The 318 Experience

Brian Bendily
  • 3.0 (2)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Daily

Join local realtor Brian Bendily as he takes you on a journey through Ouachita Parish in The 318 Experience podcast. Each episode, Brian sits down with fascinating community leaders, entrepreneurs, and successful individuals to discuss their journey to success and the challenges they've faced along the way. Through their stories, listeners gain a unique perspective on the heart and soul of Monroe, Louisiana, and the people who make this community great. Subscribe now to The 318 Experience and join us on this journey of discovery. https://www.exploremonroe.com/the-318-experience 📞 318-378-5985

  1. Aug 18

    #96 Part I - Chris Cassagne - Source Louisiana

    What happens when a major economic development project comes to Louisiana—and how can local businesses get involved? In this episode of The 318 Experience, Brian sits down with Chris Cassagne, Executive Director of the Louisiana Growth Network at Louisiana Economic Development (LED), to talk about Source Louisiana and the opportunities it can create for businesses across the state. Chris has been with Louisiana Economic Development since 2014 and now leads initiatives focused on helping Louisiana businesses expand, innovate, and grow through access to coaching, connections, and capital. A native of the Greater New Orleans area and an LSU graduate with an MBA from the LSU Flores MBA Program, Chris has built his career around strengthening Louisiana’s small-business ecosystem and helping companies scale. A major focus of that work is Source Louisiana, a statewide platform featuring more than 80,000 Louisiana businesses and designed to help prime contractors and major projects identify local vendors, suppliers, and service providers. Chris breaks down what Source Louisiana is, why it was created, how businesses can position themselves to take advantage of it, and why connecting major investment with Louisiana companies is so important to the state’s economy. If you own or operate a Louisiana business and want to better understand the opportunities being created across the state, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear.

    #96 Part I - Chris Cassagne - Source Louisiana

  2. Jun 18

    #95 - Chad Ali - Choices Mentoring for Families and Youth

    On this episode of The 318 Experience, Brian welcomes Chad Ali, Director of Programs for Choices Mentoring for Families and Youth, Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Wossman High School, award-winning filmmaker, and former Division I football player. Chad shares his journey from the University of Wyoming to the worlds of film, music, coaching, and community leadership. The conversation explores the mission of Choices Mentoring, the impact of the Arts & Activism program, the Seeds of Change partnership, violence prevention efforts, youth development, and the vision for revitalizing South Monroe through arts, athletics, mentorship, and economic opportunity. This episode is a powerful discussion about leadership, purpose, and investing in the next generation.

    #95 - Chad Ali - Choices Mentoring for Families and Youth

  3. Jun 11

    #94 - Kennedy Johnson - Hebrews Coffee Monroe

    Kennedy Johnson joins The 318 Experience to share her journey from collegiate softball player to coffee shop owner. Kennedy discusses growing up between New Orleans and Houston, transferring to ULM after feeling called in a different direction, and how a love for coffee culture sparked the dream of owning Hebrews Coffee. She also shares the story behind the iconic turquoise camper, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the exciting process of opening a new brick-and-mortar location in Monroe. Connect with Hebrews Coffee:📍 Monroe, Louisiana📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebrewscoffeemonroe/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559515649517

    #94 - Kennedy Johnson - Hebrews Coffee Monroe

  4. Jun 2

    #93 - Dr. Emily Jones - Mental Health

    Dr. Emily Jones joins The 318 Experience for an important conversation about mental health, trauma, and healing. As Clinical Director for Therapeutic Services, a counselor, supervisor, educator, and trauma-informed practitioner, Emily helps individuals and families navigate life's challenges through connection and support. In this episode, we discuss what mental health really is, common reasons people seek counseling, the impact of trauma on individuals and families, the difference between Big T and little t trauma, nature versus nurture, and why trauma-informed care is so important. Emily also shares insights into specialized therapy approaches and the mental health resources available through The Center for Children & Families. This episode offers practical information, encouragement, and a reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength.

    #93 - Dr. Emily Jones - Mental Health

  5. May 14

    #92 - Roderick Rod Williams - Guidance LLC - Former NFL/CFL Athlete

    Roderick “Rod” Williams joins The 318 Experience to share his incredible journey from the south side of Monroe to professional football and successful entrepreneurship. A former Richwood High School standout, All-American at Alcorn State, and NFL/CFL athlete, Rod opens up about the challenges of professional sports, transitioning into business, and building Guidance LLC into a company serving hundreds of families across Northeast Louisiana. We discuss mental health, leadership, technology, investing, community impact, and why so many people in Louisiana are carrying stress today. Rod also reflects on being nominated for the 2026 T.H. Scott Award of Excellence and what it means to create opportunities for others in the community he’s always called home.

    #92 - Roderick Rod Williams - Guidance LLC - Former NFL/CFL Athlete

  6. May 7

    #91 - Children's Advocacy Center - Jessica Bryant & Mindy Toups

    In this episode of The 318 Experience, we sit down with Jessica Bryant and Mindy Toups from the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeast Louisiana to discuss the vital role the CAC plays in supporting child victims and their families. Jessica and Mindy share their personal journeys into this work, what a forensic interview really looks like, and how the CAC provides a unified, trauma-informed approach that reduces stress and protects dignity during incredibly difficult situations. We also dive into the importance of community awareness, prevention, and how everyday people can play a role in protecting children. This is a meaningful and eye-opening conversation about impact, resilience, and hope.

    #91 - Children's Advocacy Center - Jessica Bryant & Mindy Toups

  7. Apr 30

    #90 - Soda Jerk - Teal Hoffman

    Teal Hoffman, owner of Soda Jerk, joins The 318 Experience to share the journey behind her business—one that began with a calling at just 16 years old. After spending years as a stay-at-home mom and navigating personal challenges, Teal found herself stepping into entrepreneurship at exactly the right time. What started as a leap of faith with her sister quickly turned into a business embraced by the entire community. In this episode, Teal talks about building a brand that’s fun and welcoming, leading with authenticity, breaking free from the competition mindset, and what it really looks like to trust the timing of your life. This conversation is for anyone waiting on their moment—and wondering if it will ever come.

    #90 - Soda Jerk - Teal Hoffman

  8. Apr 23

    #89 - Verbon R Muhammed Sr. - Monroe City Council Vice Chairman

    In this episode of The 318 Experience, Brian sits down with Monroe City Council Vice Chairman Verbon Muhammad, Sr. for a powerful conversation about leadership, community, and the future of Monroe. Verbon shares his journey from growing up in South Monroe to building a 30-year career with Greyhound and eventually stepping into public service. The conversation dives into the realities behind city leadership — from infrastructure challenges and economic development to the deeper issues of crime, education, and community responsibility. They explore the importance of housing, the need for economic growth across all districts, and why improving quality of life requires more than government — it requires people. This episode is honest, thoughtful, and focused on solutions — highlighting what it takes to move a community forward. 00:00 Intro 01:05 Growing Up in South Monroe 04:26 From Band to Business Mindset 08:17 30 Years at Greyhound 12:52 Why He Chose Public Service 24:24 Fixing Schools & Resources 31:18 Stepping Into City Council 37:20 The Truth About Growth 40:05 Housing: The Real Challenge 44:32 Crime & Community Solutions 52:00 Social Media, Culture & Youth 57:40 Economic Development & Opportunities 01:05:40 Quality of Life: Parks, Zoo & Community 01:11:18 Leadership, Conflict & Moving Forward 01:20:00 Unity, Mindset & Community Growth 01:28:36 Final Thoughts & Call to Action

    #89 - Verbon R Muhammed Sr. - Monroe City Council Vice Chairman
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Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Join local realtor Brian Bendily as he takes you on a journey through Ouachita Parish in The 318 Experience podcast. Each episode, Brian sits down with fascinating community leaders, entrepreneurs, and successful individuals to discuss their journey to success and the challenges they've faced along the way. Through their stories, listeners gain a unique perspective on the heart and soul of Monroe, Louisiana, and the people who make this community great. Subscribe now to The 318 Experience and join us on this journey of discovery. https://www.exploremonroe.com/the-318-experience 📞 318-378-5985

Information

  • Creator
    Brian Bendily
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Brian Bendily
  • Show Website
    The 318 Experience