Mornings with Brian Haldane

Bloomberg podcast co-host David Gura explains how The Big Take Daily blends timely news with in-depth analysis, offering listeners context behind headlines in just 20 minutes. From Federal Reserve decisions to quirky stories like the economics of designer dogs, the show aims to make complex business and market topics relatable for both Wall Street pros and everyday consumers. Gura emphasizes clari...

For this week’s Foodie Friday, Brian Haldane welcomed the team from Pappy’s Gumbo to share their unique spin on a beloved Louisiana tradition.

Patrick Gremillion joined the show to discuss the growing trend of employee-driven marketing, where companies like Starbucks and Amalfi Jets leverage staff-created social media content instead of traditional ad agencies. While this approach offers authenticity and cost savings, Gremillion warns of pitfalls like oversaturation and losing originality, urging influencers to stay true to what made the...

LSU Board of Supervisors Chair Scott Ballard detailed the whirlwind of changes that have reshaped the university over the past two months. From parting ways with Coach Brian Kelly after losing momentum with fans, to replacing Athletic Director Scott Woodward with Verge Ausberry for stability, Ballard emphasized a process-driven approach amid rapid transitions.

Metro Councilman Rowdy Gaudet discussed the upcoming December 9 vote on the city-parish budget, emphasizing that the process is about balancing numbers, not politics.

Kyle Callihan along with Laura McDavitt announced that Baton Rouge will host the First Responders Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 14, from 2–4 p.m. The event, dubbed Operation Save Santa, will feature fire trucks, police units, SWAT vehicles, and Santa himself on a shiny red fire truck. The parade honors fallen officer Caleb Ainsworth’s family and invites the community to enjoy festive throws...

On Crimestoppers this week, Deputy Chief Johnny Dunham joined the show to spotlight the upcoming Holiday Sinatra fundraiser at LSU Union Theater, benefiting Crime Stoppers’ reward payouts and educational programs. Listeners were reminded to report tips anonymously via 344-STOP or the P3 app, and warned about rising porch piracy during the holiday season.

Gianni Russo, best known as Carlo in The Godfather, joined the show to discuss his new book Mafia Secrets: Untold Tales from the Hollywood Godfather. Russo shared explosive stories, including Marilyn Monroe’s final days at Cal Neva with Sinatra and Bobby Kennedy, and his own brush with Lee Harvey Oswald just days before JFK’s assassination. He teased an upcoming book, Celebrities and Gangsters, an...

As 2025 draws to a close, Visit Baton Rouge is celebrating a banner year for tourism, conventions, and economic impact. President and CEO Jill Kidder joined the conversation to reflect on the successes that boosted Baton Rouge’s profile and economy, while sharing a glimpse of what’s next.

In this episode of A Cup of Tech Gumbo, Haggai Davis dives into Microsoft’s struggle to convince users to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Despite Windows 10 reaching end-of-support in October, nearly a billion computers remain on the older OS—half by choice, half due to hardware limitations.

Ocean Harvesters’ Ben Landry joined Brian Haldane to discuss the ongoing controversy over Louisiana’s menhaden fishery, centered on buffer zones that restrict how close industry boats can operate near shore.

Lauren Giffin and Joe Carvalhido from the LSU Alumni Association highlighted LSU’s recent leadership changes and the hiring of Lane Kiffin as major wins that strengthen the university’s brand. Looking ahead to 2026

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple joined Brian Haldane and shared encouraging news about the state’s insurance market.

Senator Bill Cassidy joined Brian Haldane to discuss two major legislative wins aimed at easing taxpayer stress and tackling addiction.

Attorney Franz Borghardt joined Brian Haldane for this week's Legally Served to discuss two major legal stories. First, a Mississippi man was arrested for allegedly trying to buy a 10-month-old at an auction house—a case Borghardt says hinges on evidence and intent. He then warned that Baton Rouge’s crime problem could worsen due to budget shortfalls in the justice system, leading to more plea dea...

Eric Parnell is hosting the third annual memorial concert on December 6 at Curbside in Baton Rouge to honor his late wife, Laura, an ER physician and passionate organ donor. The free event features performances by Dominick Michael, Emily Parnell, and local bands, blending country, rock, and blues for a night of music and community. Proceeds and awareness efforts benefit LOPA (Louisiana Organ Procu...

Secretary of State Nancy Landry joined Brian Haldane to explain the changes to Louisiana elections as the state prepares to move into closed party primaries. 

Louisiana’s education system is undergoing significant changes aimed at improving student proficiency and transparency. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley shared updates on several key initiatives during a recent interview with Brian Haldane.

April Wehrs from The Livingston Parish Chamber joined Brian to provide an update what their latest projects. The projects include a disc golf park in Walker, a hotel/conference center and a project in Denham Springs among others.

Brian was joined by host of "Ringside Politics" Jeff Crouere to get a New Orleans area perspective on "Operation Swamp Sweep". Jeff also discussed the job of the New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick and what it means for police recruitment.

Congressman Troy Carter joined Brian Haldane for his weekly visit to reflect on Louisiana traditions, community service, and his latest legislative efforts.

Operation Swamp Sweep is reportedly beginning across South Louisiana and Mississippi, aiming to increase immigration arrests in areas historically resistant to federal enforcement. Immigration attorney David Rozas explains that similar sweeps in other cities have led to chaos, with ICE targeting everyday workers rather than criminals. Rosa stresses that individuals—citizens or not—have constitutio...

LABI President and CEO Will Green joined Brian to discuss The 2026 Progress of Work. Will listed the 3 priorities for LABI being continued push for progress in insurance, workforce and energy reform in the state legialature.

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy in Baton Rouge is guiding its most diverse cohort yet—students from six parishes and 16 schools—through the process of creating and launching their own businesses. Meeting weekly at LSU’s College of Business, participants develop ideas, register businesses, and prepare for a Shark Tank-style pitch event in March. The program thrives on community support through dona...

Walt Leger from New Orleans and Company joined Brian to discuss a plan to honor the lives lost and those impacted from the 2025 New Year's Day terror attack in New Orleans.