The 318 Experience

🎬 What does it take to build a film industry in Northeast Louisiana?

On this episode of The 318 Experience, Brian sits down with filmmaker, writer, director, and cinematographer Heath Hill, Studio Manager of Warhawk Innovation Studios at the University of Louisiana Monroe.

Heath shares his journey into filmmaking, the vision behind developing Warhawk Innovation Studios, and how the facility is creating new opportunities for aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals throughout the region.

They also dive into Heath's short film Winter Wind, a Western-inspired story filmed in Northeast Louisiana that explores poverty, accountability, and redemption.

From bringing productions to Monroe to developing the next generation of creative talent, this conversation explores the exciting future of film in the 318.

🎙️ Tune in for a conversation about creativity, community, and building something bigger right here in Northeast Louisiana.

From becoming one of Louisiana’s youngest newspaper editors at just 22 to building his own marketing agency, DeRon Talley’s career has been shaped by storytelling, leadership, and service.

On this episode of The 318 Experience, DeRon joins Brian to discuss his journey through journalism, communications, entrepreneurship, ministry, and civic leadership. They dive into the story behind Key Marketing Solutions, what businesses often misunderstand about marketing, and why telling the right story matters.

DeRon also shares his perspective on Northeast Louisiana, his continued involvement with ULM, balancing business and ministry, raising a family, and why serving his community remains such an important part of his life.

It’s a conversation about building a business, developing as a leader, investing in your community, and defining the kind of legacy you want to leave behind.

CONNECT WITH DERON

Key Marketing Solutions
Website: patienceiskey.co
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (318) 460-0654

ST. JOSEPH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

206 New Natchitoches Road
West Monroe, LA 71292

Sunday School: 10:00 a.m.
Sunday Worship: 11:30 a.m.
Monday Corporate Prayer: 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday Mid-Week Worship/Bible Study: 6:00 p.m.

Church Website: stjosephmbcwestmonroe.org

What happens when a major economic development project comes to Louisiana—and how can local businesses get involved?

In this episode of The 318 Experience, Brian sits down with Chris Cassagne, Executive Director of the Louisiana Growth Network at Louisiana Economic Development (LED), to talk about Source Louisiana and the opportunities it can create for businesses across the state.

Chris has been with Louisiana Economic Development since 2014 and now leads initiatives focused on helping Louisiana businesses expand, innovate, and grow through access to coaching, connections, and capital. A native of the Greater New Orleans area and an LSU graduate with an MBA from the LSU Flores MBA Program, Chris has built his career around strengthening Louisiana’s small-business ecosystem and helping companies scale.

A major focus of that work is Source Louisiana, a statewide platform featuring more than 80,000 Louisiana businesses and designed to help prime contractors and major projects identify local vendors, suppliers, and service providers.

Chris breaks down what Source Louisiana is, why it was created, how businesses can position themselves to take advantage of it, and why connecting major investment with Louisiana companies is so important to the state’s economy.

If you own or operate a Louisiana business and want to better understand the opportunities being created across the state, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear.

On this episode of The 318 Experience, Brian welcomes Chad Ali, Director of Programs for Choices Mentoring for Families and Youth, Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Wossman High School, award-winning filmmaker, and former Division I football player.

Chad shares his journey from the University of Wyoming to the worlds of film, music, coaching, and community leadership. The conversation explores the mission of Choices Mentoring, the impact of the Arts & Activism program, the Seeds of Change partnership, violence prevention efforts, youth development, and the vision for revitalizing South Monroe through arts, athletics, mentorship, and economic opportunity.

This episode is a powerful discussion about leadership, purpose, and investing in the next generation.

Kennedy Johnson joins The 318 Experience to share her journey from collegiate softball player to coffee shop owner. Kennedy discusses growing up between New Orleans and Houston, transferring to ULM after feeling called in a different direction, and how a love for coffee culture sparked the dream of owning Hebrews Coffee. She also shares the story behind the iconic turquoise camper, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the exciting process of opening a new brick-and-mortar location in Monroe.

Connect with Hebrews Coffee:
📍 Monroe, Louisiana
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebrewscoffeemonroe/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559515649517

Dr. Emily Jones joins The 318 Experience for an important conversation about mental health, trauma, and healing. As Clinical Director for Therapeutic Services, a counselor, supervisor, educator, and trauma-informed practitioner, Emily helps individuals and families navigate life's challenges through connection and support.

In this episode, we discuss what mental health really is, common reasons people seek counseling, the impact of trauma on individuals and families, the difference between Big T and little t trauma, nature versus nurture, and why trauma-informed care is so important. Emily also shares insights into specialized therapy approaches and the mental health resources available through The Center for Children & Families.

This episode offers practical information, encouragement, and a reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength.

Roderick “Rod” Williams joins The 318 Experience to share his incredible journey from the south side of Monroe to professional football and successful entrepreneurship.

A former Richwood High School standout, All-American at Alcorn State, and NFL/CFL athlete, Rod opens up about the challenges of professional sports, transitioning into business, and building Guidance LLC into a company serving hundreds of families across Northeast Louisiana.

We discuss mental health, leadership, technology, investing, community impact, and why so many people in Louisiana are carrying stress today.

Rod also reflects on being nominated for the 2026 T.H. Scott Award of Excellence and what it means to create opportunities for others in the community he’s always called home.

In this episode of The 318 Experience, we sit down with Jessica Bryant and Mindy Toups from the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeast Louisiana to discuss the vital role the CAC plays in supporting child victims and their families.

Jessica and Mindy share their personal journeys into this work, what a forensic interview really looks like, and how the CAC provides a unified, trauma-informed approach that reduces stress and protects dignity during incredibly difficult situations.

We also dive into the importance of community awareness, prevention, and how everyday people can play a role in protecting children.

This is a meaningful and eye-opening conversation about impact, resilience, and hope.

Teal Hoffman, owner of Soda Jerk, joins The 318 Experience to share the journey behind her business—one that began with a calling at just 16 years old.

After spending years as a stay-at-home mom and navigating personal challenges, Teal found herself stepping into entrepreneurship at exactly the right time. What started as a leap of faith with her sister quickly turned into a business embraced by the entire community.

In this episode, Teal talks about building a brand that’s fun and welcoming, leading with authenticity, breaking free from the competition mindset, and what it really looks like to trust the timing of your life.

This conversation is for anyone waiting on their moment—and wondering if it will ever come.

In this episode of The 318 Experience, Brian sits down with Monroe City Council Vice Chairman Verbon Muhammad, Sr. for a powerful conversation about leadership, community, and the future of Monroe.

Verbon shares his journey from growing up in South Monroe to building a 30-year career with Greyhound and eventually stepping into public service. The conversation dives into the realities behind city leadership — from infrastructure challenges and economic development to the deeper issues of crime, education, and community responsibility.

They explore the importance of housing, the need for economic growth across all districts, and why improving quality of life requires more than government — it requires people.

This episode is honest, thoughtful, and focused on solutions — highlighting what it takes to move a community forward.

00:00 Intro
01:05 Growing Up in South Monroe
04:26 From Band to Business Mindset
08:17 30 Years at Greyhound
12:52 Why He Chose Public Service
24:24 Fixing Schools & Resources
31:18 Stepping Into City Council
37:20 The Truth About Growth
40:05 Housing: The Real Challenge
44:32 Crime & Community Solutions
52:00 Social Media, Culture & Youth
57:40 Economic Development & Opportunities
01:05:40 Quality of Life: Parks, Zoo & Community
01:11:18 Leadership, Conflict & Moving Forward
01:20:00 Unity, Mindset & Community Growth
01:28:36 Final Thoughts & Call to Action