Podcasts about south louisiana

Discover Lafayette welcomes Hans Nelsen, known on air as “Fast,” who co-hosts the morning show on Big 102.1 from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. each weekday with CJ Clements. Pictured are CJ Clements and “Fast” (Hans Nelson), co-hosts of Big 102.1’s Morning Show Hans has been on the air in South Louisiana since 1985, starting as a USL student working the graveyard shift at a new urban contemporary station and going on to serve as on-air talent, program director, account executive, and sales manager at several top local stations. He also spent years as a stadium voice and play-by-play broadcaster, and his career has become intertwined with the story of local broadcasting in Acadiana. Hans was joined by his lifelong friend Sean Trcalek, General Manager of KATC TV-3, who was once known on radio as “Charlie Roberts.” The two reminisce about their early days as radio co-hosts and their lifelong friendship. Early Love of Music and the Magic of Radio Hans grew up in a home filled with very different kinds of music, from German organ to big show tunes, and a little boy's transistor radio became his portal to the wider world of sound. He recalls: “I grew up in a household where my dad listened to German organ music and would play it throughout the house on Sunday afternoons. We had to listen to it whether we wanted to or not. My mom was really into big show tunes. ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair” and “The Sound of Music.” But his own soundtrack lived on his bike: “As a little boy, I had a transistor radio that I taped to the handlebars of my bike, and I would listen to top 40 in one way or another. 1972.” He loved the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and pop hits like “Billy, Don’t Be a Hero.” As he got older, he says, “I really wanted to be a musician, and I wanted to be a singer, and I can’t really do any of that. I can play a little guitar, but radio was this next opportunity, though I didn’t really know you could turn it into a career. I just thought it would be something I did for fun.” Learning Radio on the Graveyard Shift Hans' first job was at an urban contemporary station, Foxy 106.3 (KFXZ). Growing up in New Iberia, he already knew some of the music: “It’s funny, you could be a rock guy, but also listen to the Gap Band and Kool and the Gang.” Even so, he had to go deeper into that catalog for a targeted audience: “This was deeper and a more targeted ethnic audience. But it was a piece of cake, because I loved music.” Being alone on the air at night was intimidating: “Well, I’d listen to so much radio. You try to imitate or emulate Casey Kasem, but I was so terrible. The fact that they let me stay past the first night…It was the middle of the night miracle.” He also remembers the mind games of that lonely studio: “You’re in a room by yourself and you can play mind games because you can either convince yourself that no one hears you, or that everyone’s listening. That one mistake, everybody’s going to hear it.” Hustling Through College Radio and 24-Hour Weekends Still in school, Hans got a weekend job at KVOL (1330 AM) and was quickly recruited by KSMB: “On my second shift, Scott Seagraves called me from KSMB and said, I’m listening to you. Do you want to come work for me?” He was “so hungry” to be on the air that he took on extraordinary hours. ““I would do six to noon on KSMB on Saturday and Sunday, and quickly added noon to six on weekends at KXKW. So, I worked 24 hours in two days and worked at a bar both nights. But I knew that I had the bug, and I turn it into a job!” That building is where he and Sean first truly connected and eventually became a morning team: “And Sean comes into that building, we end up being the morning team and here we are.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1XZVTbmikg Teaming Up with Sean: Voices, Characters, and Parodies Sean came in as a young newsreader, hired to do newscasts in the morning and afternoon. Their chemistry led to a two-man show that blurred the lines between straight news and wild characters. Sean explains: “It started as you and Debbie Ray and me in news. Well, when Debbie left, it was you and me doing news. And I think it was just kind of like. Why do we need a third guy? You know, I still did the newscast, but it was a two man show.” Hans recalls the “credibility issue”: “Sean's doing the ‘17 people were killed today' delivering the news and then he’s doing this crazy voice five minutes later and people knew it was the same guy. But we somehow just moved past that.” The two displayed a gift for spontaneous skits and song parodies: “We both could really rewrite song lyrics. We could make custom versions of big songs at the time. Remember Michael Johnson's ‘Give me wings, gimme wings.” It would end up, “Don’t give me legs. Breasts or thighs!” Hans says the creativity often felt effortless. “What was special about us? A special talent we both had was that there was no prep. We would sometimes do stuff and turn the microphone off. We’d look at each other thinking, that’s good. How did we just do that?” Hans Nelson (‘Fast’) and Sean Trcalek (‘Charlie Roberts’) pictured early in their broadcasting careers on the radio together. They have remained close friends over the decades. Humor, Changing Sensibilities, and Wanting Everyone to Feel Welcome Looking back at their 1980s material, Hans is candid about how much humor standards have changed: “Yeah, it was humor, but let’s just say sensibilities are different, right?” He offered a vivid analogy from pro wrestling to show how certain stereotypes were once normalized and now are not: “The character development in the 70s and 80s was the Iranian guy or the Nazi guy was the bad guy. It was what they did. You just don’t do that now, right?” Hans shared his personal compass: “I always wanted everybody to like me. I need as many listeners as I can get. They don’t have to look like me. They don’t have to vote like me. They don’t have to drive the same kind of car as me. But I want everybody to say, ‘I like listening to that guy on the radio.” Music, Memory, and Nostalgia of Radio For both Hans and Sean, music is deeply emotional and geographically specific; certain songs instantly bring them back to particular corners of their childhoods. Hans shared, “Some songs. What I’ve always been amazed by is when you hear a song and it brings you to a specific place. I mean, like a certain corner in your hometown and you’re like, why am I thinking of that when I hear Sammy John's “Chevy Van?” He offers another vivid memory: “Saturday in the Park by Chicago reminds me of standing in line at Saint Edward’s Catholic School for the cafeteria. I don’t know why.” Becoming “Fast Eddie” and Then Simply “Fast” A big turning point came when KSMB's sister station needed a music director and night disc jockey. The job came with a new name Hans disliked: “They tell me, your name is going to be Fast Eddie.” He tried to negotiate the name away, but wouldn't get the job if he didn't accept the on-air name. KSMB was too big to walk away from: Later, when he was put in charge of a new station and morning show, he pushed to shorten the name: “When we put the morning show on, it was the rude awakening with ‘Fast Eddie and Rob.' We could have done it. It just didn’t sound right. Fast is a speed, not a name, but it ended up being I can’t go anywhere and people yell it out like it’s normal. When I hear Hans, it’s heartwarming. I love being Hans, I wish I could be Hans on air.” The Power and Future of Local Broadcasting Both Hans and Sean describe themselves first and foremost as broadcasters: “What we have always had in common and still have in common is we’re broadcasters. People say, what do you do? I don’t say I’m the general manager of a TV station, or I’m a broadcaster. We’re local broadcasters and we’re passionate about it. We have been since the day we met, and to this day, we’re passionate about the impact that local radio and television can have on a market.” For Hans, that impact includes everything from playing nostalgia-filled music to public service in storms: “By impact, I mean moving people. When you play music, when you tell them what the weather’s going to be like, but also telling people where to go pick up sandbags.” Hans reminds us, “During a hurricane, we’re still the last man standing. TV stations may go down… but I have been on the air during hurricanes when I was the only voice available on the air in this market.” Sean highlights the advocacy role broadcasters have played in keeping AM radio in cars: “We are big advocates, and were successful this past year in advocating that automakers continue to be required to put AM radios in new cars. The reason to keep AM radio is that its infrastructure often remains operational when power grids fail and cell networks are overloaded or damaged, providing a core part of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). During events like hurricanes, AM stations became the primary way people received verified, real-time information, coordinated help, and connected with the outside world when phones and internet were down. They both reject the idea that streaming will wipe out local media: Hans says, “I’ll wrap that up with saying, Satellite radio and Netflix are not going to mean the end of local radio and local TV.” A Morning Show Today: Competing With Phones, Not Just Stations Hans reflects on what it's like doing a local morning show in 2020s Lafayette: “Technologically, it’s very different. Audience participation and reception is very different. We compete with many more things. I believe my biggest competitor in drive time is the telephone.” Listeners no longer call to check school closures, they get texts, but live local radio still plays a crucial role, especially in emergencies. Hans and his long-time friend CJ now host a show built on deep local roots: “We put this show together with almost a hundred years of Lafayette radio experience in one room for four hours a morning. There’s nothing that has happened here since the 60s that we don’t know about. We know where every street is. We know where the schools are. We know it. To me, it is a gift.” Big 102.1 has embraced app listening while staying “radio-first”: “On big 102.1, we've had over 1,000,000 hours of listening on our app. We’re still a radio station first. So if that many people are listening, that’s why we’re still effective… we do everything we can to stay connected to the audience, to do relevant things, provide relevant content and make it fun.” Voice of the Ragin' Cajuns From 2009 to 2017, Hans served as the stadium voice for UL Lafayette football and basketball, a role that grew out of his lifelong fandom: “I was such a fan. I was a Ragin Cajun as a kid. I wasn’t an LSU kid or a Tulane kid. It was USL.” Eventually, security protocols and family priorities pushed him to step away so he could watch games in the stands with his daughter: “Because of security protocol, she could not come in the press box. So when it was my weekend, I lost the whole Saturday and I said I would rather be in the stands with her watching the game.” His last act as stadium voice was a memorable one: “So my last duty was to introduce Billy Napier as the head coach. And I resigned that day.” Christian's Story, Organ Donation, and a Legacy of Life In one of the most moving parts of our conversation, Hans shares the story of his son Christian, who died after a workplace accident in 2013. Christian fell from a picker truck in a warehouse, and although doctors did everything they could, the injury was catastrophic. “He fell 20 feet. When you say 20 feet, you think broken ankle, maybe broken arm, but somehow, on the way down, his feet hit the forklift and flipped him. And he landed on his head.” At the hospital, after a brief brain surgery, the doctor came in and said, “Call your family.” When representatives from Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency arrived, Hans initially felt overwhelmed and resistant: “I’m like, heck no, I’m dealing with too much.” His ex-wife, Jenn, reminded him of Christian's own wishes when he got his license. “She said he would want to do it because he asked about it when he got his driver’s license.” That decision changed everything; “I realized he was going to save somebody’s life. We ended up saving four lives and it was life changing for us.” Christian's heart went to a teenage male that had been waiting for a heart for 18 months with time running out. Christian's right kidney and pancreas went to a female in her 30s. His liver went to a female in her 40s, and his left kidney went to a little boy. His corneas were donated, which gave sight to 2 people. Hans began speaking to civic groups and driver's ed classes about organ donation: “We would tell kids at Driver’s Ed like, they’re going to ask you about this when you get your license, you should know what it means. Most people can’t be an organ donor, even if they want to. You have to die a certain way.” He and Jenn started the Christian's Legacy Foundation to create awareness of the importance of organ donation and to provide support to donor families. Stories of other young donors continue to touch him deeply: “All these years later, those stories touch me in a different way. And I would not have read that story the same way had I not gone through that.” Is Broadcasting Still a Good Career? Asked if he would still recommend a career in broadcasting, Hans doesn't hesitate, though he acknowledges the landscape has changed: “I’m always going to recommend a career in broadcast. Sean explains that media sales in particular remain a strong path, even as technology and products evolve: “Your competition is different. Your products might be different. But of all we do, that’s probably changed the least.” There are fewer jobs, but better pay and more efficiency: “KATC had 100 employees not long ago. Our building was built for 120 people and we’ve got 52 now. And it’s not just because of efficiencies. Our cameras are robotic now Hans still longs to see young people with the same hunger he and Sean had: “I would love to see some young person who was like me or Sean who was willing to work 24 hours in two days when I was at KSMB. They fired the janitor, and for nine months I cleaned the building every night after I did my show, because I wanted them to see that I was willing to do anything to make it. And that’s not beneath me.” Through stories of late-night graveyard shifts, irreverent morning shows, hurricane coverage, stadium announcing, heartbreaking loss, and renewed purpose, Hans Nelson, “Fast,” reminds us why local broadcasting still matters. As he and Sean put it, they are, above all, local broadcasters, passionate about “the impact that local radio and television can have on a market” and the ways music, stories, and community can move people. You can contact Hans Nelson at Fast@big1021.com.

In this episode, we dive into the world of custom duck calls with Farrel Charpentier, a maker whose roots run deep in South Louisiana. Hear how he transitioned from offshore work to call making, why he chose the Arkansas-style call, and the challenges of perfecting sound and design. Plus, insights into Reelfoot Lake's unique call maker gathering and the camaraderie that defines this craft.https://www.facebook.com/farrel.charpentier/Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Mike and Bobby interviewed Les Sackett, the Silver Slipper's marketing manager, and Glen West, a senior writer at Geaux247 Sports. The guys broke down the college coaching cycle, featuring Marshall Faulk to Southern, Jon Sumrall to Florida, and Lane Kiffin to LSU. Mike and Bobby recapped the Saints' 21-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins and slammed New Orleans' consistent awful first-half performances. West evaluated Kiffin's fit at LSU.

Recent brides and their fathers who paid for the wedding won’t be surprised to learn that the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is between $30,000 and $36,000, depending on the couple's choices, incuding the wedding location and number of guests. One of the major costs of any wedding is photography. In an image-driven society where pics of the most mundane activities are posted online for public consumption, capturing the biggest day of many women’s lives in pictures is often complicated. Along with conflicting emotions about body image, and the stress of a major financial investment, unlike the informal pictures of a birthday or a vacation, wedding photos capture a rite of passage and who doesn’t want to look their best for posterity? Wedding photographer Katelyn Craven of Butterflies of Hope Photography knows how to ensure that the money is well spent. Butterflies of Hope Photography is a family-owned photography studio founded by Katelyn’s mother, Heather Banker. Working out of their Prairieville studio, Katelyn leads all wedding photography under her own brand, Butterflies of Hope by Katelyn, and frequently travels across South Louisiana— from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, Lafayette and St. Francisville—for weddings and engagements. During the pandemic, many brides were either postponing big-ticket weddings or opting for smaller backyard unions at home. As a result, couples have become more aware of the environmental impact of their special day. Invitation cards, welcome bags, and other plastic props and tchotchkes that were once trendy but too often discarded are now passe for the environmentally-friendly couple. Wedding bouquets and flowers aren’t immune to the trend either, with planners noting fewer boutonnieres and more pocket squares for the groom and groomsmen. But what of the bride and her maids? Inspired by her own disappointing experience with a wedding florist, Lauren Bercier co-founded Something Borrowed Blooms, a rental service featuring premium silk floral collections that couples can rent for about 70% less than fresh flowers. What started with a dozen weddings a month has grown to more than 2,000 weddings per month during peak season, with over 55,000 weddings fulfilled to date. Out to Lunch is recorded live over lunch at Mansurs on the Boulevard. You can find photos from this show by Ian Ledo and Miranda Albarez at itsbatonrouge.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike and Deuce previewed an exciting weekend of fall football, highlighting the start of the LHSAA Playoffs and LSU's Battle for the Boot with Arkansas. Audacy NBA Insider Nick Friedell joined Fans and the Pro. Friedell broke down the Pelicans' rough 2-9 start to the 2025-26 season. He criticized New Orleans' front office, ownership, and forward Zion Williamson. Friedell also previewed the Pelicans' upcoming schedule.

Today we shine a spotlight on Louisiana Grass Roots, a compelling new documentary produced by Dr. Phyllis Baudoin Griffard and directed by Jillian Godshall. This film captures the voices of everyday Louisianians working to preserve our state's environmental and cultural heritage, highlighting powerful grassroots movements shaping our future. Jillian and Phyllis join us to share the inspiration behind the documentary, the stories that moved them most, and why community-driven action matters now more than ever. This episode is also special on a personal note—Jan Swift's daughter, Kelly, who works in the film industry at the Manship Theater, made this introduction. Even though we all live and work in the same region, this documentary brought us together in a way that highlights what community truly means in South Louisiana. About the Filmmakers – In Their Own Words Director Jillian Godshall began by expressing gratitude for the local connection that made this collaboration possible. “I am a filmmaker. I'm also an educator. I've been doing both for over 15 years at this point. It's taken me all over the world. I'm really glad to be here in Lafayette doing that work as well.” Her background is deeply rooted in documentary storytelling: “My background in filmmaking is mostly in documentary filmmaking. I've worked on big budget, large scale reality TV show stuff—don't tell anyone—and all the way down to where I feel most comfortable now, which is working on smaller-scale independent projects, having more of the creative leadership role, directing and being super involved in every aspect of production.” Jillian also teaches video editing to incarcerated students through an organization called The Last Mile: “I currently teach video editing to incarcerated students… and work with Phyllis, hang out with Phyllis, plant plants with Phyllis.” Producer Dr. Phyllis Baudoin Griffard shared her deep Louisiana roots and her global experience in science education: “I'm from Lafayette originally, grew up all over the South… I got a degree from USL in zoology and then went off to graduate school in biochemistry. I came back to Louisiana and started teaching at Xavier University, and I knew then that's what I wanted to do.” Phyllis' work has always focused on connecting people to the land and ecology around them: “Even as a biologist and teaching university students, I always was looking for local examples and to reconnect students outside the textbook to the biology that's in their own backyard.” She emphasized the importance of place in identity: “When I came home, I heard French, I heard the music—you can really connect to this place.” The Origin of Louisiana Grass Roots: A Story Rooted in Place, Memory, and Rediscovery Jillian and Phyllis did not come together through a traditional film industry channel; they were united through a local experience that awakened something deeper. Phyllis explains that after returning to Lafayette and connecting with the Acadiana Master Naturalist Program, she began to understand the importance of the Cajun Prairie through firsthand fieldwork. “One of the topics is about the Cajun prairie… I had learned about the prairie, and I knew about it more from when we lived in Texas, because the people in and around Houston just ooh and ah about the prairie scientists we have over here: Larry Allen, Charles Allen and Malcolm Vidrine, who discovered what they have since called the Cajun Prairie. 2.5 million acres. Most of Southwest Louisiana was part of this prairie, which only less than 1% exists today.” It was during a field trip with the Master Naturalists that she crossed paths with Jillian: “I led one of the field trips and found out that Jill was a filmmaker, and I happened to say, ‘Oh, I just finished doing a film, The Quiet Cajuns, with Conni Castille.' And her ears perked up and she said, ‘Well, I think we should make a film about the prairie.'”

Mike and Steve previewed Tulane's AAC road matchup against UT-San Antonio. Saints color analyst Deuce McAllister joined Sports Talk to discuss New Orleans' challenge against the Rams. Mike and Steve interviewed Jeff Duncan, a columnist for The Times-Picayune, and Wilson Alexander, an LSU reporter for The Advocate. Duncan discussed the historic connection between LSU football and Louisiana politics. Alexander shared his thoughts on LSU AD Scott Woodward and interim head coach Frank Wilson. Mike and Steve spoke to former LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron about his interest in returning to coaching. Mike, Steve, and Charlie played their weekly "Pick-Six" segment.

EPISODE 190 | In this episode, author Chris Landry joins us to share the story behind his book Cajun Kids Adventures, a series inspired by his own family's experiences. Chris opens up about how he weaves real-life lessons into his writing while also encouraging dads to play an active role in homeschooling. He offers practical advice on how fathers can make learning engaging and fun, while passing down life skills that today's traditional classrooms often overlook. From outdoor adventures to hands-on projects, Chris shows how dads can enrich their children's education—and enjoy the journey themselves.ABOUT OUR GUEST | C.P. Landry is a lifelong resident of South Louisiana and a descendant of the original French Acadians. His wife of over 40 years shares a similar heritage as the fifth generation to hunt and fish the Atchafalaya River Basin. Together, they raised their five children to respect both their heritage and their land. The Cajun Kids Adventures series is loosely based on the experiences, challenges and shenanigans of his children's unique upbringingThanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.

A cross-continental journey is on the agenda for the August 2025 New Music Train today, chugging from Dublin to South Louisiana. That's a trip that means Liam McIndoe and Kevin Clement, who discuss new music from Anna von Hausswolff, Run, Margo Price and The Beths. Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Threads, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, next covered by Frank Muffin and now re-done in a high-voltage version by Quartjar again!  Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com.

Mike and Deuce previewed the upcoming weekend of football in South Louisiana. Deuce shared his keys to the Saints' test in Buffalo against the 3-0 Bills.

Mike and Deuce previewed the upcoming weekend of football in South Louisiana. Deuce shared his keys to the Saints' test in Buffalo against the 3-0 Bills.

What is a Non QM Loan? Your Chef Dwayne Stein will explain what it is and why the people of South Louisiana should know about it. Later Dwayne goes over the latest data on Existing Home sales. Finally lets get you in the game with a refi and falling rates. All that and more on Mortgage Gumbo w/ Dwayne Stein 8/23/25

I judged every dish at the Pit vs Pot cook-off in South Louisiana—from curry chicken and stuffed pork chops to ribs, jambalaya, and the winning pineapple cherry dump cake. Only one dish scored a perfect 10!

Escape to scenic South Louisiana with Randy, Caly, and guest Ashtin Nguyen, Assistant General Manager of Camp Margaritaville Breaux Bridge. Discover why this one-of-a-kind RV resort is the perfect destination for family vacations and road trips, featuring luxury RV sites, fun party vibes, live music, and endless amenities that bring the Margaritaville lifestyle to life in Cajun Country.Book your next stay at Camp Margaritaville Breaux Bridge at https://www.campmargaritavillebreauxbridge.com.Subscribe to RV Destinations Magazine at https://RVDestinationsMagazine.com and use code PODCAST20 to save 20% on your subscription today!

Welcome to Episode 64 of the Freedom Factory Podcast! In this powerful and timely episode, host Brandon Cunningham dives deep into one of the most underestimated drivers of success in network marketing: culture.While most people obsess over compensation plans, bonuses, and incentives, Brandon reveals why culture—not commissions—is what keeps people engaged, inspired, and committed for the long haul. Drawing from over a decade of leadership experience, he shares real-world examples of how culture shapes behavior, builds trust, and creates a magnetic environment that people never want to leave.From Apple's legendary workplace culture to gumbo-fueled team trainings in South Louisiana, Brandon illustrates how the right atmosphere can turn part-time participants into lifelong believers. Whether you're leading a small team or scaling a massive organization, this episode will help you build a culture that attracts, retains, and multiplies.

Mike and Deuce celebrated an exciting night of high school football in South Louisiana. The guys discussed the Saints' final injury report. Evan Giddings, the host of the "Bleav in 49ers" podcast, joined Sports Talk. Giddings reviewed San Francisco's injuries before the Saints-49ers game. Giddings shared his thoughts on DC Robert Saleh, QB Mac Jones, the 49ers' kicking game, and RB Christian McCaffrey. The guys previewed LSU and Tulane's big matchups against Florida and Duke.

Mike and Deuce celebrated an exciting night of high school football in South Louisiana. Evan Giddings, the host of the "Bleav in 49ers" podcast, reviewed San Francisco's injuries before the Saints-49ers game. Giddings shared his thoughts on DC Robert Saleh, QB Mac Jones, the 49ers' kicking game, and RB Christian McCaffrey. Mike and Deuce interviewed Gordy Rush, the sideline reporter for LSU football, about the upcoming LSU-Florida matchup. Mike and Deuce criticized the NIL and transfer portal era of college football. Deuce shared his keys to a Saints victory in week two over San Francisco.

Mike Esneault talks and plays music with Louisiana Music Hall of Fame performer and song writer Chris LeBlanc. They discuss Chris' formative years growing up in a musical family in South Louisiana as well as being influenced by the blues and many other genres of music that he heard and played in his hometown of Baton Rouge. In addition, they play three of Chris' original songs.

In this episode of Run the Riot, we sit down with Christopher Ange from Sulphur, Louisiana. Chris shares his journey from growing up in Lake Charles surrounded by Cajun and Sicilian culture to becoming a passionate ultrarunner and race director. We talk about: His early days running the Crescent City Classic with his dad. Pacing a friend at his first 50K and discovering the trail running community. Founding the No Man's Land Trail Run after hurricanes nearly destroyed local trails. The unique challenges and beauty of running in South Louisiana — humidity, banana spiders, gators, and all! Balancing family, work as a chemical engineer, and training for ultras. His experiences at Boston and Houston Marathons, and plans for the 100-mile distance at Lugaroo. More info: Chris Ange on Run the Riot

Mike Esneault talks with radio personality, educator and musician, Rob Payer. They discuss Rob's history in radio, particularly as it relates to Baton Rouge Magnet High School and their long-standing radio educational program and his role as program director. In addition, they discuss many other topics including the rich musical heritage of South Louisiana, preserving that heritage through education, as well as Rob's work as a performing musician.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and holy grit from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together. After Katrina toppled the steeple of Rayne Memorial UMC into its sanctuary, Rev. Callie Winn Crawford wrestled with both the physical and emotional rebuilding. She shares how mental health strategies and intentional purpose-setting guided her through the storm's aftermath. Her story offers a roadmap for finding clarity and mission after chaos.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and holy grit from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together. Host Rev. Todd Rossnagel sits with over ten people in the Louisiana Conference; sharing stories of how faith communities responded, practical wisdom for leaders, churches, and neighbors facing today's disasters—natural or otherwise.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and holy grit from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.  When floodwaters swallowed Bethany UMC up to its roofline, Rev. Hadley Edwards faced the unthinkable. With faith, grit, and the help of volunteers from across the country, he led the congregation through a complete rebuild. This episode is a testament to how devastation can give way to a thriving ministry once again.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.  Rev. Ellen Alston recounts leading her congregation through the uncertainty of evacuation, the shock of loss, and the challenges of ministering in a scattered city. She reflects on the pastoral role as both spiritual guide and community anchor during a prolonged crisis. Her journey reveals the depth of care and adaptability required when shepherding through disaster.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.  Rob Weber and Drew Sutton took cameras into the hardest-hit areas after Katrina and Rita, documenting loss and resilience alike. Their work became a powerful fundraising and awareness tool for the church's recovery efforts. This conversation explores how telling the story can be a form of ministry in itself.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.  As a teenager from Ohio, Dan Bracken's first mission trip to Louisiana after Katrina changed the trajectory of his life. He shares memories of long days, deep connections, and the enduring power of service. Guided by the saying “I don't know how, but I know who,” Dan's story is one of mission that lasts far beyond the trip.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.  Just three weeks after Katrina, Hurricane Rita struck southwest Louisiana, forcing churches already in relief mode into survival mode. Rev. Angela Bulhof and Rev. Karl Klaus recall the emotional and logistical challenges of evacuating twice. Their reflections highlight resilience in the face of back-to-back disasters.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.  Katrina became a defining moment for Rev. Kaseem and Sabrina Short, awakening a call to serve in bold new ways. They share how the crisis clarified their mission and deepened their faith. Their journey — selling everything they had and moving from Seattle, back home - underscores that God's call can come in life's most turbulent seasons.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.  Rev. Martha Orphe played a central role in creating “Mission Zones” to keep ministry alive when congregations were displaced. She explains how cooperation and creativity shaped this new model for serving communities. The episode reveals how thoughtful structure can sustain hope after disaster.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.  Born from the merger of two historically separate congregations, First Grace UMC stands as a living example of unity and justice. Pastor Shawn Anglim and lay leader Margaret Washington share how Katrina's upheaval opened the door to a new kind of church. Their story is one of faith, inclusion, and enduring community witness.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.  Bishop William W. Hutchinson and Rev. Don Cottrill reflect on the enormous responsibility of guiding the Louisiana Conference through Katrina and Rita. From promises to pastors to organizing large-scale relief, they reveal the leadership lessons forged in crisis. This closing episode captures the spirit of connection, courage, and hope beyond the storm.

Ryan Trahan, a certified athletic trainer at Thibodaux Regional Sports Medicine Center, joined Sports Talk. Trahan previewed Nicholls' "week 0" matchup with Incarnate Word, explaining how the training staff is preparing to handle the late-August South Louisiana heat.

The June 2025 New Music Train is flying down the track from Scotland (after picking up Steven Routledge) to South Louisiana (to pick up Kevin Clement). This inimitable duo kick off the listener portion of June 2025 New Music with new songs from Kathleen Edwards, Panopticon, The Rolling Stones with Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys and Shannon McNally, Keith Frank and Molly Tuttle. Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart,Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Threads, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, next covered by Frank Muffin and now re-done in a high-voltage version by Quartjar again!  Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com.

Mike and Steve interviewed Saints head coach Kellen Moore about the start of New Orleans' 2025 training camp. Coach Moore shared his thoughts on former safety Tyrann Mathieu, the Saints' starting quarterback battle, and their running backs. Mike and Charlie also spoke to Frank Scelfo, the head coach of Southeastern football.

Where yat? Let's have some fun and talk about...how we talk. How did the different dialects we have come to be? Why does our accent sometimes sound like a New York? We'll break it all down with Nathalie Dajko, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Director of Graduate Studies at Tulane

Real estate expert Bill Bacque of Market Scope Consulting, whose career has spanned over 53 years in the housing industry, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss real estate trends. Formerly with Van Eaton & Romero—later acquired by Latter & Blum—Bill is now retired, but his passion for tracking housing statistics and analyzing market trends remains strong. In this episode, Bill shares a data-rich, thoughtful overview of how the housing market in Lafayette has evolved and what lies ahead. “If you look at average sales price over the last 50 years, the overall trend has been up,” Bill began. “That being said, there have been periods… where sales and average prices actually drifted downward. But values were always recouped.” Bill dug into what he called the “Covid years,” pointing out the extraordinary surge in home sales from 2018 to 2021. “In Lafayette Parish, we went from 3,380 transactions in 2018 to 4,830 in 2021—a 43% increase.” Much of this, he explained, was driven by families realizing during the lockdown that they needed more space, "after six months of living together with your wife and three children, working out of your house, eating at your house, living in your house. People began to say, I need a bigger place. Maybe double the size." And this phenomenon was coupled with historically low interest rates. “By January of 2021, the interest rate was 2.65%.” But as quickly as the boom came, it corrected. From 2021 to 2024, Lafayette experienced a 34% drop in sales. “We literally gave it all back,” Bill said. “Sales are back to 2018 levels. Statistics through May of 2025 show that we are about equal to where we were in May of 2018." Bill broke down the dramatic rise in average sales prices during COVID, noting that from 2018 to 2022, the average price of a home rose from $223,500 to $285,000, a $50,000 increase in the average cost of a home in four years. However, from 2022 to 2025, the average price has only nudged upward 2.6%, reaching $292,200. “So the average sales price is beginning to stabilize.” He further explained the numbers shared: "I would put some clarification that the average sales price takes into consideration the upper income properties as well as the lower ones. This average sales price includes new construction sales and existing sales. If you back out the new construction sales, the average sales price in Lafayette Parish is about $275,000.00." Photo of Bill Bacque at his home by Leslie Westbrook, Acadiana Advocate. One big issue affecting today's buyers? Affordability. “There's been a significant erosion,” Bill noted, citing both rising home prices and higher interest rates. He shared that the average age for a first-time homebuyer in the U.S. is now 38 to 39 years old—compared to 22 when he bought his first home for under $10,000 in Lake Charles. "What we're seeing on a national standard basis is that the average age now for a first time buyer is 38 to 39 years old. When I bought my first house in 1973, I was 22 years old. That was the thing that happened then. I can't remember what the first house cost, but it was less than $10,000. It was a little bitty house. It was about the size of an apartment." Homeowners insurance is now a major wildcard. “My son found a home under $300,000, qualified, but the deal fell through because insurance added another $500 a month,” Bill shared. This isn't a unique story—buyers across South Louisiana are finding it harder to afford not just a mortgage but the added costs of ownership. We also talked about the evolving design of homes. Post-Covid, people want dedicated workspaces, and Bill said square footage is being used more efficiently. Yet affordability challenges persist. “In 2018, homes under $150,000 made up 24% of our sales. Today, it's 12.3%,” he said. Meanwhile, homes over $300,000 have grown from 16% of sales to 31%. Another key point Bill raised: “The companies are not the brand anymore. The agents are the brand.

This week, we get a little dose of the Cajun culture with content creators and podcasters Koa Melancon and Sarah O'Pry - better known as the Cajun Mamas. Melancon and O'Pry rose to fame on TikTok documenting their lives in South Louisiana. From raising kids to preparing for hurricanes and all that's in between, the duo's videos have captured the attention of those all over the country. This episode talks about what it means to be Cajun and a little insight into how the women got started on social media.

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:

From a humble start in South Louisiana to building restaurant empires across America, Paul Fleming's journey is a story of grit, hospitality, and vision. As the founder and force behind beloved brands like Ruth's Chris (West Coast expansion), PF Chang's, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, Paul Martin's, Lake Park Diner, and Paulita's Tacos—Paul has helped define American dining for over three decades. In this episode, Paul reflects on how growing up with strong family values and working in every position in the restaurant world prepared him for a life of entrepreneurship. He shares how his oil business pivoted into hospitality, why working alongside people he respects keeps him energized, and how staying close to the customer is still his greatest advantage.  From building cultures of generosity to investing in the next generation of food innovators, Paul's insights are equal parts practical and inspiring. You'll hear how he chooses the right time to exit a business, why he's never looked back, and how values-based leadership has shaped his lasting impact. “People are everything—and they're expensive when you get them wrong.” – Paul Fleming “We pay our vendors like slot machines—and we get the best product because of it.” – Paul Fleming “I've never looked back on a business I sold. The timing was right, and there's always another great concept to build.” – Paul Fleming This Week on The Wow Factor: How a “poor Cajun boy” from South Louisiana built multiple billion-dollar restaurant brands The early days of PF Chang's—and the lettuce wrap that changed everything Why Paul believes the restaurant industry and soccer have more in common than you think How great hiring, vendor respect, and intentional generosity build lasting businesses The legacy of Ruth's Chris and the lessons Paul learned from Ruth herself How his wife Jody is leading the charge on new concepts like Paulita's Tacos and PJK Chinese Paul's insights on staying positive, working hard, and building brands with purpose Why private equity isn't just about money—it's about people, timing, and culture What makes Lake Park Diner in Naples a local go-to and a tribute to a visionary partner Paul Fleming's Word of Wisdom: You've got to work your butt off in a business you're good at and enjoy—for 25 years. Focus, commit, and trust that effort over time creates impact. The real legacy is built when you invest in people, treat vendors with respect, and lead with consistency. There's no shortcut—just sustained effort, community, and doing what's right. Connect with Paul Fleming: You can experience Paul's legacy at restaurants across the country including: Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar PF Chang's Paul Martin's American Grill Lake Park Diner PJK Neighborhood Chinese Paulita's Tacos Connect with The Wow Factor:  WOW Factor Website  Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   X (formerly Twitter)  

Thank you for joining us for part 2 of our 2 part series on A.C.T.S. Missions. A.C.T.S. stands for Adoration, community, Theology and Service and its a Men's and Women's organization that works through retreats to introduce people to Jesus and build community in Catholic Church parishes. Last show we introduced you to 2 men, Blane Comeaux and Phil Camel, who are involved in ACTS around the South Louisiana area. Phil and Blane are joining us again for this episode as we discuss how St. John Paul II's relationship advice in Theology of the Body and ACTS retreat information can work together to strengthen communities for Men and Women and positively impact faith and family.

Mike Esneault talks and performs with jazz saxophonist Don Evans about his performance and teaching career. Don reflects on growing up in the New Orleans and learning music in that rich environment and being part of the blues and jazz music scene for many years in South Louisiana.

We all know raising kids takes a village—but what if you’re the one building that village? What if you're the one creating the spaces where children feel safe? Daycare Tessa Holloway is the Owner and Director of Kidz Karousel, a network of early learning centers with nine locations across South Louisiana. What started as a personal decision to save her children’s daycare in Port Allen has grown into one of the region’s most recognized family-centered childcare businesses. Tessa and her husband built Kidz Karousel around the needs of families, because they were one. Today, Kidz Karousel is a sought-after partner for major employers like Woman’s Hospital and Our Lady of the Lake. Daddy When we talk about building stronger communities, we often start with kids' education, mentoring and opportunities. But what if we went one step further and invested in the people raising them? That’s exactly what Levar Robinson is doing with Fathers on a Mission. After years of mentoring youth, Levar realized the deeper need wasn’t just helping kids—it was supporting their dads. Today, he leads a growing nonprofit that empowers fathers to be more present, more prepared, and more connected. And in doing so, he’s reshaping what family support looks like in Baton Rouge—and soon, across Louisiana. Parenthood isn’t easy—it takes dedication, patience, and a whole lot of support from the community around you. Levar and Tessa are both showing us that building stronger communities starts at home—whether that’s creating safe, nurturing spaces for kids or empowering the fathers who shape their lives. Their work is a reminder that real change happens when people step up, not just to fill a need, but to build something lasting for families and the whole city. Out to Lunch is recorded live over lunch at Mansurs on the Boulevard. You can find photos from this show by Ian Ledo and Miranda Albarez at itsbatonrouge.la.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

JW takes us through a quick history of the Firebird design and John Deloreans involvement. Then we take a riproaring ride through South Louisiana in JW's Trans Am. Its a fun time back in 1999 until it aint and the piper must be paid. find JW here https://linktr.ee/JerryWayneLongmireJr

Jeff and Charlie discussed an exciting start to the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Ross Jackson, the host of "Locked on Saints," joined Sports Talk to preview New Orleans' upcoming rookie minicamp. Jackson praised QB Tyler Shough for his stellar introduction to Saints fans. He questioned Kelvin Banks Jr.'s spot on New Orleans' offensive line. Jeff spoke to Mike Efferson from the National Weather Service about the upcoming weather event in South Louisiana. Jeff and Charlie reviewed D1Baseball's latest Field of 64 postseason projection.

Mike and Charlie reviewed an unbelievable night of NBA Playoff basketball, celebrating the Knicks and Nuggets for upsetting the Celtics and Thunder in their respective series openers. Fox Sports commentator Tim Brando joined Sports Talk. Brando praised the Saints' "outstanding" 2025 NFL Draft class, calling it a "foundational" group. Mike and Charlie interviewed Tulane head football coach Jon Sumrall to recap the Green Wave's Spring football sessions. Mike, Jeff, and Charlie played their daily "Triple Option" segment. Jeff and Charlie discussed an exciting start to the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Ross Jackson, the host of "Locked on Saints," previewed New Orleans' upcoming rookie minicamp. Jeff spoke to Mike Efferson from the National Weather Service and Collin Arnold, the Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for New Orleans, about the upcoming weather event in South Louisiana. Jeff and Charlie reviewed D1Baseball's latest Field of 64 postseason projection. Will Guillory, a Pelicans reporter for The Athletic, broke down the NBA Playoffs and the upcoming NBA Draft lottery. Jeff and Charlie also reviewed the latest news in the Derek Carr "soap opera" and listened to audio from LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson's weekly "Coaches Show."

In 1942, the state of Louisiana executed a woman in the electric chair for the first and only time in its history. She was young, beautiful, and utterly devoted to the man she loved, a Texas outlaw. Toni Jo Henry was willing to do anything to free him from prison which led her down a dark path…the cold-blooded killing of an innocent man. Toni Jo claimed her accomplice pulled the trigger. He said she did. Was Toni Jo Henry a ruthless killer, or a woman trapped by her tragic past and her devotion to the wrong man?  Want more Southern Mysteries?  Hear the Southern Mysteries show archive of 60+ episodes along with Patron exclusive podcast, Audacious: Tales of American Crime and more when you become a patron of the show. You can immediately access exclusive content now at patreon.com/southernmysteries Connect Website: southernmysteries.com Facebook: Southern Mysteries Podcast Instagram: @southernmysteries Email: southernmysteriespodcast@gmail.com Episode Sources The Times: Former Shreveport Girl to Face jury for Lake Charles Slaying, March 24, 1940 The News Star: Toni Jo Henry is denied new trial, May 25, 1942 The Atlanta Journal: Woman Slayer, Awaiting death in chair, wisecracks over fate, August 4, 1942 The Town Talk: High Court denies stay of execution for Toni Jo Henry, November 4, 1942 Shreveport Journal: Toni Jo Henry Executed, November 28, 1942 Del Rio News Herald: Kin of Toni Jo Henry Claim body for burial, November 30, 1942 The DeQuincy News: Burks to follow Toni Jo to chair, High Court rules, December 4, 1942 Greenville News: Trip of Death Ends as Burks electrocuted, March 24, 1943 State v. Henry, 196 La. 217, 198 So. 910 (La. 1940) M. Watt Espy Papers: Documentation for the execution of Harold Burks, Toni Henry, 1943-03-23 Harold Burks executed on 1943-03-23 in Louisiana (LA); Toni Henry executed on 1942-11-28 in Louisiana (LA) Find A Grave: Joseph Prince “Joe” Calloway Find A Grave: Claude David “Cowboy” Henry Find A Grave: Toni Jo Henry/Annie Beatrice McQuiston Nola Mae Ross: Crimes of the Past in South Louisiana, 2004 Episode Music Out of the Mines, courtesy of Ross Gentry, Asheville, North Carolina.

Holly grew up in a super religious and closed-minded environment and started rebelling in her late teens after moving out on her own. She fell in love, married her girlfriend, and a few years later they quit their jobs and bought one-way plane tickets out of the country to learn and explore other ways of living. While out exploring the world Holly was introduced to non-monogamy and has since been figuring out how she wants to be in relationship with others. Like many of us, her path is winding and ever-evolving. Holly currently identifies as solo polyamorous and is finding her way back to herself after her last relationship. Join us as Holly shares her beautiful adventure with us! Holly also does really powerful work and she describes it in her bio on SoulPlay's website better than we ever could: Born and raised in South Louisiana, Holly embarked on her transformative journey in 2009, leaving her career and letting go of everything she owned to forge a new path. Since then she's traveled extensively, immersing herself in diverse cultures and ways of life, seeking purpose and a way to channel her skills toward creating positive change. During her travels, she took on various odd jobs, including helping to produce a grassroots weekend music festival in New Zealand. That experience ignited a passion for event production, which became the foundation of her new career. Today, she lives in the Bay Area and produces events full-time, crafting spaces that invite personal and collective transformation. Since 2015, she's been honored to serve as a founding contributor and Executive Director for SoulPlay, where she's made community and connection the heart of her purpose and passion. Save $100 on your SoulPlay tickets here until April 19th! Check out the full show notes here. Join the most amazing community of open-minded humans on the planet!   Click here to order your very own NNM shirt! $10 Off - Online STI Testing

Episode 1631 - brought to you by our incredible sponsors: BetterHelp: Write Your Story, With BetterHelp. Visit Betterhelp.com/HARDFACTOR to get 10% off your first month of online therapy DeleteMe: Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan by texting Hard Factor to 64000 Prize Picks: Download the PrizePicks app today and use code HARDFACTOR and get $50 instantly when you play $5!! Shipstation: Calm the chaos of order fulfillment with the shipping software that delivers. Go to shipstation.com and use code HARDFACTOR to sign up for your FREE trial. Fitbod: Get 25% off your subscription or try the app FREE for seven days at Fitbod.me/HARDFACTOR. Timestamps: (00:00:00) - What if chimps could start fires?? Hungarian must... (00:03:48) - Q Shaman going gun shopping, and 34 year-old teacher released from jail while awaiting trail for... Having a Baby with her then 12 year-old student (00:10:47) - Houston school charging parents $1 per minute, per kid for being late for pick-up, but the parents are fighting back (00:18:49) - The return of The Wheel (00:21:20) - New study reveals that chimps love to piss together, and there is a pissing hierarchy for when a chimp should take a piss (00:30:14) - More fake firefighter caught trying to rob LA homes during the wildfires, this time they had a firetruck (00:34:28) - South Louisiana snow yields immediate results with the Snow Air Boat (00:37:00) - Hungarian Man caught smoking cig while riding the exterior of a German High Speed Railcar at 175 MPH for 20 miles Thank you for listening, if you need more hard factor and want to join our community go to patreon.com/hardfactor. But Most importantly, HAGFD!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul writes “Hi Wes. I've been listening to your show for quite some time now. I've had two sightings in different locations here in Louisiana but have been reluctant to share with anyone for a few reasons. I'm born and raised in South Louisiana and also spent a lot of time in East and NE Texas. I've spent a good amount of time outdoors and in the woods hunting, camping and fishing. I'm a Police officer which is one of my reasons for being reluctant to share. The First event took place on June 1st 2019 I say event because I didn't physically see anything. My son (he was 6 1/2 at the time) and I were remote camping in the Kisatchie National Forest. The location was located between Alexandria and Natchitoches LA. We had camped at this same location at least 3 times prior to this without any issues. It was not a designated camping spot but more of a clearing with bluffs on 3 sides. It's a beautiful location that's slightly off the beaten path of a remote fire road. We had met a friend of mine and his girlfriend there the day before for a couple of days of camping and off-roading. We set up camp on Friday afternoon, the day before. We both drove off-road Toyota 4runners. He had a roof top tent on his and we set up our large ground tent. Now me being a LEO I go pretty much everywhere heavily armed, especially remote camping. This trip I had my sidearm, a Sig P320 9mm, and also my suppressed .300 Blkout SBR M4 style rifle with two 30 round mags. Yes I'm a gun nerd. We all just hung out that evening around the fire and had sandwiches. That night we went to bed at about 10pm. I had my pistol and rifle in the tent with me. My son and I slept on a queen size inflatable mattress. We heard nothing outside of the normal forest sounds that night. The next day we went off for the day exploring and off-roading around the area. I left my tent and gear setup there, as I did many times before. We got back to camp around 4pm Saturday afternoon. It seemed like a few items were scattered around but I couldn't be sure and just thought maybe it was the wind or something. That evening rather than sandwiches again we cooked tacos and made smores. Yeah they were jam up!! We sat around the fire again just talking until about 9ish and then went to our tents. I'd say we were about 30-40 yards from each other. My son wanted to watch a movie on the iPad so we did that for a while until he fell asleep. I remember it was right at 11pm because I got out of the tent to put the iPad in the truck to charge. My phone was also in the truck because there was zero cell coverage there so it was pointless having it in the tent. I went back in the tent, took my pants and shirt off because it's hot as shit here and got settled in for bed. Then it dawned on me I forgot my rifle in the locked case in my 4Runner. I had my 9mm with me so I said screw it as I didn't feel like getting dressed again to go get it. Only real threat we have here would be black bears although I'd never seen one out there so I figured 16 rounds of 9mm would be more than sufficient for anything I might need. I had no way at this point to tell the time but I'm guessing it was about 30 minutes or so later that things got really strange. I was just drifting off to sleep but an eerie sense of complete silence came over me. I mean nothing was making noise, no crickets, birds or anything. Then I heard something coming up from the slight bluff through thickett behind us. It was a moderately wooded area but not real thick. My kid was playing in that same area that afternoon so I was familiar with the area. Whatever was coming up from the woods was stealthy but still made some noise moving through the brush. I could easily tell it was big, at least big in the sense that it wasn't a opossum or raccoon or something like that. My first thought was a bear. My second thought was I didn't have my damn rifle and the truck was locked and at least 30 yards from the tent. I reached for my pistol and slid it out of the holster and layed it across my chest. I thought about getting the truck keys and setting off the panic mode, hoping that would scare off whatever it was. I reached around trying to find where I put my pants to get my keys but I couldn't find them from where I was laying. I was trying not to make any noise so I didn't want to get up. It was at that time that I heard a loud pop, like when you step on a stick and it breaks. The movement at that time completely stopped. It was as if whatever it was knew it made a loud noise and paused walking. At least a minute or two went by without a single sound, then it started walking toward the tent again. As it got closer I could clearly tell that it was walking on 2 legs. It was definitely bipedal, no doubt. I thought this is a person but who hell would be coming out of the woods at midnight and approaching an unknown camp. The sound and weight of the foot steps as it got closer was no way a person. They were so heavy sounding. As it stepped close to the tent you could feel them on the ground. Not shaking the ground per say but damn you could feel the percussion of them. It walked right next to the tent down one side, and I mean right next to it. Wes I've never been scared for my life until this night. My only thought was “please don't let my son wake up”. I knew if he did he would make noise and I was trying to be completely quiet. I had a death grip on my pistol but something told me a 9mm was not nearly enough for whatever was out there. I made up my mind that shooting it was a last ditch resort. I thought my safest option was complete silence. It made its way around the head of the tent and then stepped away a little bit. Like maybe to check out the truck. I immediately heard it come closer to the tent again and start down the other side, walking the opposite way, like toward where it came from. It was then I almost died. It touched the outer roof of the tent as it walked the entire length of the tent. I could only imagine that it drug its finger down the tent as it walked along. It was a pitch black night so I couldn't see anything or even a shadow, but I could see the tent shake and it touched the roof. As it got to the end of that side it paused for a few seconds and then continued out towards the woods. This walk was different though. It was more hurried and seemed to not care about the noise it was making. As it hit the woods you could hear it pick up the pace as it made its way through the brush. I layed there completely still. Maybe after a few minutes or so the forest returned to its normal sounds. The whole thing lasted what seemed like maybe 5 minutes but honestly I really don't know. Other than the footsteps it made little to no sounds other than 2 maybe 3 slight huffs, if you know what I mean. There was a noticeable odor as it was close but nothing putrid as I've heard people report. Wes again I was terrified for my son's safety the most. I swear I layed in that exact position until the sun came up. I don't think I fell asleep at all. I wanted to get up and try to retrieve my rifle from the truck but I was scared that it was still watching. If my kid wouldn't have been there I think I would have reacted differently but also probably foolishly as well. I feel him being there may have actually saved my life. I didn't get out of the tent until I heard my buddy get out of his. I came out and looked around and nothing had been disturbed. I asked him if he heard anything last night. He said he thought he heard someone walking around but figured it was me getting up to pee or something. I looked around the tent to see if I saw prints of any kind but the ground was hard and grassy. I could see where the area around the tent was disturbed but no prints of any kind. I don't know what that thing was but I know it was huge. There is no way anything that wasn't walking upright could reach the roof of the tent. I know without a doubt it was not a person. If it was, he was huge!!!! Again I know I'm leaving out so many details here. Second Sighting This sighting was on November 8th 2020. It was just North of I-10 near the town of Rosedale. This is on the Eastern edge of Atchafalaya Basin and very close to the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area. The area is very rural, with wetland woods and sugarcane fields. I was on my way home from Texas traveling East on LA 76 about 1am. Again the road has no lighting and is very dark, with no traffic at that time of night. My 4Runner has ditch lights installed for off-roading. These are in intensity LED cubes mounted at the base of the windshield angled at 45 degree outward. They are to light up the ditch area out to the side of the truck when off-road. I normally wouldn't run these on the highway but I usually do on this road because it's so dark and there are deer everywhere along this stretch. Where I was the highway is elevate about 3-4′ higher that the surrounding field.I was traveling along a cane field which is separated from the road by a deep ditch, maybe 10′ deep and about 20′ wide, and there is about a 20 yard separation from the edge of the ditch to where the cane is planted. November is right at harvest time so the cane is about 10-12′ tall at this point. I'm going about 45 mph along this cane field and coming up to a point where the cane ends and the woodline starts. I travel this road often so I know where the marker reflectors are but in the distance I see a pair of what I thought were amber reflectors in the field where I know they shouldn't be. Now keep in mind I have way more lighting than the average vehicle so I'm seeing this at probably 100 yards or so. I know this isn't right so I took my foot off of the gas and started slowing down a little bit to check this out. As I get closer I see that these are not reflectors. I very clearly see a huge creature standing at the corner of this cane field holding a dead deer in its arms. I'm completely in shock at what I'm looking at but I immediately know what it was. There was at least an 8′ Sasquatch standing there looking back at me. It was standing against the cane close to where the woods were. It was maybe 2′ shorter than the cane so it was easily 8′ tall. It was holding a whitetail doe in both arms like it was cradling it. The deer's head was twisted the wrong way from where it should have been, obviously its neck had been broken. My thought is it had chased the deer down from the cane or woods and I just happened along at that moment. It was looking at me with the same amazement as I was looking at it. It just had the oh shit I'm caught look. It was completely frozen as I was passing. I would have thought it was a statue except as I passed it took a step with its left foot to watch me pass, rather than turning its neck. I just drove past it until I couldn't see it any longer and then thought to myself, “you idiot why didn't you stop”. Like before I just had this fear come over me. When I snapped but to my senses I knew I had to go back. Maybe another 100 yards past there was a culvert over the ditch that I was able to turn around at. I floored it back to where it was but it was gone. I pulled over another culvert right where it was, shining my lights down the stretch of dirt road between the cane and the woods but didn't see anything. I really thought about driving back there or getting out and looking for tracks but all I had was my 9mm with me. There is almost zero chance that would have offered me any protection from this creature had it chosen to come after me. I sat there for 10 minutes just looking all around hoping for another glimpse. Like I said it was at least 8′ tall with dark brown hair (I'd say cinnamon brown but darker). It was completely covered in hair except for the face around the eyes and cheek area. The skin there is what I'd describe as brown for several shades lighter than the hair, I guess maybe tan. The eyes were huge like the size of coffee cups and the eyes reflected a bright amber color, reflected not shined. The head was smaller in proportion to the shoulder width than it should have been with a slight pointy shape toward the top. It had a flat wide nose but more human shaped than ape shaped. The arms were long looking but hard for me to say how long because they were curled up supporting the deer it was holding. The legs were massive looking with the upper leg length very out of proportion compared to a human. I guess I'm trying to say the knees looked much lower making the upper thigh area look longer. It stood with the knees slightly bent. Okay this will sound crazy but the only thing I have to compare it to would be Patty and Chewbacca. LOL It had the Patty look but the build of Chewbacca. It looked much taller and leaner than Patty. It was at least twice as wide as a large person though. This thing had to weigh 600 plus pounds easily. I was on the elevated roadway in my truck but almost looked eye level with it. Maybe it was taller than 8′. I know I'm leaving out details here. I'd be happy to answer any questions that I could if you have any. I could also get pics of the area and pinpoint them on a map. The sugarcane has already been harvested this year so pics probably wouldn't help much. Why didn't I think to go back and document things better? I was in shock for so long I guess. I still have a hard time processing all of this and especially talking about the first incident. That was the scariest thing I've ever experienced. I hope all of this makes some sense and if you'd like any further detail just let me know. Thanks for your time Wes and thanks for putting out this podcast for us. I never thought listening to your show that I'd be writing this email. Hope you had a great Christmas and have a happy New Year.”