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Kiran Chawla sits down with two esteemed Baton Rouge business owners, Jim Urdiales of Mestizo's Mexican Restaurant and David Belanger of Belanger's Interiors, as they delve deep into the heart of what makes small businesses the backbone of our community. Also up for discussion is the “Best of Baton Rouge Best Businesses Gala” set for February 28th at L'Auberge Casino, inviting both winners and the public to partake in a night of celebration, networking, and community spirit. Timestamps 01:29 Celebrating BR's best 08:37 Personal Journeys of Business Ownership 15:28 The Importance of Networking 26:54 Balancing Work and Personal Life 36:10 Supporting Each Other in Business 40:40 The Gala: A Celebration of Success ' More Information on the Gala as well as ticketing and sponsorship information can be found via the below link. www.brbestbusinesses.com Local Sponsors for this episode include: Neighbors Federal Credit Union: Another Chance Bail Bonds: Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers Family Worship Center Church Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

In this episode, Attorney Joe Long joins Kiran to explore a past case at Louisiana State Penitentiary involving Tony Johnson, an inmate at Angola State Penitentiary, who alleges he was sexually assaulted by LSP at Angola lieutenant, Tyler Holliday.  Timestamps 08:23 Understanding Countermeasures 14:51 The Assault Details 17:06 Reporting the Abuse  25:13 The Civil Case Outcome 27:32 The DNA Revelation 31:41 Finding Credible Witnesses 34:34 The Appeal Process Local Sponsors for this episode include: Neighbors Federal Credit Union: Another Chance Bail Bonds: Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers Family Worship Center Church Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Kiran Chawla is joined by certified human trafficking expert Dr. Willie Brooks, as they discuss the alarming reality that this issue permeates in our community. Timestamps 08:35 Parent-Child Communication 12:10 Advice for Kids 16:53 The Dangers of the Internet 25:18 Apps for Monitoring Children 32:26 The Impact of Gaming 35:36 The Scale of Human Trafficking 38:58 Safety Measures for Children Local Sponsors for this episode include: Neighbors Federal Credit Union: Another Chance Bail Bonds: Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers Family Worship Center Church Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

In this episode, BRPD Chief T.J. Morse sits down with Kiran Chawla to discuss the budgetary concerns that has led to a shortage of officers in the Baton Rouge Police Department. Timestamps 05:53 Strategic Crime Reduction Approaches 08:17 Youth and Gun Violence 10:15 Crime Statistics for 2025 13:47 Community Engagement and Technology 17:20 Repeat Offenders and Legal Challenges 21:15 Domestic Violence Insights 26:42 Overall Crime Trends and Public Perception 29:15 Funding and Budgeting Concerns 36:14 Upcoming Police Academy and Recruitment 42:32 Event Funding and Police Support 47:48 Patrol Live and Community Engagement Local Sponsors for this episode include: Neighbors Federal Credit Union: Another Chance Bail Bonds: Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers Family Worship Center Church Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Louisiana State Police Investigator Jordyn Mcdempsey joins Kiran to discuss various topics including the issue of human trafficking in the state of Louisiana and how you can protect yourself and your family. #louisianaunfiltered  #kiranchawla #podcast  #unfilteredwithkiran #news  #louisiana  #louisianastatepolice     Timestamps 01:44 Meet the Investigator 04:27 Understanding Internet Crimes Against Children 12:10 The Reality of Human Trafficking 20:45 Local Case Study: A Wake-Up Call 26:03 Recognizing Signs of Human Trafficking 36:42 Recruitment Tactics and Locations 38:43 Raising Awareness  Local Sponsors for this episode include: Neighbors Federal Credit Union: Another Chance Bail Bonds: Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers Family Worship Center Church   Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, WBR District Attorney Tony Clayton joins Kiran to discuss various topics including the pressing issue of juvenile crime in the Baton Rouge area, a recent case prosecuted by his office involving the shipment of an abortion pill across state lines, to the new football coach hired at Southern University.  Timestamps 01:19 Confronting Juvenile Crime  06:07 Community Engagement and Prosecution 21:20 Abortion Pill Prosecution 29:52 New Southern University Football Coach 45:55 Ethics in Journalism 47:50 Remembering Sheriff Mike Cazes Local Sponsors for this episode include: Neighbors Federal Credit Union: Another Chance Bail Bonds: Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers Family Worship Center Church Sound and Editing for this podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with Dr. Loi Le who’s unique NPI number was being used by Samrat Mukherjee to write perscriptions for patients while posing as a doctor. Dr. Le opens up about how he came to learn of the deception by Mukherjee and his decision to report his former friend to authorities.  Timestamps 04:26 Coming to Light 10:31 The NPI Number Explained 16:41 Risks of Impersonation in Emergencies 24:52 Reporting Process 28:38 Medical Education 32:43 The Long Path to Becoming a Doctor 35:57 Personal Impact of the Betrayal Local Sponsors for this episode include: Neighbors Federal Credit Union: Another Chance Bail Bonds: Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

Note: Due to a technical difficulty the sound in parts of this episode contains a slight echo. We apologize for the inconvience. In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with Jay Grymes as they discuss his road through cancer. Jay also reflects on his many years covering the weather in Baton Rouge and what he is up to now.  Timestamps 01:41 A Journey Through Diagnosis 14:37 The Importance of Listening 26:54 Facing Treatment Head-On 36:45 Health Insights and Awareness 38:51 Reflections on a Life-Changing Experience 39:19 A Lighthearted Moment 46:26 The Art of Communication 51:41 The Impact of Weather Reporting Local Sponsors for this episode include:  Neighbors Federal Credit Union: Another Chance Bail Bonds: Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon to recount October 16th of this year, when he responded to a shooting incident involving an armed suspect, Paul Blanchard.  During the tense confrontation, Sheriff Falcon used a fence gate as a shield while his deputy returned fire, ultimately neutralizing the threat while sustaining injuries from a shotgun blast. Local Sponsors for this episode include: Neighbors Federal Credit Union: Another Chance Bail Bonds: Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with the parents of Blakeleigh Weems, Chasity and Nelson as they discuss the sentencing of Shawn Robertson who pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide, second-offense DWI, reckless operation of a vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license, and no seat belt.  Blakeleigh Weems was tragically killed less than an hour into 2024 when her vehicle was struck by the vehicle Shawn Robertson was driving as she was exiting an off-ramp in Denham Springs. Chapters 05:03 A Unique Mother-Daughter Bond 06:37 The Horrific Night  14:12 Arriving at the Hospital 16:22 The Fight for Blakeleigh’s Name 21:41 Justice and Legal Battles 34:02 Confronting the Accused 42:35 Signs from Above 44:34 Moving Forward Together  Local Sponsors for this episode include: Neighbors Federal Credit Union: Another Chance Bail Bonds: Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with Attorney Robert Aguiluz as they discuss the proposed merger of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Baton Rouge Fire Department Chapters 0:19 The Great Debate  01:43  Robert Aguiluz Joins Kiran Chawla 27:43 Legal Battles Ahead 35:11 EMS Employee Concerns 37:01 Job Security at Risk 41:43 Chris Landry's Role 52:44 Voices of the Paramedic Association Local Sponsors for this episode include: Neighbors Federal Credit Union: Another Chance Bail Bonds: Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production: #louisianaunfiltered  #kiranchawla #podcast  #unfilteredwithkiran #news  #louisiana  #ems #brfd  

In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with Ellie Kousoulas, a survivor of domestic violence who shares her story of Courage, Growth and redemption during this Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Chapters 02:00 Introducing Ellie: A Survivor's Journey 04:00 The Beginning of Domestic Violence 07:38 The Turning Point in Their Relationship 11:08 A Controlling Environment 15:43 Understanding the Victim's Profile 18:16 The Road to Isolation 21:08 Escalating Abuse and Control 23:59 The Realization of Danger 29:15 The Impact on the Children 32:45 The Breaking Point 44:02 Finding the Strength to Leave 50:20 A New Beginning with Support 56:09 The Role of Iris in Recovery

In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre as they discuss his department’s exceptional 100% murder clearance rate, far exceeding the national average. The Sheriff highlights effective teamwork, community partnerships, and the integration of technology with traditional detective work as key factors in this success.  The Sheriff also discusses ongoing recruitment challenges, a 37% decrease in fentanyl-related overdose deaths due to community efforts, and rising concerns around kratom, which led to new local legislation. Tags: #louisianaunfiltered  #kiranchawla #podcast  #unfilteredwithkiran #news  #louisiana  #SheriffBobbyWebre #AscensionParish  ' Chapters 00:39 Achieving 100% Murder Clearance Rate 01:44 Technology vs. Old-School Policing 03:33 The Role of Forensics 05:40 Addressing Recruitment Challenges 15:20 Decrease in Overdose Deaths 16:27 Narcan's Impact on Lives 27:20 Understanding Kratom and Its Effects 48:20 Community Outreach Initiatives 53:52 Preparing for Ascension's Growth

In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with EBR Mayor-President Sid Edwards to discuss the possibility of a National Guard deployment to the capital city, the "Thrive" initiative, and feedback on the proposed EMS-Fire Department merger. Chapters 01:23 National Guard Deployment in Baton Rouge? 16:58 Understanding Thrive Initiative and Ballot 23:37 The Future of City of EBR Services 30:15 Addressing Public Safety Concerns 39:14 Controversies Over Local Taxes 40:43 Reflections on Nine Months in Office 42:35 The EBR Fire Department Merger Discussion Local Sponsors for this episode include: Neighbors Federal Credit Union: 'Another Chance Bail Bonds: Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

In this episode, Kiran Chawla brings you expanded breaking news information regarding the Shooting at the Iberville Courthouse that left one officer dead and another injured. Kiran also breaks down up to the minute information on the Kyren Lacy case in this edition of Louisiana Unfiltered. Chapters 00:54 Shootings in Iberville Parish 08:44 Sheriff Stassi's Son's Condition 12:05 Deputy Charles Riley's Background 16:38 Captain Brett Stassi Jr. 18:50 The Suspect: Latrell Clark 24:07 Kyren Lacey's Case Overview 30:03 Investigation into State Police Local Sponsors for this episode include:  Neighbors Federal Credit Union: Another Chance Bail Bonds: Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production: