The 318 Experience

What does it take to walk away from the corporate world and start completely over at 53? For Eric Hammons, it took courage, conviction, and a deep love for agriculture. In this powerful episode of The 318 Experience, Eric shares the full story of how he went from working his way up at Nissan and Mazda to building handcrafted chicken coops in rural North Louisiana—and finding his purpose along the way.

Raised in the countryside near Monroe, Eric learned early on the value of hard work, family, and simplicity. After years of success in business, he found himself longing for a life that felt more connected—more grounded. That longing led him to leave the fast-paced world behind and follow a dream that had been quietly growing inside him for years.

What started with a single coop and a leap of faith turned into Chick Chick Coop, a backyard lifestyle brand that represents much more than fresh eggs. Eric's story is one of reinvention, resilience, and remembering who you are. This episode is for anyone who's ever wondered if it's too late to start over—and what might be waiting if you do.

00:00 – Intro & Background
06:30 – Life-Changing School Moment
13:00 – Marriage, Family & Early Career
19:30 – Leaving the Cookie Dough Business
26:00 – The First Chicken Coop
32:30 – Listening to Customers
38:30 – COVID and Business Growth
45:00 – Backyard Chicken Lifestyle
51:00 – Chickens as Therapy
57:00 – Faith, Family, and Final Thoughts

In this heartfelt episode, Erin Stokes—freelance PR professional and former nonprofit communicator—joins Brian to shine a light on CASA of Northeast Louisiana. Together, they explore what advocacy for a child looks like, the powerful impact of CASA volunteers, and the urgent need for more community members to step up. Brian also shares his own experience as a CASA volunteer, offering a personal and authentic look at why this work matters. Tune in and discover how you can be part of the change.

00:00 – Meet Erin Stokes
02:01 – What Is CASA
05:31 – Advocate Role Explained
10:01 – Foster Care Challenges
15:01 – Volunteer Experience Shared
20:01 – Training & Preparation
25:01 – Volunteer Impact Shown
30:01 – Community Success Stories
35:01 – Child Advocacy Stats
40:01 – Volunteering Commitment Rewards
45:01 – Final Call Action

Joey Hixon on Discipline, Redemption, and the Heart Behind "Uncle Joey’s Boxing"

From kickboxing to coaching kids who need more than just fitness—Joey Hixon shares a raw and powerful journey of self-discovery, setbacks, and second chances. In this episode, we unpack how he turned personal struggles into purpose, building a boxing program that champions discipline, confidence, and heart. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or just looking for inspiration—this one hits deep.

📍 Train with Joey Hixon at Uncle Joey’s Boxing
📬 Located at West Monroe Boxing Club – N. 7th St, right beside the Rec Center
📞 Call or text Joey directly at (318) 381-1931 to ask about classes, private sessions, or youth training

00:00 – Welcome Joey Hixon to the show01:00 – Growing up in Rayville and finding his path02:15 – Kickboxing as a life-saving outlet05:45 – From the ring to real-world lessons: why boxing stuck10:50 – Teaching adaptive PE and working with special needs kids16:30 – Social skills over sports: why connection matters21:20 – The birth of “Uncle Joey’s Boxing”23:45 – What “Uncle Joey” really means26:30 – Building confidence in overlooked kids30:45 – Joey’s take on bullying, boundaries, and parenting35:00 – Structure, self-defense, and trust in the gym39:10 – Teaching discipline, empathy, and life skills43:00 – The power of positivity and relationships

Chief Bobby Moore of the Ouachita Parish Fire Department joins the show to talk about his 33-year journey in public safety, how OPFD is evolving to meet today’s challenges, and why becoming a firefighter could be your next move. From drone missions to life-saving rescues, we explore what it takes to join one of the region’s most advanced emergency response teams.

00:00 - Intro

00:01:07 – Why He Chose Firefighting
00:06:06 – Hands-On Specialized Training
00:11:01 – Fire Safety in Homes
00:16:04 – Smoke Alarms & CO Detectors
00:21:00 – Mental Health Support
00:26:06 – Career Growth Path
00:31:12 – How to Apply
00:36:48 – Department Growth & Expansion

Jasmyne McConnell returns to spotlight her latest venture: Chateau Rouge on the Bayou in Monroe, LA. In this episode, she shares how this unique venue blends a bar-and-lounge atmosphere with live music and scenic bayou boat tours. We dive into the vision, the local artist focus, and what to expect at their special Mother’s Day brunch event. A must-listen for creatives, music lovers, and Monroe locals!

🎟️ Ready to experience it for yourself?
Visit Chateau Rouge on the Bayou for live music, boat rides, and unforgettable events!

📍 Located at 320 Virginia Street, Monroe, LA
🌐 Book your boat tour or event: www.chateaurouge320.com
📱 Follow them on Facebook: Chateau Rouge on the Bayou

Support local. Discover something different.
🎶 Because at Chateau Rouge—live music lives here.

00:00:23 — Intro to Chateau Rouge
00:01:19 — Jasmyne’s vision hits
00:03:03 — Original condition of the property
00:05:20 — Renovation challenges begin
00:07:28 — Going all in on the Rouge
00:10:06 — Why live music is the draw
00:14:02 — Launching bayou boat tours

00:21:14 — How to book boat tours and events

Courtney & Mark Holyfield join Brian for a candid, insightful conversation about what most folks never hear when it comes to home loans, credit, and getting started in real estate. They break down how they’re using their roles at Citizens Progressive Bank to make lending more human — from helping families navigate tough financial conversations to offering real solutions for buyers shut out of traditional options. This is about real stories, real solutions, and real people who care about their community.

0:00 – Intro + Meet the Holyfields
2:32 – What Makes Local Lending Different
7:10 – Breaking Down Mortgage Fees and Rates
12:03 – The Value of Personal Lending
18:30 – AI vs Human Connection in Lending
22:40 – Courtney’s Approach: Education First
26:48 – Mark’s Journey: From Nursing to Mortgages
30:30 – The Manufactured Home Market Trailblazer
37:00 – Land + Home Packages and Fixer-Uppers
43:15 – In-House Bank Advantage
48:22 – Real Talk About Credit Scores & Myths
55:10 – Community Work & Citizens Progressive Bank's Outreach
59:30 – Turning Renters into Homeowners
1:04:40 – Advice for First-Time Buyers
1:10:15 – How They Help People Create Long-Term Plans
1:14:50 – Rates, Refis, and What’s Really Worth Paying For
1:18:00 – Final Thoughts: It’s All About the People

Samuel Magee’s story is one of survival, resilience, and reinvention. After battling addiction and homelessness, he rebuilt his life and launched Shop Talk Studios, a creative media company in Northeast Louisiana. In this episode, he opens up about his darkest moments, the turning points that changed everything, and how storytelling became his way forward. We talk about addiction, recovery, breaking stigma, and the power of second chances.

Sam's Website

https://shoptalkstudios.com/

Sam's TedTalk X

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D96wU6XB2lA

00:00 - Introduction

01:31 - Guest Background

05:01 - Early Life and Career

10:01 - Journey into Videography

20:01 - Challenges in the Industry

30:01 - Addiction and Recovery

50:01 - The Importance of Amends

1:10:01 - The Role of Community

1:20:01 - Conclusion and Future Projects

Learn more about The Vine of Northeast Louisiana:
🌐 Website: https://www.thevineofnela.org/
📲 Follow on Facebook & Instagram: @thevineofnortheastlouisiana

Bethany Wilson’s journey is one of redemption, resilience, and purpose. Raised in church but not truly following Christ, she found herself at a crossroads after an unplanned pregnancy. Convinced her life was over, she made a decision that would haunt her for years.

What followed was a battle with guilt, fear, and depression—until a chance encounter with a pastor changed everything. Bethany shares how mentorship, faith, and perseverance led her to healing and ultimately to founding The Vine of Northeast Louisiana, a ministry dedicated to helping women in crisis.

In this episode, she opens up about her darkest moments, the struggles of motherhood, and the power of redemption. This conversation is real, raw, and filled with hope.

00:00:48 - Growing Up in a Blended Family
00:10:00 - Facing an Unplanned Pregnancy
00:12:16 - The Reality of the Abortion Clinic
00:14:09 - Coping with Regret Through Partying
00:37:15 - Finding Forgiveness Through Faith
00:54:31 - Why The Vine Exists
00:55:00 - Adoption as an Option
00:57:27 - Supporting Women in Crisis
00:58:02 - How to Get Involved

https://www.ayusa.org/

Call 888.552.9872

In this episode, Caroline Ernst, a community representative for AUSA, discusses the impact of hosting exchange students and the cultural exchange experience. She shares insights on the program, the benefits for host families, and addresses common misconceptions about hosting.

Key Discussions:

• Introduction to AUSA:

  • AUSA is an exchange student program that facilitates cultural experiences for high school-aged students on J1 visas.

  • Students come to improve their English and experience American high school life.

• Personal Journey:

  • Caroline shares her background, including her roots in West Virginia and her experience hosting three students.

  • Her passion for the program led her to become a community representative.

• Cultural Exchange Benefits:

  • Hosting students provides a unique opportunity for families to learn about different cultures while sharing their own.

  • The program emphasizes mutual learning, where both host families and students gain valuable insights.

• Common Misconceptions:

  • Many believe that only wealthy families can host students; Caroline clarifies that anyone can participate regardless of financial status.

  • The idea that hosting requires extensive preparation is debunked; simple adjustments can make hosting feasible for many families.

• Addressing Fears and Concerns:

  • Caroline discusses the top fears that prevent families from hosting, such as time constraints and financial burdens.

  • She encourages families to embrace the experience, highlighting the long-lasting relationships that can develop.

• Support for Host Families:

  • AUSA provides orientation and ongoing support for host families to ensure a smooth transition for both students and families.

  • Regular check-ins help address any issues and foster a supportive environment.

• Cultural Sensitivity:

  • Caroline emphasizes the importance of respecting students' backgrounds and values while integrating them into American family life.

  • Host families are encouraged to share their traditions while allowing students to maintain their cultural identity.

Takeaways:

• Impact of Hosting:

  • Hosting an exchange student can change lives, both for the student and the host family, fostering understanding and friendship across cultures.

• Community Involvement:

  • The podcast encourages listeners to consider hosting and to spread awareness about the benefits of cultural exchange programs.

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00:00 - Intro & Guest Intro

00:31 - What is Ayusa?

01:23 - Caroline’s Ayusa Journey

03:05 - First-Time Hosting Experience

07:07 - Why Students Choose Louisiana

12:24 - Matching Students & Families

22:11 - When Matches Don’t Work

30:21 - Biggest Student Adjustment

37:50 - Emotional Goodbyes

45:24 - Hosting Myths Busted

Wendy Driedger is on a mission to help foster kids and families in Northeast Louisiana. She’s the Co-Director of Project 2.5+, a ministry providing essentials like clothing, diapers, and beds to children entering foster care.

Right now, 308 kids in Ouachita Parish need homes, but there are only 60 foster families. That’s a huge gap. Wendy breaks down what’s really happening, why the system is struggling, and how Project 2.5+ is stepping in to make a difference. We also get into Families Count, a program helping parents turn their lives around so they can reunite with their children.

This episode is all about taking action. Whether it’s fostering, volunteering, or just learning more—this conversation is worth your time.

0:00 Intro & Host

0:30 Wendy's Background

1:30 Ministry Journey

3:00 Foster Care Views

5:30 Becoming Foster Parents

7:00 Foster Experience

8:30 Project 2.5 Origins

11:00 Church Support

14:00 Fostering Myths

17:00 Foster Realities

20:00 Project 2.5 Support

24:00 Emotional Support

27:00 Facility Impact

30:00 Foster Care Need

33:00 Community Involvement

36:00 Collaborative Partnerships

39:00 Future Plans