Podcast Archives - Discover Lafayette

Discover Lafayette: Senator Brach Myers on Public Service, Family, and Revitalizing the Oil Center of Lafayette

Louisiana State Senator Brach Myers, who began serving Senate District 23 in March 2025 after representing House District 45, joined Discover Lafayette to reflect on his deep-rooted commitment to public service, his childhood journey, and his ongoing mission to uplift Lafayette and the state of Louisiana.

A Lafayette transplant by way of Palmetto and New Iberia, Brach shared, “Lafayette was always the big city to us. I joked and said that many days in the back of a hatchback car ride in th...

Jacoby Landry, the new owner of Lafayette’s oldest indoor shopping center, Northgate Mall, shares his vision to bring hope, commerce, and fresh energy to North Lafayette. Jacoby’s energy and can-do attitude is a beacon of light for a community waiting to see how he will transform the mall into “The Hub.”

Jacoby, owner of JL Construction and Pont Breaux Plaza in Breaux Bridge, is the first local owner of Northgate Mall in years. Originally developed by Isan Fontenot, Dr. Daniel Voorheis and Joseph Angelle who opened it in August 1969, Jacoby paid $2.8 million for the property.

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We welcome UL – Lafayette Football Head Coach Michael Desormeaux, a graduate of Catholic High in New Iberia and standout UL Lafayette quarterback, who became the eighth quarterback in NCAA history to post back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

He joined the UL coaching staff in 2016, helping lead the Ragin’ Cajuns to four consecutive Sunbelt West Division titles and their first outright Sunbelt Championship before being named head coach.

Joining us to guide the conversation is John Bord...

Real estate expert Bill Bacque of Market Scope Consulting, whose career has spanned over 53 years in the housing industry, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss real estate trends.

Formerly with Van Eaton & Romero—later acquired by Latter & Blum—Bill is now retired, but his passion for tracking housing statistics and analyzing market trends remains strong. In this episode, Bill shares a data-rich, thoughtful overview of how the housing market in Lafayette has evolved and what lies ahead.

“If you look at average sales price over the last 50 years, the overall trend has been up,” Bill began. “That being...

In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we shine a light on a unique community tucked away in South Louisiana: veterans who find healing, camaraderie, and fun on the ice rink.

Our guests, Eric Iorio and Danielle (“Dani”) Francis, share their inspiring journeys from military service to building a new mission at home — through Acadiana Veterans Hockey.

“I was born here in Lafayette, Louisiana. Graduated from Teurlings back in 2008, which seems like forever ago,” Eric begins. After joining the 101st Airborne in 2013 and deploying to Afghanistan, he recounts how life changed on July 28, 2013, when his base came under...

Steve Raggio, co-owner of Bayou State Pawn & Jewelry, joins Discover Lafayette to share the remarkable story of his dual life as a successful business owner and newly published poet. His book, Heart Talking, Inspiring Poems for the Soul, has quickly become a best-seller in its category and has touched hearts across the country. “If I can touch just one person in getting closer to God by reading the poems…it’s worth it to bring joy into their life,” Steve shared.

Steve’s journey into the pawn business started unexpectedly. “I was two years into college…and I was looking...

On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Jude David, managing partner of Final Ascent, a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that helps mid-market business owners—typically with $5 million or more in annual revenue—prepare their companies for sale and successfully transition for maximum value.

But Jude’s passion goes far beyond business mechanics. He’s also a philanthropist and one of the founders of the Catholic Legacy Foundation of Acadiana, a donor-advised fund that enables people of all faiths to support charitable causes in perpetuity—while enjoying significant tax advantages in the process.

“People don’t want t...

In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we dive into Lafayette’s emerging role as a major player in the regional and national tech ecosystem with Ben Johnson and Marcus Brown of the newly formed Lafayette Regional Technology Council. This dynamic group of volunteer leaders are working hard to ensure Lafayette’s deep well of tech talent is recognized and nurtured.

Ben Johnson, CEO of Techneaux Technology Services and Chair of the Council, shares his local roots—born in Eunice, raised in Scott and Lafayette—and how his passion for computers and community led him to start Techneaux in his g...

Robert Daigle on Why He Invested in Upper Lafayette
Originally recorded in October 2013 /Aired on Upper Lafayette On the Move

This episode of Discover Lafayette takes us back to an insightful conversation with the late Robert Daigle, the visionary managing partner of River Ranch Development Company and the developer of the Village of River Ranch, a 320-acre traditional neighborhood development that reshaped residential life in Lafayette.

In October 2013, Robert addressed an Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation meeting to share why he and his team chose to invest in the northern part of Lafayette Parish—an...

Discover Lafayette welcomes Justin Bennett, the new owner of Artmosphere, and Anthony Daniels—known to many as Moose Harris—who serves as booking agent and sound engineer for the venue.

Located at 902 Johnston Street in downtown Lafayette, Artmosphere has long been known as a cultural hub where music, art, and community converge. Now, with Justin at the helm and Moose helping steer the ship, this iconic space is entering a bold new chapter.

Justin, originally from Brooklyn by way of Seattle, and his...

In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we honor the 25th anniversary of Miles Perret Cancer Services, a nonprofit that has supported more than 27,000 families in Acadiana over the years facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.

Joining us are Executive Director, Tim Rinaldi and Community Liaison, Sherry Hernandez, two passionate leaders dedicated to advancing the mission and heart of this vital organization.

The organization was founded in honor of Miles Perret who tragically died at the age of eight years of age in 2001 from glioblastoma. From this experience, his parents, Hank and Debbie Verret, had...