Locally Hated

The Racing Addiction

Welcome back to the Locally Hated podcast! This week we're celebrating the month of racing. Jessica, Greg, and Galen sit down with three generations of local racing talent: Todd, Ty, and Ryder Johnson. We dive deep into the golden era of Louisiana dirt track racing, swapping stories about track beefs, invisible methanol fires, and the insane science of sprint car setups. Todd and Ty share what it takes to master the oval and the leap from Superstocks to sprint cars. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Ryder talks about tearing up the national BMX circuit, holding state championships, and his sights on the Olympic track. Whether you're fueled by the smell of 110-octane racing fuel or just pure competitive rage, this episode has something for every gearhead.

Civic Focus: Will Anderson

The crew sits down with Will Anderson, candidate for Leesville City Council, District 3.

Civic Focus: Jim Shapkoff

The crew sits down with Leesville mayoral candidate Jim Shapkoff.

Mayfest Madness: Rick Barnickel

Stepping in at the last minute, local broadcasting legend Rick Barnickel, famously known as the "Voice of Vernon Parish," drops by to share decades of wild stories and give the ultimate preview of the upcoming Mayfest. Rick brings his unmatched expertise to break down the festival's evolution from its humble beginnings on a haybale trailer to this year's massive lineup, which features acts like Stereo Drive, Bad Moon Rising, and The Voice winner Craig Wayne Boyd. The conversation goes completely off the rails in the best way possible, diving into his starstruck encounters with music royalty like Marty Stuart and Estelle Brown, the chaotic saga of a hyperactive radio station mouser cat named Radio, and an unbelievable tale of hitchhiking to a New Orleans Mardi Gras at just sixteen years old. Packed with incredible music history, local lore, and a legendary insider tip for a $9 Mississippi fried chicken combo, this episode is everything you need to gear up for Mayfest madness.

Civic Focus: Andrey Sandanski

The crew sits down with Leesville mayoral candidate Andrey Sandanski.