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LOPA, Organ Donation Awareness, and Cayden’s Legacy with Lori Steele & Maggie Fan | What’s What BR In this episode of What’s What BR, host Brandon talks with returning guest Lori Steele from the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) and new guest Maggie Fan about promoting organ, eye, and tissue donation through education and conversation before a crisis occurs. Lori recaps National Donate Life Month activities in April, including flag raisings, butterfly releases, campus outreach, and free presentations available through LOPA.org, and explains how most people register through the OMV heart symbol, as well as other registration options. Maggie shares the story of her son Caiden, how honoring his donor decision was overwhelming in the hospital, and how donation became part of her faith and grief journey. She describes meeting recipients, writing letters, and learning Caiden impacted 105 people across multiple states and countries, and highlights her book, “Beautifully Broken: Finding Beauty in the Struggle.” 00:00 Welcome and Guests 00:33 What LOPA Does 01:23 Signing Up to Donate 01:58 Covington Headquarters and Memorial Park 02:55 April Donation Month Highlights 05:19 Why Talking About Donation Matters 08:13 Maggie and Caiden Introduction 09:11 Caiden Story and Turning Point 11:24 Making the Decision in Crisis 14:11 Relatable Support Matters 14:54 Families Decide Under Pressure 15:41 DMV Talk To Dinner Table 17:30 Reaching People Repeatedly 18:25 Tools And Presentations 18:59 Registering And Legal Consent 20:35 Meeting Recipients And Healing 22:56 Book And Legacy Impact 25:13 Aftercare And Honor Walks 28:46 LOPA Team And Statewide Stats 30:10 Closing Thanks And Next Steps

Hurricane Season Prep with GOHSEP’s Mike Steele: Supplies, Power, Insurance & Generator Safety In this episode of What’s What BR, we talk with returning guest Mike Steele from Louisiana GOHSEP about gearing up ahead of hurricane season through training, partner coordination, and a statewide conference in May. They note last year’s hurricane season was active overall even though Louisiana was largely spared, and stress year-round readiness for tornadoes, flooding, and winter weather. Key tips include rotating supplies like water and batteries, planning for multi-day power outages (including using UPS backups for home internet gear), keeping vehicles fueled, and tailoring family and business plans. They emphasize checking homeowners and flood insurance early because changes may be limited once storms approach, and warn not to rely on FEMA assistance. They also highlight local damage reporting, volunteer organization support, and critical generator safety practices. 00:00 Welcome Back Mike 00:46 Hurricane Season Prep 03:03 Refresh Your Supplies 04:09 Power And Connectivity 07:00 Family Plans And Fuel 08:39 Blue Sky Planning 09:40 Build Supplies Gradually 12:44 Insurance And Flood Risk 15:04 FEMA Reality Check 16:32 Local Reporting And Aid 21:37 Generator Safety Basics 23:37 Wrap Up And Resources

How Professional Organizers Help Busy Families   In this episode of What’s What BR, first-time guest Olivia Parks, owner of Professional Organizers, explains how her team helps individuals and families declutter and organize homes to make daily life easier and reduce stress. She discusses how clutter impacts productivity and mental health, the difference between cleaning, decluttering, and organizing, and why organizing addresses the root problem by creating systems. Olivia shares how sessions typically run for five hours, when clients need to be present (decluttering) versus not (organizing), and how her team brings supplies and can recommend products without unnecessary spending. She also explains their donation process, common mistakes like trying to tackle too much at once, and how they support clients facing ADHD, anxiety, depression, downsizing, or loss of a loved one.   00:00 Meet Olivia Parks 00:36 What Organizers Do 02:30 Why Clutter Stresses Us 04:27 Declutter vs Organize 06:45 How Decluttering Works 07:59 DIY Mistakes and Small Wins 10:26 Supplies and Product Planning 12:13 Donations Made Easy 13:28 Sessions Scheduling and Surprises 17:26 Final Tips and Wrap Up

Get Your Rear in Gear Baton Rouge 5K: Colon Cancer Screening, Symptoms & Event Details In this episode of What’s What, BR, the host welcomes first-time guest Lauren Lindsey from the Colon Cancer Coalition to discuss the Get Your Rear in Gear colon cancer 5K happening Saturday the 28th at Pennington Biomedical Center in Baton Rouge. Lauren explains the event’s 16-year history, its role in raising funds and awareness, and how it brings together doctors, hospitals, patients, survivors, caregivers, and community teams. She highlights key facts about colon cancer risk and the importance of screening—now recommended starting at age 45—along with warning signs like blood in stool, rapid weight loss, abdominal pain, and changes in bathroom habits, plus risk factors such as family history and Crohn’s. The conversation covers screening options and typical colonoscopy intervals, and shares event logistics: registration at 7:00 AM, 5K at 9:00, a kids fun run at 8:45, an inflatable colon display, and jambalaya on site. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:53 Get Your Rear in Gear Event 02:04 Why Colon Cancer Matters 02:53 Screening Age and Symptoms 03:57 Louisiana Stats and Disparities 04:57 Are Screenings Improving 05:58 Early Detection and Test Options 07:04 Race Day Experience at Pennington 08:18 Key Message and What to Expect 09:20 How to Get a Screening 10:01 How Often to Get Checked 10:49 Event Details and Closing

Raising Awareness and Funds for Alzheimer's Services with Astrid Clements In this episode of 'What's What BR,' we are joined by Astrid Clements, a dedicated board member of the Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Region. Astrid shares her personal journey with her husband's battle with Alzheimer's and discusses the vital services their organization provides, including adult daycare centers, continuing education classes, and a 24/7 hotline. She highlights their upcoming inaugural fundraising event, a ballroom dance-themed ball, aimed at raising money for the nonprofit. Tune in to learn more about these crucial services, the impactful event, and the importance of staying mentally and physically active to combat cognitive decline. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:30 Understanding Alzheimer's Services 02:17 Personal Connection to Alzheimer's 04:46 Joining the Board and Fundraising Efforts 06:10 Inspiration Behind the Fundraising Ball 15:36 Event Details and Community Support 20:19 Conclusion and Future Plans

Celebrating 100 Years of Louisiana State Library with State Librarian Meg Placke In this episode of 'What's What BR,' we welcome Meg Placke, the Louisiana State Librarian and Assistant Secretary, as our first-time guest. Meg discusses the unique role and extensive services of the state library, which is distinct from public libraries and supports them across the state. She highlights the library's historical milestones, including the upcoming celebration of its 100th anniversary on November 1st, coinciding with the Louisiana Book Festival. Meg also talks about the various resources available, such as the Homework Louisiana online tutoring service, and the recently opened literacy and learning lab. Join us for a deep dive into the vital role of libraries in Louisiana and detailed insights into the services they offer. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:24 Discussing the State Library's Role 03:39 Celebrating 100 Years of the State Library 05:34 Evolution of Libraries in Louisiana 08:31 Modern Library Services and Resources 11:03 Homework Louisiana: A Lifesaver for Students 15:18 Louisiana Book Festival Overview 19:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Facts About Organ Donation - National Donate Life Month Special In this episode of What's What BR, we welcome back Lori and Wendy from LOPA (Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency) to discuss the importance of organ, tissue, and eye donation. April is National Donate Life Month, and our guests share their experiences, including Wendy's life-saving liver transplant. We delve into the ease of becoming a donor, common misconceptions, and the impact of educating the public about donation. The conversation also explores emotional aspects like survivor's guilt and the powerful connections between donors and recipients. Tune in to learn how you can make a difference and possibly save lives through donation.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:25 National Donate Life Month Activities 01:05 Understanding Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation 02:10 How to Register as an Organ Donor 03:22 Encouraging Conversations About Donation 03:56 Personal Stories and Impact 05:36 Addressing Myths and Misconceptions 11:22 Connecting Donor Families and Recipients 17:38 The Role of LOPA and Other Organizations 20:47 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Love the Boot Week: Cleaning Up Louisiana with Melissa Kenyon In this episode of What's What BR, we welcome Melissa Kenyon from Keep Louisiana Beautiful, part of the Lieutenant Governor’s Office. Melissa shares insights about the organization's transition from a nonprofit to a state program and delves into the annual Love the Boot Week. This major initiative focuses on litter cleanup and beautification across Louisiana, involving thousands of volunteers and hundreds of events statewide. Melissa also discusses educational efforts, partnerships, including with Coca Cola for recycling, and ways businesses and individuals can get involved. Join us to learn more about this impactful campaign and how you can contribute to keeping Louisiana beautiful. Sign up now at lovetheboot.org. Agenda: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:27 Overview of Keep Louisiana Beautiful 01:30 Love the Boot Week Campaign 03:58 Youth Education and Community Involvement 07:13 Addressing Louisiana's Litter Problem 12:43 Recycling Initiatives and Partnerships 15:09 Encouraging Business and Community Participation 18:36 Conclusion and Future Plans

Understanding Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery with Dr. Ryan Farmer In this episode of What's What BR, first-time guest Dr. Ryan Farmer, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Ochsner, delves into the day-to-day life and responsibilities of his profession. He discusses the unique challenges and rewarding aspects of working with pediatric patients, especially those with special needs. Dr. Farmer provides insights into the differences between pediatric and adult orthopedic procedures, the importance of preserving growth and development in children, and the intricacies of treating various conditions such as fractures, hip dysplasia, and spinal deformities. Additionally, he highlights the advancements in medical care that allow special needs children to live longer, more independent lives and stresses the importance of supporting the families of these patients. Join us for an enlightening conversation about how pediatric orthopedic surgery significantly improves the quality of life for young patients and their caregivers. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:46 A Day in the Life of a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon 03:19 Common Pediatric Orthopedic Cases 07:27 Challenges and Rewards in Pediatric Orthopedics 08:43 Special Needs Pediatric Care 09:37 Innovations and Future Directions 14:27 Patient Stories and Personal Reflections 18:19 How to Seek Pediatric Orthopedic Care 20:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Discover the Vital Role of St. George Fire Department with Meg Join us in this episode of What's What BR as we sit down with Meg from the St. George Fire Department to discuss their crucial work and initiatives. From distinguishing their service from the Baton Rouge Fire Department to detailing the heat-related emergencies they handle, Meg shares insights into their day-to-day operations. Learn about their ongoing community programs, including their unique marketplace model, public education on fire safety, and child safety workshops. Discover how they are making a difference with enhanced EMS capabilities, bleeding control classes, and their innovative Prepared Coach program. Whether you're interested in joining their team or learning about their services, this episode has all the information you need.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:25 Heat-Related Emergencies and Hydration Tips 01:20 St. George Fire Department Overview 03:22 Community Services and Unique Responses 04:51 Public Education and Safety Initiatives 10:05 Love Community Marketplace 14:40 Firefighter Training and Recruitment 21:47 Conclusion and Future Updates

Bridging the Gaps in Autism Support with Drew Walker | What's What BR In this episode of What's What BR, we welcome Drew Walker, Executive Director of the Capital Area Autism Network (CAAN). Drew explains CAAN's mission to unite community members in Baton Rouge to support and provide education for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Drew discusses the challenges in accessing autism services, especially for adults who often lack support after leaving the school system. The conversation touches on the growing awareness of autism, the importance of early intervention, and the scarcity of specialized providers. Drew invites businesses and community members to engage with CAAN through social media, upcoming stakeholder meetings, and potential collaborations to help bridge service gaps and improve outcomes for autistic individuals and their families.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:37 Understanding the Capital Area Autism Network (CAAN) 02:31 Challenges Faced by the Autism Community 05:19 Awareness and Service Gaps 07:39 Provider Shortages and Community Needs 11:11 Building a Supportive Network 12:43 Engaging Businesses and Future Plans 18:24 Conclusion and Call to Action

Innovative Education Initiatives: Interview with Jamey on What's What BR In this episode of 'What's What BR,' we welcome first-time guest Jamey, a multi-faceted individual involved in multiple ventures including School Aids, Dream Teachers, and the Academic Distinction Fund (ADF). Jamey shares insights into his daily work at School Aids, which has been a cornerstone for teacher and school supplies for nearly 45 years. He also discusses Dream Teachers, an esteemed event recognizing outstanding educators in Louisiana, and the impact of Educators Rising, a program designed to steer students towards careers in teaching. Additionally, Jamey dives deep into the Academic Distinction Fund's history and its mission to fund innovative classroom projects. He highlights several successful grants, including a thermal imaging drone project and 'Beats Lab,' which teaches students music production. The conversation explores the importance of creative thinking in education and the need for community involvement in supporting local schools. Watch for an enriching discussion on how unique educational initiatives are shaping the future. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:17 Jamey’s Multiple Roles and School Aids 01:28 Dream Teachers Gala and Recognizing Educators 02:50 Promoting Teaching as a Career 03:36 Educators Rising Program 04:59 Founding of Dream Teachers 06:18 Academic Distinction Fund Overview 11:35 Innovative Grants and Projects 15:59 Impact of Educational Programs 26:42 Encouraging Community Involvement 33:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Bridging the Digital Divide: A Conversation with Sunni LeBeouf of Cox Communications In this episode of What’s What BR, Brandon welcomes first-time guest Sunni LeBeouf, Market Vice President for Cox Communications in New Orleans. Sunni discusses her role at Cox, emphasizing the importance of providing exceptional customer service and being a community resource. They dive into the concept of digital equity, highlighting Cox’s efforts to ensure affordable internet access through programs like Connect2Compete and ConnectAssist. Sunni explains the company’s proactive initiatives to replace the now-defunct Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and underscores Cox’s ongoing commitment to bridging the digital divide. The discussion also touches on the vital role of internet access in education, healthcare, and overall societal participation. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:51 A Day in the Life at Cox Communications 01:46 Understanding Digital Equity 03:04 Real-Life Impacts of Internet Access 06:45 Cox’s Commitment to Digital Equity 07:13 Affordable Connectivity Programs 08:13 Transition from ACP to Cox Programs 08:56 How to Access Cox’s Digital Equity Programs 13:03 Cox’s Community Initiatives 16:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mayor Sharon Weston Broome Discusses Flood Insurance Discounts, Corridor Cleaning, and Community Initiatives Join us in this episode of What's What BR as we welcome back Mayor President Sharon Weston Broome. We discuss a range of topics, including a new 20% discount on flood insurance premiums for East Baton Rouge parish residents, the latest corridor cleaning program to enhance community cleanliness, and the summer meal program providing free meals for children. Mayor Broome also introduces the Human Services Consortium aimed at improving the delivery of social services. Tune in to hear about the impactful initiatives making a difference in Baton Rouge.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:41 Flood Insurance Discount Announcement 06:17 Corridor Cleaning Program 11:31 Summer Meal Program 13:57 Human Services Consortium 18:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Louisiana's Tourism Boom and State Park Revival with Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser In this episode of What's What BR, we welcome back Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser to discuss the remarkable resurgence of Louisiana's tourism industry. Lt. Governor Nungesser shares insights on the unique attractions across the state, from Cajun country to the Atchafalaya Basin, and how these experiences draw visitors from near and far. He details the substantial growth in tourism numbers, efforts in international marketing, and the positive economic impact on local communities. Additionally, the discussion highlights the revitalization of state parks, innovative initiatives like 'glamping,' and the focus on inclusivity with special needs playgrounds. The episode wraps up with a passionate appeal for statewide participation in keeping Louisiana clean, emphasizing the importance of community involvement for both quality of life and economic development. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:58 Tourism Boom in Louisiana 02:11 Exploring the Unique Attractions 05:38 Revitalizing State Parks 08:35 Promoting Local Adventures 12:31 International Tourism Strategies 16:54 Combating Litter and Promoting Cleanliness 20:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts