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. MAR 6

    Growing the Next Generation of Leaders in New Orleans with Grow Dat Youth Farm

    Jonshell Johnson is the Education Coordinator at Grow Dat Youth Farm, and To'Nae is a member of the Youth Assistants Crew. Together, they join us to share how this seven-acre farm in City Park is doing far more than growing food—it’s growing leaders. We talk about how the organization hires and mentors young people through paid job training, hands-on farming, and workshops that explore food justice, workers’ rights, climate change, and community-building in New Orleans. We dive into how farming becomes a vehicle for deeper conversations about food access, food apartheid, and health inequities, and how shared meals and open dialogue help undo bias and build connection across differences. To'Nae shares how the program shaped her confidence, leadership, and understanding of sustainable agriculture, while passing that knowledge back to her family and peers. From youth-led initiatives like beekeeping and food pantries to tackling the climate realities facing our city, this conversation highlights how they are equipping the next generation to build a more just and resilient New Orleans. Missions 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

  2. FEB 27

    From Classroom to Film Festival: Youth Filmmaking in New Orleans with The COOL Cooperative

    Samantha Rohr is the Cohort Leader, and Alaina Dunn is the Program Director of The COOL Cooperative, a nonprofit equipping New Orleans youth with filmmaking and workforce skills that extend far beyond the camera. We talk with them about how Cool Cooperative provides free, hands-on film education to middle and high school students through year-round cohorts, summer camp, in-school programs, and industry-informed training. Their students don’t just learn how to operate cameras or design sets—they build leadership, communication, project management, and teamwork skills that translate into any career path. We also explore how student films have earned IMDb credits, festival selections, and even major awards, while alumni step into leadership roles through a junior board and real-world production opportunities. From paid workforce training for teens to resume workshops and documentary projects rooted in local culture, Cool Cooperative is creating pathways for young people to find their voice and see themselves as professionals. If you care about youth empowerment, creative opportunity, and building the next generation of storytellers in New Orleans, this conversation shows what’s possible when access meets mentorship. 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

  3. FEB 20

    Making Sailing for Everyone in New Orleans with Heather West

    Heather West is the Executive Director of Community Sailing New Orleans. She joins us to talk about how her organization is increasing access to Lake Pontchartrain and making the sport of sailing available to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. We discuss how Community Sailing removes financial and skill barriers, offers youth programs, adaptive sailing opportunities, veterans initiatives, women-focused programming, and beginner-friendly adult classes like Sailing 101, which are all designed to help more people experience the water. We also explore how sailing connects directly to STEM learning, confidence-building, and leadership development, giving young people hands-on ways to understand physics, ecology, and teamwork in real time. Heather shares how time on the water can foster peace, empowerment, and a stronger connection to New Orleans’ water-based culture. If you’re curious about getting involved, supporting local nonprofits, or simply finding new ways to engage with Lake Pontchartrain, this conversation highlights what’s possible when access meets opportunity. 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/

    24 min

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Powered by Comfy Stone
  • Show Website
    Missions Bayou