Mornings with Brian Haldane

Seasonal respiratory illnesses like flu, RSV, and COVID-19 surge as cold weather sets in across local communities. Dr. Megan Rabalais Nuss explains how to differentiate symptoms between nasal congestion from RSV and systemic body aches caused by the flu. She highlights crucial preventative protections, including annual flu shots and revolutionary RSV antibody injections that reduce infant hospitalizations by nearly 90%. Parents are urged to practice diligent hand hygiene, keep symptomatic children home, and consult pediatric professionals directly rather than relying on unverified internet sources.

Louisiana is experiencing a historic economic influx with over $200 billion in industrial, technology, and infrastructure investments entering the state. The Louisiana Launch Alliance was established as a private, invitation-only networking entity to ensure local businesses remain the primary beneficiaries of these major projects. By enforcing strict category exclusivity and fostering a collaborative environment among regional industry leaders, the alliance helps local firms win key subcontracts ahead of out-of-state competitors. As new developments expand across New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Acadiana, the alliance is actively building regional divisions to empower Louisiana enterprise growth.

On Mornings With Brian Haldane, Rickie Guillory, owner of Guillory Petroleum Transport, discusses how rising insurance costs and costly lawsuits are affecting Louisiana trucking companies and small businesses. During Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week, Guillory calls for greater transparency in medical billing, litigation funding and attorney advertising, along with reasonable limits on damages. He explains how even minor accidents can lead to expensive legal battles that threaten business survival and drive up consumer prices. Guillory urges lawmakers to pursue lawsuit reform that protects legitimate claims while supporting businesses, truck drivers and Louisiana families.

On Foodie Friday, Jim Urdiales, founder of Mestizo in Baton Rouge, joins Brian Haldane on Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss the restaurant’s unique blend of Mexican and Louisiana Cajun-French cuisine. Urdiales shares Mestizo’s history, demonstrates how to make signature guacamole with creative toppings, and highlights the restaurant’s growing catering services and game-day offerings. Tune in for a flavorful conversation about local dining, family traditions, and the creativity behind one of Baton Rouge’s longtime restaurant favorites.

Patrick Gremillion, host of The Patty-G Show, joins Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss influencer marketing and how small businesses can get more value from social media promotion. Using Prince Street Pizza’s Baton Rouge opening as an example, Gremillion shares three common influencer mistakes: failing to research a business, creating generic content instead of telling a compelling story, and ignoring negative comments. He explains why authentic storytelling, audience engagement and understanding a business’s unique qualities can help influencers build trust and drive results.

Ron Henderson from the Louisiana Department of Insurance joins Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss Medicare open enrollment, changes to Medicare Advantage plans, rising prescription drug costs and how seniors can choose the right coverage. He explains how Louisiana residents can access free, unbiased Medicare guidance and emphasizes the importance of protecting Medicare ID numbers from scammers. Learn how to compare plans, avoid costly surprises and make informed healthcare decisions.

Kyrin Minor of Guaranty Health Solutions joins Mornings With Brian Haldane to explain patient leakage and how healthcare practices can prevent losing prospective patients. She discusses common barriers, including unanswered calls, long wait times and complicated scheduling processes. Minor shares practical strategies to improve patient access, streamline operations and create a smoother patient experience, helping healthcare organizations build stronger relationships and support long-term growth.

Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and former Kellogg CEO Carlos Gutierrez joins Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss his book, Sheer Will, and the lessons that shaped his remarkable career. Gutierrez shares insights on global trade, effective leadership, building workplace relationships, and how his late ADHD diagnosis helped him recognize strengths such as hyperfocus and empathy. He explains why courage, compassion, and follow-through remain essential to professional success.

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain joins Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss Louisiana’s growing agricultural trade with the United Kingdom, rising fuel costs for farmers and the benefits of expanded red-dyed diesel use. Strain also highlights the importance of safety during sugarcane harvest, Louisiana’s position as the nation’s leading sugarcane producer, and the economic impact of agriculture. The conversation wraps up with fall crops, farmers markets, pumpkins and Louisiana’s thriving agritourism industry.

Chanita Vasquez and Greg Fischer of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission join Brian Haldane to discuss Pedestrian Safety Awareness Month and ways drivers and pedestrians can stay safer on Louisiana roads. They cover nighttime visibility, crosswalk safety, driver awareness, impaired decision-making and the importance of sharing the road. They also highlight the upcoming One Million Steps to Safety 5K and the commission’s efforts to promote pedestrian safety across the state.