The 318 Experience

The 318 Experience

By Brian BendilySociety & Culture
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The 318 Experience episodes

  • #68 - Hallie Dye - Host of the Saltworks Podcast

    Pre-Order her book:https://a.co/d/dnsmTX0

    The Saltworks Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-saltworks/id1646681744

    In this episode ofThe 318 Experience, we welcomeHallie Dye—author, speaker, and host ofThe Saltworks Podcast.

    Hallie opens up about growing up in a faith-filled home, facing imposter syndrome, and learning to surrender to God’s plan in unexpected ways. She shares the powerful journey behind her bookYou're Still A Good Mom, discussing the pressures of motherhood and how to redefine success through faith.

    We also explore the heart behindSaltworks, a podcast dedicated to sharingreal testimonies of real people, and how storytelling fosters connection in the body of Christ.


    00:00 - Intro & Welcome
    02:15 - Hallie’s Background Story
    06:40 - Growing Up in Faith
    10:55 - College & Faith Struggles
    16:30 - Marriage & Motherhood
    20:45 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
    27:10 - Starting Saltworks Podcast
    33:50 - Power of Storytelling
    38:20 - Writing Her Book
    43:15 - Defining a Good Mom
    48:30 - Surrendering to God
    54:00 - Practical Faith Advice
    58:45 - Future Plans & Projects
    1:05:10 - Final Thoughts & Outro

    1 hr 12 min
  • #67 - Rebecca Frye - SnapMe Creative Agency

    In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Frye, partner at SnapMe Creative Agency, to talk about how she helped build one of North Louisiana’s fastest-growing marketing powerhouses. We get into the real story—how SnapMe started back in 2007 when websites were still a new thing, how they navigated the chaos of COVID-19, and how an unexpected request to take sports photos accidentally launched an entirely new part of their business.

    Rebecca breaks down what it’s like to run a full-service agency that does everything from digital marketing and geofencing to volume photography and promotional products. We talk about the evolution of marketing, what actually works in today’s digital world, and how data-driven strategies are changing the game.

    She also shares insights on scaling a business, managing a growing team across multiple states, and why adaptability is key to long-term success. It’s an awesome conversation about entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and turning unexpected challenges into growth opportunities.

    Buckle up—this one’s packed with real talk, lessons learned, and a lot of insight into what it takes to thrive in business today.

    00:00 - Intro: Meet Rebecca Frye
    01:30 - Proud 318 Story
    05:00 - Rebecca’s Journey to West Monroe
    08:15 - SnapMe’s Origin Story
    12:00 - From Yellow Pages to Digital Marketing
    16:30 - Business & Marriage: Working with Your Spouse
    20:45 - COVID Pivot: Starting Volume Photography
    26:00 - Breaking Software & The Vegas Trip
    30:30 - Growth Through New Partnerships
    35:00 - What SnapMe Does Today
    40:00 - Mastering Digital Marketing
    45:00 - Challenges & Lessons in Business
    50:00 - Building a Strong Team
    55:00 - Advice for Entrepreneurs
    59:00 - Final Thoughts on Community & Growth


    1 hr 3 min
  • #66 - Doug Harvey Part 2 - Success Story

    Doug Harvey returns for a deep dive into entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial freedom. From running a UPS Store franchise to real estate investing, Doug shares his journey, lessons learned, and strategies for scaling success. We talk about thriving as a small business owner in Monroe, building passive income, and how leadership can change a community. This episode is packed with practical advice and big ideas—don’t miss it.


    00:00 – Intro & Doug’s Return
    01:30 – Why Buy a UPS Store?
    05:45 – Real Estate Lessons
    10:20 – Rental Property Truths
    14:15 – Entrepreneurship Mindset
    18:40 – Finding Mentors
    22:50 – Taking Risks
    27:30 – Selling a Business
    31:10 – The Power of Intentionality
    35:55 – Leadership Lessons
    40:10 – Building Systems
    44:30 – Business & Community
    49:50 – Profit vs. Local Support
    54:20 – Hiring & Firing Right
    58:15 – Top 3 Entrepreneur Tips
    01:02:00 – Managing Risk
    01:06:10 – Final Thoughts


    1 hr 1 min
  • #65 - Josh Taylor - Becoming an Entrepreneur

    🎙️ In this episode of The 318 Experience, we sit down with entrepreneur Josh Taylor to explore his incredible journey from selling cookie dough as a child to owning Car Wash West, a thriving business employing 20-30 people. Josh shares the lessons he learned as a young lawn care entrepreneur, his foray into real estate and homebuilding, and how mentorship and faith have shaped his career.

    This conversation dives into pivotal moments in Josh’s life: his wife Aly’s health battles, building a sustainable business model, and balancing the weight of being a provider and leader while staying true to his values. Josh also offers insights on the importance of relationships in business, staying disciplined, and serving others with excellence.

    If you’re looking for inspiration, business insights, or just an authentic story of perseverance, this episode is a must-listen.


    00:00 – Introduction

    01:15 – The influence of family and early lessons in entrepreneurship

    05:30 – Selling cookie dough: The first taste of sales success

    09:45 – Launching a lawn care business with his brother

    15:00 – Early business mistakes and learning about customer needs

    20:30 – Transitioning to power washing and the introduction to real estate

    25:45 – The first real estate flip: Lessons learned

    32:00 – Navigating adversity in real estate and building resilience

    40:15 – Starting a for-sale-by-owner car lot: Park N Sell

    45:00 – Building custom homes: Unique designs and personal touches

    51:30 – Balancing family, faith, and entrepreneurship during life’s challenges

    01:00:00 – The role of mentors and banking relationships in business success

    01:08:30 – Launching Car Wash West: Scaling a people-focused business

    01:15:00 – Serving the community through business: Relationships as the foundation

    01:20:30 – Final reflections on faith, discipline, and leadership

    1 hr 11 min
  • #64 - Jason McGuffie - Teaching Pastor at First West Calhoun

    Jason McGuffie is the Calhoun Campus Pastor at First West and a passionate leader in church revitalization and mentorship. With a background that includes serving as a pastor in various communities across Louisiana and Mississippi, Jason holds multiple theological degrees, including a doctorate in ministry. He’s also the director of the Multiply Network, where he empowers pastors to lead healthy churches.

    In this heartfelt episode, Jason shares his inspiring journey from pursuing a career in law enforcement to answering the call to ministry. He opens up about his personal struggles, faith transformation, and the leadership principles he lives by. Discover how his story of perseverance and purpose continues to impact lives and communities across Northeast Louisiana. A must-listen as we close out 2024!

    00:00 Introduction and Jason McGuffie’s leadership
    02:15 Jason’s upbringing in Brookhaven, MS
    05:10 Early dreams of joining the Highway Patrol
    07:45 Salvation story: January 22, 2002
    11:30 Called to ministry and the story of Exodus 4
    16:50 Starting Bible classes and early ministry work
    21:15 Transition to Emanuel Baptist in Vicksburg
    24:45 Balancing family, ministry, and education
    29:20 Becoming lead pastor at First Baptist Tallulah
    33:15 Lessons learned as a young pastor
    37:10 Leading a church in a rural community
    42:45 Moving to Brookhaven and COVID challenges
    47:30 The call to First West and Calhoun Campus
    52:15 Collaborative preaching and sermon planning
    57:40 Multiply NeLA: Supporting local pastors
    1:03:25 First West School of Ministry launch
    1:08:45 Balancing ministry and family life
    1:14:20 Leadership lessons for the next generation
    1:18:40 Final thoughts: Caring and leaving a legacy

    1 hr 2 min
  • #63 - John Bruscato - Legacy, Law, and Service

    John Bruscato’s journey is one of resilience, service, and dedication. From growing up in Monroe, Louisiana, to overcoming challenges that shaped his career, John shares how his experiences as a student, business owner, and attorney have driven his mission to fight for others. Tune in to hear about his family’s legacy, his personal challenges, and his vision for community impact.


    00:00:00 John Bruscato

    00:04:13 Law Student on Becoming a Lawyer
    00:09:19 Experiencing Total Freedom While in College
    00:15:17 No More Burglary: Getting Arrested for Stealing a
    00:19:17 Married Man Gets Arrested for Attempting to Get Into Law
    00:27:13 Tom Passed The Math Test
    00:31:57 How Do You Deal With Stops?
    00:38:23 Republicans on Workers Comp and Insurance
    00:43:02 Workers Comp Lawyer
    00:48:58 Is a Workers Comp Lawyer the Right Fit?
    00:53:05 When it comes to injury in an auto accident,
    01:00:55 Should the Employee Be Paid for His Role in the Accident?
    01:06:09 Law Firm CEO Discusses Growth

    1 hr 11 min
  • #62 - Doug Harvey - Renewing Monroe Infrastructure Tax

    Contact Info:

    • 318-243-3499
    • Voting Dates for Capital Infrastructure Tax Renewal:

      • Early Voting: November 22nd - 30th (Excluding November 23rd and 24th)
      • Election Day: December 7th

      • 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

        00:03:14 The Monroe Street Tax Question
        00:07:56 Community involvement in infrastructure issues
        00:12:48 District 1 Council Member on Infrastructure Issues
        00:19:06 Local perspectives on the Monroe tax
        00:26:41 Community involvement in the upcoming election
        00:33:11 Early Voting is now open

        38 min
      • #61 - WMWO Chamber Membership - Allison Wilkerson

        Contact Information:

        • Phone: 318-325-1961
        • 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

          00:03:44 Chamber of Commerce Offers Services to Companies Considering Relocating
          00:12:52 North Louisiana Chamber of Commerce
          00:18:01 West Monroe Chamber of Commerce Executive Brief
          00:23:27 How easy is a ribbon cutting?
          00:26:39 The Chamber of Commerce's Diplomats

          32 min
        • #60 - Jamie McCullars - Bayou Belle Wellness

          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

          49 min
        • #59 - West Monroe Chamber Mentorship Program - Margaret Troquille

          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

          00:07:29 How do you guys kind of help when you have someone that enroll
          00:11:27 The First Go Around Entrepreneurs Program
          00:15:24 Looking for mentors: Northeast Louisiana Chamber of Commerce
          00:18:27 Future Entrepreneurs: The Program
          00:21:59 Mentors of the Future Program
          00:27:46 Community Engagement: The Westminster Chamber

          30 min

        About The 318 Experience

        From the publisher's feed

        Join local realtor Brian Bendily as he takes you on a journey through Ouachita Parish in The 318 Experience podcast. Each episode, Brian sits down with fascinating community leaders, entrepreneurs, and successful individuals to discuss their journey to success and the challenges they've faced along the way. Through their stories, listeners gain a unique perspective on the heart and soul of Monroe, Louisiana, and the people who make this community great. Subscribe now to The 318 Experience and join us on this journey of discovery.