Podcasts about southern louisiana

With a unique history reaching back centuries, Louisiana is a state that lends itself to storytelling. On this week's show, we're joined by two historians to get the true stories behind some common myths and misconceptions. And sandwiched between them, we speak with two authors of historical fiction whose books make our state's past come alive. We begin with journalist and food historian Lolis Eric Elie, who talks about the true origins of New Orleans' Creole food, and the often-overlooked African contributions. Next, we speak with Elisa Speranza, author of "The Italian Prisoner." Elisa was inspired to write her debut novel after hearing stories of Italian POWs housed in New Orleans during World War II. After Italy switched sides in 1943, these former enemies became part of the American war effort and the city's makeup. Then, legendary Louisiana storyteller Glen Pitre joins us. He reveals the role that food plays in his historical novel, "Advice for the Wicked,” which takes place in Southern Louisiana at the turn of the 20th century. Finally, we hear the surprising true story behind New Orleans' classic confection, the praline, from culinary historian Rien Fertel. For more of all things Louisiana Eats, be sure to visit us at PoppyTooker.com.

With a unique history reaching back centuries, Louisiana is a state that lends itself to storytelling. On this week's show, we're joined by two historians to get the true stories behind some common myths and misconceptions. And sandwiched between them, we speak with two authors of historical fiction whose books make our state's past come alive. We begin with journalist and food historian Lolis Eric Elie, who talks about the true origins of New Orleans' Creole food, and the often-overlooked African contributions. Next, we speak with Elisa Speranza, author of "The Italian Prisoner." Elisa was inspired to write her debut novel after hearing stories of Italian POWs housed in New Orleans during World War II. After Italy switched sides in 1943, these former enemies became part of the American war effort and the city's makeup. Then, legendary Louisiana storyteller Glen Pitre joins us. He reveals the role that food plays in his historical novel, "Advice for the Wicked,” which takes place in Southern Louisiana at the turn of the 20th century. Finally, we hear the surprising true story behind New Orleans' classic confection, the praline, from culinary historian Rien Fertel. For more of all things Louisiana Eats, be sure to visit us at PoppyTooker.com.

In late February in DC, I attended the US premiere of the Bertelsmann Foundation of North America produced documentary “Lithium Rising”, a movie about the extraction of essential rare minerals like lithium, nickel and cobalt. Afterwards, I moderated a panel featuring the movie's director Samuel George, the Biden US Department of Energy Director Giulia Siccardo and Environmental Lawyer JingJing Zhang (the "Erin Brockovich of China"). In post Liberation Day America, of course, the issues addressed in both “Lithium Rising” and our panel discussion - particularly US-Chinese economic rivalry over these essential rare minerals - are even more relevant. Tariffs or not, George's important new movie uncovers the essential economic and moral rules of today's rechargeable battery age. FIVE TAKEAWAYS* China dominates the critical minerals supply chain, particularly in refining lithium, cobalt, and nickel - creating a significant vulnerability for the United States and Western countries who rely on these minerals for everything from consumer electronics to military equipment.* Resource extraction creates complex moral dilemmas in communities like those in Nevada, Bolivia, Congo, and Chile, where mining offers economic opportunities but also threatens environment and sacred lands, often dividing local populations.* History appears to be repeating itself with China's approach in Africa mirroring aspects of 19th century European colonialism, building infrastructure that primarily serves to extract resources while local communities remain impoverished.* Battery recycling offers a potential "silver lining" but faces two major challenges: making the process cost-effective compared to new mining, and accumulating enough recycled materials to create a closed-loop system, which could take decades.* The geopolitical competition for these minerals is intensifying, with tariffs and trade wars affecting global supply chains and the livelihoods of workers throughout the system, from miners to manufacturers. FULL TRANSCRIPTAndrew Keen: Hello, everybody. Last year, we did a show on a new book. It was a new book back then called Cobalt Red about the role of cobalt, the mineral in the Congo. We also did a show. The author of the Cobalt Red book is Siddharth Kara, and it won a number of awards. It's the finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. We also did a show with Ernest Scheyder, who authored a book, The War Below, Lithium, Copper, and the Global Battle to Power Our Lives. Lithium and cobalt are indeed becoming the critical minerals of our networked age. We've done two books on it, and a couple of months ago, I went to the premiere, a wonderful new film, a nonfiction documentary by my guest Samuel George. He has a new movie out called Lithium Rising and I moderated a panel in Washington DC and I'm thrilled that Samuel George is joining us now. He works with the Bertelsmann Foundation of North America and it's a Bertelsman funded enterprise. Sam, congratulations on the movie. It's quite an achievement. I know you traveled all over the world. You went to Europe, Latin America, a lot of remarkable footage also from Africa. How would you compare the business of writing a book like Cobalt read or the war below about lithium and cobalt and the challenges and opportunities of doing a movie like lithium rising what are the particular challenges for a movie director like yourself.Samuel George: Yeah, Andrew. Well, first of all, I just want to thank you for having me on the program. I appreciate that. And you're right. It is a very different skill set that's required. It's a different set of challenges and also a different set of opportunities. I mean, the beauty of writing, which is something I get a chance to do as well. And I should say we actually do have a long paper coming out of this process that I wrote that will probably be coming out in the next couple months. But the beauty of writing is you need to kind of understand your topic, and if you can really understand your topics, you have the opportunity to explain it. When it comes to filming, if the camera doesn't have it, you don't have it. You might have a sense of something, people might explain things to you in a certain way, but if you don't have it on your camera in a way that's digestible and easy for audience to grasp, it doesn't matter whether you personally understand it or not. So the challenge is really, okay, maybe you understand the issue, but how do you show it? How do you bring your audience to that front line? Because that's the opportunity that you have that you don't necessarily have when you write. And that's to take an audience literally to these remote locations that they've never been and plant their feet right in the ground, whether that be the Atacama in Northern Chile, whether that'd be the red earth of Colwaisy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. And that's the beauty of it, but it takes more of making sure you get something not just whether you understand it is almost irrelevant. I mean I guess you do need to understand it but you need to be able to draw it out of a place. It's easier when you're writing to get to some of these difficult places because you don't have to bring 900 pounds of equipment and you can kind of move easier and you're much more discreet. You can get places much easier as you can imagine, where with this, you're carrying all this equipment down. You're obvious from miles away. So you really have to build relationships and get people to get comfortable with you and be willing to speak out. So it's different arts, but it's also different rewards. And the beauty of being able to combine analysis with these visuals is really the draw of what makes documentary so magic because you're really kind of hitting different senses at the same time, visual, audio, and combining it to hopefully make some sort of bigger story.Andrew Keen: Well, speaking, Sam, of audio and visuals, we've got a one minute clip or introduction to the movie. People just listening on this podcast won't get to see your excellent film work, but everybody else will. So let's just have a minute to see what lithium rising is all about. We'll be back in a minute.[Clip plays]Andrew Keen: Here's a saying that says that the natural resources are today's bread and tomorrow's hunger. Great stuff, Sam. That last quote was in Spanish. Maybe you want to translate that to English, because I think, in a sense, it summarizes what lithium rising is about.Samuel George: Right. Well, that's this idea that natural resources in a lot of these places, I mean, you have to take a step back that a lot of these resources, you mentioned the lithium, the cobalt, you can throw nickel into that conversation. And then some of the more traditional ones like copper and silver, a lot are in poor countries. And for centuries, the opportunity to access this has been like a mirage, dangled in front of many of these poor countries as an opportunity to become more wealthy. Yet what we continue to see is the wealth, the mineral wealth of these countries is sustaining growth around the world while places like Potosí and Bolivia remain remarkably poor. So the question on their minds is, is this time gonna be any different? We know that Bolivia has perhaps the largest lithium deposits in the world. They're struggling to get to it because they're fighting amongst each other politically about what's the best way to do it, and is there any way to it that, hey, for once, maybe some of this resource wealth can stay here so that we don't end up, as the quote said, starving. So that's where their perspective is. And then on the other side, you have the great powers of the world who are engaged in a massive competition for access to these minerals.Andrew Keen: And let's be specific, Sam, we're not talking about 19th century Europe and great powers where there were four or five, they're really only two great powers when it comes to these resources, aren't they?Samuel George: I mean, I think that's fair to say. I think some people might like to lump in Western Europe and the EU with the United States to the extent that we used to traditionally conceive of them as being on the same team. But certainly, yes, this is a competition between the United States and China. And it's one that, frankly, China is winning and winning handily. And we can debate what that means, but it's true. I showed this film in London. And a student, who I believe was Chinese, commented, is it really fair to even call this a race? Because it seems to be over.Andrew Keen: Yeah, it's over. You showed it at King's College in London. I heard it was an excellent event.Samuel George: Yeah, it really was. But the point here is, to the extent that it's a competition between the United States and China, which it is, China is winning. And that's of grave concern to Washington. So there's the sense that the United States needs to catch up and need to catch up quickly. So that's the perspective that these two great powers are going at it from. Whereas if you're the Democratic Republic of Congo, if you are Bolivia, if your Chile, you're saying, what can we do to try to make the most of this opportunity and not just get steamrolled?Andrew Keen: Right. And you talk about a grave concern. Of course, there is grave concern both in Washington, D.C. and Beijing in terms of who's winning this race for these natural resources that are driving our networked age, our battery powered age. Some people might think the race has ended. Some people may even argue that it hasn't even really begun. But of course, one of the biggest issues, and particularly when it comes to the Chinese, is this neocolonial element. This was certainly brought out in Cobalt Red, which is quite a controversial book about the way in which China has essentially colonized the Congo by mining Cobalt in Congo, using local labor and then shipping out these valuable resources back to China. And of course, it's part of a broader project in Africa of the Chinese, which for some critics actually not that different from European 19th century colonialism. That's why we entitled our show with Siddharth Kara, The New Heart of Darkness. Of course, the original Heart of darkness was Joseph Conrad's great novel that got turned into Apocalypse Now. Is history repeating itself, Sam, when it comes to these natural resources in terms of the 19th-century history of colonialism, particularly in Africa?Samuel George: Yeah, I mean, I think it's so one thing that's fair to say is you hear a lot of complaining from the West that says, well, look, standards are not being respected, labor is being taken advantage of, environment is not being taken care of, and this is unfair. And this is true, but your point is equally true that this should not be a foreign concept to the West because it's something that previously the West was clearly engaged in. And so yes, there is echoes of history repeating itself. I don't think there's any other way to look at it. I think it's a complicated dynamic because sometimes people say, well, why is the West not? Why is it not the United States that's in the DRC and getting the cobalt? And I think that's because it's been tough for the United states to find its footing. What China has done is increasingly, and then we did another documentary about this. It's online. It's called Tinder Box Belt and Road, China and the Balkans. And what we increasingly see is in these non-democracies or faulty democracies that has something that China's interested in. China's willing to show up and basically put a lot of money on the table and not ask a whole lot of questions. And if the West, doesn't wanna play that game, whatever they're offering isn't necessarily as attractive. And that's a complication that we see again and again around the world and one, the United States and Europe and the World Bank and Western institutions that often require a lot of background study and open tenders for contracts and democracy caveats and transparency. China's not asking for any of that, as David Dollar, a scholar, said in the prior film, if the World Bank says they're going to build you a road, it's going to be a 10-year process, and we'll see what happens. If China says they'll build you a road a year later, you'll have a road.Andrew Keen: But then the question sound becomes, who owns the road?Samuel George: So let's take the Democratic Republic of the Congo, another great option. China has been building a lot of roads there, and this is obviously beneficial to a country that has very limited infrastructure. It's not just to say everything that China is doing is bad. China is a very large and economically powerful country. It should be contributing to global infrastructure. If it has the ability to finance that, wonderful. We all know Africa, certain African countries can really benefit from improved infrastructure. But where do those roads go? Well, those roads just happen to conveniently connect to these key mineral deposits where China overwhelmingly owns the interest and the minerals.Andrew Keen: That's a bit of a coincidence, isn't it?Samuel George: Well, exactly. And I mean, that's the way it's going. So that's what they'll come to the table. They'll put money on the table, they'll say, we'll get you a road. And, you know, what a coincidence that roads going right by the cobalt mine run by China. That's debatable. If you're from the African perspective, you could say, look, we got a road, and we needed that road. And it could also be that there's a lot of money disappearing in other places. But, you know that that's a different question.Andrew Keen: One of the things I liked about Lithium Rising, the race for critical minerals, your new documentary, is it doesn't pull its punches. Certainly not when it comes to the Chinese. You have some remarkable footage from Africa, but also it doesn't pull its punches in Latin America, or indeed in the United States itself, where cobalt has been discovered and it's the indigenous peoples of some of the regions where cobalt, sorry, where lithium has been discovered, where the African versus Chinese scenario is being played out. So whether it's Bolivia or the western parts of the United States or Congo, the script is pretty similar, isn't it?Samuel George: Yeah, you certainly see themes in the film echoed repeatedly. You mentioned what was the Thacker Pass lithium mine that's being built in northern Nevada. So people say, look, we need lithium. The United States needs lithium. Here's the interesting thing about critical minerals. These are not rare earth minerals. They're actually not that rare. They're in a lot of places and it turns out there's a massive lithium deposit in Nevada. Unfortunately, it's right next to a Native American reservation. This is an area that this tribe has been kind of herded onto after years, centuries of oppression. But the way the documentary tries to investigate it, it is not a clear-cut story of good guy and bad guy, rather it's a very complicated situation, and in that specific case what you have is a tribe that's divided, because there's some people that say, look, this is our land, this is a sacred site, and this is going to be pollution, but then you have a whole other section of the tribe that says we are very poor and this is an opportunity for jobs such that we won't have to leave our area, that we can stay here and work. And these kind of entangled complications we see repeated over and over again. Cobalt is another great example. So there's some people out there that are saying, well, we can make a battery without cobalt. And that's not because they can make a better battery. It's because they want to avoid the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But that cobalt is providing a rare job opportunity. And we can debate the quality of the job, but for the people that are working it, as they say in my film, they say, look, if we could do something else, we would do it. But this is all there is. So if you deprive them of that, the situation gets even worse. And that something we see in Northern Chile. We see it in Nevada. We see in Africa. We see it in Indonesia. What the film does is it raises these moral questions that are incredibly important to talk about. And it sort of begs the question of, not only what's the answer, but who has the right to answer this? I mean, who has right to speak on behalf of the 10 communities that are being destroyed in Northern Chile?Andrew Keen: I have to admit, I thought you did a very good job in the film giving everybody a voice, but my sympathy when it came to the Nevada case was with the younger people who wanted to bring wealth and development into the community rather than some of the more elderly members who were somehow anti-development, anti-investment, anti mining in every sense. I don't see how that benefits, but certainly not their children or the children of their children.Samuel George: I guess the fundamental question there is how bad is that mine going to be for the local environment? And I think that's something that remains to be seen. And one of the major challenges with this broader idea of are we going to greener by transitioning to EVs? And please understand I don't have an opinion of that. I do think anywhere you're doing mining, you're going to have immediate consequences. The transition would have to get big enough that the external the externalities, the positive benefits outweigh that kind of local negativity. And we could get there, but it's also very difficult to imagine massive mining projects anywhere in the world that don't impact the local population. And again, when we pick up our iPhone or when we get in our electric vehicle, we're not necessarily thinking of those 10 villages in the Atacama Desert in Chile.Andrew Keen: Yeah, and I've been up to the Atacama's, perhaps the most beautiful part in the world I've ever seen. It's nice. I saw the tourist side of it, so I didn't see the mining. But I take your point. There is one, perhaps, the most positive section of the film. You went to France. I think it was Calais, you took your camera. And it seems as if the French are pioneering a more innovative development of batteries which benefit the local community but also protect them environmentally. What did you see in northern France?Samuel George: Point, and that gets back to this extractive cycle that we've seen before. Okay, so northern France, this is a story a lot of us will know well because it's similar to what we've see in the Rust Belt in the United States. This is an industrial zone, historically, that faced significant deindustrialization in recent decades and now has massive problems with unemployment and lack of job opportunities, as one of the guys says in the film. Nothing's open here anymore except for that cafe over there and that's just because it has gambling guy. I couldn't have said it any better. This EV transition is offering an opportunity to bring back industrial jobs to whether it's Northern France or the United States of America. So that is an opportunity for people to have these more advanced battery-oriented jobs. So that could be building the battery itself. That could be an auto manufacturing plant where you're making EV electric vehicles. So there is job creation that's happening. And that's further along the development stage and kind of higher level jobs. And we meet students in France that are saying, look, this is an opportunity for a career. We see a long-term opportunity for work here. So we're really studying batteries and that's for university students. That's for people maybe 10, 15 years older to kind of go back to school and learn some skills related to batteries. So there is job creation to that. And you might, you may be getting ready to get to this, but where the real silver lining I think comes after that, where we go back to Georgia in the United States and visit a battery recycling plant.Andrew Keen: Right, yeah, those two sections in the movie kind of go together in a sense.Samuel George: Right, they do. And that is, I think, the silver lining here is that these batteries that we use in all of these appliances and devices and gadgets can be recycled in such a way that the cobalt, the lithium, the nickel can be extracted. And it itself hasn't degraded. It's sort of funny for us to think about, because we buy a phone. And three years later, the battery is half as good as it used to be and we figure well, materials in it must be degrading. They're not. The battery is degrading, the materials are fine. So then the idea is if we can get enough of this in the United States, if we can get old phones and old car batteries and old laptops that we can pull those minerals out, maybe we can have a closed loop, which is sort of a way of saying we won't need those mines anymore. We won't have to dig it up. We don't need to compete with China for access to from Bolivia or Chile because we'll have that lithium here. And yes, that's a silver lining, but there's challenges there. The two key challenges your viewers should be aware of is one, it's all about costs and they've proven that they can recycle these materials, but can they do it in a way that's cheaper than importing new lithium? And that's what these different companies are racing to find a way to say, look, we can do this at a way that's cost effective. Then even if you get through that challenge, a second one is just to have the sheer amount of the materials to close that loop, to have enough in the United States already, they estimate we're decades away from that. So those are the two key challenges to the silver lining of recycling, but it is possible. It can be done and they're doing it.Andrew Keen: We haven't talked about the T word, Sam. It's on everyone's lips these days, tariffs. How does this play out? I mean, especially given this growing explicit, aggressive trade war between the United States and China, particularly when it comes to production of iPhones and other battery-driven products. Right. Is tariffs, I mean, you film this really before Trump 2-0, in which tariffs were less central, but is tariffs going to change everything?Samuel George: I mean, this is just like so many other things, an incredibly globalized ecosystem and tariffs. And who even knows by the time this comes out, whatever we think we understand about the new tariff scenario could be completely outdated.Andrew Keen: Guaranteed. I mean, we are talking on Wednesday, April the 9th. This will go out in a few days time. But no doubt by that time, tariffs will have changed dramatically. They already have as we speak.Samuel George: Here's the bottom line, and this is part of the reason the story is so important and so timely, and we haven't even talked about this yet, but it's so critical. Okay, just like oil, you can't just dig oil out of the ground and put it in the car. It's got to be refined. Lithium, nickel, cobalt, it's got be refined as well. And the overwhelming majority of that refining occurs in China. So even your success story like France, where they're building batteries, they still need to import the refined critical minerals from China. So that is a massive vulnerability. And that's part of where this real fear that you see in Washington or Brussels is coming from. You know, and they got their first little taste of it during the COVID supply chain meltdown, but say in the event where China decided that they weren't gonna export any more of this refined material it would be disastrous for people relying on lithium devices, which by the way, is also the military. Increasingly, the military is using lithium battery powered devices. So that's why there's this urgency that we need to get this on shore. We need to this supply chain here. The problem is that's not happening yet. And okay, so you can slap these tariffs on and that's going to make this stuff much more expensive, but that's not going to automatically create a critical mineral refining capacity in the United States of America. So that needs to be built. So you can understand the desire to get this back here. And by the way, the only reason we're not all driving Chinese made electric vehicles is because of tariffs. The Chinese have really, really caught up in terms of high quality electric vehicles at excellent prices. Now, the prices were always good. What's surprising people recently is the quality is there, but they've basically been tariffed out of the United States. And actually the Biden administration was in part behind that. And it was sort of this tension because on the one hand, they were saying, we want a green revolution, we want to green revolution. But on the other hand, they were seeing these quality Chinese electric vehicles. We're not gonna let you bring them in. But yeah, so I mean, I think the ultimate goal, you can understand why a country that's convinced that it's in a long term competition with China would say we can't rely on Chinese refined materials. Slapping a tariff on it isn't any sort of comprehensive strategy and to me it almost seems like you're putting the horse before the cart because we're not really in a place yet where we can say we no longer need China to power our iPhone.Andrew Keen: And one of the nice things about your movie is it features miners, ordinary people living on the land whose lives are dramatically impacted by this. So one would imagine that some of the people you interviewed in Bolivia or Atacama or in Africa or even in Georgia and certainly in Nevada, they're going to be dramatically impacted by the tariffs. These are not just abstract ideas that have a real impact on people's lives.Samuel George: Absolutely. I mean, for decades now, we've built an economic system that's based on globalization. And it's certainly true that that's cost a lot of jobs in the United States. It's also true that there's a lot jobs and companies that have been built around global trade. And this is one of them. And you're talking about significant disruption if your global supply chains, as we've seen before, again, in the COVID crisis when the supply chains fall apart or when the margins, which are already pretty slim to begin with, start to degrade, yeah, it's a major problem.Andrew Keen: Poorly paid in the first place, so...Samuel George: For the most part, yeah.Andrew Keen: Well, we're not talking about dinging Elon Musk. Tell us a little bit, Sam, about how you made this movie. You are a defiantly independent filmmaker, one of the more impressive that I know. You literally carry two large cameras around the world. You don't have a team, you don't have an audio guy, you don't ever sound guy. You do it all on your own. It's quite impressive. Been you shlep these cameras to Latin America, to Southeast Asia, obviously all around America. You commissioned work in Africa. How did you make this film? It's quite an impressive endeavor.Samuel George: Well, first of all, I really appreciate your kind words, but I can't completely accept this idea that I do it all alone. You know, I'm speaking to you now from the Bertelsmann Foundation. I'm the director of Bertelsman Foundation documentaries. And we've just had this fantastic support here and this idea that we can go to the front line and get these stories. And I would encourage people to check out Bertelsmen Foundation documentation.Andrew Keen: And we should have a special shout out to your boss, my friend, Irene Brahm, who runs the BuzzFeed Foundation of North America, who's been right from the beginning, a champion of video making.Samuel George: Oh, absolutely. I mean, Irene Brahm has been a visionary in terms of, you know, something I think that we align on is you take these incredibly interesting issues and somehow analysts manage to make them extraordinarily boring. And Irene had this vision that maybe it doesn't have to be that way.Andrew Keen: She's blushing now as she's watching this, but I don't mean to make you blush, Sam, but these are pretty independent movies. You went around the world, you've done it before, you did it in the Serbian movie too. You're carrying these cameras around, you're doing all your own work, it's quite an achievement.Samuel George: Well, again, I'm very, very thankful for the Bertelsmann Foundation. I think a lot of times, sometimes people, when they hear a foundation or something is behind something, they assume that somebody's got an ax to grind, and that's really not the case here. The Bertelsman Foundation is very supportive of just investigating these key issues, and let's have an honest conversation about it. And maybe it's a cop-out, but in my work, I often don't try to provide a solution.Andrew Keen: Have you had, when we did our event in D.C., you had a woman, a Chinese-born woman who's an expert on this. I don't think she's particularly welcome back on the mainland now. Has there been a Chinese response? Because I would say it's an anti-Chinese movie, but it's not particularly sympathetic or friendly towards China.Samuel George: And I can answer that question because it was the exact same issue we ran into when we filmed Tinder Box Belt and Road, which was again about Chinese investment in the Balkans. And your answer is has there been a Chinese reaction and no sort of official reaction. We always have people sort of from the embassy or various affiliated organizations that like to come to the events when we screen it. And they're very welcome to. But here's a point that I want to get across. Chinese officials and people related to China on these issues are generally uniformly unwilling to participate. And I think that's a poor decision on their part because I think there's a lot they could say to defend themselves. They could say, hey, you guys do this too. They could say, we're providing infrastructure to critical parts of the world. They could said, hey we're way ahead of you guys, but it's not because we did anything wrong. We just saw this was important before you did and built the network. There are many ways they could defend themselves. But rather than do that, they're extremely tight-lipped about what they're doing. And that can, if you're not, and we try our best, you know, we have certain experts from China that when they'll talk, we'll interview them. But that kind of tight-lip approach almost makes it seem like something even more suspicious is happening. Cause you just have to guess what the mindset must be cause they won't explain themselves. And I think Chinese representatives could do far more and it's not just about you know my documentary I understand they have bigger fish to fry but I feel like they fry the fish the same way when they're dealing with bigger entities I think it's to their detriment that they're not more open in engaging a global conversation because look China is gonna be an incredibly impactful part of world dynamics moving forward and they need to be, they need to engage on what they're doing. I think, and I do think they have a story they can tell to defend themselves, and it's unfortunate that they very much don't do it.Andrew Keen: In our DC event, you also had a woman who'd worked within the Biden administration. Has there been a big shift between Biden policy on recycling, recyclable energy and Trump 2.0? It's still the early days of the new administration.Samuel George: Right. And we're trying to get a grip on that of what the difference is going to be. I can tell you this, the Biden approach was very much the historic approach of the United States of America, which is to try to go to a country like Congo and say, look, we're not going to give you money without transparency. We're not gonna give you this big, you know, beautiful deal. We're going to the cheapest to build this or the cheapest build that. But what we can compete with you is on quality and sustainability and improved work conditions. This used to be the United States pitch. And as we've seen in places like Serbia, that's not always the greatest pitch in the world. Oftentimes these countries are more interested in the money without questions being asked. But the United states under the Biden administration tried to compete on quality. Now we will have to see if that continues with the Trump administration, if that continuous to be their pitch. What we've see in the early days is this sort of hardball tactic. I mean, what else can you refer to what's happening with Ukraine, where they say, look, if you want continued military support, we want those minerals. And other countries say, well, maybe that could work for us too. I mean that's sort of, as I understand it, the DRC, which is under, you know, there's new competition there for power that the existing government is saying, hey, United States, if you could please help us, we'll be sure to give you this heaping of minerals. We can say this, the new administration does seem to be taking the need for critical minerals seriously, which I think was an open question because we see so much of the kind of green environmentalism being rolled back. It does still seem to be a priority with the new administration and there does seem to be clarity that the United States is going to have to improve its position regarding these minerals.Andrew Keen: Yeah, I'm guessing Elon Musk sees this as well as anyone, and I'm sure he's quite influential. Finally, Sam, in contrast with a book, which gets distributed and put in bookstores, doing a movie is much more challenging. What's the goal with the movie? You've done a number of launches around the world, screenings in Berlin, Munich, London, Washington D.C. you did run in San Francisco last week. What's the business model, so to speak here? Are you trying to get distribution or do you wanna work with schools or other authorities to show the film?Samuel George: Right, I mean, I appreciate that question. The business model is simple. We just want you to watch. You know, our content is always free. Our films are always free, you can go to bfnadox.org for our catalog. This film is not online yet. You don't need a password, you don't a username, you can just watch our movies, that's what we want. And of course, we're always on the lookout for increased opportunities to spread these. And so we worked on a number of films. We've got PBS to syndicate them nationally. We got one you can check your local listings about a four-month steel workers strike in western Pennsylvania. It's called Local 1196. That just started its national syndication on PBS. So check out for that one. But look, our goal is for folks to watch these. We're looking for the most exposure as we can and we're giving it away for free.Andrew Keen: Just to repeat, if people are interested, that's bfna.docs.org to find more movies. And finally, Sam, for people who are interested perhaps in doing a showing of the film, I know you've worked with a number of universities and interest groups. What would be the best way to approach you.Samuel George: Well, like you say, we're a small team here. You can always feel free to reach out to me. And I don't know if I should pitch my email.Andrew Keen: Yeah, picture email. Give it out. The Chinese will be getting it too. You'll be getting lots of invitations from China probably to show the film.Samuel George: We'd love to come talk about it. That's all we want to do. And we try, but we'd love to talk about it. I think it's fundamental to have that conversation. So the email is just Samuel.George, just as you see it written there, at BFN as in boy, F as in Frank, N as in Nancy, A. Let's make it clearer - Samuel.George@bfna.org. We work with all sorts of organizations on screenings.Andrew Keen: And what about the aspiring filmmakers, as you're the head of documentaries there? Do you work with aspiring documentary filmmakers?Samuel George: Yes, yes, we do often on projects. So if I'm working on a project. So you mentioned that I work by myself, and that is how I learned this industry, you know, is doing it by myself. But increasingly, we're bringing in other skilled people on projects that we're working on. So we don't necessarily outsource entire projects. But we're always looking for opportunities to collaborate. We're looking to bring in talent. And we're looking to make the best products we can on issues that we think are fundamental importance to the Atlantic community. So we love being in touch with filmmakers. We have internship programs. We're open for nonprofit business, I guess you could say.Andrew Keen: Well, that's good stuff. The new movie is called Lithium Rising, The Race for Critical Minerals. I moderated a panel after the North American premiere at the end of February. It's a really interesting, beautifully made film, very compelling. It is only 60 minutes. I strongly advise anyone who has the opportunity to watch it and to contact Sam if they want to put it on their school, a university or other institution. Congratulations Sam on the movie. What's the next project?Samuel George: Next project, we've started working on a project about Southern Louisiana. And in there, we're really looking at the impact of land loss on the bayous and the local shrimpers and crabbers and Cajun community, as well as of course This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the Aphasia Access Conversations Podcast. I'm Jerry Hoepner. I'm a professor at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and co-facilitator of the Chippewa Valley Aphasia Camp, Blugold Brain Injury Group, Mayo Brain Injury Group, Young Person's Brain Injury Group, and Thursday Night Poets.  I'm also a member of the Aphasia Access Podcast Working Group. Aphasia Access strives to provide members with information, inspiration, and ideas that support their aphasia care through a variety of educational materials and resources. I'm today's host for an episode that will feature my friend and colleague, Dr. Warren Brown. I've been fortunate to work with Dr. Brown for the past two years and I'm excited to share the work he's been doing in service of the LPAA. Warren C. Brown, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communicative Disorders at Jackson State University. His research explores the intersections of traumatic brain injury (TBI), aphasia, and healthcare disparities, with a focus on cultural and linguistic diversity in clinical care. He serves as a facilitator for the Black Aphasia Group at the Aphasia Center of Acadiana and has published on topics related to brain injury, intersectionality, and patient-provider communication. Dr. Brown is an active member of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA), National Black Association for speech Language Pathology (NBASLH), the Academy of Neurogenic Communication Disorders and Sciences (ANCDS), and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Take Aways: Learn about health disparities faced by Black Americans. Learn about the perceptions of Black Americans towards their healthcare providers. Dr. Brown will continue to facilitate the Black Aphasia Group affiliated with the Aphasia Center of Acadiana. Dr. Brown and his team to are hoping to publish an anthology project featuring entries from Black Americans with aphasia by fall of next year. Dr. Brown plans to organize a symposium on aphasia at Jackson State University with a focus on diversity. Dr. Brown plans to present a poster on the anthology project at the upcoming Aphasia Access Conference.   Interview Transcript:   Jerry Hoepner: Alright. Well, Warren, it's good to see you today. I'm fortunate to see you on a regular basis. So, I think this is the second time we've connected today. For different reasons. But I'm glad to have you here as a part of the Aphasia Access Conversations Podcast. I'm hoping you can share a little bit about yourself. I know that some aphasia access affiliates will know you and know a little bit about your work. But I'd like others to get to know you and your work as well, so can you share a little bit about yourself?   Warren Brown: Yes, sir. Well, thanks for having me. For sure, this is an honor. I'm a recent graduate from the University of Louisiana and Lafayette. With my PhD. I studied under multiple folks. There. I studied under Anthony Salvatore, Dr. Judith Oxley, and Dr. Jamie Azios. My main areas of interest are traumatic brain injury, aphasia, and all neurogenic disorders related to marginalized populations. Prior to my doc program, I was a practicing clinician for 11 years or so I practiced in mainly acute care hospitals long term, acute care, hospitals, home health, and predominantly in Southern Louisiana. So, and I did a little bit of private practice. I did everything but child language disorders. So I prided myself when I started my doc program as being a clinician first, and thinking about clinical issues, first, because I was gracious enough to get a lot of great experience in my timeframe, so I kind of had a better idea about, you know the areas that I was most mostly interested in prior to going into my doc program. So, I'm married. I have 3 kids Wes, Evie, and Wells, which is my newborn and a lovely wife, Tatiana. I'm a new faculty member at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, and I love my job, and I love my students, and I love my research endeavors that I've done thus far. So, you know I'm fortunate enough to work with you, Dr. Hepner, Dr. Louise Keegan, Dr. Jamie Azios Dr. Judith Oxley. Still Dr. Anthony Salvatory. Still Theresa Gray, a few other folks. I'm just happy that Dr. Brandy Newkirk-Turner as well at Jackson State. I'm happy that I have a great group of mentors to ask questions to and bother from time to time. So, I'm just grateful. So yes, sir.   Jerry Hoepner: Well, yeah, it's been really fun working with you and getting to know you. And certainly, that really strong, diverse group of mentors is something to build upon for sure. That's a great group of people. So privileged to be a part of that a couple of things that we were going to talk about today. I want to get to your work with the black Americans with aphasia group, and I want to get to some of the new work that you've been doing on an anthology. I'll kind of leave it at that, for now you were gracious enough to share a manuscript. That you and Dr. Azios have under review right now. I know it's not quite published, but I'm wondering if you're willing to give us just a little bit of a preview of that work, and I have a few things that I just think were really powerful from reading that manuscript, and I'm interested in your thoughts on it. So, do you want to tell us a little bit about, like the general context of that manuscript?   Warren Brown: Yes, sir, so this was. This was actually a part of my dissertation. My dissertation was a mixed methods. Research project on healthcare encounters of African Americans with aphasia and without aphasia. But I was lucky enough to capture 8 interviews from a qualitative standpoint for that dissertation from African Americans with aphasia from across the United States. Different age ranges different levels of severity and obviously different etiologies from which caused them to acquire aphasia. The paper really came about, because, again, clinically, you know, I always realized that individuals who had aphasia who were black, had a lot of different experiences when it came to healthcare providers and practitioners. And oftentimes, when I would go into a home or see them in a hospital, they would be surprised that I was the individual to see them right. They would think I was a dietary staff member. They would think I was DNA. They would think I was a nurse, everything but a speech pathologist. So, when I had the opportunity to lead or facilitate a group which was the California the conversational group with Dr. Teresa Gray. You know I love to hear the different experiences that those individuals were having, as well coinciding with what I knew what was going on in the field. So that's what spawned this idea about understanding the dynamics of what you know. These encounters were from a deeper perspective. So originally it was going to be just a regular project with Dr. Azios and I, but we felt it'd be better if we made it a larger scale project and added to a portion of my dissertation. So, we did so. We really look to understand those lived experiences of those individuals, how those healthcare encounters went for them before and after they acquired aphasia, and trying to understand, like different strategies and challenges, that you know they may have had to use to overcome some of those issues, and how, you know we could take what they were saying, and make that accessible to practicing clinicians to understand how to work with diverse populations a bit more you know. Yes, sir, so.   Jerry Hoepner: Yeah, I mean, I found a couple of points that well, actually, several within the background. And literature review that really struck me. There's several of these statistics, but a couple that really stood out to me were the percent of deaths among black Americans during the Covid pandemic. And just you know the marked difference between the amount of actual African Americans in those communities and the numbers that died. Which were that was just really striking to me. And then the other one. The other context that you wrote about was the study of 85 black Americans. That were a part of a VA. Study, a veterans affairs study and really just talked about their, you know, their feelings of being stereotyped by the professionals that we're dealing with them, treated and labeled as if they were uneducated, and addicts and angry and poor, and those really set the context for the study. Wondering if you can just kind of weigh in on those and other kinds of striking background pieces of information.   Warren Brown: Yes, sir, so you know, it's known that you know there is racial bias when it comes to African Americans in general, just because of how society is. But you know oftentimes in neurogenic disorders it's unstudied, right? You don't look at race and ethnicity as factors as being contributing factors to some of the issues that the populations that we service are dealing with, you know, looking at Covid alone. You know, we added, that I added that statistic because you know it just kind of highlighted how much racial disparities really are prevalent right and not just individuals with aphasia, but individuals who have a multitude of you call it metabolic issues, right or just issues in general when it comes to healthcare, and how sometimes these issues go unserviced or underserviced, or these individuals are not educated about what they need to do or what they need to accomplish, from a healthcare practitioner which ultimately leads to poorer outcomes across that population. You know. One of the things that we listed in that paper was also about just black women in general, right? Black women are twice as likely to have low birth weights of infants when compared to white women, and they also face lower rates of prenatal care right? Although that doesn't have much to do with aphasia. I think that that speaks to a larger picture than that.   Jerry Hoepner: Yeah.   Warren Brown: You know. Sometimes African Americans are looked down upon the most across our society. And why? That is, you know, it's a multitude of reasons, right? There is no one pinpointed answer for that, and it just kind of paints to the goes to the bigger picture of racial bias, and how patient and provider communication is just poor across the board, and you know, and it could be because of communication styles are different, right? It could be because of the practitioners. You know the old mindset was that the practitioner is always right, so they should. You know the patient should listen to what they're saying, and it's not. It wasn't necessarily a patient center or person-centered approach like it is nowadays. And some practitioners, especially in the South. They still are under that mind, right? Not necessarily in the South, probably across the board in the United States. Right? So, I think that you know those biases, and some of that lack of communication or poor communication it just contributes to the poor perceptions and stereotypes that are out there in African Americans and black people you know, because regardless. When a black person gets sick, you know, they may be scared to go and talk to a practitioner because of where they live. That might be the only practitioner or specialist that they can see, and they are a family member, or a friend might have had a bad experience. Therefore, they're hesitant to go to that person, and they'll just deal with the issue themselves. And that's where you know. I think a lot of the differences are when it comes to African Americans and healthcare providers. And I've seen that as well with individuals who have acquired language disorders. Right? I've had patients particularly. Tell me when I was practicing that. You know, Warren, we want you to come back, but we don't want the other girl to come back, right? Because you're listening to what I'm saying. You actually are educating us about what's going on more so than just what the language issue is right. And I think that points to the picture of just them feeling comfortable with me, because I'm most of the time with the same ethnicity, right? Same race. And I'm genuine, right? I do the same with any patient that I encounter. But obviously, sometimes, when it's African Americans, and I know what the assumption is, and I understand some of those experiences are, you know I try to go a little bit more. I try to. I try to go the extra mile for them. So, this.   Jerry Hoepner: And I think there's it's interesting. And throughout the paper there's parallels to some of the work that you and I and Dr. Keegan have done on healthcare perceptions in traumatic brain injury. That you know you mentioned that idea of providers still following it, falling into that provider centered care rather than person centered care. And I think that's a problem across the board for some providers, because that's evident in our research. But we don't have you know, we're not even representing the black Americans within that group. And I know that the problem is more pervasive when it comes to services for black Americans and other colored people as well. You know the one number that really struck me from the study in Chicago, 70% of.   Warren Brown: 70%.   Jerry Hoepner: From Covid.   Warren Brown: Yeah.   Jerry Hoepner: Were black Americans in Chicago, and only 30% of their populations or population was black Americans. That's just. You can't help but be startled by those kind of disparities, because clearly there's something.   Warren Brown: Up in there.   Jerry Hoepner: Something that.   Warren Brown: And these are these are fairly new studies. Right? I mean, the stat for Louisiana was 70 70.5% of this, and they only represent 33% of the State's population. Right? We're African American people. So that. That's you know. My personally, my dad didn't leave his house for a year and a half during Covid he would not go to church. He didn't leave right, and he was terrified. Terrified. You know. I know he had at least 4 or 5 people that died that he knew. You know. So, I mean, it's daunting right especially if you're not educated, or you're not understanding. I had a great relationship with a practitioner that could educate you on, you know the do's and the don'ts of what you should or shouldn't be doing so. Yes, sir.   Jerry Hoepner: Yeah, absolutely. I kind of broke down the article into 3, like major areas of interest and topics. And I'll just kind of lay out the 1st one being those challenges with healthcare providers. I couldn't help but put down. This one quote was like being put in a damn box, and we had a little conversation about that earlier, but We also talked about this like this lack of knowledge about stroke and that healthcare literacy creating this fear like. And you even mentioned that with your dad, right? This fear that I don't even want to go into that healthcare context. But then this like laundry list of things that we hear in a lot of studies about healthcare perceptions, healthcare providers are dismissive, dismissive, and you feel vulnerable in that context, you don't have control or agency. Those kinds of things that we don't hear in in those other studies about healthcare perceptions are things like. There was a clear. There was a clear prejudice against me. Right? There was this neglect by providers. One lady I had to write this down, wrote. I don't talk to my dog like that, you know, like.   Warren Brown: That's right.   Jerry Hoepner: So.   Warren Brown: That's right.   Jerry Hoepner: And then, you know, just a lack of inclusion in decisions in in the whole entire process. And just feeling that sense of people looking down on you, and that you know that this is kind of the expectation. So I'm really interested to get your thoughts about. You know that that issue of those challenges in terms of working with healthcare providers. How many of those are communication based? And what's kind of bias and kind of sorting some of that out, because we know some happens a little bit to everyone in that context. But certainly, this is different.   Warren Brown: Yeah, I think that you know we all have personal biases that, you know are inherently that we are. You know that we're introduced to that from an environmental standpoint. But you know, one would assume that when you become a healthcare practitioner provider, you know you have to be open-minded because, you understand, you're going to be dealing with so many different types of people from all walks of life. And unfortunately you know, these disparities still are there, and this particular study showed that they're still there, right one of the examples you just gave about the young lady that said, you know I wouldn't let my dog talk to me like that right? I remember in in her Transcript she also stated that you know, in multiple visits that she went to her physician would talk through her or over her, where she just totally felt dismissed, or one interaction she had. She had a friend who was white that brought her to the doctor, and they felt as if the friend was the patient, and she was the patient caregiver right? And I think that really broke her down. She literally stayed out of therapy or avoided therapy for a long time because of that. And obviously that affected her outcomes right. But I think the bigger picture is that it's a little bit of both, Dr. Hoepner. I think it's a lot of bias, and it's also poor communication. You know, I think, and some of that's not on the physicians themselves. Some of them, I'm sure, are compassionate. I think some of that is on the larger system systemic issues that are out there. Right? You know you have. They have insurance deadlines; they have time frames. They have. Probably some of them are overwhelmed with patient care in general. But I still think that you know to be truly compassionate, you know you need to understand what you're getting into as a practitioner, and still with individuals that you know may not understand some of the dynamics of some of the diseases or illnesses that they have. You have to find a way to provide them services that they need. Right? I think the communication is key, because it always goes back to communication. Right individuals who are educated, which a lot of these folks are. Some of these folks in the study. I had PhD. Some of them were medical doctors, right? Some of them have master's degrees. A lot of them still stated that their health literacy was poor when it came to symptomology, of strokes, symptomology of not just strokes, but them acquiring aphasia what that truly meant, and how that might affect their daily lives. Right. One of the individuals she stated that she didn't realize that you know aphasia was a thing until she had it. She didn't realize that she was having multiple strokes right until it happened, and she just felt like she would bounce back and go back to her daily life and be fine and go about her normal business. But you know it's hard to pinpoint exactly how to fix it. But this study is, I guess, one step towards trying to understand the different dynamics from multiple perspectives. And I think what makes it super unique is this qualitative study is really, really, it's very in depth. That's why it's so long right? It's a long paper. But we felt it necessary to put these quotes in, because these individuals, these interviews long and you can't help but be compassionate and understand each individual's perspective on what their experiences were right. You know, because this dynamic, this really changed their lives. And I know aphasia changed the lives of a lot of different people and caregivers right. Anytime you have a failure or even a brain injury. Right? It changes we know that. But I think compounded with the racial and ethnic tension or societal views that these individuals suffered with prior to having those injuries. This acquiring aphasia only makes whatever was going on a bit worse, because the inability to communicate or even comprehend what's going on around you, right being overstimulated, not necessarily being able to do on your own, or do for yourself, especially with a practitioner on something that's unknown to you is again. That's a daunting thing like you really don't know what to do, and if you feel dismissed, or if you feel as if a practitioner is talking down to you, what would make you, as an individual, want to go back? You know the a good example, I can say, is customer service right? If you go to a restaurant and you receive poor customer service from a from a waitress, will you give them a tip probably, maybe, or you might give them a less amount of tip that you would have gave given to a person who gave you better customer service right? This is a good example of what a physician interaction and communication is with a patient right. Sometimes these individuals just won't go back right or might not go back to any practitioner one of the individuals in the interviews. He literally said that you know he had a few poor encounters, so he switches doctors regularly because a lot of them don't understand him and won't try to understand him. So, you know, it's problematic. It's definitely problematic.   Jerry Hoepner: And you hit the customer service thing right on the head, because one of the things that I was struck by, and I've done work kind of parallel to this. And brain injury is that relationship and the importance of starting to build an authentic relationship in terms of mitigating some of the other communication problems, right? Like, if you invest a little bit in like getting to know that human being. You start to humanize them, and you start to, you know, want to have good outcomes for them, and that results in in better care. And it comes right down to that. That patient centered versus provider centered communication. Right? If you open up the door on the front end to investing a little bit in a relationship building, it seems like the goodness follows right like you're saying earlier, like, these physicians aren't bad people right? It's just, you know, they're in a system that says, Go, go. And then they have these biases that they might not even be aware of. And the next thing you know, they're out, you know, on the way out the door, and care hasn't happened in the way that it should. But I'm just struck by the fact that that was like a mitigating factor for people like just a little investment get to know that person. And then everything changes so.   Warren Brown: That's right. I think I think that's what you know. Someone asked me a while back. Why, like our Black aphasia group. Why is it so successful? Right? It's because it's not if I don't. The way that I approached it. I didn't approach it as me, Warren brown as an SLP. Right? I approached it, me, Warren Brown is trying to understand these people's stories and get to know them, and fully. How can I, as an SLP, help you right? And I think that's why our group is so successful, right? And why people keep coming back. Because if they didn't feel like it was a genuine interaction, I can assure you they wouldn't come back. Because I genuinely look forward to the group like the group members do, because I love talking to these folks. These are folks of my family, right? And that's the type of community that you know. Practitioners can make it like that right?   Jerry Hoepner: Okay.   Warren Brown: You know, in certain rehabs. That's what it is. It's a familiar environment. At certain places. I know some of the ones that I used to work at. So, you know, but I definitely understand the dynamics of health care have changed right as time has progressed, and that's due to a multitude of reasons. But care doesn't have to change. Right practitioners can change for the better. If you fully try to understand and invest time and energy and being genuine into the folks that you're seeing right. I truly believe that so.   Jerry Hoepner: Agreed, you know, and when I kind of listed a bunch of priorities, or what black people with aphasia want this? Isn't it an outlandish list by any means like, I've got this big, long list of things that are problems. And then they say they just want to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. They want.   Warren Brown: Right.   Jerry Hoepner: Heard, and they want to be treated like human beings. That's not unreasonable. So, it's not like they've got this big, long list of you got to do this. This I just think that's pretty interesting in light of all of the struggles that they're facing like. If you could give us these 4 or 5 things we could. We could work with.   Warren Brown: Yes, sir, and I. And I think even with that the you know, interpretation of respect is different from everyone. But I think ultimately, no matter what race, no matter what ethnicity, what creed you are. Respect is respect, you know, treating people the way you want to be treated right. I mean, that's what it is. And you know, talking to people the way that you want to be spoken to. Right? That's what it is. And I think, like you said, it's so simplistic it should be natural. But obviously it's not for some people right?   Jerry Hoepner: Okay.   Warren Brown: And that's and that's problematic. But hopefully, it's hopefully, we're trying to change that. So you know.   Jerry Hoepner: Yep. yeah. Finding a way to make those priorities on the front end. I think that really makes sense. The other thing I wanted to talk to you about kind of get your take on. This is along with the challenges and along with kind of these desires. What people with aphasia want? I just noticed a lot of strengths that I'm not seeing in some of the other research that's out there from the perspective of survivors of brain injury and so forth. Things that I just saw flowing through like this idea of self-reliance like I learned, I gotta rely on myself, I rely on my faith and my religious beliefs. And then this really struck me, this, this cultural community, where one of the one of the participants said something to the extent of, We always stay in each in each other's business, kind of like, whether we want it or not, whether they want it or not, and that allows them to help each other. I'd just like to get your thoughts on that, because that seems like such a strength of this community.   Warren Brown: Yes, sir, that's a that's a loaded question, but I can definitely break it down. So, I love that question, though I think that you know, from perspective of self-reliance. That's definitely a cultural thing, right? Because, you know, personally, I'm 38. So, I was raised to not be dependent on someone else, because you really can't depend on what someone else can do for you outside of what you can do for yourself. That is something that is instilled at a young age and I went to Southern for my master's right Southern university in Baton Rouge, which is a historically black college or whatnot. And you know, at Southern they taught us the same thing, because, you know, as you know, our field is predominantly white women, right? Less than 5% African Americans, even less percent African American men. And at Southern they always said, You have to work twice as hard in order to be in this field and be successful. And they instilled that in us so much right. Because you really have to understand that you know society has painted this picture that things are against you and these individuals, with aphasia in their own careers, have had this same type of battle and everything that they've gone through. So, they've always had to prevail. And some of these individuals in this group. They went through the Jim Crow South right they went through struggles of individuals, fully talking down to them, having separate everything, having to deal with parents and grandparents that, you know, had to bow down to certain people because of the societal norms at the time, so that self-reliance, you know, always was there, because they always had to work harder in order to achieve what even was fair or normal for other people right? And that paints it to a bigger picture, even goes back to the level of respect. Right? If you work twice if you feel like you working harder than someone else for a job. And you know you're more qualified. Right? That's something that that you feel you're owed. But to some black people you understand that I'm not old. Anything right? That's just how society paints it. It is what it is, and I think that goes back to that point. And I'm sorry. What was the other question? I was trying to.   Jerry Hoepner: So, I think just that that cultural community.   Warren Brown: The cultural. Yes, sir.   Jerry Hoepner: Others, business and.   Warren Brown: So that kind of touched on it, like I think from a cultural standpoint, you know I am my brother's keeper. Right. You may or may not know this, but I'm in a I'm in a predominantly African American fraternity. Right? We're the oldest fraternity, and that's something that we learned right. You. You never go anyplace by yourself. You always have your brother with you. I always have you know I am my brother's keeper, and that goes from, you know, not just African American males, but African American females, and vice versa, because that sense of community, you know. Again, we talked about it earlier with the Speech acts is unspoken, things that we understand inherently, that as an African American or a black person, you're going to endure in life, and you have to just suck it up and swallow your pride and deal with it. But we all are going through that struggle right, and I think some demographic groups can relate to that. But obviously some groups can't as much right. It's harder to you can empathize. But you may not fully understand, just because the dynamics are different, right? And I'm not saying that all black people have that experience. I'm not saying that. But I'm saying that a lot of black people feel like that. And that was inherent in the interviews as well. Because this group, you know, they, we talk about community. We talk about personal experiences and regardless. If some of them had a PhD., a MD a Ms., a BA right behind their names. All of them had the same experiences. Right? I have to highlight one of the folks in the group. He went to Harvard. He was the second African American person to graduate with a PhD. From the State of Mississippi. Right, you could. I could only imagine. And he did this in the seventies. I could only imagine the struggle that he had to go through right to attain a degree like that from a school like that coming from where he came from. So you know something that you know other people's family members may have done, you know, is probably much more meaningful to him because of the struggle he had to go through, and I think that is where the community comes in because African Americans acknowledge that right? I was always told. Like, you know, school is important. Education is important, you know, education to get you a lot further in life than sports and all these other things, because, you know, it was always instilled that in education, you know, knowledge is power and you know these older folks. I call them older folks. No offense, right? No ageism here. But you know the 70 plus right. Those individuals who have doctorates and really are fully educated. Their battle and struggle was much harder than mine coming through school right? And I. And that's a level of respect, a level of community that we all know how to respect. And I think you know, when it comes to community, that's something that we all can recognize as a culture. And with this particular group, that's something that's respected across the board because, regardless of the level of severity of aphasia, they have every individual in that group respects one another. They check on one another. They listen to stories about one another. They know about each other's family right? Milestones. It's phenomenal, right. When I got my doctorate. They were the 1st people to congratulate me right. When someone had another struggle in the group. We were the 1st to say a prayer for them and why? That is cultural. It's a traditional thing. I mean, it probably ties back to slavery before the great migration, right? And folks moved up and all around from the south to different parts of the North. Right? That's something that is always probably going to be there. And that's a cultural thing that you know, is really unspoken a lot of times. So.   Jerry Hoepner: Yeah. You know, you talked about the people in the study, the people with PhDs and master's degrees and physicians. One of the stories I kind of connected with was Ann Story. She was a physician prior to her stroke, and had acknowledged that she had colleagues that she would refer black Americans to, and colleagues she wouldn't and then she had the stroke, and she had this very personal, insider experience. I don't know if you want to just say a couple of things about that.   Warren Brown: Yes, sir, she actually, I'm glad you said that she actually definitely said that she referred people to certain practitioners because she knew certain physicians with had more empathy than others. Right now, her experience was a little bit different, right? She didn't really have any negative experiences with practitioners, but also all of them knew she was a medical doctor, right? And I think that you know that level of information is different, because had they not known who knows what her story would have been right as opposed to the individual with the PhD. They didn't know he had a PhD. Because at the time of his stroke he couldn't talk, so it wasn't until his wife came and alerted them as to who he was and where he worked, that some of that stuff shifted, and obviously it shifted when he went to different facilities as well. But Ann's experience was very, very different than some of the other individuals, but I think that even with that she was much more conscious about her experiences as well, because she kind of had a better anticipation about what she was supposed to receive and how services were supposed to go for her right. And that goes back to the bigger picture of healthcare literacy right? Obviously, her literacy and understanding of how healthcare works was a bit better because she was a medical doctor, and I think even just. Her journey with aphasia was a bit better in a lot of different ways as well. Yes, sir.   Jerry Hoepner: Yeah, that's really important to have that that perspective and that kind of juxtaposition. Well, I do want to make sure we have some time to talk a little bit about your role in running the Black aphasia group, and how that's changed your clinical perspective, your research perspectives kind of what you've learned in that. In that context.   Warren Brown: Absolutely so. Originally, I was gung ho! About brain injury. Only, right? I didn't really necessarily want to go into aphasia as much as I am, because my premise for going to get the PhD. Or really one of the main reasons why was I wanted to study sports, related concussions mostly. But once I got into the program and I learned about some of the different, the different profs, some of their interests, you know. I couldn't help myself, but dip into it some, and I got an opportunity at the last Aphasia conference to meet Teresa Gray and she allowed me to facilitate her group out in California, and then we started our own group through the aphasia center of Acadiana with Dr. Azios and Miss Rose Shelf. So, you know, I still run that group. It's still affiliated with the aphasia center of Acadiana. Although I'm in Jackson State. I asked Dr. Azios if we could continue to do that because I think that that connection to an aphasia center is integral. Because I think that you know with the group, that's what we're known for. And that's what we're going to stay as long as they'll have me. So. You know, with that group I've learned so much more than what I knew before, as far as compassion, as far as empathy. As far as, although you might be the expert or the practitioner, you still need to understand the dynamics of the individuals that you're seeing just hearing some of their stories, and even personally, as a practitioner, some of the things that I used to do right, which were probably wrong, because that's how I was trained originally in the beginning, you know, and I shifted throughout my career as well, because I understood a lot more, but I think even more so now, I really fully understand. And that's kind of what I teach a lot of the students that I have right how to understand the dynamics of people that you're working with and the students at Jackson State. They have an opportunity now where they actually come on with the group, and I allow them to have somewhat of a conversational type of discourse with the members, so they can understand those dynamics, for whenever they get out in the field to understand how to work with diverse people with aphasia. So, one of the things that you know, we were able to start with the group members. And this was all the group members. They wanted to create an anthology, right? Because they stated that they wanted to document right their journeys and journeys for other people who are African Americans or of color to understand. You know what you may or may not go through right that you are not alone, that you aren't in a damn box by yourself. Right? They wanted to understand that also for caregivers what to do, because all of these individuals literally stated, they all were oblivious to aphasia prior to this, prior to acquiring it. So this anthology is serving, as you know, just a guide or tool to use for individuals and for other individuals with aphasia who may or may not be of color to relate with right and for individuals to understand like, Hey, you know, this is what I went through. You know I am black with aphasia. This is also to get other people who are black with aphasia in their caregivers to understand that. Hey? We have a group for us out there that you may or may not want to be a part of and last week we actually added a new member. So that was wonderful. But so far, we have multiple different entries. The group participants have entered essays. They've entered poetry. Some have done checklists, some have done prayers some have even one. We have one from a caregiver. Her husband has aphasia. She comes to the group as well. We love her. She's actually a compound pharmacist. She wrote about her perspective as a caregiver in the anthology as well. So.   Jerry Hoepner: Cool.   Warren Brown: Me. Being in Jackson state. I got lucky enough to talk with Dr. Brandon Newkirk Turner, and Dr. Morris is that the University of Saint Augustine. They connected me with Dr. Mcdaniels, who's over the Humanity Society in Mississippi, and she's gonna help us to get it out there. So.   Jerry Hoepner: Awesome.   Warren Brown: And recently we started a collaboration with one of the art, the Black art History professors at Jackson State, Dr. Brittany, Meinberg. We're actually going to make it aphasia friendly. So, whereas we're gonna have mirrored pictures of the entries and the pictures of those entries from an abstract standpoint for individuals who have aphasia so they can read it and be aphasia friendly as well. So yes, sir, that's the idea, and hopefully we'll have something by the fall of next year. So.   Jerry Hoepner: Because.   Warren Brown: At JSU, we're going to be doing a symposium on aphasia. And obviously, since it's an HBCU we're gonna have some focus on diversity with that as well. So yes, sir.   Jerry Hoepner: Well, I'm excited to see that anthology come to fruition and look forward to kind of keeping an eye out for that and everyone out there who's listening. Keep an eye out for that as well. Just a handful. 2 or 3 more questions I want to ask. Just find out a little bit more about your experience. I know that you've had opportunities to work alongside of some great researchers and clinicians. I want to get your perspectives on that. And yeah, share a little bit about that, and how that's prepared you to be like a brand new professor this year. So.   Warren Brown: Yes, yes, sir, absolutely you know. I can honestly say it's truly been a blessing since I started at UL, and I'm done now to be able to encounter all the folks that I have. You know, from Dr. Salvatore to Dr. Michael Canito to you. Right, Dr. Hoepner to Dr. Louise Keegan, Dr. Azios, Oxley Ryan, Nelson. You know the list goes on right. Everybody that I've worked with and spoken to all have different perspectives of our research, you know, and I and I take pieces from everyone that I've worked with to understand how I want to approach things right, because my love is always going to be diversity right in whatever area that I'm in. And you know, I think that's what makes me a little bit unique, right? Because my perspective is always looking at the population that I mainly care the most about right. And you know understanding the different dynamics about how you all have what you all have done. And from reading, all of you guys work, I call it borderline stalking. You guys work right? I remember the 1st time I met you, Dr. Hoepner, I was terrified to talk to you, man I really was, and then, when you introduce yourself to me, I was quiet, and I was like, he's normal. He's not like, I thought he was. So, I was like, Okay, this, this is cool. So, and Dr. Jamie said, just go talk to him. He's cool. Go talk to him. I was like Okay, but I use it as an example, because, you know we're all human, and I think that you know sometimes, you know, as a new researcher, as a novice researcher, as a student, you know, you get overwhelmed with the people that you're reading about, the books that you're using or books that you're reading. These are the folks that are writing it. And hopefully, one day you can get to that level to impact students like myself, like I was, or students that are out there, up and coming students. So, you know, I think, that all the work that everyone is that I've learned under and still learning under, you know, it's important, because this is all. This is all, how we all are contributing to the field and how we're making the field better. Right? I think that's the ultimate goal ultimately is to serve the population of individuals that we're treating. It's never about me, right? It's never about you. It's never about any of this is about the work that we're doing to improve outcomes, to improve the populations that we serve. And you know, clinically, I've worked with some phenomenal clinicians. When I was a clinic, when I was a clinician when I was a full-time clinician and you know I've had great clinicians that I've worked under and with, and horrible at the same time. I think we all have, and you know, when I was in administration I would fire and hire people left and right. I would let people know if they were horrible, and I would just go on and keep moving. But I think you know now that I've shifted to research and understanding how clinicians think to a certain degree. You know, I can understand why some clinicians practice the way they do or did, because they were ignorant to what's out there, you know. Earlier on in my career I was oblivious to aphasia. I heard nothing about it. I work in acute care hospitals, major acute hospitals because they weren't that popular in the South, right? It wasn't really until I got to Southern, and I taught undergrad for a while. And you know in some of the text that I was reading. I read about it, and I was like, Oh, I never knew that was a thing right, because they weren't offered. We had Parkinson's groups. But we never had aphasia group, right? And I think that you know, and TBI groups that we have that as well. But I think these groups are much more impactful because they do serve as a sense of community for a multitude of people. And these groups are places where individuals can go when they plateau out of therapy. And I want to say something on that, too. That's actually one of the topics we wrote about in the anthology. What does it feel like to be plateaued or told you plateaued in therapy? Right? And it's just amazing how you know as a clinician, you say that to someone right? Or you meet, you met Max level of potential. You say that to someone, but you don't fully understand the mental or the impact that you have on an individual when you say that right? And that was something we talked about. And now they're writing about it. And I'm like man. I never thought about that as a clinician. So I say that to say even I'm still learning right. That's something we should know. But you don't think about it from a clinical standpoint, because that's a standardized thing. But to an individual who's suffering from or had to endure what you're saying to them, it's a totally different perspective. Right? So, you know, I'm learning that. And I'm learning how to be more compassionate, too. So yes, sir, I'm learning a lot. I love it. I love it so.   Jerry Hoepner: We are well on your way, and you will make that impact on a lot of students. I'm sure you already have. Well, just to kind of bring things to a close. I want to end with a lighter note hopefully, a lighter note. What brings you peace in the midst of this sometimes crazy world that we're living in.   Warren Brown: Oh, man, I love! I love my kids and my wife. I love my kids and my wife. They bring me peace. I'm a I'm a classic car collector. I love my classics, too. I have them. Can I share about that?   Jerry Hoepner: Absolutely.   Warren Brown: So, I have a 1969, a 396 Chevelle that I bought years ago. And we're restoring that we're almost done with that. I just have to get it painted. And recently I bought a 1985 K. 5 Chevy Blazer that we started to restore as well. It's a smaller engine. It's a 305, but that's something that brings me peace as well. You know my dad was a jack of all trades. So, I learned at a young age how to construct houses, how to do plumbing electrical fix cars. That's why I went to college, so I didn't want to do that full time. So, but one thing about it is that you know, I learned how to do all those things, so I can teach that to my kids. And hopefully, that's our family time. You know that we do these things together. That's what truly brings me peace, my family, and a lot of my friends. So, for sure. Yes, sir.   Jerry Hoepner: Well, that's fantastic. And obviously you and I could talk all day. We need to wrap things up. Hopefully. We'll get to see you at the Aphasia Access Leadership Summit and connect there.   Warren Brown: I'll be there. Yes, sir.   01:05:02.260 --> 01:05:11.929 Jerry Hoepner: Connect with a whole bunch of new people. That you haven't met yet, too. So, thank you so much. Warren and I look forward to talking to you again soon.   Warren Brown: Thanks, Dr. Hoepner. Thanks for having me. I appreciate it.   Jerry Hoepner: You're so welcome. On behalf of Aphasia Access, thank you for listening to this episode of the Aphasia Access Conversations Podcast. For more information on Aphasia Access and to access our growing library of materials go to www.aphasiaaccess.org. If you have an idea for a future podcast series or topic, email us at info@aphasiaaccess.org. Thanks again for your ongoing support of Aphasia Access.

New Orleans is an extraordinary place that has experienced more than its fair share of adversity. Living below sea level where the mouth of the Mississippi River meets the Gulf Coast, residents have become adept at mitigating a variety of water-related challenges, from the inundation of tropical storms and subsidence to the scarcity issues of saltwater intrusion.  There's a lot we can learn from the people and leaders of New Orleans. The city's pride in its wealth of culture was on display to the nation recently in the pageantry of Super Bowl LIX. But the spirit of New Orleans may be most evident in the way the city has pioneered a model of urban resilience that addresses future social, economic, and environmental risks.  Future-oriented action, with all its challenges, is the core focus of Ten Across and the focus of today's episode with Greater New Orleans Foundation CEO Andy Kopplin.  To commemorate their 100-year anniversary, the Foundation recently hosted a “Next 100 Years Challenge,” offering a $1.2 million investment in 10 different resilience project proposals across Southern Louisiana. The community has already seen significant returns on this initial investment, offering a compelling example for local and regional support of stronger communities in a changing climate.    Related articles and resources:   “New Orleans Was Called Resilient After Attack. It Didn't Need the Reminder” (The New York Times, January 2025)  “Ideas: Stop Telling New Orleans To Shut Up and Be Resilient” (Time Magazine, January 2025) “Past and Future Resilience Along the Mississippi with Boyce Upholt” (Ten Across Conversations podcast, January 2025)    “Want to Understand the Future of U.S. Climate Resilience? Look to the Gulf Coast” (Ten Across Conversations podcast, December 2024)  “Sunk Costs, Sunken City: The Story of New Orleans with Richard Campanella” (Ten Across Conversations podcast, June 2023)  “Responding to Inevitable Disasters with Juliette Kayyem” (Ten Across Conversations podcast, November 2022)

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we open with an important announcement about the future of the podcast. We then had the pleasure of speaking with Dana Gardner, the CEO of Dana Gardner Trucking. Dana's journey in the trucking industry is truly inspiring, starting with a modest $9,500 investment in a 1999 International truck. Over the years, he has successfully grown his business to operate a fleet of five trucks, specializing in liquid bulk transportation out of Southern Louisiana. As we delved into Dana's story, he shared the challenges he faced along the way, including the trials of owning older trucks and the tough decisions that come with running a trucking business. We discussed the importance of knowing when to let go of equipment that is no longer serving your business, a lesson that many in the industry can relate to. Dana also provided insights into the world of bulk transportation, explaining the intricacies of hauling hazardous and non-hazardous liquids. He emphasized the need for patience and practice in mastering the skills required for this type of hauling, which is often overlooked in the trucking industry. Throughout our conversation, Dana's passion for trucking and his commitment to his drivers shone through. He shared how he navigated difficult situations, such as weather-related delays, and the importance of taking care of his team. As we wrap up this episode, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to our listeners. We hope that our show has made a positive impact on your journey in the trucking business, and we thank you for your support over the past five years.

Dr. Karlo Broussard, a native of Southern Louisiana, left a promising musical career to devote himself full-time to the work of Catholic apologetics. As a staff apologist and speaker for Catholic Answers, and a member of the chancery evangelization team at the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, he travels the country and the diocese giving talks on apologetics, biblical studies, theology, and philosophy. Karlo is a regular guest on Catholic Answers Live and contributor to Catholic Answers Magazine in its print and online editions. He & Deacon Harold break open the reality of the Saints Prayers along with Soulful Psalm 91:7-9

In Episode 127, hosts Alyce and Laura don't know* what their friends, family or each other do in their corporate jobs. Nor should they. It's none of their business. The Bear's Jeremy Allen White is allegedly joining the Star Wars universe (Variety via The Kristian Harloff Show)Go, Skelly Crew, go! Critics and audiences are really enjoying the new Star Wars series (via Forbes) Collectors, rejoice! There are new toys, I mean, collectible action figures, coming soon! (via SWNN)We feel you, Gizmodo, we're also obsessed with Neel and his Millennial Side Part™Fans are having mixed reaction to the news that Dave Filoni will be the sole writer of Ahsoka season 2 (Comicbook.com via this YouTube interview)A tangent on The Penguin and Southern Louisiana tchotchkes (ever seen that word spelled out before?)With the cold weather and holidays comes more expensive Star Wars apparel for your bougie Vader-loving ass A dramatic reading of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew opening crawlIn Recap on Tap, it's all about the Skelly Crü, skeletonization and Space Grass! Alyce and Laura discuss highlights from episodes 1 and 2 and get into a more thorough recap/review of episode 3 #LetSM33wearapiratehatAre we the only freaks that actually enjoy Order 66 content? Helpful links referenced in this episode:Alyce and Laura joined Sal Perales on the Rogue Rebels podcast for a Spoiler Review and recap of The High Republic: Tears of the Nameless. Find it wherever you get podcasts now (Apple, Spotify)! Speaking of The High Republic, check out Laura's spoiler-free review of the new audio drama, Tempest Breaker on the Force Toast website Kevin Smets, John Rocha and Laura Kelly are reviewing Star Wars: Skeleton Crew on The Jedi Way! Find reviews of Eps 1 and 2 here and the Episode 3 review here!  Twitter: @forcetoastpod | @sLeiaAllDay | @ShutUp_LauraInstagram: @forcetoastpodEmail: forcetoastpod@gmail.comWebsite: forcetoastpod.com*This podcast contains a sh!t ton of profanity and boozin. You can find a bleeped version of this podcast absolutely nowhere. Cheers!

Don is joined by Mr. Born-on-the-Bayou, Mike Gallo, from AAofLA.com, on what areas would be best on a weekend like this one with the higher water around the coast and lakes and windy weather across Southern Louisiana, the best ways to combat the high water and winds, and one of the best shared guests that Mike and Don have fished with.

ARLIE HOCHSCHILD is the author of best-seller, STRANGERS IN THEIR OWN LAND: Anger & Mourning on the American Right. Five years talking with folks in Southern Louisiana revealed a “deep story” that holds their political contradictions together - they're waiting in line for the American Dream and Democrats help others - Blacks, Latinos, LGBTQ - cut in front of them. In her new book, STOLEN PRIDE: Loss, Shame, and the Rise of the Right, she takes readers to Pike County, Kentucky. In the nation's whitest and second poorest congressional district , she looks again at the intersection of jobs, culture, emotion, and politics. 

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogleTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.Here's the latest scoop on the markets and key updates:

This episode of Across The Margin : The Podcast presents an interview with singer / songwriter Irena Eide who goes by the stagename Rainy Eyes. A Norway Native now based in Southern Louisiana, Rainy has recently released her second album entitled Lonesome Highway, a soulful, vulnerable, and beautiful work of art that is the focus of this episode. Lonesome Highway, as the story goes, was born out of revelry and resolution in a redwood cabin tucked into the California coast, endowed with a spirit simmering in wanderlust, and ornamented with the rich traditions of the Louisiana bayou. The 11 songs that comprise the album are brimming with perseverance and perspective, written as Rainy reflected on the juxtaposition of her circumstances. As she basked in the joy of motherhood, she was simultaneously confronting a troubled relationship that had turned toxic. Lonesome Highway marks a hope-filled and assertive new beginning for Rainy Eyes, as electric guitar and drums now join fiddle and banjo. In this episode host Michael Shields and Rainy Eyes discuss Rainy's musical and geographic journey from Norway to California to Louisiana while exploring the musical influences she acquired along the way. They dig into the ins-and-outs of her new album, exploring the weighty and relatable themes present within it, while also celebrating the collection of 70 original folk songs for children entitled Little Folkies she recently released…and so, so much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every pursuit, no matter how humble, deserves the touch of greatness. Achieving greatness is a challenging pursuit. Some people may perceive it in ways that seem easy to reach and attain, but in reality, greatness demands every possible effort you can give. It's like climbing a mountain. If you want to reach the top, you can't just sit down and hope someone will carry you up. You have to keep pushing yourself, even when it's tough. You can't just sit back and expect greatness to come to you. You have to work for it every day.   Sometimes, when people see the weight of effort greatness requires, they tend to quit striving and settle on being just an average in their chosen fields. Sure, it might seem easier to just coast along, doing the bare minimum, but deep down, you know you're capable of more. Therefore, dream big and give your very best in all that you do. Always remember that everything starts in our minds, the plans, visions, and steps. We are capable of being our best version if only we begin looking at things through the lens of positivity and continuous learning despite the adversities.    Dr. Eric Peters is a pharmacy entrepreneur, real estate investor, public speaker, pharmacy consultant, and owner of Lagniappe Pharmacy in Louisiana. Dr. Peters is a New Orleans native and started his pharmacy journey at Xavier University of Louisiana. Grounded in faith and mission, he expanded his career to serve a larger community in Southern Louisiana and now has 9 stores in the area. His stores have been instrumental in the COVID-19 vaccine distribution in underserved communities.   In this episode with Dr. Eric Peters, we talk about many important things that can help you succeed in life. Dr. Peters shares how having supportive and encouraging friends has helped him stay focused and driven and how a positive mindset can help us overcome challenges and reach our full potential. His story shows us that we can find ways to achieve our goals, even if they seem difficult at first. By breaking down a big goal into smaller, more manageable tasks, we can make progress step by step, an approach that can be applied to any goal.   Special announcement For Residents/Fellows and Early Attending Physicians. For a limited time only.   "If you want to start a lawn care service, then be the best lawn care service there is out there. Whatever it is you want to do, be the best at it." – Dr. Eric Peters   Topics Covered: (00:02:50) Introducing our special guest, Dr. Eric Peters (00:03:58) Growing up in the '90s in New Orleans (00:07:40) Coaching kids in baseball (00:09:31) Why Dr. Peters chose Xavier University of Louisiana (00:15:43) The perks of being a nerd (00:17:45) Be the best at what you do (00:20:05) The power of intentional book reading (00:25:04) Advertisement: Are you prepared for life's unexpected challenges? Dr. Stephanie Pearson and her team of skilled advisors at Pearson Ravitz are here to help you guard your most valuable asset. Go to https://pearsonravitz.com/ to make sure you are protected today. (00:25:45) Friendship and brotherhood (00:28:31) How did adversity shape the person you are today? (00:33:40) Learning different ways to spend and invest (00:36:51) Working smart, not harder (00:39:45) How the COVID-19 Pandemic impacted Dr. Peters' business (00:42:42) Serving the community during the pandemic (00:46:35) Final TimeOut with Dr. Eric Peters: Advice for young dreamers on overcoming self-doubt and achieving success   Key Takeaways:    "I've always also vowed to never commit to something that I felt like I couldn't give the kids the best chance to achieve that are only sports." – Dr. Eric Peters   "I always stop and give glory and honor to the person that made it all possible because everything that we have and everything that we acquire can be taken away which lets us know  it's not ours. We are just stewards of God's things." – Dr. Eric Peters   "A lot of my success is attributed to the amount of reading that I do." – Dr. Eric Peters   "Overcoming adversity is a part of achieving success." – Dr. Derrick Burgess   "Can't afford is a negative term that I just basically keep out of my vocabulary. But at the same time, I say it costs too much." – Dr. Eric Peters   "The more money you acquire, the less you want to let it go." Dr. Derrick Burgess   "The wealthiest people of the world own nothing but control everything." – Dr. Eric Peters   "Try to create a better version of yourself every day." – Dr. Eric Peters   Connect with Dr. Eric Peters: Website: https://www.lagniapperx.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LagniappeRx/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.e.peters/   Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess: Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHGDu1zT4K_X6PnYELu8weg Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com   This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.

May is National Bike Month, and we're dedicating Wednesday's show to the topic of bike infrastructure in Southern Louisiana.  Baton Rouge and New Orleans have been rated as some of the most dangerous places for cyclists in the country. An analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ranks East Baton Rouge Parish the fourth-most dangerous place to cycle in the United States. New Orleans is the sixth-most.  We'll talk with two people advocating for bicycle riding and bicyclists in Baton Rouge and in New Orleans. We'll talk with a former city planner in Lafayette. And we'll also hear about how the decisions surrounding how we build our cities affect how easy it is to walk and bike. We're joined by Mark Martin, chair of the Complete Streets advisory committee of the City-Parish of East Baton Rouge; Allene La Spina, executive director of Bike Easy in New Orleans; and Carlee Alm-LaBar, chief of staff based in Lafayette for Strong Towns, a national organization that addresses urban development and city planning practices. _____ Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber; our contributing producers are Matt Bloom and Adam Vos; we receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at 12:00 and 7:00 pm. It's available on Spotify, Google Play, and wherever you get your podcasts.  Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to. Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I thought it was pretty difficult to find a mom as awesome as mine. I realized that as much as I love my own mama, there are totally moms out there that deserve to tell their own stories. My own mother's story of resilience and strength gives me motivation every single day. With this thought I pondered, What Mothers can I find for this show? To be completely honest, I had a completely different guest planned for this segment, but as life had it they postponed and left me with an empty slot. I describe our podcast to be like my blog, just in real life. In my blog, I learned that my own vulnerabilities and imperfections resinated with more people.  Well, it was time I found someone that fit the bill for the show. Writer, wife and mother, Sallie Mae is a writer for our digital magazine and last year, took us on an unspeakable journey of self exploration and empowerment and strength. Being Guatemalan and raised in Southern Louisiana by 2 caucasian parents didn't come without its share of learning curves. Sallie navigated throughout her younger years surrounded by love of her  adopted family, but also longed to find her birth family back in Guatemala. She learned early own of her differences with the typical American Family. While on this broadening journey of identity and investigation, Douglas and I met Sallie Mae.  And in those first moments, everything in our lives stopped. The sounds went quiet. Except for the beating of my heart pounding out of my chest. 8 1/2 years ago, Sallie Mae changed our lives forever. Listen to the story now and in a bit read her work in our digital magazine atwww.nolapapa.com/digital-magazineThen later we welcome another resilient and cool cat named Michael Cramer. He is a 22-year-old cancer survivor, bone marrow transplant recipient, social media influencer, motivational hero. He was a surfer, skater, on the Olympic Development team for windsurfing.  Stricken with multiple sicknesses, Michael's mama, Ashlee Cramer rushed by her son's side and has been there ever since.  In 2014 her husband was diagnosed with Large B Cell Lymphoma. She became the sole source of income, the caregiver for her husband, as well as mom and dad to their three children. Tragically, he died in 2016, but this only brought the family closer. July 14, 2020, heartbreak hit again. Michael was diagnosed with an insanely rare and aggressive cancer, Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma. Less than 200 documented cases ever. Average survival 8 months. Ashlee quit her job to be with Michael full-time. Miraculously, 3 years later, Michael's alive. He's been through chemo, radiation, bone marrow transplant, near fatal GVHD (graft versus host disease), hospital admissions for gastroparesis, liver failure, AVN (avascular necrosis), it goes on. Through it all, Ashlee never left his side, and their relationship became an unbreakable bond. Together the two have taken this heartbreak and found “beauty in pain”. It's their theme.  That and “love”.The journey of Michael's cancer became a story to share, a purpose to fulfill. The mother and son started a podcast, Michael and Mom Talk Cancer, and soon after, a website, a blog, YouTube videos. They use social media to update and Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors! Ochsner Hospital for ChildrenWww.ochsner.orgRouses MarkersWww.rousesmarkets.comSandpiper VacationsWww..sandpipervacations.comZak George's Dog Revolution! The Law Firm of Forrest Cressy & James Www.forrestcressyjames.comComfort Cases Www.comfortcases.orgNew Orleans Ice Cream CompanyWww.neworleansicecream.comReal Estate with Steph & Berkshire Hathaway www.realestatewithsteph.comAudubon Institute www.auduboninstitute.orgThe Gift of Adoption FundGiftofAdoption.org

Special Guest:Linda Trueblood, Moderator of Council, Presbytery of Southern Louisiana & Member of Berea Presbyterian Church (the only African American Presbyterian church in New Orelans)Question of the Day:What has been your experience as a person of faith and s Presbyterian living in an area of the US that experiences semi-regular natural disasters like hurricanes and flooding? Register for the Presbytery of Southern Louisiana's Work DayInternal Displacement Crisis within the United States - Presbytery of Southern Louisiana's overture to the 226th General Assembly (2024)For Listening Guides, click here!Got a question for us? Send them to faithpodcast@pcusa.org! A Matter of Faith website

Join Owners of Haven Flower Farm, TerriLynn and Reesa, in our Q&A session on gardening in Southern Louisiana. We dive deep into answering questions about watering techniques, how to grow flowers all season long, and more.Johnny Seeds Drip Irrigation: https://www.johnnyseeds.com/search/?q=Drip+irrigation&search-button=&lang=en_USWe want to hear from you! Give us some ideas for topics that you'd like for us to touch on. If you have a question, we'd love to answer it! We'll host one episode a month just to answer your questions! You can submit topics on our website or send them over via email, both linked below!Website: www.cultivateandflourishthepodcast.comEmail: info@cultivateandflourishthepodcast.comDid you love today's episode?Hit that +FOLLOW button so you can have first access to our new episodes.Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts!Head over to www.thehavenflowerfarm.com to sign up for our Monthly NEWSLETTER, The Southern Farmer Florist! This will keep you in-the-know with our flowers.QUICK LINKS:Haven Flower Farm:IG: https://www.instagram.com/haven.flowerfarmFB: https://www.facebook.com/the.haven.flower.farmWebsite: www.thehavenflowerfarm.comEmail: havenflowerfarm@yahoo.comRGA Floral Atelier:IG: https://www.instagram.com/rga.floralatelierFB: https://www.facebook.com/rga.floralatelierWebsite: www.rgafloralatelier.comEmail: reesa@rgafloralatelier.com

Join LaTangela as she chats with Carley Fuller- Executive Director Girls on the Run South Louisina on the #TanLine This organization is focused on unlocking power and potential within our youth through providing evidence-based programs that inspire participants to recognize their inner strength.  Learn more as we discuss the vision, programs and outlets provided throughout 18 parishes of Southern Louisiana. Gordon McKernan Injury Lawyers have teamed up with Girls on the Run So La - to amplify the message of supporting our community as a team. Gearing up for the Spring 2024 5k  Form a team or join ours - help us #GetItDone NEW MUSIC ALERT NEVER KNEW - LaTangela Fay www.LaTangela.com www.TanTune.com ************************************************************************************ THE LATANGELA SHOW RADIO -  WEMX- Baton Rouge, La. Mon-Fri 10a.m.-3p.m.CST WAFB+ YouTube - #LaTangelaFay Podcast - ALL digital platforms www.LaTangela.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Louisiana's new insurance commissioner has laid out his plans to address the state's insurance crisis. Tim Temple, a former insurance industry executive, says his approach takes aim at what he calls the state's “heavy-handed” regulations.   Sam Karlin, an investigative reporter at The Advocate/Times Picayune, explains Temple's philosophy and the ongoing debate over how to bring rates down.  Later, Camille Farrah Lenain, a French-Algerian photographer based in New Orleans, walks us through her new exhibit “Sisters of the Hunt” at the NUNU Arts and Culture Collective in Arnaudville. Her work explores the lives of female hunters in rural France and Southern Louisiana through an exhibition that combines stunning photographs and immersive sound pieces. Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producers are Matt Bloom and Alana Schrieber. Aubry Procell is our assistant producer. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at 12 and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts.  Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to. Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This show is hosted by Unfiltered Brothers and WOKE Podcast. We will be giving our honest, unfiltered takes throughout the NBA season. The show will be filled with energy and laughs. Opinions backed by facts. On this episode, we give a shoutout to Ice Cube for having a basketball hall of fame award named after him, "Ice Cube Impact Award". We discuss the Clippers and how Westbrook decided to come off the bench. Of course, we get into Draymond Green and thoughts on his 5-game suspension. Lastly, we discuss Angel Reese and how she did not appear for their game against Southern Louisiana.

Sunday it's Saints @ Patriots and John Hendrix of Saints News joins me to give a Saints perspective on Sunday's game. Links to Check Out!! John's Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnJHendrix My Linktree: https://linktr.ee/griffbordignon   Betstamp: https://betstamp.app Promo Code GRIFFB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kent LeDoux – Ranching in southern Louisiana means dealing with swamps, alligators, wild cattle and hurricanes. Swimming saddle horses across a canal designed for barges is a necessary part of gathering Perry Ridge. The climate, wildlife and environment are quite unique on the Gray Ranch, a cow-calf operation with strong ties to standout stallions such as Grays Starlight and Taris Catalyst. Kent LeDoux, who managed the ranch for more than 40 years, sheds light on cowboy life in cajun country.

The boys recap week one against Southern Louisiana and discuss all the happenings around the SEC. TD SEC power rankings are back!

Hi-Viz Sights Presents: A preview of The Fowl Life TV's Season 15, Episode 5, The Senior Project. Chad previews this week's episode of Benelli's The Fowl Life, where the crew visits Southern Louisiana to hunt and cook with the Gator-Tail team! Pecan Island is a cherished area of Cajun Country Louisiana. From the gulf to the marsh to the brackish waters, it is full of ducks, gators and seafood, and the guys got to experience it all! Kyle, Bubba, Hoyt, and Charlie welcome Chad into their world of building the best duck-hunting boats and motors on earth, as well as cooking up gumbo and jambalaya that would make you slap yo mama! It's an episode full of culture and passion and we are so thankful to be part of Gator-Tail Nation! This episode is brought to you by Hi-Viz Sights, Gator-Tail Boats and Motors, Benelli Shotguns, Federal Premium Black Cloud, KERSHAW Knives, Jack Link's Jerky, CamoSpace, SecureIt Firearm Storage, and Bad Boy Mowers.

James and Al take down the faltering DeSantis campaign and lay into the legal issues that will likely take down Trump and might prevent him from the nomination.  They also welcome OMB Director Shalanda Young for a conversation about the politics of the South East, what it takes to rise to a position of leadership, and how government functions from the inside.  Together, they discuss the way politics plays out on the ground, building legislative coalitions, and keeping the country going in the face of extreme partisanship.    Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city, we love to hear where you're from! Get More From This Week's Guests: Get More From OMB Director Shalanda Young: Twitter | WhiteHouse.gov | Council On Foundations  Director Shalanda Young Bio: She made history when she was confirmed with a bipartisan vote in the United States Senate, becoming the first Black woman to lead the agency. As Director, she has secured historic levels of funding for key national priorities—from vital assistance to Ukraine, to disaster relief for communities impacted by natural disasters, to critical investments in child care, education, public health, and climate. She was a top negotiator in the spring of 2023 averting a catastrophic debt default. A native of Southern Louisiana, Young moved to D.C. nearly two decades ago to serve as a Presidential Management Fellow at the National Institute of Health. She then spent 14 years on Capitol Hill, where she ultimately served as Staff Director for the House Appropriations Committee. She holds a Master's Degree from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Loyola University New Orleans. She lives with her family – including her young daughter, Charlie – in Washington, DC. Please Support This Week's Sponsors: ExpressVPN: Control your data, defend your privacy, and protect yourself at expressvpn.com/warroom and get 3 months free on your VPN plan. Henson Shaving: Go to https://hensonshaving.com and enter: WARROOM at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase. (Note: you must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply.)

David Helling has made it his life's mission to bring Scripture's Truth from the page to the screen. This endeavor has resulted in many short films and scripts, garnering numerous awards, accolades and international attention– all which now culminate in his debut feature film, His Only Son. David grew up in Southern Louisiana but spent the bulk of his teens in Texas. Upon graduating high school, David shipped to California for a five-year-stint in the United States Marine Corps– a commitment which eventually took him to the sands of Al-Anbar Province in Iraq. There in the desert, near the edge of ancient Babylon, in a combat zone, another battle was raging in David himself– a war within that eventually drove to the Bible. The result was a transformed heart, sincere faith and a burning desire to tell others of those Biblical accounts. Here is what David had to say about this movie: “The account at the core of His Only Son is one of the most controversial narratives in all Scripture. You would be hard-pressed to find another passage so scrutinized, scoffed at or misunderstood as the twenty-second chapter of the book of Genesis. With this film, I endeavor to answer the critics as well as the confused by exploring the meaning and purpose of God's testing of Abraham, when He asked him to do the unthinkable 4,000 years ago. I look to shine a light on the plan the Lord had in place from the beginning, His promise of redemption and the part Abraham's walk of faith so boldly played.  For us now, the days seem darker than many of us can remember, and at a time when humanity is so downcast, we are in dire need of inspiration to lift us up again. May this film serve as a reminder that in the hard times, in the hurt, in the sadness and in the loss, there is a plan, and there is a purpose for it all. Personally, the last five years of working on this film have been the most trying and heart-wrenching of my life, but I pray, like me, you find encouragement in the testimony of Abraham. His faith was tested. Our hope was born.” HIS ONLY SON is a cinematic exploration of the story of Abraham, as his faith is tested on his three-day journey to sacrifice his son. The film is a quiet exploration of the scripture, ultimately challenging the viewer to examine their own commitment to hearing and obeying God's voice. The film stars Nicolas Mouawad as Abraham (Khtarab El Hay, Ruby), and Sara Seyed as Sarah (Black Warrant). On the show, we chat about how God is always with us during our darkest days (just as He was with Abraham). David shares some of the struggles he experienced as he pursued this mission to share the Good News via putting Biblical Truths to the big screen. The movie which debuted this past Easter weekend was a blockbuster surprise hit! Please support David's endeavors by now renting or buying this film. Stay tuned til the end for a couple of podcast BLOOPERS! :) CONNECT WITH DAVID HELLING *BUY or RENT THE MOVIE ON AMAZON HERE: https://amzn.to/3X426RD Website: ​​https://hisonlysonmovie.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hisonlysonfilm/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hisonlysonfilm/?hl=en Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5HEpNSGmNI CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: ⁠⁠WEBSITE:⁠⁠  www.choose2think.co ⁠⁠MENTORING:⁠⁠ www.choose2think.co/coaching.html ⁠⁠YOUTUBE:⁠⁠ www.youtube.com/channel/UCz8Z2B9TtXvWn0RKelVY5DQ ⁠⁠FACEBOOK:⁠⁠ www.facebook.com/groups/choose2think ⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠: www.instagram.com/victoriadwalkerlydon/ *⁠⁠CHOOSE 2 THINK DEVOTIONAL:⁠⁠ https://amzn.to/3Hcl7v1 *⁠⁠CHOOSE 2 THINK JOURNAL⁠⁠:  https://amzn.to/3WvinND EMAIL: choose2think@gmail.com *When you click on these Amazon affiliate links, I may earn a teeny commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! DISCLAIMER: The Choose 2 Think Inspirational Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult your physician or doctor for all medical advice and counsel. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/victoria-d-lydon/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/victoria-d-lydon/support

https://youtu.be/_m1PJIvHeWg https://peaceloveandpoppy.com Vintage And Fabulous Growing up in Southern Louisiana during the 70's with hippie parents taught me an appreciation for nostalgic things. That love and appreciation of family sparked the opening of my boutique. I have hand-picked each vintage piece because of what it reminds me of; a childhood filled with joy and happiness. I hope that you find something here that will give you the same nostalgia to share with your family.

Send us a Text Message.In the early 1960s, the bayous of Southern Louisiana became the home of the Honey Island Swamp Monster. According to local lore, this foul-smelling, grey-haired beast is a part alligator / part monkey hybrid that splashed through the swamp leaving behind mysterious three-toed footprints. A decade later in Central Illinois, the area around Lawndale hosted an outbreak of Thunderbird sightings. In one incident, a giant bird attempted to fly away with a ten-year-old boy in its talons! We hope you enjoy our very first cryptid episode.The Legend of the Honey Island Swamp Monster at Pelican State of MindDana Holyfields office website for her grandfather's research. Piasa BirdArtist's rendering of the attackOccult World ArticleDoug's Darkworld articleAtlas Obscura articleTroy Taylor's “Thunderbirds Over Illinois”Troy Taylor's Facebook postIf you have an experience, story, or anything else you'd like to share with us, you can email us at Opeaghost@gmail.com You can also follow us on Instagram, Join our Facebook group : Ope, A Ghost, or Follow us on YoutubeToodles!

On this week's episode, I am excited for you to meet my new friend, David Helling, He is the writer and director of the movie, His Only Son, which is available to rent or own digitally today. He talks about how God met him while he was overseas and how the trajectory of his life changed. He talks about his upcoming projects and what God has laid on his heart to do next and about he put that at the end of the movie, which I didn't get to see because a storm moved through my area and shut the theatre down during the end credits! Give David a follow so you can keep up with his upcoming work! Bio: David Helling grew up in Southern Louisiana but spent the bulk of his teens in Texas. Upon graduating high school, David shipped to California for a ve-year-stint in the United States Marine Corps– a commitment which eventually took him to the sands of Al-Anbar Province in Iraq. There in the desert, near the edge of ancient Babylon, in a combat zone, another battle was raging in David himself– a war within that eventually drove to the Bible. The result was a transformed heart, sincere faith and a burning desire to tell others of those Biblical accounts. Since then, David has made it his life's mission to bring Scripture's Truth from the page to the screen. This endeavor has resulted in many short films and scripts, garnering numerous awards, accolades and international attention– all which now culminate in his debut feature film, His Only Son. Anchor Verses: Psalm 103: 13-14 Luke 22: 31 Connect with David: Website: http://commissionedpictures.com Company IG: https://instagram.com/commissionedpictures IG: https://instagram.com/davidhelling YouTube: https://youtube.com/@DavidHelling ***This podcast is a proud member of the Spark Network! It is a network of Christian podcasts that cover so many different topics!  Head over to: https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/spark-network#/ to find more amazing podcasts!!***

This month Trevor sits down with Canoe and Kayaking guide, father, outdoor educator, and #snelfie extraordinaire, Matt May. Kyle couldn't make it this month so the checkup portion of the show is rather short but we get right into the fun stuff and start talking about the Bayou! The guide service Matt works for is Canoe and Trail Adventures in the Covington/Mandeville area of Southern Louisiana and they do tours that are a bit different from the stereotypical fan boat tours that people associate with the New Orleans area. Instead their tours are slower human powered tours on kayaks and canoes and guides like Matt provide "edu-tainment" for the guests and in our opinion, allow guests to have a more fulfilling southern Louisiana experience. Some topics we hit on were Matt telling us how he was introduced to the outdoors, we give some background info about the bayou and the creatures that live there, what goes into a good #snelfie, the day camp that Canoe and Trail Adventures is puts on during the summer, how summer camps like this are a great way to introduce kids to the outdoors, then do Trevor's favorite questions and do the normal wrap up. Matt was super fun to interview and the joy he gets talking about the outdoors and how he gets to experience it through others eyes on a daily basis was absolutely infectious. Links to Check out! ⁠Eastern Lubber Grasshopper⁠ Take a tour with Canoe and Trail Adventures: https://www.canoeandtrail.com/ If you need outdoor gear in the Covington, LA area, check out Massey's Outfitters. https://masseysoutfitters.com/pages/northshore Get in touch with Matt Insta: @mattmay87 Canoe and Trail Adventures: @canoeandtrail Contact the Podcast: Email: adventuringformeremortals@gmail.com Insta: ⁠@meremortalpod ⁠ Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/RkvwxAeyVF⁠ Trev's Insta: ⁠@trevorbollmann

Angel Studios Distribution is set to release HIS ONLY SON to theaters on March 31, 2023 just in time for the Easter season.It is one of the most controversial moments in all Scripture-- when the Lord God tested Abraham by commanding him to take his son, his only son, and sacrifice him on the mountain of Moriah. This feature film illustrates that striking account, following Abraham, his son and their two servants as they journey for three days to the place of the offering. Along the way, the men encounter dangers and trials as Abraham silently relives memories spanning the decades he and his wife, Sarah, longed for the son God had promised… the son he must now lay upon the altar. Answering age-old questions as to why the Lord would require such a sacrifice, His Only Son profoundly explores mankind's relationship to God and encourages viewers to turn inward and ask: Can your faith still stand when you are asked to give everything? David Helling David Helling grew up in Southern Louisiana but spent the bulk of his teens in Texas. Upon graduating high school, David shipped to California for a five-year-stint in the United States Marine Corps– a commitment which eventually took him to the sands of Al-Anbar Province in Iraq. There in the desert, near the edge of ancient Babylon, in a combat zone, another battle was raging in David himself– a war within that eventually drove to the Bible. The result was a transformed heart, sincere faith and a burning desire to tell others of those Biblical accounts. Since then, David has made it his life's mission to bring Scripture's Truth from the page to the screen. This endeavor has resulted in many short films and scripts, garnering numerous awards, accolades and international attention– all which now culminate in his debut feature film, His Only Son.Website: https://hisonlysonmovie.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hisonlysonfilm/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hisonlysonfilm/?hl=enYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5HEpNSGmN

Joining me on the show today is Danny Fitzpatrick, Editor of the Joie de Vivre Journal, to talk about the intertangled relationship between faith, tradition, art, and culture. We discuss how culture is an embodied religion, the importance of traditions, and the necessity of the creative process to move culture forward. We examine our modern fragmented culture, ask “who is pop culture worshiping?”, and proclaim the need to reclaim art as a contemplation exercise not just a consumer one. Danny also shares about the work they are doing at St. Louis IX Art Society promoting religious art in Southern Louisiana. If you find this episode helpful, please share it with one person who you think would benefit from it. Also, please consider leaving a rating or writing a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or sharing it on your social media. Have thoughts about this episode? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Websites mentioned in the show: Joie de Vivre Journal St Louis XI Art Society

Episode 224 is with David Helling - Director of the new film "His Only Son."It is one of the most controversial moments in all Scripture-- when the Lord God tested Abraham by commanding him to take his son, his only son, and sacrifice him on the mountain of Moriah. This feature film illustrates that striking account, following Abraham, his son and their two servants as they journey for three days to the place of the offering. Along the way, the men encounter dangers and trials as Abraham silently relives memories spanning the decades he and his wife, Sarah, longed for the son God had promised… the son he must now lay upon the altar. Answering age-old questions as to why the Lord would require such a sacrifice, His Only Son profoundly explores mankind's relationship to God and encourages viewers to turn inward and ask: Can your faith still stand when you are asked to give everything?David Helling grew up in Southern Louisiana but spent the bulk of his teens in Texas. Upon graduating high school, David shipped to California for a five-year-stint in the United States Marine Corps– a commitment which eventually took him to the sands of Al-Anbar Province in Iraq. There in the desert, near the edge of ancient Babylon, in a combat zone, another battle was raging in David himself– a war within that eventually drove to the Bible. The result was a transformed heart, sincere faith and a burning desire to tell others of those Biblical accounts. Since then, David has made it his life's mission to bring Scripture's Truth from the page to the screen. This endeavor has resulted in many short films and scripts, garnering numerous awards, accolades and international attention– all which now culminate in his debut feature film, His Only Son.https://HisOnlySonMovie.com--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronconrad/supportSupport the show

Episode 224 is with David Helling - Director of the new film "His Only Son."It is one of the most controversial moments in all Scripture-- when the Lord God tested Abraham by commanding him to take his son, his only son, and sacrifice him on the mountain of Moriah. This feature film illustrates that striking account, following Abraham, his son and their two servants as they journey for three days to the place of the offering. Along the way, the men encounter dangers and trials as Abraham silently relives memories spanning the decades he and his wife, Sarah, longed for the son God had promised… the son he must now lay upon the altar. Answering age-old questions as to why the Lord would require such a sacrifice, His Only Son profoundly explores mankind's relationship to God and encourages viewers to turn inward and ask: Can your faith still stand when you are asked to give everything?David Helling grew up in Southern Louisiana but spent the bulk of his teens in Texas. Upon graduating high school, David shipped to California for a five-year-stint in the United States Marine Corps– a commitment which eventually took him to the sands of Al-Anbar Province in Iraq. There in the desert, near the edge of ancient Babylon, in a combat zone, another battle was raging in David himself– a war within that eventually drove to the Bible. The result was a transformed heart, sincere faith and a burning desire to tell others of those Biblical accounts. Since then, David has made it his life's mission to bring Scripture's Truth from the page to the screen. This endeavor has resulted in many short films and scripts, garnering numerous awards, accolades and international attention– all which now culminate in his debut feature film, His Only Son.https://HisOnlySonMovie.com

We hosted a men's retreat in Southern Louisiana and it was an awesome experience! We share graces & play a hot takes game in a live episode :) Taylor & eight other guys spent the weekend in a beautiful lake house in southern Louisiana and had a great time! We spent the weekend in prayer, fellowship, drinks, great food, a trip to the beach and some great game time! We decided to record an episode at the lake house together with a whole cast of characters. In today's episode, you'll hear some of the things that the Lord was doing in the hearts and minds of the men on the retreat and also get to join in our fun as we play "Mezzo/Piano/Forte", our hot takes about Catholicism game. We hope you enjoy this episode! If you'd like more info about our retreats, head to https://www.fortecatholic.com/retreats Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! YouTube Check out the show and other exclusive videos on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/fortecatholic Connect

In this episode of The Truth In This Art Beyond: New Orleans, host Rob Lee sits down with renowned chef Isaac Toups, owner of Toups Meatery, a popular restaurant located in New Orleans. Known for his unique takes on Cajun cuisine, Chef Toups is a four-time finalist for James Beard "Best Chef: South," a Bravo TV's "Top Chef" season 13 "Fan Favorite," and the author of The New York Times' "Best Cookbooks of Fall," Chasing the Gator.Born and raised in Rayne, Louisiana, Chef Toups has deep roots in Southern Louisiana and a deep appreciation for Cajun cuisine. Join Rob and Chef Toups as they delve into the world of one of New Orleans' most celebrated chefs and explore his elevated approach to Southern cuisine at Toups Meatery.Listen as Chef Toups shares his story, his passion for Southern cuisine, and his thoughts on the vibrant culinary scene that defines New Orleans. From his upbringing in Louisiana to his rise to fame as a chef and author, Chef Toups provides insight into the world of culinary arts and the role that food plays in preserving cultural heritage.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the vibrant culinary scene of New Orleans, the history and evolution of Cajun cuisine, and the role of food in preserving cultural heritage.About Toups MeateryWhen you eat with the Toups family, it's an experience. They've been in Louisiana for over 300 years, so they've developed an incredible relationship with the food and the land. Inspired by these deep-rooted Louisiana family traditions, Isaac and Amanda opened Toups' Meatery restaurant in the Spring of 2012 to share that unique eating experience with the food-loving people of New Orleans.At Toups' Meatery, you'll find authentic cracklins' on the menu which have been called “equal to Christendom's finest”, cocktails by the pitcher, and the Meatery Board, a wonderful selection of house cured meats and accompaniments. Slow cooked, meltingly tender Lamb Neck, Confit Chicken Thighs with chicken liver and cornbread dressing, and other substantive dishes that reflect Chef Isaac's sophisticated approach to Cajun cuisine.Photo credit: Romero & Romero PhotographyWelcome to the Truth In This Art Beyond: New Orleans!Having a diverse arts scene, New Orleans is one of the most interesting, culturally vibrant and unique cities in the world. Join Rob Lee, host of The Truth in This Art podcast, on his journey from Baltimore to New Orleans. As a lover of art and culture, Rob's favorite city to visit is the vibrant and dynamic city of New Orleans. In January of 2023, Rob visited the city to conduct a series of interviews as a love letter to the city and its rich culture. This episode is a part of the Baltimore to New Orleans series. Subscribe Through Your Favorite Podcast PlatformApple Podcasts Spotify Google PodcastsThis interview was recorded in New Orleans during Mardi Gras season in January 2023. Laissez les bons temps rouler! ★ Support this podcast ★

Microgrids seem to be a hot topic on the internet, but where could they be implemented best to prove the concept? Maybe areas that routinely deal with power outages from storms, such as Southern Louisiana and the Greater Gulf Coast, but what are the pros and cons?  This week we team up with Robert Bentley, Mechanical Technician for the University of Louisiana's Energy Institute, whose work with the Cleco Alternative Energy Center and Louisiana Solar Energy Laboratory can shed some much needed light on this issue.   

Chad is down in the Cajun Country of Louisiana and there are zero complaints! Kyle is the founder and owner of Gator-Tail Surface Drive Motors and Boats and Charlie is his lifelong friend who has been there since day one! The conversation goes in and out of Cajun culture, food and drink, hunting, fishing, and crabbing, business, friendship, and more! There isn't more culture in the world then there is in Southern Louisiana and this podcast touches on a bunch of it! This episode is brought to you by Gator-Tail Nation, Benelli USA, Federal Premium, Sig Sauer, Hi Viz Sights, The Provider Dry Rubs, Tony Chachere's, Banded Brands, and DEMERBOX!

Guest host Ian Hoch, the WWL news crew, and a team of meteorologists help to guide the listeners through some severe tornadic weather in New Orleans and the surrounding areas.  

It is now undeniable: climate change and extreme weather caused by carbon emissions is here, and the need to transition to a green energy economy in America is imminent. But supporters and critics alike have reasonable questions and concerns, how can we transition the energy economy at scale without upending whole markets and suffering massive job losses? Many argue the answer is Green Hydrogen, including Michael Hecht, CEO for Greater New Orleans Inc. (GNO Inc.) Ronan talks to Michael about his background, green hydrogen, Irish tech, the American energy mix in the future, New Orleans, and how tech has helped. More about Green Hydrogen in America: The global Green Hydrogen market is on track to grow 6,000% by 2031, and with tax credits thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, could become much cheaper than traditional gray hydrogen - hydrogen that is produced using environmentally harmful natural gas or fossil fuels. Three cities are leading the way for America's transition with regional Green Hydrogen hubs: New Orleans: Louisiana is the #1 consumer of gray hydrogen in the country - 3 times as much as the next state and produces more oil and gas jobs per capita. Southern Louisiana is now at the forefront of the energy evolution, leveraging scale to kickstart a Green Hydrogen hub that will reduce the cost of Hydrogen to $1/gallon, retain and create 100,000 jobs, grow regional GDP by 3.5%, and shrink carbon emissions by 68%. New York: The Empire State is leading a regional "hydrogen ecosystem" for the northeast. By leveraging a 4-state partnership with New Jersey, Connecicut and Massachusetts, offshore wind and PV to decarbonise the entire hydrogen value chain. The Port Authority will even be taking advantage, acting as a customer and facilitating Green Hydrogen exports. Utah: The ACES Delta Green Hydrogen project located in central Utah is a one-one-of-its kind- clean energy storage project that will be crucial for a a 100% clean energy economy in the region. The Green Hydrogen hub will have the capability to store energy for months at a time. Once completed, the hub will be able to provide Green Hydrogen to other states in the Intermountain West.

Evolved from the French werewolf stories into its own American Cajun identity, The Rougarou is a beastly shapeshifter from the legends and folklore of the swamps and wetlands of Southern Louisiana. It is said to be a creature so dangerous that even admitting to having seen one risks you becoming one yourself. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/withinthemist/support

Lanor Curole is a member of the United Houma Nation. She grew up in Golden Meadow, a small bayou town in Southern Louisiana. The impacts of repetitive flooding in the area forced her to move farther north.Louisiana's coastal wetlands lose about 16 square miles of land each year. This land loss, pollution from the 2010 BP oil spill, and lingering devastation from Hurricanes Katrina and Ida are pushing many Houma people out of their homes.Since 1985, the United Houma Nation has been seeking federal tribal recognition status. Without this status, the tribe has fewer resources to respond to the climate crisis.“Our people are on that front line, but we don't have a seat at that table,” Curole said.Gaining federal recognition would grant the Houma access to the Indian Health Service and would allow the tribe to work directly with federal agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency when storms strike.“It's not like Willy Wonka's ‘golden ticket' … but I think it does open some additional doors that are definitely closed to us right now,” Curole said.Episode 11 explores the Houma people's efforts to preserve culture in the face of the climate crisis.Voices from the episode:Lanor Curole, Houma tribal administratorThomas Dardar Jr., former chief of the United Houma NationShanondora Billiot, assistant professor of social work at Arizona State UniversityDaniel Lewerenz, assistant professor at the University of North Dakota School of LawSeason 4 of “American Diagnosis” is a co-production of KHN and Just Human Productions.  Our Editorial Advisory Board includes Jourdan Bennett-Begaye, Alastair Bitsóí, and Bryan Pollard.  

This week's episode is a real treat. Spence, Spangler, and Buzz sit down with Dane from Bourbon Watch Company to talk about his upcoming release, the Rue Canal. The design of the watch is inspired by New Orleans landmarks, and angles a bit dressy. However, depending on the dial color, it has quite a bit of range. Spangler has been able to go hands on, and is quite impressed with the fit. We are especially a fan of the 9mm thickness, an impressive feat in this space.The story of the watch goes back to Dane's proud heritage in Southern Louisiana. Dane's family were some of the earliest settlers, dating back to 1721. Impressive, considering Louisiana was settled only three years prior. The passion for his home, and his passion for watches fueled this project. This passion definitely comes through in this interview.Enjoy!

Jeff Stanfield & Andy Shaver are joined by the host of the hit show Duck Camp Dinner, Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois. Season 2 of Duck Camp Dinner premieres August 12th on the Meat Eater YouTube channel. They discuss what to expect in the second season, wild dishes prepared at the Duck Camp, blind snacks, diet and weight loss, Southern Louisiana heritage, and Jean-Paul looks shares his ideas for season 3.

Tonight's 1st guest started having Bigfoot-related experiences, around his home and property, in 1992. The 1st experiences consisted of tree knocks that he'd hear while he was out hunting and sometimes, he'd hear the knocks late at night, while he was in his home. That progressed to hearing something smack the side of his house, late at night. He did have any idea what or who was doing that. He just wanted whoever or whatever it was to stop doing that. After that, a pine tree, with a 7-inch trunk, that stood next to his house, was pushed over, onto his house. Not long after that, he heard what sounded like someone who was wearing over-sized shoes running by his home, late 1 night. The activity on and around his property continued and then, 1 day, he finally had his 1st sighting.Tonight's 2nd guest had his Bigfoot sighting in Southern Louisiana, in 1967. He was a kid back then and had gone on a picnic, with his family, the day he saw that Sasquatch. His father was a hardened Cajun man who didn't tolerate foolishness or misbehavior from his children. The day when his sighting happened, he had been trying to obide by his father's rule that he was never to go anywhere that would make it so his father couldn't see him. As his family relaxed, in a clearing, he decided to walk down a path that lead straight away from where his father was sitting, being careful not to leave his father's line of sight. After walking some distance down the trail, he came to a place where it turned, sharply, to the right. When he reached that turn, in the trail, he stopped and thought about continuing on. His better judgement prevailed, however, so he decided to turn around and head back and when he did, he realized that he wasn't alone, in the woods, that day, the way he thought he was. He had company!If you've had a Bigfoot sighting and would like to be a guest, on the show, please go to https://MyBigfootSighting.com and let us know. We'd love to hear from you.If you'd like to help support the show, by buying your own My Bigfoot Sighting t-shirt, sweatshirt, or tank top, please visit the My Bigfoot Sighting Show Store Page, by going to...https://dogman-encounters.myshopify.com/collections/mens-my-bigfoot-sighting-collectionShow's theme song, "Banjo Music," courtesy Nathan BrumleyI produce 3 other podcasts that are available for listening on your favorite podcast app. If you haven't checked them out, already, here are links to them…Bigfoot Eyewitness Radio https://www.spreaker.com/show/bigfoot-eyewitness-radio_1Dogman Encounters https://www.spreaker.com/show/dogman-encounters-radio_2My Paranormal Experience https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyxVu8_b4yxLHcZ1fNPmRkA/videosThanks for listening!

Dustin Dale Gaspard or "Dusty" is a singer, songwriter, and alt-folk artist. His sound is influenced by the scenic rural landscapes, vast ethereal marsh and traditional cajun music of his home in Southern Louisiana. Dustins' Band | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify GET SLEEP TREATMENT SUPPORT THE SHOW HOSTS Dr. Brandon Hedgecock Matthew Allard PRODUCTION Dan Galvan PARTNERS // SPONSORS Airway Stents Richards Rain Water Lucchesse Boots AC Hotels AFFILIATE LINKS Hush Blankets Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

INTRODUCTION: Heather Wylde Smith is a native of North Georgia, raised in the birthplace of NASCAR and the Moonshine Capital of the World. She jokes that she's a highly evolved Redneck/Hillbilly. Although she has a Tragedy Resume a mile long, she is living proof that our pasts only define us — if we let them. She often says: “Therapy kept me from jumping off a building. Personal Growth made me stop wanting to jump off a building.” Through relentless pursuit of health and happiness, she has overcome: •  Stage 3 Breast Cancer•  Mental/Emotional/Sexual Abuse and Trauma•  Drug Addiction•  And more! Her tremendous success with personal growth lead her to become a coach. She received her initial coaching training through Coach U in 2009.Today, she is the CEO and mad genius behind Wylde Coach LLC.  She's a Biz Coach for ambitious purpose-driven coaches, healers and service providers who want to expand into their next-level selves in order to attract dreamier clients, raise their prices & restructure their businesses for maximum impact, profit and fulfillment. Heather's new book (Online Entrepreneur's Survival Guide) is available @  https://amzn.to/3mnUbxb She's available as a Guest Speaker/Expert and for Podcast interviews. Her blend of biz expertise, practical tips and outlandish humor make her a dynamic guest that your audience will eat up with a spoon!   INCLUDED IN THIS EPISODE (But not limited to): ·      Pitfalls To Watch Out For In The Coaching Industry·      Difference Between A Consultant & A Coach·      The Hypnotherapy Of Stagecraft·      NLP – Neurolinguistic Programming And Mind Tricks To Be Aware Of·      How Trauma Plays Into Sales·      How FOMO Is Used Dishonestly·      The Danger Of Making Rushed Decisions·      What Is The Soul Behind Why You Do What You Do?·      What Should Be Included In A Contract·      Possible Vs. Probable CONNECT WITH HEATHER: Website: www.HeatherWylde.comBook: https://amzn.to/3mnUbxbLinktree: https://linktr.ee/HeatherWyldeCoachFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherWyldeEthicalSales/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherwyldecoach/Twitter: https://twitter.com/WyldeRomanceLinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3pwrmANYouTube: https://bit.ly/3JrNO6c CONNECT WITH DE'VANNON: Website: https://www.SexDrugsAndJesus.comYouTube: https://bit.ly/3daTqCMFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SexDrugsAndJesus/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexdrugsandjesuspodcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TabooTopixPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SexDrugsAndJesus/_saved/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devannonEmail: DeVannon@SexDrugsAndJesus.com  DE'VANNON'S RECOMMENDATIONS: ·      Pray Away Documentary (NETFLIX)o  https://www.netflix.com/title/81040370o  TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk_CqGVfxEs ·      Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed (Documentary)o  https://press.discoveryplus.com/lifestyle/discovery-announces-key-participants-featured-in-upcoming-expose-of-the-hillsong-church-controversy-hillsong-a-megachurch-exposed/ ·      Leaving Hillsong Podcast With Tanya Levino  https://leavinghillsong.podbean.com ·      Upwork: https://www.upwork.com·      FreeUp: https://freeup.net VETERAN'S SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS ·      Disabled American Veterans (DAV): https://www.dav.org·      American Legion: https://www.legion.org  INTERESTED IN PODCASTING OR BEING A GUEST?: ·      PodMatch is awesome! This application streamlines the process of finding guests for your show and also helps you find shows to be a guest on. The PodMatch Community is a part of this and that is where you can ask questions and get help from an entire network of people so that you save both money and time on your podcasting journey.https://podmatch.com/signup/devannon  TRANSCRIPT: [00:00:00]You're listening to the sex drugs and Jesus podcast, where we discuss whatever the fuck we want to! And yes, we can put sex and drugs and Jesus all in the same bed and still be all right at the end of the day. My name is De'Vannon and I'll be interviewing guests from every corner of this world as we dig into topics that are too risqué for the morning show, as we strive to help you understand what's really going on in your life.There is nothing off the table and we've got a lot to talk about. So let's dive right into this episode.De'Vannon: Hey, y'all has a wild is back with a brand new book. It's their second time on the show. And I'm so thrilled to have her. Now, this book is called the survivor's guide to entrepreneurship, and this book is going to help people avoid fake business coaches and bullshit like that, and how to avoid debt and regroup.Now in this conversation, we've gone to explore how neuro-linguistic programming also known as NLP and mind tricks play into sales and the traps you [00:01:00] should be looking out for when talking about how FOMO fear of missing out is used this honestly, and what should be included in contracts before we sign them.And of course, Heather and I share our old cocaine stories because that's the type of shit we do enjoy the episode. Hey bitch, have a wild what's the tape.Heather: What's up. De'Vannon: Hey girl. Hey N so y'all, we got, have the wall back with us for the second time, and we got some new shit to talk about. Cause he just dropped up fresh a book on the globe called online entrepreneurs, survival guide, how to choose the right business coach. And there's some other little words after that, but I'm too fucking lazy to read them.And but it's a very beautiful pink, black and white cover book. And pink is very on-brand whether you have there, that's [00:02:00] kind of like your thing. I'm channeling a living, John from Greece.Heather: the pink ladies. De'Vannon: The pink ladies and then the pink version of that black cat suit that she had on at the, at the end of the moving, whether, when they were doing the other one in that wall, she had on the all black, well, when they did like the grease reunion thing, she wore a pink version of that. All black pants, patent, leather, leather suit, she wore pink version of it to the after partyHeather: I have forgotten that I'm gonna have to go back and I have an ex that that was his favorite movie. And so I've kind of steered away from it for like 15 years. De'Vannon: breaking up is hard to do. Okay. So just to recap, y'all Heather has survived stage three breast [00:03:00] cancer. She's been through some mental, emotional, and sexual abuse type of things along with all sorts of trials. You had her own a drug addiction shit to deal with. And you know what, but prostitution, perhapsHeather: you know, 16 work taken 16 years worth. I mean, it's just a bit of prostitution now. De'Vannon: a little bit of pussy DLN on the side and stuff like that. Go along with the cocaine. You know, they do pair well together. We can just ask we can ask them that gates and the, the, the guy who wants to be the speaker of the house, who I pray never will be one of those Republicans. Cause their cocaine orgy shit, just, you know, that T does came out a few days ago.So Heather: Bored. De'Vannon: I'm not judging them for having cocaine or do cause I'm just judging them for oh, telling women what to do with their bodies.Heather: Right? Well, cocaine and orgies is a really dumb [00:04:00] combination because for men it usually gives them performance issues. Meth is much better for orgies because it makes you hard and you can't come for hours. De'Vannon: I've been in the room expecting to get my booty hole filled with all kinds of jazz. And it didn't happen because the dude had coped Dick.Heather: Hope Dick is, is a real fucking thing. And you know, for women, I've seen people, people fetishize Coke. It's so funny. I remember being with this couple when I was escorting and they're like putting the Coke, like directly on her clit and then like licking it off. And I'm like, you just numbed her cliteracy she is never going to be able to come.It's just not a good idea. Anyway, we digress. De'Vannon: No, I tried, I, I snorted a couple of lines of a hard Dick before, seem to mind.Heather: Well, that's because you were doing it. Like I was paid thousands of dollars, you know, to be [00:05:00] a coat mirror for somebody, like I just laid there and they just kept snorting Coke off my boots, my back, my butt, whatever. But then they were. Going to the door and shutting it. Have you been with these people?Like I got to shut the door, so they get up and they shut it. And then two minutes later, they're like, I got to go open the door and then they'll stay in there and the door and they'll look, cause they've gotten, they've reached their point of paranoia. That is annoying as fuck B the Coke mirror didn't bother me dealing with the paranoia was like, oh, there's nobody there.De'Vannon: Well, I've been the paranoid one. So I can't, you know, it is what it is. I can't you know, I can't really, you know, everyone has their roles to play, but nobody's trying to intentionally hurt anyone. So you're, they're making your money there. They're freaking out. Cause they did a bump too many. I've been there a few times.Heather: Yeah, thankfully I'm, I'm allergic to Coke. And so if I snorted it, I would get a sinus infection for a month. [00:06:00] And so I would eat it, but it doesn't give you the same kind of high. Right. And so I never got paranoid off of it. And I mean, you know, I wasn't like, oh my God, you're a deficient person for doing this.I was just like, God, this is boring. De'Vannon: Those were the fucking days. Oh my Heather: were interesting, interesting days. I'm glad that I had them. And I'm glad that I don't have them anymore. De'Vannon: The most, one of the most paranoid trips that I had when I had shot away too much meth. And I was at the VA hospital in Houston and I was, I just, I would just, I was hearing like keys jingle. I thought the cops were coming to get me and I'm in, I'm in, I'm in an emergency room. The cops just can't walk in there and get you.But I'm thinking, I'm hearing the sounds of them coming, like, like their keys and shit. And so. The nurses got so fucking pissed off with me and my paranoia. They gave me a couple of pills to take wait for three days, [00:07:00] I slept through the whole 72 hours. Coroner's home. They were done with my ass.Like this bitch said, babysitting my ass all the way down for three days, I woke up. I was in a completely new clothes. I was in the hospital's probes. I didn't change. They,the doctor was using when those codes over things, a scrape under my foot, trying to get me to wake up and he was reading. The nurses are fail to tell him the hell in her. She gave me too damn much, met too much medicine, but she done with my ass. And soHeather: oh, wow. Yeah, that, that was excessive. De'Vannon: Well, I am a Sagittarius. It's not like this as for, into my demeanor. Heather: Okay. De'Vannon: All right. Y'all so Heather's book is called online entrepreneurs. So in this book, she is trying to open your eyes to [00:08:00] the bullshit, the pitfalls, the scandals, hashtag a scandal and the, and the deceptions that tend to prevail in this whole business coaching mentor guru world.Now tell us why you wrote this book and what qualifies you to have written it.Heather: So what qualifies me to write it is that I have been in this world for 13 years, and I really both as a student of personal growth and as a coach, as a struggling coach and what I, and I've invested in myself over and over again, you'll hear people say, you have to invest in yourself if you want to get anywhere.And it's true. But you have to be smart about your investments. And because I came in with kind of, to my rose colored glasses were a little too rosy, and I looked at this height, marketing is what I call it.you know, where this false promises and they're blowing everything out of proportion. And I [00:09:00] swallowed it hook, line and sinker because I was like, okay, I'm here to help people.I'm a coach. These people are coaches. We're all here to help people. So they're not going to lie to me. Right. So I came in and was very, very, very naive. And I spent a lot of money and didn't really get anywhere. And I spent years blaming myself for it as so many other entrepreneurs do. And wondering what was wrong with me.I'm like, you know, I'm a very good, I'm very much a go getter. You know, I'm an action taker. I'm smart. I'm passionate. I'm a good coach. Why can't I get this? And thinking there was something wrong with me. And then in the past couple of years, I started, I don't know, talking to more people about this, I started to understand more and more about what's going on behind the marketing, why I kept making bad decisions and still, you know, owning the, I made them, you know, but really understanding what's going on with the marketing and the sales in the coaching industry that makes it really difficult to find the right coach.And the book is [00:10:00] written toward new entrepreneurs, but is actually really helpful for more advanced entrepreneurs. People who are actually working with clients to understand why they're still struggling, you know, while they're not getting the $10,000 a month, $20,000 a month that everybody talks about. And it also, if you're just a student of personal or spiritual growth or you're somebody. Is interested in hiring a health coach, like the information in this, it's really all about helping you to see the truth behind the marketing and the sales tactics, and know how to research and how to interview potential coaches so that you find the people that are actually going to help you make progress, as opposed to the people that are just going to take your money.And they really don't care if you get results or not. De'Vannon: When you say that Heather? I think about, so like when I was starting down under apparel that calm my clothing company, which I also have a numb here in Southern Louisiana. Not exactly known for high fashion, certainly not skimping man panties and things like that. Heather: Right. [00:11:00]De'Vannon: No, there was a guy. Heather: Well, there's That part of urban street.De'Vannon: That one part of urban history.There's this guy online who has a store in Oregon. And and I reached out to him and I think I had asked him just to like, so some advice, you know, on like what to do and stuff like that, the sort of thing that I would freely give away to somebody. And he responded with like his coconut Salton packaging, but he has now he's an underwear retailer who owns an underwear store, but he's also trying to be a consultant too.And he's telling me, you know, I've got to fly him to Louisiana and pay him like however many thousands of dollars to to get his system down. Because in your book, you warn about this one size fits all thing. And I kind of felt like he was trying to do that. I'm like, wait a minute, you haven't done a market analysis.You haven't, you don't know how many people are here with the population is. You don't know what, you know, what I'm selling or you don't know anything. And yet you're already telling me how much you're [00:12:00] going to charge and what you can promise me is going to happen. This cannot be, you know, it didn't feel right.So it seems like some people may hop into trying to be a coach too soon because with him, and I've seen this before, like, so is it like an arrogance thing, you know, is he thinking more highly of himself that he should because he's been successful on his one end or does he think people are that damn stupid and he can take advantage of them?Is it a little bit of both?Heather: So it was a couple of things, you know, there's a couple of things that I see that are going on. Number one there's a lot of people like Brendon Burchard comes to mind. A lot of people know Brendon Burchard and some of his stuff is really good. And some of the stuff is really inspiring, but he's one of these big mega coaches and his, I don't know, I haven't watched, I haven't followed him in years, but you know, as of five, six years ago, he was [00:13:00] still preaching that like, you don't have to be trained as a coach.All you need is. Your life experience something you're good at, and you can monetize it, then you can make thousands of dollars and blah, blah, blah. So a lot of it has been created by the coaching industry, telling people what they want to hear in order to, you know, it was for these business coaches that get on and they're like, Yeah. you know, you're a brand new coach.You've never had any training. You have no out, you know, you've never had formal training and whatever it is that you're trying to do, yes, you should use, you should be charging people at least a thousand dollars an hour, you know, And they do this so, that they can sell their coaching packages. Right. So there is a lot of the businesses are unregulated. There is a certification there's at least one like really respected certification process through the international coaching Federation. But. You know, even that whole system isn't perfect, you know, and I don't believe that you have to be certified, but you should be trained as a coach. Okay. So there's, there's number [00:14:00] one.Number two, a lot of people will go through a business coaching program or they'll have their own successful business and then they'll decide, okay, I can help other people with this. And they don't. Some of them are. Realize that just because something works for you doesn't mean it's going to work for somebody else's business.The one thing that God was doing right is he was calling himself a consultant. so the difference between a consultant as a coach is that a consultant comes in and they give you a system and they really don't help you customize it and tweak it. They're just sold on the fact that their system is gold, right?A lot of people that call themselves coaches are really more consultants. A coach really should be asking you questions and helping you figure out what is going to be best for you. And if they're are a specialty coach, like a life coach is really just asking questions. But if somebody is a business coach or some kind of, you know, weight loss coach or something, they should be teaching as well as helping you, you know, figure out what's going to be best for you and your lifestyle.And then you touched on the arrogance thing. And I had talked about this in the book. [00:15:00]There are narcissists and narcissists and sociopaths in all walks of life. They tend to be attracted to you know, politics a lot of CEOs and upper management, you know they just, they work really well in those environments.And I believe that they are very, very strongly attracted to the coaching industry, the personal growth world, because it's an opportunity for them to get thousands and thousands and tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of fawning fans plus make a lot of money. And they're really good in this world because their arrogance, like when somebody is really confidence and confident and they have a lot of authority, it's easy for them to sell to you because you're like, oh, clearly, you know, they know what they're doing.Like they're so confident in it. Right? So there's a lot of different things going on there that, that kind of answer your question. wonder.De'Vannon: Yeah. And so, so a big part of the purpose of your book is to help, to help people to [00:16:00] divine the nuances that will tell what somebodies intentions are. Because a lot of what I read through there, it's like very finite details. You know, like one flip of the switch, one way to the left or the right could make the difference in between whether or not a person's legitimate or not, or whether or not they're a good fit for you or not.These, there, there weren't like a whole lot of big gaping differences. This is very, very subtle. A lot of these things that you point out.Heather: Yeah.It, well, they look gaping to me and thank you for that feedback. They look deep into me because I've been staring at them for so long. Right. But yeah, to somebody that's new in the industry, like you come in and, or, you know, you're just coming in And you're like, oh, you know, I really want to learn Reiki or I want to Yeah.gosh, I mean, I want to have better relationships and you're just coming as an, as a consumer and you get online and it's just like, you're just inundated with so many people who are [00:17:00] like, I'm great at this blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.But if you don't know how to right. Ask the right questions and you don't know what it is that you really need, like you can end up in things that don't fit. So for instance, one of my first clients, she had bought into a program that was, it was a business program and they were like, we can help any business.Our system, our system works for everybody. Right. And she gets in it and it's all about going live and she's terrified of going on camera. So she didn't, she didn't ask the question. You know, she, she just got caught up in the hype of, oh, our business. Our system works for everybody. Just come work with us and you're going to be, you know, you're going to make so much money.Your message is going to get out. Yada, yada. You know, we need to ask questions. It's like, okay, that's great. Now, how are we going to do this? You know, our, if you're a business coach, you know, are you going to help me with Facebook ads? Are you going to help me by going live? Are you going to show me you know, how to [00:18:00] really monetize reels?Like, what are you doing? Because there's some things that are going to be more in our wheelhouse than others. Right? We need stuff. That's going to play to our strengths and to our comfort level, especially in the beginning.De'Vannon: Right. And what you speak about confidence, the confidence that people have and they project themselves. I'm remind, I'm thinking about like the charity I'm thinking about hitting the therapy. So like, when I was getting my hypnotherapy training, you know, they explained to us how, when people are like, say up on an elevated platform in our minds, we automatically believe they know more than.But they don't necessarily, they don't necessarily have to have done anything to deserve it. We haven't fact checked anything about them just because they have a suit on and they're on a stage. Well, they must know more. It's just the way we as people are. And so there's warnings, you know, against that.And it'll, and why I'm saying that, so these, so these consultants, girls, whatever the fuck they want to call themselves, haven't done this in a way with [00:19:00] either their social media, but bolstering followers, getting reviews on their websites or whatever the case may be. Preachers do it all the time, you know, through having hypnotic, acquires and bands and all these things to make you feel good and everything like that.And you're too busy feeling good with what the speaker consultant preacher is saying. And you're not critically examining, what's being said, you'll do busy feeling good about what's happening. So your critical mind has been defeated because you're too busy with all the frills of shit, the Freeland shit.And so Our news is the same way. Yes, news politics. Sure.Heather: Yeah. Get you get people into their feelings and they don't, and they turn off their rational mind and their critical thinking. De'Vannon: That's exactly the way it works. Republicans and Democrats alike, but lately I would say more the Republicans because they don't really, they don't really push policies. You [00:20:00] know, they're more like against, you know, who can we be against today? We're going to be against the women who want abortions are going to be against people who want to get high.We're going to be against immigrants. You know, we're going to be against anyone who's not white and conservative basically. And and you know what, they got their little base that's for that and that, and they're all insecure in their own way, which is why they need to destroy other people in order to feel better about themselves.And so. you know, I go on that tirade because there's so much humanity, so much of the human condition. And when I say the human condition, I mean our weakness and our fallenness, the things that betray our highest selves wrapped up into this. And so we have broken people who want to go out and be consultants and girls and all of this and tell other people what to do, but they're not perfect themselves.Now, one thing I like about you like you have a, a chapter line in here, it says making money while being a major [00:21:00] force for positive change in the world, you know, you always tie your consultant, your business in with some sort of spiritual element. So that lets me know that you don't lose the the importance of the person that you're dealing with.And I think that this happens a lot, even in the one size fits all thinking like the guy from Oregon was trying to do with me, or like what you've seen and then not looking at the individual, you know, they're more concerned about the process than the person. So why do we allow ourselves to receive this sort of abuse? When somebody is dealing with us and they're just hitting numbers and figures and promises, and they're not really seeing us, but we're going to go and give them our money anyway.Heather: Yeah. So interesting question. So there's, I had a [00:22:00] conversation with somebody who was a kind of trauma informed. I've had a few conversations while I was writing the book. And a couple people were like trained in NLP and neuro-linguistic programming when used consensually and we're, you know, by the light side of the forest by a Jedi is an awesome thing.Like it can be deeply, positively transformational. The problem is, is that it's a subtle form of hypnosis. And so if you're using it in marketing and sales, which is what is happening you're, it's really, it's, it's really like your mind raping people into like paying attention to your marketing and buying from you.And I had another conversation with someone who specialty is in like regulating the nervous system, right? And people who need the most regulation of their nervous systems are people who have endured a lot of trauma or endured any trauma. Any, any trauma is, is Congo can dysregulate you. Right. And I asked and I said, do you feel like people [00:23:00] that are trauma survivors are more prone to falling for this?You know, these height marketing and I call it sociopathic sales to the manipulative belittling, shaming pushy sales types. Right. And I said, you know, do you feel like trauma survivors are more prone to falling for this? And she said, absolutely. And if you think about it, like so many people that are in the coaching world that are in, especially with people that are in it for the Right. reasons, we've had a journey where we've had to heal ourselves.We've had to go on this growth journey And we've kind of taken everything that we've learned from other people. And I say we, because I, I do transformational stuff too. I'm just kind of, I kind of ended up as a business coach kind of accident, but most of us have gone through some kind of healing and growth journey and we take all the stuff that we've learned and we kind of develop our own system.Right. And so a lot of the people that are coming into coaching are trauma [00:24:00] survivors. And so it makes sense that this really nasty marketing and sales is going to work on. Right. Cause there's still parts of us that we're working on healing and you know, like you said, you've got people that are jumping in and they're coaching and consulting and they are, they don't have their lives.Perfect. It's not about having your life. Perfect. Although a lot of people on social media try to make it look like they've got everything figured out. Like don't go work with those folks. That's a warning sign. Like nobody has it all figured out. But it's just about being further down the road than the person that you're helping.You're, you're further, you're a few steps ahead of them so that you can actually reach back and help them get a few steps further. And ideally you want to be working with people who have coaches themselves and are on still on a growth journey, right. Because the further they go, the further they can help you come as well.De'Vannon: Right. And y'all when she mentioned the neuro linguistic programming, the NLP and things like that, which is a subset of hip hypnotherapy. What she's talking about is [00:25:00] the subtle tones of voice inflections. Word choice. You can use different settings, music, colors, different Body language Body language and things like that, that you're not, you know, in these things invoke a response.So it's a difference if I say, Hey, how are you as opposed to, Hey, how are you? You know, it, it sets a different, it sends out a different vibe to wherever it is, I'm directing it towards. And so if you know how to use the right words with the right, phrasiology and the right tones, the right totals and things like that, you can shift and change the energy within a conversation to your liking.If you're dealing with somebody who's not aware of what the fuck you're doing. And so but this is why those Jedi mind tricks only work on the weak mind that no, one's going to be weak minded by the time they're done with your book.Heather: [00:26:00] Well, that's, that's the hope. And it's interesting you say that about, you know, it only works on people that don't know what you're doing. So there was a great article on medium that a woman, she had been trained in NLP and she had, she was really blasting the people that had trained her because she had paid $13,000 to come to this three week long.In-person. And they had hyped it up, though, this is all you need to start your business. You're going to be a master trainer. By the time you leave, yada yada yada yada. And she said, the first week of the training was amazing and they taught them so much and they were all practicing together. And she said, the second week they started using the same techniques.They had just taught them to try to push them into spending 7,000 more dollars to get the next level of training. And she said it was such a mind, fuck, because she's like, you guys just taught us this bullshit. And now you're trying to use it on us. But she said that out of the 30 people, 28 people signed up and she [00:27:00] said there were herself and one other holdout.And she said they did this whole exercise, which was a visualization exercise. And it was all about like being. It was something about lifeboats. I can't remember the specific name, but it was something about like being left behind, but it was all designed to just really undermine these last two people's inner knowing and make them sign up for this thing.And so it can work on people, even if they're aware, unfortunately. Right. You just have to, you have to be aware and you have to stop yourself and be like, wait a minute. Why am I doing this? Because I really think it's a good idea or because they've really put it in my head that if I don't do this by businesses never going to go anywhere, or I'm never going to get the man I want, or I'm never going to lose the weight I want or whatever. De'Vannon: Well, I will say those 20, those 28 people who were able to suck her into paying the additional 7,000 Heather were, they were probably, they were [00:28:00] freshly taught about this, but more to the point they were still. In the control of the people who taught them, they were still in their arena on their playing field, you know, at their conference, you know, they, you know, they, they were still, they were still on their field.They hadn't had time. Then they had time to go home and let it process yet. And that's why they didn't let them get out and get away from them because their mind was still open and receptive and in a state of hypnosis processing the information. So they still struck out the struggle. The iron was hot.Heather: Oh, absolutely. And that's why you see so many, you know sign up in the next 24 hours or the price is going up or, you know, like there's, there's healthy urgency. And I talk about this in the book, like toxic FOMO, Right. So there's, you know, a little bit of FOMO and marketing where it's like, okay, the doors are closing soon.I've only got three spots left. Right. And if the person is being [00:29:00] honest about that. Okay, fine. But when it goes into the toxic is like, we may never offer this program again. We're never going to offer this program at this price again. And I've seen, like, I've seen people send the same email out saying that for years about things.And so it's like, if you're interested in that program and you have the funds and it works for you right now, then go ahead and buy it. But don't break yourself, you know, trying to buy this thing because you're like, oh my God, they're never going to offer it again because chances are it's bullshit, you know, and never fall for someone.Who's like, I'm the only person who can help you. Like that person does not have your best interest at heart. It's like run like help.De'Vannon: Right. I've seen that recently where a person was like, you know, sign up. There's only two slots left, blah, blah, blah. It feels pushy. I don't like the energy. And so I want to offer this to people until you, you know, you can learn more about what Heather's talking about. You can read her book and learn about NLP and different things like that.[00:30:00] Sign up to take a class or two of hypnosis. I recommend the hypnosis motivation Institute, where I got my hypnotherapy training from you don't have to get the whole certification. You can just take like a class or two specific to what you would like to learn about and be done with it. You can do it online, but you, you, my prayer is that you are at least able to feel when something's not right.And that you don't ignore what that voice inside your head is telling you that disturbed feeling. Now you got to get quiet and listen to yourself. Don't make a decision when you're standing right in front of somebody always go home and think about it, period. Heather: yup. Yup. De'Vannon: Because you know, the, the spirit of that whole act now at quake, there's only two left.First of all, they're lying. They have, they have as many slots as they can feel because they're trying to make as much money as they possibly want to. So it's bullshit and they're not telling the truth. SoHeather: Sometimes sometimes, really like they are down to the wire and they really don't, you know, [00:31:00] don't, I wouldn't automatically dismiss somebody for saying that there's only a couple spots left. If they're trying to rush you. Like, if the rest of their stuff, like, I would note that maybe as a yellow flag, but take it in context.Does that make sense? De'Vannon: requires for research.Heather: Right. Right. You know, because yeah. Some people use it as height and some people, some people are art legit. Like my program is almost full, but I've got a couple more spots. Right. It's like the energy behind it, you know? But the people that are like act now act now out now a lot of that time, like you think about it.I talk about this in the book. If you think about like any hustle movie in econ movie you've ever seen, they're always rushing people because when we're, when we're being rushed, we're off bound. You know, anybody that's shaming you or belittling you, or trying to make you feel like you're never going to get anywhere.If you don't take action by buying from them. And right then that's a problem that person does not have your best interests at heart. [00:32:00]De'Vannon: Indeed in. I wanted to talk about this. I want to caveat a little bit here and to the book writing world, because I kind of pivot back to the importance of remembering the soul behind what you're doing. Now. I get some people more emotional and spiritually inclined than others, and it takes all sorts of people to make this world work.So it comes to writing books, like in the, in the, in the literary world of ghost writer is kind of along the lines of like a literary consultant. If you will, or coach, this is somebody who possesses, but you know, as it is understood more skilled than the person who has the content for the book, the ghost writer can guide the person who has the content into creating a manuscript that is legible and marketable, et cetera.Heather: Right. De'Vannon: So the experience that I had with, with the person who helped me write my first book[00:33:00] And it was a memoir and, you know, these things get personal, you know, when you,Heather: And this is the one that you,just put out, but I've been reading, right? Oh my God. Y'all it is so good. It's so good.De'Vannon: so thank you, baby. So it was your book. And so, but she, it gets personal and I would imagine the same way when you're consulting and coaching, and you're getting down into people's details. At some point you cross the line of just strictly professional to quasi professional and quasi friends and quads. I personal because you're not just seeing them once here and there, you know, you're all up in this person's tea, business, grits and everything.And so I paid him like $40,000 to get two to two packages together because I had a lot of information. It wasn't going to be a simple book and that price is in the middle. The highest I saw was like about 80, 90,000 for a ghost writer. And then as low as you want to go. And then it, since then, Because of what I was trying to [00:34:00] say, I w you know, I felt like it was in the middle and that's all fine, you know, a flu this person down here to Louisiana.So we can go to different cities and stuff like that. I really wanted an authentic read and, and, but, you know, I was new and I didn't, you know, I'm wanting to get into like contract negotiations and stuff with this, because like, as it is now, and I just hadn't had it to do over, I wouldn't, I would've made sure that I had like unlimited revisions or something like that.Heather: Sure. De'Vannon: So he only wanted to do like two or three revisions, but the book really wasn't done. And it was, was so not ready to put out. And then he wanted to come back after I've already paid 40,000. I spent probably another 10,000 and all the traveling and eating out and everything. And now he wants to switch it to $200 an hour to do further work.And so, you know, at that point I felt like. You know, the time that we had spent together and traveling and all of this and letting you know for what's in my memoir, [00:35:00] there's so much more that didn't get told. So he knows like so much about me personally. And I just felt like, and then moment, he stepped back to being just like strictly business with me.And, you know, that's something that I should have known from the beginning. You know, if you're gonna, if the, if the book is unacceptable after revisions two and three, you're going to switch to 200 an hour. You should have told me that at first, you know, not on the back end when you feel like I need you in order to complete it.So now I'm in a situation where I'm thinking, okay, that you intentionally kind of get a little sloppy towards the end of the book, knowing you wanted to turn around and charge me an additional 200, you know, I finished it myself. It's not like I can't write, I just wanted somebody else to have an objective, you know, look on it.And I had already written 50,000 words of it before. You know, turn the project over to him. So I was just like, you know, fuck, y'all just do it. You know, myself, I'm not going to let you hustle me like that. And so, so with the current ghost writer that I have, who's helping me on the don't call me a Christian [00:36:00] book, which will be out later this year, different contract, far less expensive.And if there's anything additional needed, then it's going to be on a per word basis. And I already know this upfront. Heather: right. De'Vannon: And so speak to me about contracts. When, when like a consultant now in the book, Heather breaks down the difference between a girl, a mentor, a consultant coach, all of that, you know, all of that.But when it comes down to the contract, what should we look for? What do we need to have? What should we avoid?Heather: Okay. So first off, I'm not a lawyer, so but here's, here's what you want. You definitely, if somebody doesn't have a contract, that's that scary, like they very least need to have something that makes it really clear, like what their duties are and what the expectations of what you're going to do. Really nails down, like timelines really nails [00:37:00] down, like you know, how many sessions we're going to have, how much time we're going to spend together, you know, those kinds of things.Right? So it's always, it's always good to have a lawyer look over things, you know, but especially in the beginning as coaches or if you're just hiring somebody, not because you want to become a coach, you're not working on anything for work or working on anything. A personal probably don't want to go pay a little. To go over it, but there needs to be confidentiality clauses, you know, in there. You know, you need to know that this person, isn't going to take your personal information and go ride a book of their own or, you know, just splash it all over social media or whatever. The biggest thing is like, and some of it you're just going to have to live in, learn, like, you know, demanding and you went into this and you're like, okay, 40 grand, this is middle, you know, middle of the road.I've done my research. You know, this should be fine. But sometimes there's things that we don't know until we, until we know. Right. [00:38:00] So it's good to have like really, really clear conversations and to ask questions about contracts. And if you've got somebody who is really being a pain in the ass about the contract, like they are like, if you're trying to ask them questions and trying to clarify things and they really don't want to answer, that's not a good sign.It's probably not somebody you want to mess with. But you can just ask questions. know, what happens, you know, how many revisions do I get? Like in the case of, of the book, you know with, you know, with coaching, one of the things that I really encourage people to do, because the old, the old way that's still being practiced by.A lot of people is to say, you signed this contract. It doesn't matter if, you know, three months it's two months in or whatever you decide that this isn't right for you. You're stuck paying for this no matter what, that's bullshit, you know that these non terminable con contracts are kind of. The coaching standard.Right. And so I encourage people to [00:39:00] just ask people like, Hey, if we get three weeks in and I can see that this isn't the right fit, because sometimes you can research and really do your due diligence and everything, but you don't know what it's going to be like until you're in it. Right. Like you can't, you can't guess what it's going to be like until you're actually in it.And you know, you find out, okay, this isn't working for me, you know, have a conversation. Well, what happens if I need to break this contract, if they don't have a termination clause in their contract, just because there's no termination clause doesn't mean that you can't get out of it. Right. So there's kind of a broad, general, anything the contracts like read it.It's legalized. It's lot to slog through. It's a pain in the ass, but read it and make sure you understand what's going on and ask questions, you know? And then if it is something like a project-based thing, like what Davanon went through, make sure you understand, like, what happens if you know the finished product isn't quite finished when you get done. You know, because it is, it is weird. Like you do develop a friendship with people, [00:40:00] you know, especially in longer-term projects. And I can't imagine, you know, how close you would have gotten to somebody that you've been traveling with and all that stuff. And, you know, as, as a service provider, we have to be, we have to be conscious that this is what we do for a living.Right. So we can't let you know, just because we like somebody, we can't like work for them for free. Right. But that's why it's so important. One of the reasons why it's so important to be so clear in the contract about what you're going to do and what you're not going to do, you know, but it is, it's weird every time, every time I've ever entered a coaching relationship or somebody has entered a coaching relationship with me, which has almost always been at the end of the agreed upon contract, it still feels like a breakup.Like it feels, it feels kind of personal. You kind of have to kind of like mourn it. You know, I've been able to go back and be friends with most of my ex clients. And most of my ex coaches though But there haven't been like, I understand van. And why that kind of left. It felt like a funny taste in your mouth. De'Vannon: [00:41:00] Oh, it's a very bitter fucking tastesHeather: he's like not funny. It's better. bitch.De'Vannon: better. You know, if like I never want it. It's like, I never want to see him again. It's like, well, we got to talk about, you Heather: Right? De'Vannon: like that. So, and I want it to remind people. You know a saying that goes, the investor has the upper hand always meaning the one who's spending the money who's paying for the services.So no matter how a salesperson tries to turn it around, how you have some sort of assistant or some sort of coach, who's going to try to bully you and try to tell you what you should or shouldn't be doing this year. The one with the checkbook, with the credit card, with the funds, with the Currans okay.You call the shots. Even if you call them wrong at the end of the damn day, it's your mind me, it can't nobody make you do with your money, [00:42:00] which you don't want to. And as simple as it seems, it wasn't until I came across that in a, in a, in a, in a reading somewhere, I was reading in a writing on the internet that I found, you know, the investor has the upper hand always.I felt so liberated. Because even though I've been the one spending money on stuff, sometimes I would feel like, okay, maybe I should act like they want me to act or do what they wanna do and stuff like that. And I was like, no, bitch, I'm slang in the Dole here. You shut the fuck up. If it comes down to it, bitch.And you do what I say, you got me fucked up.Heather: Well, you know, here, here's where it's kind of like, you have to find your own line because on the one hand we have to realize when we don't know what we don't know. Right. And sometimes we don't know what we do. know, it's like, you're coming into a situation and you're like, okay, I, want to do this. And like, there's like, I may know that I need help with X, Y, and Z, but I don't even know about, you know, ABC, D E F G [00:43:00] like I w I was so I'm, so I'm such a noob.I'm so green. I don't know anything about these other things. Right. And so having a beginner mindset is generally going to help you, like the worst thing for like a coach. Like the worst thing for me is like, I sit down and people are asking me questions and then I'm giving them answers. And I'm not one of these authoritative coaches where I'm like, I know everything and, you know, it's my way or the highway.Right. But there's, there's something. Okay. So I explained it. There's tried and true things that work. And if you kind of imagine, like, if you're going down the center line of a road, those are like the tried and true marketing things. Right. And you can deviate to the right and you can deviate to the left and still have a successful business.Right. But if you deviate too far off, then you're completely off the road and it either doesn't work or it takes way too long. Right. So there's a benefit in, in kind of, you know, not, not getting too crazy with [00:44:00] stuff. Right. But you know, if I have somebody who's like, they're asking me questions and then they're telling me the answer and they won't listen to what I have to say at all.Like, that's we call that not being coachable and that doesn't work, but obviously if somebody's giving you advice and you're like, yeah, that doesn't feel good to me. You know, that's not how I wanna run my business, or that's not how I want to, you know, date or that's not how I want to lose weight, then that person's, they're not the right fit for you.And then you should find a way to like dissolve contract.De'Vannon: Right. I, I concur. And I want to go back and ask you something that I'm into earlier. Those, when the, when that girl was telling you, she was at the conference and they were able to trick the 28 people into the other seven grand, and then they wanted to guilt, shame or strong on the other two that they were, they able to manipulate the other two people or that they hold their dry.Heather: So she held her ground. I don't know what happened with the other person [00:45:00]De'Vannon: Okay.Heather: and, you know, yes. And I talk about this in the book, but we have to take responsibility. This isn't the point of this book is not so everybody can sit around and say,right. Because every single time that I bought into somebody's height, there was a part of me that was like, this is too good to be true. This is too good to be true. It's attributed review. But because there are still things in me that I'm healing, I'm still working on, you know, All of my tragedy resume.I'm still working through a lot. I wanted to believe it. And I, and I let them manipulate me. And so I have to take responsibility for my badge choices. I have to take responsibility for the fact that even though the first three group programs didn't work for me and it should have been very apparent to me that that model doesn't work for me.I signed up for two more. Right. So we have to take responsibility and hold ourselves accountable for our actions. Right. [00:46:00] And be aware that people are doing sleazy things, but you know, you can't just sit around and cry about it and be a victim. Yeah. De'Vannon: Crummy around the area. Let's see. So I just pray for people that they gain strong minds and become the strongest among us. Heather: Yeah. De'Vannon: So in your book, you talk about the difference of possible versus probable. You give these examples of how, like people on social media go, Hey, you can make $50,000 in your first month.All you have to do is this, this, this, this, this, and or whatever fucking astronomical thing. And he's not. And you say sometimes these results have happened. So you don't really throw it all the way out, but you tell us is not necessarily typical. So speak to us about how we can balance our expectations about what's possible when may have happened for some people, because apparently a lot of [00:47:00] consultants and girls like to use their best clients as their examples, but kind of leave out the fact that, you know, these results aren't actually typical.So what's possible. What's probable.Heather: So it's possible to come in and make 10 K your. it can happen. Right. But there's a lot of fuckery that goes on with that testimonial and that, that case study. And they're not telling you. Right. So for instance, one of the things that happens a lot in testimonials with these group programs is they're telling you, you know, my client came in and just two weeks after starting to work with me, she doubled her ROI.Well, they don't tell you that this, this person they were working with already had a business was already making 5k months already had a warm audience. And this person didn't take the group program. They actually were a one-to-one client. Right. So that person's results. Are not even though it's true, it doesn't apply to you if you're a new [00:48:00] entrepreneur and you're taking this group program with a hundred other people.Right. So that's something that happens a lot. And once I understood that, I was like, oh my God, I'm not an idiot. There's nothing wrong with me. Like these people are just not being transparent, so they're not lying, but they're not telling the truth either. Right. So, but I mean, even as a new entrepreneur and there's, there's a whole fuckery around what constitutes your first month in business, a lot of people don't count themselves as being in business until they start making sales.So they don't tell you about the 14 years they struggled and didn't make a dime. They're just like, Yeah.one day I started a business and 30 days later I made $35,000 and it's like, yeah, you were in business for 14 years. You fucking wire. Right. Okay. So. They're there and they're outliers. There are people that just come in and suddenly have amazing results, like sometime, cause it really just happened, but don't let people mindfuck you until you will.If that doesn't happen for you, it's just your mindset. Like it's just not probable. And so one of the things I encourage people to ask when they're on, you [00:49:00] know, calls with coaches or, you know, any kind of mentor consultant, teacher, whatever is ask them what, you know, what are the best results you've helped people to create.And you know, they're going to brag, brag, brag, brag, brag. And then you're going to say, well, what's the average results and they're not necessarily going to tell you the truth. This is where you have to really turn on your discernment. Look at their body language, listen to their voice about how they're answering things.And I also really encourage people to reach out to people that leave testimonials and just say, Hey, do you still stand by this testimonial? Okay. Sometimes people will rewrite your testimonials. Sometimes you gave it during the honeymoon phase when you really liked the person, but by the end of the program that you figured out that they were full of shit.Right? So that's kind of how you're figuring out like what's possible and what's probable. And they also should be able to tell you, like, you know, the person who got the really amazing results, how much time and money did they put in, you know, the person they get the [00:50:00] average results, what kind of time and money did they put in?Right? So you want to be asking these questions and you know, there's so much fuckery amount, mindset and mindset is a real thing, but don't get sucked into this. Well, if you just believe hard enough, it's going to work. And it's like, well, if the program does, if the program were coach or teacher consultant guru or whatever, does it deliver, you're not going to get really good results.And that's not because of your mindset, right? If you're showing up and doing the work, you should be getting results. If you're not, then there's something there's something wrong and it's not your mindset.De'Vannon: Well, the devil is in the details as they say. And that's exactly what you're talking about is paying attention to the little things. So that makes all the difference in the world.Heather: Yeah, but you know, somebody reads this book and you know, it's going to open their eyes and you're going to be able to see in people's marketing, whether they're worth following, whether they're worth even getting [00:51:00] on a call with them. And you're going to know when they, if, if they start trying to use any of the sociopathic sales techniques, you're not going to sit there and start questioning yourself.You're going to be like, wait a fucking minute. No, no, no, no, no, no. Right. And then you'll know like what questions you need to ask. Because the way that coaches are taught to sell is to not believe any room for questions. Right is to just take control of the call and just run it. And to some degree there, you know, you need to show leadership because you are in a leadership position, but it shouldn't be like, the coach is on the mountain top and you're like down here, it should be more like the coach is like a little bit further along than you, right there.They're a leader, but they're not trying to like, make you feel like you're, you know, so far, you know, it shouldn't be, it shouldn't be that much of a demand. And my words are failing me. Well they're Yeah,they're not a God. [00:52:00] They're just, there's somebody who has a little more experience and knowledge than you do. De'Vannon: absolutely. They're not a God and they're not perfect. And we. Mistakes. It is important to take people off of these pedestals. We tend to put them on. And you mentioned that it's important that your coach, if you're going to hire a coach or a consultant or a girl that they are also have, they also have their own coaching happening as well.And that's very, very, very important. If another thing a person could ask them, you know, who is your consultant? Who is your person? You say in your book, that is good for people to invest in training for well-respected certifications. Usually behind a coach or consultant named there's all these fucking acronyms that I don't know what the fuck they mean, but it makes them look really smart.Heather: Right. De'Vannon: In my head, it does make me feel like that they are probably better qualified than someone who doesn't have all the acronyms behind their name. So speak to us about the importance of [00:53:00] training, because when I was reading this, you know, I'm getting the sense that you don't want people to, just to forsake the training.I think you said earlier, somebody, you disagree with that. All you have to do is be good at something. And then you can go start consulting. Apparently that's not the case.Heather: Well, so here, here's the thing. A lot of people think that coaching is like giving advice and coaching in its purest form. Like when, when coaching first became a thing, it was almost like going to like the shaman of the village, or, you know, you see in like Hong Fu movies Where you go and you ask the spiritual master a question and he doesn't give you an answer.He gives you a question. Right? So pure coaching in its purest form is really about asking questions and helping the client figure out what they need to do. Right. But when coaching splintered into all these different niches, right. And it became business first, it was like [00:54:00] just coaching. And then there was like business coaching and life coaching, and then it's wintered into like health and relationship and all these different things.Right. So when somebody has a specialty. They're not just poaching, they should be teaching. Right. And what I found in my business coaches and a lot of business coaches, they're good coaches. They're good at asking questions and they're good consultants. I just like giving you strategies, but they're not good teachers.They don't teach you how to actually effectively implement the strategies. And so that's a problem anyway, but the coaching, like if you're going to be a health coach, you need to, you need to understand, like, if you, if you have a nutrition degree from college, you might be able to be a health coach without actually having coach training.Right. Because you have like that background, but somebody who just reads a couple of books on weight loss, and then it's like, yep, I'm a health coach. Like, or [00:55:00] I'm a weight loss coach. Like. Things that you need to understand and a good coaching schools also going to talk to you about ethics, like your coaching ethics.Like I talk a lot about ethics in business, on the sales and marketing side, but there's ethics in like, you know, don't fuck your clients. If you're a coach, right. It's a conflict of interest. Don't, you know, coach close family and friends that can, that can be a difficult kind of sticky situation, other things.So if you really are into this, because you actually want to have an impact, invest in some training and you can go on unity and Coursera and, you know, whatever and get a certification for a hundred bucks or 10 bucks. But the quality of that training, it's it's, you need to go to, you need to get some training where you can actually ask questions.You can actually be mentored a little bit in the process. It's just, it's gonna make you much better at what you do. And you'll have more confidence too, which will [00:56:00] make it easier for you to market and sell, but you'll also be able to actually produce results with your clients much quicker.De'Vannon: Where are there like general coaching schools throughout the country in the world? Or is there just different places depending on what you want to learn or does it, you know, is there anywhere you'd recommend or.Heather: So there's, I don't know about recommends. So I did coach you, coach you is, has been around it's one of the oldest coaching schools. And but there are specialty schools. That one, that one is basically for like life coaching and business coaching. But there's, I went to a sex coaching school when I was doing sex coaching there's all different kind of like splintered into all these niches kind of schools. Right. But if you want to get the ICF certification, which as far as I know is like kind of the one that's most universally known and respected in the coaching world. Go to the international coaching Federation website. And it will tell you all the schools that are actually accredited with them. And then you can go and [00:57:00] research, you know, within your niche or, or what have you.And, you know, they've got a lot of online options. I did mine on person, which I, I really liked some things about, and that I had, I was actually learning in an environment with other people, but it was 60 hours in six days. So it was pretty grueling. So, yeah, I would go to the ICF because here's the thing we're unregulated right now.I don't think we're going to stay on regulated much longer, especially because there are more and more conversations being had about the unethical business practices in the coaching industry. So I think the government's role governments are going to start to step in, and there are now schools that are offering four year degrees in coaching.And on the one hand, I think that that's pretty cool because there is a lot to learn and a lot of cool things you can know, but on the other hand, you don't need four years of college and all that college debt in order to be an effective coach, you do need some training, but you want to make sure that your grandfather had in before that change happens, because [00:58:00] you know, people that have been calling themselves coaches for years are going to really have to scramble, you know, or face fines or, you know, what are, or face going back to school for four years.De'Vannon: Right. So speaking of unscrupulous motherfuckers, you mentioned a sociopathic sales earlier, and now in this section of the book you back into the sense that this has to do with like an ends justifies the means sort of approach. I read a line there about maybe a salesperson might tell you something like, Hey, you wouldn't, you know, you would spend money to keep your kid from dying.It's the same thing. And, you know, have you heard, have you heard people say shit like that and dig deep, dig deeper into what you mean by a sociopathic sales person?Heather: So I'm not a psychologist. And so I'm just kind of using the, the term sociopathic to just mean like somebody does consciousness, right? They, they have, no, [00:59:00] they have no empathy. They have no remorse. They they have an agenda and they will, you know, their, their agenda is made to make a certain amount of money or fill their program with a certain amount of people.And they don't give a shit, they don't kill her. They don't give a shit if you're, so this is kind of where you can kind of get into qualified and unqualified leads to somebody that's a qualified lead. Is it the right starting place and has the right resources, like time and energy and focus to, and they're the right level, right?To get the good out of your program. If somebody is not at the right starting point, it doesn't matter how eager they are. They're not going to get as good a results. Right. Or somebody who like really is flat broke and like they're struggling to eat. And these people would sell them a $5,000 program in a heartbeat.They don't give a shit. Right. So that's what I mean by sociopathic sales. So it's the manipulation, the false promises. It's the shaming. And I go through all the different types of shaming, you know [01:00:00] ambition, shaming is one of the biggest ones like, oh, you, if you're not ready to invest, you know, 10 grand in my program, you must not want this business very much.Oh, oh, I see. You're not ready. You don't want to, you don't want to buy my program right now. I see this must just be a hobby, right? So it's this stuff to make you doubt yourself stuff to make you want to prove yourself to That person is one of the most common things, but that particular line the most sociopathic mentor I ever worked with actually use

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon has served in this office for more than 15 years. First elected to public office in 1975 as Chair of the Jefferson Parish Council, he then served in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1981-2001. His public service career also includes 33 years in the Louisiana Army National Guard where he retired with the rank of Colonel and received the prestigious Legion of Merit medal.  "Everything depends on insurance. Our homes, life, protection of our family, our businesses, and our economy, all depend on insurance. Insurance commissioners across the country are tasked with keeping insurance affordable and available. That requires a balance between protecting consumers and making insurance available at a reasonable price for consumers." The past two hurricane seasons have been the worse since Katrina and Rita. Louisiana had fifteen years of relatively quiet hurricanes seasons. But given the location of our state, Louisiana is in the center of the Gulf and we get hit more on a per capita basis than any other state by far. "Hurricane Ida's core of probability for landfall stretched from the Sabine River on our western border to the Pearl River on the eastern border. It never left. It was always headed to Louisiana." Hurricanes Laura and Ida were the second most powerful hurricanes in history with 150 miles per hour winds, only surpassed by the 1856 "Last Island Hurricane" which brought devastation to Southern Louisiana with 156 miles per hour winds. Laura resulted in $9.6 Billion dollars in insurance losses; Ida has resulted so far in $10.6 Billion in losses. As a result of the staggering claims, some Louisiana insurers have gone bust. Fortunately, the Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association ("LIGA") is in place to protect property and casualty policyholders Recovery from LIGA is capped at $500,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence, a benefit that only eight other states, besides Louisiana, in the U. S. provide. Donelon looked back to the days of Governor Kathleen Blanco as an example of how the state worked to keep private insurers afloat in the aftermath of massive claims following Katrina and Rita. Without these private insurers, the State of Louisiana would have to become the insurer for all levels of risk, not just those that are currently covered by the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Company (which covers those unable to get private insurance due to special circumstances). Working to create incentives to attract companies to our market after many carriers left the state due to the high risk of doing business post-Katrina, Blanco also worked to have our first statewide building code enacted to ensure that structures were built more able to "weather the storms." It's always best to prepare yourself for the damage that may be caused by a hurricane. For the department's tips on hurricane preparedness, visit https://www.ldi.la.gov/consumers/insurance-type/homeowners/hurricane-resource-center. A package of bills are currently working their way through the Louisiana Legislature as a means to protect consumers of insurance products. Deemed "The Catastrophe Reform Package," they include the following: Create the “Louisiana Fortify Homes Program," patterned after a similar program in Alabama, to provide grants for homeowners to retrofit their roofs and homes to a higher standard better able to withstand hurricane winds. The "Three Adjuster Rule" which would kick in after a policyholder is assigned a third adjuster. At that point, a new primary contact must be assigned who will remain on the case until the claim is closed and the company must also provide two methods of contacting the permanent adjuster."Additional Living Expense" would clarify that coverage for living expenses for up to 14 days incurred after an evacuation, whether mandated or voluntary, would be provided to policyholders. Minimum Capital and Surplus Requirements would be raise...

The pandemic decimated our industry on a global scale and, for many of us, it was the first time that mother nature played a major role in the way we do business. But, if you grew up in Southern Louisiana--and I did--you've been conditioned after countless natural disasters to safeguard your family and your business against the unpredictable nature of the changing tides. Today we chat with Isaac Toups. A Louisiana native and restaurateur who offers a masterclass in what it means to be resilient in the face of overwhelming odds and the courage it takes to rebuild from scratch again and again. For more on Toups' Meatery visit http://toupsmeatery.com FULL COMP is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time. ________________________________ CLICK HERE to Chat with Josh Free Download: 5 Steps to Achieve a 15% Net Profit We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out the FULL COMP media universe by visiting: FULL COMP Restaurant Marketing School The Playbook Industry Town Halls

"I just thought about so many Black women who came before me who have been cooking amazing food in this country for centuries and how we don't know their names. But the stories of the women I do know in my family—my great-great aunt, my two grandmothers, my mother—I could tell the stories that I do know about them. So that was just crucial for me and, you know, it was very emotional as I was writing it."This week, we're excited to welcome Vallery Lomas to Salt + Spine, the podcast on stories behind cookbooks.Vallery grew up in Southern Louisiana, learning to cook from her mother and grandmothers—her signature dish as a child was her Grandmother Leona’s Strawberry Delight—but she didn’t always plan to be a baker. Vallery went to USC to study pre-med, and it was only because of a requirement to study foreign languages that she stumbled into learning French and eventually abandoned the pre-med track for French and Psychology. Vallery graduated into the recession of 2008 and finding a job was difficult. The job she landed wasn’t the best fit, so she turned to blogging about baking after seeing "Julie & Julia."The blogging led to more opportunities and stars aligned when she was cast for "The Great American Baking Show," which she won. The season, however, was never aired in response to sexual harassment allegations against one of the hosts—and Valley's victory was essentially swept under the rug. Vallery writes in her book: “My victory, like so many accomplishments of Black women who came before me, had been effectively erased. … I couldn’t help but think I was seen as a cheap victim. If I weren’t a woman—a Black woman—would I have been treated differently?”START COOKING TODAY: Omnivore Books | Bookshop | IndieBound | AmazonBut Vallery didn’t let this stop her. Instead, she pivoted full time into food media and recently published her first cookbook, Life is What You Bake It. In today’s conversation, we discuss making the switch from practicing law to full-time food writer and baker, what it was like to find out that her biggest accomplishment to date would never air on television, and some practical and encouraging advice from one home baker to others.Vallery joined us remotely for this week’s show to #TalkCookbooks, including our signature culinary game. Get full access to Salt + Spine at saltandspine.substack.com/subscribe