Red Stick Strong
31 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago -A podcast about community and for the community of Baton Rouge-- that's Red Stick Strong. Hurricane Ida hit on August 29, but her impact is being felt weeks later. Listen to the Red Stick Strong podcast series about Hurricane Ida and learn about this severe weather event from a variety of perspectives. Hear about the science of the storm; trucking; churches; business leaders; insurance; and more! Hosted by Catherine O'Brien, Baton Rouge podcast producer and owner of Branch Out Programs. #redstickstrong
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Episodes
Ida's Not the First or Last | Marvin LeBlanc
November 02, 2021 17:42 - 34 minutes - 20.3 MBGet Marvin LeBlanc’s printable disaster prep checklist – free to you: http://www.marvinleblanc.com/cat You can’t talk about natural disasters like Hurricane Ida without the conversation eventually getting around to the topic of insurance. With over 90 storms under his belt, Marvin LeBlanc knows a thing or two about what South Louisianans need to know about insurance and disasters. This episode is revealing—you’re going to hear emergency prep tips you haven’t heard before (but make so much ...
Neighbors Helping Neighbors | Lydia Woods and Phil Debin
October 22, 2021 17:00 - 28 minutes - 17.1 MBOne of the best things that happens during a natural disaster like Hurricane Ida is seeing neighbors helping neighbors. Local businesses can also pitch in and help, since community links arm in arm with success and growth. Lydia Woods is a Realtor and real estate investor. Phil Debin is a broker and the CEO of Goodwood Realty. Both join Catherine O’Brien, podcast producer and host of Red Stick Strong podcast to talk about being a resource during tough times; home ownership; and what it means...
Trucking Keeps Us Moving | Renee Amar
October 20, 2021 15:12 - 25 minutes - 14.8 MBAre you hearing rumblings about our supply chain? Did you see professional truckers delivering water, generators, food and more during Hurricane Ida? Have you ever considered how much trucking impacts your daily life? Renee Amar, the Executive Director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association joins Catherine O’Brien on Red Stick Strong to talk about how professional truckers work before, during, and after a natural disaster like Hurricane Ida. Truckers are specially equipped—skill-wise...
What to Listen for in a Weather Forecast | Josh Eachus, PhD
October 18, 2021 15:25 - 22 minutes - 13.1 MBSPECIAL NOTE: Get the WBRZ Weather App! Available now on the WBRZ website. Dr. Josh Eachus is the chief meteorologist at WBRZ Channel 2. He’s been on the Baton Rouge weather scene since 2013 and earned his PHD from LSU in 2017. Dr. Josh knows weather! He also knows the importance of communication around weather events. Kicking off the new Hurricane Ida Series of the Red Stick Strong podcast, Josh joins host Catherine O’Brien to talk about what kind of storm Ida was from a meteorological ...
Red Stick Strong Hurricane Ida Series Coming Soon
October 16, 2021 21:28 - 1 minute - 1.52 MBHurricane Ida made landfall on August 29 yet many in South Louisiana are still living with the effects many weeks later. We all know that disaster can strike at any time, but an active hurricane season can bring that reality into focus. The Red Stick Strong podcast is back with a special series on Hurricane Ida. You’ll hear all kinds of interesting perspectives in this series—from the weather, trucking, real estate, insurance, churches and more. It’s said that adversity reveals character...
Justin Young | Overcoming and a Productive Life
September 10, 2020 09:00 - 32 minutes - 19.3 MBLouisiana has the highest incarceration rate in the United States, and the United States has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world. Pair this statistic with the fact that most prisoners eventually return to society—what does that mean for our community as a whole; not overlooking victims of crime and not setting anyone up for failure. What can we learn about having a strong community from this dynamic? Justin Young has a perspective on this relationship between the prisoner p...
Chelsea Borruano | You Aren’t Alone Project
June 04, 2020 20:10 - 16 minutes - 9.87 MB[Please note: This interview was recorded Saturday, May 30, 2020.] Mental health has been one of the ongoing conversations during the pandemic—this is actually a positive development in terms of awareness and people openly discussing issues like depression, anxiety, self-harm, and other related topics. Chelsea Borruano is the Executive Director and founder of the You Aren’t Alone Project. The You Aren’t Alone Project offers COVID-19 resource page (as well as a traditional resource page.) You...
Quincy Jackson | Q Jackson Barbershop
May 26, 2020 09:30 - 8 minutes - 5.44 MBListeners take a look in the mirror—do you need a haircut? Of course, we’ve all seen the memes about haircuts during the pandemic. But barbering is serious business; it’s also a service that happens in close contact. How has the industry (and individual barbers) responded? Quincy Jackson is a barber and proprietor of Q Jackson Barbershop. Quincy talks about what he’s doing; new training he’s received from industry leaders; how he’s in contact with fellow barbers like he’s never done before...
Jorge and Virginia Flores | JoVi's Tacos
May 22, 2020 16:34 - 15 minutes - 9.46 MBHandmade tortillas, slow smoked brisket, fresh margaritas (no mix, made with love)—this and more can be found at JoVi’s Tacos (13214 Coursey Blvd, Suite A, Baton Rouge.) Can you imagine what it would be like to open your restaurant on February 1st… and a few weeks later find yourself in a global pandemic? Jorge and Virginia Flores tell their story of fast adaptation and amazing community support on this episode of Red Stick Strong. The patio is open! The tacos are ready! The margaritas are p...
Marla Stroup and JT Terry | Healing Place Church
May 21, 2020 08:30 - 17 minutes - 10.7 MBSundays have been quite different for many people for the last couple of months as faith organizations observed social distancing and stay at home practices. Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge holds the vision of being a healing place for a hurting world. What does that mean in the age of pandemic? Marla Stroup (pastor of the Highland Road campus) and JT Terry (youth pastor of the North Baton Rouge campus) join Red Stick Strong to share their respective insights from the last few weeks. HPC...
Matt Dardenne | 19 Thanks Tonight! Plus Brand Personality
May 19, 2020 16:32 - 15 minutes - 9.36 MBDon’t be afraid of your BRAND! Matt Dardenne, Creative Director and Co-Owner of Red Six Media is on the Red Stick Strong podcast to talk about what brand is (and why it’s so big especially through the pandemic) plus how to communicate who you are as business right now. Matt and the Red Six team have been working on several collaborative campaigns for the community, including 19 Thanks and their virtual Second Line that happens tonight! (As this episode comes out, May 19.) Listen to this epis...
Alissa Jenkins, Realtor | Caring for People and the Community
May 14, 2020 08:00 - 19 minutes - 11.8 MBAlissa Jenkins is a top-producing Realtor in Baton Rouge who is known for her commitment to community. As COVID-19 hit, Alissa made deliveries to friends and neighbors to spread some joy, and in turn put into practice her belief in caring for people and fostering connection in community. How can professionals help out now? How has real estate innovated during the global pandemic, and what’s ahead? Alissa shares her insights on this episode of Red Stick Strong. LEARN MORE ABOUT ALISSA JENKI...
Ellen Ogden | Reflect Love Store Window Painting
May 09, 2020 09:30 - 11 minutes - 6.87 MBHave you noticed some beautiful window paintings on Baton Rouge store fronts? Ellen Ogden is a local fine artist and muralist, she is reflecting love by sharing her painting skills for businesses during the pandemic. Ellen is creating beautiful illustrations for businesses, interwoven with uplifting messages. Listen to this episode to learn why beauty is having such an impact now; how businesses can use their social media to stay in people’s minds; how a special feature at a business can hav...
Seth Irby | LWCC Foundation's Louisiana Well Again Initiative
May 05, 2020 08:00 - 16 minutes - 10 MBSeth Irby, Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer for LWCC joins us on Red Stick Strong to discuss the newly launched LWCC Foundation. The foundation is kicking things off with the $1.1 million Louisiana Well Again initiative. The initiative, which consists of three phases, started with a $100,000 contribution to Feeding Louisiana. Seth discusses what else is in store for the LWCC Foundation, including a call for grant applications that is occurring right now, designed to help frontli...
Mark Vincent and Jaimee Eachus | Rebel Graphix
May 01, 2020 13:38 - 17 minutes - 10.6 MBGetting the message out about your business is important; getting the message out during a crisis is critical. Rebel Graphix is open for business and are the folks responsible for those cool inspirational signs popping up all over Baton Rouge. Mark Vincent and Jaimee Eachus of Rebel Graphix join Red Stick Strong to talk about reaching out as a business, delivering encouraging words, and the importance of communication. Business owners will gain a lot of ideas about how to stay in touch with ...
Abby Bullock | Wanderlust by Abby
April 30, 2020 20:40 - 9 minutes - 6.14 MBAbby Bullock started her business as a pop-op shop, and about four years ago fulfilled her dream of opening a boutique, Wanderlust by Abby. When the pandemic hit, Abby didn’t miss a beat: she started delivering goods curbside, gave a generous discount store wide, and even started making local deliveries! Abby’s story and approach can be a instructive example for anyone in business. Bonus: Abby shares the item that is selling like hotcakes (much to her surprise!) WANDERLUST BY ABBY IS OPEN ...
Rebecca Lemoine | Pure Barre Baton Rouge
April 30, 2020 15:51 - 10 minutes - 6.3 MBStay at home doesn’t have to mean stay inactive! Rebecca Lemoine, owner of Pure Barre Baton Rouge is offering livestreams of barre classes that would normally be offered at the studio on Perkins. Rebecca joins Red Stick Strong to share how her business has adjusted to the pandemic, what she sees happening in the BR business community, and how you can try barre now (yes, now! No intimidation and no prior experience needed. You don’t even need a bar!) Rebecca has a thoughtful message about how...
Aimee Supp and Jenn Ocken | The Store Front Project BR
April 29, 2020 22:19 - 18 minutes - 11 MBHave you seen the wonderful front porch portraits of families in Baton Rouge, tagged with #TheFrontPorchProjectBR AND paying it forward by shopping a local business (and tagging the business, too??) Aimee Supp and Jenn Ocken are on Red Stick Strong to talk about how The Front Porch Project got started, and about the next iteration of the project designed to help local business: The Store Front Project BR! Pictures of local businesses, taken by local photographers, all with the goal of promot...
Ross Garbarino | Being a Good Neighbor
April 27, 2020 12:25 - 9 minutes - 5.7 MBWhen COVID-19 hit, Ross Garbarino took to social media to start sharing some good. As an agent with State Farm, Ross took the idea of helping neighbors seriously. Starting with his own neighbor next door—Pot and Paddle Jambalaya, Ross has been buying up restaurant gift cards and helping people as he can. Ross has a message about how small businesses can do what they can in this uncertain time. GET IN ON WHAT ROSS GARBARINO IS DOING: Ross Garbarino, Agent with State Farm: visit Ross’ websi...
Bridget Tate | Capital City Lighting
April 26, 2020 00:37 - 8 minutes - 5.45 MBIt’s time to collaborate and get creative! This is the message you will get from Bridget Tate, lighting stylist and owner of Capital City Lighting. Bridget is seeing personal growth from folks in the business community, and is getting together with other small business owners to make connections (where they may not have been before.) Bridget blogs at This Lil Light O Mine and recently featured a collab with a local baker (hint: is it sconce or scone??) Listen to Bridget on Red Stick Strong ...
Will Barrios | Tatro Hand-Built Magnetic Toys
April 24, 2020 10:00 - 9 minutes - 5.87 MBAlong with Louisiana’s stay at home order came lots of school closures. Overnight, parents and guardians became homeschool educators and the challenge of keeping kids engaged all day, every day, became job one. In this context, who better to talk to than Will Barrios, Certified Play Expert, Founder and CEO of Tatro Hand-Built Magnetic Toys. Will has lots of ideas about creativity and play, and how to use this time of the pandemic to encourage the young and young at heart. TATRO HAND-BUILT ...
Brandi Plaisance | Espresso Geaux
April 21, 2020 20:01 - 11 minutes - 7.04 MBIs that a pink coffee truck pulling into your neighborhood? It’s probably Brandi Plaisance, owner of Espresso Geaux, a mobile coffee shop. Brandi mostly served schools with her business before the stay at home order, now Brandi is reaching out to the community, visiting subdivisions to deliver coffee treats. Coffee is symbolic of connection and communication, something Brandi thinks we all need a bit of right now. BRANDI IS ON THE GEAUX: Espresso Geaux posts their schedule daily on Faceb...
Mary-Brennan Faucheux | MJ's Cafe
April 17, 2020 20:46 - 9 minutes - 6.05 MBIf you are a veggie lover in Baton Rouge, you know MJ’s Café. Plant-forward diners know MJ’s for their delicious meals that feature farm to table vegetables; now, many of BR’s first responders know MJ’s from receiving dinner deliveries from our friends at Shift Support. Mary-Brennan Faucheux is on Red Stick Strong to tell supporters how they can eat with MJ’s Café through the pandemic, and to tell part of the story of the “little café that could.” PLACE YOUR ORDERS WITH MJ’S CAFÉ: Call MJ...
Gabby Loubiere Higgins | Brew Ha Ha BR
April 17, 2020 13:48 - 9 minutes - 5.71 MBMid-City’s own Brew Ha Ha is a coffee house, art gallery, and community hub rolled into one. Now known for roasting their own coffee and always known for their cake balls, Brew Ha Ha is about the art of coffee. Gabby Loubiere Higgins, owner of Brew Ha Ha and coffee roaster extraordinaire, joins us on the Red Stick Strong podcast. SHOP BREW HA HA BR: Brew Ha Ha is selling coffee on Etsy. Shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BrewHaHaBR You can also get merch with cool Brew Ha Ha designs o...
Desiree Guidry | Hey, Penelope Boutique
April 15, 2020 12:11 - 10 minutes - 12.3 MBIf you love Baton Rouge and Southern charm, you are sure to find something you love at Hey, Penelope. Desiree Guidry is the owner of Hey, Penelope and breaks down the challenge facing retailers right now during the pandemic. Desiree has used the current crisis to get her online store fully functional and continues to post for her substantial social media fans. SHOP HEY, PENELOPE: Hey, Penelope is OPEN online! Shop here: https://heypenelope.com/collections/all How cool is this purple and...
Shift Support | Help Restaurants, Feed Medical Pros
April 14, 2020 15:01 - 8 minutes - 5.42 MBSo nice we’re speaking with her twice, Sarah Joy Hays is back on Red Stick Strong, this time to talk about Shift Support. Shift Support is a way to help local restaurants and provide loving meals to our medical professionals serving during the pandemic. Sarah Joy is the owner of CounterspaceBR and talked about her bakery on the first episode of Red Stick Strong. MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO SHIFT SUPPORT: Make a donation that helps provide meals for BR medical professionals. Hit that Venmo but...
Aaron Escort and Taliah Terry | Custom Masks and More from Lazy Nerds Designs
April 13, 2020 18:17 - 9 minutes - 5.89 MBCustom masks! Lazy Nerds Designs usually is your place to go for Naruto inspired gear; custom embroidery; screen printing; cool patches. Now, thanks to a stroke of providence, Lazy Nerds Design is selling masks—custom made masks, printed masks—all available on the website LazyNerdsDesigns.com. Aaron Escort and Taliah Terry share some thoughts about how they’ve coped with the fact that a majority of their business was selling at conventions to now working with online selling. You’ll get som...
Anne Milneck | Red Stick Spice Company
April 12, 2020 03:20 - 12 minutes - 7.9 MBDo you want to know how to use spices? Anne Milneck, owner of Red Stick Spice Company and chief spice girl is here to deliver you the meal inspiration you need. For several weeks, Anne has been teaching cooking on Facebook Live as a response to having to cancel the marvelous slate of cooking classes she usually hosts at her Red Stick Spice Company shop on Jefferson Hwy in Baton Rouge. Anne shares all the adaptations she and her staff have made to keep the spices flowing during the pandemic...
Will Chadwick | Reppin' Retailers with Elifin Realty
April 11, 2020 02:31 - 9 minutes - 5.59 MBYou’ve seen the elephant signs all over Baton Rouge—those are from Elifin Realty, a commercial real estate firm here in the Red Stick. Will Chadwick is a Retail Sales & Leasing Expert with Elifin Realty. He joins us on Red Stick Strong to share his perspective on the day to day impact of the quarantine on Baton Rouge retailers. Will gives practical tips for how community members can help businesses in Baton Rouge. Listen to the episode to learn… The key between maintaining positive relati...
Sarah Joy Hays | CounterspaceBR Bakery
April 10, 2020 17:54 - 9 minutes - 6.21 MBSalted chocolate chip cookies, take-n-bake cinnamon rolls, cookie cakes, banana bread-- all these and more await you at CounterspaceBR bakery, located in Southdowns, Baton Rouge. Sarah Joy Hays joins us on Red Stick Strong, she's the owner and baker extraordinaire at CounterspaceBR. SHOP COUNTERSPACEBR: You can call for curbside pick-up or delivery: (225) 456-5002. Order a cake here with CounterspaceBR's online cake form: https://www.counterspacebr.com/cake-order-form FOLLOW COUNTERSP...
Introducing Red Stick Strong | Baton Rouge Business Dealing with the Pandemic
April 07, 2020 05:33 - 58 seconds - 844 KBIntroducing Red Stick Strong, a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business coping with the coronavirus crisis. Nobody has a rulebook for dealing with the global pandemic, especially businesses. In Baton Rouge, most of us know someone laid off or furloughed, and some of our favorite businesses are having to get creative to continue serving their customers. On Red Stick Strong, you'll hear from Baton Rouge business owners as they share how they are coping and how you can help. Red Stick S...