Podcasts about Acadiana

Amanda ("Mandy") Osgood and Tracy Lindberg of Graze Acadiana join Discover Lafayette to discuss their love of creating beautiful food presentations and what it is like to open your own small business. A mother–daughter team who have brought the art of grazing to Lafayette since 2019, this episode is presented in partnership with Lafayette Travel and Eat Lafayette as we spotlight locally owned restaurants and eateries. Located at 113 Arnould Boulevard in Lafayette, Graze Acadiana was built upon the Australian concept of gather and graze, which connects people with beautiful, high-quality food and creating shared experiences around the table. Building a Business Together Mandy reflected on what it means to run a business with her mom: “We spend every single day together and call each other a million times. Building this business together brought us closer. And we just have a really close friendship. So it's been great. And being business partners, I know a lot of people can't manage that with family, but it's been really good for us.” The two are originally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. “We're both actually from the Gulf Coast in Mississippi, the Biloxi/Ocean Springs area. And we moved here… Mom moved here about 15 years ago, and I moved here about 13 years ago,” Mandy explained. “I had my first child and she needed to be closer to her grandson. So here we are.” Mandy Osgood and Tracy Lindberg, owners of Graze Acadiana They quickly felt at home. “We fell in love with Lafayette. It's just so family oriented. Family friendly. Of course, the food's wonderful and the people are wonderful. And so it was really a place that I wanted to raise my family and wanted to be closer to." Mandy describes herself as “the creative one” while Tracy brings her restaurant management background and entrepreneurial mindset. “We both love entertaining. We love gathering people together and just making beauty out of simple things,” Mandy added. The Early Days of Grazing Before “charcuterie” was a household word, Tracy and Mandy were already creating lavish spreads. “Back in the day, friends and family would have us do weddings and birthdays and stuff like that. We used to make these massive grazing spreads. We didn't even know they were called that at the time. We put gorgeous food on the table.” In 2018, they saw the grazing trend explode in Australia. “There were about five places in the entire United States that were doing the grazing thing at that time. Like big cities—Austin, New York. My mom was like, let's do it.” From the start, they chose to run things professionally. “So from day one, we started in a commercial kitchen. We didn't do it out of our house,” Mandy explained. But that came with hurdles. Tracy recalled: “What really surprised me… was when we went down to the health department and found out that we had to have the commercial kitchen, and then we had to have a grease trap. Normally people make things at home, but incorporating this in the way we wanted to do it—right or not do it at all—cost tens of thousands of dollars.” Mandy added: “I don't think any of us knew that we were going to know this much about a grease trap at this point in our lives. My mom scoured plumbing department rules and laws… because grazing was such a new concept. There were no set standards for that. We had to figure all that out.” Surviving COVID By 2019, Graze Acadiana had opened its first storefront off Kaliste Saloom Road. “Things were booming and going and we were growing… educating people what the charcuterie world was about because it just wasn't that popular here,” Amanda recalled. Then the pandemic hit. Their tagline had been “Gathering Grapes.” Amanda laughed: “And Covid said, no, you don't. So we had to start changing our concept and work with that.” They shifted from large spreads to individual options. “We started doing petite boxes,

A new MP3 sermon from Christ Church of Acadiana is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Rebellion in The Church Subtitle: Galatians Sermon Series Speaker: Brandon Nealy Broadcaster: Christ Church of Acadiana Event: Camp Meeting Date: 9/28/2025 Bible: Galatians 1:1 Length: 36 min.

If you’re going to run a good business, you’ll need to know the tools of your trade, literally and figuratively. Sometimes it’s knowing how to find talent. Other times it’s owning the crane nobody wants to buy. Because here’s the thing: every project needs both muscle and machines. And neither comes cheap these days, especially in the world of construction. The U.S. construction industry needs around 439,000 new workers this year just to keep up with demand, according to some estimates. So when someone says “tools,” they might mean manpower — or literally heavy machinery. If you’ve taken on a home renovation project recently, you might have noticed that it can be hard to find the guy or gal for the job. Grant Alexander is Board President of the Master’s Guild of Acadiana, an organization set up to train people for the trades and fill the skills gap. Grant was born in Gulfport, lived in Lafayette, and studied communication at UL. While running an insulation business, he saw firsthand that having tools means nothing without people who can use them. Later, Grant opened a local home fixtures franchise and again ran into the same roadblock. They had the supplies, but not the skilled workers to install them. That experience inspired the Master’s Guild of Acadiana. Now, the Master’s Guild teaches everything from basic construction skills to job-readiness. The goal is to help budding builders hit the job site ready to work. Even a skilled worker needs the right tool. And sometimes, the right tool is an excavator. Troy Dowling is Branch Manager at SitePro Rentals in Broussard. SitePro offers the machines tradespeople need but often can’t justify owning. Troy was born in New Iberia, and spent six years in the Marine Corps after which he carved out a career at Haliburton. He retired after 30 years, but he couldn’t sit still for long. He got a job at SitePro where oversees a tool-fleet valued at over $14 million, with everything from skid steers to massive booms, serving both contractors and DIY folks who don’t want to buy but need to lift. There can be a lot of satisfaction in doing home repairs and renovations yourself. If you know what to do you can go on down to Site Pro, see Troy, and get the tools you need to do it. If you don't know what to do, satisfaction is replaced by frustration and it's better, faster, and ultimately cheaper to get someone who does know what they're doing to come do it for you. In Acadiana we can thank Grant and the Master's Guild for making sure we have those folks to call on. 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.

Richard Chalmers and his wife own the Acadiana Cane Cutters. They're a summer collegiate team in the Texas Collegiate League. Richard shares with us about the Acadiana region of Louisiana and what he would recommend if you wanted to start your own summer collegiate team. He shares with us a dream promotion, his favorite MLB team and player, as well as his Proffitt & Loss.Make sure to follow the Cane Cutters online.Acadiana Cane Cutters -Website: https://www.canecuttersbaseball.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcadianaCaneCuttersBaseball/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canecuttersbsb/ (@CaneCuttersBSB)Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/CaneCuttersBB (@CaneCuttersBB)Earned Fun Average - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earnedfunavg/ (@EarnedFunAvg)Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/earnedfunavg/ (@EarnedFunAvg)Blue Sky: https://www.bsky.app/profile/earnedfunavg.bsky.social  (@EarnedFunAvg.bsky.social)Curved Brim Media -Website: https://www.curvedbrimmedia.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curvedbrimmedia/ (@CurvedBrimMedia)Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/CurvedBrim/ (@CurvedBrim)

What started as a three-hour concert in 1974 has grown into three-day event celebrating Southern Louisiana's music and culture.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

What happens when a team of former tourism and events pros are in charge of rolling out a rebrand? You'll want to hold on your beignets for this one. In this episode, we'll hear from Anne Falgout, Director of Strategic Communications for South Louisiana Community College on why they took a festive approach to their brand launch.Guest Name: Anne Falgout, Director of Strategic Communications, South Louisiana Community CollegeGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annefalgout/Guest Bio: Anne Falgout, Director of Strategic Communications at South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc), is a Louisiana native with 20+ years of community advocacy experience. From 2002-2022, she worked with entrepreneurs and marketed communities to potential talent and relocating companies at the Lafayette Economic Development Authority and as the first executive director of the Vermilion Economic Development Alliance. She remains civically involved through positions including United Way of Acadiana board member and Resource Development Chair, and as a Love Our Schools CAFE' Champion. Anne is also an active member of the Confrerie d' Abbeville, a fraternal Francophone organization that hosts one of seven Giant Omelette Celebrations worldwide.Anne has been recognized with multiple awards including 20 Under 40 Acadiana Leadership Award, Women Who Mean Business Award, and the 2019 Forward Vermilion Award. In 2023, she received the SoLAcc Chancellor's Award for transforming the college's brand in her first year. Since joining higher education, her team has secured multiple district and national marketing awards, and she serves on NCMPR's District 2 Executive Council and as PR Council Chair for the Louisiana Community & Technical College System. She and her partner run a boutique music studio in Kaplan, Louisiana, and she is the mother of four children ranging from seven to twenty-seven. Anne loves all things Louisiana including cooking modern Cajun food, live music, and beautiful sunsets that inspired SoLAcc's new color palette. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Safaniya Stevensonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Talking Tactics is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you'll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wellness isn’t just kale smoothies and yoga classes anymore. It’s mushrooms as brain boosters, IV drips for recovery, tinctures, biohacking, and more. These trends aren’t fringe, they’re big business, generating $1.8 trillion in U.S. sales alone in 2024. And they’re on the move in Acadiana too. Christiaan's guests on this edition of Out to Lunch are building businesses in Acadiana riding these same waves — functional mushrooms, hydration therapies, supplements, biohacking — they all are part of wellness, and more than a buzzword. Daisy Kerne is co-founder of All Caps Gourmet Mushrooms, founded in 2019 with Michael Campbell. Daisy’s from Loreauville, Louisiana, though she moved back and forth between there and Lafayette during her youth. Daisy studied plant science at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and balances her time between her mushroom business, doing food demos, and nutrition counseling for cardiac rehab patients. As a single parent, she managed multiple gigs while homeschooling, and when Michael asked, “Hey, do you want to grow mushrooms?”, she took a leap. Their current operations include fresh mushrooms, tinctures, seasoning blends, workshops, and growing kits. DeAnna Smith is founder of Dripsy IV Bar. DeAnna is originally from Pineville, Louisiana, holds a business administration & marketing degree, then became an RN after an accident involving an 18-wheeler changed her perspective. She started doing IV hydration on weekends while working as an insurance case nurse. Deanna gradually built a waitlist for IV treatments, and in 2024 opened the first brick-and-mortar Dripsy IV Bar in Alexandria. That’s Dripsy…as in “everybody in the club getting dripsy.” Since then, Dripsy has grown to three new locations, including adding outposts in Lafayette and Lake Charles in 2025. Dripsy offers IV drips, weight loss options, shots, telehealth, peptide treatments, and biohacking services. 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.

There’s a reason you don’t hear people bragging about shopping for a new bank. Most of us choose one when we’re young and stick with it—even if we’re frustrated, even if it means worse service or fewer benefits. We treat it like a utility, not a relationship. That’s good news if you’re running a big bank. Not so good if you’re trying to build a bank here at home. Joe Zanco is doing exactly that. He’s the President and CEO of Catalyst Bank, a community bank based in Opelousas with branches around Acadiana. He’s a former CPA and internal auditor who cut his teeth working for the biggest names in banking and public accounting—Arthur Andersen, Iberia Bank, Home Bank. But the banking path wasn’t exactly his plan. Joe grew up in St. Bernard Parish, the son of a butcher with a drinking problem. He got into banking thanks to a mop, a grocery store manager, and a knack for numbers. He’s been laid off by bankrupt state agencies and global scandals—but every detour brought him closer to his real calling: helping people grow their businesses. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the world of civil litigation. Louisiana has lots of personal injuries to choose from. And that crowded competitive landscape comes with its own obstacles. Geremy Garcia is a managing partner of Landgrave Garcia Injury Attorneys. His path to entrepreneurship winds through geology, pool supplies, and a fraternity house visit with Exxon’s legal team. Geremy was born and raised in Corpus Christi and came to Lafayette in 2022. He studied geosciences at Texas Tech, then pivoted to law when the oil and gas industry hit the skids. After law school at Southern University, he found his niche in personal injury—especially the kinds of cases that require digging into long backstories and legal nuance, like dog bites or offshore injuries. In 2023, he and Logan Landgrave opened Landgrave Garcia. They’ve had to get scrappy: bootstrapping the firm, managing cash flow while fronting litigation costs, and learning to run a business from scratch. Turns out, there are two kinds of people who enjoy long odds and long paperwork trails: personal injury attorneys and community bankers. They may work in very different industries, but both Joe Zanco and Geremy Garcia are betting on something similar: that people in Acadiana value relationships, and that service still counts for something. 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.

Today we welcome Tim Metcalf, a Lafayette entrepreneur whose name is tied to some of Acadiana's most beloved establishments. Owner of Deano's Pizza, Prejean's Restaurant, and Marcello Wine Market, along with ventures in real estate, storage, and assisted living, Tim has built his life around preserving local traditions while bringing fresh ideas to our community. A Family Legacy in Restaurants Tim's entrepreneurial roots trace back to his father, who left behind a thriving restaurant career in California where his pizzeria drew in celebrities and locals alike. Fess Parker and Steve McQueen were regulars as they could hang out in the days before paparazzi. “He left very successful restaurants in California just because he didn't like the political, sociological climate. He was a country boy, an Idaho potato farmer, and the fast lifestyle of California didn't sit well with him.” A Korean War veteran, his father moved the family to Lafayette in 1970, opening Deano's in 1971. "Lafayette was booming. Oilfield, oil and gas. You know, he just didn't come to Lafayette on a whim. He read entrepreneurial magazines saying how it was one of the fastest growing cities in the country at the time," says Tim Metcalf. The original Deano's on Bertrand Drive was a simple pizzeria: counter service only, draft beer, pizza, a little green salad, and fountain drinks. “You wouldn't recognize it at all today… when Dad first started, there was no waitress. It was counter service. That didn't work in Lafayette. He soon changed it.” Deano's menu from the 1970s. Posted by Mona Bernhard on Lafayette Memories's Facebook Page. Tim, then ten years old, adapted quickly to Louisiana life after growing up in Santa Barbara. “They said, well, you can trade your surfboard for maybe a horse or a mini bike. I'm like, I'm okay. That sounds good to me.” He helped his dad around their rural property on Ridge Road and learned the value of hard work. "“We had pigs, sheep, rabbits, chickens… and a pretty big garden. Dad had a rototiller — an old Sears knuckle buster — and it was a lot of work, and it all fell on me.” As the youngest of four, Tim shouldered much of the responsibility for cutting grass, working the compost pit, and tending to the garden. “The older ones were in high school and had jobs. So from cutting the grass to road tilling, to manure, to compost, it all fell on me.” Looking back, he credits that hard work with shaping his character. “It taught me some really solid work ethic. I was never afraid of work, and still I'm not.” By the 1980s, Tim had taken over the reins of Deano's. Recognizing the need to adapt, Tim expanded both the hours and the menu. “When I got aboard, we started lunches and then we started other food and expanding the menu. 1983–84 — we had to do something else.” His biggest shift was weaving Acadiana's food culture into the pizza kitchen. “That was an awakening — to start taking the Cajun food, the great food that we have in this area, and incorporating it into our pizzas and our menu. Sausages, boudin, shrimp.” Photo by Paul Kieu for the Advertiser Expansion and Adaptation Tim later partnered with his son to open a South Lafayette Deano's, which quickly became a success. “My son and I have this great working relationship.” When COVID hit, they pivoted to selling pizzas and ranch dressing in grocery stores, personally delivering orders across Acadiana. “We kept our whole staff busy. We didn't have to lay anybody off.” That resilience fueled further growth. When the Guilbeau family approached him about Prejean's, Tim stepped in. “I wanted to keep it as pure and original as possible… I wanted to make it the spot in Carencro for the locals to hang out.” Prejean's: Preserving a Cajun Landmark The opportunity to purchase Prejean's came unexpectedly. “I had a good customer that goes, hey, you know Bob Guilbeau? He wants to talk to you about Prejean's. Next thing I know,

Gracie and Julie Babineaux have been making Cajun music for over a decade, writing and performing in Louisiana French. Their new album, Sans Soulier, is due out in October.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Lafayette has been nominated in USAToday's 10Best Reader's Choice Awards for Best Place to Visit for Fall. A contest you can help the city win by voting up until Sept. 8.This week, Ben Berthelot, president and CEO of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, shares some insight into the culture, food and fun that continue to make Lafayette the place to be – especially this fall – in Acadiana. 

We're joined by Stephanie Larriviere with Maddie's Footprints to talk about their upcoming fundraiser, Fighting Spirits, happening July 25 at Le Pavillon. We will talk about how the organization supports families through infant loss and what to expect at this powerful event.Learn more or donate at https://maddiesfs25.givesmart.com.⸻

Annie Wingate Spell, Louisiana State Representative for District 45, joins Discover Lafayette to share the journey that led her to public service. Annie's story is one of unwavering determination, professional excellence, and personal resilience. A licensed clinical child psychologist, Annie holds degrees from UL Lafayette and LSU. In 2024, she was honored with the Angel Award by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation for her long-standing advocacy on behalf of Hearts of Hope, which supports survivors of sexual assault victims in Acadiana. A lifelong learner and self-starter, Annie recounted the early days of her path to becoming a psychologist. While studying at USL, she pivoted from business to psychology after realizing her passion for understanding human behavior. She reached out to 16 local psychologists listed in the Yellow Pages, offering to pay for their time to learn more about the profession. “They didn't charge me.” One of those who answered her call, Dr. Kenneth Bouillion, became an influential mentor, helping her determine that child psychology was her calling: “I always thought it was easier to build up a child than build up an adult. There's so much flexibility in a child's development and fluidity that if we can affect change on their environment, we could have better outcomes for them. ” A Lafayette native, Annie credits her parents, Joan Babineaux Wingate and Keith Wingate, with instilling a deep sense of faith, gratitude, and service. “God will provide. But don't act as if He will. Don't take anything for granted.” Her mother, she said, is “the epitome of a servant leader. My father was one of those dads that was ever involved. Having three girls, he learned that shopping malls could be fun. He learned that cheer camps are the best thing ever." Annie's grandfather, Judge Allen Babineaux, was also a defining influence in her life. A former Louisiana State Representative for District 45, he served as a judge in the 15th JDC. He championed CODOFIL, advocated for the recognition of Acadiana as a geographic and cultural region, and played a key role in bringing about the Acadiana flag. “He wasn't just a politician… He was a neighbor, a friend, and a leader.” The flag of Acadiana was first displayed on Feb. 22, 1965, the centennial of the Acadian arrival in this area. Shown are Thomas Arceneaux, president of the Bicentennial Celebration of France-Amerique and the designer of the flag; Roy Theriot, president of the Acadian Committee; and Judge Allen Babineaux, who sponsored the flag's creation. Photo credit: Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court Louis Perret She also spoke of her experience helping children and families after Hurricane Katrina, both in New Orleans and later during her residency in Houston, where she worked with evacuees from Louisiana. “The strength of a community and the ability for people to mobilize together is really critical. "The need for a strong community was ever evident to me in those moments when crisis hits, in those moments when what you thought was certain, which you had taken for granted, was no longer there. The strength of a community and the ability for people to mobilize together is really critical. I saw children who are by far very resilient most times when it comes to tragedy. So a lot of what I did was supporting the parents in those moments because they were the ones that were obviously dealing with the very serious consequences of their home, their work, all of that.” Annie married Joe Spell, founder and CEO of Tides Medical, in 2006. She described him as “a generous person, generous in spirit and time” who waited for her while she pursued her goals. The strength of their relationship was evident when Annie was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin's lymphoma shortly after the birth of their first son. "The day I was diagnosed was the day that my husband Joe, was hiring his first executive besides himself.

Some things are so familiar we stop thinking about them. Bread, for example. Or curry. They show up in so many meals they’re practically background noise. Staples. Comforts. Universals. So what happens when someone decides that’s not good enough? On this edition of Out to Lunch we’re talking about reimagining the familiar — turning the everyday into something exceptional. It takes a mix of obsession, patience, and maybe a little defiance. It’s the kind of project that makes your friends say, “You’re doing what now?” Morgan Angelle is co-founder of Straw Cove Flour Mill and Baking Company. Morgan isn’t just baking bread—she’s milling her own flour, from grain she sources directly from farms she’s vetted herself. She even knows which wheat scientists developed the strains she uses. That’s commitment. But it’s more than that—it’s a philosophy. For Morgan, bread isn’t just food, it’s a story of place, labor, and connection. Morgan’s culinary path started early. She grew up in Breaux Bridge watching PBS cooking shows and experimenting in the kitchen. She earned her culinary degree in New Orleans in 2005 and worked in kitchens across the region, but never quite felt at home behind the line. It wasn’t until she got obsessed with dough—literally, while working at Buck & Johnny’s—that she found her calling. Over eight years, she deep-dived into flour science, traveling to learn from bakers, millers, and farmers. She returned home in 2022 with a mission to build better bread from the grain up. Sajeev Joseph is co-owner of Priya’s Indian Food. You might think you know Indian food — tikka masala, naan, maybe a samosa or two. But Sajeev and his wife Priya offer something different: food made the way it’s cooked at home in India. No artificial colors. No sugar. Lots of vegan and gluten-free options. Originally from India, Sajeev studied theology, economics, and philosophy before settling in Lafayette in 2014. He and Priya started small, selling homemade dishes at the farmers market—she was the first Indian vendor there. In 2020, they opened their restaurant, a cozy four-table spot with a big reputation. Sajeev left his full-time job to support the business and help care for their kids. These days, their children sometimes pitch in too—making it a true family operation. One of the knocks you hear from bigger city folks from, say, New York, New Orleans, or Austin, is that, as cool as our Cajun culture is, wouldn’t it be great if there was an awesome bakery here? Or a real, authentic Indian restaurant? Well, one of the benefits of living in a community like Lafayette, is that one person can make a big difference. When that one person opens an awesome bakery, and another person opens an authentic Indian restaurant, not only do we now have the kind of food you normally only find in a big city, but guess what? We also don’t have to live in - or even visit! - New York, New Orleans or Austin. Johanna Divine sits in for Christiaan Mader, hosting this edition of Out to Lunch 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.

Steve and Jeff heard from Dustin Poirier before his retirement fight against Max Holloway at the Smoothie King Center. Poirier discussed the impact of having the Acadiana community behind him in his final contest.

We are chatting with Olivia Savoie, a nationally recognized biographer and Acadiana native Olivia Savoie — co-founder of Raconteur and author of 50+ life story books. We are diving into her journey from recording her grandmothers' stories to capturing the legacies of others, the wisdom she's gained from her subjects, and why preserving family history matters now more than ever.Website: www.raconteurwriting.com⸻

We are with Ryan Wilkins, Vice President of Sales at AAA Signs. Ryan is known around Acadiana as the sign guy, at least, to us. We will chat about him, his career, and what are the signs we should be looking for around Acadiana.Website: https://www.aaasigns.com⸻

Coach McCollough took over the Acadiana in 2018 when he replaced legendary head coaches Ted Davidson and Bill Dotson. In his coaching career, McCullough has led his Rams teams to at least 11 wins every year except for the 2022 season when they only had eight wins, including two state championships. Source: https://espnsouthwestlouisiana.com/prep-profile-qa-acadiana-hc-matt-mccollough/

A new MP3 sermon from Christ Church of Acadiana is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Beater is Better Subtitle: Proverbs for All of Life Speaker: Brandon Nealy Broadcaster: Christ Church of Acadiana Event: Devotional Date: 7/10/2025 Bible: Proverbs 12:9 Length: 6 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Christ Church of Acadiana is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Truthy Truth Subtitle: Proverbs for All of Life Speaker: Brandon Nealy Broadcaster: Christ Church of Acadiana Event: Devotional Date: 7/8/2025 Bible: Proverbs 1:1-2 Length: 5 min.

In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we shine a light on a unique community tucked away in South Louisiana: veterans who find healing, camaraderie, and fun on the ice rink. Our guests, Eric Iorio and Danielle ("Dani") Francis, share their inspiring journeys from military service to building a new mission at home — through Acadiana Veterans Hockey. “I was born here in Lafayette, Louisiana. Graduated from Teurlings back in 2008, which seems like forever ago,” Eric begins. After joining the 101st Airborne in 2013 and deploying to Afghanistan, he recounts how life changed on July 28, 2013, when his base came under attack and he took two rounds from a sniper. “I always say it could have been a lot worse. I have all my digits,” he says humbly, remembering the buddy he lost that day. Eric was the recipient of the Purple Heart in honor of his service to our country and sustaining injuries due to enemy action. For Dani, the path started in Illinois. “I actually went into the military right out of high school. I did a bunch of sports in high school and then didn't know what I wanted to do,” she shares. Inspired by her older brother, she became a military police officer, serving in Guantanamo Bay and later alongside Joint Special Operations Command in Iraq where she was one of four females selected. “It was truly incredible because it was the sense of I was actually doing something with a purpose. There was a bigger purpose at the end of that mission.” Both Eric and Dani's stories highlight the resilience and discipline they built in uniform — and how they carried that into civilian life. Now, they channel that same spirit into Acadiana Veterans Hockey — an open-arms, non-contact league for veterans of all ages and skill levels. “For us as an organization, being able to play hockey together is absolutely amazing, for physical reasons and mental health,” Eric explains. “If they didn't have hockey here… they don't know where they would be at this point.” Dani laughs about how she was pulled onto the ice by Courtney Dugas, who along with her husband, Max, are active with the team: “I said, Courtney, I've never played hockey before. She goes, it's okay, come on out. Next thing I knew, I was meeting her and the team at the rink on a Tuesday night and they were giving me all the gear.” Eric also recounted how fun it is to play with his dad, Angelo ("Pops") Iorio, who is retired from the Lafayette Police Department. "He is known as a Goon, someone that is like an enforcer. They go out and hit people on the ice. He's not meaning to do it. He just can't stop. So he uses other people to stop for him. We'll have to let the other teams know, hey, he didn't mean that, you know? It's just he's learning." More than just a game, Acadiana Veterans Hockey is a lifeline. The group connects veterans to resources, benefits, and — most importantly — each other. They help with VA ratings, build wheelchair ramps for local VFWs, and make sure no one feels alone. “We want everyone to feel included… call us at two, three in the morning if you're having something wrong and someone's going to be there,” says Eric. But ice time and equipment aren't free. The team welcomes local support — whether you can sponsor a practice, donate gear, or come cheer them on at their next scrimmage. “Hockey is very expensive, from just the ice alone to the gear involved,” Dani points out. “Any donation or sponsorship truly helps.” Save the Date:

Send us a textCaleb Morse is heading up the Krewe...Short Pour Pellerin is in the house..and Implicit Bias Radio is solving the problems of the world one #weeklywhiskey at a time!Catch the whole episode, go to www.implicitbiasradio.com to get your Tickets for Implicit Birthday, Acadiana's Premier Whiskey tasting event.Don't miss this episode of Implicit Bias!Support the show

On this episode of The Tea Podcast, we're joined by Sherry Hernandez and Tim Rinaldi of Miles Perret Cancer Services to talk about their mission, the impact they've made in Acadiana, and how they're celebrating 25 years of providing hope and support to families facing cancer.Website: https://milesperret.orgVideos:MPCS HISTORY VIDEO:https://drive.google.com/open?id=19_XHZjUkOszjCGeEzbvVnMFuBjErZaQpMPCS SERVICES VIDEO:https://drive.google.com/open?id=1F1Tn8lJo1kBa9mdlKbIkf8ercQJ1ryldMPCS IMPACT VIDEO:https://drive.google.com/open?id=15z-hfDoeaohsb6YKCtPY00VX_S9CO23y⸻

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads deep into the heart of Acadiana, where cypress trees whisper secrets and the whiskey runs as bold as the people who craft it. He sits down with Philip Mestayer, owner and distiller at Distillerie Acadian, a man on a mission to bottle the very soul of Louisiana. In the first half, they pour “Cajun's Cut”—a cask strength, single barrel, four grain bourbon that hits with heat, heritage, and plenty of Southern pride. As they sip, Philip shares how his grain choices and distilling philosophy pay tribute to the grit and spirit of Cajun country. Then the journey takes a creative turn with a blueberry mead cask-finished bourbon—a one-of-a-kind expression that blends deep Southern sweetness with rich complexity. It's a testament to Distillerie Acadian's bold approach to tradition. Philip also gives a glimpse into the future, revealing plans for a major expansion and a shift from pot still to a custom-built column still—a move designed to boost production and elevate the precision, consistency, and creativity of his spirits. If you love whiskey with character, culture, and a little Cajun swagger, this is one trip you don't want to miss. So pour a dram, saddle up, and join Big Chief for another spirited ride on the podcast where whiskey meets the road—The Whiskey Trip.

Thanks and blessings to you for joining us for another edition of Handbook for Humanity. We are taking a break from directly discussing St. John Paul II's Audiences from Theology of the Body to looking into something that JP II wrote and spoke about at length. This show will deal with a topic that all of us have experience with, being in a family. We have our usual cast of Adele, Becki and Tom but we will also be joined by special guest, Acadiana area business leader and General Manager of Hub City Ford, Todd Citron. Todd brings a unique angle to our discussion because he is not only a business leader but he is also a son, brother, husband, father and grandfather but he is also a host of a radio show/podcast called "Cajun Catholics". Link to "Cajun Catholics"https://christourkingradio.com/cajun-catholics

Marie Ducote of Cajun Food Tours joins me to discuss her business and what has led to being one of the most requested tours in Acadiana.

On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Jude David, managing partner of Final Ascent, a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that helps mid-market business owners—typically with $5 million or more in annual revenue—prepare their companies for sale and successfully transition for maximum value. But Jude's passion goes far beyond business mechanics. He's also a philanthropist and one of the founders of the Catholic Legacy Foundation of Acadiana, a donor-advised fund that enables people of all faiths to support charitable causes in perpetuity—while enjoying significant tax advantages in the process. "People don't want to plan their succession in life, and they don't want to plan their succession in business. It's emotional. It's scary. And it's always something they plan to think about 'one day.'" Jude shares stories of helping longtime business owners who've spent decades building their companies and are now looking to exit—but often haven't thought about what comes next. He draws clear parallels between business transition and end-of-life planning, noting that in both areas, far too many people fail to prepare. "It's shocking how many successful people don't have wills or estate plans. Even people of great means often haven't taken the time to protect what they've built—or considered how to give back." That's where Jude's second passion comes into play: philanthropic giving as part of a business exit strategy. Through smart planning, owners can donate a portion of their company prior to selling, reducing capital gains taxes and simultaneously funding charitable initiatives through a donor-advised fund. "When you're selling a mid market business, there's going to be a substantial amount of taxes to pay. So our clients are constantly looking for ways to avoid those taxes or defer those taxes. There are several strategies you can use if you have ways of offsetting losses against those gains. It can be very helpful if you can write off new assets that you're acquiring against the old assets that you've sold. For instance, if you sell one business and buy a new one in the same year, you can depreciate the assets on the new business against the old business that you sold. There are several other strategies. One that I really like for owners that are charitably inclined is to give to a foundation or other charities. Why does that matter? Well, if you can structure that kind of transaction appropriately, it saves you significant taxes on your sale. That's why I'm involved with Catholic Legacy Foundation." Jude walks us through real-world examples of how this works, explaining how the Catholic Legacy Foundation is helping build endowments that will support Catholic ministries, seminarian education, pro-life efforts, and poverty alleviation—whether the recipient organization is Catholic or simply aligned with Catholic values. “We house the seminarian bursary (scholarship) funds for the Diocese. You can give to support a specific seminarian or the entire class. It's one of the most direct ways to impact the future of the Church. To get the foundation off the ground, we are taking donations for a Founder's Circle. So we're looking for donations of a minimum of $15,000 for Founder's Circle members. That's $5,000 a year for three years, and the goal is for us to get the foundation to a size in three years so that it never needs another donation again." Jude also reflects on the importance of reducing business owner dependence before sale—a common value driver in M&A. He explains how owner involvement, earnings growth, and recurring revenue models (like those used in HVAC and plumbing industries) all affect valuation multiples. "If a business is built around the owner and you can't pluck the owner from the business, it makes the business a lot less valuable. So if we deal with a business 3 or 4 years before sale, we'll help them to identify all of their roles in the business and t...

It's the end of the month, and that means it's time to catch up with our neighbors in Acadiana. Founder and editor of The Current, Christiaan Mader, breaks down the latest news in the region, including how U.S. deportations are raising concerns in a Laotian refugee community in the area.Following the jailbreak at the Orleans Parish Justice Center, law enforcement agencies across the state began pointing the finger at one another. Gov. Landry blamed the District Attorney's Office for delays in the inmates' cases, DA Jason Williams blamed the sheriff's office for its slow response to requests for evidence needed to prosecute cases. And Sheriff Susan Hutson pointed to jail workers and those on the outside helping the inmates. So where does the accountability actually lie here, and how common is this kind of law enforcement infighting? Mac Muir, leading expert on police accountability and the former Executive Director of the Community Police Review Agency (CPRA) in Oakland, California, joins us to share his thoughts. The Marigny Opera House is gearing up for a night of Italian music with a production of Verismo: Opera Tableaux. The upcoming performance also includes dance numbers and visual art for an immersive experience. Marigny Opera House executive director, Dave Hurlbert, and “Verismo” artistic director, Bogdan Mynka, tell us what to expect at this production. ___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Diane Mack. Our managing producer is Alana Schrieber. 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!

Led by the late Christopher Stafford, this Cajun band became a staple of the Lafayette music scene.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

What an absolute gift it is to have Phyllis Weaver and Tim Rinaldi join us from Miles Perret Cancer Services this week! Join us for an episode centered around hope and the fruits of a strong and faithful community. We are excited to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Games of Acadiana and Miles Perret Cancer Services! Thank you, Jesus for this organization and the gift of hope they bring to our community!Learn more at https://milesperret.org/......

HVAC Masters Of The Hustle would like to welcome Cody & Wife Emily into the Hot Seat on episode 308. On this episode we dive deep into relationship partnerships building a company together. Emily & Cody are the perfect couple to talk about work life balance and how to support eachother inyour rolls while staying in your own lane. If you enjoy this episode Share it with a Friend, Subscribe, and post a review!

On this episode of The Tea Podcast, we're chatting with Jackie of Vivid Health & Wellness and “food passionista” dietitian Daphne Olivier. From real-food makeovers and conquering metabolic issues to Acadiana's new Health Revolution panels, they spill the details on building a community that actually helps you get healthy. Bring your sweet tea—this one's packed with practical tips and local flavor.Links for more • https://vividhealthwellness.com • https://theunconventionaldietitian.com • Living Vividly Podcast episode: https://youtu.be/rMGwZRl7CoI?si=FBXgz6_0P3cwgBhE⸻

In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we honor the 25th anniversary of Miles Perret Cancer Services, a nonprofit that has supported more than 27,000 families in Acadiana over the years facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Joining us are Executive Director, Tim Rinaldi and Community Liaison, Sherry Hernandez, two passionate leaders dedicated to advancing the mission and heart of this vital organization. The organization was founded in honor of Miles Perret who tragically died at the age of eight years of age in 2001 from glioblastoma. From this experience, his parents, Hank and Debbie Verret, had the vision to help others in Acadiana fight, survive and live with cancer with dignity and to have access to the services they may need. Miles's legacy lives on through a mission of compassion. The organization provides 100% free support services—from wigs and nutritional supplements to transportation assistance and wellness programs—without income restrictions. Tim Rinaldi shares his deeply personal journey to leading Miles Perret—rooted in his family's long-standing ties to oncology care—and how faith, entrepreneurship, and a calling to serve intersected to bring him home to Acadiana. He offers insight into the organization's commitment to both strategic impact and compassionate care, and how building a sustainable, team-driven culture remains central to his vision. Sherry Hernandez, who has served with the organization for eight years, reflects on the full-circle moment that led her from for-profit public relations to her role at Miles Perret. Her lifelong passion for community engagement and her personal experiences with cancer have fueled her dedication to connecting families with resources—at no cost and with no income verification required. Listeners will learn about the many services offered by Miles Perret, including nutritional supplements, wigs, medical supplies, transportation assistance, and a growing wellness program that includes yoga, Pilates, circuit training, and soon, a teaching kitchen. All services are 100% free to cancer patients and their families. We also explore the Games of Acadiana, the nonprofit's largest and most iconic fundraiser, now celebrating its 25th year. What began as a friendly competition among the Perret brothers as they looked at how to honor Miles' legacy, has evolved into a beloved tradition, including a Birthday Bash Kickoff on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., behind the Bayou Church, followed by a two-week virtual scavenger hunt through the GooseChase app. Participants can complete missions for a chance to win prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize, all while raising awareness and support for the organization. The green space along Settler's Trace Boulevard (behind the Bayou Church) will be transformed into a hub of excitement with fun games, engaging activities, and interactive attractions including an obstacle course, inflatable mini golf, and a monster fun jump. Cancer survivors will be honored with an inspiring Survivor Walk and the crowd will celebrate together with a delicious birthday cupcake. Other key topics include: The founding story of Miles Perret, named after Hank and Debbies's son whose legacy lives on in every service offered The organization's decision to forgo government funding to remain nimble and community-focused The importance of monthly recurring donations and employer-based giving programs Plans for a new facility and expanded wellness services, including a chapel and increased access to nutritional support Whether you've participated in the Games of Acadiana, supported the Camellia Crossing Glow Run, or are learning about Miles Perret for the first time, this episode highlights how deeply rooted the organization is in the fabric of Acadiana—and how each of us can play a role in their mission of neighbors helping neighbors. To get involved, donate, volunteer,

Discover Lafayette welcomes Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission's Executive Director Ben Berthelot and Jesse Guidry, Vice President of Communications, two of the most passionate advocates for Lafayette's cultural and culinary identity. “You don't have to go to a museum to experience our culture – you can be immersed in it. You can eat it, dance with it, and live it," says Jesse Guidry. Together, they explore the evolution of the Eat Lafayette campaign, which began over 20 years ago under the tutelage of Charlie Goodson of Cafe Vermilionville. Origniating with just 18 restaurants participating, Eat Lafayette has grown into a powerful initiative celebrating the unique flavors of Acadiana. The conversation dives deep into the importance of supporting locally owned restaurants, especially in a changing economic and tourism landscape. Restaurants wanting to participate in Eat Lafayette can visit https://www.lafayettetravel.com/eatlafayette/registration/ to sign up. Ben and Jesse share how Lafayette has become a destination for food lovers, and how LCVC continues to adapt, from creating searchable dining districts throughout Lafayette Parish on Eat Lafayette's website, to launching an upcoming Eat Lafayette mobile app expected to launch this summer that will spotlight local eateries and experiences for locals and tourists alike to rely upon. They discuss new collaborations such as the Acadiana Eats Festival, year-round culinary promotions, and the importance of sustaining mom-and-pop businesses as cultural ambassadors as they are keepers of our local tradition. Key Topics Covered: The origin and growth of Eat Lafayette Why now is a critical time to support local restaurants How Lafayette's culinary identity contributes to tourism and economic development The creation of a new app to help users discover local dining by location, cuisine, and occasion Strategies for year-round restaurant promotion Challenges facing restaurateurs today: staffing, rising food costs, and competition The power of community collaboration through events like Festival International Lafayette's potential as a top U.S. destination Fun personal insights from Ben and Jesse, including hobbies like home cooking, dance, and coaching Visit https://www.lafayettetravel.com/food-drink/local-restaurants/ for a listing of all locally-owned, Louisiana-owned, and national favority restaurants in our community. Notable Quotes: Ben Berthelot: "One of my favorite quotes is by a colleague in Irving, Texas, which has really grown. She says if you build a place that people want to visit, you'll build a place that people want to live. And if you build a place where people want to live, you'll build a place where business wants to be. And if you build a place where business wants to be, then you're back to a place where people wamt to visit. It is a cycle. That's how I think and how I want to lead our organization. Tourism is economic development. Get someone here once, and they fall in love with Lafayette." Jesse Guidry: "There is no more important time than now to support our locally owned restaurants. And that's how Eat Lafayette started over 20 years ago. It was driven by the restaurants saying they needed help during the summertime. So it started with 18 restaurants in a two week campaign, and grew to a three month campaign, with over 200 restaurants at one point, with the whole emphasis of being where am I going to go eat tonight? And we want you to go eat at a locally owned restaurant. Support our mom and pops, who are the reason that we were named Tastiest Town of the South, the best food city in the United States, and all of those awards that we've gotten over the years." Links & Resources:

If you're a baseball fan, you know it's impossible to watch a game these days without hearing about torpedo bats, the new bat design giving Major League hitters unforeseen power. But what is it about these bats that allows players to hit the ball so deep?Louisiana Considered's Alana Schreiber visited Marucci Sports, a bat company in Baton Rouge, to find out. Coming to Lafayette this week is a conference on Big Towns, a gathering of representatives from places too big to be towns and too small to be cities. The meeting is a chance for these big towns to learn from one another when it comes to economics, city planning and more. Christiaan Mader, founder and editor of The Current, and Heather Blanchard, CEO of United Way of Acadiana, tell us more about the event. A former president of Xavier University, the first woman to be mayor of Lake Charles, and a photographer and food writer are some of this year's winners of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities' Bright Lights awards.Clare Shelburne, LEH program manager, tells us more about the awards and what it means to be recognized. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production support from Garrett Pittman 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!

The hip-hop collective have made inroads in Lafayette's music scene.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Our Lenten Pilgrimage with the Saints continues this week on the Sacred Shores with Blessed Stanley Rother. Follow along with us in your devotional and enjoy the beautiful words and reflections from Fr. Sam Fontana and art and reflections from Thomas Loustalot. Join us on the sacred shore of Jesus' heart, to allow Him to create in you an internal spiritual river where His love will flow, not only through you, but out to the hearts of your loved ones and your community!......

A Bunch of Bread and SugarThe Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) plays a pivotal role in supporting the state's vibrant hospitality industry through advocacy, education, and community engagement. Britney Ford, serving as Chapter Member Service Coordinator for regions including Acadiana, Cenla, Baton Rouge, and Southwest Louisiana, is instrumental in fostering member engagement and organizing key events such as board installations and regional fundraisers . Her efforts are central to the LRA's mission of uniting and empowering Louisiana's foodservice professionals. Listen. Subscribe. Share.The Eat the Boot Podcast is sponsored by Cheba Hut Toasted Subs in Baton Rouge and features music from Louisiana based singer/songwriter, Adam Dale, from the album “Shadowtown”.  www.eattheboot.com

Running a nonprofit might sound like a mission of the heart. But it’s also very much a business. These organizations have to pay staff, keep the lights on, and provide services. Yes, they rely on philanthropy. But they also need to generate revenue, build partnerships, and constantly make the case for their value—not just to donors, but to the community at large. Acadiana has hundreds of nonprofits big and small. And to some extent they compete just like for-profit enterprises. There’s only so much money and attention in the world, even for a good cause. And what better cause is there than kids? Lore Linton is the Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of Acadiana, a nonprofit that blends play and learning for kids and their families. Lore has a long history with the museum, starting as a volunteer and working her way through nearly every role. She became Executive Director in 2023 and has since expanded programming, grown attendance, and taken on the everyday challenges of operating a museum inside a 100-year-old building. While half of CMA’s revenue comes from admissions and events like birthday parties, the other half comes from donations, grants, and sponsorships—the nonprofit hustle. Annie Spell has seen nonprofits from the other side of the ledger. A psychologist by training , Annie is also a longtime donor and board member of organizations like the American Cancer Society, Hearts of Hope, Miles Perret Cancer Services, and the Children’s Museum of Acadiana itself. Annie says she grew up in a family that modeled community involvement—her grandfathers included both a longtime judge and entrepreneur. Annie ran a small, focused clinical practice working with adolescents, and did pro bono work for children in the court system. In 2025, she was elected unopposed to the Louisiana Legislature. A major vehicle for Annie's philanthropy is the Tides Medical Foundation, a fund associated with the biomedical firm founded by her husband. Out to Lunch Acadiana was 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.

Our Lenten Pilgrimage with the Saints continues this week on the Sacred Shores with St. Thomas More. Follow along with us in your devotional and enjoy the beautiful words, reflections, and art from Thomas Hooks and Thomas Loustalot. Join us on the sacred shore of Jesus' heart, to allow Him to create in you an internal spiritual river where His love will flow, not only through you, but out to the hearts of your loved ones and your community!......

On this episode of The Tea Podcast, we're talking with Kayla Gaudet at Trust Acadiana & Veronika Henry of Procept Marketing about Lafayette, their businesses, and all that jazz.Trust Acadiana

It's the last Monday of the month, so we're checking in with our neighbors in Lafayette to get an update on the latest news in Acadiana. Christiaan Mader, founder and editor of The Current, tells us why a federal broadband program meant to expand internet access in the Lafayette area is now on hold. We also hear about an upcoming conference of mid-size cities coming to the region this spring.  If you're a parent, you likely understand these words: It. Goes. So. Fast. That's the title of a new book, by NPR reporter and co-host of All Things Considered, Mary Louise Kelly. Kelly joins us to talk about her new memoir, which is about balancing her  career with parenting and the mixed emotions one feels when kids flee the nest. Coastal Desk reporter  Halle Parker said goodbye to WWNO and WRKF last week. During her time at the stations, Halle reported on environmental issues across the Gulf South and co-created and co-hosted the climate podcast, Sea Change. Now, she's heading to Verite News to work as a health reporter. Halle joins us to reflect on her career and biggest reporting moments. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schrieber. 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!

619. Part 1 of our interview with Rien Fertel. “I'm a Louisiana-born and based writer and teacher. My most recent book, out September 2022, is Brown Pelican, a human history of the very best bird. I've penned three earlier books. The Drive-By Truckers' Southern Rock Opera, #133 in Bloomsbury's 33 1/3 series, about a road trip based on a recent classic album about a road trip. The One True Barbecue: Fire, Smoke, and the Pitmasters Who Cook the Whole Hog, a personal/historical reflection on race, labor, and foodways in the Deep South, came out in 2016 from Simon & Schuster's Touchstone imprint. My first book, Imagining the Creole City, an intellectual and literary study of a circle of writers in nineteenth-century New Orleans, arrived in 2014.” 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 221 years. Order your copy today! This week in Louisiana history. March 29, 1962. N.O. Parochial schools ordered to desegregate by Archbishop. This week in New Orleans history. Theodore "Parson" Clapp was born March 29, 1792. He pastored the First Presbyterian Church of New Orleans 1821-1856. This week in Louisiana. 9th Annual Books Along The Teche Literary Festival April 4-6, 2025 317 E. Main St. New Iberia LA 70560 (337) 369-6446 techefest@gmail.com Website Events Various venues will celebrate literature and its impact on the area's culture with storytelling, workshops, readers theatre, music, bourée lessons and tournament, bus and boat tours, a 5K run and food, food, food. Anyone who is familiar with James Lee Burke and his fictional character, detective Dave Robicheaux, knows of New Iberia and our fascinating blend of heritage, hospitality and history. Storytelling Traditions in Acadiana, Parts 1 & 2 — Exploring Fictional Genres & personal stories Divine Dirt: Inspirations, Spiritual Teachings & Gardening Tips! Destination Publication: Turning Travels into Books and Articles I've Got an Idea for a Picture Book! Now What? Dave's Haunts and Jaunts Mystery Bus Tour Postcards from Louisiana. Roz's band plays at Bamboula 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. 

In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Chris Cook, General Manager of KLFY-TV 10. With years of experience in the broadcasting industry both locally and nationally, Chris is at the forefront of delivering the news, weather, and community stories that matter most to Acadiana. Under his leadership, KLFY continues to evolve in the digital age while maintaining its deep roots in local journalism. The station signed on the air June 3, 1955 and has remained a CBS affiliate since day one. Chris shares his journey in television news, beginning right out of high school in his hometown of Alexandria, where he worked as a photographer. He later moved to Lafayette, a place that felt like a natural home due to family ties and frequent visits for Mardi Gras and Festival Acadiens. His early experiences exposed him to various aspects of the newsroom, from audio production to graphics, sales and marketing. Throughout our conversation, Chris provides insights into the evolving landscape of television news, the impact of local journalism on our community, and how KLFY stays connected with its audience in a fast-changing digital world. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, civil discourse, and the responsibility of news organizations to serve their audiences with accurate and fair reporting. Key Takeaways: The Role of Local News: Chris believes that local journalism plays a crucial role in keeping people informed about what's happening in their city and state. Unlike national news, which can sometimes push an agenda, local news provides facts that allow viewers to form their own opinions. The Digital Transformation of News: KLFY has embraced digital platforms to reach audiences where they consume content, whether through its website, social media, mobile app, or upcoming streaming service, KLFY Plus, launching in April on Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, which will focus solely on local news, podcasts. and interviews relating to the Acadiana. Behind the Scenes at KLFY: Chris discusses how news assignments are made, the collaborative effort required to produce a broadcast, and how breaking news can change the course of a reporter's day at a moment's notice. Journalism as a Craft: Whether through formal education or hands-on experience, Chris believes that journalism is a skill honed through practice, curiosity, and a commitment to storytelling with integrity. Navigating the Age of Misinformation: With more people consuming news from social media, Chris advises viewers to critically evaluate their news sources, asking who posted the content and why. First of all, this job is fun. We're working in television. So if you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong. And, there are few things in this world that are more collaborative than a newscast on a broadcast television station. There's so many different hands, so many different eyes, so many different brains that have to come together in order to put that newscast together. The journalists, the producer, the meteorologist, sportscaster, graphic artists, director, cameramen, and sales force." Connect with KLFY: Website: KLFY.com Facebook: KLFY News 10 Instagram: @KLFY Download the KLFY News App: Available on iOS and Android for real-time updates and push alerts. Chris Cook's passion for journalism and serving the community is evident throughout this discussion. His commitment to upholding the integrity of local news in an ever-changing media landscape is inspiring. Tune in to this episode to learn more about how KLFY continues to innovate while staying true to its mission of informing and engaging Acadiana. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform!

Hear a performance from a fixture in the Louisiana blues and zydeco scene.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Our Lenten Pilgrimage with the Saints continues this week on the Sacred Shores with St. Ignatius of Loyola. Follow along with us in your devotional and enjoy the beautiful words and reflections from Fr. David Furka and art and reflections from Thomas Loustalot. Join us on the sacred shore of Jesus' heart, to allow Him to create in you an internal spiritual river where His love will flow, not only through you, but out to the hearts of your loved ones and your community!......

Whether it's through television, books, or blogs – Louisiana's food culture is reaching audiences far beyond our borders. On this week's show, we meet three unofficial ambassadors who represent our state and cuisine on the world stage. We begin with Chef Isaac Toups of Toups' Meatery in New Orleans' Mid City neighborhood. In 2016, we discovered just how much the camera loved Isaac when he was voted fan favorite on Bravo Network's "Top Chef." In the years since, Isaac has successfully promoted Cajun cuisine and culture thanks to his popular cookbook, "Chasing the Gator." George Graham has called Acadiana home his entire life and has made it his mission to preserve and promote Cajun and Creole culture through stories and recipes. George shares his obsession through his nationally recognized blog and book, "Acadiana Table: Cajun and Creole Home Cooking from the Heart of Louisiana." Finally, Chef Kevin Belton tells of his journey from a child growing up in New Orleans to PBS cooking show host – a job that has him introducing the cuisine of the Bayou State to countless foodies. For more of all things Louisiana Eats, be sure to visit us at PoppyTooker.com.

Our Lenten Pilgrimage with the Saints begins this week on the Sacred Shores with St. Peter. Follow along with us in your devotional and enjoy the beautiful words, reflections, and art from Deacon Jules Breaux and Thomas Loustalot. Join us on the sacred shore of Jesus' heart, to allow Him to create in you an internal spiritual river where His love will flow, not only through you, but out to the hearts of your loved ones and your community!......

We are humbled to welcome our beautiful new friend, Kate Migues to Holy Spirit Studios this week! Kate is a devoted wife, mother, and the founder of Placed Adoption Education Foundation. We are so grateful she came, not only to educate us on adoption, but to share her heart and story with us.To learn more about the work Kate is doing across Acadiana visit https://www.placedadoptioned.com/ourworkJesus, we thank you for sharing your incredible daughter with us!......

The singer-songwriter has been a force of Southwest Louisiana music for more than two decades now.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy