Red Stick Strong: Recent Episodes

Catherine O'Brien

A podcast about community and for the community of Baton Rouge-- that's Red Stick Strong. Hurricane Ida hit on August 29, but her impact is being felt weeks later. Listen to the Red Stick Strong podcast series about Hurricane Ida and learn about this severe weather event from a variety of perspectives. Hear about the science of the storm; trucking; churches; business leaders; insurance; and more! Hosted by Catherine O'Brien, Baton Rouge podcast producer and owner of Branch Out Programs. #redstickstrong

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Get Marvin LeBlanc’s printable disaster prep checklist – free to you: http://www.marvinleblanc.com/cat

You can’t talk about natural disasters like Hurricane Ida without the conversation eventually getting around to the topic of insurance. With over 90 storms under his belt, Marvin LeBlanc knows a thing or two about what South Louisianans need to know about insurance and disasters. This episode is revealing—you’re going to hear emergency prep tips you haven’t heard before (but make so much sense when Marvin shares them!) If you’ve ever thought, “why am I spending my money on insurance?” this episode is for you.

Marvelous Marvin is also an author, speaker, and trainer.

CONNECT WITH MARVIN LEBLANC:

Insurance business: https://marvinleblancinsurance.com/

Marvin has made a checklist for you to help you in case of emergency/evacuation: http://www.marvinleblanc.com/cat

Connect with Marvin on Facebook: http://facebook.com/marvinleblanc

Tweets from Marvin are here: https://twitter.com/InsureLouisiana

Marvin is also on Instagram and LinkedIn

Call or text Marvin: (225) 938-4177

SPEAKING AND TRAINING WITH MARVIN:

Get Marvin’s book, “Come Hell or High Water: Life Lessons from Hurricane Katrina”

Marvin’s hub for speaking and training: http://www.marvinleblanc.com/

Red Stick Strong is a podcast on Hurricane Ida and the Baton Rouge community. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a Hurricane Ida story that needs to be told? Tell Catherine!

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One of the best things that happens during a natural disaster like Hurricane Ida is seeing neighbors helping neighbors. Local businesses can also pitch in and help, since community links arm in arm with success and growth. Lydia Woods is a Realtor and real estate investor. Phil Debin is a broker and the CEO of Goodwood Realty. Both join Catherine O’Brien, podcast producer and host of Red Stick Strong podcast to talk about being a resource during tough times; home ownership; and what it means to be a community minded business leader.

CONNECT WITH LYDIA WOODS

Lydia is on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RealtorLRWoods/

The Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealtorLRWoods/

Lydia has her own website here and a profile on the Goodwood Realty website.

Call or text Lydia: (225) 763-1723

CONNECT WITH PHIL DEBIN

Phil has a one-stop online shop à ThatGoodAgent.com

Phil on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Phil is the CEO of Goodwood Realty, website here.

Red Stick Strong is a podcast on Hurricane Ida and the Baton Rouge community. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a Hurricane Ida story that needs to be told? Tell Catherine!

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Are you hearing rumblings about our supply chain? Did you see professional truckers delivering water, generators, food and more during Hurricane Ida? Have you ever considered how much trucking impacts your daily life? Renee Amar, the Executive Director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association joins Catherine O’Brien on Red Stick Strong to talk about how professional truckers work before, during, and after a natural disaster like Hurricane Ida.

Truckers are specially equipped—skill-wise and personality-wise to help out when needs arise. Consider this interview a sneak peek into the secret life of trucking. You are sure to come away with an appreciation and an education of how trucking keeps Louisiana Moving.

CONNECT WITH RENEE AMAR AND LMTA, Inc.

Louisiana Motor Transport Assn on Twitter: https://twitter.com/truckinginLA

Renee Tweets: https://twitter.com/CReneeAmar

LMTA has a website: https://www.lmta.la/

Find out about the Foundation and scholarships here: https://www.lmta.foundation/

LOUISIANA WOMEN LEAD

Renee is passionate about women taking leadership in Louisiana elected offices. Learn more about Louisiana Women Lead on their website: https://www.louisianawomenlead.org/

Louisiana Women Lead on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn. (They’re everywhere!)

Red Stick Strong is a podcast on Hurricane Ida and the Baton Rouge community. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a Hurricane Ida story that needs to be told? Tell Catherine!

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SPECIAL NOTE: Get the WBRZ Weather App! Available now on the WBRZ website.

Dr. Josh Eachus is the chief meteorologist at WBRZ Channel 2. He’s been on the Baton Rouge weather scene since 2013 and earned his PHD from LSU in 2017. Dr. Josh knows weather! He also knows the importance of communication around weather events.

Kicking off the new Hurricane Ida Series of the Red Stick Strong podcast, Josh joins host Catherine O’Brien to talk about what kind of storm Ida was from a meteorological perspective as well as a “human response” event. You’ll leave this conversation knowing more about how weather information gets to you, the viewer; Josh’s prediction about what the history books will say about Ida; some communication tips; and why dogs are awesome.

CONNECT WITH JOSH EACHUS, PhD

Josh on Twitter: @DrJoshWx

Instagram: @DrJoshWx

At WBRZ: Chief Meteorologist Josh Eachus

Click here to learn about Dog Days of Summer at WBRZ, featuring Friends of the Animals Baton Rouge.

Red Stick Strong is a podcast on Hurricane Ida and the Baton Rouge community. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a Hurricane Ida story that needs to be told? Tell Catherine!

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Hurricane Ida made landfall on August 29 yet many in South Louisiana are still living with the effects many weeks later. We all know that disaster can strike at any time, but an active hurricane season can bring that reality into focus.

The Red Stick Strong podcast is back with a special series on Hurricane Ida. You’ll hear all kinds of interesting perspectives in this series—from the weather, trucking, real estate, insurance, churches and more.

It’s said that adversity reveals character and in this series you’ll learn a lot about the character of Baton Rouge by the time we’re done.

Listen to the Red Stick Strong podcast Hurricane Ida series. Red Stick Strong—a podcast about the community and for the community of Baton Rouge.

Website: RedStickStrong.com

Links to your favorite podcast apps: RedStickStrong.com

Red Stick Strong is on the IG: Instagram

Red Stick Strong is a podcast about the Baton Rouge community, for the Baton Rouge community. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Is there at Hurricane Ida relief story you want to share? Tell Catherine!

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Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate in the United States, and the United States has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world. Pair this statistic with the fact that most prisoners eventually return to society—what does that mean for our community as a whole; not overlooking victims of crime and not setting anyone up for failure. What can we learn about having a strong community from this dynamic?

Justin Young has a perspective on this relationship between the prisoner population and our community members: Justin was recently released after serving 13 years in the correctional system. In that time, Justin developed the discipline and responsibility to use that time wisely, now setting his sights on leading a productive life.

CONNECT WITH JUSTIN YOUNG

Email Justin: justinyoung41@yahoo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justiny1986/

The FB: Justin on Facebook

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business and organizations serving during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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[Please note: This interview was recorded Saturday, May 30, 2020.] Mental health has been one of the ongoing conversations during the pandemic—this is actually a positive development in terms of awareness and people openly discussing issues like depression, anxiety, self-harm, and other related topics. Chelsea Borruano is the Executive Director and founder of the You Aren’t Alone Project. The You Aren’t Alone Project offers COVID-19 resource page (as well as a traditional resource page.) You Aren’t Alone Project exists to connect available resources with the people who need them, while raising awareness and opening the communication across Baton Rouge and surrounding communities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU AREN’T ALONE PROJECT

  • Visit the You Aren’t Alone Project website: https://www.youarentaloneproject.com/
  • COVID-19 Resource page: https://www.youarentaloneproject.com/covid-19.html
  • Other Mental Health resources: https://www.youarentaloneproject.com/resources.html
  • Want to get involved? Support You Aren’t Alone Project: https://www.youarentaloneproject.com/support-the-project.html
  • Hit You Aren’t Alone Project up by email: youarentaloneproject@gmail.com

FOLLOW YOU AREN’T ALONE PROJECT

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarentaloneproject/

The FB: https://www.facebook.com/youarentaloneproject/

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business and organizations serving during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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Listeners take a look in the mirror—do you need a haircut? Of course, we’ve all seen the memes about haircuts during the pandemic. But barbering is serious business; it’s also a service that happens in close contact. How has the industry (and individual barbers) responded? Quincy Jackson is a barber and proprietor of Q Jackson Barbershop. Quincy talks about what he’s doing; new training he’s received from industry leaders; how he’s in contact with fellow barbers like he’s never done before.

LEARN MORE ABOUT Q JACKSON BARBERSHOP

  • Book an appointment with Quincy: https://square.site/book/70NEBKD9A12S1/qjackson-salon-barbershop-gonzales-la
  • Q Jackson Barbershop on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Q-Jackson-Barbershop-298534903609425/
  • Q Jackson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quincy_qjackson/
  • Quincy’s personal Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/quincy.jackson.96558

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business and organizations serving during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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Handmade tortillas, slow smoked brisket, fresh margaritas (no mix, made with love)—this and more can be found at JoVi’s Tacos (13214 Coursey Blvd, Suite A, Baton Rouge.) Can you imagine what it would be like to open your restaurant on February 1st… and a few weeks later find yourself in a global pandemic? Jorge and Virginia Flores tell their story of fast adaptation and amazing community support on this episode of Red Stick Strong. The patio is open! The tacos are ready! The margaritas are poured! All JoVi’s needs is YOU.

JOVI’S IS READY TO TAKE YOUR ORDER:

JoVi’s menu is on their website: https://jovistacos.com/#menu

Delivery options: Waitr or DoorDash

Call ahead to JoVi’s: (225) 427-0800

See the JoVi’s patio for yourself: 13214 Coursey Blvd, Suite A, Baton Rouge

SHOW SOME LOVE TO JOVI’S ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovistacosbr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jovistacos/

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business and organizations serving during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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Sundays have been quite different for many people for the last couple of months as faith organizations observed social distancing and stay at home practices. Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge holds the vision of being a healing place for a hurting world. What does that mean in the age of pandemic? Marla Stroup (pastor of the Highland Road campus) and JT Terry (youth pastor of the North Baton Rouge campus) join Red Stick Strong to share their respective insights from the last few weeks. HPC is known for their strong digital game, but they still had to adapt to make "church at home" happen. JT explains the impact of stay at home on local youth and how HPC continues to serve, even in a difficult time.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HEALING PLACE CHURCH:

  • Find HPC’s church at home hub here: https://www.home.healingplacechurch.org/
  • HPC’s main website: https://healingplacechurch.org/
  • Videos from HPC: https://vimeo.com/healingplacechurch

HEALING PLACE HAS THE SOCIALS:

  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingplacechurch/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healingplacechurch
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/hpc

OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

  • Empower 225: https://empower225.org/
  • Email JT Terry: jt.terry@healingplacechurch.org
  • Feed the Need: https://www.home.healingplacechurch.org/post/feed-the-need

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business and organizations serving during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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Don’t be afraid of your BRAND! Matt Dardenne, Creative Director and Co-Owner of Red Six Media is on the Red Stick Strong podcast to talk about what brand is (and why it’s so big especially through the pandemic) plus how to communicate who you are as business right now. Matt and the Red Six team have been working on several collaborative campaigns for the community, including 19 Thanks and their virtual Second Line that happens tonight! (As this episode comes out, May 19.) Listen to this episode to learn how to communicate who you are as a business, plus how a campaign can be a beacon of hope in a tough time.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RED SIX MEDIA:

  • Red Six Media’s website: https://www.redsixmedia.com/
  • Red Six Media tweets here: https://twitter.com/redsixmedia
  • The Facebook? Of course: https://www.facebook.com/Red6Media

GET INVOLVED IN 19 THANKS:

  • 19 Thanks website: https://www.19thanks.org/
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/19thanx/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/19thanks
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/19Thanx
  • Use #19Thanks on social media to connect!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RED STICK TOGETHER:

  • Merch and more info: https://www.sticktogetherbr.com/

MATT DARDENNE IS ONLINE, TOO:

  • IG: https://www.instagram.com/matt_dardenne/
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattDardenne

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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Alissa Jenkins is a top-producing Realtor in Baton Rouge who is known for her commitment to community. As COVID-19 hit, Alissa made deliveries to friends and neighbors to spread some joy, and in turn put into practice her belief in caring for people and fostering connection in community. How can professionals help out now? How has real estate innovated during the global pandemic, and what’s ahead? Alissa shares her insights on this episode of Red Stick Strong.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALISSA JENKINS, REALTOR:

  • Alissa’s website: https://www.alissajenkins.com/
  • Check out Alissa’s podcast, Hustle Humbly: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hustle-humbly/id1474505122

FOLLOW ALISSA JENKINS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

  • Instagram for Alissa: https://www.instagram.com/alissjenkins/

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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Have you noticed some beautiful window paintings on Baton Rouge store fronts? Ellen Ogden is a local fine artist and muralist, she is reflecting love by sharing her painting skills for businesses during the pandemic. Ellen is creating beautiful illustrations for businesses, interwoven with uplifting messages. Listen to this episode to learn why beauty is having such an impact now; how businesses can use their social media to stay in people’s minds; how a special feature at a business can have a ripple effect through the public. Ellen is still offering her window painting services through her REFLECT LOVE campaign on a pay what you can basis—sign up link is below. Ellen is paying it forward with a giveaway via her Instagram.

REFLECT LOVE WITH ELLOARTIST:

  • Here’s the form to request a window painting from Ellen: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQ7gb4CZ-_zu5y0_0w59Y8OxAGGGA2whn2ci8GkN4IxSwi1w/viewform
  • Ellen’s website here: https://www.ellenogdenart.com/
  • Email elloartist here

FOLLOW ELLEN OGDEN ARTIST ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

  • Instagram for Ellen Ogden: https://www.instagram.com/elloartist/
  • Ellen Ogden Artist on FB: https://www.facebook.com/ellenogdenart/

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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Seth Irby, Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer for LWCC joins us on Red Stick Strong to discuss the newly launched LWCC Foundation. The foundation is kicking things off with the $1.1 million Louisiana Well Again initiative. The initiative, which consists of three phases, started with a $100,000 contribution to Feeding Louisiana. Seth discusses what else is in store for the LWCC Foundation, including a call for grant applications that is occurring right now, designed to help frontline medical workers.

THE LWCC FOUNDATION IS LAUNCHED!

  • Read the announcement about the LWCC Foundation here
  • Louisiana Loyal is the online home of the LWCC Foundation. Visit the website here: https://www.louisianaloyal.com/
  • Learn more about the foundation and get the details about the Louisiana Well Again initiative

FOLLOW LWCC ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

  • Find LWCC on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lwcc/
  • LWCC is on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/LWCC.LA/

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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Getting the message out about your business is important; getting the message out during a crisis is critical. Rebel Graphix is open for business and are the folks responsible for those cool inspirational signs popping up all over Baton Rouge. Mark Vincent and Jaimee Eachus of Rebel Graphix join Red Stick Strong to talk about reaching out as a business, delivering encouraging words, and the importance of communication. Business owners will gain a lot of ideas about how to stay in touch with the community on this episode.

REBEL GRAPHIX IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS:

  • Check out the Rebel Graphix website here: https://rebelgraphix.com/
  • Email Rebel Graphix—this is the one stop contact for the team: info@rebelgraphix.com
  • Give Rebel Graphix a phone call: 225.387.4634

FOLLOW REBEL GRAPHIX ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

  • Instagram for Rebel Graphix: https://www.instagram.com/rebelgraphix/
  • Rebel Graphix on FB: https://www.facebook.com/rebelgraphixbr

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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Abby Bullock started her business as a pop-op shop, and about four years ago fulfilled her dream of opening a boutique, Wanderlust by Abby. When the pandemic hit, Abby didn’t miss a beat: she started delivering goods curbside, gave a generous discount store wide, and even started making local deliveries! Abby’s story and approach can be a instructive example for anyone in business. Bonus: Abby shares the item that is selling like hotcakes (much to her surprise!)

WANDERLUST BY ABBY IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS:

  • Visit the Wanderlust by Abby website here: https://wanderlustbyabby.com/
  • You can even call Abby! (318) 218.1661
  • See all the local Baton Rouge makers Abby features here: https://wanderlustbyabby.com/pages/local-makers

FOLLOW WANDERLUST BY ABBY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

  • Instagram for Wanderlust by Abby: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustbyabby/
  • Wanderlust by Abby on FB: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustbyabby/

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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Stay at home doesn’t have to mean stay inactive! Rebecca Lemoine, owner of Pure Barre Baton Rouge is offering livestreams of barre classes that would normally be offered at the studio on Perkins. Rebecca joins Red Stick Strong to share how her business has adjusted to the pandemic, what she sees happening in the BR business community, and how you can try barre now (yes, now! No intimidation and no prior experience needed. You don’t even need a bar!) Rebecca has a thoughtful message about how we all can be intentional during this uncertain time.

PURE BARRE BATON ROUGE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS:

  • Purchase a livestream package now: https://www.clubready.com/JoinUs/8362/500599
  • Pure Barre Baton Rouge website found here: https://www.purebarre.com/location/baton-rouge-la
  • Shoot an email to Rebecca of Pure Barre: batonrouge@purebarre.com

FOLLOW PURE BARRE BATON ROUGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

  • Instagram for Pure Barre Baton Rouge: https://www.instagram.com/purebarrebr/
  • Rebecca on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beccalemoine/
  • Pure Barre Baton Rouge on FB: https://www.facebook.com/PureBarreBR/

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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Have you seen the wonderful front porch portraits of families in Baton Rouge, tagged with #TheFrontPorchProjectBR AND paying it forward by shopping a local business (and tagging the business, too??) Aimee Supp and Jenn Ocken are on Red Stick Strong to talk about how The Front Porch Project got started, and about the next iteration of the project designed to help local business: The Store Front Project BR! Pictures of local businesses, taken by local photographers, all with the goal of promoting the local Baton Rouge economy. Aimee Supp is VP of Sales and Marketing at PartnersOne Moxey. Jenn Ocken is a photographer and owner of Jenn Ocken Photography. Listen to this episode for a solid dose of inspiration, resilience, and actions we all can take to help Baton Rouge business.

GET INVOLVED WITH THE STORE FRONT PROJECT BR:

Find The Store Front Project BR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStoreFrontProjectBR/

If you are a business you can fill out the interest form to get your business featured; community supporters can LIKE and SHARE the posts on that page. Search the hashtag: #TheStoreFrontProjectBR on your favorite social media.

LEARN MORE ABOUT JENN OCKEN PHOTOGRAPHY:

  • Visit Jenn’s website (and see her portfolio) here: https://jennocken.zenfolio.com/
  • Jenn Ocken on Instagram
  • Jenn Ocken Photography on Facebook

LEARN MORE ABOUT PARTNERSONE MOXEY:

  • The PartnersOne Moxey website is here: https://www.partners1.org/
  • Meet the PartnersOne Moxey Team here: https://www.partners1.org/aboutus
  • PartnersOne Moxey is on Instagram
  • PartnersOne Moxey is on Facebook

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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When COVID-19 hit, Ross Garbarino took to social media to start sharing some good. As an agent with State Farm, Ross took the idea of helping neighbors seriously. Starting with his own neighbor next door—Pot and Paddle Jambalaya, Ross has been buying up restaurant gift cards and helping people as he can. Ross has a message about how small businesses can do what they can in this uncertain time.

GET IN ON WHAT ROSS GARBARINO IS DOING:

  • Ross Garbarino, Agent with State Farm: visit Ross’ website here
  • His office has a Facebook page where you can see what Ross and his team are doing to help during the pandemic here: https://www.facebook.com/garbarinoSF/
  • Ross’ personal Facebook here
  • Ross’ LinkedIn profile

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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It’s time to collaborate and get creative! This is the message you will get from Bridget Tate, lighting stylist and owner of Capital City Lighting. Bridget is seeing personal growth from folks in the business community, and is getting together with other small business owners to make connections (where they may not have been before.) Bridget blogs at This Lil Light O Mine and recently featured a collab with a local baker (hint: is it sconce or scone??) Listen to Bridget on Red Stick Strong to expand your thinking about how you reach out to those in your community right now, even in the pandemic.

BRIDGET TATE AND CAPITAL CITY LIGHTING ARE HERE FOR YOU:

  • Find the Capital City Lighting website here
  • Capital City Lighting on Facebook
  • Capital City Lighting on Instagram

BRIDGET BLOGS AT THIS LIL LIGHT O MINE:

  • Check out the This Lil Light O Mine blog here
  • This Lil Light O Mine is on Insta
  • This Lil Light O Mine is on the FB

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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Along with Louisiana’s stay at home order came lots of school closures. Overnight, parents and guardians became homeschool educators and the challenge of keeping kids engaged all day, every day, became job one. In this context, who better to talk to than Will Barrios, Certified Play Expert, Founder and CEO of Tatro Hand-Built Magnetic Toys. Will has lots of ideas about creativity and play, and how to use this time of the pandemic to encourage the young and young at heart.

TATRO HAND-BUILT MAGNETIC TOYS:

You can shop online with Tatro Hand-Built Magnetic Toys here: https://tatrotoy.com/shop/

The Tatro website features the Just Play Blog. Will has a coloring book download available on the blog here, plus a post about social-distancing resources for parents.

FOLLOW TATRO HAND-BUILT MAGNETIC TOYS:

  • Insta - https://www.instagram.com/tatrotoy/
  • The FB - https://www.facebook.com/tatrotoy

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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Is that a pink coffee truck pulling into your neighborhood? It’s probably Brandi Plaisance, owner of Espresso Geaux, a mobile coffee shop. Brandi mostly served schools with her business before the stay at home order, now Brandi is reaching out to the community, visiting subdivisions to deliver coffee treats. Coffee is symbolic of connection and communication, something Brandi thinks we all need a bit of right now.

BRANDI IS ON THE GEAUX:

Espresso Geaux posts their schedule daily on Facebook so you can see where Espresso Geaux will be day to day. Find Espresso Geaux’s menu here on their website, espressogeaux.com.

Espresso Geaux: 337-412-9234

FOLLOW ESPRESSO GEAUX:

  • Insta - https://www.instagram.com/espressogeaux/
  • The FB - https://www.facebook.com/espressogeaux/

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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If you are a veggie lover in Baton Rouge, you know MJ’s Café. Plant-forward diners know MJ’s for their delicious meals that feature farm to table vegetables; now, many of BR’s first responders know MJ’s from receiving dinner deliveries from our friends at Shift Support. Mary-Brennan Faucheux is on Red Stick Strong to tell supporters how they can eat with MJ’s Café through the pandemic, and to tell part of the story of the “little café that could.”

PLACE YOUR ORDERS WITH MJ’S CAFÉ:

  • Call MJ’s Café to place your order: (225) 412-4803
  • Don’t forget: MJ’s is doing family size meals now, call to order
  • Hours for MJ’s during the stay at home order: Wed – Sat, 10AM – 3PM

FOLLOW MJ’S CAFÉ:

  • Insta - https://www.instagram.com/mjscafe/
  • The FB - https://www.facebook.com/mjscafebr/

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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Mid-City’s own Brew Ha Ha is a coffee house, art gallery, and community hub rolled into one. Now known for roasting their own coffee and always known for their cake balls, Brew Ha Ha is about the art of coffee. Gabby Loubiere Higgins, owner of Brew Ha Ha and coffee roaster extraordinaire, joins us on the Red Stick Strong podcast.

SHOP BREW HA HA BR:

  • Brew Ha Ha is selling coffee on Etsy. Shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BrewHaHaBR
  • You can also get merch with cool Brew Ha Ha designs on Etsy, too
  • Purchase Brew Ha Ha gift cards to use in the future: https://www.toasttab.com/brew-ha-ha/giftcards

FOLLOW BREW HA HA BR:

  • Insta - https://www.instagram.com/brewhahabr/
  • The FB: https://www.facebook.com/brewhahabr/?ref=ts

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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If you love Baton Rouge and Southern charm, you are sure to find something you love at Hey, Penelope. Desiree Guidry is the owner of Hey, Penelope and breaks down the challenge facing retailers right now during the pandemic. Desiree has used the current crisis to get her online store fully functional and continues to post for her substantial social media fans.

SHOP HEY, PENELOPE:

  • Hey, Penelope is OPEN online! Shop here: https://heypenelope.com/collections/all
  • How cool is this purple and gold 225 hat?! https://heypenelope.com/products/btr-225-hat
  • Don’t forget—Desiree is offering FREE SHIPPING

FOLLOW HEY, PENELOPE:

  • Insta - https://www.instagram.com/heypenelope/
  • The FB: https://www.facebook.com/HeyPenelopeDesign/

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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So nice we’re speaking with her twice, Sarah Joy Hays is back on Red Stick Strong, this time to talk about Shift Support. Shift Support is a way to help local restaurants and provide loving meals to our medical professionals serving during the pandemic. Sarah Joy is the owner of CounterspaceBR and talked about her bakery on the first episode of Red Stick Strong.

MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO SHIFT SUPPORT:

Make a donation that helps provide meals for BR medical professionals. Hit that Venmo button here: https://venmo.com/shiftsupportbr

FOLLOW SHIFT SUPPORT:

  • Insta - https://www.instagram.com/shiftsupport/
  • Shift Support was covered in The Advocate! Read more here: https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/coronavirus/article_9e684e90-7dc4-11ea-951c-07b5e3298791.html

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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Custom masks! Lazy Nerds Designs usually is your place to go for Naruto inspired gear; custom embroidery; screen printing; cool patches. Now, thanks to a stroke of providence, Lazy Nerds Design is selling masks—custom made masks, printed masks—all available on the website LazyNerdsDesigns.com.

Aaron Escort and Taliah Terry share some thoughts about how they’ve coped with the fact that a majority of their business was selling at conventions to now working with online selling. You’ll get some insights about what every business should be doing in the event conditions make it necessary to switch gears.

LAZY NERDS IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Don’t forget to contact Lazy Nerds about CUSTOM masks if you need branded, stylish masks for your business. LazyNerdsDesigns.com

You can also email Lazy Nerds Designs: lazynerdsdesigns@gmail.com

FOLLOW LAZY NERDS DESIGNS:

  • Lazy Nerds streaming on Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/lazynerdsdesigns
  • The FB - https://www.facebook.com/lazynerdsdesigns
  • Twitter (only one design!): https://twitter.com/Lazynerdsdesign
  • Aaron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EscortII
  • Here are some masks, made with licensed fabrics.
  • Um, don’t leave the Lazy Nerds website without seeing this Baby Yoda shirt.

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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Do you want to know how to use spices? Anne Milneck, owner of Red Stick Spice Company and chief spice girl is here to deliver you the meal inspiration you need. For several weeks, Anne has been teaching cooking on Facebook Live as a response to having to cancel the marvelous slate of cooking classes she usually hosts at her Red Stick Spice Company shop on Jefferson Hwy in Baton Rouge.

Anne shares all the adaptations she and her staff have made to keep the spices flowing during the pandemic. (Bike deliveries! Free shipping for online sales over $20! Curbside pick-up!)

On the show, Anne offers some recommendations for fellow business owners about how to communicate with customers in an authentic way during the difficult times.

SHAMELESS PLUG: Red Stick Spice Co. has two seasons of their podcast Smidgen available now! Binge listen to get your fill of new recipes and SpiceTalk. (Disclosure: Catherine O’Brien is producer of Smidgen.) Get links to your favorite podcast apps or listen here: http://smidgenpodcast.com/

SHOP RED STICK SPICE CO:

  • Check out Red Stick Spice Co’s complete collection online
  • Call Red Stick Spice Company for curbside pick-up: (225) 930-9967
  • If you are lucky enough to live close to Red Stick Spice, you can have bike delivery (car delivery is available for the rest of Baton Rouge)
  • Recommended for you—if you have been cleaning out your pantry and want a refresh, take a look at Red Stick Spice Co’s Essential Spice Starter Set. Eleven spices that can be the basis for a world of flavorful cooking.

FOLLOW RED STICK SPICE CO:

  • Insta - https://www.instagram.com/redstickspice/
  • The FB - https://www.facebook.com/redstickspicecompany
  • YouTube (watch those cooking videos!) https://www.youtube.com/user/RedStickSpiceCo?view_as=public
  • Did we mention the podcast? http://smidgenpodcast.com/
  • Red Stick Spice has a bevvy of recipes on their website, too: https://www.redstickspice.com/blogs/recipes/

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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You’ve seen the elephant signs all over Baton Rouge—those are from Elifin Realty, a commercial real estate firm here in the Red Stick. Will Chadwick is a Retail Sales & Leasing Expert with Elifin Realty. He joins us on Red Stick Strong to share his perspective on the day to day impact of the quarantine on Baton Rouge retailers.

Will gives practical tips for how community members can help businesses in Baton Rouge. Listen to the episode to learn…

  • The key between maintaining positive relationships between tenants and landlords
  • How you can keep local businesses going, and how you can make a positive difference for folks in the service industry
  • How you can stay optimistic for our community in the days ahead

Are you reppin’ retailers? Join the campaign and promote local businesses on social media. #ReppinRetailers shows off businesses, deals, and promotions.

ELIFIN IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Will is available to consult with you. Contact Will with your retail commercial real estate questions.

FOLLOW ELIFIN REALTY:

  • Elifin on Insta - https://www.instagram.com/elifinrealty/
  • The FB - https://www.facebook.com/elifinrealty/
  • Will’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wchadwick/
  • Will’s ABOUT page at Elifin: https://elifinrealty.com/willchadwick/
  • See the whole Elifin Realty website here: https://elifinrealty.com/

Search the #reppinretailers on all your fav social media platforms.

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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Salted chocolate chip cookies, take-n-bake cinnamon rolls, cookie cakes, banana bread-- all these and more await you at CounterspaceBR bakery, located in Southdowns, Baton Rouge. Sarah Joy Hays joins us on Red Stick Strong, she's the owner and baker extraordinaire at CounterspaceBR.

SHOP COUNTERSPACEBR: You can call for curbside pick-up or delivery: (225) 456-5002.

Order a cake here with CounterspaceBR's online cake form: https://www.counterspacebr.com/cake-order-form

FOLLOW COUNTERSPACEBR:

  • Insta - https://www.instagram.com/counterspacebr/
  • The FB - https://www.facebook.com/counterspaceBR/

Red Stick Strong is a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge businesses serving customers during the pandemic. Hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram. Do you know a BR business that needs a shout-out? Tell Catherine!

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Introducing Red Stick Strong, a podcast highlighting Baton Rouge business coping with the coronavirus crisis. Nobody has a rulebook for dealing with the global pandemic, especially businesses. In Baton Rouge, most of us know someone laid off or furloughed, and some of our favorite businesses are having to get creative to continue serving their customers.

On Red Stick Strong, you'll hear from Baton Rouge business owners as they share how they are coping and how you can help.

Red Stick Strong is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, your favorite podcast app, and on RedStickStrong.com. Follow Red Stick Strong on Instagram.

Red Stick Strong is hosted by Catherine O'Brien and produced by Branch Out Programs.