From NOLA with the Forstalls

From NOLA with the Forstalls LIVE with Robin Barnes & BJ So Cole - Local Legends

In this special LIVE episode of From NOLA with the Forstalls, Jonathan Forstall sits down with two incredible New Orleans Local Legends. Robin Barnes, the acclaimed "Songbird of New Orleans," and BJ So Cole, one of the city's most influential Bounce artists. Recorded in front of a live audience, this inspiring conversation explores the power of music, the importance of preserving New Orleans culture, overcoming adversity, and building a lasting legacy through authenticity and community. From Robin's journey as a celebrated jazz vocalist to BJ's rise as a modern voice in Bounce music, this episode is filled with unforgettable stories, heartfelt moments, and plenty of New Orleans spirit. If you love great conversations, inspiring people, and everything that makes New Orleans one of the most unique cities in the world, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Chats With Chip: The Power of Plan B - Chip Forstall on Adapting, Failure & Building Success

In this episode of From NOLA with the Forstalls: Chats with Chip, Jonathan Forstall sits down with his father, Chip Forstall, to talk about the power of having a Plan B and learning how to adapt when life does not go as expected. Chip shares personal stories about family, business, divorce, rebuilding his law practice, Hurricane Katrina, failure, change, and the lessons that shaped the way he leads today. This conversation is about resilience, preparation, humility, and understanding that success is not always about having the perfect plan, it is about being able to adjust, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward.

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.