Local Leaders: The Podcast!

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199

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Oct 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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60 recent

October 19, 2026Episode 2361 hr 37 min

Local Leaders: The Candidates #7 | Judge Jerry Denton - Denham Springs City Judge Ward 2 & 7

In this episode Jim Chapman sits down with Judge Jerry Denton, who is seeking re-election as Denham Springs City Judge Ward 2 & 7. Judge Denton goes into detail about his lifetime in many different roles including as a homicide detective, a city councilman, a city marshal, a current Judge and even a stint early on in his life working both offshore. Judge Denton also gives a glimpse into what it was like to take office as city court judge immediately shortly after the flood of 2016 and the day to day as a judge for wards 2 and 7. You can learn more about Judge Jerry Denton by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/JerryDenton4Judge Timestamps: 00:45 Bayou Cane Roots and Small-Town Memories 02:31 A Young Man’s Path to Law Enforcement 05:33 Leaving Home and Building a Life 10:11 Offshore Work and a Brush with Danger 17:12 Finding His Calling in Policing 21:25 Working Full-Time While Earning Degrees 26:28 Undercover Work and Its Personal Cost 33:53 Law School, First Trials, and a Legal Career 39:25 Taking the Leap into Private Practice 44:24 Entering Denham Springs Politics 50:54 Building the City Through Major Projects 53:54 Becoming Marshal and Expanding the Court District 1:08:20 Adjusting from Marshal to Judge 1:11:44 Becoming Judge and Facing the 2016 Flood 1:17:34 The Flood’s Lasting Impact on the Community 1:20:47 A Judge’s Record and Reelection Bid 1:24:15 The Campaign, Court Docket, and Judicial Standards Tags: Jerry Denton, law enforcement, legal practice, local government, Denham Springs City Court, court modernization, docket management, 2016 flood, community service, reelection campaign, Judge

October 17, 2026Episode 23535 min

Local Leaders: The Candidates #6 | Steven J. Farber - Denham Springs City Judge Ward 2 & 7

In this episode Jim Chapman sits down with Steven J. Farber, a candidate for Denham Springs City Judge Ward 2 & 7 about his background, legal career, family and plans should he be elected as Denham Springs City Judge. Steven discusses his education, his work in law enforcement and juvenile justice, and the path that led him to study law and practice in public service roles. He also talks about why he decided to run, the qualities he believes a judge should have, and the kinds of cases the city court handles. He says his priorities would be improving efficiency, reducing backlogs, and protecting due process. You can learn more about Steven J Farber by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592733763697 Timestamps: 06:15 Southern University and the Bar 07:33 State Work and Legal Experience 09:54 Family and Public Schools 11:34 Why Run for Judge 14:50 What a Judge Should Be 16:50 City Court Explained 20:44 Sentencing and Self-Representation 24:51 Clearing Backlogs and Efficiency 28:07 Contempt and Court Discipline Tags: Stephen Farber, Denham Springs City Judge, Wards 2 and 7, legal career, law enforcement, juvenile justice, public service, judge qualities, court efficiency, due process

October 16, 2026Episode 23448 min

Local Leaders: The Candidates #5 | Denver Ballard - Denham Springs City Council

In this episode Jim Chapman sits down with Denver Blake Ballard, a candidate for Denham Springs City Council about his background as a lifelong resident, homeowner, and public servant, including his work with the DS fire department and his service on the planning and zoning commission. He says that experience taught him to focus on whether proposals follow existing rules and to approach city decisions carefully during a period of new leadership. We also discuss his family’s long history of service in Denham Springs and the issues he says matter most to residents, including infrastructure, traffic, drainage, annexation, and the need for a long-term master plan as well as other long term plans for the city. You can learn more about Denver Ballard by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/denverballardfordenhamsprings Timestamps: 01:14 Firefighting Roots 04:32 Planning and Zoning 06:37 New Council, New Mayor 10:21 Family in Public Service 16:41 Annexation and Utilities 21:57 Listening to Voters 30:09 Conference Center Project 36:42 Council Work Explained 45:50 Final Thoughts

October 15, 2026Episode 23332 min

Local Leaders: The Candidates #4 | Jasper Brock - 21st JDC Judge Division E

In this episode Jim Chapman sits down with Jasper Brock, candidate for district court judge in Division E of the 21st Judicial District. Jasper discusses his life experience including his time in the Navy, his vast legal career and how he feels this experience of over 34 years has prepared him to lead the 21st JDC’s Division E as a Judge. Jasper also discusses why he chose to run, and gives his unique insight on what he feels he could fix in the judicial system should he be elected as Judge. You can learn more about Jasper Brock by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/brockforjudge Timestamps: 05:01 From Navy to Law 09:12 Family and Louisiana Roots 10:53 Why Run for Judge 12:53 Tackling Court Backlogs 17:38 What Voters Ask Most 19:54 Qualities of a Fair Judge 21:35 Fixing Court Transparency 25:33 Appeals and Delays 28:13 Why Experience Matters 30:38 Vote Early, Speak Up

October 14, 2026Episode 23228 min

Local Leaders: The Candidates #3 | Lindon Bennett Magee - 21st JDC Judge Division E

In this episode Jim Chapman sits down with Lindon “Lindy” Bennett McGee, candidate for district court judge in Division E of the 21st Judicial District. Lindon discusses her education and legal career, including clerkships, private practice, work in the public defender’s office, and service as a staff attorney for judges. She discusses why she is running for judge, and gives her insight on backlogs in the court system, as well as what she would change in division E and other topics. You can learn more about Lindon Bennett Magee by visiting: https://www.lindy4judge.com Timestamps: 03:31 Law School and Clerking 04:29 Private Practice and Public Defense 09:45 Judges Chamber Work 12:45 Division E Explained 20:02 Experience Matters 20:31 Victims and Sentencing 23:12 Improving the Court 26:37 Final Appeal to Voters Tags: Lyndon Bennett McGee, district court judge, 21st Judicial District, Division E, Tangipahoa Parish, Livingston Parish, St. Helena Parish, juvenile cases, misdemeanor cases, traffic cases, public defender, courtroom temperament, case management

October 13, 2026Episode 23144 min

Local Leaders: The Candidates #2 | Brad Cascio - 21st JDC District Attorney Candidate

In this episode Jim Chapman sits down with Brad Cascio, a candidate for the 21st Judicial District Attorney in Livingston Parish, about his background growing up in Hammond, his education at Southeastern Louisiana University, and his path into law at LSU Law School. Brad covers what he has learned in his 13 years as an assistant district attorney in the 21st Judicial after working in private practice highlighting major cases he has handled, his support of strong penalties for violent offenders and sex offenses, and says he would expand investigations, drug court, and victim services if elected. You can learn more about Brad Cascio by visiting: https://www.bradcascio.com Timestamps: 01:36 Choosing Law School 05:27 LSU Commute Days 06:41 Finding the DA’s Office 09:17 Four Thousand Cases 11:28 A Case That Changed Him 14:29 Castration Law Victory 19:22 Improving the DA’s Office 25:15 Addressing the Deer Run Claim 33:21 Strengthening Drug Court 35:57 Tougher Sex Offense Sentences Tags: Brad Cascio, 21st Judicial District Attorney, Livingston Parish, Holden, Southeastern Louisiana University, criminal litigation, criminal justice, public safety, juvenile crime

October 12, 2026Episode 23042 min

Local Leaders: The Candidates #1 | Sherman Mack - 21st JDC District Attorney Candidate

In this episode Jim Chapman sits down with Sherman Mack, a candidate for the 21st Judicial District Attorney in Livingston Parish, about his background growing up in Holden, his education at Southeastern Louisiana University, and his path into law. Sherman discusses his early legal work, his criminal litigation practice, his previous run for district attorney, and his service in the Louisiana Legislature. Sherman also covers his legislative work on criminal justice issues, including drug laws, victim protections, the death penalty, and Louisiana’s move to unanimous juries. He shares his priorities for the district attorney’s office, including public safety, juvenile crime, parental involvement, victim communication, and reducing court backlogs through stronger screening and more trials. You can learn more about Sherman Mack by visiting: https://shermanmack.com Timestamps: 03:00 From Law School to Courtroom 08:13 First Run and Legislative Rise 17:17 A District Wide Challenge 18:31 Crime, Safety, and Juvenile Issues 23:36 Victims, Respect, and Communication 25:26 Jury Law 29:07 Screening Cases and Building Trust 32:42 Tackling Court Backlogs 35:31 Why He’s Running Again

October 5, 2026Episode 22927 min

The ATALopez Foundation | Local Leaders: The Podcast

In this episode of Local Leaders the Podcast, Jim Chapman sits down with Paije Lopez, founder of non-profit "The ATALopez Foundation to discuss what she is doing in Livingston Parish and surrounding areas to work with those who have been diagnosed with Autism and other disabilities.

September 10, 2026Episode 22933 min

Chasing Predators: How The ICAC Program Has Evened The Playing Field

Jim Chapman is joined by Captain Calvin Bowden , a 28 Year Veteran of the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office and head of the LPSO ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force. Captain Calvin discusses the inception of the program, what the program has done for chasing and catching predators and tips that every parent should look for as it relates to bad actors and predators using the internet to reach our children. In addition to his 28 years of service at multiple positions inside the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, Captain Calvin Bowden is also a mainstay on Chris Hanson’s “Takedown” Series which can be found on the TruBlu Network. Chapters 02:00 What ICAC Does 04:15 Kids and Device Risks 08:53 Roblox and Hidden Messaging 10:23 Parental Device Checks 13:17 Talk to Your Children 16:22 What To Do If You Find Evidence 18:45 Why Vigilante Sting Sets Fail 22:17 Working With Chris Hansen 23:26 Arrests Beyond Parish Lines 24:46 Sheriff Ard’s Expanding Divisions 28:59 Protecting Kids Online To learn more About ICAC https://www.ag.state.la.us/ICAC

August 26, 2026Episode 22841 min

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

In this episode, “Local Leaders” Host Jim Chapman sits down with local Barter Exchange (Itradexchange) owner Dane Arnold as he reflects on the 2016 flood. Dane’s company managed the bartering system of the entire area encompassing Livingston Parish and he discusses how he used is entreprenural spirit to navigate his business, despite flooding personally. 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.