LaPolitics Report

In this latest episode of the LaPolitics Report Podcast, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser offers an alternative take on the Legislature's push to offer incentives to the aerospace tech industry. Nungesser also share his views on President Donald Trump, the state's new closed primary system (he doesn't believe it's here to stay) and the future of tourism in Louisiana. Plus, we open this episode with audio from 1988 featuring Nungesser's father on the importance of late Gov. Dave Treen's role in bringing more minorities into the state GOP.

Recorded in November 2016, this is Episode 9 featuring Baton Rouge media consultant Roy Fletcher, who talked about his very diverse body of work. From helping run John McCain’s presidential campaign to creating iconic images on TV for statewide elected officials, Fletcher has seen it all. This episode also has a review of 2016's proposed constitutional amendments from Adams & Reese partner Rob Rieger. Plus, we kick this particular show off with an audio clip that explains why late Gov. Mike Foster got into politics in the first place.

Recorded in May 2017 for our second season, Episode 16 featured two of then-Gov. John Bel Edwards’ key aides: Matthew Block and Richard Carbo. Block discussed his job as the administration’s executive counsel. Carbo, Edwards’ communications director, touched on working with the press and shared memories about growing up in a well-known political family. Speaking of, this episode starts with a blast from the past in the form of an audio clip of the late Camille Gravel. In addition to being Carbo’s grandfather, Gravel, like Block, was the executive counsel for three Louisiana governors dating back to Uncle Earl Long.

An Ongoing Series on the Legislature's Chairs:

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.

In the latest episode of the LaPolitics Report Podcast, we have a wide-ranging conversation with state Rep.-elect Paul Sawyer that eventually lands on English surnames, the characters created by Mark Twain and the writing prowess of late President Ulysses S. Grant. Somewhere in between, we hear Sawyer discuss what it's like going from the staff level in the U.S. Congress to one of the newest mid-term members of the Louisiana Legislature. He discusses flood and crime policy; campaign culture in 2026; and what committees and bills interest him in the ongoing regular session. Plus, we start this episode with an audio blast from the past courtesy of Earl K. Long during what was his final campaign for elected office. Want to hear what Uncle Earl has to say about telling the truth? Then this is your episode!

Recorded in April 2017 for the second season of the LaPolitics Report Podcast, this episode from the archives features Congressman Clay Higgins. This was back when Higgins was arguably the least-known member of Louisiana's congressional delegation, fresh off of an unexpected election victory. In this episode, you'll get some car-buying tips from Higgins, who used to manage a car dealership. He also shared his experiences in law enforcement and the challenges police face with post-traumatic stress syndrome — and how it should be a bigger policy focus. Plus, we kick off the episode with a look back at the assassination of Huey Long and the questions still lingering about Dr. Carl Weiss.

Recorded in September 2016 for the first season of the LaPolitics Report Podcast, this episode from the archives features Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Member Lance Harris. Serving then as the state House GOP chair, Harris discussed legislative politics of the day and offered up some surprising words for then-Gov. John Bel Edwards. You'll also hear Harris throwing back a beer at LaPolitics HQ while chatting about art, wine, love, Mardi Gras, RVs, convenience stores and piano lessons. Plus, this episode kicks off with an audio clip recorded 44 years ago of late Gov. Jimmie Davis and consultant Gus Weill explaining the best ways to get a horse inside the State Capitol building. (You have to hear it to believe it.) As a bit of lagniappe, you'll likewise learn LaPolitics' "Top 10 Don'ts of Political Campaigning." Well... you'll at least get the first five.

House Ways and Means Chair Tony Bacala opens up this eighth season of the LaPolitics Report podcast with an overview of the regular session, tales from a life in law enforcement and an explanation for why his committee is known as "Ways to be Mean." Plus, we kick off this 80th episode of the pod with audio from yesteryear — a quote from late Gov. Edwin Edwards involving integrity, his mother and knowing what the truth really means.

On this episode of the LaPolitics Report Podcast, Davante Lewis talks about being the youngest member of the Public Service Commission and one of the highest ranking Democrats in Louisiana. How did he pull off a surprising win against a seasoned incumbent? What are the biggest challenges for an upstart politician? Is elected office worth it at the end of the day? Lewis discusses all of these topics, plus more! We also kick off this episode with a blast from our political past, via a must-hear interview excerpt featuring late Gov. Kathleen Blanco.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain discusses his unique route to elected office, how the regular session treated his department and what his own political future might look like. For our regular dose of political history, we also hear from a former statewide elected office who used his retirement speech to launch a new consulting company...