Podcasts about ul lafayette

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais has set off a wave of redistricting across the Gulf South.Elise Gregg from the Gulf States Newsroom reports on how smaller communities in the South are being affected by new state voting maps that mostly favor Republican candidates.Student researchers at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette have made a finding that could change the way scientists interpret information about climate change in both the fossil record as well as the modern ecosystem. And they made that discovery simply using oak leaves collected from the university's campus.Dr. Brian Schubert, professor and director of environmental science at the School of Geosciences at UL Lafayette, along with his recently-graduated student, Clinton Vincent, tell us more.LSU Health New Orleans is one of four medical programs in the state and 50 in the nation taking part in a federal program to promote nutrition education among medical students. Its purpose is to make sure participating schools add a 40-hour program in nutrition.Dr. Robin English, associate dean for undergraduate medical education, LSU Health New Orleans, joins us for more. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you!Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Tracy Matheson is the president and founder of Project Beloved. Her daughter, Molly, was raped and murdered in 2017 - truly a parent's worst nightmare. Molly's story can be found at this link. But, what we focus on in this conversation is the amazing things her mother has done to make healing for sexual assault survivors more attainable in the aftermath of trauma. Through Project Beloved, survivors have access to new and fresh clothing after a forensic exam and when they report to law enforcement, they can do so in a soft interview room that invokes emotions stemmed from warmth and safety-and this room provided in full by Project Beloved. UL Lafayette and LSU campus police are two Louisiana recipients of this organization's philanthropy.You can get to know Molly Jane on the Project Beloved link here.If you would like to know more about soft interview rooms, Beloved bundles, and more, visit ProjectBeloved.org.

Most of us spend a good portion of our lives looking for the right words. The ones that explain who we are. What we believe. What we're here for. Some people find them early. Others take a longer route — through careers that almost fit, through places that challenge everything they thought they knew, through questions that don't resolve so much as deepen. My guests today have both built businesses around helping people find their voice. For Sarah Mary Toce-Donlon, that voice often comes from above. Sarah Mary works in communications at UL Lafayette and is building a business as a professional speaker. She offers speaking engagements, retreats, workshops, and leadership development . Her presentations weave together theology, philosophy, psychology, and leadership principles. Sarah Mary grew up in Lafayette, and an internship with Homeland Security during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill led her to an early career in nonprofit work and disaster management. She later earned a Master of Divinity from Boston College — and that move to Massachusetts was a turning point. She describes the experience as one that broke her mind open, that challenged her worldview and deepened her understanding of faith and humanity. After years in nonprofit work and communications, she came back to her calling as a public speaker. Her clients include Catholic school teacher retreats, corporate leadership trainings, church lecture series, and continuing education workshops for educators. Having a strong voice is pretty important if you want to be a good writer. We talk about it all the time in my newsroom. Voice communicates everything, and it’s just as essential on the page as it is from the stage. If you’re an author looking to develop a strong voice, you might need the services of a good editor like my guest Keondria Francis. Keondria is owner operator of The Assembly Literary, a brand that houses her services as an editor-for-hire for independent authors. Independent authors carry a particular burden: they are the publisher, the marketer, and the writer, all at once. Keondria tries to lighten that load. She offers manuscript evaluation, copy and line editing, proofreading, coaching sessions, and digital resources — including character development outlines she created after noticing how many authors struggled to build believable, relatable characters. Her editing philosophy centers on one principle: improve the manuscript without losing the writer's voice — an approach that blends African American Vernacular English with traditional grammar standards when it serves the story. Keondria works with two to three clients a month, most of them repeat authors. About 95 percent are self-published. She's now expanding — adding a proofreader to her team, and planning to launch her own publishing company by end of year. Her first project will be her own novel. Out to Lunch Acadiana was recorded live over lunch at Tsunami Sushi in downtown Lafayette. You can find photos from this show by Astor Morgan at itsacadiana.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Kenneth Knott didn't set out to become a landman. His engineering plans got derailed by the 1985 downturn, a friend pulled him into petroleum land management at UL Lafayette, and an ARCO internship hooked him for life. Thirty-nine years later, he just wrapped up a career that included over 25 years at SM Energy, billions in transactions, and a leadership style that kept landmen with him for decades.Brent sits down with Kenneth for a Legacy Series conversation on what longevity in land actually requires. They cover surviving downturns, building team cultures where servant leadership is lived, not just talked, the mentors who shaped him, what separates good landmen from great ones, and his honest take on what AI means for the next generation of land professionals.Key Topics & Timestamps00:45 - Episode & Guest Intro03:10 - How Kenneth Became A Landman07:44 - Surviving Downturns And Longevity10:25 - Leadership Culture And Team Building17:13 - Big Lessons, Deals, and Mentors29:31 - The Mentors Behind Kenneth Knott38:19 - What Makes A Great Landman49:06 - Retirement Reflections And Next GenMemorable Quotes"Our goal is not to make you one of the best landmen. Our goal is to make you one of the best oil and gas professionals." — KennethKey TakeawaysServant leadership has to be lived, not just talked. Talking about servant values doesn't move the needle. Build the culture by aligning every hire on values, treating mistakes as lessons, and making the person next to you better every day.Control what you can, accept what you can't, and keep grinding. Surviving downturns in land work isn't about predicting cycles. It's about your work ethic, your willingness to do what others won't, and your focus on what's actually in your hands.Hire for values first, skills second. SM Energy's culture didn't happen by accident. Recruiting was deliberate about finding people who shared the values, because alignment is what lets you have hard conversations when things get rough.Aim to build great oil and gas professionals, not just great landmen. The best landmen understand the breadth of the business. Get curious in engineering, accounting, and marketing meetings. Over the long run, that's what separates the great from the merely competent.Internal networking beats external networking for deal-making. Knowing who to call inside your own company turns regular deals into great ones. The dumb question to a counterpart in another department is often the difference between a clean close and a problem nobody saw coming.AI is a force multiplier, but it can't replace technical foundation. The next generation of landmen has speed, curiosity, and access to tools landmen never had. The risk is taking AI output at face value without the technical baseline to QC it.About Our GuestKenneth Knott is a 39-year veteran of the oil and gas land business and the recently retired Vice President of Land and Business Development at SM Energy, where he spent more than 25 years. He started his career at ARCO and Vastar before joining SM Energy (formerly St. Mary Land & Exploration), and oversaw billions in transactions, including SM's repositioning out of the Rockies and into the Permian Basin with the QStar, Rock Oil, and Laredo acquisitions. Known industry-wide as "KK," he built a reputation for cultivating long-tenured land teams through a servant-leadership culture rooted in Louisiana grit and decades of field experience.Help us improve our podcast! Share your thoughts in our quick survey.Resources⁠PBLA ⁠(Permian Basin Landmen's Association)⁠Texas Tech University Energy Commerce Program⁠Need Help With A Project? ⁠Meet With Dudley⁠Need Help with Staffing? Connect with ⁠Dudley Staffing⁠Streamline Your Title Process with ⁠Dudley Select Title⁠Watch On ⁠YouTube⁠Follow Dudley Land Co. On ⁠LinkedIn⁠Have Questions? ⁠Email us⁠More From Our GuestsKenneth Knott on LinkedInMore from Our Hosts⁠Brent⁠ on LinkedInKhalil ⁠on LinkedIn

For one 2025 national champion LSU baseball team, last weekend’s games ended any remote chances that they will qualify for the upcoming playoffs with a chance to repeat. For the other 2025 national champion LSU baseball team located in the northwest corner of Louisiana, their chance for a title repeat is very much alive and well today. This weekend also featured the quiet return of one of the PGA Tour’s most popular golfers as he won for the first time in eight years.  Plus, the NBA’s Indiana Pacers attempt to tank and receive a top draft pick backfired in a big way on Sunday. The LSU Tigers baseball team went 0-3 at Georgia – won’t defend title Omaha will not be the final destination for this year’s 2026 LSU baseball team in June.  The 2025 national champions just dropped three straight games in Athens, Georgia over the weekend. The Georgia Bulldogs downed the Tigers 11-8, 13-8, and (yikes) 12-1 after the infamous 10-run rule was invoked in Sunday’s finale.  That weekend sweep also gave the Dawgs the 2026 SEC regular season title. UGA is now 41-11 overall and a very impressive 21-6 in the SEC. LSU’s depleted pitching staff (giving up 5 ½ runs every nine innings) served up an assortment of tasty treats to Georgia’s eager batters all weekend.  The Tigers fell to 29-24 overall and a woeful 9-18 in the SEC. Those 18 SEC losses are the most ever for an LSU baseball team.  It’s hard to believe Coach Jay Johnson’s baseball team has fallen this far after winning the national championship in 2025. LSU’s regular season mercifully ends at home this weekend in Baton Rouge as the Florida Gators (34-18 and 15-12 in the SEC) visit Alex Box Stadium.  LSU remains in 14th place in the 16-team SEC.  Only South Carolina (7-20 in the league) and Missouri (6-21) have worse records. In Shreveport, the defending NAIA baseball champion LSU-S Pilots are peaking at the right time Last year’s LSU-Shreveport baseball team set an all-time college baseball record by becoming the first team to win every single game they played.  The 59-0 Perfect Pilots of 2025 have lost 12 times during 2026.  However, they also have 41 wins, too. LSU-S will host four other top regional teams in the NAIA opening round playoff series beginning today (Monday, May 11) at Pilot Field in Shreveport.  LSU-S is a nifty 31-4 at home this year.  The odds favor the Pilots advancing into the second round of the NAIA playoffs next week. Unlike their big brothers down in Baton Rouge, LSU-Shreveport’s pitching has been exceptional again in 2026.  The Pilots’ team earned run average is just 3.35.  Pitching ace Brock Lucas has posted a 10-2 record and allowed just 1.83 runs per nine innings. Best of luck to the LSU-S Pilots as they try to bring home a second consecutive national baseball title to Shreveport!  *Update – LSU-Shreveport won two games but also lost twice to Mid-America Christian University (Oklahoma City).  Mid-America Christian (42-13) won the Shreveport Regional and advanced to play in the NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho on Friday, May 22.  They will face 47-9 Doane University of Crete, Nebraska.  Louisiana Softball – ULM women robbed of an NCAA playoff spot while LSU received the #16 overall seed Fans of the ULM Warhawks sports teams haven’t had a lot to crow about in recent years.  The women’s softball team, though, has been a recent exception. The Warhawks won their first-ever Sun Belt regular season softball title recently after posting a 19-5 league record. Last weekend’s Sun Belt Conference tournament #1 seed ULM won its opening game against UL-Lafayette.  The Warhawks then dropped a 3-1 decision in the semifinal round to #5 seed and eventual tournament winner South Alabama.  UL-Monroe finished their season with a 38-20 record. Sunday night’s NCAA 64-team women’s softball selection show placed Sun Belt tournament champion South Alabama into the field as expected.  However, the Sun Belt also received two additional spots in the NCAA tournament as well. Both Marshall University (regular season #2 in the conference) and Texas State (regular season #3) received an NCAA invitation.  Marshall finished with a 37-17 record.  Texas State went 38-20. Why didn’t the Sun Belt’s regular season champion ULM receive one of those two NCAA tournament spots? The Warhawks were the hottest team in the conference over the last two months having won 19 of their final 22 games. Yes, all three at-large Sun Belt teams (ULM, Marshall, and Texas State) had very similar records.  Shame on the NCAA for leaving ULM’s regular season champions out of this year’s post-season tournament. In Baton Rouge, the LSU Tigers somehow wrangled the #16 overall seed and will host a four-team regional event this weekend at Tiger Park.  Coach Beth Torino’s team is 37-17 overall and has won nine of its last 12 games.  LSU just qualified for the softball postseason tournament for an incredible 20 years in a row. The Women’s College World Series will be held at Devon Park in Oklahoma City from May 28 through June 4. Golf – 45-year old Brandt Snedeker won for the first time in nearly eight years! The sport of golf can be played well into your senior years.  However, it is rare to see very many winners on the men’s or women’s professional golf tours after they reach their mid-40’s. Hall-of-Famer Sam Snead still holds the men’s professional record after winning the Greater Greensboro Open in 1965 at the age of 52. Two-time Ryder Cup golfer Brandt Snedeker had already been selected to become the captain of this fall’s President Cup team.  The honor generally goes to a popular PGA professional golfer whose playing career has already peaked.  Being the team captain usually means spending a lot of time handling team selections, tournament details, the media, and such.   Most team captains don’t have a lot of time for their own golf game. The 45-year old Brandt Snedeker had lost his PGA Tour playing card a few years ago after several seasons filled with injuries and poor results on the golf course.  Snedeker was having to rely on sponsor exemptions in order to be added into several events over the past few seasons. The likable Brandt Snedeker from Tennessee wanted to prove to himself and his family that his golf game was still good enough to win on tour again. His 18-under par total at Sunday’s Myrtle Beach Classic PGA Tour stop was good enough to secure a one-stroke victory over a 36-year old winless golfer.  Mark “Hard Luck” Hubbard bogeyed the 18th hole to finish in second place. With his win, Brandt Snedeker earned a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour and a place in this weekend’s PGA Championship outside of Philadelphia. Nicely done and welcome back, Sneds! Indiana Pacers flunked the NBA Draft ping-pong ball lottery on Sunday Do you remember which team the Oklahoma City Thunder beat in the NBA Finals less than a year ago? Me, either. Last year’s #4 East seed Indiana Pacers surprised many with a late-season charge to win the NBA’s Eastern Conference title in 2025.  Indiana then fought gamely in the NBA Finals against #1 overall seed Oklahoma City before losing in Game #7 at OKC. This year’s Indiana Pacers suffered a series of injuries during the first half of the NBA season.  The team went on to establish franchise records for the longest losing streaks in Pacers’ history during the second half of the season. You could say that the Indiana Pacers were “tanking” on purpose in hopes to receive one of the top NBA draft picks in June.  The league “rewards” bad teams by giving them the highest odds of receiving a top draft pick. Indiana lost with vigor.  This team lost and lost and lost. The Pacers dropped 13 games in a row from mid-December into January. They topped their own futility mark with a 16-game losing streak from February into March. In what would turn out to be a colossal mistake, the Pacers also made a multi-player trade with the Los Angeles Clippers in February during a losing streak. As a part of the deal, Indiana’s #1 draft pick for next season would be sent to the Clippers only if Indiana should be assigned a draft selection worse than #4 overall. Not to worry, right? Indiana finished with a franchise worst 19-63 record.  It firmly placed the Indiana Pacers as one of the top three worst teams in the NBA this year. The NBA’s draft lottery rules assign an equal 14% chance of getting the top draft pick to the three biggest losers.  This season, those teams were the Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, and Brooklyn Nets. The next best odds (11 ½ %) were assigned to the Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings. Memphis (at 9%) was sixth. The other eight non-playoff teams received a descending percentage chance with #14 Charlotte having a minuscule ½% chance of receiving the #1 draft pick in June. What could possibly go wrong for Indiana? Plenty. After the Washington Wizards’ ping-pong ball drawing gave them the #1 overall draft pick in June, Indiana was hoping to grab that #2 spot. Alas, the second-worst team in the NBA this year watched in horror as their ping-pong ball drawing fortunes went horribly wrong.  The Pacers didn’t hear their name called until the #5 draft position. As a result, Sunday’s ping-pong ball fiasco also handed Indiana’s 2026 first round pick over to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of this February’s trade. Indiana won’t receive a first round selection in this June’s NBA draft.  Instead, the Pacers will receive Los Angeles’ first round pick in the year 2031. Indiana Pacers’ President of Team Operations Kevin Pritchard later apologized to the team’s basketball fans.  He said, “I’m really sorry to all our fans. I own taking this risk.” He sure does! This also spotlights the NBA’s convoluted system of incentivizing lousy basketball teams to “out-lose” each other during the second half of the season. The worst teams (generally) receive one of the top three or four draft picks. In this case, the Indiana Pacers (historically a very competitive franchise) got burned trying to tank during the second half of the NBA season. The team intentionally (but would never admit) dropped a record number of games this season convinced that they would be a statistical shoo-in to receive a top three draft choice in June. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently commented that the league’s draft lottery system is slated to receive an overhaul in 2027 to prevent teams from “tanking”. He said, “You should assume for next season that your only incentive is to win games.” Right, Commish! I’m not from Missouri, but you’ll need to show me before I believe that the NBA has an effective plan to end the league’s tanking issues! The post Your Weekend Sports Update appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

Megan Constantin sits in for Christiaan Mader on this edition of Out to Lunch Acadiana. When I say the name "Jourdan Thibodeaux…" You’re thinking of a musician. He’s hard to miss on stage at a festival as a fiddler and frontman for Jourdan Thibodeaux et les Rôdailleurs. But Jourdan is also a business owner. In Henderson Swamp outside Breaux Bridge, Jourdan and his partner Scott LaGrange own and operate Cypress Cove Landing — a marina, dance hall, restaurant, bait shop, and alligator hunt outfitter. Born on Cypress Island, Jourdan was raised speaking French by his grandmother, self-taught on a pawn shop fiddle. Everything he does is a kind of cultural advocacy. So you’re probably not surprised that he thinks of Cypress Cove Landing as a cultural hub. And a hub it certainly is. Cypress Cove offers boat slips, houseboat rentals, guided alligator hunts, fishing, and weekly Cajun dances that regularly draw five to six hundred people. The venue also hosts music tour groups through SOKO Music Tours. It's deliberately family friendly — all ages, all parts of the property. For Jourdan, it’s a place that exists because he got tired of watching authentic Cajun culture get replaced by a commercial version of it. Cypress Cove is a mission driven kind of entrepreneurship. But, as Jourdan will tell you, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Cypress Cove employs ten people, and Jourdan puts whatever the business earns back into the operation and the community. Real estate broker Beau Bourque, has always wanted to run something of his own. He grew up in New Iberia, studied business at UL Lafayette, and came out of school looking for work with an entrepreneurial edge. He found it selling beer and liquor for Crescent Crown Distributing — out front, making things happen. Then real estate called. Beaux joined a commercial team at Van Eaton Romero in 2011, built a niche in mobile home parks and industrial properties, and in 2020 launched Beacon Realty — his own commercial brokerage in Lafayette. Beacon serves local and national clients. It completes an average of a transaction every couple of weeks, which is impressive for a company that, so far, runs lean. Beau has brought on a second commercial agent and sees room to grow to five or six. About eight out of ten deals come through online leads, though Beau still makes at least an hour of calls every day and mails letters to prospective clients. The fundamentals, he'll tell you, don't go out of style. Out to Lunch is recorded live over lunch at Tsunami Sushi in downtown Lafayette.You can find photos from this show by Alisha Zachery Lazard at itsacadiana.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

So much for playing a (potential) 20-game football season this year for Louisiana Tech University! Bulldogs fans can breathe a rather expensive $8 million sigh of relief after the school and Conference USA have apparently come to terms on a long-awaited exit agreement. This will allow Louisiana Tech to officially begin play in the Sunbelt Conference beginning with this fall’s college football season. The national news media enjoyed a not-that-funny field day making jokes about how Louisiana Tech might play a 20-game schedule this fall.  Conference USA and the Sunbelt Conference each released their football schedules in March which featured the Bulldogs participating in games in both conferences this fall. It started when Conference USA posted a 2026 fall football schedule on March 12 which included Louisiana Tech.  The Bulldogs have been a part of Conference USA since 2013.  However, the school gave notice to C-USA last summer that the Bulldogs intended to leave and join the geographically-closer group of schools in the Sunbelt Conference. Not to be outdone, the Sunbelt Conference released its own 2026 fall football schedule – including Louisiana Tech – the following day on March 13. A quick review of those two football schedules meant that the Bulldogs might have to play a 20-game football schedule this fall! A very creative sportswriter in Shreveport recently came up with a plan where Louisiana Tech could possibly play all 20 games this fall by utilizing a split-squad on a couple of occasions.  With 20 possible football games, the Bulldogs might be able to post the school’s first 10-win season and secure a top bowl invitation! The deal is not official – yet A few news outlets reported Tuesday that Louisiana Tech will open its wallet to pay Conference USA over $8 million to exit the league in order to join the Sunbelt Conference this fall. If you would like some history as to how this began, check out my previous posts here and here.  In recent weeks, Louisiana Tech and Conference USA have been at the negotiation table trying to settle this matter via arbitration. Neither Louisiana Tech nor Conference USA have officially announced this settlement agreement or its terms.  Many negotiated settlements include certain provisions which the two parties are required to keep confidential. We may never know the actual amount or how long Louisiana Tech has to pay it. Given the size of the reported settlement, the smiles seem more likely to be coming from Conference USA and its attorneys as many expected the final amount to be in the range of $4-5 million. What is $8 million worth to Louisiana Tech?  Plenty! The Knight Foundation college athletics database showed Louisiana Tech’s total athletics spending in 2024 was $33 million.  Football amounted to $9 million or 27% of the total. By contrast, Louisiana’s football giant LSU showed athletics spending of $221 million in 2024.  Football expenditures were $60 million of the total. To my surprise, football at LSU consumed the same 27% of the total athletics budget as Louisiana Tech’s. Unlike Louisiana Tech, though, LSU’s expensive athletics program has been turning a profit for decades.  The Ruston-based Bulldogs have gone into the red in several recent years. That’s why Louisiana Tech’s willingness to pay a $8 million price tag to exit Conference USA is a bit surprising. Why did Louisiana Tech agree to pay up? The school’s national reputation was on the line if a deal wasn’t consummated this spring. Conference USA’s agreement with Louisiana Tech had specific requirements which the school had to meet in order to exit the contract before its scheduled termination.  One stipulation involved Louisiana Tech giving a minimum notice (rumored to be 14 months) prior to exiting C-USA.  Another required Louisiana Tech to forfeit two years of its share of C-USA media revenues (estimated to be at least $2 million or more per year). For its part, Louisiana Tech watched as former Conference USA members Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss locked hands and broke away together to join the Sunbelt Conference in 2022. Not only did the exiting trio appear to give less prior notice than Louisiana Tech provided, the word leaked that each party had paid Conference USA about $3 million apiece in order to walk away. It’s quite possible that the leadership at Louisiana Tech expected similar treatment. One thing which most media sources have failed to consider is Conference USA’s current television/media deal with ESPN and CBS Sports Network. The new arrangement began in 2023 – one year after Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss had already walked away. The current media contract may have included a provision to reduce the annual media revenues to C-USA should any of the league’s then-current members (such as Louisiana Tech) leave the conference prior to the end of the latest media contract. Perhaps Conference USA demanded Louisiana Tech to compensate the remaining group of primary Conference USA members for several years of lost media revenues. Even at $8 million, should this be considered a good deal for Louisiana Tech? In the short term, it appears that the proverbial cart got before the horse. The $8 million price tag was a very steep price to pay for a school leaving a declining mid-major athletics conference to join a rising mid-major conference like the Sunbelt. Anyone looking to point fingers should start with Louisiana Tech’s decision makers.  Many openly expressed their desire to join the Sunbelt Conference months ahead of the official announcement last July.  Nearly everyone wanted to see the Bulldogs renew their old rivalries, save significantly on travel expenses, and retain top athlete-students. This fall’s move to the Sunbelt Conference will be a very positive moment for Louisiana Tech athletics.  The $8 million price tag must be amortized over a period of more than just a few years in order to feel better about the short-term financial pain. I have been a long-time critic of Conference USA’s rinky-dink October mid-week college football games.  Bulldogs fans cringed as their Saturday home games were moved to Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday nights during October purely for television. This was done to quench the media’s insatiable desire to show competitive football on television (and reap the advertising benefits) seven nights per week during fall’s pre-Christmas advertising blitz. Sports fans of the ULM Warhawks and Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns will be thrilled to have Louisiana Tech join their athletics conference.  Those two Sunbelt schools will see higher attendance and lower travel costs for all sporting events involving Louisiana Tech beginning this fall. The unfortunate downside of this expensive buyout is whether Louisiana Tech failed to fully understand its existing contract agreement with Conference USA. Someone at the school had to have established a value representing the worst-case scenario of the potential exit costs prior to making a deal to join the Sunbelt Conference.  A good attorney should have flagged the potential worst-case possibilities as well. It appeared that the school expected to make a reasonable exit deal ($3 million) similar to what Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss accomplished in 2022. Last July’s announcement decision by Louisiana Tech to join the Sunbelt Conference “no later than 2027” almost immediately started the clock running on legal fees. Conference USA sued Louisiana Tech in state court months later in November.  Tech countered with their own suit against C-USA in early 2026.  Recent weeks of arbitration and settlement discussions have been ringing up even more legal bills. In the end, Conference USA “won” its $8 million, but that’s about it Nothing against other long-time Conference USA members such as Western Kentucky, Florida International, and Middle Tennessee State, but Louisiana Tech carried the most recognizable national sports footprint in C-USA in recent years. Conference USA will no longer be able to claim the school whose athletics history includes Hall-of-Famers such as football’s Terry Bradshaw and Willie Roaf. The same goes for basketball Hall-of-Famers Karl Malone and women’s point guard-turned-four-time national championship coach Kim Mulkey. Conference USA’s far-flung geography was a big factor in Louisiana Tech’s decision to move to the Sunbelt.  Liberty University in Virginia and the University of Delaware are both more than 1,000 miles northeast of Ruston, Louisiana.  To the west, New Mexico State in Las Cruces is 936 miles away. By contrast, Louisiana Tech will become a member of the Sunbelt Conference Western Division. That means playing intrastate rivals UL-Monroe (35 miles east of Ruston) and UL-Lafayette (185 miles to the south).  Other Sunbelt West partners include Southern Miss in Hattiesburg (240 miles), Arkansas State in Jonesboro (300 miles), South Alabama in Mobile (340 miles) and Troy (440 miles away in southern Alabama). Louisiana Tech Bulldogs sports teams spent $5 million during 2024 on game expenses and travel as a member of Conference USA.  The school could save $1 million or more annually on reduced travel expenses as a member of the Sunbelt Conference Western Division. Louisiana Tech sports fans will now get to enjoy a Saturday, October 10 home college football visit from in-state rival UL-Lafayette. The following week will have the Bulldogs taking a short trip down I-20 to Monroe.  This much-anticipated football game against the ULM Warhawks will fill Monroe’s Malone Stadium on Saturday, October 17. Had the Bulldogs remained in Conference USA, their October football schedule would have included a Thursday night game followed by three consecutive Wednesday night contests.  The league’s annual “made-for-midweek-TV” October schedule would make any serious football program want to leave C-USA at the first opportunity. In all fairness, the move to the Sunbelt wasn’t likely worth $8 million, either. At least this year’s new Sunbelt football schedule (especially during the month of October) will be a nice down payment to build years of renewed fan interest in Louisiana Tech athletics. Go, Dogs, Go! The post Go, Dogs, Go! appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

The traditional March 1 release of the Sunbelt Conference fall football schedule has been delayed. According to one source, the league is waiting for incoming new member Louisiana Tech University to resolve its legal issues with its current affiliate, Conference USA. The Sunbelt Conference lost Texas State University to the Mountain West Conference beginning this fall.  That leaves a vacancy in the Sunbelt’s Western Division. That’s where Louisiana Tech was expected to step-in this fall. Except… The Bulldogs from Ruston, Louisiana remain in a legal “dog house” with their long-time partner, Conference USA. Until that issue is solved in the courthouse or out in the hallways with a big sack of cash, Louisiana Tech’s predicament has other members of the Sunbelt Conference twiddling their thumbs waiting for a final resolution. The Sunbelt Conference currently has 14 members.  Seven schools are in the Eastern Conference and seven are currently in the West.  However, Texas State is bolting for the Mountain West after baseball season ends. That leaves just six teams in the West if Louisiana Tech is unable to work out a suitable exit deal with Conference USA soon. The Sunbelt Conference wants to avoid having an “unbalanced” schedule in 2026 with seven East teams and only six in the West if Louisiana Tech doesn’t come aboard this fall. What a mess!  How did we get here? On July 15, 2025, a big celebration in Ruston was held announcing that Louisiana Tech was moving from Conference USA to the Sunbelt Conference no later than the fall of 2027.  The expectation was (and still is) that a deal could be reached with Conference USA which would allow Louisiana Tech to begin Sunbelt play this fall in 2026. As of today, neither Conference USA nor the Sunbelt Conference have released their 2026 football schedules.  That’s because no one knows where Louisiana Tech will be playing football and other sports beginning this fall. The Bulldogs joined Conference USA in 2013.  This rather far-flung conference was considered (at the time) to be a good fit. Prominent C-USA members in 2013 included UAB, Florida Atlantic, Marshall University, UNC-Charlotte, North Texas, Rice University, Old Dominion, Southern Miss, and UT-San Antonio. Every one of those nine schools has vacated C-USA in the past four years to join either the American Athletic Conference or the Sunbelt Conference. The University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP) will become yet another major defection from C-USA beginning this fall.  The Miners (members of Conference USA since 2005) are joining the Mountain West Conference (like Texas State of the Sunbelt Conference). Why did all of those teams leave C-USA? The television and media revenue offered by other conferences was substantially more than Conference USA’s most recent media contract to pay to its member schools. A majority of Louisiana Tech’s athletic supporters are ready to skedaddle from Conference USA’s geographically expansive league as quickly as possible. C-USA has added schools in recent years such as Liberty University (Lynchburg, Virginia – 1,000 miles from Ruston, LA) and the University of Delaware (1,321 miles each way from Ruston). Joining the Sunbelt Conference will allow Louisiana Tech to renew regional rivalries with UL-Monroe (35 miles via I-20), UL-Lafayette (185 miles south of Ruston), and even Southern Miss (240 miles to the southeast in Hattiesburg).  The travel savings for Louisiana Tech (along with the other Sunbelt schools) will be substantial across all sports. But… Athletic conferences and member schools sign long-term affiliation contracts which require a minimum notice period along with a hefty exit fee to allow the school to leave before the primary term ends. A payment of several million dollars for early termination is likely required for Louisiana Tech to leave Conference USA. With so many other universities bolting from Conference USA in recent years, the conference has pocketed millions in early exit fees.  They should be able to afford the finest attorneys to protect their best interests in court, if necessary. The other teams’ departures have left Louisiana Tech as one of C-USA’s top remaining draws. Conference USA appears to have no financial incentive to budge when it comes to allowing Louisiana Tech out of its contract. The Bulldogs’ departure could significantly diminish the current media value of Conference USA’s contract with its TV partners. C-USA signed a five-year media deal with CBS Sports Network and ESPN beginning in the fall of 2023.  That new media deal was signed around the same time that three former C-USA members (Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss) negotiated their own early exit deal to join the Sunbelt Conference in 2023. What if Conference USA’s current media deal calls for a payment reduction if one of its primary institutions (such as Louisiana Tech) left during the term of that contract? Keep that in mind as this game plays out. Then there is the issue of prior notice required to leave Conference USA According to previous reports, Conference USA’s agreement with Louisiana Tech required 14 months prior written notice.  Since Tech gave C-USA notice on or about July 15, 2025, that 14 month period will not be satisfied until September 15, 2026 (a few weeks into the 2026 football season). Most major college football conferences allow their teams to open with a series of non-conference opponents. Last fall, both the Sunbelt Conference and Conference USA member schools did not play their first conference game until Week #4 (Saturday, September 20, 2025). Based on this year’s calendar, Louisiana Tech could, conceivably, begin as a Sunbelt member in time for Week #4 on Saturday, September 26, 2026. But then… Conference USA surprised Louisiana Tech by filing a lawsuit in the state of Louisiana in November, 2025. The lawsuit asserted that Louisiana Tech misled Conference USA by intentionally delaying its exit announcement (mid-July, 2025) until after the school had already cashed its annual media revenue check from C-USA paid in late June. In addition to providing 14 months prior notice to leave, Louisiana Tech’s contract with Conference USA apparently called for the school to forfeit its share of media revenue (estimated at $3 to $4 million annually) for two years. Conference USA claims that Louisiana Tech (theoretically knowing that it was planning to leave C-USA) erred by accepting and cashing the late June media check. Are you confused enough yet? There has been very little news since Conference USA filed that lawsuit in November, 2025.  One local news outlet reported in mid-January that “conversations remain ongoing between C-USA and Louisiana Tech on a negotiated exit fee settlement”. That sounds nice, but we’re now into the month of March. The Sunbelt Conference football schedule remains on hold.  Conference USA’s football schedule has not been published yet, either.  However, Louisiana Tech’s logo remains firmly atop the C-USA athletics page banner even today. Conference USA is in no hurry to resolve this issue.  The conference “wins” if Louisiana Tech is forced to remain a part of the league (and part of its media agreement) through the 2026-2027 athletics year. Some good news and bad news Conference USA allowed the trio of Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss to exit prior to the start of the 2023 football season after they provided less than 12 months’ prior notice.  The three schools were able to negotiate a financial settlement with C-USA and left for greener pastures. That would seem encouraging to supporters of Louisiana Tech’s exit – even at this late hour. However, the departure of Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss came around the same time that C-USA’s was signing its new media deal with CBS Sports Network and ESPN. Louisiana Tech has been playing football in the major college division since 1987. It is now a nationally known sports brand. Conference USA likely touted Louisiana Tech as one of its (pardon my pun again) “big dogs” in the league’s new media package starting in 2023. There is a chance that implications with C-USA’s media contract may (or may not) become another snag in the negotiations between the conference and Louisiana Tech. Conference USA can afford to wait this game out.  They have no reason to budge anytime soon. Louisiana Tech has a tough and expensive business decision to make It can opt to pony-up and pay a ransom to exit Conference USA to join the Sunbelt this fall. This might involve the school’s major athletics donors, bankers, and (perhaps) even a Sunbelt Conference “angel” to help finance a loan to be paid-back through future Sunbelt media revenues. Or Louisiana Tech can say that the early exit price being asked by C-USA was simply too high.  Fans and alumni (like me) would be disappointed in having to wait until 2027 to begin Sunbelt Conference play in football.  Future Sunbelt intrastate foes like UL-Monroe and UL-Lafayette will also lose by such a delay. It’s time to make a deal – or not – quickly. We can handle the truth! The post Louisiana Tech – Who’ll Let the Dogs Out? appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

News of this week’s passing of former University of Southwestern Louisiana (now UL-Lafayette) basketball star Dwight “Bo” Lamar sparked a lot of memories.  Lamar was 74 and passed away at a nursing home in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio. College basketball in Louisiana when Lamar played during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s was filled with dominant scorers and very little defense.  The word “defense” seemed to have been banned during this period. Explosive offense had become the name of the game. This brief period was defined by expert marksmanship and crowd-pleasing showmanship.  The high scoring antics of college basketball players like LSU’s “Pistol” Pete Maravich and the University of Houston’s “Big E” Elvin Hayes (born in Rayville, Louisiana) captured the imagination of fans. Less than an hour west of Pistol Pete Maravich and LSU, Bo Lamar and the USL Ragin’ Cajuns were entertaining fans in front of packed basketball arenas, too. Lamar was a virtual basketball scoring machine for the Ragin’ Cajuns from 1969-1973.  He averaged 31.2 points per game over his entire four-year college basketball career.  A first-team All-American as a senior, he was joined on that squad by future basketball Hall-of-Famers Bill Walton of UCLA and David Thompson of North Carolina State. The 6’2” Bo Lamar had one of the best jump shots I have ever seen. He elevated off the floor with ease and then lofted up a high arcing shot from long-distance.  This came nearly 20 years before college basketball would adopt the three-point shot.  He would have averaged over 40 points per game with today’s three-point line. Bo Lamar glided down the basketball court with ease in leading USL’s frantic fast breaks.  He bombed-in a school-record 62 points during a game against Northeast Louisiana University (now UL-Monroe). Scoreboards routinely registered more than 100 points during Ragin’ Cajun basketball games in this era. A 1984 Louisiana Sports Hall-of-Fame inductee, Bo Lamar opted to play professional basketball for the ABA’s San Diego Conquistadors in 1973.  He scored 50 points in one game during his rookie year while averaging nearly 21 points per game. After several years in the pro ranks, Lamar later became part of the radio broadcast team for Ragin’ Cajuns basketball games. Mike Green at Louisiana Tech became one of Bo Lamar’s biggest foes If you have watched current NBA star Kevin Durant of the Houston Rockets, he looks and plays like a modern version of former Louisiana Tech basketball star, Mike Green.  The 6’10” Green played for the Bulldogs from 1969-1974. Mike Green was listed as a center but possessed an incredible outside shooting touch to stretch the opposing defenses. Like Bo Lamar at USL, Green was a prolific college basketball scorer.  He averaged 31 points per game as a senior at Louisiana Tech.  Add a 15.4 rebounds per game career average, and you understand why Mike Green earned the AP’s Small College Player of the Year award in 1973. He was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall-of-Fame in 1996. A friend of mine attended Louisiana Tech in 1971 during the Mike Green basketball era. He recalled a highly anticipated home game against high-scoring Bo Lamar and the nationally ranked Ragin’ Cajuns.  Fans lined up for hours hoping to gain entrance to watch this game.  Mike Green scored 22 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, and blocked numerous shots as the Bulldogs raced to 103-94 win at Tech’s Memorial Gymnasium. Future Louisiana Tech Hall-of-Fame women’s basketball coach Leon Barmore also witnessed that encounter.  He recalled, “It was the greatest game ever at Louisiana Tech – bar none!” While he was a sophomore, Mike Green’s Louisiana Tech team averaged 101 points per game for the entire season. Defense?  What defense? Mike Green passed away in 2018 at the age of 67. Time to celebrate Centenary College center Robert Parish! Shreveport’s 7’1” center Robert Parish took Louisiana’s top college basketball player baton from Bo Lamar and Mike Green during the early 1970’s. Robert Parish played high school basketball in the late 1960’s during a difficult time when federal integration mandates forced some schools to close.  Parish and his fellow Union High School students suddenly found themselves being bussed to nearby Woodlawn High School. Though this period caused angst for both students and teachers, Woodlawn’s basketball team morphed into a state powerhouse with the addition of talented center Robert Parish. He led Shreveport’s Woodlawn High School to the Class 4A state basketball title as a senior in 1972.  Parish was named a national high school All-American. To the dismay of national college recruiters, Robert Parish chose to stay in Shreveport and attend Centenary College.  As a freshman, Parish lined-up to play in one game against Louisiana Tech’s talented senior big man Mike Green. Green dazzled the crowd by scoring 40 points on the young Robert Parish. Robert Parish continued to work and improve his game every year.  He collected a school record 33 rebounds in one game.  Parish’ gifted shooting touch produced 25 points per game for Centenary.  His dominant offensive and defensive play as a senior led to a first-team college basketball All-America selection. Parish became a first round draft choice of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. Traded four years later to the Boston Celtics, Robert Parish (along with Larry Bird and Kevin McHale) won three NBA titles and played 21 seasons in the NBA.  Parish was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Naismith Basketball Hall-of-Fame in 2003. Have you heard of Olympic gold medal winner Glynn Saulters? Today’s story about talented Louisiana college basketball stars of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s wouldn’t be complete without mentioning an Olympic gold medal winner. In the year 1968, Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM) basketball star Grady Glynn Saulters was nearly invisible on the national college basketball stage. The Lisbon, Louisiana native didn’t possess the blazing court speed of Southwestern Louisiana’s Bo Lamar or the shot-blocking skills of Louisiana Tech’s Mike Green. Oh, but Glynn Saulters could shoot a basketball with the best of them. He became a prolific college scorer. Saulters averaged a nifty 31 points per game as a senior in 1968 to lead the Gulf States Conference in scoring.  Not too shabby. The Olympics games were being held in Mexico City a few months following Saulters’ senior season.  The year 1968 was an extremely politically charged period as Dr. Martin Luther King and presidential candidate Bobby Kennedy were assassinated.  Several top college basketball players such as Lew Alcindor and Elvin Hayes decided not to even try-out for the US Olympic team in 1968. That opened the door for NLU’s 6’2” guard Glynn Saulters to qualify for the Olympic basketball team. His competition included stars like high-scoring Pistol Pete Maravich of LSU and Niagara guard Calvin Murphy.  Surprisingly, neither Maravich nor Murphy made the final cut.  Ditto for Kentucky’s Dan Issel and Purdue sharpshooter Rick Mount. But Glynn Saulters from tiny Class “C” Lisbon High School in north Louisiana made the US team. Legendary college basketball coach Hank Iba’s “No Name” US Olympic basketball squad was comprised of several small college role players and just a few top college stars. Future NBA Hall-of-Fame forward Spencer Haywood and guard JoJo White led the US team in scoring.  Glynn Saulters and the US Olympic team went a perfect 9-0 in Mexico City to bring home the gold medal. Glynn Saulters was inducted into the ULM Sports Hall-of-Fame in 1978 and into the Louisiana Sports Hall-of-Fame in 1981. Don’t forget “AJ from the Parking Lot!” New Orleans’ Cohen High School basketball player Aaron James journeyed northward from the Crescent City to Grambling State University to begin a memorable college basketball career.  The 6’8” sharpshooting forward poured in more than 32 points per game as a senior at Grambling to become the Southwestern Athletic Conference Player of the Year in ’73-74.  He earned the nickname “AJ from the Parking Lot” for his uncanny accuracy on long-distance shots.  Aaron James was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. Minden and Webster High School product Louis “Sweet Lou” Dunbar was another prolific high school scoring sensation.  This 6’9” big man also possessed a sweet jump shot.  Dunbar received numerous college scholarship offers and left his home state to play for the University of Houston in the early 1970’s.  He averaged 22 points and eight rebounds over his career with the Cougars. Louis Dunbar would join the Harlem Globetrotters and play for the next 27 years!  “Sweet Lou” is one of only eight Globetrotters to have his jersey (#41) retired.  Dunbar was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.   Let’s not forget Shreveport Valencia High School basketball star Roosevelt Fuller.  This silky-smooth high-scoring guard torched the nets for 64 points in a Shreveport high school basketball game in the late 1960’s.  Fuller averaged an incredible 44 points per game one season at Valencia High. He played college hoops from 1970-1972 at Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, TX. He still holds the school scoring record of 53 points and posted a 28 points per game average as a sophomore.  Roosevelt Fuller was inducted into the Trinity Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2025. No, it wasn’t just Pistol Pete Maravich exciting Louisiana’s basketball fans during the late 1960’s into the early 70’s. This week’s passing of Dwight “Bo” Lamar served as a reminder of just how special his era of basketball was in the Pelican State. The post Remembering Dwight “Bo” Lamar and Louisiana’s High Scoring Basketball Era appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Charles Boustany, a retired cardiovascular surgeon who served as the U.S. Representative for Louisiana's Third Congressional District from 2005 to 2017. Most recently, he earned a Master's degree in history from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Dr. Boustany was honored with the Richard G. Neiheisel (Phi Beta Kappa) Graduate Award, recognizing the graduate student with the highest academic accomplishment in a classical arts and sciences degree. Dr. Boustany reflects on a life that has bridged medicine, public service, and now scholarship, and what lifelong learning means at every stage. Growing Up in Lafayette — Medicine and Mentorship “I grew up here in Lafayette and went to the old Cathedral Carmel, which was 1st through 12th grade,” he shares, recalling his early education before attending USL (now UL Lafayette) for pre-med studies. Following in his father's footsteps, he completed medical school and surgical training at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, an experience he describes as legendary in its rigor and reputation. A formative influence on his life and career was Dr. John Ochsner. “John taught me not only the techniques and things you learn as a heart surgeon. He taught me how to be a surgeon, how to be a doctor. He was an amazing individual and a lifelong friend.” After additional cardiovascular surgery training in Rochester, New York, Dr. Boustany returned home, practicing for 14 years before an unexpected health challenge changed his trajectory. Dr. Boustany speaks with pride about his family's immigrant story and how it shaped his view of opportunity, responsibility, and community. “For me, the oldest of ten kids, a doctor, a mom who believed in community service… thinking about the fact that my grandparents all came from Lebanon. They had nothing. They came to this country and the opportunities were there if you took advantage of them.” He describes that journey as something bigger than one person's career: “It's just one of many great American stories.” He ties his family's arrival and the immigrant fabric of Lafayette to what makes the community distinct: “That's what makes Lafayette so unique for a city its size. It's got a very diverse population, and it has a population that has an international outlook, which creates all kinds of opportunities.” And he adds a personal glimpse into the household that raised ten children: “My mother had a lot of energy and she kept us all in line, amazingly.” A Turning Point — Health Care and Public Service At age 48, after developing severe cervical spine issues that forced him to retire from surgery, Dr. Boustany faced a crossroads. That moment coincided with a deeply personal family health crisis in 2001: “This was a very distinctive point in time for me. I was at the peak of my career in my surgical practice. But 2001 was this horrible year for me, my wife and our kids. Both kids had different life threatening conditions that cost a ton of money out of pocket over and beyond what insurance could pay. It was a huge, huge struggle. Navigating the health care system is a disaster. It was hard for me. I wondered, “What are people doing? How are they managing this?” The experience stayed with him. As he watched national debates over health care and foreign policy unfold, he felt called to act. “Honey, I gotta make a difference,” he told his wife Bridget one early morning before announcing his decision to run for Congress. Dr. Charles Boustany pictured while serving in Congress. Photo credit: Ed Lallo/Gulf Seafood News In Congress — Katrina, Rita, and “Rita Amnesia” Dr. Boustany's first year in Congress was defined by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. While national attention centered on New Orleans, much of Southwest Louisiana was devastated by Rita. “I had to get all of it amended to include Rita. And that’s when I coined the term ‘Rita Amnesia.'” He recalls warning a national reporter: “My fear is that we’re going to have Rita amnesia.” The phrase stuck and became part of the legislative fight to ensure Southwest Louisiana was not forgotten. He also recounts a pivotal moment after Katrina, when First Lady Laura Bush spent the day touring Lafayette with him. “I was told initially she’s going to be on the ground for about 45 minutes. So I arranged to take her to the Cajun Dome and then Acadian Ambulances’ communication center to see what was going on. Well, she ended up spending the whole day with me. When I took her back to the airport, she thanked me and said, what else do you need? I said, I need 15 minutes on the phone with your husband. Sure enough, Sunday morning at 6 a.m., my cell phone rings and it’s President Bush. He called me Doc. You know, he had nicknames for everybody. He said, Doc, I heard Laura had a good trip down there. What’s going on? What do you need? I said, bottom line is the state doesn’t have the capacity to deal with the magnitude of what we have. We need federal assets down here to help out in New Orleans. He said, ‘I’ll talk to the staff. You get the delegation to Baton Rouge at 9:00 tomorrow morning. Monday. The governor is going to be there. I’m coming in with my team, and we’re going to have a powwow, and we’re going to talk about this and organize it.’ And that’s when everything changed. That’s when he brought in General Honore.” That conversation helped catalyze greater federal coordination and response. Reflecting on those chaotic days, he credits his surgical training: “My career as a surgeon dealing with really dire, immediate emergencies, I just sort of methodically figured out, okay, this is what I can do. This is what I’m going to do. And I didn’t panic.” How a Surgeon Approaches Congress Dr. Boustany explains how medicine shaped his legislative style: “As a surgeon, I had to deal with people from all walks of life. It could be a grandmother or the CEO of a prominent company. It could be a farmer, or somebody who has no insurance and is poor. I had to learn to be able to communicate with the full spectrum of humanity. I think that gave me an advantage, as a doctor, but also as a surgeon, because I had to gain the trust of these people. You know, I’m going to operate on your heart, stop your heart and do all this stuff. So, being able to present yourself in a way and communicate with people from all walks of life, different levels of education and earn their trust was a big asset for me when I traveled the district and tried to find support. That training, that background was very helpful.” He approached Congress with humility, seeking advice from senior members in both parties. One piece of counsel stood out: “One of the most prominent ones was don’t be a know it all. Pick a few subjects and learn everything there is about it. Once you start to speak about these things, people will quickly see that you know what you’re talking about and then they’ll respect you. But if you go down there and spout off on every issue, people see through that pretty quickly.” He developed expertise in health care, foreign policy, energy policy, and international trade, areas that later informed his graduate studies in European history and international affairs. Returning to the Classroom After leaving Congress and later retiring from consulting, Dr. Boustany found himself restless. A seminar course at UL Lafayette rekindled a lifelong passion for history. “The more I’m thinking about this, I really love this history stuff. I don’t want to just be a consumer of history. I don’t want to just read about it. I want to maybe I can contribute to the field.” His master's research took him to Columbia University's Rare Books and Manuscripts division, where he spent a week combing through primary source documents to complete his thesis. Receiving the Neiheisel Award was especially meaningful: “It was thrilling for me when I finished this master’s program to get the Richard Neuheisel Award, because my very first semester at USL in 1974, I took a world Civilization class with him, and I was told he’s a really hard, demanding teacher. And other students, when they asked me what I had signed up for and I told them, they said, you need to drop that class. He’s a really tough professor. You don’t want to take it with him. And I said, oh, that’s the kind of guy I want to take it with. And I did. And you know, I got an A in his class and he and I subsequently became friends. I’d go sit and talk in his office. We’d just talk about history.” Dr. Charles Boustany on UL – Lafayette campus. He was awarded the Richard G. Neiheisel Phi Beta Kappa Graduate Award, named in honor of the professor who ignited his passion for the subject more than five decades ago. The Neiheisel award is presented to a graduating master's student each fall and spring for the highest academic accomplishments in a classical arts and science degree. Dr. Boustany has now been accepted into the PhD program in history at Louisiana State University, where he plans to study modern European history beginning in 1500 — research that will require time in European archives. Health Care Philosophy — “Information, Choice and Control” When asked what still matters in health policy, Dr. Boustany reduces it to six words. “Information, choice and control.” “People want clear information about their health condition and their options… They want that to be between them and the doctor.” And equally important:“Affordability, accountability and quality.” “Quality is critically important. If you put quality first, I think the cost will come in line.” Lifelong Learning and Adaptability Dr. Boustany closes with a reflection that defines this next chapter: “I repeat a quote from Louis Pasteur, who was a famous scientist, and he was once asked, what’s the key to all this amazing stuff you’ve discovered? He said, it’s simple. Chance favors the prepared mind. You prepare your mind for whatever’s going to happen. And one of the keys in getting older and being able to deal with challenges in life is adaptability and education, and preparing your mind for what you know, to be able to pivot, to be adaptable is critically important for anybody going through life. And we also see that we will survive. Sometimes it doesn’t seem like it.” From the operating room to the halls of Congress to the archives of Columbia, and now toward a PhD, Dr. Charles Boustany's journey is a testament to resilience, intellectual curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to service. He is even considering expanding his master's thesis into a book, and perhaps, one day, a memoir. For Lafayette, it is another reminder that some of the most compelling American stories begin right here at home.

On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we sit down with two leaders deeply involved in shaping student career readiness at University of Louisiana at Lafayette: Brandi Hollier, Director of the B.I. Moody College of Business Internship Program, and Kim Billeaudeau, Director of the Office of Career Services. Together, they share how internships, professional preparation, and employer partnerships come together to help students transition confidently from the classroom into the workforce — while also supporting local businesses looking to grow talent. Kim Billeaudeau: A Career Built on Mentorship Kim Billeaudeau has served in Career Services for 25 years, including nearly 19 years as director. A Louisiana native from Opelousas, Kim's journey began close to home. “I grew up right down the street in Opelousas, and I taught high school,” she shared. After earning her degree from UL and teaching high school for two years, she realized her passion was helping students navigate life beyond graduation. “I remembered mentors that I had as a student at UL Lafayette; professional staff members who saw something in me as a student leader,” Kim said. “When Career Services came available, it was perfect.” Over the years, Kim has helped students with résumés, interviewing, dining etiquette, career fairs, and professional presence. She still sees the long-term impact today. “They'll say, ‘Miss Kim, you taught me dining etiquette' or ‘you helped me with my résumé.' What I do is amazing, and I'm so blessed to be able to help students each and every day, to graduate and be successful from our institution.” Professional Skills Beyond the Classroom Kim emphasized that many students simply haven't had exposure to professional environments before. “Sometimes students don't have an opportunity to put on professional clothing or go through a four or five course meal,” she explained. “The more we can provide them that hands-on experience, that's part of the education experience.” Career Services offers mock interviews, interview preparation, and coaching on everything from researching employers to follow-up thank-you notes. “We do a lot of mock interviews with students. Everything from preparing for the interview, not only choosing what to wear, but researching the company, getting notes together, thinking of what questions you can ask in the interview and getting them to understand that it’s a two way street. Everything to giving a good firm handshake, introducing yourself, when to sit, where to sit, looking the employer in the eye, smiling, and then answering interview questions. And then the follow up with thank you, and online applications. We coach students all through the process.” Kim is also a certified etiquette consultant through The Etiquette Institute and completed refresher training on post-COVID etiquette, which she now incorporates into student preparation. Brandi Guidry Hollier: From Student to Professor to Internship Director Brandi Hollier is an associate professor in the Department of Management and has served as Director of the Moody College of Business Internship Program for more than 12 years. A Lafayette native, her career path has come full circle. She’s currently the recipient of two endowed professorships. “I was born and raised here in Lafayette, Louisiana. I kind of grew up at UL,” Brandi said. She earned both her undergraduate degree and MBA from UL before starting as an adjunct instructor, later becoming full-time faculty and earning her doctorate. “There are professors at the university that have taught me that I now work with, which is a beautiful thing.” Brandi also oversees internship programming that connects students with real-world experience before graduation. “There are opportunities to go out into an organization and get some professional experience prior to entering the workforce,” she said. “It's my honor and it's a blessing to be able to help students in doing that.” Research, Technology, and the Changing Business Landscape Brandi's research focuses on technology adoption, including telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and personality in human-computer interaction, work that directly influences how she teaches. “Artificial intelligence is here to stay,” she noted. “We have to allow students the opportunity to engage with that, and teach them how to properly do so within ethical realms.” She emphasized that curriculum is evolving to reflect rapid changes in technology and business practices. Internships: Events, Employers, and Real Connections Through collaboration with Career Services, the Moody College of Business offers internship panels, employer seminars, networking receptions, and career fair prep seminars. One standout event is the business internship networking reception held at the UL Lafayette Alumni Center. “Resumes are not brought in. We discourage that,” Brandi explained. “We just want them to have a conversation.” Employers often leave these events already knowing who they intend to hire or having significantly narrowed their candidate pool. “Small, medium, large sized enterprises — we welcome any and all,” she said. Handshake: A Central Portal for Students and Employers Both offices rely on Handshake, a centralized online portal where employers can post internships, part-time, and full-time positions at no cost. “It's all online,” Kim said. “Handshake is really a powerful tool.” All UL Lafayette students automatically have access and can build profiles with résumés, cover letters, and skills. Alumni also retain access. Paid vs. Unpaid Internships and Academic Credit Brandi explained that guidance comes from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, which encourages compensated internships whenever possible. Students may also earn academic credit if the internship aligns with their major and is approved through a multi-step process involving the employer, department coordinator, and internship office. “It's a three-hour credit,” Brandi noted, often taken as an elective, though required in some programs. Preparing Students — and Employers Both Kim and Brandi emphasized that their offices support not only students, but also employers who may not know where to begin. “We never want it to be frustrating for a company to hire a student,” Kim said. “We can help make the connections.” They also encourage employers to think ahead, create clear job descriptions, provide orientation, mentorship, and regular feedback. “That feedback loop is so very important,” Brandi stressed. Confidence, Clothing, and the Career Closet One of the most impactful resources discussed was the Career Closet, which provides free professional clothing to students. “We had over 700 students take items out of the closet last semester,” Kim shared. Students keep the clothing, helping ease financial barriers to professional attire. UL Lafayette students can shop for up to 16 free professional clothing items per semester to prepare for events such as interviews, banquets, student organization events, and much more. Career Services also offers free professional headshots at career fairs. “They'll say, ‘I can't wait to send this to my mom,'” Kim said. “They get so much pride seeing themselves in that professional photo.” Donations of gently used professional clothing and accessories are encouraged and much needed. For more information on how you can contribute, please visit https://louisiana.edu/career/students-alumni/career-closet Advice for Students Brandi Holllier shared, “One of my favorite questions, and I do share this with students to ask at the end of the interview is, ‘How would I get feedback on my job performance if hired?’ That shows the company you want their feedback. You want to learn, you want to grow. You know, that’s the experience. It’s about learning and growing. I feel that’s a really great question for students to pose in an interview.” Both Kim and Brandi strongly encourage students to maintain a professional online presence. “Employers will search you online,” Brandi noted, emphasizing the importance of LinkedIn and being mindful of social media and what photos you share online. Life Outside of Work Outside of campus, Brandi enjoys reading and occasionally playing piano alongside her daughter. TV is not a part of her life, and her quiet, beautifully serene nature is reflected in her wise choices as to how she spends her free time. Kim, meanwhile, is currently actively wearing the hat of wedding planner as her daughter prepares for an April 2026 wedding. “Every moment I have outside of my job is spent on wedding planning,” she said with a big smile. This conversation offers a valuable look at how UL Lafayette prepares students for professional success — and how local employers can engage meaningfully with the next generation of talent.

LSU’s athletics department released data a few weeks ago showing that Louisiana’s flagship public university raked-in more than $200 million in sports revenues over the past year.  The athletics department also spent all but $3 million of the money.  It turned a profit of $3 million. About 40 miles west of Baton Rouge, the athletics program at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette is currently fighting for survival.  The school’s athletics department recently cut 35 staff positions to trim its budget from $46 million to $42.7 million per year. Why is UL-Lafayette’s athletics program losing money? The Ragin’ Cajuns’ athletics programs have lost upwards of $5 million in each of the past few years.  Much of the shortfall can be attributed to the school’s football program. The UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns have fielded winning teams in four of the past six football seasons.  Local fans are quite aware that their local team had become a top competitor within the Sunbelt Conference. UL-Lafayette (like so many mid-major and smaller universities) is having trouble keeping pace with the rising costs in college athletics.  Fan support at home athletic events has not significantly increased as costs have skyrocketed. Big money support from the school’s alumni and corporate base has also failed to move the revenue needle enough to cover the increasing costs. In fact, the Ragin’ Cajuns have a lot of company in dealing with a growing phenomenon called “donor fatigue.”  It is the economic reality that most mid-major athletics programs simply cannot expect to compete for national titles with the giants of major universities. UL-Lafayette’s annual athletics budget is 25% of nearby LSU LSU’s rabid fan base fills-up 102,000 seat Tiger Stadium for most football games.  A seemingly never-ending demand exceeds the annual supply for prime seating in Baton Rouge.  LSU athletic donors are effectively bidding against themselves for better accommodations by donating more and more money into the school’s athletic funds. A quest for national championships by LSU in football, basketball (well, at least the women’s team), baseball and gymnastics has driven sports fanaticism.  LSU’s athletic supporters have (thus far) been willing to dole out incredible amounts of cash to support that drive for success.  Of course, those same donors get to retain prime seating accommodations at the school’s athletic events. The incredibly deep pockets of key athletics donors agreed to cover LSU’s massive $54 million buy-out of football coach Brian Kelly last fall. That same huge war chest of funding helped to guarantee the hiring of new coach Lane Kiffin at a price of $90 million over the next seven years. Louisiana’s second-largest public university is struggling to pay the bills UL-Lafayette has nearly 20,000 students.  It is the second largest public university in Louisiana behind only LSU (34,000 undergrads plus 7,000 graduate students). The football team for UL-Lafayette plays in the $65 million recently-renovated 30,000 seat Cajun Field. This ambitious stadium upgrade took nearly two years to complete and was put into service last fall.  The football stadium was originally constructed in 1971. The revamped Cajun Field offers better outdoor seating options, luxury boxes, and other improved aesthetics to provide a better fan experience.  Funding for this upgrade came from the school’s largest donor groups and a few key corporate sponsors. Donors were provided the opportunity to spend money for naming rights within the upgraded stadium. You could have placed your name on the stadium’s new scoreboard for $3 million. The “SwampSwamiSports.com” concession stand would have cost me a cool $250,000 to have my name on it (ha ha – good luck with that one!). You could even place your name on the stadium’s four oak trees for a pledge of $50,000. Last fall’s initial season in the Cajuns’ upgraded football stadium produced an average home attendance of 19,981 per game.  That is 2/3 of capacity.  UL-Lafayette’s game against nearby McNeese State produced the season’s largest crowd of 26,067. Ten years earlier, UL-Lafayette’s 2015 average home football attendance was 21,596 per game. In other words, the athletic support from the school’s home market seems to have remained relatively flat from year-to-year. The Ragin’ Cajuns $40 million annual athletics budget is near the bottom of the Sunbelt Conference UL-Lafayette has been a member of the Sunbelt Conference since 1991.  The league was comprised of 14 members last fall for the 2025 football season. Last year’s Ragin’ Cajuns athletics budget of more than $40 million placed it ahead of only Arkansas State, Georgia Southern, Southern Miss, and in-state rival UL-Monroe ($20.9 million). The Sunbelt expanded in the year 2022 to include James Madison University and Old Dominion University in Virginia plus Marshall University in West Virginia. A road trip from Lafayette, Louisiana to each those schools requires more than 1,000 miles each way.  That means that air travel is needed for not just football but basketball, baseball, softball, and other team sports playing on the road at those destinations. One source estimated that the increase in travel costs to play the recently-added Sunbelt members added a few million dollars in transportation expenses (mostly via air) for the Ragin’ Cajuns. Should UL-Lafayette try to increase athletics revenues, cut costs, or both? Playing in the Sunbelt Conference brings both UL-Lafayette and in-state rival UL-Monroe more than $2 million apiece in media revenues from ESPN and other sources.  A departure out of the Sunbelt Conference to drop back into the FCS level would mean an immediate loss of media revenue for athletics. A very significant near-term problem for Louisiana’s mid-major football programs is the SEC’s decision to play nine conference football games beginning this fall.  Going from eight to nine SEC games leaves just three non-conference opportunities available in the football schedule for LSU and other regional SEC teams. The LSU Tigers have been quite generous in scheduling Louisiana-based teams to come play at Tiger Stadium for non-conference games in recent decades.  Those road teams generally pocket more than $1 million to become “Tiger Bait” for their three hour fall visit to Baton Rouge playing in a non-conference football game against LSU. UL-Lafayette’s Ragin’ Cajuns played only one big “money game” last fall at the SEC’s University of Missouri. In-state Sunbelt rival UL-Monroe played two payday road games in 2025 – at SEC powerhouse Alabama and at the Big Ten’s Northwestern University.  The Warhawks’ athletics war chest (half the size of UL-Lafayette) depends heavily on at least two money games per year to keep the school’s athletics budget adequately funded. SEC football teams will now have one less spot to fill in their football schedule.  That means increased competition among today’s mid-major football programs seeking for the chance to land one or two payday games every season. This will likely to drive the monetary guarantees for these games down in the years to come. LSU Director of Athletics Verge Ausberry will have even more football teams knocking on his door to fill future non-conference games in Baton Rouge.  Those paydays are likely to decrease for Louisiana’s current Sunbelt Conference members such as UL-Lafayette and UL-Monroe. Do students want to pay additional fees to help cover the growing costs of athletics? UL-Lafayette’s last increase in annual student fees dedicated to cover athletics came about 20 years ago.  It added just $10 per semester per student. Sunbelt member James Madison University (21,000 students) is similar in size to UL-Lafayette.  The Virginia-based school charges students a whopping $2,456 (correct) per academic year to pay for college athletics. This provides JMU with $50 million directly from students – whether they attend sporting events or not. Even UL-Monroe passed an increase in student fees dedicated to athletics from $20 to $75 per year beginning in 2025.  It will add about $600,000 annually to the Warhawks athletics budget. Getting UL-Lafayette’s students to kick-in additional cash for athletics may be a hard sell.  Don’t go looking-up many of the school’s primary athletics donors, either.  They are proudly pointing at the Ragin’ Cajuns’ $65 million renovated football stadium as proof of their recent philanthropy. What is happening at UL-Lafayette is not unique.  It is occurring all across the country as many universities struggle to determine if they should remain playing in the upper tier of college athletics. The rising costs necessary to sustain expensive college athletic programs are causing university administrators to (finally) take a much harder look at the economic realities. Many college athletics programs are currently on life-support. Who’s next? The post UL-Lafayette cuts 25% of Athletics Staff after Revenue Shortfalls appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

661. Today we talk to Rachel L. Doherty about Louisiana folklore and folklife. Rachel is the Assistant Director for Programming and Special Projects at the Center for Louisiana Studies. Dr. Rachel Doherty is a scholar of contemporary Francophone art, literature, and creolized identities in Louisiana and Canada. She is an alumna of UL Lafayette's Francophone Studies program, a former lecturer at UL and Université Sainte-Anne, and a former French immersion teacher. Dr. Doherty specializes in occult and magical lore in minority Francophone literatures and arts, and analyzes folklore's place in today's language and identity movements. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today! This week in the Louisiana Anthology. “At the 'Cadian Ball” by Kate Chopin is about a Fais Do Do in the late 1800s. "BOBINÔT, that big, brown, good-natured Bobinôt, had no intention of going to the ball, even though he knew Calixta would be there. For what came of those balls but heartache, and a sickening disinclination for work the whole week through, till Saturday night came again and his tortures began afresh? Why could he not love Ozéina, who would marry him to-morrow; or Fronie, or any one of a dozen others, rather than that little Spanish vixen? Calixta's slender foot had never touched Cuban soil; but her mother's had, and the Spanish was in her blood all the same. For that reason the prairie people forgave her much that they would not have overlooked in their own daughters or sisters." This week in Louisiana history. January 16, 1962. Students at Southern Univ. begin civil rights demonstrations. This week in New Orleans history. Mayor C. Ray Nagin's "Chocolate City Speech" January 16, 2006. The "Chocolate City Speech" is the nickname that some have given to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day speech by Mayor Ray Nagin on January 16, 2006, several months after Hurricane Katrina. Prior to Nagin's speech, some commentators were suggesting that the city's demographics would change from majority African American to majority Caucasian.  In an interview with Public Radio International's Tavis Smiley (originally broadcast on January 13, 2006) Nagin used the phrase "chocolate city" in reference to New Orleans' future demographics. This week in Louisiana. January 31, 2026 Louisiana King Cake Festival 402 West 3rd Street Thibodaux, LA 70301 A large-scale outdoor food festival where attendees can sample dozens of different king cakes from across the state. This event serves as a major fundraiser for the Lafourche Education Foundation: 10:30 AM: The “Krewe of King Cake” Children's Parade kicks off the festivities around 201 Green Street. 11:00 AM: The festival grounds officially open for tasting and live music. Highlight 1 (The Tasting): Guests purchase “tasting tickets” to sample various king cakes and vote for the “People's Choice” winner. Highlight 2 (The Music): Local Louisiana bands perform on the main stage throughout the afternoon.  4:00 PM: The winners of the best traditional and non-traditional king cakes are announced. End: The festival wraps up at 5:00 PM. Website: louisianakingcakefest.com Email: info@lafourcheeducation.com Phone: (985) 688-4662 Lafourche Education Foundation P.O. Box 486 Thibodaux, LA 70302 Postcards from Louisiana. Little Freddie King. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook.    

Discover Lafayette welcomes Melissa Bonin, celebrated artist, poet, lyricist, and author whose work is deeply rooted in the landscape, language, and spirit of South Louisiana. A native of New Iberia with French and Acadian ancestry, Melissa is widely recognized as one of Louisiana's leading contemporary landscape painters. Her work weaves together emotion, mythology, nature, and memory—often inspired by bayous, waterways, mist, and the movement of water. Melissa's multidisciplinary voice is beautifully expressed in her 160-page book, When Bayous Speak, which pairs poetry and paintings spanning more than two decades of her artistic career. The poetry in the book reflects five to six years of work, while the paintings represent some of her most personal and enduring visual pieces. The cover image, Dances on Water, embodies the themes that recur throughout her work—flow, reflection, and deep connection to place. Finding Her Voice Through Art Melissa shared that she was painfully shy as a child and struggled to communicate with others. Her earliest breakthrough came on the last day of kindergarten, when a teacher handed her a chalkboard. “There was something I was able to express myself with, without speaking,” she recalled. That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong relationship with art as language. Her grandfather, a horse trainer, would sit with her and draw simple figures, unknowingly nurturing her creative instincts. Even early recognition came with challenges; after entering a poster contest as a young child she didn’t win. She was told she couldn't have drawn the winning work herself. “But I did,” she said. Mentorship and Artistic Formation Melissa's artistic path was shaped by extraordinary mentorship. At Mount Carmel in New Iberia, teacher James Edmunds and his wife Susan exposed her to museums, music, and culture, taking her to the King Tut exhibit and the symphony in New Orleans. Edmunds introduced her to Elemore Morgan, Jr., who became a lifelong mentor. Through these mentors, Melissa began taking fine art classes at UL Lafayette while still in high school at only 15 years of age. Edmunds even received permission from the nuns to continue teaching her privately at his home. “The greatest thing he ever did for me was to get out of my way,” she said. Reflecting back on her early mentor in high school, Melissa says, “James Edmunds would have different media there. It would be watercolor or whatever. He’d say, I’ll be back in an hour. Then he’d come back and we’d discuss it. Then I’d go back to school.” Melissa went on to earn her degree in Fine Arts at USL (now UL Lafayette), studying under influential artists including Elemore Morgan Jr., Herman Mhire, and Bill Moreland. Language, Identity, and France Melissa's love for the French language developed alongside her art. Her parents belonged to what she called the “shamed generation” who did not speak French, yet her grandmother spoke only French. Wanting to communicate with her, Melissa taught herself French using a Bible she found in an armoire. Her academic journey led her abroad through scholarships from CODOFIL and LSU. She studied in Angers and Paris and described her first experience in France simply as “I'm home.” That connection continues to influence her work, which is often presented in both English and French. Art as a Living Practice Melissa described the moment she truly “found her voice” as an artist after her first major New Orleans show, when Elemore Morgan Jr. left her a message repeating, “Melissa, you have found your voice.” Her distinctive surface treatment—polished like “a gemstone or a precious metal”—became a defining element of her work. When asked how long it takes to create a painting, she quoted Picasso's famous response: “All my life.” Some works move quickly; others are painted over dozens of times. “The canvas tells you,” she said. “It's when you try to impose your will upon the canvas that you don't get too far.” Melissa Bonin shared on Facebook, “So happy to see this in Moncus Park today on my walk. What a lovely job the Haynie Family has done incorporating one of my wildflower paintings and one of my poems into their display along Lake Reaux.” Nature, Water, and Healing Melissa's work is deeply inspired by the natural world—water, mist, humidity, plant life, wildflowers, and birds. During a period of heartbreak, she began paddling her canoe on the bayou every afternoon. “When I got on the water, everything fell away,” she shared. That experience sparked her lifelong exploration of bayous as both subject and sanctuary. Today, birding has become part of her daily life and creative process. “Being out there and hearing the sounds of nature and the calls—I love it,” she said. Poetry, Rejection, and Resilience Melissa's poetry has reached international audiences, with residencies in Montreal and current opportunities in France. Reflecting on a defining moment at the Congrès Mondial in Canada—where she was the first woman to present—she recalled a comment from a well-known figure who told her, “They will always remember your painting, but your poetry will get you nowhere.” Her response was resolute: “I must have had some really good poetry to make a person have to formulate that kind of sentence.” Since then, her poetry has appeared in parks in Belgium, installations in Lafayette, and residencies across borders. “My advice is filter what people tell you,” she said. Living the Artist's Life Melissa spoke candidly about choosing to become a full-time artist after realizing her art income had surpassed her teaching salary. “I wish I would have done it sooner,” she said. Her advice to young creatives: trust the inner voice and begin before you feel completely ready. She also shared that meditation, movement, and dance—another lifelong love—play a vital role in her creative process. “When I'm really stuck, I move,” she said. “And then sometimes the answers come.” “Arianna Huffington had a quote that I love to live by. She said, “Go forward as if all the cards are stacked in your favor. And so for anyone who has a desire to paint or write, I encourage that. There’s something that happens to a person when they dig deep within themselves and really become acquainted with themselves. In that way, something beautiful happens and everyone around can feel it.” Upcoming Event Melissa will be featured in Bulles littéraires, a literary evening hosted by Alliance Française de Lafayette.

Discover Lafayette welcomes Heather Borges, owner of Bee Organized Lafayette, a professional organizing and life-transition company serving the Lafayette area. January is National Organizing Month, and this first conversation of 2026 kicks off the new year with practical insight into why organization is so personal and so powerful. Heather shares her path from nursing to professional organizing. A graduate of UL-Lafayette in 2009, she spent 16 years as a nurse, including work as a dialysis nurse, in home health, and as a school nurse for Lafayette Parish for 11 years. Heather explains that home health nursing, in particular, exposed her to how people actually live in their homes and how clutter can affect safety and daily functioning. Burned out after COVID but still wanting to serve with compassion, she began researching professional organizing and discovered Bee Organized, a nationally based franchise that is locally owned and operated. After years of prayer and discernment, she made the leap, supported by her family and husband, calling it a step away from security but toward purpose. Heather describes Bee Organized as a tight knit franchise community based out of Kansas City, Kansas, with regular Zoom meetings and a strong culture of encouragement. She explains that the company's approach is grounded in compassion, sustainability, and truly understanding how each client functions in their space. As she puts it, “We're not just going to make things look pretty on the shelf. We're really listening to you and seeing how you function, how you want it to function.” A recurring theme of the conversation is how overwhelmed people feel by their belongings. Heather says many clients tell her they feel paralyzed, explaining, “They go into the room, and then they just back out and close the door… ‘I can't. I don't know where to start.'” Her response is reassurance and process: “Nope, we got it. We are going to help you go through it.” Bee Organized prefers clients to be present during sessions so the systems created are realistic and maintainable. “Our goal is for you to be able to maintain it,” she says. Heather walks through Bee Organized's complimentary in-home consultation process, where she assesses personalities, volume of belongings, and how a client wants a space to work. She emphasizes that square footage alone doesn't tell the story: “A 1,400-square-foot home may have double the stuff as the 1,400-square-foot home across the street.” During consultations, she takes notes, photos, and measurements, and provides an estimate within 24 hours. She also offers flexible options for those who prefer to send photos or videos instead of an in-person visit. A key part of Bee Organized's philosophy is recognizing different organizing personalities. Heather explains several types, including the “Crammer Jammer Stacker,” which she describes as “organized chaos,” where someone has a lot in one space but knows exactly where everything is. She also discusses the “Aspire,” who buys supplies for hobbies they hope to do someday; the “Just in Case” person who stocks up out of caution; the “Memory Keeper,” who holds onto sentimental items; and the “Money Minded,” who struggles to part with expensive purchases. These insights help her team, called “the Bees,” approach each job with empathy and strategy. Some of the most moving moments come when Heather talks about memory-based organizing. She shares stories of helping clients preserve meaning without forcing them to discard cherished items. One example involved turning her own late grandfather's Western shirts into teddy bears for grandchildren, with the remaining shirts donated to a nursing home. “We do not force you to get rid of things because those memories are special to you,” she says. Bee Organized also offers keepsake boxes, memory albums, T-shirt quilts, and access to a local vendor list to support these projects. Beyond home organization, Bee Organized Lafayette provides packing and unpacking for moves, downsizing support, commercial organization for spaces like coffee shops and spas, donation drop-offs, help selling items online, and pre-estate-sale organization. Heather notes, “We're not an estate sale company… we're charging you our hourly rate,” emphasizing transparency and flexibility. Concierge services include holiday decorating, gift wrapping, personal shopping, and seasonal setup and takedown. Heather also shares practical advice listeners can use immediately. One of her favorite tips is the “this-and-that bucket,” where items that accumulate during the day go into one container and must be dealt with within 24 hours. “Everything has a home,” she repeats throughout the conversation, explaining that visual clutter often becomes mental clutter. She encourages people to finish the task of grocery shopping by putting groceries away, rather than leaving them on the counter to become a source of stress. Reflecting on what surprised her most about this work, Heather says she didn't expect the emotional impact. “I've had people cry, and they tell me they can breathe again.” She describes seeing clients feel lighter, calmer, and energized by their spaces, sometimes comparing the experience to a “fresh start.” Heather invites listeners to take advantage of National Organizing Month in January and begin decluttering, one space at a time. Bee Organized Lafayette can be reached at https://beeorganized.com/pages/lafayette or you can call Heather at (337) 341-2025. As Heather reminds us, “One box at a time. One spot at a time.”

Discover Lafayette welcomes a true living legend of service to Acadiana: Dr. Mary B. Neiheisel. Dr. Neiheisel was the 2017 recipient of the prestigious Lafayette Civic Cup, one of the highest honors for civic service in our community. Her journey in Lafayette began in 1966, when she started teaching at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now UL Lafayette), launching 59 years of impact in education, healthcare, and community leadership. With quiet determination, Dr. Neiheisel helped build UL Lafayette's Nurse Practitioner Program, serving as its first coordinator and director and laying the foundation for graduate nursing education across the region. Beyond academia, her heart for service shines through her long-standing work at Faith House of Acadiana, where she serves as a nurse practitioner and advocate for survivors of domestic violence. Her legacy of compassion is now honored through the Mary B. Neiheisel Patron of Hope Award, created in her name to recognize extraordinary servant leadership in our community. From South Texas to Lafayette “I grew up in a very small town in South Texas, about 40 miles from San Antonio, called Stockdale.” Dr. Neiheisel traces her path into nursing back to her mother’s influence. “My mother always said that she concentrated on me being a nurse when she was pregnant. She said it was implanted. Consequently, she bought me the Cherry Ames nursing books when I was very young. Any medical shows on TV? We watched them. My mother started out to be a nurse, but she wanted to get married. And in those days, they did not allow the nurses to be married. So I think, you know, it was just her wish on me.” Dr. Neiheisel received her early education in San Antonio, completing her baccalaureate degree at the University of the Incarnate Word before moving to Austin and later earning her master's degree at the University of Colorado in 1965. She shares how she met her husband, Richard Neiheisel, then a USL history professor, and how that connection ultimately brought her to Lafayette in 1966. USL in the 1960s Reflecting on her early years on campus, Dr. Neiheisel recalls the realities of nursing education at the time: “We were actually in a condemned building.” She describes a small campus, modest facilities, and close-knit classes, noting how both the university and its nursing program have evolved into institutions that are now nationally known. Answering the Call to Teach Dr. Neiheisel explains what drew her to nursing education: “I felt like there was a real need for more faculty, more teachers in nursing, to help students learn the things that would be best in caring for their patients.” She speaks candidly about advocating for nursing education in what was largely a male-dominated academic environment, addressing disparities in pay and recognition while helping shape curriculum, meet state board standards, and recruit new faculty. “In 1984, Acadian Ambulance came to our college to ask about starting an EMT program in our college. And I had worked some in emergency room. Not that much, but I had actually taught some emergency room classes. So I was asked to work with Acadian Ambulance on that program. That was a great experience, Acadian Ambulance is really the business model. They knew what they wanted, and we put this together and then we needed a coordinator for that program in our college. Since I had been working with it, the dean asked me if I would be the coordinator of that program. And I said, no, I’m waiting for the graduate program. And she kind of looked at me like, you’re dreaming. But we continued to talk about our graduate program, and probably it was 1988, we actually were given permission to open our nursing graduate program, and I was offered the position of the first graduate nursing coordinator, which that was really exciting. Building the Nurse Practitioner Program Inspired by Dr. Loretta Ford, whom she calls “the mother of nurse practitioners,” Dr. Neiheisel carried a long-held vision for advanced nursing practice. Dr. Loretta Ford, known as “The Mother of the Nurse Practitioner Program, was a profound influence on Mary Neiheisel. Dr. Neiheisel says, “The year that I graduated with my master’s degree, Dr. Loretta Ford, who is considered the mother of nurse practitioners, the superwoman of nurse practitioners, actually came to our class and told us about the nurse practitioner program that she was starting, and she was a pediatric nurse. So it would be a pediatric nurse practitioner program. I was fascinated by the description that she gave for nurse practitioners and the independence that they would have and the way that they would be able to help patients, help people, help the population, not only in illness but in health, to maintain their health, to prevent disease. And I continued to kind of follow Dr. Ford and read what she was doing and seeing these programs opened. And she did start her program at the University of Colorado. She had six nurse practitioner students that year. There was, again, a lot of opposition to another role for nurses, but there was also a lot of support. She went on a national news. She went all over the country talking about the nurse practitioner program. She went from the University of Colorado to New York, started nurse practitioner programs there. And by that time they were really spreading across the country. In 1988, we finally were able to start our graduate nursing program at USL.” She describes the early challenges, resistance from some physicians, and the persistence required to establish the program. Dr. Neiheisel went back to school herself to become a family nurse practitioner, helping launch the nurse practitioner track and graduating the program's first students in 1995. “It wasn't long before the physicians were employing the nurse practitioners, and now they're employed in clinics and hospitals.” High Standards and Lasting Impact Addressing her reputation as a demanding instructor, Dr. Neiheisel reflects: “I guess I did have high expectations knowing that one day I was going to need their assistance, perhaps played a role in it.” She speaks with pride about her students' success and the responsibility of preparing nurses to be confident, capable, and compassionate professionals. The Evolution of Nursing From glass medicine cups and manual dosage calculations to electronic health records and patient portals, Dr. Neiheisel walks through six decades of change: “Technology has changed things in many ways… but we have lost some of that more personal touch.” She noted that nurse practitioners often help bridge that gap by spending more time with patients and answering their questions. Retirement — and Staying Connected Though she recently retired, Dr. Neiheisel emphasizes that she remains deeply connected to both nursing and the university: “It's not like a total separation. I'm still very proud of our university and my years there.” She continues part-time work at Faith House, attends concerts on campus, and remains engaged with the humanities and music communities. A Life of Civic and Cultural Service Dr. Neiheisel reflects on decades of civic involvement, including United Way of Acadiana, Rotary Club of Lafayette, the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana, Acadiana Center for the Arts, Zonta International, Foundation for Wellness, and the Lafayette Public Library Foundation. Of all her commitments, she says simply: “Faith House is my love.” She shares candidly about learning the realities of domestic violence, supporting women and children, fundraising for shelter operations, and recognizing community leaders through the Mary B. Neiheisel Patron of Hope Award. Named in honor of Dr. Mary B. Neiheisel, the award celebrates those who have gone above and beyond in their support of Faith House and its mission. Each year, the Patron of Hope Award will be presented to an individual who mirrors Dr. Neiheisel's enduring passion for advocacy, service, and hope, Teaching, Challenges, and Why She Stayed On the most rewarding part of teaching: “Meeting students is a blessing, watching them learn. That ‘aha' moment is just so rewarding.” On the greatest challenge of teaching: “Keeping up. It seems like it's changing every five minutes.” And on why she chose to build her life in Lafayette: “The people. The atmosphere, the culture. I feel like I have several Louisiana families.” Life Beyond the Classroom In closing, Dr. Neiheisel shared her love of music, reading, travel, and the arts, along with a lighthearted story about an unsuccessful tomato garden that led her to grow zinnias instead. She speaks fondly of trips to Colorado, visiting her grandchild in Boston, and appreciating both travel and home.

Listen to the radio highlights from the Dunkin' Dogs 65-44 rivalry victory over UL-Lafayette.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

Some people make a living building things. Others make a living making those things look good. There’s more to decoration than meets the eye. Space has a tremendous impact on how we think and feel. Sometimes it really is all about appearances, and that’s true whether you’re picking out curtains for your living room or designing an arch of balloons for a wedding. Our own spaces can tell the world a lot about who we are. Take a look at my desk for instance, and you’ll know right away I’m not someone you’d hire to design your workspace. For that, you should probably call my guest Krysten Ledet Krysten is the founder and owner of Krysten Ledet Interiors, a full-service design firm that handles renovations, new construction, spec homes, commercial spaces, and hospitality builds. She grew up in New Orleans and earned her bachelor’s in interior design from UL Lafayette before pursuing a master’s degree. She’s a certified interior designer and licensed contractor—so she’s as comfortable knocking down your walls as she is selecting your wallpaper. Krysten's design philosophy is shaped by her childhood in New Orleans and by Hurricane Katrina, which put 20 feet of water in her childhood home and left a lasting impression about what "home" really means. After stints working for commercial clients, she returned to residential design and eventually launched her own firm in 2020, partly to spend more time with her family and partly to stop commuting to Baton Rouge. Bianca Russo is the owner of Louisiana Balloons Atelier, a custom balloon and event décor studio based in Sunset. Bianca grew up in Brazil, where balloon décor is serious business—and also her family business. Her mother ran a balloon shop and passed down the craft, though Bianca initially took a very different career path, attending dental school before moving to Canada and eventually becoming a dental assistant in Las Vegas. After relocating to Louisiana, Bianca opened her own balloon studio in 2025. Louisiana Balloons Atelier offers everything from simple foil balloons to fully customized installations for weddings, birthdays, graduations, divorces, sporting events—basically anywhere cake is served, balloons follow. Out to Lunch Acadiana was recorded live over lunch at Tsunami Sushi in downtown Lafayette. You can find photos from this show by Astor Morgan at itsacadiana.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We often think of “doing good” as the business of nonprofits. You start a foundation, apply for grants, hold gumbo cook-offs, and hope the IRS sees things your way. But what if you didn’t need tax-exempt status to make the world better? What if turning a profit and doing good weren’t opposites — but the same business plan? Turns out, a lot of small business owners in Acadiana are already doing it. No mission statements, no donor walls — just good work disguised as work. Christiaan's guests on this edition of Out to Lunch Acadiana both run for-profit businesses that exist for something bigger than the bottom line. One makes magic — literally. The other runs a thrift store that funds community support. And both have built businesses around something very simple: joy and generosity. If you’ve been to a library show, a school assembly, a corporate retreat, a kid’s birthday, or a surprise party gone slightly off the rails — there’s a decent chance you’ve seen this man making balloon animals. Mitch Richard is the owner of MLR Magic. He grew up in Kaplan, where he was a consummate class clown. Mitch's real stage debut came in 7th grade, when a teacher gave him the first five minutes of every class to “energize” the students — on one condition: Mitch had to keep a B average. By 16, he learned balloon art from Darcy Guidry — the legendary balloon guy at Hub City Diner — and started performing professionally a few years later. He’s now been “Mitch the Magician” for 25 years, doing more than 150 shows a year across Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Florida. Mitch's company company books not just himself, but other performers, too. And while he performs everywhere from corporate parties to kids’ camps, his favorite shows are at assisted living facilities, where he says “people need to laugh the most.” If Mitch works his magic through wonder, Lori Guillory works hers through generosity. Lori is the owner of Calvary Thrift, a faith-based thrift shop in Lafayette. Lori also runs Camp Calvary, a Christian summer camp, and Calvary Creek, an 8-acre event venue. Lori is a UL Lafayette grad, a lifelong thrifter, and — by her own admission — someone who didn’t set out to run more than one business, but kept doing it because she saw needs that weren’t being met. Calvary Thrift employs eight people, sources locally donated goods, and donates profits into groups like The Hub, The Outreach Center, church ministries, and rent-assistance programs. Out to Lunch Acadiana was recorded live over lunch at Tsunami Sushi in downtown Lafayette. You can find photos from this show by Astor Morgan at itsacadiana.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest, Dr. Caroline Jurisich, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss her inspiring work with The Quad, a Lafayette-based program helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue learning, building independence, and forming meaningful social connections after leaving school. A Lifelong Passion for Education and Inclusion Originally from North Louisiana, Caroline earned her bachelor's degree in communications from LSU and initially worked in that field. But her career path changed after she began working with students who had emotional and behavioral challenges. She went on to earn her Master's at UL Lafayette and taught in the Lafayette Parish School System before being recruited to help develop and teach in UL LIFE, an inclusive post-secondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities. “When I started with UL LIFE in 2014, there were about 200 programs like it in the country,” she recalled. “Now, there are 364.” The program, which began as a small pilot with local students, has since expanded to 35 students from across the U.S. who live on campus, participate in university classes, and are fully integrated into campus life. As the program grew, Caroline noticed a troubling pattern: “Once these students graduated, they secured employment, but there was still a gap in opportunities for continued learning and in maintaining the skills they'd developed.” That realization led her to found The Quad in 2023. Filling the Gap After Graduation Located in the Oil Center at 1021 E St Mary Blvd., Suite A, The Quad serves adults aged 18 to 62 who have completed high school or college-based programs and are seeking continued education, social engagement, and life skills training. “I'm a big believer in building a strong foundation before branching out,” Caroline said. “We're focused on what we call learning sessions—structured, engaging opportunities to develop practical skills without feeling like school.” The Quad offers 26 sessions a week, each about real-world abilities: Money Smarts: budgeting, banking, and financial literacy. Vocational Training: preparing for, securing, and maintaining employment. Social and Relationship Skills: navigating family, friendship, and workplace dynamics. Independent Living Skills: cooking, meal planning, grocery budgeting, and household management in their full kitchen lab. Each session is small and tailored. “We want to make sure it's meaningful for every individual,” she said. “Independence doesn't necessarily mean doing it all by yourself—it means knowing when to ask for help, knowing your strengths, and building on both.” The Quad also emphasizes community engagement. Members participate in service projects such as filling the Lafayette Community Fridge, supporting Second Harvest, and organizing toy drives. “We remind our members that to be an active, engaged part of your community, you also have to give back,” Caroline said. Creating Belonging and Connection Social isolation after leaving school is a major challenge for adults with disabilities. Caroline has seen firsthand how The Quad helps bridge that gap. “There's so much research on the impact of isolation—higher rates of depression and anxiety once individuals leave school,” she explained. “At The Quad, they have a space for connection, shared experiences, and casual practice of social skills.” Each Friday, The Quad hosts Happy Hour—a relaxed afternoon where members gather for games, conversation, and community. “Some play air hockey, some just hang out. For many, weekends can be isolating, so this helps fill that gap with friendship and laughter.” Members often form their own social groups. “We've had young men who didn't know each other before The Quad but now meet regularly to play cards or go out to lunch together. That's huge.” A Member-Focused Community

Today we welcome Warren Abadie, Director of Traffic, Roads and Bridges for Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG). A Lafayette native, Warren has spent his entire career with LCG, steadily rising through the ranks after graduating from UL Lafayette in 2003 with a degree in electrical engineering (computer option). He started as an engineer aide, moved on to traffic maintenance supervisor, traffic signal/system engineer, and city-parish transportation engineer before being appointed director in 2020. “I affectionately refer to myself as the director of misery and unhappiness,” Warren joked, but his love for his job is clear. He explained that a professor once told him, “Your first job will determine your whole career,” and in his case, that proved true. His engineering background in coding and electrical systems naturally aligned with his first promotion into traffic signals. Managing 190 Traffic Signals Across the City Warren oversees a vast system of about 190 traffic signals, many of which LCG maintains through agreements with the state. He explained how the signal network functions: “If you're on a minor street at a major street, it's going to feel like the signal is taking forever. A minute in your car feels more like five minutes. But we run the system as a network. All the signals on Pinhook have to have the same cycle length… so there's some inefficiencies there. But the main street always takes precedence.” With a central server syncing up internal clocks, Warren and his team can monitor complaints in real time, using traffic cameras and logs to identify problems, often adjusting signals remotely: “We're always tinkering. We're always changing. We're always trying to make 10 pounds of fluff fit in a 5-pound bag.” Balancing Capacity, Convenience, and Safety Warren described the essence of traffic engineering as a balancing act: “Traffic engineering is a balance of three things. Capacity. Convenience. And safety. If safety was first, your car wouldn't go more than five miles an hour… If it was all about convenience, there'd be no pavement markings on the road. And if it was all about capacity, I wouldn't allow left turns on signals.” This balance is one reason he strongly supports roundabouts, which check all three boxes by being safer, more efficient, and accommodating U-turns. He acknowledged, however, that roundabouts are more difficult to design and build, and some—like the Ridge Road and Rue de Belier roundabout—are already over capacity, with plans in place for upgrades. Traffic Growth and New Projects “Traffic is a sign of economic activity and growth,” Warren noted, pointing out Lafayette is one of the few parishes in Louisiana still growing. He listed several new roundabout projects in the works, including: Broussard and Robley West Broussard and Duhon (near Acadian Village) Ridge and Domingue Road Rue de Belier and Ridge (expansion to multi-lane) Vincent Road in Broussard LA 92 and East Broussard (toward Milton) Safety, Motorcycles, and Crash Data As a father, Warren is deeply concerned about motorcycles: “Don't let anybody you love drive a motorcycle because your target value is just too small and the margin for error is just way too small. It's exciting, but the reality is there's just not any room for error.” His department continually analyzes crash data and works to balance safety with traffic flow, noting that signals reduce deadly right-angle crashes but often lead to an increase in rear-end crashes—generally less severe. Road Repairs and Infrastructure Challenges Road work is another part of Warren's responsibility, and he was candid about the frustrations drivers feel: “Everything we do day to day requires the use of that system. Generally, the roads are already congested. Now I got to fix it and make them more congested. It's not something we take lightly.”

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

Jacoby Landry, the new owner of Lafayette's oldest indoor shopping center, Northgate Mall, shares his vision to bring hope, commerce, and fresh energy to North Lafayette. Jacoby's energy and can-do attitude is a beacon of light for a community waiting to see how he will transform the mall into "The Hub." Jacoby, owner of JL Construction and Pont Breaux Plaza in Breaux Bridge, is the first local owner of Northgate Mall in years. Originally developed by Isan Fontenot, Dr. Daniel Voorheis and Joseph Angelle who opened it in August 1969, Jacoby paid $2.8 million for the property. His journey started under the wing of his grandfather, a framer, and his father, who ran dirt construction, trucking businesses, and in the oil field industry. “My entrepreneurial skills came from my dad. He's always been a business owner.” After studying engineering at UL Lafayette, Jacoby discovered his love for business and numbers, opening a tax office in his early twenties. Real estate soon became his passion, with his first major commercial property purchased from cousin Dominick Williams (formerly Dominick Davis of LSU and the Houston Texans). “There's nothing that I didn't try,” Jacoby shared, reflecting on his entrepreneurial spirit. In 2016, Jacoby earned his residential contractor's license, followed by obtaining his commercial license a year later. “I went from building custom homes to developing my own lots and building spec homes and selling them.” His interest in North Lafayette grew when he purchased seven acres on Louisiana Avenue at Butcher Switch Road in 2020 with plans for a med spa and gym. Facing zoning challenges, Jacoby joined LEDA's Elevate North Lafayette program, where he connected with Monte Anderson, a Dallas-based developer. Monte's advice led Jacoby to consider revitalizing existing properties, prompting Jacoby to set his sights on Northgate Mall. "I was always infatuated with the I-10 and I-49 crossing. I just always had it in my mind that it (development) was going to come to the North one day." “Before I started the program, I had goals of doing something bigger, but they really pushed me to actually go do it. They gave me the courage and knowledge to do it.” Once Jacoby walked the property, he couldn't sleep at night thinking about its potential. “Ever since the day I walked on the property, I couldn't sleep at night, thinking about it. I think I want to do it.” Despite initial nerves, Jacoby embraced the risk, saying, “I'm a risk taker. I could do this.” Jacoby Landry at the Northgate Mall in June 2025. Photo by Brad Kemp, Acadiana Advocate. Jacoby is rebranding Northgate Mall as “The Hub,” inspired by Lafayette's nickname, Hub City, and the I-10/I-49 cloverleaf, which will be reflected in its new logo. The redevelopment will focus on mixed-use commerce, green spaces, and lighting to ensure safety and create a welcoming atmosphere. “I want to change the whole theme of the mall. I want to have trees, green space, make it nice, have a lot of lighting and make it feel safe.” Contrary to negative perceptions, Jacoby says, “Statistically, there's no crime at the mall. There's more crime in other places. The mall's been dead for so long, there's nothing to steal.” Jacoby's vision includes a grocery store, children's entertainment options, and a health club and spa in the former Planet Fitness space in partnership with his sister, Rachel McCorvey of BeLuxxe Health and Wellness Center. “Our whole motto is to add ten years to your life.” The facility will feature a nutritionist, weight management services, Botox, IV drips, sauna, hot tub, salt room, cold plunge, a health bar, and two indoor pickleball courts. Pilates and boxing fitness will also be offered, bringing Red's Health Club-like amenities to North Lafayette on a smaller, community-focused scale. Jacoby emphasized his commitment to supporting current tenants, saying, “They've been a blessing… I came to introduce myself to ...

We welcome UL - Lafayette Football Head Coach Michael Desormeaux, a graduate of Catholic High in New Iberia and standout UL Lafayette quarterback, who became the eighth quarterback in NCAA history to post back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons. He joined the UL coaching staff in 2016, helping lead the Ragin' Cajuns to four consecutive Sunbelt West Division titles and their first outright Sunbelt Championship before being named head coach. Home Bank CEO John Bordelon, Ul Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux, Chris Rader, and Jan Swift at recording of Discover Lafayette podcast. Joining us to guide the conversation is John Bordelon, a 1977 graduate of USL, former football player, and current President and CEO of Home Bank. John has worked with Home Bank for over 44 years and loves beng a part of this community along with his wife, Suzanne. Jan Swift, the host of Discover Lafayette, knew she needed a football voice on this episode. Coach Desormeaux reflected on growing up in New Iberia: “New Iberia was a really good place to grow up. Catholic High has been great for us… my whole family's life revolved around sports and chasing kids around and watching them play. We grew up in ballparks.” "When we were young, our whole life revolved around sports and we grew up in ballparks. Catholic High in New Iberia was a cool place because we went from football to basketball to baseball. When I got to middle school, I started track. Our coaches made it easy for us to be able to do all four. For me, it was just part of the way that we did it. My parents expected us to do well in school. They expected us to play sports. was really just what I grew up doing. I realized after the fact how unique it was to be able to do all four sports in high school. I was always grateful for that." Coach Desormeaux shared how recruiting has changed dramatically since his high school years: "When I was coming out, I didn't hear from UL or other colleges. or meet anyone on the staff, until probably week five of my senior high school year season. They came and watched us play… I had a really good game, and the next week they called back and offered me a scholarship. That was the beginning of my recruiting.” John Bordelon shared how relationships drew him to UL: “My brother was seven years older and came to USL to play football, and I fell in love with the people… my heart was set on being part of this community.” An injury in high school changed John Bordelon's recruitment experience: “My senior year, I actually had an injury, so I missed five ball games… LSU, Tulane, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss dropped me. One of my coaches from high school played at UL and helped me get an interview, and they offered me a scholarship.” Reflecting on how UL shaped his life, Coach Desormeaux noted: “Coaches have always been people I really admired. My dad was my first coach. When I got to Catholic High, Coach David Comeaux got the head job, and I saw the impact he had on our school.” Coach Des's experience with three different offensive coordinators while playing at UL turned out to be a blessing: “At the time, we had several coaching turnorvers, and it wasn't what I expected. But I got to learn three different systems and three different offenses… the coaching experience was really good for me.” "I'd love to tell you that I've created anything. But football coaches are thieves. I mean, we just take things from different people and make it our own. The whole journey and all these coaches are people that I've always admired. I tell our staff all the time, if you got into coaching for anything other than to help kids and for anything other than to help them achieve their goals, you're in the wrong place." Coach Des spoke honestly about the challenges of NIL and the transfer portal: “We believe in building relationships… I wish it wasn't personal to me when they leave, but it is. You spend so much time with them.

Ideas always sound good in theory. Especially business ideas. That’s the deception of entrepreneurship. Even the simple stuff gets complicated. Take my guests today. One started a business hauling junk. The other lends tools out for free. Simple, right? But as they’ll tell you, there’s a lot more to it once you pop the hood. Anna Kojevnikov is co-founder of the Lafayette Tool Library, a nonprofit that lets members borrow tools for home, yard, or auto projects—at no cost. Anna moved to Lafayette in 2018 with her husband, a math professor at UL Lafayette. They bought a new home and realized they didn’t have enough tools for all that upkeep — or really enough space to keep them. Volunteering with disaster relief after Hurricane Laura showed her how widespread that need really was. Partnering with co-founder Alison Nederveld, she helped launch the Lafayette Tool Library to solve a community problem one tool at a time. Anna is originally from Australia, where she worked in film and TV, but found her footing in Lafayette helping others create. She’s also the Community Engagement Director at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. Coty Bergeaux was working in law enforcement when he took a family vacation that changed his outlook. Watching people living the high life in vacation homes along the Florida coast, he realized he wanted to be his own boss. He looked into storage units and ran across another idea: junk removal. He filed for an LLC one month before his son was born and started small, hauling his first king-size mattress with a rented trailer. Coty Bergeaux is now the owner and operator of Acadian Haul Away & Junk Removal. Coty hauls everything from mattresses to hoarder houses—running lean with just his truck, his trailer, and a strong back. He does about 50 jobs a month. Out to Lunch Acadiana was recorded live over lunch at Tsunami Sushi in downtown Lafayette. You can find photos from this show by Alisha Zachery Lazard at itsacadiana.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EPISODE SUMMARY Join scientist and mindset & high-performance coach Claudia Garbutt and Business Consultant Cary Prejean for another Leaders Are Readers Wired For Success Book Club feature and author interview!   If you're ready to scale and turn your business into a well-oiled machine that thrives without you, this is the book for you!   In this episode, we talk about: - Cary's proven framework for operational strategy — drawn from 30+ years of hands-on experience and his book Optimize! - How founders can stop being the bottleneck — and start leading with clarity, vision, and confidence - Why your words matter more than you think — and how effective communication builds (or breaks) trust within your team   EPISODE NOTES Cary is a native of Louisiana, where he graduated with High Honors from UL-Lafayette with a major in accounting, and minors in Economics and Finance. He acquired his CPA license in 1982.   He founded Financial Design Consultants, Inc. in 1987 with offices in three south Louisiana cities and a staff of 16, During this period of working with business owners, he also taught courses at four universities in south Louisiana - LSU, UL-Lafayette, SLU and BRCC. He became a certified ontological coach with the Newfield Group.   He's coached hundreds of business owners and couples in empowerment and effectiveness during that time. He founded CFO Consulting, LLC in 2020 and changed the name to Strategic Business Advisors, LLC in lat 2023 to reflect the work he does in strategic planning and change management.   His vision is to work with business owners on mastering 1. business self-sufficiency, 2. visionary development as an ongoing practice, and 3. long-term strategic planning and execution.   Links: Freebie: https://strategicbusinessadvisors.org/book/   Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Optimize-Operational-Functional-Effective-Organization/dp/1948382849   https://strategicbusinessadvisors.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryprejean/   https://www.facebook.com/CFOconsultingLA https://www.instagram.com/cfoconsultingllc54/   ------------ Click this link to listen on your favorite podcast player and if you enjoy the show, please leave a rating & review: https://linktr.ee/wiredforsuccess ------------------ Music credit: Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue) ----------------- Disclaimer: Podcast Episodes might contain sponsored content.

In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we dive into Lafayette's emerging role as a major player in the regional and national tech ecosystem with Ben Johnson and Marcus Brown of the newly formed Lafayette Regional Technology Council. This dynamic group of volunteer leaders are working hard to ensure Lafayette's deep well of tech talent is recognized and nurtured. Ben Johnson, CEO of Techneaux Technology Services and Chair of the Council, shares his local roots—born in Eunice, raised in Scott and Lafayette—and how his passion for computers and community led him to start Techneaux in his garage in 2010. “We started the company with a unique business model: people over profits,” Ben shares. The company now employs about 180 people across Louisiana, Colorado, and Texas, operating on what Ben calls a model of “distributed capitalism.” Techneaux recently relocated to the old Fontana Center on Kaliste Saloom, which they've repurposed into a cutting-edge tech hub. Marcus Brown, a returning guest to Discover Lafayette, brings his entertainment industry background and policy insight to the Council. As the founder of Believe Entertainment and partner in Digital Twin Studios, Marcus has worked to build Lafayette's capabilities in immersive technology and virtual production. “We want to define what technology is—and who is a tech person,” he notes. His work has also included integrating immersive technologies in local education through the Do It Greener Foundation. A Council Rooted in Community and Data The Council was born from a leadership exchange trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan, which inspired local leaders to create a similar tech initiative back home. “We realized Lafayette has world-class tech companies that even we weren't fully aware of,” Ben said. Early supporters include One Acadiana, LEDA, UL Lafayette, LFT Fiber, and leaders from companies like VieMed, Noble Plastics, SchoolMint, and X1 Technologies. The Council organizes its work into “GEARS”—Get Everything Accelerated and Ready—subcommittees that focus on workforce and talent, marketing and recruitment, networking and knowledge sharing, and policy advocacy. Their first community-wide event, the Idea Collider, will launch in late June, with the goal of gathering ideas and input from the public and then from business leaders to shape actionable initiatives. Creating Opportunity and Retaining Talent One of the Council's major goals is to retain the exceptional talent emerging from UL Lafayette and other local schools. “When I graduated in 2001, there weren't real tech jobs here,” Ben said. “Now, we're working to create a pipeline and make sure the talent knows they can build a career here.” Marcus emphasizes the community's history of rising to the occasion: “When Disney filmed Secretariat here, our people showed up. The same thing is happening in tech—people want to step up and lead.” As Marcus explains, “We're trying to reach students early, even before college, to show them they can create tech—not just consume it.” Both men spoke about the importance of giving young people a sense of purpose and place in the tech world, with computer science even being recognized now by the state as a foreign language—a powerful shift in thinking. The Role of AI and the Future of Work When asked about the fear of AI taking jobs, both men provided thoughtful perspectives. “AI doesn't take jobs,” Ben said. “It removes roles so humans can be more creative and impactful elsewhere.” Marcus added, “AI is like a calculator. It's a tool, and with proper understanding, it can democratize opportunity.” Looking Ahead The Lafayette Regional Technology Council isn't charging membership dues yet—they want to first prove their value and build momentum. “We want companies and individuals to contribute time, talent, or treasure,” said Ben. “Let's build this together, and then figure out the right structure.” A more formal membership structure will be launched in 2...

Discover Lafayette welcomes Justin Bennett, the new owner of Artmosphere, and Anthony Daniels—known to many as Moose Harris—who serves as booking agent and sound engineer for the venue. Moose Harris, Justin Bennett, and Jan Swift at recording Discover Lafayette at RADER. Located at 902 Johnston Street in downtown Lafayette, Artmosphere has long been known as a cultural hub where music, art, and community converge. Now, with Justin at the helm and Moose helping steer the ship, this iconic space is entering a bold new chapter. Justin, originally from Brooklyn by way of Seattle, and his wife Marcela, a talented chef, made their way to Lafayette after the early waves of the pandemic. A former journalist and public information officer for New York City Emergency Management, Justin brings a rare blend of communication savvy and passion for grassroots music culture. His wife, Marcela, runs Lana's Empanadas food truck—named after their dog!—and previously helped launch the kitchen at Mercy Kitchen. Together, they've embraced Lafayette as home and are now pouring their heart and soul into revitalizing Artmosphere. Moose Harris, born and raised in New Iberia and a seasoned music producer, performer, and radio personality, has deep roots in the Louisiana music scene. From his classical and jazz studies under legends like Ellis Marsalis to his frontman days in the Reggae Ska Conspiracy, Moose brings both creative insight and a wealth of experience to the table. Having worked with Artmosphere under its previous ownership, he already knew the venue inside and out—literally holding the keys before Justin ever stepped through the door. What they're creating together is something special. Gone are the days of Artmosphere being an undefined multipurpose space. "As Justin clearly puts it, this is first and foremost a music venue." A place for curated, intentional nights of music that make sense together—no more scattershot open mic lineups. Under their guidance, Artmosphere is becoming a home for touring artists and a launching pad for local talent. And while the name is slated to change soon, the vision is clear: create a sustainable, artist-respecting space with good music, good food, and good drinks. And about that food—Justin's East Coast roots are making their mark. From his Italian grandmother's Sunday sauce to a hearty Irish shepherd's pie and the promise of Lafayette's best-poured Guinness, the kitchen is set to impress. Marcela is helping build out the kitchen and train staff, sourcing from local farms to ensure seasonal, delicious offerings. It's all about quality—from the music to the meatballs. During Festival International, the team soft-launched Artmosphere with eight wildly different events in five days, showcasing everything from hip hop and zydeco to burlesque and R&B. Every act was carefully chosen, every night was intentional. And it's just the beginning. Moose is already booking shows into the fall, and together they're building a community around the venue, one great night of music at a time. Soon, a new name will be unveiled along with a new website, including a music blog produced in collaboration with UL Lafayette journalism students. It's all part of a bigger mission: to make Lafayette a must-stop destination for national touring acts and to elevate the local scene with the respect and support it deserves. We're grateful for what Justin and Moose are doing—for their commitment to musicians, to our cultural economy, and to downtown Lafayette. It's time for this. And we're lucky to have them here. For more, visit Artmosphere's Facebook page or email benett.management@yahoo.com if you're interested in performing or getting involved. Stay tuned for the name reveal—we'll be the first to share it!

Discover Lafayette is thrilled to welcome Kiki Frayard, founder of Kiki, a boutique store known for its exquisite selection of fine jewelry, fragrances, handbags, and other carefully curated items from designers across the world. While Kiki is known for offering unique designs, Kiki says, "Anybody can walk in to buy fun or lower price point jewelry at $75 to $250. We also offer jewelry up to $65,000." In addition to her successful retail business, Kiki recently ventured into children's literature with her book Lila Says No, cleverly illustrated by Aileen Bennett. Her passion for beauty and creativity extends beyond retail, as seen on her vibrant Instagram page, where she shares colorful and inspirational table settings for various events. Kiki, an Opelousas native, has strong ties to the Lafayette community. She is the sister of Marilyn Castle, retired 15th JDC judge, and Joan Dubuisson of Cox Business. She graduated from UL-Lafayette with degrees in Art History and English, initially intending to become an art teacher before discovering her passion for advertising and retail. Her career has been a fascinating journey, including stints as a nightclub singer in New Orleans, a radio advertising executive, and an ad agency owner. Working alongside advertising legend George Graham, Kiki honed her skills in creative writing and marketing, ultimately paving the way for her entrepreneurial success. Kiki opened her boutique in River Ranch after gaining invaluable retail experience from Molly Flanagan, owner of Molly's. She and her daughter, Katie, built the business together, expanding to Baton Rouge and establishing Kiki as a premier shopping destination. A life-changing car accident in 2007 prompted Kiki to embrace retail fully, leaving advertising to focus on her boutique. She and Katie meticulously designed the store, ensuring an elevated shopping experience comparable to high-end retailers in New York and beyond. Kiki says, "We knew we wanted to do something nice. We didn't want it to be a hodgepodge of display cases and just thrown together. We really wanted it to be the nicest store in Lafayette. "We had a vision of doing jewelry with designers in mind so that every case was dedicated to a designer. The handbags were displayed one on a shelf to make it seem really special so that everything seemed a little elevated. That worked when people walked in the store. Also, with most merchandise, if you don't turn it, you got to put it on sale, you've got to get rid of it, you got to turn. But jewelry isn't like that. We could have an expensive piece of jewelry and it could be there for two years, and then someone comes in and and buys it. So you don't have to discount quite as much. The same thing with perfume." Beyond retail, Kiki has made a mark in the Lafayette community. She played a crucial role in the development of Lafayette's downtown playground, recognizing its value in revitalizing the area. Her passion for community enrichment continues to shape her contributions to the city's cultural and economic landscape. Kiki's love for creativity extends to her personal life, where she enjoys setting stunning tablescapes for family gatherings. Her collections of fine china and linens reflect her impeccable taste and appreciation for beauty. Her foray into children's literature has been met with great enthusiasm. Lila Says No is resonating with parents and educators, with notable endorsements from child psychologist Carolyn Helm. The book received a glowing review rom Kirkus as "quirky and entertaining, with a kid and parent-savvy message." Kiki's deep admiration for children's literature and her collection of over 500 books inspired her to finally write her own story, with more books potentially on the horizon. Though retired from store ownership, Kiki remains an integral part of Kiki, still attending market trips and influencing the store's aesthetic.

Overview: In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Stacy Romero, Executive Director of Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development ("LEAD"), the leading organization for economic development professionals in Louisiana. Stacy is dedicated to equipping professionals with the knowledge, connections, and resources needed to drive meaningful community impact through high-impact education, strategic advocacy, and collaborative networking. Background and Experience: Stacy holds a degree from UL Lafayette and has completed multiple leadership programs, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Institute for Organization Management, the Business Leaders Fellowship Program, and the Council for a Better Louisiana's Leadership Louisiana program. In 2024, she was honored with the Junior Achievement of Acadiana Richard E. Beaudoin Friend of Business Award. Journey into Economic Development: Stacy began her career as an elementary school teacher and later worked at the Department of Education, mentoring new teachers. She transitioned into running education programs at United Way of Acadiana before serving as Executive Director of the Broussard Chamber of Commerce. Her diverse experience in education and business leadership helped her recognize the workforce development gaps in Louisiana. Key Topics Discussed: Workforce Development Challenges: Stacy's personal experience as a mother witnessing her son's initial plans to leave Louisiana highlighted the need for workforce retention efforts. The importance of preparing students and professionals for career opportunities within the state. The Role of LEAD: LEAD was formerly LIDEA and underwent a major restructuring to better serve economic development professionals. LEAD provides networking opportunities, professional development, and advocacy for economic development professionals. Supporting Economic Development Professionals: LEAD's focus on emerging professionals and bridging the knowledge gap as seasoned professionals retire. Collaborating with universities to create a pipeline for students into economic development careers. Economic Development and Small Businesses: Economic development includes attracting new businesses and supporting small, long-established local businesses. Quality of life, supported by small businesses, is a key factor in attracting major corporations to Louisiana. Available Resources for Businesses: Many business owners are unaware of available support, such as LEDA's traffic count data to help businesses choose locations. Economic development professionals play a crucial role in connecting businesses with resources. Upcoming LEAD Events & Initiatives: Spring Legislative Event (May 5-6, 2024): Opportunity for economic development professionals to engage with legislators in Baton Rouge. Professional Development Courses: A four-day Basic Economic Developers Training Course is held annually, with additional specialized courses such as Real Estate Development & Reuse. Annual Conference (October 2024): Featuring guest speakers, panels, and professional development opportunities. Membership in LEAD: Affordable membership tiers, including a $25 student membership and higher levels up to $350. Open to professionals working in economic development at least 50% of their time, including those in municipal roles, power companies, and regional organizations. Public Engagement & Outreach: LEAD is enhancing its social media presence on Facebook and LinkedIn to engage members and share resources. Stacy actively travels across the state to build relationships and raise awareness about LEAD's mission. Get Involved with LEAD: Visit LouisianaLEAD.org for more information. Follow LEAD on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay updated on events and resources. Conclusion: Stacy Romero's passion for workforce development and economic strategy shines through in he...

We are chatting with La'Toya Guillory, Certified Mindset & Author Coach at Empowered with Purpose. We will dive into her life, how she got to Lafayette, and her role as a mindset & author coach in Lafayette.Website: https://empowered-with-purpose.net— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support and on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@theteapodcast?si=x8Er9tXxXsAakgKf— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Optimize Generator People, Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana

We are chatting with Lindsey Tripp, Director of Akidiana Project, and Chalasie Kibodeaux, Board Member, about the non-profit that helps celebrate milestones for homeless children throughout the Acadiana area.Website: www.theakidianaproject.com— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support and on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@theteapodcast?si=x8Er9tXxXsAakgKf— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Optimize Generator People, Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana

We are talking with Catherine Lemoine, owner of Pet Passages of Lafayette, about her business and guiding pet owners through the loss of a family pet. We are also talking about all things Lafayette, and maybe even spilling some tea… who knowsWebsite: https://lafayette.la.petpassages.com— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support and on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@theteapodcast?si=x8Er9tXxXsAakgKf— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Optimize Generator People, Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana

We are talking with Jennifer LeMeunier, Director of Strategic and Leadership Events at ULL & Shyra Moran, Community Relations Officer at Advancial about the upcoming UL Lafayette Women's Leadership Conference on March 13th.Website: https://womensleadershipconference.org/— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Optimize Generator People, Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana

We are chatting with Craig Page & Cullen Haymon of Optimize Generator People about the importance of having a backup power source for your home. We are also talking about the power grid, the potential for failure, and solutions to protect your home during outages.Website: https://www.optimizegp.com— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Optimize Generator People, Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana

We are chatting Dillon Van Way, a local entrepreneur who is doing some really cool things in the Acadiana area.Website: https://unclebobsroundup.com/— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Optimize Generator People, Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana

We are talking with Lady In The Bathroom, Chasity Theriot, and Daniel Barousse with Barousse WorksTikTok @ladyintgebathroomTikTok @Daniel.Baroussehttps://ladyintgebathroom.comhttps://barousseworks.com— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of AcadianaThe Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mibextid=LQQJ4d

We are live with Urgent Care On The Go's Lennie Boulet, Operations Consultant & Jill Daigle, Medical Infusion Specialist. We are chatting about the concept and how this could significantly improve lives for patients around Acadiana.https://urgentcareonthego.com— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana

Shared Tables was inspired by the region's unique and rich culture of South Louisiana, where life revolves around food, music, and togetherness. Their mission is to bring the flavors, traditions, and hospitality of South Louisiana to tables everywhere. They are not just selling Cajun meal kits - they are sharing a culture of joy, warmth, and togetherness. Website: www.sharedtablesbox.com— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Optimize Generator People, Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana

We are chatting with Logan Bowers, Co-Founder / Chief Investment Officer of SOW Capital Partners about his company and how real estate investment changed his trajectory in life and more. Investwithsowcapital.com — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are talking about all things Lafayette, what's going on, and what we want to see in Lafayette in the future. https://www.baileymelancon.com — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Paul Hilliard, President of Badger Oil Corporation, has led a wonderful life of generosity and love of community that provides a humbling lesson in being a good steward of God's resources. At 99 years of age, he is sharp and insightful, a true testament to his wisdom and vitality. Paul was 17 when he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps during his Senior year in high school in February 1943, quitting school when he received permission from his mother to join the war effort. He trained to be a gunner, handling machine guns in the back of Douglas SBD Dauntless (Scout Bomber by Douglas Aircraft) planes in air missions conducted in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. SBD was jokingly referred to as “Slow But Deadly.” He flew 45 combat missions and was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in addition to receiving the Air Medal with six bronze stars.  Following his service, Hilliard earned his law degree from the University of Texas before beginning a career in the oil and gas industry. He credits the GI Bill for the opportunities it afforded him and so many other servicemen who would not have otherwise been able to obtain an education. Hilliard exemplifies the selfless spirit and pride of our WWII generation of heroes, as well as the successful ingenuity of a veteran oil and gas entrepreneur.  Known for his self-effacing wit and ability to achieve in spite of a hardscrabble upbringing in Wisconsin, Hilliard has been a successful independent operator and owner of Badger Oil Corporation since 1955 and has seen fit to use his success in business to help others in need. Awarded the Civic Cup in 2003 and the esteemed national Horatio Alger Award in 2009, Paul has also been active in statewide associations working to improve the oil and gas industry, business, and civic endeavors. Paul has also been active in statewide associations working to improve the oil and gas industry, business, and civic endeavors.  In 2015, he received the Circle of Honor Award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. UL Press released Dauntless: Paul Hilliard in WWII and a Transformed America in 2023. Written by Rob Citino with Ken Stickney and Lori Ochsner, the book documents some of the most fascinating decades in American history: the impact of World War II, the importance of post-war social and economic changes, and the development of the oil industry from the 1950s to today. “Dauntless is a compelling narrative tracing Paul Hilliard's life experiences during the Great Depression, from farm life in Wisconsin's Dust Bowl to his distinguished service as a Marine in World War II, his education through law school, and a long and successful business in the oil fields. Paul's lifelong philanthropy and his passion for education and the lessons of WWII make him an inspiration. His life is the Horatio Alger story. He is, and always be, one of my heroes.”—Boysie Bollinger Paul has been a generous benefactor in causes to help at-risk children learn to read so that they can overcome poverty as he did.  He and his late wife, Lulu, provided $5 million dollars in seed money to start the Paul and Lulu Hilliard Art Museum at UL – Lafayette. Paul has served as a National WWII Museum trustee, and he and his wife, Madlyn, have been two of the Museum's most active advocates and supporters. They have provided transformative support for several Museum initiatives, including acquisition and restoration of artifacts, collection of oral histories, and education programs. In September 2018, Hilliard accepted the position of Board Chair of the museum, focusing on the completion of the its $400 million campus expansion. For more information, visit https://www.nationalww2museum.org, a treasure trove of thousands of oral histories and hundreds of thousands of photos depicting the WWII experience. Paul ended the interview by sharing his gratitude for being born in the United States of America.  He spoke of a favorite quote by Cicero: “Gratitude...

We are chatting with Kylie Roussell, owner at HTeaO of Lafayette about her, and her path to business owner at HTeaO Their website: https://hteao.com/locations/lafayette... https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...   / hteao   — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

Nicholas LeJeune, Founder of LeJeune's Best Seasoning Join us as we chat with Nicholas LeJeune, a Lafayette native, mechanical engineer, and founder of LeJeune's Best Seasoning. Discover how his Cajun roots, entrepreneurial spirit, and love for football inspired him to create a unique, low sodium Cajun seasoning blend that's taking the market by storm. Website: Lejeunesbest.com Social Media @lejeunesbest Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/15CqYUrzgT/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lejeunesbest?igsh=aWJtZXNsaG9rNWpx&utm_source=qr TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lejeunesbest?_t=8rOONej83uo&_r=1 — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mibextid=LQQJ4d

We are chatting with Conley Turner of Pool Guardian, which sells and installs specialized pool fences. They have a close relationship to the Rescyou Group, a nonprofit focused on helping families navigate the choppy waters of dealing with the loss of a child. For more about their company, visit https://www.poolguardianla.com. — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are chatting with Edie Aymond, executive director of 232-help.org about the history and mission of the organization and their 59th anniversary. https://232-help.org — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...