People like John Dean who for many years have been both business leaders and incredibly active in trying to make our community better make me want to call them "business activists". You can find my full discussion with John here. Here are the questions I asked: 0:34 1. John, you have had a great career as a CPA at the accounting firm Heard, McElroy…

Stepping up because your community needs you and because there's so much opportunity to make a difference are at the heart of this week's discussion. You can find my full conversation with Oliver Jenkins here. Here are the questions I asked: 0:25 1. One of the themes I want to explore with you today is how to get more people like Oliver Jenkins in …

How to work across the aisle and get transformative projects done like the new Jimmie Davis Bridge are at the core of this week's discussion. You can find my full discussion with Barrow Peacock here. Here are the questions I asked: 0:28 1. Many people know you as Senator Peacock. But before you became Senator Peacock, you ran four unsuccessful camp…

Supporting our students as administrators, teachers and parents is our focus this week as we sit down with Dr. Barzanna White, Caddo Parish District School Psychologist. Here are the questions I asked: 0:41 1. You are the Caddo Parish District School Psychologist. In your role, you focus on student supports, positive school climates, suicide preven…

I have completed 117 episodes so far about fascinating people doing important work. But the journey of Howard Pernell Allen is as riveting as I have found. You can hear my full discussion with him here. Here are the questions I asked: 0:38 1. You were born in 1964. In 1981 you were arrested and sentenced to Angola for murdering someone. You were se…

So many of my guests are people who have been in the trenches, often far removed from the spotlight, doing invaluable work for our community. This week's guest is no exception. You can hear my discussion with Former Director of Security for Caddo Schools, Roy Murry, here (or wherever you get your podcasts by searching "Shreveport-Bossier: My City, …

What do we sound like as a community? This week for the first time we dive into our local music industry. You can find my full discussion with Drummer John Hoffman here (or wherever you get your podcasts by searching "Shreveport-Bossier: My City, My Community, My Home"). Here are the questions I asked: 0:44 1. You are at least a second-generation l…

Collaboration, Communication and Capitalizing on External Resources are the themes of this week's episode. You can find my full discussion with Commissioner Stormy Gage-Watts and Captain LaTienda Pierre here. Here are the questions I asked: 0:43 1. Commissioner, let’s start with you. You serve as the Chair of the Juvenile Justice Committee. How oft…

"If you want friends, you must first find yourself friendly" is the title of this week's episode. You can find my full discussion with Mario Chavez, Former Caddo Parish Commissioner and Owner of MersaTech, here. Here are the questions I asked: 0:27 1. We’ll cover a lot of ground today but let’s start here. On October 9th you will be the featured sp…

This episode is a first as I sit down with a friend and former employer who in the second half of the episode wanted to ask me the questions. You can find my full discussion with Kempten Schwab, Managing Director for STS Capital Partners here. Here are the questions I asked: 0:45 1. You appear to have had three large chapters in your professional c…

Dr. Aubra Gantt, Chancellor of Southern University at Shreveport, sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:35 1. In March of 2023, you were named the first female Chancellor for Southern University Shreveport (or SUSLA as many call it). You are a …

Damien Ford, Project Manager and Associate Architect for Mike McSwain Architect, sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:36 1. Damien, you are a Project Manager and Associate Architect for Mike McSwain Architect. Let’s start here today. Tell me s…

Filmmaker Alexander Jeffery sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:35 1. In 2015, your short film, The Bespoke Tailoring of Mister Bellamy, won the Louisiana Film Prize. I’ve read where you called this a “life-changing moment”. Talk to me about …

Scripture: Psalm 139: 23-24 Chapter 1: Understanding Triggers and Personal Wounds 0:00 - 5:11 - We explore the concept of triggers and how they relate to our personal wounds and traumas. Chapter 2: The Church's Role in Addressing Pain 5:11 - 6:24 - We examine the current state of the church and its responsibility in addressing personal pain. Chapte…

Paralympian Jillian Elwart sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:34 1. Jillian, you are a pediatric prosthetist for Shriners Hospitals for Children. Let’s start here today. I once heard you tell a story about an American Girl doll and the way t…

This message invites us to explore the profound truth that God knows us better than we know ourselves. It challenges us to confront why we often hide parts of our lives from Him, despite His omniscience. The story of Elijah fleeing from Jezebel (1 Kings 19) serves as a powerful illustration of how even great prophets can succumb to fear and isolati…

Director of STRIKEWERX, Russ Mathers, sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:31 1. You are the Director of STRIKEWERX, the innovation hub of the US Air Force Global Strike Command. In a little while, I want you to tell me about a couple of STRIK…

In this powerful message, we explore the story of Elijah from 1 Kings 19, focusing on how we can thrive through life's triggers. We're reminded that life is full of ups and downs, and the Bible serves as a roadmap for navigating these challenges. Elijah's journey teaches us that even spiritual giants face moments of fear and doubt. The message emph…

Former US and Ghana Olympic Weightlifting Coach, Kyle Pierce, sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:30 1. Dr. Pierce, you are a world-renowned sports scientist. Let’s start here today. You once said the following: “I wasn’t a very good athlete.…

In this powerful message, we're reminded that God meets us exactly where we are, not where we pretend to be. The speaker draws our attention to Psalm 42, where the psalmist pours out his heart to God in times of distress. We're encouraged to be honest with God about our pain, hurt, and suffering, realizing that being a Christian doesn't make us imm…

In this spiritually enriching discussion, we are reminded of the profound reality that each of us, like Moses, is called by God to fulfill a unique purpose, underscored by our faith and our consecration to His will. Referencing the Biblical narrative from Leviticus, where Moses is instructed on sacrificial offerings, the dialogue highlights the imp…

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the importance of rest in our spiritual journey. Jesus modeled rest for us, showing that it's not just a luxury, but a crucial part of living in rhythm with God. We're challenged to evaluate our lives and identify areas that have become unmanageable. The speaker emphasizes that God desires us to live in p…

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the profound importance of rest in our spiritual lives. Drawing from Hebrews 3 and 4, we explore the concept of God's rest - not just physical relaxation, but a deep, spiritual peace that comes from trusting in Christ's finished work. We're cautioned against the dangers of unbelief and rebellion, which ca…

In this powerful message, we're invited to explore the profound connection between rest and spiritual overflow. The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 serves as a cornerstone, illustrating the importance of sitting at Jesus' feet and truly listening. We're encouraged to move beyond mere intellectual understanding to experiential knowledge of…

In this powerful message, we're reminded of Jesus' teachings from the Sermon on the Mount, particularly focusing on being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. The key lesson here is that our effectiveness and worth aren't determined by our actions or comparisons to others, but by our identity in Christ. We're encouraged to find content…

Jordan Ring Scroggs, Executive Director at MLK Health Center & Pharmacy, sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:30 1. Let’s start at the beginning if we could. The founder of MLK Health Center & Pharmacy was Doctor Robert J Jackson who in 1985 r…

We explore the profound connection between shame, guilt, and our inherent value in God's eyes. The story of Adam and Eve's fall in Genesis 3 serves as a powerful reminder that our tendency to hide after wrongdoing actually reveals how precious we are to God. Just as we grieve deeply for those we love, our shame demonstrates the depth of our connect…

Chef Hardette Harris sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:32 1. For the last two years, 103 podcast episodes, I have been sitting down with folks in our community asking them to help me understand why we don’t take more pride in being from her…

We explore the powerful theme of vulnerability and authenticity in our relationship with God and others. The sermon draws from the creation story in Genesis, highlighting how Adam and Eve's nakedness before the fall represented a state of complete openness and lack of shame. This ideal state was disrupted by sin, leading to hiding and shame. We're …

Sportspectrum Owner Andrew Gaspard sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:26 1. Andrew, you’re one of my favorite type of guests to have on here. Someone who is not from here but who is doing great things for and in our community. You are the re…

This message powerfully reminds us of the centrality of faith in our spiritual journey. Drawing from Jesus' parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18, we're challenged to consider: 'Will the Son of Man find faith on earth when he returns?' Our Christian story, from creation to redemption, hinges on faith. Like Abraham, we're often given a vision w…

Caddo Parish's Poet Laureate, Poetic X, sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:30 1. Poetic, you are Caddo Parish’s poet laureate. Let’s start here today. You grew up in Shreveport’s Lakeside/Allendale neighborhoods. I’m always curious to hear t…

In this powerful message, we explore the transformative power of God's perspective on our lives. The central theme revolves around John 4, the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. This narrative illustrates how Jesus sees beyond our past and present circumstances, offering us living water that quenches our deepest spiritual thirst. We're chall…

Local Music Historian Chris Brown sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:34 1. Chris, you are the archivist of Centenary College and the Louisiana United Methodist Church. But today I would like to focus on a hobby of yours. I don’t know anyone …

Mike and Mark Mangham of Twin Blends: Northwest Louisiana History Hunters sit down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 1:30 1. You guys are the founders and operators of Twin Blends: Northwest Louisiana History Hunters, an incredibly popular group that i…

Venture Capitalist Ross Barrett sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:36 1. Ross, you’re a venture capitalist. Let’s start here today. For the lay people out there, and I put myself in that group, could you explain what venture capital is and h…

Larry Clark, LSU Shreveport Chancellor Emeritus, sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:34 1. You have had an incredibly productive and successful career and I know there’s still much more ahead for you. You were the Dean of the College of Busin…

Businessman, Community Philanthropist and Caddo Parish Commissioner John Atkins sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:30 1. John, you’ve long been one of the people I really look up to in town. Let’s start here today. What role did the Atkins F…

This message invites us to reflect on our spiritual readiness through a powerful dream analogy of a wedding. The central theme revolves around Matthew 25's parable of the ten virgins, emphasizing the importance of staying spiritually prepared. We're challenged to consider if we're truly present in our daily walk with God or if we're distracted by l…

Chairman of Just Believe Training, Jamon Turner, sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:33 1. I know you do a lot of different things. Let’s start here today. You once said the following: “We’re a youth program. We host these really wild camps w…

Listen to this powerful sermon that will transform your understanding of faith, surrender, and the divine love that bridges us to eternity. Pastor Tim delves deep into the heart of Easter's message, sharing how the resurrection of Jesus signifies a path to true freedom and renewal. Discover a community united by diversity and bound by the spirit of…

3rd Grade Math and Science Teacher, Rolanda Hewitt, sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:35 1. You are a 3rd grade math and science teacher at University Elementary School. In your career, you have received numerous awards for your work, inclu…

This profound Palm Sunday message invites you to explore the true nature of worship as we approach Easter. Discover the humility of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and how it shapes our approach to spiritual adoration. Prepare your heart with a message that delves into biblical narratives, challenges contemporary perspectives, and inspires a resilient …

Common Ground Youth Program Directors Vicki and Matt Whitehead sit down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:36 1. You are the Youth Program Directors at Common Ground. How did you first get involved with this extraordinary nonprofit? 8:13 2. Common Gro…

In our final episode of the 11-week series on Colossians, we reflect on Colossians chapter four, examining the link between our inner spiritual life and external faith expression, emphasizing the need for a transformation that starts within. The discussion encourages living out prayer, wisdom, and graciousness in daily life, aligning our inner spir…

Businessman and Community Philanthropist Glenn Kinsey sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:28 1. I could cover so much ground with you here as you and your family presently and historically are one of the most important families in the Shrevep…

In this episode, we delve into Colossians chapter three, exploring how aligning our lives with Christ's teachings influences our relationships, with a focus on marriage and the concept of submission. We discuss applying Biblical principles in contemporary contexts to foster unity and avoid division in the church, emphasizing virtues like mercy and …

Historian Gary Joiner sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:26 1. Gary, you are one of our community’s foremost historians. Among numerous other things, you are the chair of the department of history and social sciences at Louisiana State Unive…

In this episode, we explore living a Supreme Life in Christ, drawing from Colossians 3:12, emphasizing how our Christian walk should reflect in our relationships. I share insights from my marriage and the broader challenge of aligning our actions with divine wisdom, underscoring the importance of love and forgiveness for unity. We also discuss the …

Academic and Higher Education Administrator Dr. Betsy Boze sits down with Jeffrey Goodman, Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, to answer the following questions: 0:25 1. Betsy, you are one of our great local success stories. Graduating from Byrd High School, you went on to become (to name but a couple of the p…