The 318 Experience

Brian Bendily
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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. #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
  2. #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
  3. #85 - Mayor of Sterlington - Matt Talbert

    12/17/2025

    #85 - Mayor of Sterlington - Matt Talbert

    Sterlington, Louisiana has had a big year — and Mayor Matt Talbert joins The 318 Experience to walk us through it all. In this episode, Mayor Talbert breaks down the State of the Town, highlighting major infrastructure improvements, sports complex upgrades, nearly $9.2 million in economic impact, sewer system investments, community beautification efforts, and new residential developments shaping Sterlington’s future. With a background that includes military service, 21 years in small business leadership, and time on the Sterlington Town Council, Mayor Talbert brings a grounded, service-first perspective to local government. This conversation is a deep dive into leadership, growth, and what it takes to build a strong, thriving small town — from the ground up.

    1h 6m
  4. #84 - Pamela Stephens - Resilient. Creative. Unstoppable.

    12/03/2025

    #84 - Pamela Stephens - Resilient. Creative. Unstoppable.

    At 23 years old, Pamela Stephens opened her first business during a recession — and she’s been building, flipping, creating, and reinventing ever since. With more than 12 years in real estate, over 1,000 homes sold, a portfolio of rentals, and her new micro-store The Remix, Pamela’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through everything she touches. But behind the success is a story shaped by resilience. From childhood loss to major life setbacks, Pamela has faced the unthinkable… and still chose to keep showing up, creating, and moving forward. In this episode, Pamela breaks down her business journey, her love for design, time management with “many hats,” and the mindset shifts she teaches to help people get unstuck. This is an honest look at what it really takes to build a life you love — even when life hits hard.

    1h 26m
  5. #83 - The Christmas Project - Chris Ramsey & Dr. Matt Nappier

    11/28/2025

    #83 - The Christmas Project - Chris Ramsey & Dr. Matt Nappier

    The Christmas Project has been changing holiday mornings for children across Louisiana and Mississippi since 2001 — and today, we sit down with the two leaders carrying that legacy forward. Dr. Matthew Nappier and Chris Ramsey of The Center for Children & Families join us to share the heart, history, and real impact behind an effort that now reaches more than 1,000 children every year. From their unique leadership journeys in the military, ministry, and nonprofit work to the systems and compassion that make this project possible, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how a community comes together to deliver hope. Listen in and discover how you can be part of this year’s ripple effect of generosity. Learn more or get involved: Website: www.standforhope.orgEmail: christmas@standforhope.orgText: STANDFORHOPE to 53555

    42 min
  6. #82 - Troy Lizenby - The Monroe Lotus Club

    08/21/2025

    #82 - Troy Lizenby - The Monroe Lotus Club

    Lotus Club Website: lotusmonroe.com The Lotus Club of Monroe has been a cultural cornerstone since 1920, but what does it take to carry such a historic institution into the modern era? In this episode of The 318 Experience, Brian is joined by Troy Lizenby, who shares his journey with the Lotus Club — from walking into a space with “lots of charm and lots of empty space” to helping revitalize its programs, culture, and community presence. From its fascinating history and traditions to its new direction, this conversation shines a light on how the Lotus Club remains a vibrant hub of connection, fine dining, and fellowship in Northeast Louisiana.

    41 min
  7. #81 - Ryan Howard - 3 Bridges Production

    08/13/2025

    #81 - Ryan Howard - 3 Bridges Production

    Ryan Howard is the Creative Director at 3 Bridges Productions, a full-scale studio creating music, film, and photography for everyone from Grammy-winning artists to local business and political leaders. In this episode, we dive into: The behind-the-scenes world of a top-tier production studio How 3 Bridges balances commercial projects with meaningful storytelling Ryan’s work as a voice actor and combat sports announcer The discipline of martial arts and the focus of competitive gaming From the studio to the fight cage to the gaming arena, Ryan’s story is all about creativity with purpose.

    30 min
  8. #80 - Jennifer Zimmerman - Women of Ouachita

    07/23/2025

    #80 - Jennifer Zimmerman - Women of Ouachita

    Jennifer Zimmerman is a force in Northeast Louisiana — a small business owner, serial side hustler, and current Chairman of the West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber. In this episode, she shares the heart and vision behind her newest passion project: Women of Ouachita, a women’s networking group launching July 22. Jennifer opens up about her journey in business, her nonprofit work with 65 Alive, and how she’s creating space for women to lift each other up and shape their own future. If you’ve ever dreamed of building something meaningful from the ground up, this one’s for you. 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 02:55 – From Chicago to West Monroe 08:00 – Launching Delta Benefit Consulting 13:20 – Navigating Healthcare & Medicare 18:40 – The Side Hustle Mentality 23:00 – Lessons from Small Business Ownership 28:10 – Leading the Chamber of Commerce 33:30 – Balancing Business and Community 38:50 – The Little Red Caboose Story 44:00 – Vision for Women of Ouachita 49:30 – Vulnerability and Reinvention 54:45 – Final Reflections & Closing

    56 min
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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
    87
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Brian Bendily
  • Show Website
    The 318 Experience