Advertise on podcast: Local Leaders: The Podcast!

In this episode Jim Chapman sits down with Lindon “Lindy” Bennett McGee, candidate for district court judge in Division E of the 21st Judicial District. Lindon discusses her education and legal career, including clerkships, private practice, work in the public defender’s office, and service as a staff attorney for judges. She discusses why she is running for judge, and gives her insight on backlogs in the court system, as well as what she would change in division E and other topics.  You can learn more about Lindon Bennett Magee by visiting:  https://www.lindy4judge.com Timestamps: 03:31 Law School and Clerking 04:29 Private Practice and Public Defense 09:45 Judges Chamber Work 12:45 Division E Explained 20:02 Experience Matters 20:31 Victims and Sentencing 23:12 Improving the Court 26:37 Final Appeal to Voters Tags: Lyndon Bennett McGee, district court judge, 21st Judicial District, Division E, Tangipahoa Parish, Livingston Parish, St. Helena Parish, juvenile cases, misdemeanor cases, traffic cases, public defender, courtroom temperament, case management

In this episode Jim Chapman sits down with Brad Cascio, a candidate for the 21st Judicial District Attorney in Livingston Parish, about his background growing up in Hammond, his education at Southeastern Louisiana University, and his path into law at LSU Law School. Brad covers what he has learned in his 13 years as an assistant district attorney in the 21st Judicial after working in private practice highlighting major cases he has handled, his support of strong penalties for violent offenders and sex offenses, and says he would expand investigations, drug court, and victim services if elected.   You can learn more about Brad Cascio by visiting:  https://www.bradcascio.com Timestamps: 01:36 Choosing Law School 05:27 LSU Commute Days 06:41 Finding the DA’s Office 09:17 Four Thousand Cases 11:28 A Case That Changed Him 14:29 Castration Law Victory 19:22 Improving the DA’s Office 25:15 Addressing the Deer Run Claim 33:21 Strengthening Drug Court 35:57 Tougher Sex Offense Sentences Tags: Brad Cascio, 21st Judicial District Attorney, Livingston Parish, Holden, Southeastern Louisiana University, criminal litigation, criminal justice, public safety, juvenile crime

In this episode Jim Chapman sits down with Sherman Mack, a candidate for the 21st Judicial District Attorney in Livingston Parish, about his background growing up in Holden, his education at Southeastern Louisiana University, and his path into law. Sherman discusses his early legal work, his criminal litigation practice, his previous run for district attorney, and his service in the Louisiana Legislature. Sherman also covers his legislative work on criminal justice issues, including drug laws, victim protections, the death penalty, and Louisiana’s move to unanimous juries. He shares his priorities for the district attorney’s office, including public safety, juvenile crime, parental involvement, victim communication, and reducing court backlogs through stronger screening and more trials. You can learn more about Sherman Mack by visiting: https://shermanmack.com Timestamps: 03:00 From Law School to Courtroom 08:13 First Run and Legislative Rise 17:17 A District Wide Challenge 18:31 Crime, Safety, and Juvenile Issues 23:36 Victims, Respect, and Communication 25:26 Jury Law 29:07 Screening Cases and Building Trust 32:42 Tackling Court Backlogs 35:31 Why He’s Running Again

In this episode of Local Leaders the Podcast, Jim Chapman sits down with Paije Lopez, founder of non-profit "The ATALopez Foundation to discuss what she is doing in Livingston Parish and surrounding areas to work with those who have been diagnosed with Autism and other disabilities.

Jim Chapman is joined by Captain Calvin Bowden, a 28 Year Veteran of the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office and head of the LPSO ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force. Captain Calvin discusses the inception of the program, what the program has done for chasing and catching predators and tips that every parent should look for as it relates to bad actors and predators using the internet to reach our children.  In addition to his 28 years of service at multiple positions inside the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, Captain Calvin Bowden is also a mainstay on Chris Hanson’s “Takedown” Series which can be found on the TruBlu Network. Chapters 02:00 What ICAC Does 04:15 Kids and Device Risks 08:53 Roblox and Hidden Messaging 10:23 Parental Device Checks 13:17 Talk to Your Children 16:22 What To Do If You Find Evidence 18:45 Why Vigilante Sting Sets Fail 22:17 Working With Chris Hansen 23:26 Arrests Beyond Parish Lines 24:46 Sheriff Ard’s Expanding Divisions 28:59 Protecting Kids Online To learn more About ICAC  https://www.ag.state.la.us/ICAC

In this episode, “Local Leaders” Host Jim Chapman sits down with local Barter Exchange (Itradexchange) owner Dane Arnold as he reflects on the 2016 flood. Dane’s company managed the bartering system of the entire area encompassing Livingston Parish and he discusses how he used is entreprenural spirit to navigate his business, despite flooding personally.  In 2016 an unpredictable storm caused unprecedented flooding in Livingston Parish Louisiana and surrounding areas like Baton Rouge. A decade later, Livingston Parish has come back stronger than ever. In this special presentation by Local Leaders the Podcast, you will hear not only hear the personal stories during that flood, but the comebacks that followed.

In this episode, “Local Leaders” Host Jim Chapman sits down with local Real Estate Broker Darren James as he reflects on the 2016 flood in Denham Springs. Darren discusses many topics as it related to the impact to his industry including local v/s out of town investors buying flooded and gutted houses, the impact of the market during and after the flood, the impact of rising flood insurance post 2016 and other topics related to the real estate industry.  In 2016 an unpredictable storm caused unprecedented flooding in Livingston Parish Louisiana and surrounding areas like Baton Rouge. A decade later, Livingston Parish has come back stronger than ever. In this special presentation by Local Leaders the Podcast, you will hear not only hear the personal stories during that flood, but the comebacks that followed. Timestamps: 01:33 Darren James Recalls 2016 Flood 02:51 Dramatic Rescue on Highway 16 09:35 Homeowners Rebuilding After Disaster 14:40 Katrina Experience  19:13 Insurance and Recovery Challenges 21:13 Market Shifts and COVID 28:44 Renovating Through Crisis 31:03 Today’s Real Estate Market

In this episode, “Local Leaders” Host Jim Chapman sits down with City of Denham Springs Mayor Gerard Landry as he reflects on the 2016 flood in Denham Springs, describing the scale of the rainfall, the widespread damage, and the difficulty of recovery in the weeks that followed. The city had prepared for severe weather and had financial reserves in place, but the disaster still exceeded expectations and left many residents confused about rebuilding and insurance. Mayor Landry shares stories about the human toll, rescue efforts, cleanup, and residents trying to return home, and he describes how the city used a community planning process to guide rebuilding and preserve historic places while becoming better prepared for future emergencies. In 2016 an unpredictable storm caused unprecedented flooding in Livingston Parish Louisiana and surrounding areas like Baton Rouge. A decade later, Livingston Parish has come back stronger than ever. In this special presentation by Local Leaders the Podcast, you will hear not only hear the personal stories during that flood, but the comebacks that followed. Timestamps: 04:47 The Day Before The Rain Came 06:58 FEMA Frustrations 09:56 Graves Steps In  13:28 Rescue on the Water 16:04 Donald Trump Visits Denham Springs 19:24 Cleanup and Rebuilding 22:09 Denham Strong Begins 23:48 Business Bounces Back 31:51 Preserving Local History 35:42 No Regrets 39:09 Aging Out Gracefully

In this episode, “Local Leaders” Host Jim Chapman sits down with Maurice “Scooter” Keen as he reflects on “Great Flood of 2016” from his perspective, which in Scooter’s case is unique. Scooter at the time was a brand new parish councilman who had physical locations inside the city of Denham Springs. The challenges he and others in Parish Government were unprecedented and the steps taken in the last 10 years to counteract another 2016 type disaster make for one interesting discussion. In 2016 an unpredictable storm caused unprecedented flooding in Livingston Parish Louisiana and surrounding areas like Baton Rouge. A decade later, Livingston Parish has come back stronger than ever. In this special presentation by Local Leaders the Podcast, you will hear not only hear the personal stories during that flood, but the comebacks that followed. Timestamps: 00:41 Flooding in Denham Springs 05:11 August Storm Warning  10:38 Business and Parish Recovery 18:12 Government Under Pressure 20:30 Drainage Plans Begin 26:52 Building for Smaller Floods 31:39 Roads, Grants, and Progress 37:24 Parish Pulls Together 40:30 Insurance Discounts Return 46:06 River Dredging Challenges 49:22 Leadership and Public Service 52:52 Spring Park and the Future

Local Leaders The Podcast #224  In this episode, Jim Chapman sits down with Delia Taylor, Chairwoman of the Livingston Parish Airport District, for an in-depth look at the Livingston Executive Airport — Louisiana’s first new airfield in nearly 40 years. Delia walks us through the current construction progress, the state-of-the-art 4,200-foot runway and supporting facilities designed for corporate jets, private pilots, and emergency services, and how the airport will connect Livingston Parish to the rest of the region and beyond. Delia also addresses community questions, the development timeline, and the long-term vision for turning this infrastructure project into an economic engine for years to come. Whether you’re a business owner, aviation enthusiast, local resident, or simply curious about growth in Livingston Parish, this conversation delivers the inside scoop on one of the most significant infrastructure developments happening in Louisiana right now. Tune in for this optimistic, forward-looking discussion about progress, opportunity, and the future taking flight in our own backyard. You can learn more about Livingston Executive Airport by visiting: https://goflylea.com Timestamps: 01:33 Airport Construction Updates 04:00 Federal Application for FAA System 07:42 Economic Impact of the Airport 14:36 The History of Livingston Airport 17:25 Location Matters for Economic Growth 21:39 Potential for Future Events 25:20 Innovations in Delivery Services  26:15 Infrastructure Improvements from the Airport 28:55 Future Plans for the Airport Project 33:07 Community Support and Vision for the Future \

In this  episode, Jim Chapman sits down with Lizzie Baudoin as she discusses Living IN Parish Magazine. This new addition to Livingston Parish will cover the lifestyle and culture that makes Livingston Parish such a unique place to live, work and play! You can learn more about Living IN Parish Magazine by visiting: https://www.livinginparishmagazine.com Timestamps: 01:36 Meet Lizzie and Her Vision 02:47 The Birth of Living in Parish 06:37 Influences and Inspiration 11:14 Challenges of Launching the Magazine 13:49 Content Expectations of Living in Parish 15:45 Community Engagement and Contributions 16:52 Distribution Plans for the Magazine 18:38 Funding Through Advertising 20:18 Connecting with Local Business Owners 21:45 The Growth of Livingston Parish 23:16 Launch Party Excitement

In this powerful episode, Jim Chapman sits down with Judge Blair Downing Edwards as she discusses her decision to run for the Louisiana Supreme Court. Joining Jim on this episode is also Livingston Parish Assessor Jeff Taylor who provides his insight (and a full endorsement) of Judge Edwards who has been legendary in both her start as a Juvenile Court Judge to her current status on Louisiana’s First Circuit Court of Appeals.  You can learn more about Judge Edwards and her candidacy at  https://judgeblairedwards.com/bio/ Timestamps: 01:49 Judge Edwards Journey to the Court 08:00 A Calling to Serve 11:50 Mentorship and Guidance 15:25 The Importance of Education 21:44 Support and Community 25:00 Decision to Run 31:01 Standing Your Ground 34:44 Election Details

In this powerful episode, Jim Chapman sits down with Gus LeBaron — a true-blue tradesman turned empire builder — for a raw conversation about how he built his construction business from an unknown start-up to an empire.   Gus opens up about his gritty early challenges, the mentors who changed his trajectory, and the hard-won lessons that took him from working IN the trenches to building his thriving business (KOS Drywall & Painting). He breaks down his lessons learned from how to actually find balance in business, when to scale and the game-changing power of working ON your business instead of IN it. You’ll also hear his practical system for setting goals that stick, plus Jim and Gus briefly discuss the mind-blowing “butterfly effect” moments that alter lives. If you’re a business owner, tradesperson, or anyone chasing bigger dreams, this one’s loaded with actionable gold and real-life inspiration. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introducing Gus LeBaron 06:15 – Early Life and Challenges 10:21 – Influences and Mentorship 17:27 – Entrepreneurship and Lessons Learned 23:21 – Balancing Family and Business 30:21 – Working ON Your Business (Not IN it) 39:18 – Setting Goals for Success 45:25 – The Decline of Qualified Tradesmen 55:23 – The Butterfly Effect in Life

In this episode, Jim Chapman sits down with Senator Rick Edmonds, the 6th District Senator in Louisiana, who has announced is intention to run for U.S. Congress in Louisiana’s 5th district for a SECOND interview. Senator Edmond’s discusses his early life in Shreveport, highlighting the family values that shaped him and his journey from ministry to politics, spurred by a desire for greater representation after being inspired by Phil Robertson's story.  Edmonds shares his thoughts on the specific issues related to Louisiana’s 5th District and how he is the person you want fighting for you in Washington!  Chapters 00:57 Welcoming Senator Rick Edmund 02:46 Understanding Closed Primaries 02:58 Discussing the Ten Commandments Bill 09:33 Flood Control Initiatives 13:57 Infrastructure in Livingston Parish 19:35 Tax Reforms and Economic Growth 23:27 Insurance Legislation and Challenges 27:57 Election Reminder This episode is brought to you in part by the Pro’s at Cool Kings Heating and Air https://www.coolkingsheatingandair.com To Learn More about Senator Rick Edmonds and how you can get involved visit: https://www.facebook.com/RickEdmondsLA/

In this episode, Jim Chapman sits down with Senator Rick Edmonds, the 6th District Senator in Louisiana, who has announced is intention to run for U.S. Congress in Louisiana’s 5th district. Senator Edmond’s discusses his early life in Shreveport, highlighting the family values that shaped him and his journey from ministry to politics, spurred by a desire for greater representation after being inspired by Phil Robertson's story.  Edmonds shares his impactful tenure as chairman of the Senate Education Committee, his efforts to strengthen drunk driving penalties, and his work supporting local businesses. He addresses contemporary issues like A.I. and rising insurance costs, and emphasizes the need for balanced governance and community engagement.  Chapters 01:37 Welcome Senator Rick Edmonds 09:40 Growing Up in Shreveport 12:51 Journey into Politics 14:00 Important Legislation for Families 19:21 Running for Congress 22:25 The Role of AI in Politics 26:24 Tackling Insurance Costs 30:05 Commitment to Law Enforcement 33:41 Advocacy for Family Values This episode is brought to you in part by the Pro’s at Cool Kings Heating and Air https://www.coolkingsheatingandair.com To Learn More about Senator Rick Edmonds and how you can get involved visit: https://www.facebook.com/RickEdmondsLA/