LaPolitics Report

(Reposted from April 6, 2026 due to technical error) As part of an ongoing series on the Louisiana Legislature's various chairs, episode 82 of the LaPolitics Report Podcast focuses on the head of the minority party's efforts in the lower chamber. House Democratic Caucus Chair Kyle Green discusses the future of his party, the ongoing regular session, redistricting and other legislative issues. As chairman of a party caucus, Green joins others in overseeing everything from advocacy to fundraising events, like the forthcoming Donkey Romp. Green explains the caucus' strategy for legislative growth and offers his take on the need for a new state constitution. Plus, we kick off this episode with a look back at the controversial persona of late Jefferson Parish Sheriff Harry Lee.

Welcome to the space where hunting and fishing intersect with politics — with our guide Rad Trascher, executive director of the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana. He showed up for the final episode of season 8 of the LaPolitics Report Podcast to discuss commercial versus recreational balance on the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission and highlights from the recent regular session. Along the way, Trascher touches upon association management, federal regulations and CCA's offshore reefs. Plus, this episode gets a boost of political history via the voice of late Gov. John McKeithen, who explains how the construction of the Superdome damaged his elected career.

Adam Knapp and Barry Erwin of Better Louisiana help guide this episode of the LaPolitics Report Podcast from the heyday of hayride politics in the late 1970s to today's unpredictable landscape. How has the culture of the Capitol changed? Why was this year's legislative gathering the "session that went sideways?" Knapp and Erwin discuss what was (and wasn't) accomplished during the spring regular session, from workforce development to budget issues. You'll also learn how the annual LegisGator event in Lake Charles is being transformed into a three-day affair that some folks are already calling a "mini-Washington Mardi Gras." Plus, this episode kicks off with an extended look back at the conclusion of the 1979 regular session, with state representatives parodying Kenny Rogers, Edgar Allen Poe and Uncle Earl Long.

In the latest episode of the LaPolitics Report Podcast, we're diving deep into the topic of investigative journalism, particularly as it applies to broadcast news. Featuring anchor Chris Nakamoto, the chief investigative journalist at WAFB-TV, and Avery Davidson, a former investigative producer, this week's podcast looks beyond the headlines. How are trusted sources developed? When is a story ready for publication? When do you give up on what seemed like a hot tip? Nakamoto and Davidson answer all of these questions, plus much more!

In this episode we're diving deep into the topic of investigative journalism, particularly as it applies to broadcast news. Featuring anchor Chris Nakamoto, the chief investigative journalist at WAFB-TV, and Avery Davidson, a former investigative producer, this podcast looks beyond the headlines. How are trusted sources developed? When is a story ready for publication? When do you give up on what seemed like a hot tip? Nakamoto and Davidson answer all of these questions, plus much more!

House Speaker Phillip DeVillier is the guest on this episode of the LaPolitics Report Podcast. What are his political plans when this term ends? What's on tap for the 2027 regular session? More immediately, what's driving the ongoing regular session and could redistricting get in the way of the rest of the Legislature's agenda? Speaker DeVillier touches on these topics and much more. Plus, listen to a clip of late Speaker John Hainkel discussing the power dynamics between Louisiana governors and state lawmakers.

The power couple of Lynnel and Kyle Ruckert are featured in this episode of the LaPolitics Report Podcast. Both are former chiefs of staff to high-ranking officials in Louisiana and Washington and are now sought-after consultants for campaigns and policy advocacy. They discuss their paths to success, how they met and what makes a relationship work in politics. Plus, we get into closed primary chatter, industry trends and much more. We also kick off this episode with a look back at the 1983 gubernatorial debate between Edwin Edwards and David Treen.

Joe Mapes, the longtime lobbyist for Farm Bureau and many others, reflects on 50 years in government relations. Mapes shares his very first experience as a young man gathering votes for a tic sheet in 1976. And it didn’t go very well. Which state senator did he encounter? You’ll have to listen to find out. “He was a very disarming man,” Mapes said on the podcast. “He chewed me out, and I asked him if he was done. He screamed at me, ‘Why?’ And I said, ‘Because I still have to put your name down on this little piece of paper.’” Mapes also discusses the biggest changes to the lobbying game, why more folks than ever are registering and what the future might hold for partisan politics at the Capitol. Plus, we kick off this episode with a celebration of Louisiana's 214th birthday.

Secretary of State Nancy Landry said in this episode she has decided to seek re-election next year — and hints at what might happen after one more term. Landry also discusses the new open primary system and how prepared election workers are for the change.

In the latest LaPolitics Report Podcast, you'll learn how former Ways and Means Chair Julie Emerson didn't get hired by Gov. Jeff Landry, back when he was in Congress 15 years ago, before finally being selected this year as his current chief of staff. Emerson also talks about campaign songs and believes Wayne Toups may be the artist to create one for her boss. Plus, she discusses the ongoing regular session, the governor's agenda leading up to his re-election bid and what a chief of staff actually does on a day-to-day basis.