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Louisiana Unfiltered
106 Episodes
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Kiran Chawla sits down with two esteemed Baton Rouge business owners, Jim Urdiales of Mestizo's Mexican Restaurant and David Belanger of Belanger's Interiors, as they delve deep into the heart of what makes small businesses the backbone of our community. Also up for discussion is the “Best of Baton Rouge Best Businesses Gala” set for February 28th at L'Auberge Casino, inviting both winners and the public to partake in a night of celebration, networking, and community spirit.Timestamps01:29 Celebrating BR's best08:37 Personal Journeys of Business Ownership15:28 The Importance of Networking26:54 Balancing Work and Personal Life36:10 Supporting Each Other in Business40:40 The Gala: A Celebration of Success'More Information on the Gala as well as ticketing and sponsorship information can be found via the below link.www.brbestbusinesses.comLocal Sponsors for this episode include:Neighbors Federal Credit Union:Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersFamily Worship Center ChurchSound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:
In this episode, Attorney Joe Long joins Kiran to explore a past case at Louisiana State Penitentiary involving Tony Johnson, an inmate at Angola State Penitentiary, who alleges he was sexually assaulted by LSP at Angola lieutenant, Tyler Holliday. Timestamps 08:23 Understanding Countermeasures14:51 The Assault Details17:06 Reporting the Abuse 25:13 The Civil Case Outcome27:32 The DNA Revelation31:41 Finding Credible Witnesses34:34 The Appeal ProcessLocal Sponsors for this episode include:Neighbors Federal Credit Union:Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersFamily Worship Center ChurchSound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Kiran Chawla is joined by certified human trafficking expert Dr. Willie Brooks, as they discuss the alarming reality that this issue permeates in our community.Timestamps08:35 Parent-Child Communication12:10 Advice for Kids16:53 The Dangers of the Internet25:18 Apps for Monitoring Children32:26 The Impact of Gaming35:36 The Scale of Human Trafficking38:58 Safety Measures for ChildrenLocal Sponsors for this episode include:Neighbors Federal Credit Union:Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersFamily Worship Center ChurchSound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:
In this episode, BRPD Chief T.J. Morse sits down with Kiran Chawla to discuss the budgetary concerns that has led to a shortage of officers in the Baton Rouge Police Department.Timestamps05:53 Strategic Crime Reduction Approaches08:17 Youth and Gun Violence10:15 Crime Statistics for 202513:47 Community Engagement and Technology17:20 Repeat Offenders and Legal Challenges21:15 Domestic Violence Insights26:42 Overall Crime Trends and Public Perception29:15 Funding and Budgeting Concerns36:14 Upcoming Police Academy and Recruitment42:32 Event Funding and Police Support47:48 Patrol Live and Community EngagementLocal Sponsors for this episode include:Neighbors Federal Credit Union:Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersFamily Worship Center ChurchSound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:
In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Louisiana State Police Investigator Jordyn Mcdempsey joins Kiran to discuss various topics including the issue of human trafficking in the state of Louisiana and how you can protect yourself and your family.#louisianaunfiltered #kiranchawla #podcast #unfilteredwithkiran #news #louisiana #louisianastatepolice Timestamps01:44 Meet the Investigator04:27 Understanding Internet Crimes Against Children12:10 The Reality of Human Trafficking20:45 Local Case Study: A Wake-Up Call26:03 Recognizing Signs of Human Trafficking36:42 Recruitment Tactics and Locations38:43 Raising Awareness Local Sponsors for this episode include:Neighbors Federal Credit Union:Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersFamily Worship Center Church Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:
In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, WBR District Attorney Tony Clayton joins Kiran to discuss various topics including the pressing issue of juvenile crime in the Baton Rouge area, a recent case prosecuted by his office involving the shipment of an abortion pill across state lines, to the new football coach hired at Southern University. Timestamps01:19 Confronting Juvenile Crime 06:07 Community Engagement and Prosecution21:20 Abortion Pill Prosecution29:52 New Southern University Football Coach45:55 Ethics in Journalism47:50 Remembering Sheriff Mike CazesLocal Sponsors for this episode include:Neighbors Federal Credit Union:Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersFamily Worship Center ChurchSound and Editing for this podcast by Envision Podcast Production:
In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with Dr. Loi Le who’s unique NPI number was being used by Samrat Mukherjee to write perscriptions for patients while posing as a doctor. Dr. Le opens up about how he came to learn of the deception by Mukherjee and his decision to report his former friend to authorities. Timestamps04:26 Coming to Light10:31 The NPI Number Explained16:41 Risks of Impersonation in Emergencies24:52 Reporting Process28:38 Medical Education32:43 The Long Path to Becoming a Doctor35:57 Personal Impact of the BetrayalLocal Sponsors for this episode include:Neighbors Federal Credit Union:Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersSound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:
Note: Due to a technical difficulty the sound in parts of this episode contains a slight echo. We apologize for the inconvience.In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with Jay Grymes as they discuss his road through cancer. Jay also reflects on his many years covering the weather in Baton Rouge and what he is up to now. Timestamps01:41 A Journey Through Diagnosis14:37 The Importance of Listening26:54 Facing Treatment Head-On36:45 Health Insights and Awareness38:51 Reflections on a Life-Changing Experience39:19 A Lighthearted Moment46:26 The Art of Communication51:41 The Impact of Weather ReportingLocal Sponsors for this episode include: Neighbors Federal Credit Union:Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersSound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:
In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon to recount October 16th of this year, when he responded to a shooting incident involving an armed suspect, Paul Blanchard. During the tense confrontation, Sheriff Falcon used a fence gate as a shield while his deputy returned fire, ultimately neutralizing the threat while sustaining injuries from a shotgun blast.Local Sponsors for this episode include:Neighbors Federal Credit Union:Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersSound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:
In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with the parents of Blakeleigh Weems, Chasity and Nelson as they discuss the sentencing of Shawn Robertson who pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide, second-offense DWI, reckless operation of a vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license, and no seat belt. Blakeleigh Weems was tragically killed less than an hour into 2024 when her vehicle was struck by the vehicle Shawn Robertson was driving as she was exiting an off-ramp in Denham Springs.Chapters05:03 A Unique Mother-Daughter Bond06:37 The Horrific Night 14:12 Arriving at the Hospital16:22 The Fight for Blakeleigh’s Name21:41 Justice and Legal Battles34:02 Confronting the Accused42:35 Signs from Above44:34 Moving Forward Together Local Sponsors for this episode include:Neighbors Federal Credit Union:Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersSound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:
In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with Attorney Robert Aguiluz as they discuss the proposed merger of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Baton Rouge Fire DepartmentChapters0:19 The Great Debate 01:43 Robert Aguiluz Joins Kiran Chawla27:43 Legal Battles Ahead35:11 EMS Employee Concerns37:01 Job Security at Risk41:43 Chris Landry's Role52:44 Voices of the Paramedic AssociationLocal Sponsors for this episode include:Neighbors Federal Credit Union:Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersSound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:#louisianaunfiltered #kiranchawla #podcast #unfilteredwithkiran #news #louisiana #ems #brfd
In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with Ellie Kousoulas, a survivor of domestic violence who shares her story of Courage, Growth and redemption during this Domestic Violence Awareness Month.Chapters02:00 Introducing Ellie: A Survivor's Journey04:00 The Beginning of Domestic Violence07:38 The Turning Point in Their Relationship11:08 A Controlling Environment15:43 Understanding the Victim's Profile18:16 The Road to Isolation21:08 Escalating Abuse and Control23:59 The Realization of Danger29:15 The Impact on the Children32:45 The Breaking Point44:02 Finding the Strength to Leave50:20 A New Beginning with Support56:09 The Role of Iris in Recovery
In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre as they discuss his department’s exceptional 100% murder clearance rate, far exceeding the national average. The Sheriff highlights effective teamwork, community partnerships, and the integration of technology with traditional detective work as key factors in this success. The Sheriff also discusses ongoing recruitment challenges, a 37% decrease in fentanyl-related overdose deaths due to community efforts, and rising concerns around kratom, which led to new local legislation.Tags: #louisianaunfiltered #kiranchawla #podcast #unfilteredwithkiran #news #louisiana #SheriffBobbyWebre #AscensionParish 'Chapters00:39 Achieving 100% Murder Clearance Rate01:44 Technology vs. Old-School Policing03:33 The Role of Forensics05:40 Addressing Recruitment Challenges15:20 Decrease in Overdose Deaths16:27 Narcan's Impact on Lives27:20 Understanding Kratom and Its Effects48:20 Community Outreach Initiatives53:52 Preparing for Ascension's Growth
In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with EBR Mayor-President Sid Edwards to discuss the possibility of a National Guard deployment to the capital city, the "Thrive" initiative, and feedback on the proposed EMS-Fire Department merger.Chapters01:23 National Guard Deployment in Baton Rouge?16:58 Understanding Thrive Initiative and Ballot23:37 The Future of City of EBR Services30:15 Addressing Public Safety Concerns39:14 Controversies Over Local Taxes40:43 Reflections on Nine Months in Office42:35 The EBR Fire Department Merger DiscussionLocal Sponsors for this episode include:Neighbors Federal Credit Union:'Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersSound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:
In this episode, Kiran Chawla brings you expanded breaking news information regarding the Shooting at the Iberville Courthouse that left one officer dead and another injured. Kiran also breaks down up to the minute information on the Kyren Lacy case in this edition of Louisiana Unfiltered.Chapters00:54 Shootings in Iberville Parish08:44 Sheriff Stassi's Son's Condition12:05 Deputy Charles Riley's Background16:38 Captain Brett Stassi Jr.18:50 The Suspect: Latrell Clark24:07 Kyren Lacey's Case Overview30:03 Investigation into State PoliceLocal Sponsors for this episode include: Neighbors Federal Credit Union:Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers Sound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:
In this episode, Kiran Chawla sits down with Tommy Sigman who at 21 years of age has authored his second book based on his experience in Louisiana’s Foster Care system.At just 15 years old Tommy authored his first book titled “The Greatest Advantage aimed at those children in the foster care system guided them to new heights of possibility, with his second release Tommy examines a system he says is broken in Louisiana and provides his version of a blueprint to fix it. Chapters02:07 Meet Tommy: A Young Author05:25 From Trauma to Triumph08:04 The Role of Foster Families11:20 Breaking the Cycle19:37 The Next Chapter: "Broken by Design"24:02 The Need for Systemic Change29:28 DCFS33:50 Becoming a Foster ParentLocal Sponsors for this episode include:Neighbors Federal Credit Union:Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersSound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:Tags: #louisianaunfiltered #kiranchawla #podcast #unfilteredwithkiran #news #louisiana #TommySigman
In this episode, Kiran Chawla sits down with the father of Allie Rice, Paul, as they discuss where the investigation into Allie’s murder is three years after the LSU student was tragically murdered in downtown Baton Rouge.Chapters02:04 Paul Rice Shares His Pain11:46 Investigating the Night of the Incident13:10 Theories and Rumors Surrounding Allie's Death19:52 The Impact of Unsolved Cases26:04 Keeping Allie's Memory Alive39:30 The Incomprehensible Nature of Loss41:27 The Long Road of Grief and HopeLocal Sponsors for this episode include:Neighbors Federal Credit Union:Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersSound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:
In this episode, Kiran Chawla sits down with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as he shares insights into the pressing issues facing Louisiana and outlines his vision and strategies for addressing them. Governor Landry details his proactive approach to crime reduction, including the recent implementation of a joint operation involving various federal and state law enforcement agencies, which has successfully targeted gang members and violent offenders and the potential involvement of the National Guard as a supplemental resource for local law enforcement in the state.Chapters0:32 The Fight Against Crime 10:59 Addressing Teacher Support13:24 Insurance Challenges18:27 State Budget and Efficiency22:23 Infrastructure and Traffic Issues25:15 Economic Development InsightsLocal Sponsors for this episode include:Neighbors Federal Credit Union:Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersSound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:
In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla and Megyn Kelly discuss the alarming rise of the 764 group, a nihilistic violent extremist network targeting children online. They explore the dangers posed by online games like Roblox, the importance of parental involvement, and strategies for monitoring children's online activities. Chapters05:59 Online Gaming and Grooming12:02 Monitoring and Protecting Children Online18:00 Navigating the Complexities of Online Platforms24:14 The Importance of Trust and Respect in Parenting29:12 Protecting Our Children in a Digital AgeLocal Sponsors for this episode include:Neighbors Federal Credit Union:Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersSound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:
In this episode of “Louisiana Unfiltered” Kiran Chawla chats with Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser about Hurricane Katrina's impact, rebuilding efforts, tourism recovery, and the need for political reform, showcasing Louisiana's resilience and community spirit.Chapters01:45 Reflections on Katrina's Aftermath06:44 Preparing for Future Hurricanes08:42 The Transparency of Politicians16:05 Population Trends and Migration19:16 Cleaning Up Louisiana24:57 Supporting Veterans and Community33:38 The Importance of Local Businesses39:24 Celebrating Louisiana's Unique CultureLocal Sponsors for this episode include:Neighbors Federal Credit Union: Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersSound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:




