The 318 Experience

On this episode of The 318 Experience, Brian welcomes Chad Ali, Director of Programs for Choices Mentoring for Families and Youth, Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Wossman High School, award-winning filmmaker, and former Division I football player.Chad shares his journey from the University of Wyoming to the worlds of film, music, coaching, and community leadership. The conversation explores the mission of Choices Mentoring, the impact of the Arts & Activism program, the Seeds of Change partnership, violence prevention efforts, youth development, and the vision for revitalizing South Monroe through arts, athletics, mentorship, and economic opportunity.This episode is a powerful discussion about leadership, purpose, and investing in the next generation.

Vivian and Reece Aultman are flipping the script on volleyball in Northeast Louisiana — a region long considered a “black hole” for the sport. What started in late 2023 as a simple goal to teach kids the basics has exploded into a full-blown movement: youth leagues, camps, private lessons, and competitive travel teams.In this episode of The 318 Experience, the Aultmans share how they’re building a new volleyball culture from the ground up, why they believe their community is ready for it, and how they’re balancing family life with the grind of grassroots sports development. Real talk, real hustle, and a whole lot of heart — this is how change starts.0:00 – Intro & Origins2:20 – Starting West Monroe Volleyball4:40 – Why Volleyball Hooks You7:10 – Choosing Community Over College Play10:10 – First Camp to Full Movement13:45 – The Sports Complex Impact19:30 – Breaking the Volleyball “Black Hole”24:30 – Confidence & Mental Strength31:00 – From Campers to Coaches40:40 – Building Something Bigger

In this heartfelt episode, Erin Stokes—freelance PR professional and former nonprofit communicator—joins Brian to shine a light on CASA of Northeast Louisiana. Together, they explore what advocacy for a child looks like, the powerful impact of CASA volunteers, and the urgent need for more community members to step up. Brian also shares his own experience as a CASA volunteer, offering a personal and authentic look at why this work matters. Tune in and discover how you can be part of the change.00:00 – Meet Erin Stokes02:01 – What Is CASA05:31 – Advocate Role Explained10:01 – Foster Care Challenges15:01 – Volunteer Experience Shared20:01 – Training & Preparation25:01 – Volunteer Impact Shown30:01 – Community Success Stories35:01 – Child Advocacy Stats40:01 – Volunteering Commitment Rewards45:01 – Final Call Action

Chief Bobby Moore of the Ouachita Parish Fire Department joins the show to talk about his 33-year journey in public safety, how OPFD is evolving to meet today’s challenges, and why becoming a firefighter could be your next move. From drone missions to life-saving rescues, we explore what it takes to join one of the region’s most advanced emergency response teams.00:00 - Intro00:01:07 – Why He Chose Firefighting00:06:06 – Hands-On Specialized Training00:11:01 – Fire Safety in Homes00:16:04 – Smoke Alarms & CO Detectors00:21:00 – Mental Health Support00:26:06 – Career Growth Path00:31:12 – How to Apply00:36:48 – Department Growth & Expansion

Courtney & Mark Holyfield join Brian for a candid, insightful conversation about what most folks never hear when it comes to home loans, credit, and getting started in real estate. They break down how they’re using their roles at Citizens Progressive Bank to make lending more human — from helping families navigate tough financial conversations to offering real solutions for buyers shut out of traditional options. This is about real stories, real solutions, and real people who care about their community.0:00 – Intro + Meet the Holyfields2:32 – What Makes Local Lending Different7:10 – Breaking Down Mortgage Fees and Rates12:03 – The Value of Personal Lending18:30 – AI vs Human Connection in Lending22:40 – Courtney’s Approach: Education First26:48 – Mark’s Journey: From Nursing to Mortgages30:30 – The Manufactured Home Market Trailblazer37:00 – Land + Home Packages and Fixer-Uppers43:15 – In-House Bank Advantage48:22 – Real Talk About Credit Scores & Myths55:10 – Community Work & Citizens Progressive Bank's Outreach59:30 – Turning Renters into Homeowners1:04:40 – Advice for First-Time Buyers1:10:15 – How They Help People Create Long-Term Plans1:14:50 – Rates, Refis, and What’s Really Worth Paying For1:18:00 – Final Thoughts: It’s All About the People

Learn more about The Vine of Northeast Louisiana:🌐 Website: https://www.thevineofnela.org/📲 Follow on Facebook & Instagram: @thevineofnortheastlouisianaBethany Wilson’s journey is one of redemption, resilience, and purpose. Raised in church but not truly following Christ, she found herself at a crossroads after an unplanned pregnancy. Convinced her life was over, she made a decision that would haunt her for years.What followed was a battle with guilt, fear, and depression—until a chance encounter with a pastor changed everything. Bethany shares how mentorship, faith, and perseverance led her to healing and ultimately to founding The Vine of Northeast Louisiana, a ministry dedicated to helping women in crisis.In this episode, she opens up about her darkest moments, the struggles of motherhood, and the power of redemption. This conversation is real, raw, and filled with hope.00:00:48 - Growing Up in a Blended Family00:10:00 - Facing an Unplanned Pregnancy00:12:16 - The Reality of the Abortion Clinic00:14:09 - Coping with Regret Through Partying00:37:15 - Finding Forgiveness Through Faith00:54:31 - Why The Vine Exists00:55:00 - Adoption as an Option00:57:27 - Supporting Women in Crisis00:58:02 - How to Get Involved