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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.
Join Jeremy Osterberger in this exclusive conversation with Tom Yura, president and CEO of UBE C1 Chemicals America and board chair of GBRIA (Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance). Tom breaks down UBE's $500M investment in South Louisiana, the first U.S. DMC/EMC production facility and the region's emergence as a clean energy and chemical manufacturing hub. Learn how UBE is working with local contractors, schools and organizations like GBRIA to build a skilled workforce, enhance safety through training and robotics and drive sustainable growth across Ascension Parish and beyond. Learn more about UBE and GBRIA's economic development efforts in Louisiana. For more news on the renewable energy industry, manufacturing industry, oil and gas industry and more, visit: bicmagazine.com
A new reading and coloring book about New Orleans' relationship with water will entertain and educate! Katy recently interviewed hrilina ♡, a rising leader among young New Orleanians, who is proud to announce the release of a unique educational coloring book titled “Water Wonderful World.” Published by Trinity City Comics, the book explores the relationship we in South Louisiana have with water, particularly in and around New Orleans. hrilina ♡'s vision for this book was to create an engaging and fun experience for kids (and grownups) that teaches about the role of water in New Orleans—from providing livelihoods to being an essential part of our recreation. The book also faces the challenges of coastal erosion and rising waters. In fact, it was funded through Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action Fund and supported by Mayor Latoya Cantrell's office and the City of New Orleans. “One of my favorite New Orleans Easter eggs in the book is on page six, where everything in the garden bed is a Louisiana export,” says hrilina ♡. “It's Water Wonderful World, and it's about the unique relationship that we New Orleanians have with water. But it's also about how our waters matter to the world, and why people should care about our waters and issues relating to our waters.” “Water Wonderful World” stands out not only for its content but also for its collaborative creation process. The artwork in “Water Wonderful World” was created by three talented teenaged illustrators from New Orleans: Lauren Landers, Zion Mercadel, and London Salvant. Each brings their distinct style to the pages. (They represent local arts programs such as New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), YAYA, and Morris Jeff.) “Water Wonderful World” is now available for download as a PDF from the Trinity City Comics website. Printed copies are also available for sale. Dive into the wonder of water and explore New Orleans through this coloring adventure! Thank you, hrilina ♡, for sharing your talent with Confetti Park in so many ways! (hrilina ♡ is a veteran member of the Confetti Park Players and has long contributed her thoughtful creativity to this radio show and podcast. Here she is sharing a poem called “Teacher's Prayer.”)
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
Great products start with an idea, and a lot of tinkering. Edison and his lightbulb. Jobs and Wozniak in their garage. The image is familiar—a lone inventor, obsessing over details, experimenting, failing, learning, and eventually discovering something great. South Louisiana has a pretty rich tradition of entrepreneurship and invention. Consider the crawfish boat, for instance. And, when you think about it, Cajun and Creole food in general can be likened to hare-brained contraptions. We’re constantly tinkering with ways to improve recipes to make them more efficient, cheaper or more flavorful — all without losing their essence. Gumbo There’s nothing more essential in Cajun cooking than the trinity — onion, bell pepper and celery, known around here as the Trinity, and depending on your bent toward Catholicism or sacrelige, even "The Holy Trinity." Dreux Barrah is Founder and Chief Chopping Officer at C’est Tout Dried Trinity Mix. Dreux’s path to business began in his home garden with an overabundance of bell peppers. He came up with drying vegetables as a way to preserve his surplus and created a dehydrated holy trinity. Through experimentation, Dreux perfected his process, even crafting custom equipment like his flour-toasting "Rouxster." Now, C’est Tout sells not just dehydrated vegetable mixes but also fully dried dish starters for classics like gumbo, jambalaya, and etouffee. Whiskey One thing Cajuns aren’t famous for is whiskey — apart from drinking it, we don’t really make it. That is, until Philip Mestayer came along. Philip is Co-Owner and Head Distiller at Distillerie Acadian, a small-batch distillery based in New Iberia. Philip started as a weekend hobbyist, distilling whiskey with his dad and brother. Their goal was ambitious—create Louisiana’s first bourbon, a spirit more associated with Kentucky Bluegrass than Cajun prairies. What began as a passion evolved into a business, but not without a whole lot of elbow grease. Philip designed and welded much of their initial distilling equipment himself, navigating complicated federal regulations, supply chain issues, and tricky logistics. Today, Distillerie Acadian offers seven unique spirits, from bourbon to handcrafted gin. 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.
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."
Are you overwhelmed by building your business but determined to make it work at whatever cost? Welcome to Tease Talks. This, once-a-month digital media series is focused on providing business-centered bite-sized pieces of content for those in the beauty industry. Working to connect with hair stylists, aestheticians, makeup artists, massage therapists and salon owners from around the world to educate and inspire pushing further in the beauty industry. Tease Talks will cover anything and everything that YOU want to hear or know. Head to @readthetease on socials to tell us who you want to hear from next! Produced by The Tease alongside Volume Up by The Tease.VICTORIA RACCA is the dynamic force behind two thriving businesses based in South Louisiana. As the founder of The Microblading Institute and BrowSister, she's on a mission to empower women—particularly mothers aged 25-45—to reclaim their time and embrace entrepreneurship. The Microblading Institute, a licensed trade school under the board of colleges, has been franchised across 6 locations in the US. BrowSister, Victoria's e-commerce venture, specializes in manufacturing premium numbing products for cosmetic tattooing and is committed to providing access to affordable and quality PMU supplies. Victoria is also your #1 Source for beauty industry breaking news through The GlamLife Podcast, where Victoria shares expertise from your favorite PMU artists.https://www.instagram.com/victoria.glam/https://www.victoriaglam.com/https://www.youtube.com/@victoriaraccahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-racca-784247bb/ More from TheTease:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readthetease/ (readthetease)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyehlers/ / (KellyEhlers)Web: https://www.thetease.com (TheTease.com)Credits: Tease Talks is a Tease Media production. This episode was produced by Monica Hickey and Madeline Hickey. James Arbaje is our editor and audio engineer. Thank you to our creative team for putting together the graphics for this episode.
Guest Donnie Glyenn, the owner/operator of Biking Through the Lake, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana's Playground to discuss seeing Lake Charles from the seat of a bicycle. With Biking Through the Lake, Glyenn takes locals and visitors throughout downtown, showing off our sights, sounds and history through a fun and engaging excursion. Find more information on where to eat, things to do, and events happening this weekend at VisitLakeCharles.org. Stop by The Kitchen for lunch and taste what true home cooking in South Louisiana is all about! Keep up with hosts Brady Renard on Twitter, @RenardSports and Jillian Corder on Facebook, @JillianCorderKPLC.
Michael Soileau and Scott Prather of LFT Fiber: Bringing Community-Owned Connectivity to Lafayette and Beyond This episode of Discover Lafayette features Michael Soileau, Director of LFT Fiber (formerly LUS Fiber), and Scott Prather, Public Relations Manager for the community-owned fiber utility. Together, they share the powerful story of how Lafayette's local investment in fiber optics two decades ago has blossomed into a cutting-edge broadband network that now reaches into rural and underserved communities across South Louisiana. It also underscored Lafayette's long-standing commitment to serving as a leader in our region, state, and nation in providing top-notch services to our citizens. A Full-Circle Moment Michael Soileau, a Mamou native, reflects on how the expansion of LFT Fiber into Evangeline Parish—one of Louisiana's most underserved and impoverished regions—feels personal. Thanks to strategic federal grants secured with the help of former Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet during her time with Acadiana Planning Commission, LFT Fiber is fulfilling its mission to bridge the digital divide in rural communities. Celebrating 20 Years of Fiber Innovation Lafayette was one of the first cities in the country to build its own fiber optic network. What started as a utility communication system quickly evolved into a public broadband network. On June 16, LFT Fiber celebrates the 20th anniversary of the citizens' vote to support this bold initiative. Expanding Across Acadiana Through federal funding programs such as the GUMBO grant, LFT Fiber has expanded into seven parishes: Evangeline, Iberia, Vermilion, St. Landry, Eunice, Jennings, and Acadia, focusing on homes that previously lacked access to true broadband. While they don't yet serve 100% of these areas, the goal remains to connect as many people as possible. Workforce and Community Investment LFT Fiber employs 94 local professionals and partners with Lafayette-based contractors for construction and installation. Community pride runs deep, and their mission extends beyond internet access—they support local nonprofits, events like Festival International, and schools through digital access and sponsorships. Connection Essentials: Making Internet Affordable Recognizing that not every household can afford premium internet, LFT Fiber recently launched Connection Essentials, a $25/month plan offering 60 Mbps service to families receiving federal assistance with a student in the home. The plan includes a modem and is currently being rolled out in Evangeline Parish, with expansion underway in Lafayette and beyond. The "Connection Essentials" plan provides internet speeds 60 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload for $25 per month, with unlimited data usage and no overage fees. Customer premise equipment is included at no additional cost. A one-time installation fee of $49 will be charged at the time of service activation. Everyday Pricing ("EDP") has also been introduced at affordable rates offered at 1 GBPS for $85.00 per month or 500 MBPS for $65.00 per month. "A commitment to fair, consistent pricing with no gimmicks, no surprises, and no limited-time promotions that leave you guessing." Digital Literacy and Safety Providing access is only part of the mission. LFT Fiber is actively partnering with school districts, library systems, and nonprofits to improve digital literacy, helping families understand how to safely and effectively use the internet for telemedicine, education, job searching, and more. Collaboration as a Core Value The recent Connectivity Summit, hosted by LFT Fiber on April 2, 2025, brought together business, nonprofit, healthcare, and education leaders to discuss shared challenges and foster partnerships. These summits help generate the kind of serendipitous, five-minute conversations that spark long-term innovation and community growth. On the Connectivity Summit, Michael Soileau shared,
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
From humble beginnings in South Louisiana, Adam Fontana shares how his background in change management and a variety of other roles led him to excel in growth strategy. Adam opens up about the importance of saying 'yes' to new opportunities, the value of a strong work ethic, and how learning through hands-on experiences has shaped his career.▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬Adam Fontana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamfontana/Jaclyn Crawford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclyndcrawford/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemediaX: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLCYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskill▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:35 Adam's Early Career and Work Ethic01:51 The Power of Saying Yes09:35 Discovering the Importance of Customer Experience17:24 Navigating Change Management23:46 Realizing Change Management as a Skillset30:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Carmen Million, President of the Better Business Bureau of South Louisiana, shares critical insights on protecting ourselves from financial predators targeting our money through sophisticated scams and identity theft tactics.• Grandparent scams are resurging with AI voice cloning technology that makes scammers sound like real family members in distress• The IRS will never call demanding immediate payment or gift cards - they always send official mail correspondence first• Tax identity theft is increasing, with criminals filing fraudulent returns to steal refunds before legitimate taxpayers file• When choosing tax preparation services, avoid those promising unusually large refunds or same-day payments through loans• Vacation scams often feature too-good-to-be-true deals - always verify reservations directly with hotels and cruise lines• Identity thieves can reconstruct documents torn into pieces, making professional cross-shredding essential• The BBB hosts a free document shredding event on April 5th at the Baton Rouge Police Department from 9am-12pm• Anything containing personal information should be properly disposed of, including bank statements, tax documents, and credit card offersTo stay protected, be skeptical of unexpected calls and emails, verify before making payments, choose trusted financial service providers, and stay updated on scams through resources like the BBB Scam Tracker.Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text messageSupport the showWelcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.
New Saints defensive tackle Davon Godchaux joined Steve and Mike. Godchaux celebrated his relationship with legendary DL coach Pete Jenkins. He emphasized the importance of running the football, stopping the run, and winning special teams to being a successful NFL team. Godchaux also discussed his return to South Louisiana after eight years in Miami and New England.
New Saints defensive tackle Davon Godchaux joined Steve and Mike. Godchaux celebrated his relationship with legendary DL coach Pete Jenkins. He emphasized the importance of running the football, stopping the run, and winning special teams to being a successful NFL team. Godchaux also discussed his return to South Louisiana after eight years in Miami and New England.
Send us a textWe are so excited to welcome our amazing sponsor from Ochsner Children's Hospital back for it's 4th Season! Our informative and useful pediatric segment, "EMERGENCY! with Dr. Mutter" covers "could be pediatric emergency scenarios" often times submitted by our listeners. My goal is to help parents out there that may be new to the game or just has a question. That being said, Dr. Lauren Mutter is an Emergency Department Doctor that leads an entire team of passionate and talented players that help our babies every single day! Find more information about Ochsner Children's Hospital by visiting www.ochsnerhealth.org**It is important to remember that our Medical Segments are for Entertainment only. If you have an emergency please seek professional help by calling 911.**Then Later,We welcome a BRAND NEW SEGMENT to the lineup! ERA TOP REALTY with Pam Breaux has took our hand as a 2025 Premium Sponsor this year and we are thrilled to introduce our informatively funny Real Estate Segment called, "Pam's Parish: Stories & Tips from the Wacky World of Real Estate". In this new segment you can expect a fun and friendly breakdown of what it means to not only be a home buyer, but a home seller, home hunter, home lover, and one of my favorites, home history. Parish by Parish in South Louisiana, Pam takes our hand and guides us along, story by story and laugh by laugh. For any question that you may have involving Real Estate please don't hisitate to reach out to Pam Breaux at ERA TOP AGENT REALTY! 'Call: 504-400-9234 or email plbreaux@gmail.comThank you to our family of amazing sponsors! Ochsner Hospital for ChildrenWww.ochsner.orgRouses MarkersWww.rousesmarkets.comSandpiper VacationsWww..sandpipervacations.comCafe Du Monde www.shop.cafedumonde.com The Law Firm of Forrest Cressy & James Www.forrestcressyjames.comComfort Cases Www.comfortcases.orgNew Orleans Ice Cream CompanyWww.neworleansicecream.comERA TOP REALTY: Pamela BreauxAudubon Institute www.auduboninstitute.orgUrban South Brewery www.urbansouthbrewery.com
Shortly after the New Year's Day attack on Bourbon Street, trauma teams at New Orleans hospitals stepped up to save lives at a moment's notice. University Medical Center New Orleans, the only Level 1 trauma center in the area, addressed many of the casualties.Dr. Alison Smith, trauma medical director at UMC , tells us how the city's hospitals prepare for mass casualty emergencies. When children are removed from families and put into foster care, they often have to leave with very few of their personal items, carrying their belongings in nothing more than a trash bag — a dehumanizing and sometimes traumatic experience.Rob Scheer is founder of Comfort Cases, an international organization that supports hundreds of children who enter the foster care system each month in Louisiana. He tells us about the basic needs of children that are often overlooked, and an upcoming event to collect clothes, blankets, hygiene kits and more for kids in need. As the weather warms, many are thinking about what kinds of plants to put in their gardens, but Louisiana weather isn't the friendliest to all kinds of plants. We have to consider what plants are best equipped to survive heat, droughts and even hurricanes.Author Christopher Brown and Tammany Baumgarten, a landscape horticulturist and president of the Louisiana Native Plant Society, tell us more about the best plants for South Louisiana's climate.—Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schrieber. 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!
Send us a textOver 700 children enter the foster care system every single day. Think about that. Most are given a trash bag to carry their belongings... Think about that. Think about how it must feel to ask a stranger for their toothpaste. The overwhelming sad and difficult emotions for each of these babies, toddlers, and teens must feel every day. The youth are in these situations because of adults that have FAILED THEM. It DOES NOT have to be this way! Last year, we welcomed Comfortcases.org to New Orleans to pack cases filled with all of the personal items these kids need as they navigate this journey. 300 cases were packed, filled and sent HERE LOCALLY in South Louisiana! This year, I want to make it a LAW requiring it to be ILLEGAL to put these children's belongings into a trash bag. These babies deserve DIGNITY. So let's make that happen! In the coming days, I will create a CALL TO ACTION and petition for EVERYONE to sign and then, I will send it to my friends at New Orleans City Hall, Baton Rouge and beyond to get this on the table and FUNDED! The founder of Comfortcases.org, Rob Scheer sat down with me to talk about his and their mission to finally say for good- NO MORE TRASH BAGS! Join us as we make it our own mission to give dignity to these youth. Are you a Louisianian? Please join me in signing this petition to ban trash bags given to foster children. Sign here! https://chng.it/2vqDmgJ42JThen later we welcome back my health and wellness buddy, Author, coach, food nutritionist and aging guru, Patricia Greenberg! Patricia has Completed 20 marathons, 115 half marathons & tower climber at 60. Passionate about lifelong learning & giving back through book clubs & charity knitting. Patricia Greenberg's groundbreaking new book, “It's OK to Be Old”! This insightful guide offers a refreshing and empowering perspective on aging that challenges societal stereotypes and celebrates the wisdom and opportunities that come with growing older. Through engaging stories, thought-provoking questions, and practical exercises, Patricia Greenberg guides readers on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Whether you're approaching your later years or simply want to develop a more positive attitude towards aging, this book is an invaluable resource.I personally love to chat with Patricia because she is FULL of healthy and helpful ideas about not only living healthier but aging gracefully. Learn more at www.patriciagreenberg.comThank you to our family of amazing sponsors! Ochsner Hospital for ChildrenWww.ochsner.orgRouses MarkersWww.rousesmarkets.comSandpiper VacationsWww..sandpipervacations.comCafe Du Monde www.shop.cafedumonde.com The Law Firm of Forrest Cressy & James Www.forrestcressyjames.comComfort Cases Www.comfortcases.orgNew Orleans Ice Cream CompanyWww.neworleansicecream.comERA TOP REALTY: Pamela BreauxAudubon Institute www.auduboninstitute.orgUrban South Brewery www.urbansouthbrewery.com
Are you overwhelmed by building your business but determined to make it work at whatever cost? Welcome to Tease Talks. This, once-a-month digital media series is focused on providing business-centered bite-sized pieces of content for those in the beauty industry. Working to connect with hair stylists, aestheticians, makeup artists, massage therapists and salon owners from around the world to educate and inspire pushing further in the beauty industry. Tease Talks will cover anything and everything that YOU want to hear or know. Head to @readthetease on socials to tell us who you want to hear from next! Produced by The Tease alongside Volume Up by The Tease.VICTORIA RACCA is the dynamic force behind two thriving businesses based in South Louisiana. As the founder of The Microblading Institute and BrowSister, she's on a mission to empower women—particularly mothers aged 25-45—to reclaim their time and embrace entrepreneurship. The Microblading Institute, a licensed trade school under the board of colleges, has been franchised across 6 locations in the US. BrowSister, Victoria's e-commerce venture, specializes in manufacturing premium numbing products for cosmetic tattooing and is committed to providing access to affordable and quality PMU supplies. Victoria is also your #1 Source for beauty industry breaking news through The GlamLife Podcast, where Victoria shares expertise from your favorite PMU artists.https://www.instagram.com/victoria.glam/https://www.victoriaglam.com/https://www.youtube.com/@victoriaraccahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-racca-784247bb/ More from TheTease:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readthetease/ (readthetease)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyehlers/ / (KellyEhlers)Web: https://www.thetease.com (TheTease.com)Credits: Tease Talks is a Tease Media production. This episode was produced by Monica Hickey and Madeline Hickey. James Arbaje is our editor and audio engineer. Thank you to our creative team for putting together the graphics for this episode.
In a world that constantly shifts beneath our feet, feeling lost or uncertain is more common than ever. The key isn't avoiding challenges but learning how to navigate them with confidence and adaptability. Self-reliance isn't just about survival—it's about cultivating awareness, thinking ahead, and trusting in your own ability to handle whatever comes next. When young women develop resilience and strategic thinking, they don't just react to life's uncertainties—they shape their own path forward.Amber Elle is a mother of three and a passionate educator on the lifestyle of self-reliance and autonomy. With a background in nursing, Amber now dedicates her time to empowering families, particularly women, with practical skills ranging from self-defense to homesteading. Today, Amber shares her personal experiences of growing up in South Louisiana, where natural disasters and community resilience shaped her perspective on preparedness. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!Quotes: “We have to be open to seeing and hearing the arrows that lead us to those next places and have faith that it all builds. It's all building for a purpose, a purpose greater than us, one that we may never even know here on this earth.” – Amber Elle“Instead of speaking about the dangerous thing you're preventing, it's more effective to address the uncomfortable fear that may be present for them, something they can relate to.” – Amber Elle“Nature is a constant reminder that change isn't necessarily scary, it's necessary. Whatever is waiting on the other side of that change is often the next right thing and the better path. If we relate ourselves to nature, we are capable of recovering and redeeming.” – Amber ElleTakeaways: Cultivate situational awareness by taking time to observe your surroundings and notice what feels "off" or out of the ordinary. This can help you identify potential risks and respond proactively. Establish a family emergency communication plan, including code words and designated meeting spots, to ensure everyone knows how to respond in a crisis situation. Prepare a "go bag" with essential supplies like change of clothes, hygiene items, and non-perishable food to have on hand in case of an unexpected evacuation. Explore ways to build self-reliance and autonomy, such as learning practical skills like gardening, first aid, or self-defense. This can empower you to be less dependent on external resources. Spend time in nature to draw inspiration from its resilience and cycles of growth. Reflect on how these natural processes can inform your own personal development and ability to adapt to change.Conclusion:Preparedness and adaptability are essential for facing uncertainty with confidence. Practical skills, thoughtful planning, and a deep connection to the natural world provide a strong foundation for resilience. These efforts not only foster self-reliance but also strengthen a person's ability to support others in times of need. True leadership begins with the ability to stay grounded and resourceful, no matter the circumstances.
Shared Tables was inspired by the region's unique and rich culture of South Louisiana, where life revolves around food, music, and togetherness. Their mission is to bring the flavors, traditions, and hospitality of South Louisiana to tables everywhere. They are not just selling Cajun meal kits - they are sharing a culture of joy, warmth, and togetherness. Website: www.sharedtablesbox.com— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Optimize Generator People, Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana
We're live with Amy Ponson, CEO of Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, David Dawson Jr., Catholic husband and father joins us and Kevin Wells, talk about the upcoming event at St. Agnes in Baton Rouge called From Darkness Into Light – Restoring Hope in Marriage.
Mike, Steve, and Hoss hosted Sports Talk live from the Morial Convention Center. The guys spoke to KLFY reporter and food influencer Gerald Gruenig and former two-time Super Bowl-winning cornerback Malcolm Butler. Gruenig celebrated the different food cultures in South Louisiana. Butler remembered his legendary goal-line interception in Super Bowl XLIX and the Patriots' legendary 28-3 comeback in Super Bowl LI. Steve and Jeff interviewed Saints DT Bryan Bresee on Radio Row. Hoss praised Bresee's development in his second year with the Saints and remembered New Orleans' matchups against Philadelphia and Kansas City. Hoss also explained that the Eagles have a roster built to beat the Chiefs. Mike and Steve interviewed Mike Silver, a sportswriter for The Athletic. Silver shared his thoughts on Eagles OC Kellen Moore, the lead candidate for the Saints' head coaching vacancy, Derek Carr's future in New Orleans, and the Super Bowl LIX matchup between Philadelphia and Kansas City. Chris Dodson, an NBA reporter for ClutchPoints, joined Mike and Steve to discuss the NBA's trade deadline. Steve and Mike previewed the Saints' off-season quarterback decision. The guys also listened to Brian Kelly's press conference about Greg Brooks Jr. and the Tigers' transfer portal class. Wilson Alexander, an LSU reporter for The Advocate, joined Steve and Mike to recap the Tigers' off-season work in the transfer portal.
Gerald Gruenig, a KLFY reporter and food influencer, joined Mike, Steve, and Hoss to celebrate the different food cultures in South Louisiana. He also previewed Super Bowl LIX with the guys and explained why he's rooting for the Chiefs to complete the historic "three-peat."
Mike, Steve, and Hoss hosted Sports Talk live from the Morial Convention Center. The guys spoke to KLFY reporter and food influencer Gerald Gruenig and former two-time Super Bowl-winning cornerback Malcolm Butler. Gruenig celebrated the different food cultures in South Louisiana. Butler remembered his legendary goal-line interception in Super Bowl XLIX and the Patriots' legendary 28-3 comeback in Super Bowl LI.
Folks are familiar with New Orleans' home-grown Creole and Cajun cuisines. But the Crescent City is also the place to taste delicious flavors from many cultures. This week, we pay tribute to a trio of chefs bringing Latin American fare to local tables. First, we talk to Ana Castro. Down in New Orleans' Bywater neighborhood, this much-lauded young chef is drawing crowds to her modern Mexican restaurant Acamaya. Also in Bywater, Chef Melissa Araujo's Alma Café offers a menu of Honduran specialties and, now, a second location in Mid-City. Finally, we hear from Carlos Sanchez, owner of Tournesol Café and Bakery, who spends his days in downtown Covington creating the delicious breads and pastries of his native El Salvador. For more of all things Louisiana Eats, be sure to visit us at PoppyTooker.com.
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
Enjoy this unique conversation with Christian Etienne, a seasoned expert in the real estate and reverse mortgage world. Recognized as an industry expert, Christian and his teams have managed and liquidated more than 80,000 real estate assets nationwide for a variety of GSEs, large banking institutions, and private equity portfolios.From his early days in South Louisiana to his current life in the Houston suburbs, Christian's career trajectory - from title insurance to mastering the nuances of reverse mortgages - offers a rare glimpse into the challenges and responsibilities in this niche industry. We examine the changing landscape of the mortgage and real estate markets post-Global Financial Crisis and the pressures it faces today. Rising taxes, insurance costs, and the specter of mortgage defaults in hurricane-prone areas signal potential mortgage defaults, while the commercial real estate sector grapples with its own set of challenges amidst new retail developments and the persistent issue of vacant office spaces, all compounded by rising interest rates. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for investors and asset managers, highlighting the strategic decisions necessary amidst these market fluctuations and the anticipation of future adjustments. Connect further with Christian Etienne at LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdetienne/.Unlock elite low risk investment opportunities tailored to your priorities. Let our expert team maximize your returns while you focus on what matters most. Join our family of successful investors creating a lasting legacy of financial wealth and community impact together. Start or elevate your portfolio today. Email bill@firstliencapital.com or go to https://www.firstliencapital.com to invest with us.Stay connected with Bill Bymel and First Lien Capital:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/billbymelTo learn more, visit:https://billbymel.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/bill-bymel/
Tommy spoke to Scott Adams, the Chief of Staff for the Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, Mike Cooper, the President of St. Tammany Parish, and Fran Phoenix, a communications strategist with Cleco, about the latest on the winter storm that hit South Louisiana. Adams advised residents of South Louisiana to stay home and off the roads in the aftermath of the winter storm. Cooper shared updates on how his parish handled the winter storm and he previewed what citizens can expect next. Phoenix discussed the winter storm's minimal impact on Cleco customers.
Jason Willis, the Vice President of Power and Delivery for Entergy Louisiana & Entergy New Orleans, joined Tommy and Newell. Willis discussed Entergy's navigation of the historic winter storm in South Louisiana.
Ray Smith of "Pipes R Us Plumbing, joined Tommy and Newell. Smith shared advice to citizens of South Louisiana worried about their pipes after Tuesday's historic winter storm.
Tommy spoke to Scott Adams, the Chief of Staff for the Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, Mike Cooper, the President of St. Tammany Parish, Fran Phoenix, a communications strategist with Cleco, Todd Fontenot, an LSU AgCenter area agent for crawfish production, and Robby Miller, the president of Tangipahoa Parish about the latest on the winter storm that hit South Louisiana. Tommy and Newell interviewed Jason Willis, the Vice President of Power and Delivery for Entergy Louisiana & Entergy New Orleans, Michael Hecht, the President & CEO of GNO Inc., Ray Smith of "Pipes R Us Plumbing, Mike Strain, the Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, Nic Hunter, the Mayor of Lake Charles, and Barry Keim, an LSU climatologist.
Scott Adams, the Chief of Staff for the Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, joined Tommy. Adams advised residents of South Louisiana to stay home and off the roads in the aftermath of the winter storm.
Collin Arnold, the director of homeland security & emergency preparedness for New Orleans, joined Tommy. Arnold discussed the latest from the winter storm in South Louisiana, explaining what people can expect on Tuesday.
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.”
Roland Cortez talks about being born and raised duck hunting in South Louisiana's marshes, his earliest influences and introductions, how and why he's been guiding duck hunts for a very long time, and even why coots--yes coots--are among his favorite game birds as tablefare. We talk about then versus now, raising young hunters, prevalent species hunted, favored hunting techniques, hopes for the season remainder and future, and much more. Ramsey even adds "attend coot round up with Roland Cortez" to his bucket list! Visit MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Sponsors: MOJO Outdoors Benelli Shotguns BOSS Shotshells Bow and Arrow Outdoors Ducks Unlimited Flash Back Decoys HuntProof Premium Waterfowl App Inukshuk Professional Dog Food onX Maps Tetra Hearing Tom Beckbe Voormi GetDucks.com USHuntList.com Please subscribe, rate and review Mojo's Duck Season Somewhere podcast. Share your favorite episodes with friends! Business inquiries and comments contact Ramsey Russell ramsey@getducks.com
The Lemon Tree Mound is a sacred place for the Atakapa/Ishak-Chawasha tribe. And it's disappearing under the rising waters of the Gulf of Mexico. In this episode, we travel out into the bayous of South Louisiana to understand what this one small sacred place means for the Land Back Movement and climate justice, and why efforts to save our coast matter, even if they really mean only buying time.Click here to read more about the return of the sacred land to the tribe, and here to learn more about the efforts to save it.---This episode was hosted and reported by Eva Tesfaye, Drew Hawkins, and Danny McArthur. Carlyle Calhoun is the managing producer. Our sound designer is Emily Jankowski and our theme music is by Jon Batiste.Sea Change is a WWNO and WRKF production. We're a part of the NPR Podcast Network and distributed by PRX. Sea Change is made possible with major support from the Gulf Research Program of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. WWNO's Coastal Desk is supported by the Walton Family Foundation, the Meraux Foundation and the Greater New Orleans Foundation.
The Tigs Bits crew chat with Gabby Comeaux Wilson, a Cajun cook from South Louisiana, about her cooking, popular Facebook page What You Cookin' Good Lookin', and upcoming events. Visit tigsbits.com for the latest!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
About the Guest:Dany Martin, a South Louisiana native now based in Shreveport, is passionate about empowering others through sound financial planning and positive leadership. With a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Northwestern State University and an MBA from Louisiana Tech, Dany has built a career focused on exceeding client expectations and delivering proactive wealth management solutions.Before joining WFA in 2015, he spent 8.5 years at Capital One Bank, advancing from teller to Financial Advisor, where he served over 10 branches in the Shreveport area.Outside of work, Dany and his wife, Lindsi, have been "adopted parents" to five boys since 2016 and are proud grandparents of four. He enjoys golfing, traveling, music, and spending time with family, friends, and their three dogs. Dany finds fulfillment in helping others, often in unexpected ways, and is dedicated to inspiring financial health and positivity in all aspects of life.About the Episode:In this episode of Growth Ready, host Steve Mellor dives deep into a conversation with Danny Martin about the importance of cultivating a growth mindset and the key factors that influence personal and professional development. Danny reflects on his upbringing, the power of surrounding yourself with knowledgeable individuals, and how generosity can create opportunities for growth.The discussion highlights the value of accountability, the courage to challenge your beliefs, and the impact of building a strong support system. Danny shares actionable insights on fostering gratitude, the necessity of adaptability in the face of change, and how daily habits shape your responses to life's challenges.Listeners will gain practical strategies for creating meaningful relationships, leaving a lasting legacy, and embracing a positive, forward-thinking mindset.Key Takeaways:A growth-ready mindset requires intentional habits and structure.Actively seeking opportunities fuels personal development.Surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people fosters growth.Experience enhances the ability to understand and guide others.Building trusted relationships requires time and effort.Generosity often leads to unexpected rewards.Challenging ingrained beliefs fosters personal growth.Identifying your support system is vital for success.Accountability strengthens personal and professional relationships.Having a "starting five" of supportive individuals sharpens focus.Being supportive of others can inspire them to pursue their dreams.Gratitude practices, like thank-you notes, boost personal fulfillment.Adapting to change helps ease life's transitions.Daily habits shape how we respond to challenges and change.Living with intention creates a meaningful legacy.Consistent small actions can drive significant transformation over time.Supporting others fosters a positive ripple effect in your community.Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our communityAlso be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor
The Lemon Tree Mound is a sacred place for the Atakapa/Ishak-Chawasha tribe. And it's disappearing under the rising waters of the Gulf of Mexico. In this episode, we travel out into the bayous of South Louisiana to understand what this one small sacred place means for the Land Back Movement and climate justice, and why efforts to save our coast matter, even if they really mean only buying time. Click here to read more about the return of the sacred land to the tribe, and here to learn more about the efforts to save it.This episode was hosted and reported by Eva Tesfaye, Drew Hawkins, and Danny McArthur. Carlyle Calhoun is the managing producer. Our sound designer is Emily Jankowski and our theme music is by Jon Batiste.Sea Change is a WWNO and WRKF production. We're a part of the NPR Podcast Network and distributed by PRX. Sea Change is made possible with major support from the Gulf Research Program of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. WWNO's Coastal Desk is supported by the Walton Family Foundation, the Meraux Foundation and the Greater New Orleans Foundation. 10:54Eva TesfayeAnd here's mine https://www.wwno.org/coastal-desk/2024-10-02/less-land-more-water-grand-bayou-indian-village-builds-oyster-reef-for-protection
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, Denella Ri'chard. She is a well-known traveler, travel expert, and industry leader and hosts the award-winning travel show, Traveling with Denella. She has held senior positions at major travel companies, including Hilton Worldwide, Carnival Corporation, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Originally from South Louisiana, she describes herself as a travel enthusiast, artist, wildlife and wine lover. She aims to inspire people to travel, experience different cultures, and embrace our shared humanity. Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Master Class Denella Richard. Talking Points/Questions *1. Tell me about your show “Traveling with Denella.” 2. How did you go from Cruise Industry Executive to Executive Producer and Host of the award-winning television series Traveling With Denella? 2. You also attended an HBCU: Southern University. Tell me what role Southern University played in laying the foundation for your current situation. 3. What are some of your favorite places you filmed and traveled to? 4. I heard you once say, you were in the travel industry before travel was cool for "Black People" and long before it was "trending". What do you mean by that? 5. You are also an entrepreneur of your own television production company, Soar Entertainment & Media. You, self-produce your own shows. Any words of advice for anyone who is considering going into entrepreneurship? 6. You have lived in Africa and Europe? Was travel always in your DNA? And what brought you to Africa and Europe? 7. You have a quote, you posted on Instagram and TikTok: "Look back on your life and say "Thank God" I had the courage to GO!!!! Expound on that.... 8. When people watch "Traveling With Denella Ri'chard" what do you hope they take away? 9. I hear you have two books coming out this holiday season? Tell me more about this. 10. I've noticed you never use the word "bucket list" to describe places you dream of going. You use this word "living list"...Expound on that... 11. Where can people watch and follow: Traveling With Denella Ri'chard? #STRAW #AMI #BEST #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, Denella Ri'chard. She is a well-known traveler, travel expert, and industry leader and hosts the award-winning travel show, Traveling with Denella. She has held senior positions at major travel companies, including Hilton Worldwide, Carnival Corporation, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Originally from South Louisiana, she describes herself as a travel enthusiast, artist, wildlife and wine lover. She aims to inspire people to travel, experience different cultures, and embrace our shared humanity. Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Master Class Denella Richard. Talking Points/Questions *1. Tell me about your show “Traveling with Denella.” 2. How did you go from Cruise Industry Executive to Executive Producer and Host of the award-winning television series Traveling With Denella? 2. You also attended an HBCU: Southern University. Tell me what role Southern University played in laying the foundation for your current situation. 3. What are some of your favorite places you filmed and traveled to? 4. I heard you once say, you were in the travel industry before travel was cool for "Black People" and long before it was "trending". What do you mean by that? 5. You are also an entrepreneur of your own television production company, Soar Entertainment & Media. You, self-produce your own shows. Any words of advice for anyone who is considering going into entrepreneurship? 6. You have lived in Africa and Europe? Was travel always in your DNA? And what brought you to Africa and Europe? 7. You have a quote, you posted on Instagram and TikTok: "Look back on your life and say "Thank God" I had the courage to GO!!!! Expound on that.... 8. When people watch "Traveling With Denella Ri'chard" what do you hope they take away? 9. I hear you have two books coming out this holiday season? Tell me more about this. 10. I've noticed you never use the word "bucket list" to describe places you dream of going. You use this word "living list"...Expound on that... 11. Where can people watch and follow: Traveling With Denella Ri'chard? #AMI #BEST #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, Denella Ri'chard. She is a well-known traveler, travel expert, and industry leader and hosts the award-winning travel show, Traveling with Denella. She has held senior positions at major travel companies, including Hilton Worldwide, Carnival Corporation, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Originally from South Louisiana, she describes herself as a travel enthusiast, artist, wildlife and wine lover. She aims to inspire people to travel, experience different cultures, and embrace our shared humanity. Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Master Class Denella Richard. Talking Points/Questions *1. Tell me about your show “Traveling with Denella.” 2. How did you go from Cruise Industry Executive to Executive Producer and Host of the award-winning television series Traveling With Denella? 2. You also attended an HBCU: Southern University. Tell me what role Southern University played in laying the foundation for your current situation. 3. What are some of your favorite places you filmed and traveled to? 4. I heard you once say, you were in the travel industry before travel was cool for "Black People" and long before it was "trending". What do you mean by that? 5. You are also an entrepreneur of your own television production company, Soar Entertainment & Media. You, self-produce your own shows. Any words of advice for anyone who is considering going into entrepreneurship? 6. You have lived in Africa and Europe? Was travel always in your DNA? And what brought you to Africa and Europe? 7. You have a quote, you posted on Instagram and TikTok: "Look back on your life and say "Thank God" I had the courage to GO!!!! Expound on that.... 8. When people watch "Traveling With Denella Ri'chard" what do you hope they take away? 9. I hear you have two books coming out this holiday season? Tell me more about this. 10. I've noticed you never use the word "bucket list" to describe places you dream of going. You use this word "living list"...Expound on that... 11. Where can people watch and follow: Traveling With Denella Ri'chard? #AMI #BEST #SHMSSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.