private suites, each with a full bathroom and a dedicated family area within the room. The NICU will expand from 51 to 60 beds and will feature 19 new private suites. “Talk about a sacred moment and a tender moment… a private opportunity for them to be together as a family is so important. Leadership as a Climb Toward Excellence Stephanie Manson describes her leadership philosophy using a Mount Everest metaphor, introduced by President and Chief Executive Officer and leader of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System E.J. Kuiper, with five “camps” on the climb toward excellence. “The idea is that the foundation or the base of the mountain is our mission, and that everything we do should be grounded in our mission. That’s why we’re here. And that’s really what the sisters ask of us every day, to perpetuate the mission, to always do more for those most in need, with particular regard to the poor and the underserved. And so many of our services, such as the Saint Bernadette Clinic and Northside High, some of our free health screenings are all about the mission. It’s important to us that you can feel that difference and that mission at work. The best time is when you think nobody’s watching and we catch you doing good.“ From mission, the climb moves through: Being the best place to work and practice medicine Delivering an exceptional patient experience Ensuring strong quality of care Achieving sustainable market share and finances that allow reinvestment in the community “We measure all of these things… team member engagement, turnover, patient experience, quality results.” The summit, she says, is aspirational. “I don't know that we'll ever get there… we're never quite done with progress and being better.” Caring for the Caregivers Stephanie speaks with deep respect for physicians, nurses, and advanced practice professionals. “None of us (in administration) can admit a patient. We really rely on the physicians trusting us to care for the patients.” She shares a moving moment involving a nurse practitioner grieving alongside a family transitioning to hospice care, who was apologizing for her emotions. “I said, no, please. I think this is beautiful because it means after all these years, you care.’ We can never stop caring.” That human connection, she says, is irreplaceable—even as technology advances. Innovation, Technology, and Early Detection Stephanie highlights investments in robotic surgery, advanced imaging, and lung cancer detection technologies. “We recently invested in a da Vinci 5 robot… our patients recover faster, there are better health outcomes.” She also discusses robotic bronchoscopy and early lung cancer detection. “What we've seen is that we're able to detect cancer a lot earlier… and hopefully that leads to survivorship.” Community screenings, often offered free of charge, are another key part of preventive care. “Utopia is that fewer people need us because we're healthier.” Mission in Action Stephanie underscores Lourdes' unwavering commitment to caring for all patients, regardless of insurance. “In our emergency departments, we care for the patient first. You can worry about insurance later.” She points to the Saint Bernadette Clinic, adjacent to Catholic Charities on St. John Street, as a living example of mission-driven care. “Regardless of ability to pay, you come into Saint Bernadette Clinic. We don't charge….ever.” Life Beyond the Hospital At home, Stephanie treasures family, experiences, and balance. She and her husband, Briggs, have been married 26 years and are proud parents to Anna Claire, a graduate student in health care administration, and Lily, a college sophomore. Their dog, Scout, acquired after a persuasive PowerPoint business plan presentation by her daughters, remains a beloved part of their family story. She loves music, travel, sports (especially football), fantasy football, and watching people do their best.“My kids said, ‘Mom, you like experiences.' And I think that's it. Any type of competition and the ability to watch people excel, whether that’s live music or a sporting event, I'm in.” A Guiding Principle In her office hangs a sign passed down from her grandfather who had worked in leadership with the Lafourche Police Department, to her mother, and then to Stephanie: “It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.” “My grandparents and my parents, instilled a lot of the values of who I am at the core in terms of caring for people, a strong work ethic. There is an awful amount of authority in leadership and you can lose your way and your grounding and believe maybe that you’re more important than you are. I think the most important thing is how do we treat people? How do I interact with people every day? There are important decisions to be made. Remember how you made them feel. That’s what’s most important to me. And so even if it’s a difficult conversation, we can do that with dignity and kindness. The sign is a reminder of those tenets of being a good person first.” Stephanie Manson leads with humility, clarity of purpose, and a deep respect for the people who make health care possible. Her vision for Lourdes, and for Acadiana, is rooted in mission, measured progress, and compassion that never loses its human touch.

Once a month, this group of seasoned musicians from Lafayette, La., gather to help support aging and retired musicians.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Don Dupuis is a Louisiana technology pioneer whose work quietly shaped how businesses across Acadiana and far beyond learned to operate in the early days of the digital age. Don founded Acadiana Computer Systems in 1969, at a time when most offices still relied on adding machines, paper ledgers, and manual calculations. Long before “IT services” was a common phrase, Don saw that businesses, especially medical practices, needed help navigating billing, coding, payroll, and data management. What began as a small, homegrown operation became a regional force, supporting doctors, lawyers, oilfield companies, universities, public offices, and even the horse racing industry. In this conversation, Don walks us through a remarkable journey that begins in Carencro, where he grew up and still lives on the very property where he was born. He shares stories from his early career in banking, including helping launch the credit card business in central Louisiana, complete with a secret U-Haul trip to Baton Rouge to retrieve credit cards during a rainstorm, and how that experience opened his eyes to the power of automation. Without a formal computer science degree, Don built his company by pairing business insight with technical brilliance. He credits early partner Roy Arwood, a mathematician and programmer, as “a genius” who wrote the software while Don sold, ran, and personally operated the systems. Together, they computerized payrolls with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of employees, ultimately processing more than one million W-2s in a single year. Don explains how Acadiana Computer Systems served a wide range of clients: Oilfield companies with massive payrolls Medical practices struggling with complex coding and insurance reimbursement Universities and medical schools, including LSU systems Registrars of voters and tax assessors The horse racing industry, where his team produced race programs before tote boards existed In medical billing, Don describes uncovering widespread inefficiencies, and sometimes outright fraud, costing physician practices tens of thousands of dollars each month. His company didn't just process claims; it helped doctors understand diagnosis codes, CPT procedures, and compliance, often recovering revenue that would otherwise be lost. “A doctor's bill is one of the most complicated things to produce,” he explains, emphasizing how critical accuracy became once Medicare and government oversight entered the picture. The episode also captures the culture of Lafayette's boom years. Don recalls a time when oil money flooded the region, businesses were expanding rapidly, and opportunity felt “wide open.” He also speaks candidly about downturns, particularly the late-1970s and early-1980s oil collapse, when many left Lafayette in search of work elsewhere. After decades of growth, Don sold Acadiana Computer Systems in 2021, staying on briefly before stepping away for good. He reflects on the realities of modern consolidation, offshore labor, and automation, noting that while technology keeps advancing, it often comes at the expense of long-term employees. In late 2025, Don made local news again when he sold the former ACS’ headquarters (nearly 30,000-square-foot building on Dulles Drive) for $3.6-million deal to South Louisiana Community College, allowing the campus to expand classrooms, offices, and student services. Beyond business, Don shares stories of generosity and community, from housing Lafayette's mounted police horses on his rural property to building lifelong relationships based on handshakes rather than contracts. “If you're nice to somebody, it comes back,” he says, reflecting on clients who became partners simply because he helped when they needed it most. The conversation closes with Don's thoughts on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the future of work. Having witnessed the evolution from mainframes to personal computers to AI, he sees enormous potential, particularly in medicine, alongside serious risks if technology is used carelessly. He also laments the massive shift of jobs to foreign countries where people making $2.50 per hour are gladly taking jobs once held by America's talented workforce. This episode is a rare oral history of Acadiana's early technology era, told by someone who helped build it: one payroll run, one program, and one handshake at a time. We thank our dear friend, Don Dupuis, for his generous spirit and the contributions he has made to our business climate in Acadiana. Avec beaucoup d’amour!

The Louisiana musicians team up for a set that includes a Haitian folk classic.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Welcome to Week One of A Quiet Light, our Advent journey with Saint Joseph from Advent to Epiphany. If you missed the introduction episode, go back and give it a listen — it sets the tone for everything we're walking through together.This week, we're sitting with the title Saint Joseph, Most Faithful and praying with Psalm 122:1–9, the psalm Joseph himself would've prayed and carried in his heart. The word that stands out this week? Peace. Peace in a season that often feels anything but peaceful.In the episode, we talk about: • How Saint Joseph lived a simple, steady rhythm of prayer — not to check a box, but to stay rooted in God all day long. • How his quiet faithfulness invites us into deeper spiritual discipline, not perfection. • The power of posture and praying with our whole body — kneeling, lighting a candle, creating sacred space. • How the artwork for this week reflects Joseph's urgency to pray and his readiness to respond to God. • What it means to become “expectant” with hope — not just for Mary, but for Joseph as a father preparing his heart for Jesus.Your challenge for Week One:Choose one small resolution that brings more light and intention into your prayer this week. Maybe it's five extra minutes using Lectio Divina with Scripture, kneeling beside your bed, or praying with a candle lit — one quiet step toward faithfulness.Tune in, pray with us, and let this Advent begin gently, quietly, faithfully. Let's Go Be the Light. 

Our 6-part Acadiana roadtrip concludes on a bayou bank, the waft of chicken-wing smoke, fresh sawdust and wood varnishes lingering in humid air: 2 men, 2 crafts, 1 disappearing way of life. Keith Dupuy brings ancient Louisiana pirogues and dug outs back from the brink--painstakingly restoring ancient boats that once transported hunters, trappers and families throughout Louisiana's ancient marshlands. Dale Bordelon lives these traditions in real time, using ancestral old-school methods to carve dugouts and cane calls for himself and others to ensure that the tradition remains unbroken. This conversation's not about boats; it's about bygone bayou know-how and baking cultural memory into every cypress plank, every single paddle stroke.    Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell ramsey@getducks.com

We're roadtripping through Acadiana, exploring Louisiana's Cajun heartland, where French-Acadian roots, gumbo--and today's bayou rhythms--simmer together into one of America's most distinctive cultures.  Cajun Musician Jourdan Thibodeax grew up on the muddy banks of Cypress Island, Louisiana, where French, fiddle and bayou life melded together like the holy trinity in a gumbo pot. He talks about growing up, rhythms and inspirations of swamp living, how language shapes his music, the big difference between a fiddle and violin, a beyond-Louisiana world stage, and why it's important to him to keep Louisiana French culture alive--one we-are-our-past-inspired song at a time.    Connect with Jourdan Thibodeaux et les Rôdailleurs https://www.instagram.com/jourdanthibodeaux/?hl=en   Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell ramsey@getducks.com

We're roadtripping through Acadiana, exploring Louisiana's Cajun heartland, where French-Acadian roots, gumbo and bayou rhythms simmer together into one of America's most distinctive cultures--and it's lunchtime. In Kaplan, Louisiana. Where the humble, roadside Suire's Grocery has become a cultural landmark. What began as a small family grocery has become a temple of cajun cooking, where old-world family recipes like turtle sauce picante, shrimp and egg stew, and crawfish étouffée simmer side by side with Cajun culture itself. Today, sisters Lisa and Joan Suire and I discuss.   Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell ramsey@getducks.com

We're roadtripping through Acadiana--exploring Louisiana's Cajun heartland, where French-Acadian roots, gumbo and bayou rhythms simmer together into one of America's most distinctive cultures.  And as we learn today, Po'boys aren't just lunch. They're like love letters to Louisiana itself. At the Olde Tyme Grocery in Lafayette--where we enjoyed the hands-down very best oyster po'boy I've ever had--Ross Murphree shares his family's story. From purchasing the beloved corner grocery in 1982 to today's over-a-thousand-sandwiches daily rushes during Lent, we explore how a humble sandwich captures the flavors, faith and rhythms of Acadian life. From roast beef drippings to fried crawfish best-sellers, Ross reflects on feeding generations and preserving a culture--one perfect po'boy sandwich at a time.       Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell ramsey@getducks.com  

We're roadtripping through Acadiana--exploring Louisiana's Cajun heartland, where French-Acadian roots, gumbo and bayou rhythms simmer together into one of America's most distinctive cultures. Today, historian William Thibodeaux meets Dale Bordelon and me at the City of Rayne Cultural Center to talk about Louisiana's origins, Rayne's claim as Frog Capital of the World, market hunter Pie Champagne, the smells of gumbo in the air this time of year, the Rayne Frog Festival, why life south of I-10 feels different, cajun origins and pride, file gumbo, more.    Visit the Legendary Brands That Make MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Possible: MOJO Outdoors  Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Benelli Shotguns Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys GetDucks.com Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Migra Ammunitions onX Maps  Use code GetDucks25 to save 25% Sitka Gear SoundGear Use code GetDucks20 to save 25% Tom Beckbe USHuntList.com   Like what you heard? Let us know! • Tap Subscribe so you never miss an episode. • Drop a rating—it's like a high-five in the duck blind. • Leave a quick comment: What hit home? What made you laugh? What hunt did it remind you of? • Share this episode with a buddy who lives for duck season.   Want to partner? Have or know a story to share? Contact: Ramsey Russell ramsey@getducks.com