Local Leaders: The Podcast!

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188

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Local Leaders:The Podcast interviews TOP business owners in Livingston Parish Louisiana and surrounding areas. Hosted by Jim Chapman Local Leaders the Podcast provides a platform for family owned business owners to tell their individual journey into business ownership. Local Leaders is widely recognized as the top business podcast in the State of Louisiana and rated in the top 10 nationally! In 2020 Local Leaders made Podcast magazine's Hot 50 chart twice and in 2021 was a finalist for the People's choice Podcast award for Best Business Podcast rating Local Leaders in the Top 10 Globally! Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/localleadersthepodcast/support

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August 24, 2026Episode 22739 min

Episode Three | 46 Feet: The Historic 2016 Livingston Parish Flood 10 Years Later

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

August 17, 2026Episode 22641 min

Episode Two | 46 Feet: The Historic 2016 Livingston Parish Flood 10 Years Later

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

August 11, 2026Episode 22555 min

Episode One | 46 Feet: Looking Back At The Historic 2016 Livingston Parish Flood 10 Years Later

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

May 4, 2026Episode 22436 min

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

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 \

April 6, 2026Episode 22336 min

Living IN Parish | Local Leaders The Podcast #223

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

March 27, 2026Episode 22237 min

Judge Blair Downing Edwards | Local Leaders The Podcast #222

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

March 10, 2026Episode 2211 hr 3 min

Mentorship, Balance, Working ON Your Business & the Butterfly Effect | Local Leaders The Podcast #221

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

March 6, 2026Episode 22029 min

Louisiana Senator Rick Edmonds RETURNS | Local Leaders The Podcast #220

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/

January 30, 2026Episode 21936 min

Louisiana Senator Rick Edmonds | Local Leaders The Podcast #219

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/

November 28, 2025Episode 2181 hr 9 min

Going “Behind The Scenes” With Sheriff Jason Ard

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