John Bruscato sits down with Jamie Davis Jr., Louisiana farmer and Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, for a conversation about farming, politics, and the future of Louisiana.

Jamie shares his story of growing up in rural Louisiana, working alongside his father on the family farm, and eventually building an operation that now farms roughly 3,200 acres across four parishes. He explains how a lifetime in agriculture shaped his views on patience, business, leadership, and working with people who may not always see things the same way.

The conversation also gets into why Jamie considers himself a different kind of Democratic candidate. He discusses healthcare, rural hospitals, agriculture, tariffs, carbon capture, gun ownership, the cost of living, and why he believes elected officials should put the people they represent ahead of party politics.

Jamie also talks about his belief that Louisiana's rural communities deserve a stronger voice and why his campaign is focused on reaching voters beyond traditional party lines.

It’s a wide-ranging conversation about farming, public service, politics, and what Jamie Davis Jr. believes Louisiana needs from its next U.S. Senator.

On this episode of the Waiting Tables Podcast, John Bruscato sits down with a candidate for Mayor of Choudrant, Brandon Milner, whose story is built around service, perseverance, and a deep love for his hometown.

After a motorcycle accident in 2017 left him with a severe spinal cord injury, he was told his life would look drastically different. Instead, he fought to regain his independence. Today, he drives himself, maintains his own property, finds ways to help others with disabilities experience the outdoors, and continues looking for opportunities to serve the people around him.

Now, he's taking that same mindset into his campaign for Mayor of Choudrant. He and John discuss his vision for the town, including attracting new businesses, improving sewer and drainage infrastructure, strengthening law enforcement, investing in town employees, simplifying development, and preparing Choudrant for future growth without losing the small-town character that makes it special.

It's a conversation about overcoming adversity, serving others, and believing that a small town with the right leadership can have a very bright future.

**Waiting Tables Podcast is sponsored by Bruscato Law.**

Ouachita Parish Sheriff Marc Mashaw joins John Bruscato on this episode of Waiting Tables to share the story behind his 36-year career in law enforcement and the experiences that ultimately led him to become sheriff.

Sheriff Mashaw takes us from his early days working corrections and patrol to his time with Metro Narcotics, serving civil papers, supervising deputies, and eventually leading the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office. Along the way, he shares stories from the job, discusses the challenges of leadership and accountability, and explains what most people never see about the men and women serving their communities every day.

John and Sheriff Mashaw also dive into crime and the criminal justice system, rehabilitation, the challenges facing local law enforcement, and the rapidly changing role of technology. Mashaw explains how Ouachita Parish’s Real Time Crime Center, body cameras, facial recognition, AI-assisted investigations, cameras, and new drone technology are changing the way deputies respond to calls and solve crimes.

It’s a wide-ranging conversation about law enforcement, leadership, public service, and what Sheriff Mashaw has learned after more than three decades behind the badge.

In this episode of Waiting Tables, host John Bruscato sits down with Louisiana State Representative Gabe Firment for an in depth conversation about the values that have shaped his life both inside and outside of public office.

Before serving in the Louisiana Legislature and chairing the House Insurance Committee, Gabe built a career helping families recover after disasters as a claims adjuster and business owner. That experience, combined with his deep faith and commitment to public service, has influenced the way he approaches leadership today.

John and Gabe discuss the challenges facing Louisiana, including insurance reform, crime, education, economic development, and the future of the state's rural communities. They also explore Gabe's upbringing, the influence of his family, his love for hunting and fishing, and why he believes faith should remain at the center of every leadership decision.

Whether you agree with his positions or not, this conversation offers an honest look at the experiences, convictions, and motivations behind one of Louisiana's most recognizable legislators as he discusses his campaign for Congress, the responsibility of serving others, and the importance of leaving a better future for the next generation.

Louisiana State Senator Stewart Cathey joins host John Bruscato for a candid conversation about leadership, service, and the future of Louisiana. Stewart reflects on his military career, his time in the Louisiana Senate, and what led him to launch a campaign for Congress. He also shares his perspective on the issues shaping the state, including economic development, agriculture, infrastructure, education, taxes, and the rapid growth taking place across Northeast Louisiana.

The conversation goes beyond politics as Stewart discusses lessons learned from serving in Afghanistan, the importance of investing in local communities, and how military leadership has influenced his approach to public service. John and Stewart also dive into the impact of Meta's investment in Richland Parish, the opportunities facing rural Louisiana, and what the state's future could look like over the next decade.

If you're interested in the people making decisions that affect Louisiana and the stories behind those decisions, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. 

John Bruscato sits down with Monroe attorney and District Attorney candidate Mennon Campbell for a conversation about his background, career, connection to the community, and decision to run for District Attorney.

They discuss Campbell’s experiences that shaped his approach to leadership and public service, along with his vision for the District Attorney’s Office and the issues facing our community.

Get to know Mennon Campbell beyond the campaign and hear more about the person, his story, and why he believes now is the right time to serve.

What does it take to lead a police department in one of Louisiana's most talked about cities?

In this episode of Waiting Tables, host John Bruscato sits down with Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan for an honest conversation about crime, leadership, and the realities of modern policing.

Chief Zordan shares stories from his decades in law enforcement, including undercover DEA operations, taking down drug organizations, and how those experiences shaped his approach as Monroe's police chief. The conversation also covers the challenges facing Monroe today, from violent crime and illegal firearms to community trust, technology, recruitment, and the future of public safety.

Whether you're interested in law enforcement, public safety, or the future of Monroe, this episode offers an inside look at the challenges and decisions facing today's police leaders.

On this episode of Waiting Tables, host John Bruscato sits down with Congresswoman Julia Letlow for a personal and thoughtful conversation about faith, family, public service, and the responsibility of representing Louisiana.

Julia reflects on the legacy of her late husband, Luke Letlow, and the lessons he taught her about serving people with humility and purpose. She shares how that foundation shaped her own journey into public office, her passion for education, her work on the Appropriations Committee, and her belief that Louisiana’s future depends on strong families, local leadership, workforce development, and investing in the next generation.

From early childhood education and trade schools to AI, cybersecurity, and the importance of staying grounded in Washington, this conversation gives listeners a closer look at the person behind the public role and the values that continue to guide her. 

On this episode of Waiting Tables, host John Bruscato sits down with John Fleming, Louisiana State Treasurer, physician, Navy veteran, businessman, former congressman, and candidate for U.S. Senate.

Fleming shares his personal story, from growing up in a working-class home and losing his father at a young age, to paying his way through medical school through military service and building a career rooted in medicine, business, and public service. He also discusses his time serving in Congress, working in the Trump administration, and his current role as Louisiana’s State Treasurer.

The conversation covers Fleming’s views on leadership, healthcare reform, government spending, carbon capture and sequestration, the role of a U.S. Senator, and what he believes is at stake for Louisiana’s future. Throughout the episode, John Bruscato focuses on getting to know Fleming beyond the headlines and politics, offering listeners a deeper look at the person, his background, and his motivation to serve.

In this episode of Waiting Tables, John Bruscato sits down with Misti Cordell for a wide-ranging conversation about work, family, leadership, and the lessons that come from serving others. Misti shares her journey from pharmaceuticals and interior design to higher education, healthcare outreach, and public service.

They talk about the value of real-world experience, why young people need more exposure to career paths earlier in life, the challenges facing healthcare and workforce development in Louisiana, and how service jobs can teach skills that last a lifetime. It is an honest, thoughtful conversation about problem-solving, accountability, and what it means to lead well.