Louisiana Unfiltered

In this powerful conversation, Kiran Chawla and Megan H. Kelly delve into the complex and often taboo subject of domestic violence. Megan shares her personal journey as a survivor, discussing the signs of abuse, the impact of isolation, and the importance of support systems. They explore the societal issues surrounding victim blaming and the need for awareness and resources for those affected.  #l...

Kiran Chawla interviews John Foster Benoit, the 2025 American Idol runner-up, who shares his inspiring journey from a small Louisiana town to national fame. John discusses the impact of personal tragedy, specifically the loss of friends, which led him to write the poignant song "Tell That Angel, I Love Her."  He reflects on his American Idol experience, highlighting a pivotal audition moment and t...

Laine Hardy, the Louisiana country music star and 2019 "American Idol" winner, speaks with host Kiran Chawla about his journey to fame, family life, and upcoming music projects. He reflects on the emotional highs of his Idol experience, the challenges he faced—and the valuable lessons he learned.  Laine shares how fatherhood has transformed his perspective and emphasizes the importance of faith, f...

In this conversation, Brett Malone shares the profound impact of his mother's tragic murder on his life and the community of Plain Dealing, Louisiana. He recounts the loving legacy of his mother, her role in the community, and the shocking events surrounding her death at the hands of Jeremiah Manning. Chapters 00:16 A Tragedy Unfolded 01:41 Meeting Brett Malone 16:56 The Night of the Murder 33:43...

A mother shares her five-year search for her missing son, Christopher, ahead of Mother's Day, reflecting on his struggles with addiction and the emotional toll on her family while offering a 10K reward and urging anyone with information to come forward. Chapters  00:22 A Mother's Desperation for Answers 12:25 The $10,000 Reward 16:45 Who is Christopher? 24:23 Understanding Addiction 26:16 The Down...

In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, State Climatologist Jay Grymes joins Kiran Chawla as they discuss the massive rise in the Mississippi River and the impacts expected as well as the impending hurricane season. Chapters 01:14 Transition to Jay's New Role 07:34 Reflecting on Past Floods 10:10 Understanding Mississippi River Dynamics 14:15 The Impact of Flooding 19:56 Consequences of Spillway...

In this episode Kiran explores the case of John Barry Simonis, the Ski Mask Rapist, who received 21 life sentences. Former Gonzales Police Chief Bill Landry recounts Simonis's capture and how as a young officer, his seemly unrelated tip led to the rapist’s capture. Chapters 00:22 Chilling Case of John Barry Simonis 01:46 Introducing Chief Bill Landry 03:23 John Simonis: The Early Years 08:04 A Dan...

It has been 3 years and still no arrests have been made and no know suspects in the murder of Devin Page Jr. Ty Tolliver and Kathy Tolliver share the horrific details of three-year-old Devin Page Jr.'s tragic death due to a stray bullet and quest for justice amidst unanswered questions. Kiran Chawla is joined by Devin's mother Ty Tolliver and Grandmother Kathy Tolliver as they delve into the event...

Kiran Chawla interviews East Baton Rouge Mayor/President Sid Edwards on his first 100 days in office, tackling crime, public safety improvements, youth intervention, economic challenges, and his transition from coaching to politics. Timestamps 01:51 Reflecting on 100 Days in Office 07:17 Tackling Public Safety 10:15 The Reality of Gangs 14:53 Addressing Youth Violence 23:41 Education and Crime Pre...

In this episode Jim Chapman joins Kiran Chawla as they break down the 1995 shooting of Michael Gerardi, the subsequent conviction of Shareef Cousin in the murder and the turn of events that would release Cousin from prison. Timestamps 07:19 A Shocking Turn of Events 07:58 Investigating the Murder 11:26 Eyewitness Reliability Issues 13:37 Trial and Testimony 16:07 The Verdict 20:19 A Historic Sente...

BRPD Deputy Chief Chris McClure sits down with Kiran as they discuss a 30% overdose rate reduction in East Baton Rouge as they highlight the results of several large busts in the capital city.   Timestamps 01:26 Local Overdose Reduction Success 02:40 Understanding Fentanyl's Deadly Impact 09:41 The Rise of Counterfeit Pills 11:43 How Fentanyl is Sold 22:56 Major Drug Busts and Their Impact 33:50 C...

In this episode, Kiran Chawla speaks with Kim Watson. Kim shares her sister Nanette's tragic story, whose 2017 death was misreported as a fire but revealed to be a shooting.    Timestamps 09:26 Threats and Fears 12:53 The Day of the Fire 14:33 The Investigation Unfolds 17:00 The Fire Chief's Role 25:42 Uncovering Infidelity 36:06 Autopsy and Cover-Up 41:09 Remembering Nanette  Local Sponsors:     ...

In this episode of “Louisiana Unfiltered” Host Kiran Chawla sits down with Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard and the world renowned host of TruBlu TV’s  “Take Down” as well as the classic “To Catch A Predator” series, host Chris Hansen as they discuss this growing danger that exist online and how they teamed up to stop it. Timestamps 01:09 The Livingston Parish Takedown 05:07 Insights from Chris...

Kiran Chawla and Daniel Brown explore the impending executions in the state of Louisiana, and the approved use of nitrogen gas as the method. Timestamps 01:36 Controversial History of Executions 03:55 Cases That Made Headlines 06:01 Evolution of Execution Methods 13:32 The Electric Chair's Dark Legacy 14:59 Gender Disparities on Death Row 15:47 Racial and Legal Concerns 39:55 The Role of DNA  Loca...

Kiran Chawla explores former BRPD Officer Donald Steele's malfeasance conviction, detailing his coercive tactics during a traffic stop. Timestamps 00:19 The Case Unfolds 01:19 The Incident at Burbank Drive 06:53  Administrative Leave Dilemma 18:35  Indictment and Its Implications 26:37 The Grand Jury's Decision 35:16 A Troubling Verdict 37:57 The Supreme Court's Ruling 40:03 Judge Rose's Controver...

In this episode, Kiran Chawla and executive producer Daniel Brown discuss a tragic week in Baton Rouge marked by high-profile crimes, including the story of Trevor Harrison, a young man killed while trying to help a family with a plumbing job. They also delve into a botched homicide case in the capital city.  Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to a Tragic Week in Baton Rouge 02:00 The Story of Trevor H...

Kiran Chawla sits down with Hillar Moore, East Baton Rouge DA, as they discuss crime trends in Baton Rouge, including youth violence and fentanyl's impact as well as plans being put in place to curb the violence in the capital city.  Timestamps 12:05 The Impact of Education on Crime 15:16 Youth Violence and Gun Access 18:08 The Rise of Machine Guns 22:27 Addressing Drug Overdoses 26:27 The Fentany...

In this episode, Kiran Chawla and Daniel Brown discuss Super Bowl 59, which is only days away in New Orleans. They cover the excitement, the new security measures the city has implemented, the economic impact, and the cultural significance of the festivities. Timestamps 00:00 Super Bowl Excitement in New Orleans 02:59 Security Measures and Community Resilience 05:46 The History of Super Bowl in Ne...

In this episode, Kiran Chawla discusses the escalating crime rates in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, exploring its impact amid recent violent incidents, as well as newly sworn in Mayor Sid Edwards' response to the crime wave. Timestamps 02:59 The Impact of Crime 06:14 Juvenile Crime  09:08 The Role of Law Enforcement  12:10 Community Initiatives 15:01 The Future of Crime Prevention in Baton Rouge 29:18 T...

In this episode, Daniel Brown joins Kiran Chawla as they examine the devastating case of 18-year-old Ja'Morius Mitchell, who went missing just before Christmas, prompting a mother's desperate search that ended tragically with the discovery of his body in a sugarcane field.  Timestamps 03:55 Setting the Scene 05:37 Missing 18-Year-Old 07:32 A Heartbreaking Discovery 13:12 Arrests Made 15:16 The Imp...

In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla and Daniel Brown delve into the tragic terrorist attack that occurred on New Year's Day in New Orleans, where 14 innocent lives were lost. They discuss the timeline of events, the investigation into the attacker's motives, and the community's response to the tragedy.  Chapters 00:00 New Year's Day Tragedy in New Orleans 12:57 The Attack: Timeli...

In this episode, Kiran Chawla sits down with Judy and Toni Lynn, a mother and daughter grappling with the profound loss of Blake Zieto, who tragically died in a motorcycle wreck at just 20 years old. They recount the agony of that day, from celebrating his birthday to the heartbreaking moment they learned of the collision caused by an undocumented immigrant who fled the scene. As they share their...

In this episode of "Louisiana Unfiltered," Daniel Brown Joins Kiran Chawla as they reflect on the transformative stories of 2024 that have shaped the Louisiana community. They discuss the emotional toll of these stories and the political landscape influenced by actions from leaders like Governor Jeff Landry made 2024 a historic year. Highlighting moments of hope, and sharing intimate testimonies,...

In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard to discuss the perplexing disappearance of Barbara Blunt, missing since May 2, 2008. We discuss the troubling circumstances surrounding her case, including the mysterious conditions at her home and the discovery of her car nearby. Sheriff Ard provides insight into the challenges faced during th...

In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with Lindsay Powers who shares her inspiring transformation from a multi-year battle with drug addiction to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Growing up in a troubled environment, she recounts how her struggles with heroin and opiates impacted her life. Lindsay's pivotal decision to seek help, led her to reclaim her life and open he...