Grass & Roots

Lauren Jones on Food Inequity, Community, and Planting Trees

In this episode of Grass & Roots, Toree sits down with Lauren Jones, Executive Director of Shreveport Green, to explore how community-driven environmental work can spark powerful change. From addressing food inequity through mobile markets and urban farming to restoring tree canopies and educating neighbors about sustainability, Lauren shares how Shreveport Green is cultivating a healthier, more connected city. Together, they discuss the role of education, access, and shared responsibility in building a future where both people and the planet can thrive.

Community Advocacy and Disaster Recovery with Tasha Guidry

In this episode, Toree sits down with Tasha Guidry to explore the challenges and triumphs of community advocacy in Lake Charles, Louisiana. They focus on the ongoing recovery from natural disasters and the importance of understanding individual needs through criminology and life coaching. The conversation highlights the power of active listening, collaboration with local professionals, and the need to educate communities on available resources and navigating government systems. Toree and Tasha delve into the long-term recovery efforts following hurricanes Laura and Delta, the role of civic engagement and local journalism, and initiatives like Displaced that document the experiences of disaster-affected residents. Tasha also offers valuable advice for aspiring community advocates, emphasizing passion, empathy, and consistency as the keys to meaningful service work.

Preserving Culture Through Storytelling with Megan Poole

In this episode, host Toree sits down with writer and professor Dr. Megan Poole to discuss her journey from Southwest Louisiana. Megan shares how storytelling preserves culture and community identity, emphasizing the importance of local voices in conversations about climate change and cultural preservation. She talks about using writing to foster connection, the need for reciprocal relationships in marginalized communities, and her upcoming projects on sugarcane farming and the history of enslaved individuals in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This conversation highlights the power of listening, storytelling, and understanding cultural histories.

Convenience Culture Hurts Community Building

In this episode, Toree reflects on the importance of community engagement and the challenges posed by convenience culture. She discusses the need for intentional living, supporting local businesses, and the significance of storytelling in preserving culture. The conversation emphasizes the value of shared experiences and the necessity of fighting against distractions to foster deeper connections within communities.

The Impact of Mentorship on Youth with Jennifer Landry

In this episode, Jennifer takes us through her journey as a community organizer and youth advocate, sharing her personal experiences and the founding of her organization, Speaking to Inspire Through Experience. She dives into the importance of fostering open communication between parents and youth, the transformative power of mentorship programs, and the need for proactive community engagement. Jennifer also discusses the structure and impact of her mentorship program, the value of workshops, and her work with youth in the justice system and the implications of Amendment 3 (which didn't pass yay!). With a focus on political involvement and community action, Jennifer encourages listeners to get engaged and make a difference.