Have a parenting question? Want updates on your favorite businesses around town? Need information on COVID-19? Or, maybe you just want to keep up with what’s happening around the community? Whichever your reasoning, What’s What, BR? is the place for you to find all of those things and more. Providing real, local information that affects our community, What’s What’s, BR? is your go-to location to stay in the know about what’s going on in Baton Rouge. What’s What, BR? is full of community members who are coming together to talk about what makes our community so special, while also providing resources, updates, and even fun. weblog
Episodes
Friday Apr 12, 2024
Friday Apr 12, 2024
In this edition of What's What BR, Brandon interviews George Bell, the President and CEO of Capital Area United Way, about his role and the impact of the organization on the Baton Rouge community. Bell shares insights from his transition from a 30-year career in healthcare to leading a major nonprofit, emphasizing the United Way's commitment to addressing social needs and improving lives across a 10-parish area. The organization's projects, including a focus on the ALICE report and investment in community programs, are highlighted along with the critical role of volunteers and the importance of the 211 service for connecting individuals with resources. Bell also discusses the significance of financial stewardship, the impact of the pandemic on service delivery, and future plans for United Way, including celebrating its 100th anniversary with a significant fundraising campaign.
00:00 Introduction to George Bell and the Capital Area United Way
00:55 A Day in the Life of George Bell: Impact and Mission
03:21 Transition from Healthcare to Community Impact
04:20 Addressing Social Determinants of Health
05:54 The Role of Nonprofits in Community Support
07:28 Leveraging Data for Community Investment
12:20 Expanding Support Through Innovative Programs
25:22 The Power of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
32:06 Looking Ahead: Preparing for a Century of Service
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Les Hixon, III, MD of Ochsner Baton Rouge
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Today, we talked with Dr. Les Hixon, a pediatric cardiologist at Ochsner Baton Rouge, focusing on pediatric cardiology and heart health. Dr. Hixon explains congenital heart defects and mentions the increasing number of adults living with congenital heart defects. He emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention for children with heart issues. The conversation also covers the importance of healthy habits, signs to look for in children, and the need for communication with primary care physicians.
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
WWBR Stephen Loy
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Stephen Loy from Nexus Louisiana discusses the support provided to tech entrepreneurs at Louisiana Technology Park. Nexus offers coaching, capital, and connections to tech entrepreneurs. They have an upcoming event, Ignition 2.0, focusing on pitch deck walkthroughs and mentorship. Additionally, they are organizing Brew Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week with networking opportunities and a high-stakes pitch event. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship, and funding in helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business.
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Geoffrey Hogan, M.D. Of Ochsner Baton Rouge
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Dr. Hogan, a primary care sports medicine physician at Oshner, discusses the growth and multidisciplinary approach of sports medicine. He explains the partnership between Oshner and the Andrews Center to create the Oshner Andrews Sports Medicine Institute. The focus is on patient-first care and using expertise, research, and resources to make a difference in athletes' lives. Dr. Hogan also advises individuals who are starting new exercise routines to consult with professionals for guidance and to avoid overdoing it.
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
Mary Stein – East Baton Rouge Parish Library
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
- What's What BR features one of our favorite returning guests, Ms. Mary Stein from the East Baton Rouge Parish Library.
- We have 355,000 cardholders. There's always room for one more. Because we have a lot of people that drive across the parish line to go to school here. We consider them ours. We'll take them in our big gumbo bowl.
- The library is now fine free for children and senior citizens. People are still responsible to bring back the items. If you don't bring it back after a couple of months we'll send you a friendly little bill.
- Rotary has adopted a school that added to its core pilot project. Kids get to pick a book that they take home for their very own forever and ever. It's about building a habit of reading in the home. The only way to turn the dial on Generational Illiteracy.
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Dr. Corey Falcon, M.D. Of Ochsner Baton Rouge
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Dr. Corey Falcon from Oshner, Baton Rouge. He works in pediatric oncology at Oshner’s. He also does hematology, which is blood disorders.
I’ll be asking all the dumb questions today.
Most of the cancers in children are distinct. Childhood leukemia is the most common cancer in children. There are some types that are similar, but typically the treatments, sometimes they can overlap, but treatments are different.
You’ve got to treat the child, and somewhat, I would think, treat the parents too. The child doesn’t know everything that’s going on, especially depending on age. One thing that’s also important is the siblings. We tell the kids and the families, we’re going to be with you throughout this journey.
There’s some advancements that have been made for treating children. One of the big things is something called immunotherapy. It uses the body’s immune system to fight the cancer. It also limits side effects to the body that traditional toxic chemotherapy can cause. Every little bit is better.
Dr. Falcon says things are moving in the right direction. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It is a tough job, but we’re fortunate and blessed to take care of these wonderful kids.
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Mayor Sharon Weston Broome Of Baton Rouge
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Monday Oct 02, 2023
– We have a returning guest, Mayor President Sharon Weston Broome, with us.
– Mayor President Sharon Weston Broome recently gave a State of the City address at the Press Club. Our theme for this year is Red Stick Rising. She says there are a lot of areas where we know we still have to make improvements. Mayor President Sharon Weston Broome Making improvements is an ongoing daily task for all of us.
– Baton Rouge has invested $21 million in affordable housing in neighborhoods like Mid City and Scotlandville. The city is also repaving 50 miles of roads and replacing 20,000 reflective markers. One of the things our office is working on all day is infrastructure.
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Ronnie Morris
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Monday Oct 02, 2023
– Ronnie Morris was a career ExxonMobil employee. He now sits on the BESE board and has a nonprofit that he started with the hydroponics and the classrooms. One of the challenges is how do we engage kids in education today.
– Another really cool place where kids are getting a lot of hands on experience in school is Walker High School in Walker. Kids know when they go in that there’s more to it than just open a book. It does make education relevant. And when education is fun, boy, spread the word on that.
– We’re not going to have a successful education system without quality educators. 50% of the kids in the state don’t read at grade level. We’ve got to pay our teachers like professionals. But it’s extremely challenging right now.
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Gardere Initiative
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Monday Oct 02, 2023
– Welcome to another episode of What’s What BR. We’ve got a couple of guests with us today from the Gardere Initiative.
– Eight week summer program in spite of the 100 degree temperature. 73 children apply for our summer program.
– We cannot even imagine what this community would be without us being here. And logistics, I don’t think people realize how much of a difference where you’re nested is making a difference.
– Our after school program starting back up again is huge. And then we’ll have our monthly youth events with our youth. We incorporate the dimensions of wellness in everything that we do. The ultimate goal is to make this a safe and healthy community.
– The Gardier Initiative is looking for a board member and volunteers. The organization’s goal is to have a safe and healthy community for Gardier and all of Baton Rouge. If anybody feels passionate about working with young people and would like to be a part of that effort, then please come.
Monday Oct 02, 2023
DR Rachael Kermis, M.D. Of Ochsner Baton Rouge
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Monday Oct 02, 2023
In the recent episode of the What’s What BR Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting DR Rachael Kermis, M.D. with Ochsner Baton Rouge.
– DR. Rachael Kermis, M.D. joins us from Oshners today. It’s definitely hard, these Mondays coming back to work, especially with that heat over the weekend. A lot of people come in dehydrated from being weekend warriors. So we’re getting through it.
– A lot of teenagers have to prioritize between school, extracurriculars and homework. It’s never too late to get your children up to date on their vaccines. Here in the state, there are links to see when other children’s vaccines are due.
– We have sports physicals and we have wellness exams. With the sports physical, we’re looking to see what are your risk factors for having some of these issues that can cause sudden cardiac death in adolescents and in athletes. If you’re not required for a physical, should parents still consider doing one?
– The importance of water, sleep and better food can go a long way to preventing constipation. “That can kind of set you up for a lot of a good immune system,” she says.
– We see a lot of negative impacts that social media can have on mental health, not just of kids, but also on adults. As a parent, what can you do?
– Rachael Kermis, M.D.: Any questions, just reach out to your primary doc, pediatrician, and if we don’t know the answer, we can point you in the right direction with everything.
Sunday Aug 06, 2023
MAYOR-PRESIDENT - SHARON WESTON BROOME
Sunday Aug 06, 2023
Sunday Aug 06, 2023
- The theme of the week of the month is heat. Thank the good Lord for the air conditioning. If you can stay in the mid 70s, you're doing all right.
- Our Summer of Hope program has been our focus during the summer. It focuses on areas within our community that are at high risk for violence or considered at risk. Public safety is an ongoing issue that mayors across America will continue to work on.
- Mayor: It's not about me, It's about us and our city. I look for partners who want to help join the team of lifting Baton Rouge. If we can get enough people to stop saying negative things, we can make a difference.
- Baton Rouge Community Connect is a technology integrated into our Baton Rouge Fire Department. Residents and business owners can put in information about their homes, their residence, and their business. It gives the fire department an opportunity to respond more quickly and safely to emergencies.
- One of our initiatives with the movie BR that's taking place. College Drive, through our design process in the Movie BR program, will use best practices in access management to modernize the street. There will be some temporary discomfort when the work starts, but we must remember the long-term gain.
- Besides the College Drive Movie BR project, we are completing our 14th project with the Florida Street ADA Compliance project. Public and private partnerships equal a lot of possibilities for our community. We need to know Baton Rouge is good.
Monday Jul 24, 2023
Ashley Rodrigue, Public Affairs Director W/ State Fire Marshal’s Office
Monday Jul 24, 2023
Monday Jul 24, 2023
In this episode of What’s What BR, we meet Ashley Rodrigue, Public Affairs Director w/ the State Fire Marshal's office. Ashley discusses the importance of smoke detectors in the home as well as generator safety during this year's hurricane season.
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
What’s What BR with Savanna Latimer
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
In the recent episode of the What's What BR Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Savanna Latimer, a registered dietician from Eat Fit BR, a nonprofit organization affiliated with Ochsner Baton Rouge.
Savanna, an LSU grad, Baton Rouge native, and mother, took us through her work at Eat Fit BR, illuminating the organization's dedication to community nutrition. She clarified the focus on incremental changes that can lead to a healthier life, emphasizing the belief that minor shifts in our daily habits can cumulatively contribute to significant health improvements over time.
A significant part of the discussion was the partnership between Eat Fit BR and local Baton Rouge restaurants. Savanna explained how this collaboration works, creating a synergy that not only benefits the organization and the restaurants but also the community at large.
She also introduced the listeners to the Eat Fit mobile app. This tool aids individuals in making healthier food choices, helping to foster better dietary habits and overall health.
With summer already displaying intense heat, Savanna provided some insightful tips on how our diets can affect our body's response to high temperatures. She emphasized the importance of snacking to stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities, offering nutritious and cooling snacking options that can also be refreshing and tasty.
Finally, Savanna touched upon the rising popularity of zero-proof cocktails, sharing some of the delightful recipes that are both health-conscious and satisfying for the summer season.
The session was both enlightening and practical, offering tangible takeaways for anyone interested in improving their health, diet, and lifestyle, especially in the summer season. For more tips from Savanna and Eat Fit BR, you can follow them on social @eatfitochsner and download the Eat Fit mobile app.
Tuesday May 23, 2023
What’s What BR with Mike Steele
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Tuesday May 23, 2023
On this episode of What’s What BR, we meet with returning guest Mike Steele, Communications Director at Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Steele talks about how to prepare for the start of hurricane season, the effects of emergencies on communities, and resources for updates during times of emergency.
Tuesday May 23, 2023
What’s What BR with Courtney Gonsoulin
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Tuesday May 23, 2023
In this episode of What’s What BR, we meet with new guest, Courtney Gonsoulin, Speech Pathologist of Ochsner Baton Rouge. Courtney talks about her role as a Speech Pathologist, the different roles you can do as a Speech Pathologist, the Super Clinic, and the vision of Ochsner Baton Rouge.
Tuesday May 16, 2023
What’s What BR with Shenoa Warren and Dr. Leigh Griffin
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
On this Episode of What’s What BR, we meet with EBR School’s Chief of Literacy, Shenoa Warren and Executive Director of Early Childhood, Dr. Leigh Griffin. Warren and Griffin talk about their roles in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, the importance of having literacy skills, access to childcare, and much more.
Friday May 05, 2023
What’s What BR with Mayor Sharon Weston Broome
Friday May 05, 2023
Friday May 05, 2023
On this episode of What’s What BR, we meet with returning guest Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome. Broome discusses the new Hockey team coming to Baton Rouge, Mayor’s Alliance to End Childhood Hunger, MOVEBR, and public safety.
Thursday Apr 20, 2023
What’s What BR with Dr. Marc Matrana of Ochsner
Thursday Apr 20, 2023
Thursday Apr 20, 2023
On this episode of What’s What BR, we meet with Dr. Marc Matrana of Ochsner Baton Rouge. Dr. Matrana talks about his life as a medical oncologist, where medicine is today versus where it used to be, and his role at Ochsner.
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
What’s What BR with Erin Monroe Wesley of Cox Communications
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
On this Episode of What’s What BR, we meet with new guest, Erin Monroe Wesley, Communications Market Vice President. Wesley talks about working in her position, Cox Mobile, and the Cox Family.
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
What’s What BR with Dr. Luz Randolph
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
In this episode of What’s What BR, we meet with Dr. Luz Randolph, Executive Director of City Year. Dr. Luz Randolph talks about City Year, an educational non-profit program focused on gathering young adults to fuel the movement to make schools and communities successful.