Mornings with Brian Haldane

Chef and proprietor Jonathan Reynolds of Rougarou Capital Bodega joins Brian Haldane for Foodie Friday to showcase his unique Cajun-Mexican fusion menu. Reynolds discusses the new Spanish Town restaurant, his creative approach to cooking, and signature dishes including gumbo birria tacos, boudin pastor bombs and the popular gumbo smash burger.

Anna Johnson with the Louisiana Department of Energy and Conservation joins Brian Haldane to discuss the state’s review of groundwater regulations, including concerns surrounding increased demand from data centers and industrial projects. Johnson also provides an update on carbon capture and storage applications and explains Louisiana’s ongoing effort to compete for a nuclear innovation lifecycle...

Patrick Gremillion, host of The Patty G Show, joins Brian Haldane to discuss Amazon’s Prime Air drone delivery program in Baton Rouge. They explore how the technology works, residents’ concerns about noise and airspace, the role of FAA regulations, and whether drone delivery could eventually expand to other retailers and restaurants. They also wrap up the conversation with a taste test of two new...

Richard Nelson, president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, joins Brian Haldane to discuss how Louisiana’s community and technical colleges are preparing for a surge in workforce demand. Nelson highlights new training partnerships with major employers, the growing need for skilled trades, and the importance of expanding access to career-focused education. He also addresses t...

Kyrin Minor, director of marketing and partner integration for Guaranty Health Solutions, joins Brian Haldane to discuss why organizational culture must be built intentionally. They explore how workplace culture affects employees, communication, operations and ultimately the patient experience. Minor explains Guaranty Health Solutions’ focus on aligning people, processes and patients, the importan...

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain discussed key agricultural updates, highlighting the ongoing effort to manage invasive species like carp in local waterways. He shared optimistic projections for National Rice Month and the upcoming crawfish season, pointing to successful crop rotations across hundreds of thousands of flooded acres. The discussion addressed economic pressures on l...

During National Suicide Prevention Month, iCARE specialist Pete Jory discusses crucial strategies for supporting youth mental health across East Baton Rouge Parish schools. The conversation addresses rising suicide rates among young minority populations and examines underlying risk factors like adverse childhood experiences and trauma. Key warning signs include sudden social withdrawal, shifts in...

The high-profile standoff between LSU and the SEC over roster eligibility rules has reached a tense de-escalation, officially removing the threat of LSU's expulsion from the conference. The conflict erupted when LSU attempted to leave roster spots open for players coming out of NFL training camps, prompting the SEC to take aggressive legal action to defend its regulatory authority. This confrontat...

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, former FBI Special Agent Brad Garrett shares his personal experience working in the Washington Field Office during the emergency response. He details the initial chaos and air traffic uncertainty following the strikes on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The discussion highlights how the attacks permanently reshaped American military strategy toward non-stat...

The Republican Party hosted a historic midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, aimed at energizing voters and framing the upcoming elections as critical to the conservative movement. RNC Representative Ally Triolo outlined how retaining legislative majorities in the House and Senate remains essential for policy implementation. The event featured economic discussions, policy reviews, and tributes to f...

Tommy Faucheux of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association discusses how a new Venezuelan oil deal could benefit Louisiana’s refineries, ports and energy workforce. He highlights the state’s refining capacity, the need for continued infrastructure investment and the potential for predictable oil supplies to support future jobs. Faucheux also discusses Louisiana’s broader economic develo...

Michael Vincent, a candidate for the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board’s District 7 seat, joins Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss his background in education and his priorities for the district. Vincent outlines his focus on student achievement, teacher recruitment and retention, school safety and fiscal accountability. He also discusses improving school facilities, supporting STEM and spe...

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill joins Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss the escalating legal battle between LSU and the SEC, including athlete eligibility, the SEC’s federal lawsuit, and the potential financial impact on schools and student-athletes. Murrill explains why she believes the dispute goes beyond LSU and raises broader questions about conference authority and changing colleg...

Whitney Hoffman Sayal, executive director of Baton Rouge’s Downtown Development District, joins Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss the future of downtown Baton Rouge. She explores residential growth, the challenges facing downtown retail, incentives for new housing and redevelopment, historic tax credits, and the potential economic impact of riverfront improvements. Hoffman Sayal also highligh...

Attorney Franz Borghardt joins Mornings With Brian Haldane to break down two major Louisiana legal stories. Franz examines the escalating dispute between LSU and the SEC, including athlete eligibility, NIL and revenue sharing, potential damages, and the legal consequences facing the conference. He also discusses the controversial 90-day sentence given to former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts followi...

Hannah Amoroso, a candidate for East Baton Rouge Parish School Board District 7, joins Brian Haldane to discuss her campaign and priorities for local education. Amoroso talks about expanding early childhood education, improving literacy, recruiting and retaining teachers and addressing school transportation challenges. She also shares her experience as a first-time candidate and what she has heard...

Kelly Schulz of New Orleans & Company and Sig Greenebaum, co-founder of NOLA x NOLA, join Brian Haldane to discuss New Orleans’ booming food, music and tourism industries. Schulz highlights the city’s recognition as a top foodie destination and a strong convention calendar, while Greenebaum explains how NOLA x NOLA grew from a post-pandemic idea into an annual celebration featuring hundreds of...

Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse joins Brian Haldane to discuss football season security, plans for a stronger police presence downtown and the latest crime trends. Morse shares details on BRPD’s recruiting efforts, new virtual reality training technology and an officer-involved shooting investigation. He also reports that overall crime is down 11% year to date, with declines in armed robberies...

David Cresson, President and CEO of the Louisiana Chemical Association, joins Brian Haldane to discuss carbon capture and storage and its potential role in Louisiana’s industrial future. Cresson explains why he believes CCS could help attract investment, support jobs and keep Louisiana manufacturers competitive. He also addresses concerns surrounding the technology and discusses the state’s recent...

Jeff Crouere, host of Ringside Politics, joins Brian Haldane to discuss the latest developments in New Orleans. Crouere reflects on  the impact of the National Guard’s departure, NOPD staffing and the city’s ongoing public safety efforts. The conversation also explores the challenges facing downtown New Orleans, including struggling businesses, infrastructure projects and the future of the Central...

During a lively radio broadcast, local culinary favorite Rocco introduced his newest menu creation, the "Ruffalotta," which combines signature slow-cooked top round roast beef and rich brown gravy with a fresh, un-toasted Leidenheimer muffuletta bun. The hosts highlighted the distinct flavor upgrade offered by seeded bread and debated the merits of traditional room-temperature presentation versus...

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill provided vital insights into ongoing legal battles surrounding NCAA student-athlete eligibility rules. She argued that late administrative rule changes trap college players in unfair systems without clear career options. The SEC recently launched a federal lawsuit against LSU officials, but Murrill called the filing legally flawed and open to counter-suits. W...

East Baton Rouge Parish has applied for a competitive $125 million Department of Justice grant to transform public safety through a unified parish-wide initiative. Spearheaded by Chris Csonka and over 15 local agencies, the proposal addresses systemic crime by funding substance abuse services, juvenile diversion programs, and civilian crisis response teams. The strategy also modernizes technology...

Brian Haldane and expert Haggai Davis analyzed the converging worlds of financial prediction markets and wearable technology. The pair detailed how high-profile college football boosters utilize platforms like Kalshi to hedge multi-million-dollar coaching bonuses, sparking intense legal debate between federal circuit courts over whether event contracts represent legitimate commodity trading or unr...

The Louisiana Office of Workers’ Compensation is actively reforming its enforcement and support systems under the leadership of Assistant Secretary Brian Blackwood. To support Louisiana’s growing workforce, the agency prioritizes vocational rehabilitation to help injured employees safely return to fulfilling jobs. Concurrently, the OWC is launching a major crackdown on employer fraud, preparing ar...