Northeast Louisiana is in the middle of a period of growth unlike anything the region has seen in decades. But what does that growth actually mean for the people who live and do business here?

On this episode of the Waiting Tables Podcast, John Bruscato sits down with Ben Stokes and Brandon Welch of Grow NELA to talk about the work happening behind the scenes to attract new investment, support existing businesses, and prepare Northeast Louisiana for what’s coming next.

They break down how economic development really works, Louisiana’s site certification process, the role of NDAs in major projects, and the opportunities being created by developments like Meta’s massive data center investment. The conversation also explores the challenges that come with rapid growth, including housing, infrastructure, energy, healthcare, workforce needs, and air travel.

Most importantly, Ben and Brandon share why they believe Northeast Louisiana is only getting started and why the next decade could look very different from the last.

From major industry recruitment to the impact on local businesses and families, this episode is a look at where Northeast Louisiana is headed and what it will take to make sure the entire region benefits.

Waiting Tables is sponsored by Bruscato Law.

Steve and Dino Taylor join John Bruscato on the Waiting Tables Podcast for a conversation about family, business, hard work, and the community they’ve called home for decades.

Steve shares the story of how he and a longtime business partner helped build CarTown into one of Northeast Louisiana’s most recognizable independent automotive businesses, while Dino talks about growing up in the business, starting at the bottom, launching Freedom Motors, and eventually becoming a partner alongside his father.

But this episode goes far beyond the car business.

They talk about the lessons learned when money was tight, building a reputation by standing behind what you sell, raising kids around a family business, giving back to the community, and why relationships have mattered more than any individual deal.

The conversation also turns toward the future of Monroe and Northeast Louisiana, including the unprecedented investment coming into the region and why Steve and Dino believe this community may be entering one of its greatest periods of opportunity.

It’s a story about building something that lasts, earning trust over decades, and believing enough in your hometown to keep investing in it.

On this episode of the Waiting Tables Podcast, John Bruscato sits down with a candidate for Mayor of Choudrant, Brandon Milner, whose story is built around service, perseverance, and a deep love for his hometown.

After a motorcycle accident in 2017 left him with a severe spinal cord injury, he was told his life would look drastically different. Instead, he fought to regain his independence. Today, he drives himself, maintains his own property, finds ways to help others with disabilities experience the outdoors, and continues looking for opportunities to serve the people around him.

Now, he's taking that same mindset into his campaign for Mayor of Choudrant. He and John discuss his vision for the town, including attracting new businesses, improving sewer and drainage infrastructure, strengthening law enforcement, investing in town employees, simplifying development, and preparing Choudrant for future growth without losing the small-town character that makes it special.

It's a conversation about overcoming adversity, serving others, and believing that a small town with the right leadership can have a very bright future.

**Waiting Tables Podcast is sponsored by Bruscato Law.**

John Bruscato sits down with Jamie Davis Jr., Louisiana farmer and Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, for a conversation about farming, politics, and the future of Louisiana.

Jamie shares his story of growing up in rural Louisiana, working alongside his father on the family farm, and eventually building an operation that now farms roughly 3,200 acres across four parishes. He explains how a lifetime in agriculture shaped his views on patience, business, leadership, and working with people who may not always see things the same way.

The conversation also gets into why Jamie considers himself a different kind of Democratic candidate. He discusses healthcare, rural hospitals, agriculture, tariffs, carbon capture, gun ownership, the cost of living, and why he believes elected officials should put the people they represent ahead of party politics.

Jamie also talks about his belief that Louisiana's rural communities deserve a stronger voice and why his campaign is focused on reaching voters beyond traditional party lines.

It’s a wide-ranging conversation about farming, public service, politics, and what Jamie Davis Jr. believes Louisiana needs from its next U.S. Senator.

Ouachita Parish Sheriff Marc Mashaw joins John Bruscato on this episode of Waiting Tables to share the story behind his 36-year career in law enforcement and the experiences that ultimately led him to become sheriff.

Sheriff Mashaw takes us from his early days working corrections and patrol to his time with Metro Narcotics, serving civil papers, supervising deputies, and eventually leading the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office. Along the way, he shares stories from the job, discusses the challenges of leadership and accountability, and explains what most people never see about the men and women serving their communities every day.

John and Sheriff Mashaw also dive into crime and the criminal justice system, rehabilitation, the challenges facing local law enforcement, and the rapidly changing role of technology. Mashaw explains how Ouachita Parish’s Real Time Crime Center, body cameras, facial recognition, AI-assisted investigations, cameras, and new drone technology are changing the way deputies respond to calls and solve crimes.

It’s a wide-ranging conversation about law enforcement, leadership, public service, and what Sheriff Mashaw has learned after more than three decades behind the badge.

In this episode of Waiting Tables, host John Bruscato sits down with Louisiana State Representative Gabe Firment for an in depth conversation about the values that have shaped his life both inside and outside of public office.

Before serving in the Louisiana Legislature and chairing the House Insurance Committee, Gabe built a career helping families recover after disasters as a claims adjuster and business owner. That experience, combined with his deep faith and commitment to public service, has influenced the way he approaches leadership today.

John and Gabe discuss the challenges facing Louisiana, including insurance reform, crime, education, economic development, and the future of the state's rural communities. They also explore Gabe's upbringing, the influence of his family, his love for hunting and fishing, and why he believes faith should remain at the center of every leadership decision.

Whether you agree with his positions or not, this conversation offers an honest look at the experiences, convictions, and motivations behind one of Louisiana's most recognizable legislators as he discusses his campaign for Congress, the responsibility of serving others, and the importance of leaving a better future for the next generation.

Louisiana State Senator Stewart Cathey joins host John Bruscato for a candid conversation about leadership, service, and the future of Louisiana. Stewart reflects on his military career, his time in the Louisiana Senate, and what led him to launch a campaign for Congress. He also shares his perspective on the issues shaping the state, including economic development, agriculture, infrastructure, education, taxes, and the rapid growth taking place across Northeast Louisiana.

The conversation goes beyond politics as Stewart discusses lessons learned from serving in Afghanistan, the importance of investing in local communities, and how military leadership has influenced his approach to public service. John and Stewart also dive into the impact of Meta's investment in Richland Parish, the opportunities facing rural Louisiana, and what the state's future could look like over the next decade.

If you're interested in the people making decisions that affect Louisiana and the stories behind those decisions, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

John Bruscato sits down with Monroe attorney and District Attorney candidate Mennon Campbell for a conversation about his background, career, connection to the community, and decision to run for District Attorney.

They discuss Campbell’s experiences that shaped his approach to leadership and public service, along with his vision for the District Attorney’s Office and the issues facing our community.

Get to know Mennon Campbell beyond the campaign and hear more about the person, his story, and why he believes now is the right time to serve.