Sarah Gardner from the Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF) joins the show to talk community growth, and the Foundation’s exciting move to a new downtown headquarters. She previews the open house event and highlights BRAF’s commitment to supporting nonprofits and revitalizing Baton Rouge. Sarah also teases the Ernest J. Gaines Award ceremony honoring author Essie Chambers and her novel Swift River. The conversation dives into the annual City Stats report, revealing insights into public sentiment and quality of life in East Baton Rouge. With data, culture, and optimism in the mix, this episode celebrates the city’s momentum and potential.

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State Representative Beau Beaullieu joins the show to discuss the upcoming legislative session and the complex redistricting battle in Louisiana. He recapped the history of the congressional map, originally drawn as a 5-1 Republican-Democrat split, which was vetoed by former Governor John Bel Edwards and later ruled unconstitutional by Judge Shelly Dick. With mounting legal pressure and the risk of losing control over the map, the legislature opted to draw a compromise map to avoid a worse outcome.

Beaullieu emphasized the strategic shift under Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill, noting their decision to comply with judicial demands to preserve legislative flexibility. The case is now in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court, and lawmakers are awaiting a decision that could come by Christmas or mid-2026. In the meantime, the legislature is preparing to push back election dates to allow time for potential redistricting changes, especially with Louisiana’s new closed primary system.

Beaullieu explained the legal necessity of acting early due to the Purcell Doctrine, which discourages last-minute election changes. He also addressed concerns about shortened timelines between primaries and general elections, arguing that there’s still ample time to unify party support. The conversation touched on the emotional dynamics of primaries and the importance of party unity in a heavily Republican state.

Looking ahead, Beaullieu anticipates a focused session with bills to adjust election dates and funding. While contingency maps were discussed, he noted the difficulty of planning for unknown judicial outcomes. If the Supreme Court rules in December, a January special session may be needed. Overall, Beaullieu stressed the importance of legislative flexibility and proactive planning in navigating Louisiana’s redistricting and election challenges.

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Jeff Crouere checks in from New Orleans to talk Saints struggles, Tulane’s football resurgence, and the shifting NCAA landscape. The conversation pivots to the ongoing government shutdown, with sharp criticism of Democratic leadership and its impact on federal workers. Jeff and Brian discuss the political optics, media bias, and the potential fallout in upcoming elections. Locally, Mayor-elect Helena Moreno’s transition garners optimism—even from Republicans—thanks to her media background and broad support. From stadium energy to shutdown fatigue, this episode blends sports, politics, and local leadership in a lively, opinionated exchange.

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Dr. Katie Crifasi, physician and founder of Plantry Café, joins the show to share how her passion for holistic health inspired a plant-based fine dining experience in Baton Rouge. From BBQ jackfruit sliders to shiitake chip cookie bites, she’s redefining clean eating with creativity and flavor. We explore her philosophy of incremental dietary change, the science behind her recipes, and her upcoming Halloween Candlelight Quartet event—featuring live classical music, wine pairings, and a Phantom of the Opera theme. It’s not just food—it’s a movement. Tune in for a delicious conversation that blends wellness, culture, and community.

For more information, visit: https://plantrycafe.com/

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Moon Griffon joins the show with his signature blend of humor, frustration, and insight. From LSU’s disappointing weekend to the spectacle of the “No Kings” rally, Moon doesn’t hold back. He dives into the political theater surrounding Louisiana’s upcoming special session, voicing concerns about election maps, open primaries, and judicial overreach. With sharp takes on expectations, elite defenses, and the state’s political maneuvering, Moon reminds listeners why uncertainty is dangerous—especially when it threatens local control and voter clarity. Tune in for a lively, no-nonsense breakdown of sports, politics, and everything in between, straight from one of Louisiana’s most outspoken voices.

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The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), led by President and CEO Will Green, is sounding the alarm over a recent moratorium on carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects in Louisiana. Green likens the situation to having the best hotel during Mardi Gras but refusing reservations—an analogy for Louisiana’s prime position in CCS due to its geology, workforce, and regulatory framework. Louisiana is one of only five states with primacy for Class VI wells, making it uniquely positioned to lead in carbon capture technology and attract billions in investment and thousands of jobs.

Green emphasizes that CCS is not just about environmental impact—it’s a major economic driver. Companies seeking carbon-neutral operations, like Hyundai Steel and Meta’s AI data center, are looking to Louisiana for its infrastructure and expertise. Pausing new projects, he warns, creates uncertainty, which undermines investor confidence and risks sending business to competing states like Texas.

Despite the moratorium, some approved projects are still moving forward, which Green argues contradicts any perceived safety concerns. He stresses that Louisiana has decades of experience with pipeline infrastructure and robust regulations ensuring safety and public input. The key, he says, is balancing transparency and efficiency in regulation to maintain momentum.

Ultimately, Green calls for swift action to educate the public on CCS’s safety and economic benefits. He believes that with the right messaging and continued regulatory clarity, Louisiana can remain a national leader in energy innovation. The longer the pause continues, the greater the risk of losing transformative investment and economic growth to other states.

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This Medical Monday, we tackle a critical topic: prostate cancer. Dr. Marshall Stagg joins us to break down the risks, the importance of early detection, and why screening matters—especially for those with a family history. With no early symptoms and potentially deadly outcomes, a simple PSA blood test can be life-saving. We also spotlight the upcoming Check Your Tailgate event on October 25th at the Reimagine Women’s Center, offering free screenings, food, music, and a vintage car/truck show. It’s a powerful mix of health and community. Don’t miss this chance to take charge of your health!

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George Bell joins the show to celebrate the United Way’s 38th annual Jambalaya Jam, featuring a record-breaking 65 cooking teams, live music from the Michael Foster Project, and a brand-new appetizer cook-off. But it’s more than just good eats — it’s a celebration of community, connection, and 100 years of service from the Capital Area United Way. From lunch plates to evening festivities, this family-friendly event brings together ten parishes for a day of fun, flavor, and purpose. Get ready to jam — and bring stretchy pants!

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Mitchell Moore, founder of The Cheesecake Lab in Baton Rouge, joins the show to talk all things cheesecake—from custard-based technique to flavor innovation. With just 22 days in business, Moore shares how his passion for cheesecake led him from Jackson, Mississippi to launching a dessert-only concept that’s already turning heads. He breaks down the art of perfect density, the versatility of flavors (hello, pumpkin pie and s’mores!), and the importance of crust and toppings. Whether you're a home baker or a dessert lover, this episode is a delicious dive into the science and soul of cheesecake done right.

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State Representative Dixon McMakin joins the show to talk football, politics, and policy. As the new voice of Tiger Stadium, McMakin celebrates LSU’s undefeated home record and shares his Memphis roots with a passionate defense of Elvis Presley. Shifting gears, he discusses the upcoming October 23rd special legislative session, called to address election date changes in light of the pending U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Louisiana v. Calais. Rather than redrawing district maps prematurely, lawmakers aim to push back election dates to allow time for a definitive ruling.

McMakin explains the strategic importance of the closed primary system, which creates space between party primaries and general elections—helping to heal campaign wounds and unify parties. He emphasizes the need for public education around these changes, especially as voters prepare for a new experience at the polls in 2026.

Looking ahead, McMakin previews major legislative priorities for next year, including tort reform and continued efforts toward eliminating state income tax. He shares his own proposal to phase out income tax by 2040, citing the competitive advantage of states like Texas. With Louisiana’s tax rate already lowered to 3%, and a budget surplus of $577 million, McMakin sees opportunity to pay down debt and further reduce taxes.

He also touches on the importance of leadership collaboration, praising Governor Landry and legislative colleagues for their commitment to economic growth. From football rivalries to fiscal strategy, McMakin brings energy and insight to the conversation, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities ahead for Louisiana.

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