Episodes

  • Taking Flight: Delia Taylor on Louisiana’s First New Airport in Nearly 40 Years

    Taking Flight: Delia Taylor on Louisiana’s First New Airport in Nearly 40 Years
    May 4 2026
    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
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    36 mins
  • Living IN Parish | Local Leaders The Podcast #223

    Living IN Parish | Local Leaders The Podcast #223
    Apr 6 2026
    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
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    36 mins
  • Judge Blair Downing Edwards | Local Leaders The Podcast #222

    Judge Blair Downing Edwards | Local Leaders The Podcast #222
    Mar 27 2026
    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
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    38 mins
  • Mentorship, Balance, Working ON Your Business & the Butterfly Effect | Local Leaders The Podcast #221

    Mentorship, Balance, Working ON Your Business & the Butterfly Effect | Local Leaders The Podcast #221
    Mar 10 2026
    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
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Louisiana Senator Rick Edmonds RETURNS | Local Leaders The Podcast #220

    Louisiana Senator Rick Edmonds RETURNS | Local Leaders The Podcast #220
    Mar 6 2026
    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/
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    30 mins
  • Louisiana Senator Rick Edmonds | Local Leaders The Podcast #219

    Louisiana Senator Rick Edmonds | Local Leaders The Podcast #219
    Jan 30 2026
    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/
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    37 mins
  • Going “Behind The Scenes” With Sheriff Jason Ard

    Going “Behind The Scenes” With Sheriff Jason Ard
    Nov 28 2025
    In this episode, Jim sits down with Sheriff Jason Ard as they discuss a wide variety of topics including the 2025 Christmas Crusade, the growing results of the ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Program, the general evolution of the Sheriff’s Office the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office successful fight combating Fentanyl in the parish and the steps the Sheriff has taken to make schools even safer in the Livingston Parish.

    #sheriffjasonard #livingstonparish #podcast #louisiana #localleaders

    Chapters
    01:57 The Christmas Crusade Legacy
    05:17 Impact Beyond Gifts
    07:15 Community Partnerships
    10:02 Sheriff’s Leadership in Growing Parish
    11:24 Adapting to Growth Challenges
    13:51 Evolving Law Enforcement Strategies
    16:33 Focus on Internet Crimes Against Children
    19:24 Proactive Policing with ICAC
    23:52 Addressing Online Threats
    26:38 Collaboration with Chris Hansen
    28:32 School Safety Initiatives
    38:58 Enhancing School Security
    50:09 Transparency Through Podcasting
    54:42 Behind the Scenes Podcast

    This episode is brought to you in part by the Pro’s at Cool Kings Heating and Air https://www.coolkingsheatingandair.com

    Follow “Behind the Scenes with Sheriff Jason Ard on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@BTSpodcast911
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Peptides and MAKE Wellness | Local Leaders The Podcast #217

    Peptides and MAKE Wellness | Local Leaders The Podcast #217
    Nov 24 2025
    In this episode, Jim sits down with Sean Aucoin and Mark Nichols to discuss the healing potential of bioactive peptides in MAKE Wellness Products. Sean shares his recovery story post-shoulder surgery using Make Wellness peptides and Mark joins to discuss how “focused” peptides helped manage his ADHD without side effects.
    They delve into the benefits of products like Lean, Fit, Hydrated, and Restore for fat loss, muscle recovery, hydration, and sleep improvement as well as an affiliate program that can benefit anyone who has seen success with the Products.

    #MAKEwellness #Business #peptides #LocalLeaders #health #fitness

    Chapters
    02:38 Peptides are Keys to Overall health
    06:30 Personal Wellness Journey
    17:34 Understanding Peptides
    24:57 The Importance of Hydration
    33:36 Managing ADHD Naturally
    37:01 Stress Relief with Calm
    40:01 Sleep Transformation
    47:54 Energize Your Day
    50:43 The Business Model

    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 MAKE Wellness and place your order
    https://meet.makewellness.com/?referral=335941
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    1 hr and 2 mins