State Senator Beth Mizell joins the show to discuss the final week of Louisiana’s legislative session and her recent legislative efforts. She described the atmosphere as “frenetic,” with committees rushing to move bills to the floor. As a non-lawyer on the Judiciary A Committee, Mizell highlighted the challenge of navigating legal debates dominated by attorneys, often without input from everyday citizens. She expressed concern that many decisions are influenced by financial interests, particularly in insurance and trial lawyer legislation, and emphasized her role as a voice for regular constituents.

Mizell also reflected on the committee’s reputation as a place where good bills often stall, noting that while progress may be slow, compromises have been reached. She believes that when both sides are slightly dissatisfied, it’s a sign of balanced policymaking.Among her legislative accomplishments, Mizell highlighted a bill supporting the Louisiana Department of Economic Development’s next steps, a measure allowing the state auditor to assist struggling municipalities before crises escalate, and a procurement reform bill aimed at streamlining state contracting processes.A major focus was her bill targeting illicit massage businesses, particularly in St. George and East Baton Rouge. Her legislation aims to empower local authorities and the massage board to better regulate and shut down these operations. She was motivated by a deputy’s call and testimony from a neighboring business owner. Mizell emphasized the widespread nature of the issue, with over 200 such businesses statewide, some located near schools, raising concerns about public safety and exposure to criminal activity. She pledged to continue working on this issue to protect communities and vulnerable individuals.

Dr. Michael Duplechain from Lake Urgent Care joins the show to highlight key ways to stay healthy during the summer. He emphasized the importance of using sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays and discussed common summer injuries, such as heat-related illnesses and outdoor activity mishaps. Dr. Duplechain encouraged listeners to stay hydrated, wear protective gear, and be proactive about their health to enjoy a safe and active summer season.

Retired Lieutenant General Russell Honoré joins the show to reflect on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and discuss the 2025 hurricane season. He recalled arriving at the Superdome on the Wednesday after Katrina made landfall, where thousands awaited evacuation. One haunting image that stayed with him was a woman pushing a toddler in a shopping cart through chest-deep water. Honoré described the chaos caused by downed communication systems, submerged emergency vehicles, and the urgent need to coordinate evacuation and relief efforts. Working with the Louisiana National Guard and local officials, he helped develop a plan—initially sketched on the back of a piece of paper—to evacuate residents from the Superdome and Convention Center using buses and later airplanes.

He emphasized that while 80% of the population evacuated, the remaining 20%—many of whom were elderly, disabled, or poor—suffered the most. Honoré also shared the origin of his now-famous phrase “stuck on stupid,” inspired by a blues song, as a reminder not to repeat past mistakes. He stressed the importance of learning from Katrina, especially the need for early planning and decisive action.Looking ahead to the current hurricane season, which is predicted to be above average, Honoré urged residents to prepare like they would for football season. He advised stocking one gallon of water per person per day, five days’ worth of non-perishable food, and a “go kit” with essential documents, preferably digitized. He also highlighted the importance of having NOAA and FEMA fully operational, noting that early warnings and federal declarations—like those made before Katrina—can significantly improve response efforts. His final message: be prepared, check on vulnerable neighbors, and be ready to act as your own first responder.

Vincent Martella joins the show to talk about Season 5 of Phineas and Ferb and reflects on the enduring popularity of his character, Phineas. He shares insights into the show's continued success and what makes Phineas such an iconic figure in animation. Martella’s enthusiasm highlights the excitement surrounding the new season and the lasting impact of the series on fans and pop culture.

AG Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation covering agriculture, veterinary medicine, legislation, and Louisiana’s seafood and livestock industries. He shared personal stories from his time at LSU’s vet school and emphasized the importance of public health and food safety in veterinary practice. The discussion highlighted the complexity of animal care, from cataract surgery on alligators to cancer treatment for exotic animals.

Dr. Strain also addressed the economic and legislative challenges facing Louisiana’s horse racing industry, particularly the financial impact of the Louisiana Supreme Court’s ruling on historical racing machines. He explained how this decision affected Churchill Downs and the Fair Grounds, prompting calls for legislative solutions to preserve the equine industry.Water rights and access were another major topic, especially in relation to Senate Bill 244, which focuses on reorganizing the Department of Natural Resources. Dr. Strain stressed the importance of water for agriculture, the need for fair allocation among industries, and the potential for recycling water used by companies like Meta for irrigation.Seafood regulation and promotion were also discussed, including House Bill 652, which would shift oversight of imported seafood from the Office of Cultural Recreation and Tourism to the Department of Agriculture. Dr. Strain emphasized the need for accurate labeling, testing for contaminants, and stronger promotion of Louisiana seafood like shrimp, crawfish, and oysters.Finally, he previewed the upcoming Louisiana Farm Bureau convention, highlighting the Legacy Farm Program and the importance of grassroots policy development. With only days left in the legislative session, Dr. Strain underscored the urgency of navigating complex bills and ensuring agriculture’s voice is heard in the final stretch.

Musician and author James Linden Hogg joins the show to discuss his latest book, A Day the War Stopped: The Story of a Civil War Truce. He reflects on the historical significance of the story and celebrates his recent induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. To close the segment, he performs a heartfelt cover of “Wagon Wheel” alongside his father, who joins him on guitar, showcasing their musical bond.

Blaike Ordes from Advantus Consulting joins the show to provide updates on Louisiana’s Constitutional Amendment 2, House Bill 625, and proposed changes to cigar taxes. The discussion covers the current legislative status, implications for voters and businesses, and what to expect next in the policy process. Ordes offers insights into how these measures could impact the state’s legal and economic landscape.

Haggai Davis joins the show for a Cup of Tech Gumbo to explore recent tech developments, focusing on changes to USB ports on Microsoft laptops and the evolution of self-driving taxis. He discusses how Microsoft is adapting its hardware and highlights Waymo’s progress in autonomous vehicle technology. The conversation blends hardware innovation with transportation trends, offering insights into how these advancements may shape user experience and urban mobility in the near future.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow joins the show to discuss highlights from the legislative session, focusing on the “Big, Beautiful Bill” and its positive impact on families. She emphasizes how the bill supports family values and strengthens community well-being. Letlow shares her enthusiasm for the legislation’s potential to bring meaningful change and underscores her commitment to advancing policies that uplift families and foster a stronger, more supportive environment across the state.