From NOLA with the Forstalls

Pastor James Thomas on Faith, Purpose, Music & Answering God's Call

Pastor James Thomas III joins Jonathan Forstall for a powerful conversation about faith, family, leadership, and discovering your purpose. Growing up in New Orleans East, Pastor Thomas was deeply influenced by his father, the Black church, and a lifelong passion for music, all of which helped shape the man and leader he would become. He shares his journey from aspiring musician and entrepreneur to pastor and community leader, reflecting on the challenges, lessons, and pivotal moments that ultimately led him to embrace his calling. Along the way, the conversation explores mentorship, fatherhood, service, real estate, personal growth, and the importance of investing in others. This inspiring episode is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and answering the call that was placed on your life. From NOLA with the Forstalls is a storytelling podcast hosted by Jonathan Forstall, featuring conversations about New Orleans, family, leadership, culture, and the people who make the city special.

Chats with Chip: New Orleans Then vs. Now - What’s Changed, What’s Better, and What We’ve Lost

What was New Orleans really like growing up decades ago, and how has it changed today? In this episode of Chats with Chip, Jonathan Forstall sits down with his father, Chip Forstall, for a conversation about life in New Orleans then versus now. From neighborhood friendships, family dinners, and childhood adventures to technology, modern parenting, Hurricane Katrina, and the changing culture of the city, Chip shares stories and reflections from a lifetime spent in New Orleans. The conversation also explores Chip’s journey through law school, the challenges of the Louisiana Bar Exam, and lessons learned from nearly five decades as an attorney. Through it all, one thing remains unchanged: the music, food, relationships, and spirit that continue to make New Orleans one of the most unique cities in the world. A heartfelt conversation about family, community, tradition, and what it means to call New Orleans home.

Growing up without a father shaped the course of Sonny Lee’s life, and ultimately inspired his life’s work.

In this episode of From NOLA with the Forstalls: Local Legends, Jonathan Forstall sits down with Sonny Lee, founder of Son of a Saint, to discuss the profound loss of his father at a young age, the mentors who helped guide him, and how those experiences led him to create an organization dedicated to supporting boys growing up without fathers. Sonny shares his journey from personal tragedy to purpose, reflecting on the importance of mentorship, community, resilience, and giving back. It's a powerful conversation about overcoming adversity, finding direction through service, and creating opportunities for the next generation. A moving story of loss, leadership, hope, and the lasting impact one person can have on an entire community.

Chats with Chip: The Leadership Lesson Most People Learn Too Late. Chip Forstall on Ego, Listening & Real Leadership

In this episode of Chats with Chip from From NOLA with the Forstalls, Jonathan Forstall and his father, veteran attorney Chip Forstall, discuss what true leadership really looks like. From leaving ego at the door to building strong teams through empathy, humility, and listening, Chip shares lessons learned from decades of leading a successful law practice and helping people through difficult moments in life. A thoughtful conversation about leadership, confidence, teamwork, and the power of treating people with respect.

DJ Raj Smoove Reveals the Secret to Reading a Crowd - New Orleans DJ Culture & Hip-Hop Legacy

DJ Raj Smoove joins Jonathan Forstall for a conversation about music, culture, and the art of controlling a crowd. From discovering hip-hop through Beat Street to becoming one of New Orleans’ most respected DJs and the official Saints game day DJ, Raj shares stories from his journey through the city’s legendary music scene. This episode dives into DJ culture, New Orleans nightlife, reading a crowd, hip-hop history, and the creativity that fuels great performances. A must-listen for music lovers, creatives, and anyone passionate about New Orleans culture. Real conversations with the people shaping New Orleans.