Porch and Parish The Podcast

Porch & Parish

Our mission is to make sure every Zachary resident feels heard and engaged! Host Mike Gennaro facilitates candid conversations with local leaders, influencers and innovators in Zachary, Louisiana and beyond with the help of producer Mike Holt. New episode every Monday at noon!

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

Embracing the Wild: Transforming Your Landscapes into Thriving Louisiana Native Habitats
Apr 15 2024
Embracing the Wild: Transforming Your Landscapes into Thriving Louisiana Native Habitats
Discover the transformative power of your backyard as we're joined by Caitlin Robbins from Swampfly Native Landscapes to unravel the secrets of Louisiana's native plant ecosystems. Embrace a journey through the lush diversity of our local flora and fauna, learning how to turn your garden into a certified Louisiana habitat. From the unsuspected benefits of poison ivy to the historical significance of prescribed burns, this episode is an enlightening expedition into the heart of ecological conservation. Alongside Caitlin's expertise, we'll share tips on how to persuade clients to shift from manicured lawns to more sustainable, wild landscapes, fostering an appreciation for the natural world beneath our feet.The wonders of native plant landscaping don't stop at mere aesthetics. Step into a world where your gardening choices can bolster pollinator populations, enrich soil microbiomes, and minimize the need for harmful chemicals. Hear how simple practices like cutting plants at the roots can yield flourishing gardens that contribute to the vibrancy of our ecosystems. We'll also spotlight local initiatives like Kelly Josson's Wild Child Kitchen Gardens, exemplifying how embracing eco-friendly practices can yield tangible benefits for the environment and our communities.Lastly, we delve into the personal and environmental health impacts of reimagining our traditional lawn spaces. We discuss the Louisiana Native Habitat Certification and what it takes to achieve this prestigious recognition. As we wrap up, consider the profound influence that fostering native habitats can have on our well-being. This episode is a call to action for all listeners to reflect on the potential of their own outdoor spaces to support a healthier, more connected existence with nature. Join us for a captivating conversation that might just inspire you to give your yard a wild, life-affirming transformation.Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify How to Start a Podcast Guide: The Complete GuideLearn how to plan, record, and launch your podcast with this illustrated guide.Support the Show.
Exploring Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week: Culture, Entrepreneurship, and Community Spirit
Mar 18 2024
Exploring Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week: Culture, Entrepreneurship, and Community Spirit
Imagine the pulse of Baton Rouge's culture and entrepreneurial spirit coming alive right before your ears. Our latest episode takes you on a cultural safari through the city's traditions and innovations with special attention to Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week. We wax poetic about our adored BREC parks and debate the merits of the most buzzing late-night haunts, with a toast to the Vintage's vivacious vibe. When it comes to local traditions, nothing is off the table, from the roar of a Southern University Homecoming to the reverent celebrations of the Asian Lunar New Year downtown. This tapestry of community spirit and cultural fervor is a testament to the unique charm of our beloved Baton Rouge.We wrap things up with a hats-off to the Zachary community and our cherished partners. Our conversation goes beyond mere transactions, embracing the three T's – tidiness, technology, and tolerance – as cornerstones for a thriving community. We share glimpses of Greenwood Community Park and Baton Rouge Zoo's transformations and hint at the intimate gatherings ahead, where the entrepreneurial minds of today will connect and create. Be sure to join in, as we pave the way for conversations that might just spark your next big venture.Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify How to Start a Podcast Guide: The Complete GuideLearn how to plan, record, and launch your podcast with this illustrated guide.Support the Show.
Capturing Community Spirit: The Story of Porch Parish and the Art of Local Storytelling
Mar 11 2024
Capturing Community Spirit: The Story of Porch Parish and the Art of Local Storytelling
Have you ever wondered what it takes to capture the essence of a community in print and audio? Jen Gennaro, the creative force behind Porch Parish Zachary's Community Magazine and podcast, joins us for a story-rich tapestry of local flavor and charm. We traverse the journey of Counter Space Zachary's metamorphosis into a cultural cornerstone, and indulge in the lighter side of community narrative, complete with a sprinkle of meme magic and an impressionist show-stopper, courtesy of Mike Gennaro.Step into the vibrant world of Zachary as we celebrate the art of local storytelling. Weaving our way through the origins of the Zachary Southern lifestyle journal, a creation born from a blend of journalistic fervor and personal milestones, we take pride in the magazine's growth into a cherished city emblem. There's a rich sense of gratitude for the warm embrace by our readers and listeners, and an infectious excitement for the tales yet to be told that paint the mosaic of our town's spirit. So, pull up a chair, lend us your ears, and let the heartwarming quirkiness of Zachary envelop you in this not-to-be-missed episode.Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify How to Start a Podcast Guide: The Complete GuideLearn how to plan, record, and launch your podcast with this illustrated guide.Support the Show.
Mastering the Complexities of Commercial Insurance with Danette Castello
Feb 26 2024
Mastering the Complexities of Commercial Insurance with Danette Castello
Unlock the secrets of commercial insurance with Danette Castellot, the esteemed president of the Louisiana Professional Insurance Agents, who joins us for a riveting episode that will forever change the way you view the intricacies of insurance coverage. Whether it’s the whimsical notion of insuring beloved fictitious characters like Garfield or the gravity of tort reform's impact on homeowners and businesses, our conversation spans the spectrum. Danette, with her extensive expertise, lays bare the curious and critical aspects of insurance policies, and provides the quintessential advice for navigating this complex landscape.Our chat does not shy away from the cutting-edge concerns of the digital age, such as the rise of cyber threats. We also shed light on the seldom-discussed responsibility of homeowners to engage in proactive maintenance, mitigating risks that could otherwise spiral into substantial claims. The episode wraps up with a look at the nuances of municipal insurance and the dire consequences of misinformation, underscoring the paramount importance of honesty and transparency in insurance practices. Join us for an episode that's as enlightening as it is essential for anyone with a stake in the future of insurance.Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify How to Start a Podcast Guide: The Complete GuideLearn how to plan, record, and launch your podcast with this illustrated guide.Support the Show.
Behind the Badge: Chief Daryl Schuster Lawrence on Diversity, Leadership, and Community in Zachary
Feb 19 2024
Behind the Badge: Chief Daryl Schuster Lawrence on Diversity, Leadership, and Community in Zachary
His high school resume includes membership in the Honors Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Future Farmers of America. To wind down, he spends time reading, or camping in the woods with his wife. And he loves his tiny toy breed puppy.  These are some unexpected revelations from our interview with the Zachary Police Department's trailblazing first African American police chief,  Daryl "Schuster" Lawrence. A ZHS graduate, Chief Lawrence was born and raised in our community. Chief Lawrence has committed 36 years of his life to serving and protecting the people of our city, as well as served in the Marine Corps for six years. From his humble beginnings as a volunteer officer to ascending to his current role, Chief Lawrence has demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and a deep-rooted commitment to our city. His historic election as Zachary's first African American Police Chief in December of 2022 and taking the Oath of Office January 9, 2023 is a milestone for him and our community.Join us for this enlightening journey behind the badge—a story of change, unity, and the power of a shared vision for a better tomorrow.Chief Lawrence's leadership represents progress and inclusivity in law enforcement, showcasing that qualification knows no bounds and that diversity strengthens our institutions. His dedication to upholding the values of justice, fairness, and community engagement embodies the spirit of Black History Month.Thank you, Chief Lawrence, for your service to our country, and our community. Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify How to Start a Podcast Guide: The Complete GuideLearn how to plan, record, and launch your podcast with this illustrated guide.Support the Show.
State of the City 2024: A Vision for a Thriving and Unified Zachary
Feb 12 2024
State of the City 2024: A Vision for a Thriving and Unified Zachary
When Mayor David McDavid decided to swap his morning espresso shots for decaf, little did he know it would be the least surprising change of his first mayoral year. Our fireside chat with him is more than just a cozy conversation—it's a treasure trove of heartfelt anecdotes and city updates that will leave you feeling like an insider in the world of Zachary politics. Mayor McDavid candidly reminisces about his high school "could-have-beens," gets personal about his son's softball strategy, and gives us the skinny on a peculiar find beneath a local residence. Learn about his enthusiasm for the city's Must Luv Dogs parade event and more—like a potential Zachary Mardi Gras parade.The pulse of Zachary beats strong, thanks to initiatives like the extensive road rehabilitation and the exciting hire of Ashleigh McHugh as economic development director. As Brandie Triche redefines city operations with fresh ideas, we look ahead to the potential of downtown trolley services and baseball and softball leagues for children with special needs. The city's blueprint for growth, embellished with community engagement and collaborative regional efforts, paints a future both promising and inclusive. Joining Mayor McDavid, we unpack these tales, from the master plan's vision to the triumphs of the Firecrackers cheerleading team, all while marking the milestones that define our city on the move.Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the show
Zachary Planning & Zoning Director and Economic Development Director
Jan 29 2024
Zachary Planning & Zoning Director and Economic Development Director
Ever found yourself daydreaming about the perfect small town, where progress and charm dance in harmony? That's the spirited discussion we waltz into with Ashley McHugh and Bryant Dixon, the visionaries behind Zachary's growth. They're not just the minds shaping our economic and zoning landscapes; they're the beating heart of community spirit, weaving tales of high school days and the cheer of a band performance that'll have you rooting for hometown pride.Strap on your walking shoes and meander with us through the master plan for a revitalized downtown Zachary, where inclusivity isn't just a buzzword, it's the pavement we tread. Ashley and Brian paint a picture of a bustling hub, balancing the cozy nooks of increased density with the breezy strides of ample parking. It's a canvas where every stroke is a step towards a destination as magnetic as Perkins Road, but with our own unique, small-town vibrancy. The storied streets of Zachary come alive, not just through plans on paper, but through the personal journeys and local lore shared by our guests.As we round out our chat, envision a Zachary where health and wellness aren't just found in a gym but interwoven into the fabric of our daily bazaar—at the Farmers Market, no less. A town branded not by a faceless logo, but by the pulse of events like the Mind, Body, Move, Health and Wellness Expo and, dare I say, the Banana Run. It’s here, in this laughter-filled episode, that Ashley and Bryant illustrate just how a community like ours can stretch its limbs, embrace change, and still cling to the roots that make us, unmistakably, Zachary.Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify How to Start a Podcast Guide: The Complete GuideLearn how to plan, record, and launch your podcast with this illustrated guide.Support the Show.
Best of 2023 with Alyvia Pierson and Maddy Snyder of The ZHS Hoofprint
Jan 15 2024
Best of 2023 with Alyvia Pierson and Maddy Snyder of The ZHS Hoofprint
Welcome back Zachary! When we hit 100 episodes, we took a breather to move to our brand new—actually 120 year old headquarters at Virginia Street in beautiful downtown Zachary. I may not be hosting for the full 120 years, but just take a moment to envision how amazing Zachary could be in that time frame. We’ve got to set that aside fear and channel the good stuff. That’s exactly what we’re here to do at P&P, and we’re chronicling the best of Zachary one podcast, one story at a time. We welcome our fellow colleagues, albeit young colleagues today, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Alyvia Pierson and Maddy Snyder of the Zachary High School Hoofprint. When they noticed the school didn’t have a newspaper, they founded one, creating something that will outlive their time at Zachary High for years to come. They are here to bring awareness to this amazing digital publication, which you can find at thehoofprint.org! If you like it, consider donating to help them hit their goal of $10,000. The Hoofprint is not just a school newspaper, it is where the future of Zachary shares their stories. To that point, we’re sharing some of our top stories at P&P and The Hoofprint in what we hope will be a new tradition.Check out The Hoofprint at https://thehoofprint.org/  Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.