The Grant O Show Podcast

On Episode 81 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Christina Castillo , owner and founder of Shredskiz Nutrition & Wellness , for an honest and practical conversation about health, habits, and balance in South Louisiana. Living in a culture built around great food, family gatherings, festivals, and celebrations can make nutrition feel overwhelming. Christina has built her business around cutt...

On Episode 80 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Dr. Quenton Fontenot — Director of Research and Sponsored Programs, Distinguished Service Professor, and Professor of Biological Sciences at Nicholls State University — for a wide-ranging conversation that bridges science, stewardship, and South Louisiana culture. Dr. Fontenot plays a vital role in advancing research across Nicholls, mentoring fa...

On Episode 79 of The Grant O Show, we welcome Gary Barbaro — former Kansas City Chiefs safety, 3x Pro Bowler, Chiefs Hall of Honor inductee, and the first-ever Nicholls State University football player drafted into the NFL. His rise from Metairie, Louisiana to professional football greatness is one of the most inspiring stories to come out of South Louisiana. Before dominating the secondary, Gary...

On Episode 78 of The Grant O Show, we welcome Pastor Duane Bland of Thibodaux Family Church , a ministry built on faith, family, and community in the heart of South Louisiana. From founding the church alongside his wife, Pastor Rachel Bland, to serving the people of the Bayou Region for decades, Pastor Duane has become a trusted spiritual leader whose influence reaches far beyond Sunday mornings....

On Episode 77 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Josh Weidert , the Head Designer and Builder for Blood, Sweat, and Bonfires , one of the longstanding crews behind the legendary Bonfires on the Levee in Garyville, Louisiana. This South Louisiana tradition draws thousands of visitors every Christmas Eve as towering wooden bonfires light the night sky along the Mississippi River, guiding Papa Noë...

On Episode 76 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Dennis Bayhi , Co-Owner of Green Acres Nursery & Christmas Store , one of the most beloved family businesses in South Louisiana. Known for its vibrant plants, expert knowledge, and iconic Christmas wonderland, Green Acres has become a year-round tradition for generations across the Bayou Region. In this episode, Dennis shares the story behind...

On Episode 75 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Thibodaux native, Lauren Rhodes-Charles , a multi-talented singer, dancer, actress, director, and choreographer who is making a major impact on the arts community across South Louisiana. Lauren is the co-owner of Rhodes & Rhodes Productions , a growing creative company she founded with her brother, DJ Rhodes. From local theatre and performanc...

On Episode 74 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Amy Ponson , the Chief Executive Officer of the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana , to discuss the power of faith-driven leadership and the impact of charitable giving across our region. Amy has dedicated her career to helping parishes, schools, and ministries grow stronger through philanthropy rooted in Catholic values. From guiding donor r...

On Episode 73 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Jax Triche , a freshman at Nicholls State University who’s already making waves as the founder of LoadedPB , a premium, high-protein peanut butter brand that’s redefining what “small-batch crafted” can mean. From his early inspiration to launch a business to balancing college life and entrepreneurship, Jax shares how he’s building LoadedPB with b...

On Episode 72 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Gilberto Burbante’, Jr. , Coordinator of Veteran Services at Nicholls State University , U.S. Marine Corps and Army National Guard veteran, and proud two-time Nicholls graduate. In this powerful episode, Gilberto opens up about his journey from the frontlines of Baghdad to the heart of South Louisiana , sharing how his experiences in combat shape...

On Episode 71 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Dr. Melissa Clay , MSN Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor in the Thibodaux Regional Health System School of Nursing at Nicholls State University . With a career built on compassion, leadership, and education, Dr. Clay shares her journey from bedside nursing to higher education — and how Nicholls is preparing graduates to meet the challen...

On Episode 70 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Caleb Lapeyrouse , lead vocalist and guitarist of Caleb Lapeyrouse & The Drivers , a band that’s capturing hearts and crowds across South Louisiana. Recently voted Best Local Band in Houma , Caleb shares how his South Louisiana upbringing shaped his love for music, the journey behind forming The Drivers, and how the band blends Cajun soul, so...

On Episode 69 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Toby Hubbell , Bayou Region and New Orleans Territory Manager for Advanced Office Systems , to explore how technology and trust go hand in hand in driving business success across South Louisiana. With years of experience in sales, leadership, and relationship management, Toby shares his journey from local roots to helping organizations streamline...

On Episode 68 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Jonathan Foret , Executive Director of the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center and one of the masterminds behind the world-famous Rougarou Fest . A proud native of Chauvin, Louisiana , Jonathan has dedicated his life to preserving the culture, community, and coast that define South Louisiana. From leading one of the region’s most impactful...

On Episode 67, we're taking The Grant O Show on the road to Lafayette, Louisiana, for a conversation with Koa Melancon & Sarah O’Pry , better known as The Cajun Mamas . With a mix of South Louisiana humor, motherhood, and faith , The Cajun Mamas have built a loyal following through their viral comedy clips and authenticity. From sharing hilarious “mom moments” to opening up about family, f...

On Episode 66 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Chubby Carrier , Grammy Award–winning Zydeco artist, Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductee, and leader of Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band . Born into a family of Zydeco musicians in Acadia Parish , Chubby is a third-generation artist who grew up surrounded by the sound of Louisiana’s accordion-driven rhythms. He played his first gig on...

On Episode 65 of The Grant O Show, we welcome Ridge and Brittany Gonsoulin , the husband-and-wife entrepreneurs behind Geaux Paddle , a self-service kayak and paddleboard rental company on Bayou Lafourche in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Geaux Paddle makes it easy for anyone—whether a first-timer or seasoned paddler—to hop on the water for a few hours of relaxation or a full day of adventure. In this epis...

On Episode 64 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Laci Melancon , Executive Director of The Coastal Center at Nicholls State University . Born and raised in Chauvin, Louisiana, Laci has witnessed the devastating impact of land loss and coastal erosion firsthand. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership, and business , she now leads efforts to protect and pr...

On Episode 63 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Chef Sean “Pooch” Rivera , whose 30+ years in the culinary world have taken him from Louisiana’s bayous to international kitchens. His journey is a testament to how food connects culture, community, and people. As the co-host of the chart-topping Walk-In Talk Podcast and the creative force behind the upcoming streaming series Love to Eat , Chef P...

On Episode 62 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Beau Bourgeois and Shane Thibodaux, 4th-generation butchers and general managers of the iconic Bourgeois Meat Market . Known for its world-famous jerky, boudin, and smoked meats, Bourgeois has been feeding South Louisiana families for over 100 years. In this episode, we dive into: ​The legacy of carrying on a 4th-generation family business ​What...

On Episode 61 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Sarah Dickerson , owner of Sarah Dickerson Portraits , a photography brand known for its timeless style, striking imagery, and empowering approach. Based right here in South Louisiana, Sarah has built her business around more than just taking pictures—she captures essence, confidence, and connection. From high school seniors to entrepreneurs and...

On Episode 60 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Coach Kyle Lasseigne , Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux, Louisiana. A proud Cardinal and respected leader in South Louisiana athletics, Coach Lasseigne shares his journey and the values that guide him every step of the way. From instilling discipline and faith in his players to supporting a...

On Episode 59 of The Grant O Show, we welcome a dynamic mother-daughter duo— Mary Bourg Chauvin and Dr. Melanie Boudreaux —who are shaping South Louisiana’s future through their passion for professionalism, leadership, and legacy. Mary is the founder of Etiquette Center of the South, LLC , where she teaches the power of confidence through kindness and social grace. Her daughter, Dr. Melanie Boudre...

On Episode 58 of The Grant O Show, we welcome Chad Matherne , owner of Airboat Tours by Arthur , a legendary family-owned business offering thrilling airboat rides through the swamps of South Louisiana . Broadcasting from the Bayou Region Incubator in the heart of Downtown Thibodaux , this conversation takes listeners deep into the Louisiana wetlands, where Chad shares the powerful story behind hi...

On Episode 57 of The Grant O Show, we sit down with Chris Landry , President & CEO of the Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) , to explore how Louisiana’s vibrant culture, deep-rooted traditions, and iconic destinations fuel a thriving tourism industry. Chris brings a lifetime of passion for public service, communication, and regional collaboration to his leadership of LTA. He’s helping position Lo...