See the Ville

Marc sits down with Ross K. Nichols—local resident, author, and Old Testament scholar—for a fascinating conversation about the ancient world and the modern Middle East. Ross shares stories from his many study tours to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt, explaining what draws people to explore the lands of the Bible and how travel there often challenges common perceptions. Marc and Ross discuss history, faith, cultural connections, and the surprising hospitality of the region, offering listeners a glimpse into the places where biblical history unfolded.

Marc sits down with Marsha Daniel, proprietor of Findings, a lively antique shop in St. Francisville filled with unique treasures and vendor stalls. Marsha shares how her love of antiques, beautiful objects, and community led her to create a space where collectors, vendors, and curious visitors can all discover something special. Marc and Marsha talk about the stories behind antiques, the joy of the hunt, and why a good shop is about more than just things—it's about the people who gather around them.

Marc sits down with West Feliciana native Toby Nichols; actor, filmmaker, and drama coach, whose career began with backyard YouTube movies and grew into roles alongside Bryan Cranston, Jonah Hill, and appearances in major productions like Underground, American Horror Story, and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. Toby shares behind-the-scenes stories from film sets, the realities of modern auditions, and his passion for creating independent films and building a local acting community. At just 24, he’s balancing Hollywood ambition with small-town roots and inviting others to step into the spotlight through his weekly acting classes.

Marc welcomes architect James Dart, a proud son of Louisiana whose career spans New York City, Italy, and Saint Francisville. From teaching architecture and running an urban design program in Italy to restoring historic buildings back home, James reflects on love, legacy, and the pull of small-town roots. He shares stories of meeting his husband David on New Year’s Eve, caring for his remarkable mother, and helping shape the preservation and future of Saint Francisville. A thoughtful, charming conversation about architecture, history, and coming home.

Marc sits down with David Parker, general manager of The Saint Francisville Inn and a man whose journey spans Mississippi roots, New York City life, floral design, and Southern hospitality. From social work and cancer survival to building a nationally recognized floral business and helping shape Saint Francisville into a true destination, David shares how service, creativity, and community have guided every chapter of his life. A thoughtful conversation about finding your place—and thriving there.

Marc sits down with David Parker, general manager of The Saint Francisville Inn and a man whose journey spans Mississippi roots, New York City life, floral design, and Southern hospitality. From social work and cancer survival to building a nationally recognized floral business and helping shape Saint Francisville into a true destination, David shares how service, creativity, and community have guided every chapter of his life. A thoughtful conversation about finding your place—and thriving there.

Marc drops in on a lively ladies’ luncheon and happily crashes the party, joining Heather Jenkins, Heather Melancon, Kelly Hickerson, and Ellen Kennon for an afternoon of candid conversation and playful banter. Hosted by Heather Jenkins—who runs a private cat rescue and somehow keeps a home with 23 cats impeccably fresh—the gathering quickly turns to design, creativity, community work, and life in Saint Francisville. From renovation stories and paint palettes to volunteering, home restoration, and the joy of making spaces reflect the people who live in them, this episode feels like pulling up a chair at the table and li...

Marc welcomes Susan Davis, the beloved creative force behind Grandmother’s Buttons, a shop that became a Saint Francisville landmark and a destination for visitors from around the world. Susan shares how a drawer full of her grandmother’s buttons sparked a decades-long journey of design, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship—transforming antique buttons into beautiful jewelry and building a business that reached museums and historic sites across the globe. Their conversation wanders through the history of buttons, the stories behind her iconic building, brushes with Hollywood, and the joy of returning to creativity in retirement. A rich, nostalgic, and fascinating visit...

Marc sits down with Kenny Havard, West Feliciana’s parish president and a proud native of Jackson, Louisiana. Kenny talks about growing up in East Feliciana, his two terms in the state legislature, and what led him back home to focus on local leadership. Together, he and Marc dive into community life, the future of the parish, and the energy behind major projects shaping West Feliciana today. A candid, down-to-earth conversation with one of the parish’s most recognizable voices.

Marc welcomes Karen Snyder, a Saint Francisville resident whose life shines with service, creativity, and compassion. Karen shares the path that led her to lead the local food pantry and to study for the diaconate at Grace Episcopal Church, all while nurturing her creative spirit as a former band director and dedicated weaver. She and Marc talk about the quiet challenges many neighbors face, the joy found in helping others, and the simple grace of gratitude. A warm and inspiring conversation about faith, community, and living a life of purpose.

Brandon Branch is my latest guest, and I’m thrilled to have him here on See The Ville. Brandon and his husband Jim moved to St. Francisville in 2019, and their arrival truly helped spark a new wave of energy in our little town. Their stunning renovation of the historic St. Francisville Inn — and the creation of its award-winning restaurant and bar, The Saint — inspired a whole renaissance of new restaurants, shops, and creativity throughout the historic district.

Brandon is a true renaissance gentleman — a gifted interior designer and horticulturist, a New York Times best-selling author, a familiar face fro...

Marc sits down with Josh Roberts, a fellow Louisianan whose creative journey has taken him from Baton Rouge to Boston, Los Angeles, and back home again. Josh shares how life’s twists—from working on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills to weathering the pandemic in L.A.—ultimately led him to write his debut novel, Bloodline: The Book of Charlotte, a Southern gothic fantasy steeped in Louisiana folklore and mystery. Together, Marc and Josh talk about writing as healing, the art of storytelling, and finding one’s way back to where it all began.

Check out Joshua's...

Marc welcomes his stylish new friend and fellow Louisianan, Kelly Hickerson, to See the Ville. A lifelong thrifter turned curator of beauty, Kelly shares how her love of history, design, and good finds led her and her husband, Emile, to their enchanting 19th-century dream home, Ouida, built in 1869 in West Feliciana Parish. Together, they talk about architectural “eldercare,” small-town kindness, and the joy of discovering treasures—whether in a thrift store, a historic home, or a community that feels like family.

Marc sits down with his dear friend and longtime Saint Francisville resident, Owen Kemp. From her first yoga class as a young bride in 1970s New Orleans to decades of study and teaching, Owen shares how the practice has shaped her life—helping her heal from injuries, travel the world, and guide others with compassion. Marc and Owen also explore the history and spirit of Saint Francisville, from the stories of Grace Episcopal Church to the legacy of Bayou Sara. Their conversation is filled with resilience, wisdom, and the charm of small-town life along the Mississippi. 

Marc chats with his good friend and fellow Saint Francisville resident, the divine wedding planner, Bev Walker. Beverly shares stories of growing up in Baton Rouge and coming up in Switzerland, Hawaii, and New Orleans. Marc and Beverly discuss how wonder and determination lead to lives well lived. For Beverly, this means Mexican summers, Polo, and tending to her sublime homestead, Rosebank. To find out more about Bev and her elevated and imaginative wedding and event planning offerings, visit https://www.bevwalkerweddings.com/. 

Marc drops the tea with his close friend, Saint Francisville neighbor, and former colleague, Ellen Kennon. They discuss working together in the eighties at the iconic Manhattan design firm, Peter Marino, along with stories about prickly clients and manifesting one's wildest dreams. Ellen tells Marc about the origins of her thriving international paint company, Full Spectrum Paints, along with beguiling tales from her fascinating biography, The Color of Magic. To find our more, visit https://ellenkennon.com/.

Marc talks practice, energy and St. Francisville with talented Bay St. Louis, MS, muralist, Kevin Wiggs.