The 318 Experience

Brian Bendily

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. #93 - Dr. Emily Jones - Mental Health

    3d ago

    #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.

    1h 10m
  2. #92 - Roderick Rod Williams - Guidance LLC - Former NFL/CFL Athlete

    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.

    1h 37m
  3. #91 - Children's Advocacy Center - Jessica Bryant & Mindy Toups

    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.

    1h 13m
  4. #90 - Soda Jerk - Teal Hoffman

    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.

    1h 41m
  5. #89 - Verbon R Muhammed Sr. - Monroe City Council Vice Chairman

    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

    1h 33m
  6. #88 - Tommy Elmore - The Gentleman's School

    Apr 16

    #88 - Tommy Elmore - The Gentleman's School

    Tommy Elmore joins The 318 Experience to share a life story marked by hardship, discipline, loss, faith, and purpose. Raised on the south side of Monroe during a difficult era, Tommy talks about bullying, street influence, gang involvement, getting shot at 15, being expelled, earning his GED, and eventually finding structure in the U.S. Army. He opens up about serving as Infantry, becoming a Military Police officer and Drill Sergeant, then facing a devastating bone cancer diagnosis that ended his military career and led to a long season of treatment, addiction, isolation, and rebuilding. He also shares how accountability, education, and a renewed mission led him to Louisiana Delta Community College, where he rebuilt academically, became a school ambassador, earned a 4.0 semester, and continued pursuing his goal of becoming a professor. That journey now fuels the work he and his wife are doing through Gentlemen’s School and “From a Father’s Perspective,” helping boys and girls learn discipline, self-defense, confidence, presentation, and practical life skills. This episode is a powerful conversation about masculinity, family, fatherlessness, resilience, responsibility, and what it means to invest in your community for real. 00:00 – Intro and why Tommy’s work matters01:55 – Growing up on the south side of Monroe04:06 – His father, Vietnam, PTSD, and home life07:25 – Bullying, carrying a knife to school, and the street pull15:06 – High school spiral: fights, drugs, skipping school39:29 – Getting shot at 15, GED, college struggles, and choosing the Army46:23 – Military growth, becoming a Drill Sergeant, and bone cancer diagnosis55:11 – Isolation, treatment, painkiller addiction, and losing structure01:06:26 – Why he went back to school and started building toward purpose01:20:42 – Gentlemen’s School, suits for boys, girls programming, and practical life skills Top 10 timestamps

    1h 38m
  7. #87 - Quota West Monroe - Margaret Troquille & Jackie Guillot

    Feb 2

    #87 - Quota West Monroe - Margaret Troquille & Jackie Guillot

    🎂 Night of Cakes Fundraiser Join Quota West Monroe for their annual Night of Cakes fundraiser on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 5:30 PM at the West Monroe Convention Center (901 Ridge Ave, West Monroe, LA). This signature event helps fund Quota’s mission of supporting women and children facing health, medical, and life challenges throughout our community. For more information, follow Quota West Monroe on social media or connect with a Quota member. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/quota-west-monroe-night-of-cakes-tickets-1976421428697 In this episode of The 318 Experience, we’re joined by Margaret Troquille, Vice President, and Jackie Guillot, Immediate Past President of Quota West Monroe. Established in 1999, Quota West Monroe is a nonprofit service organization dedicated to supporting women and children facing health, medical, and life challenges. Through scholarships, community partnerships, and hands-on service, their mission lives out one powerful message: Where Compassion Meets Action. Margaret and Jackie share the heart behind Quota, the leadership lessons learned through service, and the incredible impact being made right here in Northeast Louisiana. We also spotlight their signature fundraiser, Night of Cakes, and how the community can get involved. This episode is a reminder that meaningful change often starts locally — and grows through compassion.

    38 min
  8. #86 - Greg Manley Jr. - Redefining Success in Business and Life

    Jan 21

    #86 - Greg Manley Jr. - Redefining Success in Business and Life

    What happens when success isn’t enough? In this episode of The 318 Experience, Brian sits down with Greg Manley Jr. — State Farm agent, husband, father of three, and man of faith — to talk about resilience, pressure, and the power of surrender. Greg shares his story of surviving childhood cancer, building a thriving insurance business, and then walking through one of the darkest seasons of his life marked by fear, anxiety, financial stress, and spiritual warfare. He opens up about the turning point that changed his trajectory, the role faith played in rebuilding his life, and why serving others now defines success for him. This is a raw, honest conversation about leadership, fatherhood, faith, and learning to build God’s kingdom instead of your own. Greg's Contact Info (318) 355-0748 greg.manley.ul4p@statefarm.com

    1h 5m
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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
    93
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Brian Bendily
  • Show Website
    The 318 Experience