Porch and Parish The Podcast

Discover the transformative power of your backyard as we're joined by Caitlin Robbins from Swampfly Native Landscapes to unravel the secrets of Louisiana's native plant ecosystems. Embrace a journey through the lush diversity of our local flora and fauna, learning how to turn your garden into a certified Louisiana habitat. From the unsuspected benefits of poison ivy to the historical significance of prescribed burns, this episode is an enlightening expedition into the heart of ecological conservation. Alongside Caitlin's expertise, we'll share tips on how to persuade clients to shift from manicured lawns to more sustainable, wild landscapes, fostering an appreciation...

Step behind the scenes at the awe-inspiring Louisiana Night Jam with  Jay Bennett, and hear firsthand from two-time champion Hannah Stralsova about the high-flying world of water ski jumping. This episode peels back the curtain on the sheer spectacle and athletic prowess on display at Bennett's Water Ski and Wakeboard School. Feel the pulse of the crowd and the roar of the skis as we delve into what makes this event a magnet for thrill-seekers and spectators alike.

 As we project into the future of the Night Jam, we confront the economic realities of sustaining a world-class ev...

Unlock the secrets of Louisiana's economic renaissance as we sit with Adam Knapp, a visionary in the state's push for progress. In a candid discussion, we peel back the layers of local economic strategies and the colorful food culture that not only feeds the body but also fuels the soul of this unique region. From the impact of gubernatorial decrees on parish power to the personal tales of Baton Rouge's culinary delights, prepare to embark on an auditory journey through the heart of Louisiana's transformative growth.

We wrap up with a forward-thinking analysis of the avenues and...

Imagine the pulse of Baton Rouge's culture and entrepreneurial spirit coming alive right before your ears. Our latest episode takes you on a cultural safari through the city's traditions and innovations with special attention to Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week. We wax poetic about our adored BREC parks and debate the merits of the most buzzing late-night haunts, with a toast to the Vintage's vivacious vibe. When it comes to local traditions, nothing is off the table, from the roar of a Southern University Homecoming to the reverent celebrations of the Asian Lunar New Year downtown. This tapestry of community...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to capture the essence of a community in print and audio? Jen Gennaro, the creative force behind Porch Parish Zachary's Community Magazine and podcast, joins us for a story-rich tapestry of local flavor and charm. We traverse the journey of Counter Space Zachary's metamorphosis into a cultural cornerstone, and indulge in the lighter side of community narrative, complete with a sprinkle of meme magic and an impressionist show-stopper, courtesy of Mike Gennaro.

Step into the vibrant world of Zachary as we celebrate the art of local storytelling. Weaving our way...

Discover the heartbeat of Baton Rouge as Maggi Spurlock from the Baton Rouge Area Chamber joins me, Mike Gennaro, to unravel the city's vibrant local scene. We'll take you down memory lane, mourning the bygone havens of our beloved city while revealing our cherished eateries and music joints that keep the local charm alive. Witness how the simple yet impactful endeavors of businesses, like Teddy's Juke Joint, contribute to our sense of community, and prepare to be inspired by tales of urban art, the rejuvenating power of gardening, and the city's cultural treasures.

 We also spotlight the d...

Unlock the secrets of commercial insurance with Danette Castellot, the esteemed president of the Louisiana Professional Insurance Agents, who joins us for a riveting episode that will forever change the way you view the intricacies of insurance coverage. Whether it’s the whimsical notion of insuring beloved fictitious characters like Garfield or the gravity of tort reform's impact on homeowners and businesses, our conversation spans the spectrum. Danette, with her extensive expertise, lays bare the curious and critical aspects of insurance policies, and provides the quintessential advice for navigating this complex landscape.


Our chat does not sh...

His high school resume includes membership in the Honors Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Future Farmers of America. To wind down, he spends time reading, or camping in the woods with his wife. And he loves his tiny toy breed puppy.  

These are some unexpected revelations from our interview with the Zachary Police Department's trailblazing first African American police chief,  Daryl "Schuster" Lawrence. A ZHS graduate, Chief Lawrence was born and raised in our community. Chief Lawrence has committed 36 years of his life to serving and protecting the people of our city, as well as served in...

When Mayor David McDavid decided to swap his morning espresso shots for decaf, little did he know it would be the least surprising change of his first mayoral year. Our fireside chat with him is more than just a cozy conversation—it's a treasure trove of heartfelt anecdotes and city updates that will leave you feeling like an insider in the world of Zachary politics. Mayor McDavid candidly reminisces about his high school "could-have-beens," gets personal about his son's softball strategy, and gives us the skinny on a peculiar find beneath a local residence. Learn about his enthusiasm for th...

Controversial and resilient—Storm, the spirit worker from Storm Kalmerz Metaphysical Healing Boutique, steps into the booth to tell her side of the story, sharing tales of perseverance against a backdrop of community scrutiny, and offering her perspective on the misunderstandings that shadow spiritual practices like hoodoo and herbalism. 

Our conversation delves into the sacred—a realm where spirituality intersects with cultural heritage, fostering an awakening to ancestral guidance. Storm's narrative is one of balancing the scales of her spiritual business and her place in the community, while honoring the practices and traditions created by enslaved African Ameri...