Local Leaders: The Podcast!

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186

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May 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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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.comTimestamps:01:33 Airport Construction Updates04:00 Federal Application for FAA System07:42 Economic Impact of the Airport14:36 The History of Livingston Airport17:25 Location Matters for Economic Growth21:39 Potential for Future Events25:20 Innovations in Delivery Services 26:15 Infrastructure Improvements from the Airport28:55 Future Plans for the Airport Project33:07 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.comTimestamps:01:36 Meet Lizzie and Her Vision02:47 The Birth of Living in Parish06:37 Influences and Inspiration11:14 Challenges of Launching the Magazine13:49 Content Expectations of Living in Parish15:45 Community Engagement and Contributions16:52 Distribution Plans for the Magazine18:38 Funding Through Advertising20:18 Connecting with Local Business Owners21:45 The Growth of Livingston Parish23:16 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 Court08:00 A Calling to Serve 11:50 Mentorship and Guidance15:25 The Importance of Education 21:44 Support and Community25:00 Decision to Run31:01 Standing Your Ground34:44 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 LeBaron06:15 – Early Life and Challenges10:21 – Influences and Mentorship17:27 – Entrepreneurship and Lessons Learned23:21 – Balancing Family and Business30:21 – Working ON Your Business (Not IN it)39:18 – Setting Goals for Success45:25 – The Decline of Qualified Tradesmen55:23 – 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! Chapters00:57 Welcoming Senator Rick Edmund02:46 Understanding Closed Primaries02:58 Discussing the Ten Commandments Bill09:33 Flood Control Initiatives13:57 Infrastructure in Livingston Parish19:35 Tax Reforms and Economic Growth23:27 Insurance Legislation and Challenges27:57 Election ReminderThis 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. Chapters01:37 Welcome Senator Rick Edmonds09:40 Growing Up in Shreveport12:51 Journey into Politics14:00 Important Legislation for Families19:21 Running for Congress22:25 The Role of AI in Politics26:24 Tackling Insurance Costs30:05 Commitment to Law Enforcement33:41 Advocacy for Family ValuesThis 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 Chapters01:57 The Christmas Crusade Legacy05:17 Impact Beyond Gifts07:15 Community Partnerships10:02 Sheriff’s Leadership in Growing Parish11:24 Adapting to Growth Challenges13:51 Evolving Law Enforcement Strategies16:33 Focus on Internet Crimes Against Children19:24 Proactive Policing with ICAC23:52 Addressing Online Threats26:38 Collaboration with Chris Hansen28:32 School Safety Initiatives38:58 Enhancing School Security50:09 Transparency Through Podcasting54:42 Behind the Scenes PodcastThis episode is brought to you in part by the Pro’s at Cool Kings Heating and Air https://www.coolkingsheatingandair.comFollow “Behind the Scenes with Sheriff Jason Ard on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@BTSpodcast911

November 24, 2025Episode 2171 hr 2 min

Peptides and MAKE Wellness | Local Leaders The Podcast #217

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 Chapters02:38 Peptides are Keys to Overall health06:30 Personal Wellness Journey17:34 Understanding Peptides24:57 The Importance of Hydration33:36 Managing ADHD Naturally37:01 Stress Relief with Calm40:01 Sleep Transformation47:54 Energize Your Day50:43 The Business Model This episode is brought to you in part by the Pro’s at Cool Kings Heating and Air https://www.coolkingsheatingandair.comTo Learn More about MAKE Wellness and place your orderhttps://meet.makewellness.com/?referral=335941

November 17, 2025Episode 21632 min

Finishing Strong| Local Leaders The Podcast #216

Closing in on his eleventh year in office, Denham Springs mayor Gerard Landry isn’t slowing down. He has already announced that he will not be seeking a 4th term as the mayor but that does not mean that his final year will not be an epic one. Throughout his 3 terms, Mayor Landry has seen his entire city covered with water, immediately after he traveled to Washington DC and gave a speech to a packed congress that when I saw it live, absolutely moved me to tears.The Mayor’s city not only came back but it came back stronger and better, we were truly #DenhamStrongThen in 2020 during his 2nd term, Covid threatened businesses throughout the city, and much like the flood of 2016, with the Mayor’s leadership the businesses survived and the city would once again thrive. Now nearing the end of his 3rd term and likely last in office, Mayor Gerard Landry has set his sights on something once deemed not possible in the city of Denham Springs or the entire parish. A High End Hotel and Connecting Conference Center have been announced and with just one hurdle left the project that for the past decade has been on the list of citizens as the project most needed, will become a reality. Today I sit down with The Mayor to discuss how the project started, what infrastructure will be added to support it, and how the project will be funded at no additional cost to tax-payers. I’m Jim Chapman and This is Local Leaders Local Leaders the Podcast is brought to you in part by Cool Kings Heating and Air https://www.coolkingsheatingandair.comTimestamps01:37 Welcome Mayor Gerard Landry04:10 Exciting New Projects for Denham Springs05:01 The Denham Springs Conference Center07:16 Bringing Community Needs to Life07:49 The Potential for Growth13:43 Addressing Traffic Concerns14:39 Infrastructure Developments in Progress23:25 Understanding Tax Increment Financing25:31 Community Impact

October 8, 2025Episode 2151 hr 3 min

Cool Kings Heating and Air | Local Leaders the Podcast #215

The “Cool Guys” of Cool Kings Heating and Air Join Jim Chapman on this edition of Local Leader the Podcast Cool Kings to discuss HVAC industry changes, the importance of efficiency and maintenance, the benefits of smart thermostats and what you can do to extend the life of your A/C unit.Timestamps05:47 Understanding AC Repair Challenges07:14 Exploring Refrigerant Efficiency Changes11:49 Types of AC Systems Explained15:50 Common AC Repairs You Should Know22:42 The Importance of Regular Maintenance24:54 The Benefits of Professional Service31:31 Basic vs. Smart Thermostats35:07 Choosing the Right Air Filters38:04 Importance of Professional AC Companies41:31 Building Trust in the AC Industry46:11 Financing Options for Customers50:42 Expanded Services Beyond AC Repair56:32 Indoor Air Quality and Duct ServicesVisit Cool Kings Heating and Air on the web https://www.coolkingsheatingandair.comFollow Cool Kings on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CoolkingsheatingandairLLC