Lori Melancon of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber joins the show to celebrate a major win: Baton Rouge has been named a Top 10 U.S. Metro for economic growth by Site Selection magazine. She unpacks what this ranking means, the key drivers behind the region’s rise—like job creation, capital investment, and infrastructure—and how this momentum can shape the future of Louisiana’s Capital Region.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeff Crouere joins the show to dissect the heated New Orleans mayoral race. With Helena Moreno leading in traditional polls and Royce Duplessis surging in grassroots support, the race is wide open. Crouere dives into Duplessis’ “Royce is the Choice” ad and its impact on key wards, offering sharp insights into campaign strategies, voter sentiment, and what’s at stake as the October jungle primary approaches.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than two weeks after a massive explosion and fire at Smitty’s Supply, residents downriver are still grappling with the environmental fallout. Pat Mashburn, a local resident, shares his firsthand experience living just outside the official one-mile impact radius. Despite the fire being nearly contained, Mashburn reports daily exposure to the smell of oil and diesel, and visible contamination in the river near his home. He’s been collecting water samples and documenting the persistent presence of thick, dark oil, which has shown little improvement since the incident.

Mashburn expresses frustration over the lack of attention and aid for residents outside the designated impact zone. While Smitty’s employees have received support through unemployment and food drives, downriver residents face long-term environmental damage with no relief in sight. Recreational activities like fishing and kayaking are now impossible, and those with pre-existing health conditions are experiencing worsened symptoms.

Communication from officials has been inconsistent. Parish President Robbie Miller has been responsive and supportive, but since the EPA took over, information has slowed. Residents are only told how many gallons of oil have been removed, without clarity on the total contamination. Mashburn calls for Governor Jeff Landry to declare a state of emergency to unlock federal aid, noting that without it, residents may be forced into class action lawsuits for compensation.

Mashburn also criticizes the EPA’s cleanup methods, including airboats that disturb the oil and worsen shoreline contamination. He emphasizes the need for transparency and action, as the environmental impact continues to spread toward Lake Pontchartrain. The lack of updates and meaningful progress has left residents feeling abandoned, with no clear timeline for recovery or resolution.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patrick Robinson joins the show to preview the upcoming LABI Workers’ Comp Conference, happening October 7–9. Robinson discusses key topics on the agenda, why this event matters for Louisiana businesses, and what attendees can expect. From legal updates to industry insights, this episode is your front-row seat to one of the state’s most important gatherings for workers’ compensation professionals.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Moon Griffon joins the show to break down Governor Jeff Landry’s recent $900 ethics fine for failing to disclose free flights, including a trip to Hawaii. Griffon explores the implications of the ethics board settlement, Landry’s response, and what it means for transparency in Louisiana politics.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In honor of Sepsis Awareness Month, Dr. Chris Thomas joins the show to shed light on one of the most overlooked medical emergencies. We explore what sepsis is, why early detection is critical, and how public awareness can save lives. Whether you're a healthcare professional or just curious, this episode delivers vital insights into a condition that affects millions but is often misunderstood.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Ryan from ABC News joins the show to uncover the bizarre case of Indonesian radioactive shrimp allegedly sold at Walmart. Ryan dives into the science behind CCM37 contamination, the health risks of long-term exposure, and what consumers need to know. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patrick “Patty G” Gremillion joins the show to dive into the future of downtown Baton Rouge. From his office in the heart of the city, he shares insights on attracting investment, energizing the local economy, and creating a thriving business ecosystem. With a passion for Louisiana’s growth, Patty G outlines how strategic development and community engagement can transform Baton Rouge into a hub of innovation and opportunity.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Big news is coming out of New Orleans: LIV Golf will host an event in the city starting in June 2026. Walt Leger from New Orleans & Company joins the show to discuss the announcement and its significance during a conversation that also touched on the Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) Summit. Leger emphasized the value of collaboration among cities like Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Lake Charles to enhance Louisiana’s tourism experience. He also highlighted the importance of digital tools and partnerships in promoting travel across the state.

The LIV Golf event will take place at Bayou Oaks in City Park, a shift from the Zurich Classic’s location at TPC Louisiana. While Zurich has long contributed to the community through philanthropy, LIV Golf brings a fresh, festival-like atmosphere with music and food, aligning well with New Orleans’ vibrant culture. The event is expected to generate economic activity during the slower summer months and will involve several million dollars in investment to upgrade the course and surrounding areas.

City Park’s inclusion as a major event venue expands New Orleans’ hosting capabilities beyond the Superdome and Convention Center, offering a scenic and accessible location near downtown. Leger noted that the park’s development will enhance its appeal for corporate meetings and tourism. The announcement featured support from the governor and appearances by LIV Golf CEO and Bubba Watson, who praised the Gulf Coast’s role in his career and expressed excitement about the event.

Overall, the LIV Golf event represents a strategic opportunity for New Orleans to showcase its unique character, attract visitors, and strengthen its reputation as a premier destination for major sporting and cultural events.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Charles Hanagriff, co-host of Live at Lunch, joins the show to dissect LSU’s recent battle against Clemson with his signature film breakdown. He shares sharp observations from the game and offers his expert take on the Tigers’ season trajectory. From key improvements to strategic insights, Hanagriff gives fans a deeper understanding of what’s working, what’s evolving, and why LSU’s outlook is brighter than ever.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.