Local Leaders: The Podcast!

Local Leaders The Podcast #224  In this episode, Jim Chapman sits down with  Delia Taylor , Chairwoman of the Livingston Parish Airport District, for an in-depth look at the Livingston Executive Airport — Louisiana’s first new airfield in nearly 40 years. Delia walks us through the current construction progress, the state-of-the-art 4,200-foot runway and supporting facilities designed for corporat...

In this  episode, Jim Chapman sits down with Lizzie Baudoin as she discusses Living IN Parish Magazine. This new addition to Livingston Parish will cover the lifestyle and culture that makes Livingston Parish such a unique place to live, work and play! You can learn more about Living IN Parish Magazine by visiting: https://www.livinginparishmagazine.com Timestamps: 01:36 Meet Lizzie and Her Vision...

In this powerful episode, Jim Chapman sits down with Judge Blair Downing Edwards as she discusses her decision to run for the Louisiana Supreme Court. Joining Jim on this episode is also Livingston Parish Assessor Jeff Taylor who provides his insight (and a full endorsement) of Judge Edwards who has been legendary in both her start as a Juvenile Court Judge to her current status on Louisiana’s Fir...

In this powerful episode, Jim Chapman sits down with Gus LeBaron — a true-blue tradesman turned empire builder — for a raw conversation about how he built his construction business from an unknown start-up to an empire.   Gus opens up about his gritty early challenges, the mentors who changed his trajectory, and the hard-won lessons that took him from working IN the trenches to building his thrivi...

In this episode, Jim Chapman sits down with Senator Rick Edmonds, the 6th District Senator in Louisiana, who has announced is intention to run for U.S. Congress in Louisiana’s 5th district for a SECOND interview. Senator Edmond’s discusses his early life in Shreveport, highlighting the family values that shaped him and his journey from ministry to politics, spurred by a desire for greater represen...

In this episode, Jim Chapman sits down with Senator Rick Edmonds, the 6th District Senator in Louisiana, who has announced is intention to run for U.S. Congress in Louisiana’s 5th district. Senator Edmond’s discusses his early life in Shreveport, highlighting the family values that shaped him and his journey from ministry to politics, spurred by a desire for greater representation after being insp...

In this episode, Jim sits down with Sheriff Jason Ard as they discuss a wide variety of topics including the 2025 Christmas Crusade,  the growing results of the ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Program, the general evolution of the Sheriff’s Office  the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office successful fight combating Fentanyl in the parish and the steps the Sheriff has taken to make schools ev...

In this episode, Jim sits down with Sean Aucoin and Mark Nichols to discuss the healing potential of bioactive peptides in MAKE Wellness Products. Sean shares his recovery story post-shoulder surgery using Make Wellness peptides and Mark  joins to discuss how “focused” peptides helped manage his ADHD without side effects.  They delve into the benefits of products like Lean, Fit, Hydrated, and Rest...

Closing in on his eleventh year in office, Denham Springs mayor Gerard Landry isn’t slowing down. He has already announced that he will not be seeking a 4th term as the mayor but that does not mean that his final year will not be an epic one.  Throughout his 3 terms,  Mayor Landry has seen his entire city covered with water, immediately after he traveled to Washington DC and gave a speech to a pac...

The “Cool Guys” of Cool Kings Heating and Air Join Jim Chapman on this edition of Local Leader the Podcast Cool Kings to discuss HVAC industry changes, the importance of efficiency and maintenance, the benefits of smart thermostats and what you can do to extend the life of your A/C unit. Timestamps 05:47 Understanding AC Repair Challenges 07:14 Exploring Refrigerant Efficiency Changes 11:49 Types...

In this episode of Local Leaders the Podcast, Jim Chapman sits down with David and Marissa Hofstetter of Restoration 1 of East Baton Rouge to discuss the lesser known facts of storm prep as well as other information to get you ready should disaster strike.  Restoration1 on the web: https://restoration1.com/east-baton-rouge Restoration1 on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/R1EBR

Jody Purvis, the Superintendent of Livingston Parish Public Schools Joined Jim Chapman of Local Leaders the Podcast Louisiana as we discussed the importance of an upcoming renewal on the May 3rd ballot supported by the parish for nearly 70 years. Be an informed voter and give this one a watch before voting.

The importance of mentorships...the truancy issue and what it leads to...is "locking them up and throwing away the key" the answer, and what is something Jenny Richardson Fore would like to see changed currently in the 21st JDC Juvenile court division. Jenny Richardson Fore for Juvenile Judge sits down with Jim Chapman OF Local Leaders the Podcast Louisiana as we discuss these topics and much more...

In this episode of Local Leaders the Podcast, Jim Chapman sits down with volunteers of “The Louisiana Orphan Train Museum”. This non-profit museum located in Opelousas, Louisiana highlights the story of children placed on orphan trains from the mid-1800’s to early 1900’s with many transported right here in Louisiana. It’s a deep dive into an often overlooked part of both Louisiana and American His...

Jim Chapman sits down with Jenny Fore, a candidate for Juvenile Court Judge in the 21st Judicial District. We discuss the critical role of juvenile justice in shaping our community, highlighting Jenny's journey from Louisiana State University to working closely with legendary Judge Blair Edwards. Her unique qualifications as it relates to this Juvenile Judgeship really set her apart and her choice...

In this episode of Local Leaders The Podcast, Jim Chapman engages in a deep conversation with Rick Gage, a former football coach turned evangelist, who has dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel since 1986. Joined by Richard Blue, the Director of Missions for the East Louisiana Baptist Association, we explore Rick’s transformative journey and the significant moment that ignited his faith. Rick...

Trauma relief specialist Dakota Sutcliffe discusses natural methods for managing anxiety, PTSD, and addiction without revisiting traumas, and provides insight on how his company offers quick relief strategies and resources for better mental clarity and emotional health. Timestamps 02:11 Dakota's Unique Business Journey 06:58 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects 12:53 The Process of Healing Trauma...

Chief Judge Blair Edwards announced the establishment of Division L within the 21st Judicial District Court to manage the rising caseloads in Tangipahoa, Livingston, and St. Helena parishes, with a particular focus on juvenile cases. In this episode, Lindon Bennett MaGee, a candidate for the Judge’s seat, discusses her motivations to run and the necessity of Division L.  Lindon, a local attorney w...

Jim Chapman sits down with Lt. Scobie of the DS Police Department and Alex Watts of the DS Fire Department discuss the proposed hotel tax on the upcoming ballot in Denham Springs. This tax that will not be a burden to the citizens of the City of Denham Springs aims to improve the salaries and benefits of both departments with no impact to local citizens. Lieutenant Scobie underscores the importanc...

In this episode, Jim Chapman of Local Leaders the Podcast sits down with Robert Reynolds and Helene Wall of Spotlight Theater Players, a nonprofit focused on live theater in Livingston Parish. Robert shares the challenges of finding a sustainable venue for performances, while Helene emphasizes the need for a permanent space to enhance community engagement.  They discuss the positive impact of thea...

In this episode, host Jim Chapman sits down with Taylor Hubert, a candidate for the District 2 school board seat in Livingston Parish. Taylor discusses the upcoming election and his commitment to education, shaped by his background and the massive amount of educators in his family.  Key issues he is looking to address should he be elected include addressing the need of updated school facilities to...

Chief Judge Blair Edwards announced the establishment of Division L within the 21st Judicial District Court to manage the rising caseloads in Tangipahoa, Livingston, and St. Helena parishes, with a particular focus on juvenile cases. In this episode, Lindon Bennett MaGee, a candidate for the Judge’s seat, discusses her motivations to run and the necessity of Division L.  Lindon, a local attorney w...

In this episode, “Local Leaders the Podcast” Host Jim Chapman sits down with David Gross, owner of P&D Gun Shop, as they discuss Louisiana's SB1 law that allows residents 18 and older to carry concealed firearms without a permit. We cover the law's implications, including necessary knowledge of prohibited areas and the advantages of obtaining a concealed carry permit. They cover the importance...

Host Jim Chapman sits down and explores the world of investigative journalist Kiran Chawla. From her early days as an intern to her renowned award filled career, Kieran discusses the challenges and rewards of reporting truth.  Jim delves into her decision to launch, "Unfiltered with Kiran,” and her latest venture, her podcast, "Louisiana Unfiltered,”. Kiran’s dedication to community involvement an...

In this episode of Local Leaders, Jim Chapman discusses personal branding, highlighting the importance of defining one's purpose, values, and unique value proposition.  Jim emphasizes crafting a compelling narrative with personal stories and maintaining a strong online presence and stresses the significance of networking, delivering value, and adapting to feedback to enhance one's personal brand a...