What’s What BR

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders with Dr. Ashleigh Eaves In this episode of What's What VR, guest Dr. Ashleigh Eaves from Ochsner Baton Rouge discusses autism and neurodevelopmental disabilities, including their symptoms, diagnosis, and the importance of acceptance and support. As a licensed psychologist specializing in autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities, Dr. Eaves emphasizes the s...

Empowering Louisiana Communities: Aetna's Mission of Health and Engagement In this episode of 'What's What VR,' hosts are joined by Jess, the Health Plan President from Aetna for Better Health of Louisiana, and Nikesha Roderick, the Lead Director of Marketing and Community Development. They discuss Aetna's efforts in Medicaid plan management in Louisiana, serving 159,000 members by connecting them...

Bridging the Early Childhood Education Gap: A Look Inside EBR's Innovative Solutions In this episode of What's What VR, the discussion focuses on the initiatives of the East Baton Rouge (EBR) school system to address early childhood education through innovative partnerships and programs. Guests Dr. Griffin, Ms. Warren, and Ms. Barnes detail a public-private partnership model involving 'micro cente...

Mayor J.T. Taylor on Growth, Development, and Transparency in Livingston In this episode of What's What BR, Mayor J.T. Taylor discusses the substantial growth and development in Livingston Parish, Louisiana, and the challenges and benefits that come with it. Mayor Taylor emphasizes the importance of progressing in a controlled and positive manner to avoid stagnation. He shares insights into variou...

In this edition of What's What BR, Brandon interviews George Bell, the President and CEO of Capital Area United Way, about his role and the impact of the organization on the Baton Rouge community. Bell shares insights from his transition from a 30-year career in healthcare to leading a major nonprofit, emphasizing the United Way's commitment to addressing social needs and improving lives across a...

Today, we talked with Dr. Les Hixon, a pediatric cardiologist at Ochsner Baton Rouge, focusing on pediatric cardiology and heart health. Dr. Hixon explains congenital heart defects and mentions the increasing number of adults living with congenital heart defects. He emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention for children with heart issues. The conversation also covers the import...

Stephen Loy from Nexus Louisiana discusses the support provided to tech entrepreneurs at Louisiana Technology Park. Nexus offers coaching, capital, and connections to tech entrepreneurs. They have an upcoming event, Ignition 2.0, focusing on pitch deck walkthroughs and mentorship. Additionally, they are organizing Brew Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week with networking opportunities and a high-stak...

Dr. Hogan, a primary care sports medicine physician at Oshner, discusses the growth and multidisciplinary approach of sports medicine. He explains the partnership between Oshner and the Andrews Center to create the Oshner Andrews Sports Medicine Institute. The focus is on patient-first care and using expertise, research, and resources to make a difference in athletes' lives. Dr. Hogan also advises...

- What's What BR features one of our favorite returning guests, Ms. Mary Stein from the East Baton Rouge Parish Library.  - We have 355,000 cardholders. There's always room for one more. Because we have a lot of people that drive across the parish line to go to school here. We consider them ours. We'll take them in our big gumbo bowl. - The library is now fine free for children and senior citizens...

Dr. Corey Falcon from Oshner, Baton Rouge. He works in pediatric oncology at Oshner’s. He also does hematology, which is blood disorders. I’ll be asking all the dumb questions today.  Most of the cancers in children are distinct. Childhood leukemia is the most common cancer in children. There are some types that are similar, but typically the treatments, sometimes they can overlap, but treatments...

– We have a returning guest, Mayor President Sharon Weston Broome, with us.  – Mayor President Sharon Weston Broome recently gave a State of the City address at the Press Club. Our theme for this year is Red Stick Rising. She says there are a lot of areas where we know we still have to make improvements. Mayor President Sharon Weston Broome Making improvements is an ongoing daily task for all of u...

– Ronnie Morris was a career ExxonMobil employee. He now sits on the BESE board and has a nonprofit that he started with the hydroponics and the classrooms. One of the challenges is how do we engage kids in education today. – Another really cool place where kids are getting a lot of hands on experience in school is Walker High School in Walker. Kids know when they go in that there’s more to it tha...

– Welcome to another episode of What’s What BR. We’ve got a couple of guests with us today from the Gardere Initiative. – Eight week summer program in spite of the 100 degree temperature. 73 children apply for our summer program. – We cannot even imagine what this community would be without us being here. And logistics, I don’t think people realize how much of a difference where you’re nested is m...

In the recent episode of the What’s What BR Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting DR Rachael Kermis, M.D. with Ochsner Baton Rouge. – DR. Rachael Kermis, M.D. joins us from Oshners today. It’s definitely hard, these Mondays coming back to work, especially with that heat over the weekend. A lot of people come in dehydrated from being weekend warriors. So we’re getting through it. – A lot of teena...

- The theme of the week of the month is heat. Thank the good Lord for the air conditioning. If you can stay in the mid 70s, you're doing all right. - Our Summer of Hope program has been our focus during the summer. It focuses on areas within our community that are at high risk for violence or considered at risk. Public safety is an ongoing issue that mayors across America will continue to work on....

In this episode of What’s What BR, we meet Ashley Rodrigue, Public Affairs Director w/ the State Fire Marshal's office. Ashley discusses the importance of smoke detectors in the home as well as generator safety during this year's hurricane season.

In the recent episode of the What's What BR Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Savanna Latimer, a registered dietician from Eat Fit BR, a nonprofit organization affiliated with Ochsner Baton Rouge. Savanna, an LSU grad, Baton Rouge native, and mother, took us through her work at Eat Fit BR, illuminating the organization's dedication to community nutrition. She clarified the focus on increment...

On this episode of What’s What BR, we meet with returning guest Mike Steele, Communications Director at Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Steele talks about how to prepare for the start of hurricane season, the effects of emergencies on communities, and resources for updates during times of emergency. 

In this episode of What’s What BR, we meet with new guest, Courtney Gonsoulin, Speech Pathologist of Ochsner Baton Rouge. Courtney talks about her role as a Speech Pathologist, the different roles you can do as a Speech Pathologist, the Super Clinic, and the vision of Ochsner Baton Rouge. 

On this Episode of What’s What BR, we meet with EBR School’s Chief of Literacy, Shenoa Warren and Executive Director of Early Childhood, Dr. Leigh Griffin. Warren and Griffin talk about their roles in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, the importance of having literacy skills, access to childcare, and much more. 

On this episode of What’s What BR, we meet with returning guest Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome. Broome discusses the new Hockey team coming to Baton Rouge, Mayor’s Alliance to End Childhood Hunger, MOVEBR, and public safety.

On this episode of What’s What BR, we meet with Dr. Marc Matrana of Ochsner Baton Rouge. Dr. Matrana talks about his life as a medical oncologist, where medicine is today versus where it used to be, and his role at Ochsner. 

On this Episode of What’s What BR, we meet with new guest, Erin Monroe Wesley, Communications Market Vice President. Wesley talks about working in her position, Cox Mobile, and the Cox Family.   

In this episode of What’s What BR, we meet with Dr. Luz Randolph, Executive Director of City Year. Dr. Luz Randolph talks about City Year, an educational non-profit program focused on gathering young adults to fuel the movement to make schools and communities successful. 

In this episode of What’s What BR, we meet with new guest Desiree Dawson, Cardiologist at Ochsner Baton Rouge. Dr. Dawson talks about heart health, lifestyle changes, and other health issues.