Contact Info:

Voting Dates for Capital Infrastructure Tax Renewal:

Doug Harvey, Monroe City Council Member, joins The 318 Experience to talk about the Capital Infrastructure Tax (CIT). Learn why this 1% sales tax, which has funded over $120 million in vital projects since 2021, is critical to Monroe’s streets, drainage, public safety, and more. With a vote on its renewal coming up, Doug explains what’s at stake for the city’s future.

00:00:00 Explaining the Capital Infrastructure Tax

Contact Information:

In this episode, Allison Wilkerson, Membership Director of the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce, joins us to share how the Chamber is enhancing business growth and creating powerful community connections in Ouachita Parish. Allison explains the value of Chamber membership, highlighting how businesses of all sizes—from startups to established companies—benefit from marketing, networking, and community involvement opportunities. Plus, we discuss ways the Chamber welcomes new residents, supports local organizations, and fosters a collaborative spirit across the region. Tune in to learn more about the Chamber’s pivotal role in making West Monroe a vibrant place to live and do business!

00:00:00 The West Monroe Chamber of Commerce Presents

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jamie McCullars, founder of Bayou Belle Wellness Chiropractic Studio. Jamie shares her journey from growing up in West Monroe to pursuing chiropractic care inspired by her uncle. She discusses her dedication to family-focused wellness, offering insights into her holistic approach to chiropractic and her specialization in pediatric and prenatal care. From overcoming personal challenges to building a thriving practice, Jamie’s story is one of resilience, passion, and community. Tune in to learn how chiropractic can benefit not just those with pain but also infants, children, and expectant mothers.

Bayou Belle Wellness Chiropractic Studio
📍 Address: 317 Wood Street, Downtown West Monroe, LA (Next to Meraki and For His Temple)
🌐 Website: www.bayoubellewell.com (Remember, "Belle" is spelled like the Disney princess!)
📱 Phone/Text: 318-789-2302 (The Well Line)
📧 Online Booking: Available through the website or Facebook page
💬 Social Media: Facebook - Bayou Belle Wellness Chiropractic Studio

00:00 - Introduction and Jamie’s Background
04:30 - Journey into Chiropractic
08:45 - The Challenges of Starting Out
12:15 - Pediatric and Prenatal Chiropractic Care
18:00 - Unique Community Approach and Vision
25:30 - Co-managing with Other Professionals
29:10 - Common Misconceptions About Chiropractic
35:40 - Why Wellness Matters for All Ages
41:25 - Jamie’s Mission and Plans for Bayou Belle Wellness
45:50 - How to Connect with Jamie

In this episode of The 318 Experience, Margaret Troquille from the West Monroe Chamber of Commerce joins us to discuss the Chamber’s impactful Mentorship Program. This initiative connects high school students with local business leaders, offering them opportunities for self-discovery, personal growth, and professional development. Margaret shares her passion for shaping the next generation and the program’s success stories, as well as how both students and mentors can get involved. Tune in to learn how this program is building a stronger future for Northeast Louisiana’s youth!

00:00:00 Intro

In this episode, we dive into the big plans for Neville High School with Stewart Shelby, from the Neville Charter Association. Stewart shares insights into the effort to convert Neville into a Type 3 charter school, explaining how it will empower both students and teachers while preserving the school’s rich history. We discuss the potential impact on academic offerings, community involvement, and what the shift means for the future of education in Monroe, Louisiana. Whether you're a parent, alum, or community member, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

00:00:00 Intro

In this powerful episode of The 318 Experience, we sit down with Larry Bell Jr., a New Orleans native, entrepreneur, public speaker, and poet. Larry shares his compelling journey growing up in Uptown New Orleans, balancing life as the only brother among three sisters, and finding his calling through faith, family, and community service. From surviving the devastation of Hurricane Katrina to rebuilding his life and business in Monroe, Larry speaks on the challenges and triumphs that shaped him. He also gives insight into his transition from rapping to poetry, meeting his wife, and eventually founding Bell Insurance Group & Associates. This is an episode filled with heart, hope, and inspiration as Larry discusses his passion for service, his deep love for Monroe, and his desire to inspire change. Don't miss this conversation about life, resilience, and community impact.

00:00:00 Larry Bell

In this episode of The 318 Experience, we sit down with Amy Keifenheim, Director of Development for the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Louisiana. Amy shares the transformative work the Boys & Girls Club is doing in Monroe, West Monroe, and Bastrop. From affordable after-school programs to life skills and enrichment activities, learn how the organization is creating a safe, engaging, and fun environment for local youth. Tune in to hear more about their impact, community partnerships, and how they are shaping a brighter future for kids in Northeast Louisiana.

00:00 - Intro

00:00:05 - Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Louisiana interview

00:04:19 - Bastrop, Monroe, and West Monroe Boys & Girls Clubs

00:07:49 - After-School Care for Low-Income Kids

00:12:02 - Members of the Boys & Girls Club

00:15:27 - Summer Programs at the Fire Department

00:21:41 - YDP Club's Message

00:28:07 - Bob's Boys & Girls Club: OurFuture.net

00:33:12 - The Safety of Our Clubs

In this episode, we sit down with Briana Calhoun, a Louisiana-born artist, teacher, mother, and founder of the nonprofit Hope on the Inside. Briana shares her extraordinary journey from growing up in a musical family to battling addiction, facing incarceration, and ultimately rebuilding her life. Briana opens up about how her experience in prison gave her a second chance, the struggles of overcoming addiction, and the powerful transformation that followed.

Today, Briana uses her platform not only to create music but also to provide hope and support to inmates through her nonprofit work. Co-founded with country music legend Kix Brooks, Hope on the Inside brings music and mentorship to inmates, helping them rediscover self-worth and purpose. Tune in to hear Briana’s honest reflection on her past, her thoughts on rehabilitation, and the inspirational work she’s doing to change lives.

00:00:00 Intro

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dominique McKane, a martial artist, military veteran, and survivor of a tragic attack. Dominique shares her family's journey into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the impact of her National Guard service, and how she turned trauma into a mission to empower women through her self-defense program, SHESAFE Training. She also recounts her harrowing experience during the Louisiana Tech stabbing and how her quick thinking and martial arts training helped save lives. Don’t miss this inspiring story of resilience, empowerment, and taking control of one’s safety.

00:00:00 Intro

Jonathan Kirkland’s life is a true testament to the power of faith and resilience. In this episode of The 318 Experience, Jonathan takes us through his journey from a troubled youth, marked by loss and legal troubles, to facing a 20-year prison sentence. But it was in that dark time that he found faith and turned his life around. Today, Jonathan is a successful entrepreneur running multiple businesses, including Kirkland Kutters, Kre8tive Flooring, and Kirkland Enterprise, all focused on creating opportunities and giving back to the community.

Listen in as Jonathan shares how his surrender to Christ changed everything, the challenges he faced along the way, and how he now uses his story to inspire and uplift others. This is an episode filled with hope, redemption, and the incredible power of transformation.

00:00 Intro

00:00:05 Jonathan Kirkland on Growing His Business