Missions Bayou

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Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling, hosted by Maya McGee, the Senior Director of Operations at Comfy Stone, and Brenna Gourgeot, a community organizer and data analyst focused on socioeconomic and environmental justice in Southeast Louisiana. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates.

  1. FEB 6

    From Flooding to Pollinators: Why Native Plants Are Essential with Dexter Ellis

    Dexter Ellis is the Board Vice President of the Native Plant Initiative of Greater New Orleans, and he joins us to break down why native plants matter for our environment, our infrastructure, and our everyday lives. We talk through the mission of the Native Plant Initiative, an all-volunteer organization focused on increasing the use and public awareness of native plants through public gardens, free plant and seed giveaways, and community education across the Greater New Orleans area. We dig into how native plants support biodiversity from the soil up, provide critical habitat for pollinators and birds, and play a major role in stormwater management in a city that knows flooding all too well. Dexter also shares practical insights on replacing turf grass and non-native ornamentals, why native plants are more resilient and low-maintenance, and how even planting one native species can create real impact. The conversation highlights how accessible native gardening can be and how small actions, taken together, help build healthier ecosystems and more resilient neighborhoods. Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. Missions Bayou is hosted by Maya McGee and Brenna Gourgeot. Maya McGee is the Senior Director of Operations at Comfy Stone, where she helps nonprofits clarify and elevate their storytelling to better reflect their mission and impact. Brenna Gourgeot is a community organizer and data analyst focused on socioeconomic and environmental justice in Southeast Louisiana. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

    28 min

  2. JAN 30

    How Make Good is Making Assistive Technology Accessible and Affordable with Noam Platt

    Noam Platt is an architect and the founder of Make Good, a nonprofit using design and 3D printing to create low-cost, open-source assistive devices for people with disabilities and chronic conditions. We talk with Noam about how his background in architecture translated into assistive technology, why so many essential tools are overpriced or inaccessible, and how Make Good works directly with the disability community to design practical solutions that increase independence in everyday life. We also dig into Make Good’s most impactful projects, including the fully 3D-printed Toddler Mobility Trainer, grip aids, phone holders, Braille learning tools, and custom wheelchair accessories. This conversation explores the power of open-source design, how affordable consumer 3D printers are changing who gets to build and innovate, and why investing in design research can create broader, longer-lasting impact than traditional equipment-based philanthropy. Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. Missions Bayou is hosted by Maya McGee and Brenna Gourgeot. Maya McGee is the Senior Director of Operations at Comfy Stone, where she helps nonprofits clarify and elevate their storytelling to better reflect their mission and impact. Brenna Gourgeot is a community organizer and data analyst focused on socioeconomic and environmental justice in Southeast Louisiana. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

    39 min

  3. JAN 23

    What a Sustainable Mardi Gras Could Look Like with Brett Davis

    Brett Davis is the founding director of Grounds Krewe, a New Orleans nonprofit working to reduce waste during Mardi Gras and other large-scale events. We sit down with Brett to unpack how Mardi Gras has become one of the most waste-producing events in the world, why plastic parade throws are at the center of the problem, and how the structure of an unsponsored, unticketed celebration has unintentionally fueled massive environmental impact. We also dig into how Grounds Krewe is addressing this challenge through prevention and reduction, from their Sustainable Throw Catalog featuring functional, locally sourced items to their Recycle Dat! program that diverts materials from landfills and supports other nonprofits. Brett shares the behind-the-scenes realities of building this work, the role of volunteers and community support, and what’s next, including ambitious plans for biodegradable beads made from Louisiana sugarcane waste. This conversation invites us to rethink what Mardi Gras can look like when sustainability and culture move forward together. Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. Missions Bayou is hosted by Maya McGee and Brenna Gourgeot. Maya McGee is the Senior Director of Operations at Comfy Stone, where she helps nonprofits clarify and elevate their storytelling to better reflect their mission and impact. Brenna Gourgeot is a community organizer and data analyst focused on socioeconomic and environmental justice in Southeast Louisiana. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

    33 min

  4. JAN 16

    Why Joy Is Central to Community Care with Women of Wakanda

    Jaleesa Jackson is the co-founder of Women of Wakanda, and Krysten Perkins is a Vibranium Council Member within the collective. We sit down with Jaleesa and Krysten to talk about how Women of Wakanda began in 2018 and grew into an Afro-futurist, joy-centered community rooted in mutual aid, imagination, and care for Black women in New Orleans. Together, we explore how the group mirrors the legacy of New Orleans’ historic social aid and pleasure clubs through skill-sharing, wellness and outdoor activities, book clubs, school supply drives, and everyday support like meal trains, ride sharing, and showing up for one another in moments of grief and celebration. This conversation centers joy as a form of resistance and highlights how community care can be expansive, sustainable, and deeply human when it’s built on trust, creativity, and shared responsibility. Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. Missions Bayou is hosted by Maya McGee and Brenna Gourgeot. Maya McGee is the Senior Director of Operations at Comfy Stone, where she helps nonprofits clarify and elevate their storytelling to better reflect their mission and impact. Brenna Gourgeot is a community organizer and data analyst focused on socioeconomic and environmental justice in Southeast Louisiana. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

    33 min

  5. JAN 9

    Why Amplifying Youth Confidence Starts With Letting Kids Be Heard with Be Loud Studios

    Alex Owens is the Executive Director of Be Loud Studios, and Jace is a Junior Producer at Be Loud Studios. In this conversation, we talk about how Be Loud started as a classroom experiment and grew into a nonprofit dedicated to amplifying youth voice through radio, podcasting, and digital media. Alex shares the origin story of the organization, how giving young people a microphone transformed engagement, and how Be Loud now works with students, teachers, and community partners to build confidence and create meaningful conversations across New Orleans. We also hear directly from Jace about his journey from a shy student to a confident interviewer and mentor, and how being part of Be Loud has shaped his growth on and off the mic. Together, we explore why audio creates a more level playing field, how youth-led storytelling challenges power dynamics, and why spaces like Be Loud matter for helping young people feel heard, valued, and prepared to lead in their communities.  Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

    43 min

  6. 12/19/2025

    Building Long-Term Support for Foster Youth in Louisiana with Daniel Harris

    Daniel Harris is the Executive Director of Winston Rhea, a nonprofit supporting young adults as they age out of the foster care system. We talk with Daniel about the deeply personal origin of Winston Rhea, the mentors who shaped his life while he was in foster care, and how that experience led him to build a four-year, hands-on support program rooted in consistency, grace, and long-term commitment. Daniel shares powerful stories of scholars navigating college, careers, parenthood, and mental health challenges, and how Winston Rhea meets them where they are instead of pushing them out when life doesn’t go as planned. We also dig into the systemic barriers foster youth face, from rigid program requirements to confusing and often mismanaged financial aid systems. Daniel breaks down his advocacy work around Chafee funds, how Winston Rhea helped correct long-standing policy errors in Louisiana, and why access to education funding, life skills training, and alternative career pathways like the trades can be life-changing. This conversation highlights why sustained relationships, flexible support, and informed policy work are essential to creating real stability for young people transitioning out of foster care. Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

    36 min

  7. 12/12/2025

    How Heroes of New Orleans Helps Youth Find Their Passions with Greg Ravy

    Greg Ravy is the CEO of Heroes of New Orleans, an organization expanding opportunities for youth through workforce development, entrepreneurship, and family support. We sit down with Greg to talk about why so many young people struggle to access meaningful career paths, how his team helps students build real-world skills, and the importance of exposing youth to options beyond what they see every day. Greg breaks down their individualized workforce approach, their hands-on summer entrepreneurship program, and the “expert brunches” that connect teens directly with professionals in the careers they’re interested in. He also shares why supporting parents is essential to breaking generational cycles and how Heroes of New Orleans is reshaping what’s possible for families across the city. We also get into the launch of the new Heroes 360 Club—a community membership that opens access to a renovated gym, gaming room, makerspace, kitchen, and more. Greg talks through upcoming workforce cohorts, summer programs, and their major fundraising event at NOLA Motorsports. Thank you to Greg for sharing how Heroes of New Orleans is building the city’s next generation of leaders! Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

    27 min

  8. 12/05/2025

    How ANTIGRAVITY Champions NOLA’s Underground Culture with Dan Fox

    Dan Fox is the Editor-In-Chief and publisher of ANTIGRAVITY Magazine, one of New Orleans’ most trusted alternative print publications. We sit down with Dan to talk about the origins of ANTIGRAVITY, its mission to document underrepresented culture, and how the magazine has grown from a DIY alt-rag to a community institution that’s influenced writers, artists, and local media for two decades. We also dig into their famously rigorous editorial process and how the team nurtures new voices, preserves cultural history, and continues to champion stories that often go overlooked. We also explore the evolution of the ANTIGRAVITY Voter Education Guide, why it became a vital civic resource, and how it’s reshaped community engagement around local elections. Dan shares what’s next for the publication, how folks can support their work, and a few exciting events they have on the horizon. Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. Missions Bayou is hosted by Maya McGee and Brenna Gourgeot. Maya McGee is the Senior Director of Operations at Comfy Stone, where she helps nonprofits clarify and elevate their storytelling to better reflect their mission and impact. Brenna Gourgeot is a community organizer and data analyst focused on socioeconomic and environmental justice in Southeast Louisiana. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

    34 min
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About

Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling, hosted by Maya McGee, the Senior Director of Operations at Comfy Stone, and Brenna Gourgeot, a community organizer and data analyst focused on socioeconomic and environmental justice in Southeast Louisiana. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates.

Information

  • Creator
    Powered by Comfy Stone
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Powered by Comfy Stone
  • Show Website
    Missions Bayou