Parish Porch: Voices of Ascension & Livingston Parish

A huge thank you to everyone who entered our Parish Porch raffle, and an even bigger shoutout to our incredible sponsors who made it happen: Country Kitchen Gonzales, Curve Mart, and Ascension Community Theatre. Your support helps keep local stories alive.

Each winner is taking home a prize bundle from amazing local businesses who believe in what we’re building. 

BUT WAIT… 👀
Before you click away, there’s one more thing. A secret announcement slipped in that no one saw coming. Let’s just say… it's legendary, and we're obsessed.

🎙 Stay tuned, Parish Porch family. Big things ahead.

Support the show

Interested in becoming a guest or sponsor? Reach out to us directly at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE!

In this episode of Parish Porch, we sit down with Sophia Crook, Science Educator for LIGO Livingston, one of only two gravitational wave observatories in the United States. Sophia walks us through how LIGO detects ripples in space-time, what it’s like working at the forefront of astrophysics, and how the public can engage with the science right here in Livingston Parish.

We discuss:

• What gravitational waves actually are (and why they matter)
• LIGO's role in global scientific discovery
• How Louisiana ended up on the cutting edge of astrophysics
• Free public tours and field trip opportunities
• Encouraging kids and curious adults to ask big questions

Mentioned in this episode:

• Visit LIGO Livingston: https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/LA
• Schedule a public tour: https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/LA/page/Community-Tours
• Explore LIGO for educators: https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/LA/page/Educators

🎧 Tune in to hear how our little corner of Louisiana is making a massive impact on science across the universe.

Support the show

Interested in becoming a guest or sponsor? Reach out to us directly at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE!

This week on Parish Porch, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the most impactful programs shaping young leaders in our community, JROTC. Commander (Aaron) Bates, a retired U.S. Navy officer, joins us to talk about his journey from cadet to commanding officer and how he’s now using that experience to guide students at St. Amant High School.

We talk about:

• The real purpose of JROTC (spoiler: it’s not military recruitment)
• How discipline, structure, and mentorship can change a teenager’s life
• What Commander Bates looks for in his cadets, and how he builds leadership from the ground up
• The personal path that led him from Metairie to Covington to 27 years in the Navy
• Why he believes JROTC is one of the most valuable programs in public education today

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or former cadet yourself, this episode is packed with insight into what’s working in Louisiana schools and why programs like JROTC deserve more attention.

Resources:

• Follow the St. Amant High School NJROTC Program on Facebook! 
• Connect with Commander Bates via the St. Amant High School website
• Veterans support via the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

COME MEET US!

This Friday, the 25th, Parish Porch will be at the Gonzales Lowe's! Stop by, learn more about what we do and why, and enter our raffle for a chance to win some local goodies from Country Kitchen, Curve Mart, and Ascension Community Theatre.

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Support the show

Interested in becoming a guest or sponsor? Reach out to us directly at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE!

In this episode of Parish Porch, we sit down with Skipper McInnis and Amy Shamburger, two familiar faces now behind the scenes at one of Ascension Parish’s most beloved staples: Country Kitchen. For decades, this no-frills buffet has been serving up fried chicken, biscuits, and mashed potatoes that taste like home. But it’s more than just the food. It’s the stories, the people, and the legacy they’ve preserved since taking over from the original founders.

James shares personal memories of eating there as a kid, and together, they talk about what it means to run a business that’s become part of the fabric of the community. You’ll hear about the challenges of keeping things just the way folks remember them, and the pride that comes with honoring a place that so many call their second kitchen.

If you grew up around here, you’ve probably got your own Country Kitchen story. And if not, this episode might just make you want to start one.

KEEP UP WITH COUNTRY KITCHEN!

Website: www.CountryKitchenGonzales.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/countrykitchengonzales

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Support the show

Interested in becoming a guest or sponsor? Reach out to us directly at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE!

What if every child got a starring role in their own story?

In this episode of Parish Porch, we sit down with Alyson Coyle, founder of Big Dreams Drama Program in Livingston Parish, and what unfolds is nothing short of magic. Alyson shares how she’s redefining youth theater with a no-audition, collaboration-first model that lets every kid shine. No rejection. No gatekeeping. Just raw creativity, radical kindness, and space for every voice.

From 5-year-olds to high schoolers, her program is a masterclass in building confidence, emotional resilience, and collaborative skills that stretch far beyond the stage. Alyson opens up about how she facilitates creative compromise, handles bold personalities, and ensures every child feels seen. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community leader, this episode will make you believe in the power of youth and the promise of what’s possible when we say “yes” to big dreams.

This might be our most heart-expanding conversation yet. 

KEEP UP WITH ALYSON! 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095754453276

Website: https://www.bigdreamsdrama.com/

UPCOMING SESSIONS AT BIG DREAMS DRAMA PROGRAM!

July 14-16th (Ages 5-8)

July 28th - August 1st (Ages 13-17)

Camps are 9AM-3PM, $200 Fee

Call: (225) 369-1334

Email: [email protected]

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Support the show

Interested in becoming a guest or sponsor? Reach out to us directly at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE!

What happens when a hometown man mixes community spirit with premium bourbon? In this episode, we sit down with Brandon, lifelong resident of Ascension Parish and owner of the beloved Curve Mart—a go-to spot for plant workers and whiskey lovers alike.

Brandon shares his journey, how Curve Mart became a local favorite, and how he’s giving back in a big way—presenting a check to a local veterans’ group and hosting a can’t-miss giveaway for a rare bottle of Old Forester 2024 Birthday Bourbon.

Tune in to hear why supporting local businesses matters now more than ever, and how one man is blending commerce with community impact. 🎙️🔥

Don’t miss your shot at some bourbon-fueled inspiration—and maybe even a prize.

KEEP UP WITH CURVE MART!

FB: https://www.facebook.com/curvemartstore

Website: www.curvemartstore.com

IS ST. AMANT HIGH SCHOOL THE BEST IN THE NATION? 

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Support the show

Interested in becoming a guest or sponsor? Reach out to us directly at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE!

What do boudin, Pride parades, and viral Facebook posts have in common? One unforgettable guest—Mark Belgard, the three-time Parish Person of the Year and mastermind behind a movement that’s part comedy, part community care—the Ascension Parish Department of Memes Facebook page. 

In this episode, Mark opens up about building a side income through content creation and using it to fund generous local giveaways. We dive into the art of the meme, unforgettable moments, and the big plans for the first ever Ascension Parish Pride in June.

FOLLOW THE PAGE!

FB: https://www.facebook.com/apmemedept

Support the show

Interested in becoming a guest or sponsor? Reach out to us directly at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE!

We’re kicking off Parish Porch with a powerful conversation that proves just how much local voices matter.

Dustin Delaune, President of Ascension Community Theatre, joins us on the day they open Cabaret to talk about 25 seasons of grit, growth, and community connection. Whether you're a theater lover, a proud local, or just someone who believes in the power of the arts, this episode delivers.

You’ll hear how ACT grew from a small stage to a local institution, the surprising challenges behind picking the right shows, and why youth arts programs are changing lives in Ascension Parish. Dustin also gives us a peek behind the curtain—sharing what it really takes to keep the lights on and the magic alive.

✨This isn’t just about theater—it’s a story of passion, people, and building something that lasts.

 Hit play and be part of ACT’s opening night… and ours.

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KEEP UP WITH A.C.T.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/actgonzales

IG: @actgonzales

Website: https://www.actgonzales.org/

GET TICKETS FOR CABARET! 

Support the show

Interested in becoming a guest or sponsor? Reach out to us directly at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE!