Waiting Tables

What does it take to lead a police department in one of Louisiana's most talked about cities? In this episode of Waiting Tables, host John Bruscato sits down with Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan for an honest conversation about crime, leadership, and the realities of modern policing. Chief Zordan shares stories from his decades in law enforcement, including undercover DEA operations, taking...

On this episode of Waiting Tables , host John Bruscato sits down with Congresswoman Julia Letlow for a personal and thoughtful conversation about faith, family, public service, and the responsibility of representing Louisiana. Julia reflects on the legacy of her late husband, Luke Letlow, and the lessons he taught her about serving people with humility and purpose. She shares how that foundation s...

On this episode of Waiting Tables, host John Bruscato sits down with John Fleming, Louisiana State Treasurer, physician, Navy veteran, businessman, former congressman, and candidate for U.S. Senate. Fleming shares his personal story, from growing up in a working-class home and losing his father at a young age, to paying his way through medical school through military service and building a career...

In this episode of Waiting Tables , John Bruscato sits down with Misti Cordell for a wide-ranging conversation about work, family, leadership, and the lessons that come from serving others. Misti shares her journey from pharmaceuticals and interior design to higher education, healthcare outreach, and public service. They talk about the value of real-world experience, why young people need more exp...

In this episode of Waiting Tables , John Bruscato sits down with Bigg Zigg to talk about his journey from coaching football to becoming one of the most recognizable sports photographers in the area. They get into the power of photography in helping athletes get noticed, the importance of mentorship, the culture around youth and high school sports, and the life lessons competition can teach. It’s a...

In this episode of The Waiting Tables Podcast , we sit down with Michael Echols for a wide-ranging conversation about service, leadership, business, and his run for Congress in Louisiana’s 5th District. Michael shares his story from Bastrop to ULM, from banking and business to restoring downtown Monroe one building at a time. The conversation covers real estate, public service, economic developmen...

What does it really mean to serve people well? In this episode of the Waiting Tables Podcast, sponsored by Bruscato Law, host John Bruscato sits down with Northeast Louisiana real estate professional Brian Benderley for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about service, relationships, and the responsibility that comes with helping people make life-changing decisions. Brian shares his journey from...

In this episode of Waiting Tables, Nolan West sits down with Dr. Ashley Owen, Director of Counseling Services at Louisiana Tech University, to talk about service in its many forms. From growing up in Farmerville and the Louisiana Watermelon Festival, to pageantry, mentorship under the late Freeman Stamper, and leading mental health care on a college campus through and beyond COVID, Dr. Owen shares...

In this episode of Waiting Tables, John and Allan sit down for a wide-ranging, honest conversation about why community still matters and how we rebuild it in a world that feels more divided and disconnected than ever. From backyard gatherings and riverfront events to local media, student internships, and telling the stories that traditional outlets no longer cover, this episode traces a 20-year jo...

In this hilarious, heartfelt, and brutally honest episode of The Waiting Tables Podcast (sponsored by Bruscato Law), host John Bruscato sits down with fashion powerhouse Hanna Lavergne, CEO of Herringstones Boutique, to talk legacy, hustle, and the heart behind Louisiana entrepreneurship. From selling soap in steel-toe boots to running a multi-location fashion empire, Hanna shares the real behind...

On this episode of The Waiting Tables Podcast , we pull up a chair for Mayor Friday Ellis . We talk about the overlap between hospitality and public service, how listening shapes better decisions, and the small habits that build trust. Mayor Ellis shares practical stories about showing up for people, staying calm when things heat up, and creating momentum in a community the same way a great team r...

In the premiere episode of Waiting Tables , we sit down with West Monroe High School’s head football coach, DeMichael Dizer , to talk about leadership, community, and what it takes to build a winning culture on and off the field. Coach Dizer shares his journey to becoming head coach of one of Louisiana’s most storied football programs, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how he’s inspiring...