Baton Rouge Mayor President Sid Edwards joins Kiran Chawla to discuss a wide variety of topics including the new pay raise proposed by his office for BRPD, the funding issues currently plaguing the District Attorney’s office, the cities public safety issues and more!
 
Timestamps
05:24 Audit and Financial Transparency
09:41 BRPD Challenges and Staffing Issues
13:13 Addressing Crime and Public Safety
19:13 Constable's Office Concerns
23:24 District Attorney's Office Funding Struggles
28:57 Funding Solutions for Public Safety
33:30 Summer Crime Prevention Strategies
38:43 Gun Violence Among Youth
43:29 Trusting Government After Indictments
49:17 Future Plans - A Second Term

Local Sponsors for this episode include:
Neighbors Federal Credit Union:
Another Chance Bail Bonds:
Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers
Family Worship Center Church

Sound and Editing for this podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

Kiran Chawla brings you inside the courtroom during the re-trial of Melanie Curtin and has a candid conversation with Juror #4 as he recounts his experience being on the jury for this high profile case in Livingston Parish.  

Timestamps
03:49 Journey to Retrial: Legal Battles Unfold
05:34 The 18-Minute Video: Evidence Revealed
09:06 Key Testimony: Victim's Experience and Memory
11:07 Expert Witness: The Toxicology Debate
12:25 Defense Strategy: Melanie's Interview Played
15:54 Verdict Announcement: Emotions Run High
17:02 Juror Insights: Understanding the Deliberation Process
28:34 AG's Office Response: Investigative Failures
40:50 Guilt vs. Innocence: Jury's Responsibility

Local Sponsors for this episode include:
Neighbors Federal Credit Union:
Another Chance Bail Bonds:
Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers
Family Worship Center Church

Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

Kiran Chawla sits down with Kristie Mascarella as she recounts the unsettling events that transpired when her Dodge Challenger was stolen from her home. Now, the reigning Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana advocates for accessibility and justice, inspiring hope in the face of adversity.

Timestamps
01:19 Christy's Journey Begins
16:30 The Search for the Wheelchair
22:09 Struggles with Insurance
24:50 Resilience in Adversity
36:36 A New Set of Wheels
39:06 A Crown of Strength
50:43 Choosing to Rise Again

Local Sponsors for this episode include:
Neighbors Federal Credit Union:
Another Chance Bail Bonds:
Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers
Family Worship Center Church

Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

Kiran Chawla sits down with Jim Rathmann as they discuss the impending re-trial for Melanie Curtin in the 21st Judicial Court in Livingston Parish. 

Timestamps
04:47 Timeline to the Second Trial
05:56 Jury Misconduct Allegations
08:12 New Legal Representation
10:56 Evidence and Text Messages
14:11 Background on Dennis Perkins
17:20 The Role of Videos
23:05 Courtroom Strategies
35:10 The Importance of Consent
42:23 Upcoming Trial Expectations

Local Sponsors for this episode include:
Neighbors Federal Credit Union:
Another Chance Bail Bonds:
Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers
Family Worship Center Church

Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

Kiran Chawla recounts the unsettling events that transpired during a Mardi Gras parade in Clinton, Louisiana, where a joyous celebration turned into chaos when gunfire erupted, injuring six individuals, including a young child. 

Timestamps
01:36 A Family Parade
12:03 The Scene Turns Chaotic
20:19 Gang Rivalry 
32:45 The Photographer's Perspective
39:26 Law Enforcement Response

Local Sponsors for this episode include:
Neighbors Federal Credit Union:
Another Chance Bail Bonds:
Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers
Family Worship Center Church

Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

Kiran Chawla sits down with Jennifer Richardson as the founder of “Keep Tiger Town Beautiful” looks back at the inception of this program designed to clean up the Baton Rouge community and how much her passion project has grown over the past five years.

Timestamps
01:53 A Frustrated Beginning
06:55 From Cleanup to Community
11:53 Sober Living Collaboration
20:58 Family Pride and Support
22:59 A Unified Approach
32:15 One-Way Ticket Program
43:58 Join the Movement

Local Sponsors for this episode include:
Neighbors Federal Credit Union:
Another Chance Bail Bonds:
Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers
Family Worship Center Church

Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

Kiran Chawla sits down with two esteemed Baton Rouge business owners, Jim Urdiales of Mestizo's Mexican Restaurant and David Belanger of Belanger's Interiors, as they delve deep into the heart of what makes small businesses the backbone of our community. Also up for discussion is the “Best of Baton Rouge Best Businesses Gala” set for February 28th at L'Auberge Casino, inviting both winners and the public to partake in a night of celebration, networking, and community spirit.

Timestamps
01:29 Celebrating BR's best
08:37 Personal Journeys of Business Ownership
15:28 The Importance of Networking
26:54 Balancing Work and Personal Life
36:10 Supporting Each Other in Business
40:40 The Gala: A Celebration of Success
'
More Information on the Gala as well as ticketing and sponsorship information can be found via the below link.
www.brbestbusinesses.com

Local Sponsors for this episode include:
Neighbors Federal Credit Union:
Another Chance Bail Bonds:
Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers
Family Worship Center Church

Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

In this episode, Attorney Joe Long joins Kiran to explore a past case at Louisiana State Penitentiary involving Tony Johnson, an inmate at Angola State Penitentiary, who alleges he was sexually assaulted by LSP at Angola lieutenant, Tyler Holliday. 

Timestamps
08:23 Understanding Countermeasures
14:51 The Assault Details
17:06 Reporting the Abuse 
25:13 The Civil Case Outcome
27:32 The DNA Revelation
31:41 Finding Credible Witnesses
34:34 The Appeal Process

Local Sponsors for this episode include:
Neighbors Federal Credit Union:
Another Chance Bail Bonds:
Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers
Family Worship Center Church

Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Kiran Chawla is joined by certified human trafficking expert Dr. Willie Brooks, as they discuss the alarming reality that this issue permeates in our community.

Timestamps
08:35 Parent-Child Communication
12:10 Advice for Kids
16:53 The Dangers of the Internet
25:18 Apps for Monitoring Children
32:26 The Impact of Gaming
35:36 The Scale of Human Trafficking
38:58 Safety Measures for Children

Local Sponsors for this episode include:
Neighbors Federal Credit Union:
Another Chance Bail Bonds:
Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers
Family Worship Center Church

Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

In this episode, BRPD Chief T.J. Morse sits down with Kiran Chawla to discuss the budgetary concerns that has led to a shortage of officers in the Baton Rouge Police Department.

Timestamps
05:53 Strategic Crime Reduction Approaches
08:17 Youth and Gun Violence
10:15 Crime Statistics for 2025
13:47 Community Engagement and Technology
17:20 Repeat Offenders and Legal Challenges
21:15 Domestic Violence Insights
26:42 Overall Crime Trends and Public Perception
29:15 Funding and Budgeting Concerns
36:14 Upcoming Police Academy and Recruitment
42:32 Event Funding and Police Support
47:48 Patrol Live and Community Engagement

Local Sponsors for this episode include:
Neighbors Federal Credit Union:
Another Chance Bail Bonds:
Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers
Family Worship Center Church

Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production: