Local Leaders: The Podcast!

In this episode Jim Chapman sits down with Justin Barksdale as they discuss LIVE2LEAD LP. LIVE2LEAD is a half-day leadership and personal growth development conference developed by Maxwell Leadership. Justin Barksdale has organized this event which features a national LIVE2LEAD speaker in addition to a stable of local leaders to make this event a room you are going to want to be in!You can learn more about LIVE2LEAD LP and sign up by visiting:https://www.live2leadlp.comLIVE2LEAD Livingston Parish Date: November 19th, 2026Time: 8am-1pmLocation: Forrest Grove Plantation                   8743 Stephenson Drive                  Denham Springs, LA 70726Justin Barksdale on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/justin.barksdale.654063

In this episode Jim Chapman sits down with Judge Jerry Denton, who is seeking re-election as Denham Springs City Judge Ward 2 & 7. Judge Denton goes into detail about his lifetime in many different roles including as a homicide detective, a city councilman, a city marshal, a current Judge and even a stint early on in his life working both offshore. Judge Denton also gives a glimpse into what it was like to take office as city court judge immediately shortly after the flood of 2016 and the day to day as a judge for wards 2 and 7. You can learn more about Judge Jerry Denton by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/JerryDenton4JudgeTimestamps:00:45 Bayou Cane Roots and Small-Town Memories02:31 A Young Man’s Path to Law Enforcement05:33 Leaving Home and Building a Life10:11 Offshore Work and a Brush with Danger17:12 Finding His Calling in Policing21:25 Working Full-Time While Earning Degrees26:28 Undercover Work and Its Personal Cost33:53 Law School, First Trials, and a Legal Career39:25 Taking the Leap into Private Practice44:24 Entering Denham Springs Politics50:54 Building the City Through Major Projects53:54 Becoming Marshal and Expanding the Court District1:08:20 Adjusting from Marshal to Judge1:11:44 Becoming Judge and Facing the 2016 Flood1:17:34 The Flood’s Lasting Impact on the Community1:20:47 A Judge’s Record and Reelection Bid1:24:15 The Campaign, Court Docket, and Judicial StandardsTags: Jerry Denton, law enforcement, legal practice, local government, Denham Springs City Court, court modernization, docket management, 2016 flood, community service, reelection campaign, Judge

In this episode Jim Chapman sits down with Steven J. Farber, a candidate for Denham Springs City Judge Ward 2 & 7 about his background, legal career, family and plans should he be elected as Denham Springs City Judge. Steven discusses his education, his work in law enforcement and juvenile justice, and the path that led him to study law and practice in public service roles.He also talks about why he decided to run, the qualities he believes a judge should have, and the kinds of cases the city court handles. He says his priorities would be improving efficiency, reducing backlogs, and protecting due process.You can learn more about Steven J Farber by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592733763697Timestamps:06:15 Southern University and the Bar07:33 State Work and Legal Experience09:54 Family and Public Schools11:34 Why Run for Judge14:50 What a Judge Should Be16:50 City Court Explained20:44 Sentencing and Self-Representation24:51 Clearing Backlogs and Efficiency28:07 Contempt and Court DisciplineTags: Stephen Farber, Denham Springs City Judge, Wards 2 and 7, legal career, law enforcement, juvenile justice, public service, judge qualities, court efficiency, due process

In this episode Jim Chapman sits down with Denver Blake Ballard, a candidate for Denham Springs City Council about his background as a lifelong resident, homeowner, and public servant, including his work with the DS fire department and his service on the planning and zoning commission. He says that experience taught him to focus on whether proposals follow existing rules and to approach city decisions carefully during a period of new leadership. We also discuss his family’s long history of service in Denham Springs and the issues he says matter most to residents, including infrastructure, traffic, drainage, annexation, and the need for a long-term master plan as well as other long term plans for the city.You can learn more about Denver Ballard by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/denverballardfordenhamspringsTimestamps:01:14 Firefighting Roots04:32 Planning and Zoning06:37 New Council, New Mayor10:21 Family in Public Service16:41 Annexation and Utilities21:57 Listening to Voters30:09 Conference Center Project36:42 Council Work Explained45:50 Final Thoughts

In this episode Jim Chapman sits down with Jasper Brock, candidate for district court judge in Division E of the 21st Judicial District. Jasper discusses his life experience including his time in the Navy, his vast legal career and how he feels this experience of over 34 years has prepared him to lead the 21st JDC’s Division E as a Judge. Jasper also discusses why he chose to run, and gives his unique insight on what he feels he could fix in the judicial system should he be elected as Judge.You can learn more about Jasper Brock by visiting:https://www.facebook.com/brockforjudgeTimestamps:05:01 From Navy to Law09:12 Family and Louisiana Roots10:53 Why Run for Judge12:53 Tackling Court Backlogs17:38 What Voters Ask Most19:54 Qualities of a Fair Judge21:35 Fixing Court Transparency25:33 Appeals and Delays28:13 Why Experience Matters30:38 Vote Early, Speak Up

In this episode Jim Chapman sits down with Lindon “Lindy” Bennett McGee, candidate for district court judge in Division E of the 21st Judicial District. Lindon discusses her education and legal career, including clerkships, private practice, work in the public defender’s office, and service as a staff attorney for judges. She discusses why she is running for judge, and gives her insight on backlogs in the court system, as well as what she would change in division E and other topics. You can learn more about Lindon Bennett Magee by visiting: https://www.lindy4judge.comTimestamps:03:31 Law School and Clerking04:29 Private Practice and Public Defense09:45 Judges Chamber Work12:45 Division E Explained20:02 Experience Matters20:31 Victims and Sentencing23:12 Improving the Court26:37 Final Appeal to VotersTags: Lyndon Bennett McGee, district court judge, 21st Judicial District, Division E, Tangipahoa Parish, Livingston Parish, St. Helena Parish, juvenile cases, misdemeanor cases, traffic cases, public defender, courtroom temperament, case management

In this episode Jim Chapman sits down with Brad Cascio, a candidate for the 21st Judicial District Attorney in Livingston Parish, about his background growing up in Hammond, his education at Southeastern Louisiana University, and his path into law at LSU Law School. Brad covers what he has learned in his 13 years as an assistant district attorney in the 21st Judicial after working in private practice highlighting major cases he has handled, his support of strong penalties for violent offenders and sex offenses, and says he would expand investigations, drug court, and victim services if elected.  You can learn more about Brad Cascio by visiting: https://www.bradcascio.comTimestamps:01:36 Choosing Law School05:27 LSU Commute Days06:41 Finding the DA’s Office09:17 Four Thousand Cases11:28 A Case That Changed Him14:29 Castration Law Victory19:22 Improving the DA’s Office25:15 Addressing the Deer Run Claim33:21 Strengthening Drug Court35:57 Tougher Sex Offense SentencesTags: Brad Cascio, 21st Judicial District Attorney, Livingston Parish, Holden, Southeastern Louisiana University, criminal litigation, criminal justice, public safety, juvenile crime

In this episode Jim Chapman sits down with Sherman Mack, a candidate for the 21st Judicial District Attorney in Livingston Parish, about his background growing up in Holden, his education at Southeastern Louisiana University, and his path into law. Sherman discusses his early legal work, his criminal litigation practice, his previous run for district attorney, and his service in the Louisiana Legislature. Sherman also covers his legislative work on criminal justice issues, including drug laws, victim protections, the death penalty, and Louisiana’s move to unanimous juries. He shares his priorities for the district attorney’s office, including public safety, juvenile crime, parental involvement, victim communication, and reducing court backlogs through stronger screening and more trials.You can learn more about Sherman Mack by visiting:https://shermanmack.comTimestamps:03:00 From Law School to Courtroom08:13 First Run and Legislative Rise17:17 A District Wide Challenge18:31 Crime, Safety, and Juvenile Issues23:36 Victims, Respect, and Communication25:26 Jury Law29:07 Screening Cases and Building Trust32:42 Tackling Court Backlogs35:31 Why He’s Running Again

In this episode of Local Leaders the Podcast, Jim Chapman sits down with Paije Lopez, founder of non-profit "The ATALopez Foundation to discuss what she is doing in Livingston Parish and surrounding areas to work with those who have been diagnosed with Autism and other disabilities.

Jim Chapman is joined by Captain Calvin Bowden, a 28 Year Veteran of the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office and head of the LPSO ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force.Captain Calvin discusses the inception of the program, what the program has done for chasing and catching predators and tips that every parent should look for as it relates to bad actors and predators using the internet to reach our children.  In addition to his 28 years of service at multiple positions inside the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, Captain Calvin Bowden is also a mainstay on Chris Hanson’s “Takedown” Series which can be found on the TruBlu Network.Chapters02:00 What ICAC Does04:15 Kids and Device Risks08:53 Roblox and Hidden Messaging10:23 Parental Device Checks13:17 Talk to Your Children16:22 What To Do If You Find Evidence18:45 Why Vigilante Sting Sets Fail22:17 Working With Chris Hansen23:26 Arrests Beyond Parish Lines24:46 Sheriff Ard’s Expanding Divisions28:59 Protecting Kids OnlineTo learn more About ICAC https://www.ag.state.la.us/ICAC