Most Recent Episodes

In this episode of What’s What BR, Dr. Arthur Joffrion, Superintendent of the Iberville Parish Schools, shares with us what a day in the life of a superintendent is like and the work that goes into ensuring that schools in the parish are well taken care of.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Dr. Sito Narcisse, Superintendent of the East Baton Rouge Parish Schools, is back on the show to share with us how the parish schools have been doing and the efforts made to keep the school going despite CoVID-19 still being around.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Ethan Bush of 225 Gives and George Bell from the Capital Area United Way comes on the show to talk about the annual fundraising event, that is, Giving Tuesday.

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.

In this episode of What’s What BR, veterans in the show, Major Don and Greg Meriwether comes back to share with us what’s going on with the Salvation Army.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Molly and Jonna of the Baton Rouge Ballet gives us the 2021 update.

From just a 1 show a year theater to multiple shows in a year, the Baton Rouge Ballet is constantly growing; from finding new talents to adding shows.

Check out their upcoming shows on their website or to support them!

https://batonrougeballet.org/

In this episode of What’s What BR, Kim Canezaro of Pointe Coupee Parish School Board shares with us how they’ve been handling their school activity amidst the pandemic and after the most recent hurricane; hurricane Ida.

Despite it all, the school remains in service to the students and have been able to keep going and even do better.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Cheryl Ollmann, Principal of the Brighton School, gives us an in depth talk of how the Brighton School prepares students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences to succeed

In this episode of What’s What BR, we speak with Michelle Mercure of the American Lung Association to give us the real deal with how Tobacco affects us and how vaping isn’t really different.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Congressman Garret Graves comes back on the show to update us regarding the infrastructures last talked about.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Mayor President Broome comes back to give us an update with where we’re at regarding COVID-19, The state’s drainage and the Youth Advisory Program.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Paula Shamsie of the Alzheimer’s Association for Louisiana helps us understand the very real disease – that is Alzheimer’s.

She provides us with updates on a new drug that could help those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and who are qualified to receive it.

In this episode of Whats What BR, Superintendent Watts of the West Baton Rouge Schools gives us the feel of “back to school” in 2021

In this episode of What’s What BR, CASA BR comes back on the show with Sarah Tranchina to share with us their on going efforts to recruit volunteers.

Given the state Louisiana is in right now, CASA has opened training for volunteers online.

Interested to know more about becoming a volunteer and fostering? visit https://www.casabr.org/

In this episode of What’s What BR, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome gives us the COVID-19 update and discusses about the need for preventive measures and the importance of proper water management.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Kati Morse, Assistant Director of Hammond Downtown Development District, shares the return of their Downtown Hammond tradition and one of South Louisiana’s most anticipated annual events, Hot August Night!

This year’s event will take place Friday, August 27, 2021 from 5:30pm-10:00pm. Since they couldn’t celebrate last year as they turned 25 years, this year’s event will be bigger, better, and will celebrate the mark of their 25 years!

In this episode of What’s What BR, Dr. Sito Narcisse comes back on the show to give us an update on EBR school system.

Exciting things are brewing at EBR parish school system! With plans of opening a school for visual performing arts, building a new school in South Baton Rouge to provide more opportunities in that city, Professional development for teachers, principals, and even EBR Schools TV!

Listen to the full episode to hear it straight from Dr. Narcisse to find out what more you can expect and how to engage with them!

In this episode of What’s What BR, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome gives us the details on the program – “Go Get Healthy”

The Mayor’s office has been partnering with different organizations to make things happen.

The Go Get Healthy program aims to be able to provide local food security.

$175,000 in grants have been provided to focus on Go Get Healthy goals so they can increase the opportunity for people to have affordable and nutritious food within their communities.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more about this and other updates!

In this episode of What’s What BR, Baton Rouge General CEO, Edgardo Tenreiro shares with us how everyone in Baton Rouge General was able to really come together during the pandemic to get things moving and make things happen.

Edgardo also shares about their upcoming project at Baton Rouge General and updates in Hospital tech innovation!

Listen to the full podcast to know more about it and get to know more about Baton Rouge General.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Lucas Spielfogel of the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition educates us about what they do and their current open application.

BRYC provides Fellows the best college-preparatory and persistence resources money can buy — for free — so they can maximize the value of their degrees, build wealth, and interrupt generational poverty cycles.

If you’re interested in partnering with BRYC, they’re currently accepting applications but you have to be quick since it closes on July 1!

Listen to the full podcast to know if you’re eligible and how you can get started.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Christian Engle of the Capital Area YMCA shares with us YMCA’s latest project initiative which focuses on foster kids and families inclusivity.

The Y is believes that there is something for every one and that they ARE for everyone!

In this episode of What’s What BR, Rosalind Thompson of BASIS gives us the latest news on their upcoming opening of their latest campus, which totals to 31 BASIS schools in the country.

BASIS is dedicated to providing world-class education to their students. Rosalind shares what a typical BASIS student would learn, even as a kindergartener!

In this episode of What’s What BR, CEO of 33 years, Edgar H. Silvey, of The Baton Rouge Clinic, shares how things have gone back to normal and that they are more than welcoming of patients and happy to be treating them.

The Baton Rouge Clinic is celebrating 75 years and are happy to still be in service for and with the community.

What’s What BR with Chimene Grant Salot of Audubon Nature Institute

Description : In this episode of Whats What BR, Chimene Grant Saloy of the Audubon Nature Institute comes on the show to talk about all the wonderful things that Audubon has to offer!

Audubon Nature Institute operates a family of ten museums and parks dedicated to nature.

Theres something for every member of the family here!

Head on over to their website at audubonnatureinstitute.org to purchase your tickets!

In this episode of What’s What BR, Mike Steele of GOHSEP gives us his recommendations on safety habits to teach families so that we know what to do in case of calamities.

He also highlights the need for every household to be prepared for when the unthinkable happens. https://getagameplan.org/ is a website dedicated to help everyone better prepare and plan for these moments.

In this episode of What’s What’ BR, Dr. Rubin Patel shares with us the latest updates happening with Patient Plus Urgent Care.

We get the first scoop on their latest project. Hear it first in this episode!

In this episode of What’s What BR, Garret Graves shares his experience having been invited to talk about infrastructure.

Being a Ranking Member for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation and is the Ranking Member for the new Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, Infrastructure is one of the top 2 things he passionately talks about.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Randel Truax of Alpha One Imaging gives us the “what’s what” on the nature of their business; what they are, how they operate, when they operate.

The goal of Alpha One Imaging is to provide timely onsite diagnostic services performed by licensed technologists; interpreted and transcribed by subspecialty trained, expert radiologists.

Their reliable 24/7 service means you receive prompt results from JCAHO certified radiologists anytime, any day.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Robyn Lott of BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo shares their upcoming event, Wild Wine Walk.

The Wild Wine Walk is a first of its kind at the Baton Rouge Zoo offering guests an opportunity to stroll the Zoo as they taste a variety of wines & sample small bites from local eateries. The event will take place on May 21st from 4pm – 7:30pm.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Todd Graves, founder of Raising Cane’s, Shares his latest project series called Restaurant Recovery, which was conceptualised by the thought of “paying it forward” by helping out independent restaurants.

The pandemic that came really hit hard on a lot businesses, especially on independent restaurants. Todd Grave’s was able to pivot to sustain Raising Cane’s but he thought about the restaurants that could not sustain themselves during these trying times.

With that in mind, he brainstormed with experts from the company, as well as celebrity friend like Shaquille O’Neal and Snoop Dogg, to help independent restaurants that struggled to make ends meet during the pandemic and formed the show Restaurant Recovery.

The show is now streaming on Discovery+.

 Listen to the podcast to know more about it!

In this episode of What’s What BR, we’re happy to have Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome back to talk about what’s going in in Baton Rouge.

More initiatives have been made to ensure that Baton Rouge is being optimised the safest, and best way possible for all it’s residents and citizens.

Mayor Broome shares about the Mayors New Work Force Program, which is a holistic program intended to giving the youth opportunities to gain experience and earn from it.

With regards to the pandemic, Mayor Broome aims for “community vaccination” but encourages people who feel are “in the dark” with information with regards to the vaccine, to do some real research and check from credible resources to enlighten them to make informed decisions when deciding whether or not they choose to be vaccinated.

Listen to the full podcast to know more about what’s going on in Baton Rouge!

In this episode of What’s What BR Molly Phillips comes back on the show, with Paul McJulien, from the National Youth Advocate Program to share the word that May is National Foster Care Month.

The National Youth Advocate Program would love to hear from families in Louisiana who are interested in partnering with them to become Foster parents/families.

If you’re interested in becoming one, check them out on their website at https://www.nyap.org/nyap-locations/louisiana.html

In this episode of What’s What BR, we talk about how COVID-19 has affected the travel & tourism industry – specifically, to parks.

Tim Murphy and Brandon Moore of BOOMERS talk about how they had to pivot during the beginning and how creative they got to keep things going.

Check out their website to know which parks are open and their operating times!

https://boomersparks.com/

In this episode of What’s What BR, we brought on Shelton Jones of The Emerge Center to talk about their foundation and what they’re all about.

Emerge empowers children with autism and individuals with communication challenges to achieve independence through an interdisciplinary therapy program within an innovative educational model.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we talk with Rod Spilling of Greater Baton Rouge Hope Academy.

Greater Baton Rouge Hope Academy Started in 2007 and serves a wide range of students, half of their population is a traditional high school bound diploma track and the other half of the population are what they call “pace classes” where they teach practical academic and community education for students with Neuro diversity.

Rod is a multimedia teacher and specialist and what he teaches, specifically, is a wide range of multimedia. From teaching creative computer applications, 3D, coding, introduction of the computer, Essentially, if you can think of a computer related item, he gets to teach the students on all levels at Greater Baton Rouge Hope Academy.

Rod shares how they nurture what it is that makes each student unique and they find out what they like; The idea of not trying to fit the kid into the box, instead, adjust to the mold of the child, allows them to have a much more successful educational experience.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Dr. Stewart Gordon of the Louisiana Healthcare Connections answers the questions that most of us aren’t certain about.

Dr. Stewart Gordon reminds us all how important it is to keep up with our children’s routine vaccines. 2020 definitely seemed like a blur and because of CoVid-19, and the stay at home orders, it became difficult to keep up with getting things done; but now that things are slowly adjusting to the new normal, he urges all parents to make sure that kids get back to their scheduled vaccines.

He also addresses the concern that most parents have when it comes to kids unable to socialize and having to distance from other; the implications that come with schooling remotely/virtually and how anxiety is a real and serious issue that can build in children when they aren’t able to find an outlet for their need to socialize or get outside.

In this episode, we brought on Wes Haws from the Blue Zoo who opens up Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s first Aquatic Zoo.

With Blue Zoo’s grand opening, April 1, in the Louisiana Mall, Wes Haws shares all the fun things everyone can do! From families to aquatic enthusiasts; the Blue Zoo features a lot of different aquatic life but they also have birds and some reptiles to show.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Dr. Sito Narcisse gives us his words of wisdom about education.

He tackles and makes us understand that the achievement gap is actually coming from the literacy gap that exists. When kids can’t read, write, or comprehend, it impacts them over time. When they can’t do that, there’s an opportunity gap.

In this episode of What’s What BR, our guests, Anne & Lindi of McMains Children’s Development Center shares how they lead their organization and keep it going through their passion for the service they do.

The mission of the McMains Children’s Developmental Center is to advance the quality of life for children and their families by providing physical, developmental, academic and communication services.

Anne, having been over 30 years with McMains Children’s Development Center certainly believes that every child and family is worth helping out and that with the right support, every child and their family can live a better life.

In this episode of What’s What BR, We check back in with FranU with our guests, Dr. Holland, Ed Silvey, and Katie Fellner.

There’s been a lot of changes since last year in terms of how education is being handled and how school’s are operating. In spite and despite of the pandemic, FranU remains committed to delivering quality education and ensuring that they’re able to transform their students into the best version of themselves that will benefit the community and all the lives they cross paths with.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Robyn Lott of BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo gives us an update of how the Zoo is doing.

The Zoo is now open to the public and they’re even preparing something fun and exciting for their upcoming birthday!

Have you wanted to celebrate your birthday at the Zoo? Well, you can!

Listen to the podcast to know more about it as Robyn shares the Zoo’s programs, events, and much more!

In this episode of What’s What BR, we’ve got Sarah Schnauder of Kid Possible Summer Camps back to talk about summer camp!

As summer draws in, there’s a lot of questions about how summer camp is going to be like this year.

Will it be the same as last year?
What are the restrictions?
What can be done?

Sarah shares what they’ve been doing at Kid Possible and how, even with the pandemic last year, they’ve managed to find new things that work and sticking with it this year for this summer.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Mayor President Sharon Weston Broome gives us the real “what’s what” in Baton Rouge.

Mayor Broome highlights an initiative that they’ve already set in place which is the neighborhood engagement hub.

As part of this, Mayor Broome has launched the “Operation Cleanup” which is a cleanup event that will take place this 10th of April.

Safe Hopeful Neighborhood (SHN) serves as the hub of neighborhood engagement for Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome’s Office, Mid City Redevelopment Alliance, and Build BR. More details on the website (https://www.safehopefulneighborhoods.com/)

Listen to the full podcast as she talks about it in depth.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Lieutenant Governor, Billy Nungesser, fills us in on the current state of Louisiana.

What’s allowed?
What’s still not allowed?

Having been a year since COVID-19 impacted us all, things are starting to open up.

One thing that Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is trying to get back are events. With proper health protocols in place, Louisiana seems hopeful for things to get back to “normal” as soon as possible.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Monica Alley shares her personal story of baby loss which ultimately led her to want to support others who end up in the same fate.

Anna’s Grace Foundation, named after her own baby, Anna, decided she wanted to take matters into her own hands and lead the way for support for all other parents who also experience baby loss.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Vicki and Gabrielle of Joy Early Learning Center shares with us how their business came to be, how COVID has impacted them and what they’re up to now that things are slowly adjusting to this new normal.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Chief Operating Officer of RASA.IO shares how they’ve managed to make automation a means of being able to stay in touch with your customers on a regular basis in a relevant but non-salesy way and how to get more from your email list.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we dive into real estate talk with President & CEO of Elifin Realty, Matthew Laborde.

Mathew Laborde started his commercial real estate brokerage career at the age of 19 and has consistently been among the top producing commercial real estate agents in the State of Louisiana.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Loving Arms Pediatric Day Health Center founder, Renita Williams Thomas, shares her story of compassion which led to the birth of her pediatric health center.

In Loving Arms Pediatric Day Health Center offers a new concept in care with a combination of skilled nursing, education and therapy. Health services are administered in a state-of-the-art child-friendly environment, likened to a daycare setting.

In this episode of What’s What BR, We brought on Stephanie Cargile of ExxonMobil to share their upcoming projects and what they have to offer for Baton Rouge.

In this episode of What’s What BR, LOPA volunteer, Wendy Lipsey, shares her journey as a donor receiver. Having needed a Liver transplant and a Kidney transplant, her personal experience has given her the drive to help out those who are faced with the same fate.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we bring to light, the community that helps out with those suffering from mental health and wellness, the You Are Not Alone Project; Founded by Chelsea Borruano in 2019, it is a non-profit community which builds a network of support for mental health and wellness in Baton Rouge. With the pandemic, Chelsea has brought her platform virtual and has been able to reach more people and continues to do so for all those in need.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we dive into the discussion; Louisiana’s true economic wealth with Stephen Waguespack of Louisiana Association of Business Industry (LABI)

In this episode of What’s What BR, Woman’s hospital’s chief nursing officer, Cheri Johnson, shares with us what it means to lead an organization with around 900 exceptional nurses, the importance of representation; being able to have a seat at the Maternal Child Health Council for American Hospital Association and the responsibility to ensure that patients and staff at Woman’s feel safe and well cared for.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Stephanie Manson, Chief Operating Officer, of Our Lady Of the Lake shares with us how they are committed to building a healthy community through excellence in patient care and education.

Stephanie also shares how they will be participating during this year’s American Heart Association
Louisiana’s Go Red for Women Virtual Lunch-In to raise awareness about heart disease. Join her and other exceptional leaders virtually on Friday, Feb 5 at noon.

In this episode of What’s What BR, J. Dow and Rebecca of ExxonMobil Oil refinery shares how they’ve been one with the community in helping out. ExxonMobil has extended their help in more ways than one, more than just donating oil.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Norisha and Jessica of Junior League Baton Rouge joins us to share what they’re all about and the advocacy they lead as an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we talk about keeping things open in 2021 with Bryan Kiser of Valor Gymnastics. Listen to this episode to know more about them; their programs, camps, and much more!

In this episode of What’s What BR, we check in with Ralph Ney as he shares how the hotel industry has been impacted with COVID-19 and how they’re now managing operations under this “new normal”.

In this episode of What’s What BR, We brought on Renee and Susie from March of Dimes to share with us what they do as an organization and the advocacy they lead to fight for the health of all moms and babies and how they are radically trying to improve the health care they receive. They also tell us how the pandemic has affected them but hasn’t stopped them from empowering families with the knowledge and tools to have healthier pregnancies.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Dr. Kay Solar and Betsy Barnes of the Rock it Right Show shares how they met, how the show came to be, and how they are using their platform to empower people by sharing people’s stories and their businesses. They make use of their presence and influence to highlight businesses that could use the spotlight now more than ever.

In this episode of What’s What BR, Marianne and Robin of the Ronald McDonald House of Charities shares with us their participation in the upcoming Giving Tuesday event this December 1. They also share what they are as a charity and how they help keep families together and near the help their child needs.

In this episode of What’s What BR we speak with Tekoah Boatner of Youth Oasis which is an organization that provides support to the youth and young adults recovering from the trauma of homelessness and family separation through housing, healthcare, and advocacy. Tekoah talks about their participation in an upcoming fundraiser where people can donate to and their upcoming activities for the organization.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we brought on Ethan Bush and Tristi Charpentier of 225 Gives, which is a powerful 24-hour online fundraising competition uniting the Capital Region in support their non nonprofit community.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we spoke with Meeta and Jeanne who are on the committee of the Mother Son Dance of Children’s Hospital and talked about how this yearly event came to be and how they are doing it differently this year.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we sat and spoke with Tressa Fuller, Talent developer of TOTAL as she shares with us what it means to help employees develop their talents and upgrade their skills backed with her 20 years of experience, as well as some recruiter tips and recruiter insights when applying for work.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we speak with Sarah Smith and Stephanie Sanchez to discuss their event, Mother Son Dance, as they have reimagined their Mother Son Dance into an exclusive “To-Go” box! The Mother-Son Dance “To-Go” is an opportunity for moms and their sons to spend a fun-filled, memorable week safely from home.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we check back with Major Don and Greg Meriwether with the Baton Rouge Salvation Army. With Christmas coming up, they share their plans to help out the community, and how they’re going to fulfill giving a “merry” Christmas, most especially to those who aren’t able to provide a merry Christmas for themselves.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we spoke with Molly Phillips of the National Youth Advocate Program of Louisiana to share with us their advocacy and their commitment to do what is best for children, the youth and their families.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we shed some light on Adoption as Lesley Bergeron from the St. Elizabeth Foundation gives us an in depth discussion of what it means to adopt and the process of adoption.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we speak with Molly Buchmann and Christine Perkins of the Baton Rouge Rouge Ballet Theatre and talk about their current activities and fund raising events.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we sit and talk with Hope Jackson, founder of Hope is Wellness, to highlight this month’s awareness of Mental Health Illness.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we circle back with Erin Fulbright of Sickle Cell Association of South Louisiana to check-in and see how their event went down.

We also spoke with Matthew Valliere, of Care South, who was a sponsor of the event and talked about how life is like in the care industry setting now.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we sat and spoke with Liz and Jacqueline of Capital Area CASA. They share what it means to become a CASA Volunteer and the impact it has towards their foster kids.

In this episode of What’s What BR, We sat and talk with Mayor Darnell Waites and talked about his years in service. 23 years as a veteran having served the country to serving the people of City of Baker, Louisiana as mayor.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we speak with Victory Christian Academy’s Principal, Shannon Aaron as she shares with us how things have been going now that they are back to school.

In this episode of What’s What BR we talk with Erin from Sickle Cell Association of South Louisiana to bring an awareness of what Sickle Cell is, how to know if you have it, and what they’re doing to help everyone in Baton Rouge who is fighting this disease.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we circle back with Ginger Guttner from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and see what new changes and regulations they are making and adapting to.

In this episode of What’s What BR, we speak with Jim Caldwell – Marketing, Public Relations, and Air Service development of the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport.

In Today’s episode, we check in with Peter and Jimmy from Knock Knock and see what they’ve been up to and talk about their up coming event – Ducky Derby which is happening this August 23, 2020.

In today’s What’s What BR, we talk with Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana, Billy Nungesser

In today’s What’s what BR, we check back in with Gary Littlefield and discuss the Auctions they are holding in August.

In today’s episode, we speak with JT Taylor, running Livingston Mayor candidate, and talk about his transition into politics and his vision for the future of Livingston, Louisiana.

In today’s episode, we speak with congressman Garret Graves and talk about putting Louisiana’s best interest forward and help each other during these trying times.

In Today’s What’s What BR, we talk with Gary Littlefield From Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company

Today on What’s What BR, we speak with Larry Williams of Oxi Fresh

Today on What’s what BR, we sit and talk with Mary Stein to update us with the latest happenings with the East Baton Rouge Parish Library

Today on What’s what BR, we sit and talk with Angelique Bergeron and Jeannie Luckett from the West Baton Rouge Museum

In Today’s What’s What BR, we sit and talk with Jonathan Taylor from Livingston Tourism

In Today’s What’s What BR, we talk with Hollis Milton with West Feliciana Parish Schools

In today’s What’s What Br, we sit and talk with Chris Krampe, Lissa Musso, and Charletta Thomas from McDonald’s

Today on What’s What BR, We talk with Mindy Calandro from the Baton Rouge Clinic

Today on what’s what BR, we sat with Paul Arrigo & Karron Alford from Visit Baton Rouge

Today on What’s What BR we talk with Adam Knapp from the Baton Rouge Area Chamber

In today’s what’s what BR, we talk with Mark Muller from Ochsner Health System

Today on What’s What BR, We catch up with Chef Celeste and what they’re doing to adjust and prepare for the “new normal”

Today on what’s what BR, we sat with Amiee Supp & Jenn Ocken with the Front Porch Project

Today on Whats What Br, we sat with Stephanie Crawford with Best in Class Tutoring