Brett Davis is the founding director of Grounds Krewe, a New Orleans nonprofit working to reduce waste during Mardi Gras and other large-scale events. We sit down with Brett to unpack how Mardi Gras has become one of the most waste-producing events in the world, why plastic parade throws are at the center of the problem, and how the structure of an unsponsored, unticketed celebration has unintentionally fueled massive environmental impact.

We also dig into how Grounds Krewe is addressing this challenge through prevention and reduction, from their Sustainable Throw Catalog featuring functional, locally sourced items to their Recycle Dat! program that diverts materials from landfills and supports other nonprofits. Brett shares the behind-the-scenes realities of building this work, the role of volunteers and community support, and what’s next, including ambitious plans for biodegradable beads made from Louisiana sugarcane waste. This conversation invites us to rethink what Mardi Gras can look like when sustainability and culture move forward together.

Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. Missions Bayou is hosted by Maya McGee and Brenna Gourgeot. Maya McGee is the Senior Director of Operations at Comfy Stone, where she helps nonprofits clarify and elevate their storytelling to better reflect their mission and impact. Brenna Gourgeot is a community organizer and data analyst focused on socioeconomic and environmental justice in Southeast Louisiana. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates.

Follow Comfy Stone

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/

Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Jaleesa Jackson is the co-founder of Women of Wakanda, and Krysten Perkins is a Vibranium Council Member within the collective. We sit down with Jaleesa and Krysten to talk about how Women of Wakanda began in 2018 and grew into an Afro-futurist, joy-centered community rooted in mutual aid, imagination, and care for Black women in New Orleans.

Together, we explore how the group mirrors the legacy of New Orleans’ historic social aid and pleasure clubs through skill-sharing, wellness and outdoor activities, book clubs, school supply drives, and everyday support like meal trains, ride sharing, and showing up for one another in moments of grief and celebration. This conversation centers joy as a form of resistance and highlights how community care can be expansive, sustainable, and deeply human when it’s built on trust, creativity, and shared responsibility.

Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. Missions Bayou is hosted by Maya McGee and Brenna Gourgeot. Maya McGee is the Senior Director of Operations at Comfy Stone, where she helps nonprofits clarify and elevate their storytelling to better reflect their mission and impact. Brenna Gourgeot is a community organizer and data analyst focused on socioeconomic and environmental justice in Southeast Louisiana. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates.

Follow Comfy Stone

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/

Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Alex Owens is the Executive Director of Be Loud Studios, and Jace is a Junior Producer at Be Loud Studios. In this conversation, we talk about how Be Loud started as a classroom experiment and grew into a nonprofit dedicated to amplifying youth voice through radio, podcasting, and digital media. Alex shares the origin story of the organization, how giving young people a microphone transformed engagement, and how Be Loud now works with students, teachers, and community partners to build confidence and create meaningful conversations across New Orleans.

We also hear directly from Jace about his journey from a shy student to a confident interviewer and mentor, and how being part of Be Loud has shaped his growth on and off the mic. Together, we explore why audio creates a more level playing field, how youth-led storytelling challenges power dynamics, and why spaces like Be Loud matter for helping young people feel heard, valued, and prepared to lead in their communities.

Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates.

Follow Comfy Stone

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/

Website: https://www.comfystone.com/