Bridging the Bayou - the Podcast of Fletcher Technical Community College

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou , Chancellor Kristine Strickland sits down with Mike Lewis, owner of Big Mike's BBQ Smokehouse. From his early days in the restaurant industry to building one of the Bayou Region's most recognizable restaurant brands, Mike shares the story behind Big Mike's, the lessons he has learned through entrepreneurship, and the challenges he has overcome...

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou , Chancellor Kristine Strickland sits down with Christy Zeringue, President and CEO of Colab. From workforce development and economic growth to regional collaboration and community identity, Christy shares her perspective on the opportunities and challenges shaping the Bayou Region. The conversation explores talent retention, industry expansion, quality of lif...

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou , Chancellor Kristine Strickland sits down with Nancy Clement, Dean of Energy and Advanced Technologies at Fletcher Technical Community College. From unexpected career paths to the growing demand for skilled trades, Nancy shares her perspective on opportunity, workforce needs, and what it really takes to succeed in today’s job market. Whether you're explo...

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou , Dr. Kristine Strickland welcomes Hillary Charpentier, Executive Director of the South Central Industrial Association (SCIA), for a conversation on leadership, industry, and the evolving opportunities across the Bayou Region. From an unexpected career path to a role at the center of regional collaboration, Hillary offers insight into the connections and conve...

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou , Dr. Kristine Strickland welcomes State Representative Jessica Domangue of District 53 to the podcast for a conversation on public service, workforce development, and legislative leadership in Louisiana. Representative Domangue shares insights on how her background as a licensed clinical social worker shapes her approach to policymaking, the importance of tra...

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou , Dr. Kristine Strickland welcomes Dr. Jay Clune, President of Nicholls State University, to the podcast for a conversation on leadership, regional partnership, and the evolving role of higher education in the Bayou Region. Dr. Clune shares insights on his journey back home to lead Nicholls, the importance of persistence in leadership, and how institutions lik...

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou , Dr. Kristine Strickland welcomes Richard Nelson , the new President of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, to the podcast and to his new role Nelson podcast. President Nelson shares reflections on his journey, his vision for the system, and how community and technical colleges can help expand opportunity and strengthen Louisiana’s workforce...

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou, Dr. Kristine Strickland sits down with Ben Malbrough, Vice President of GIS Engineering and Chair of the Fletcher Foundation Board, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, community, and the paths that shape our careers. Ben shares reflections on his journey, what motivates his work, and why investing in people and the region matters. It’s an engaging...

In this special on the road edition of Bridging the Bayou , Chancellor Kristine Strickland takes the podcast to the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Annual Conference in New Orleans, where more than one thousand faculty, staff, students, and partners gathered to learn, collaborate, and refocus on serving communities across the state. Recorded live from the conference expo floor, th...

In this special on the road edition of Bridging the Bayou , Chancellor Kristine Strickland takes the podcast to the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Annual Conference in New Orleans, where more than one thousand faculty, staff, students, and partners gathered to learn, collaborate, and refocus on serving communities across the state. Recorded live from the conference expo floor, th...

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou, Dr. Kristine Strickland welcomes Simone Maloz, Campaign Director for Restore the Mississippi River Delta. The conversation highlights Louisiana’s leadership in coastal restoration and how science, community, and partnerships are shaping a more resilient future. Simone shares her path to coastal advocacy, the importance of collaboration, and practical ways we...

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou , Dr. Kristine Strickland welcomes Representative Joseph Orgeron to the podcast. The conversation explores his journey from science to public service and how he's working to address key issues across the Bayou Region. From insurance reform to coastal restoration, Representative Orgeron shares insights on building a stronger, more resilient future for our...

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou , Chancellor Kristine Strickland sits down with Dr. Ugo Ezema, a pulmonologist and critical care specialist, to explore the intersection of medicine, community service, and life in the Bayou Region. Hear how his medical expertise meets a passion for making a difference, and the lessons he's learned along the way.  Listen to The Last Zebra on Spotify: The...

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou , Dr. Kristine Strickland welcomes Jennifer Armand, Executive Director of the Bayou Community Foundation. The discussion focuses on how the Foundation is addressing long-term recovery needs following a natural disaster in the Bayou Region. From housing and mental health services to collaboration with local partners, Jennifer shares how strategic philanthropy i...

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou , host Dr. Kristine Strickland is joined by Chett Chiasson, Executive Director of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission. Together, they explore how one of the region’s most critical assets is shaping the future of energy, transportation, and coastal resilience. From infrastructure to innovation and community engagement, this episode offers a front-row seat to...

This episode features Phyllis Peoples, President and CEO of Terrebonne General Health System, in a heartwarming and insightful conversation with Chancellor Dr. Kristine Strickland. From her early days as a CNA to her current role as a healthcare leader, Phyllis shares stories of legacy, leadership, and community commitment. Topics include evolving healthcare delivery, workforce development, commun...

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou , Chancellor Kristine Strickland is joined by Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation. Archie opens up about his unexpected journey into politics, meeting two sitting U.S. Presidents, and the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Ida. He discusses economic development, workforce needs, infrastructure improvements, an...

This episode of Bridging the Bayou features Terrebonne Parish President Jason Bergeron , a local leader known for his entrepreneurial drive and deep community commitment. Dr. Strickland and Jason dive into how leadership, transparency, and passion are fueling transformation across the parish. Jason shares how servant leadership, economic development, Streamlining government operations, and tech-dr...

This episode of Bridging the Bayou features Christie Landry , Director of Louisiana STEM Region 3, better known as Bayou STEM . Christie joins Dr. Kristine Strickland for an engaging conversation about her unique path from turtle farming to STEM education leadership. Discover how Bayou STEM is bringing hands-on, high-impact opportunities to students, partnering with industry, and challenging myths...

In this dynamic episode of Bridging the Bayou , Chancellor Kristine Strickland welcomes Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, Louisiana’s Commissioner of Higher Education. Together, they dive into the evolving landscape of education and workforce development across the state. Listeners will hear about dual enrollment innovations, the importance of regional institutions, and how strategic partnerships can drive soc...

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou , Chancellor Kristine Strickland sits down with Bren Haase, Director of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP), to discuss the urgent challenges of coastal land loss and the innovative solutions being implemented. From habitat restoration to community engagement, learn how BTNEP is making a difference and what we can all do to protect our ho...

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou , Chancellor Kristine Strickland sits down with Cohen Guidry , Chief Executive Officer of the Terrebonne Economic Development Authority (TEDA). Cohen shares his journey from serving in the military to leading economic growth in the Bayou Region. With a background in oil and gas, safety management, and international business, he offers valuable insights on lead...

What if a simple gesture could transform the way people see you? In this episode, we sit down with Mary Chauvin, founder of Etiquette Center of the South, to explore the significance of social behaviors in everyday life. From teaching children basic manners to coaching professionals on workplace etiquette, Mary shares her passion for refining soft skills that make a lasting impact. Plus, we dive i...

What does the future of Louisiana’s energy industry look like? In this episode of Bridging the Bayou , Tommy Faucheux, President of Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA), joins us for an insightful conversation about energy, workforce development, and community impact. From the role of oil and gas in Louisiana’s economy to exciting new innovations like carbon capture, Tommy share...

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou , we sit down with Jamie Chauvin, Fletcher’s Director of Work Ready U and Adult Education, to discuss how Fletcher is transforming lives through education and workforce readiness. Discover how Jamie and her team are breaking barriers and inspiring growth in the Bayou region.