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The kettle hums, the drip pot breathes, and a kitchen full of thrifted treasures starts to feel like a time capsule you can live in. We’re pouring a fresh cup and talking about the “granny era”—that irresistible pull toward tools that last, patterns that comfort, and rituals that turn a house into a home. From enamel coffee pots that need no plug to cast iron that gets better with use, we unpack why old-school design still wins on taste, touch, and soul.

We trade notes on 70s appliances, Corelle and Pyrex patterns, and the quiet joy of a rolling pin that’s seen a hundred pies. There’s practical wisdom here—vintage tools are often stronger, simpler, and easier to repair—but the deeper current is emotional. Nostalgia isn’t just a trend; it’s a steadying force in a fast, disposable culture. We share where we hunt (hello, Becky’s Barn), how we fold vintage into bright, modern homes, and why certain sounds—a rice cooker’s ding, a washer’s blunt buzzer—can pull you straight back to family tables and warm kitchens.

Along the way, we daydream about reviving classic Corelle designs with safer materials, swap stories about thrift wins, and invite you to add your own heirlooms to the conversation. If you crave calm in your feed, if Granny-Tok soothes your pulse, or if a scuffed blue pot makes you smile every time you walk by, you’re in good company. Pull up a chair, and let’s talk about choosing fewer, better things that carry memory, function, and heart.

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The first cool breeze doesn’t need to be cold to light the signal: it’s gumbo season. We pull out the deep, trusted pot and talk through the choices that make a bowl yours—starting with the Acadiana classic, chicken and sausage, held together by a dark, toasty roux and that unmistakable aroma that fills the house. We get into the details of how we build flavor with onions and bell pepper, when celery earns a spot, and why boneless thighs often win our weeknights even if bones bring extra depth.

From there, we move to the table where the real debates live. Potato salad isn’t just a side; it’s a ritual—with strong opinions about whether it belongs inside the bowl or riding shotgun on the rim. We swap stories about day-two gumbo perfection, the cool-heat harmony of a cold scoop melting into a hot bowl, and the carb parade that some families swear by: rice, crackers, Evangeline Maid bread, even a baked sweet potato on the side. We also trace regional lines—okra in seafood gumbo, no tomatoes in our kitchens—while giving a nod to the variations you’ll find around Louisiana and along the Gulf.

We don’t gatekeep access either. If you’re new to gumbo, we share approachable ways to start: store-bought roux that’s actually fine, seasoning blends that save time, and even where visitors might find a respectable restaurant bowl. And because small tweaks matter, we share our favorite finishers—Cajun Chef green hot sauce and pepper vinegar infused with homegrown cayenne—to lift the flavors without drowning the roux. If you love food that tells a story about family, place, and season, this conversation will feel like home.

Enjoyed the convo? Subscribe, share with a friend, and drop your gumbo rules and sides in the comments—potato salad inside or on the side?

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A simple pastalaya video with no voiceover and a whole lot of heart sparked a community—and today we unpack how that happened with Britney Landry of Brit’s Cooking. From the sound of South Louisiana that gets mistaken for New York to the comfort of eggs and rice that floods comments with family memories, we follow the thread of culture turning into a modern food brand without losing its soul.

We get into the real kitchen choices that creators and parents make: why jar roux isn’t cheating, how sticky chicken and smothered gravies never miss, and when to reach for no-bake desserts that still feel like a win. Brit shares her approachable “healthy-ish” lane—protein pasta, garlic-herb flavors, quick tzatziki—and why it’s okay to cook for your life first and your feed second. If sourdough scares you, her sleep-friendly routine might change your mind: feed at night, rest the dough while you do, bake in the morning. Sustainable rhythms beat gimmicks.

There’s a business backbone here too. Hand-carved cypress spoons sourced from Atchafalaya driftwood blew up because story matters; left-handed bevels prove details do too. Cajun and garlic & herb seasonings earned space in Rouses, Super 1, and mom-and-pop shops, while a future cookbook waits for the time it deserves—because translating “a little of this” into a reliable recipe takes care. We talk platform shifts, recycled content as a sanity saver, and the hard truth about phones, kids, and eye contact. The takeaway: protect your energy, partner where possible, and let culture lead the content.

If you love Cajun cooking, creator craft, and honest talk about balancing family with growth, you’ll feel right at home. Follow Brit’s Cooking across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, then subscribe to our show, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who still swears by their wooden spoon. Click for all things Brit: https://britscookin.com/

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A swollen brain can’t wait—and too many people are told it’s “just getting older.” We sit down with Laurie from the Hydrocephalus Association to unpack what hydrocephalus really is, how it’s diagnosed, and why a simple CT scan can be the difference between decline and recovery. From infants with rapidly growing head size to older adults with shuffling gait, balance problems, and memory slips, we break down the key warning signs and the specific red flags of normal pressure hydrocephalus that often gets mislabeled as Parkinson’s or early Alzheimer’s.

Laurie shares candid stories from the community: children facing dozens of brain surgeries because shunts can fail, adults learning to tell a stomach bug from shunt malfunction, and families navigating brain fog, severe headaches, and urgent hospital runs. We talk about current treatments, why brain surgery remains the standard of care, and the powerful research push toward safer options—captured in the rallying cry: no more brain surgery. You’ll also hear how the Hydrocephalus Association invests in research, connects patients to experts, and equips families with practical resources to find care, track symptoms, and build support.

If you’re near Louisiana, get the details on our New Orleans Walk—date, location, and all the family-friendly activities that turn awareness into action. Can’t be there in person? Register virtually, donate to a team, or sponsor to fuel research and community support. If someone you love is showing gait changes, balance issues, or new memory problems, ask for a CT scan and a referral to a neurosurgeon familiar with NPH. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review to help more families find the answers they need. Your voice can spark the test that changes a life.

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Have you heard about the viral mom stereotypes taking over social media? The "White SUV Mom" versus the "Black SUV Mom" debate has become shorthand for different approaches to motherhood—but how accurate are these categories really?

As we celebrate our one-year podcast anniversary (and 75,000 downloads!), we're diving into these hilarious stereotypes while confessing what our vehicles actually look like behind the Instagram-worthy facade. Spoiler alert: there are goldfish crackers everywhere, and neither of us has washed our cars in... well, let's just say it's been a while.

Beyond vehicle preferences, we explore other mom categorizations that have us laughing at ourselves: Are you a hot coffee or iced coffee mom? Crockpot devotee or drive-thru regular? Target shopper or Dollar General warrior? Essential oils believer or "just give them Tylenol" pragmatist? Each revelation brings us closer to the truth—we're all just doing our best with what we've got.

The conversation takes a heartfelt turn when we share the wisdom that's carried us through the chaos of motherhood: "Something's going to get left undone. Make sure it's not you or your family." In a world obsessed with categorizing mothers, we're reminding each other that the state of our vehicles doesn't define our worth as parents.

Whether you drive a pristine SUV or a crumb-filled minivan, this episode is your permission slip to let go of the pressure to fit neatly into mom stereotypes. Because at the end of the day, we're all just running on coffee and prayers!

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What happens when your casual scrolling turns into viral fame? For Corey Ledoux, a Cajun content creator from Louisiana, the answer came in an unexpected whirlwind of followers, recognition, and opportunities.

Joining the Cajun Mamas for this special episode, Corey and his wife Amanda share their remarkable journey from social media observers to celebrated creators. With over 178,000 TikTok followers and 75,000 Facebook followers gained in just two months, the couple recounts how a simple video about Lost Bread (pain perdu) sparked a connection that resonated deeply with audiences hungry for authentic cultural representation.

The conversation dives into the realities of sudden social media fame – being recognized everywhere from Planet Fitness to Walmart, handling a flood of collaboration requests, and navigating family life when strangers know who you are. Amanda brings particular insight into supporting a viral spouse, describing the experience as "like the twilight zone" while sharing how they use prayer and discernment to choose the right opportunities.

What makes this story especially compelling is the genuine surprise and humility the Ledouxs maintain despite their meteoric rise. There's no calculated strategy here – just authentic sharing of Cajun traditions, sayings, and everyday moments that have struck a chord across platforms. Corey proudly represents what he calls "North of I-10" Cajun culture, highlighting the rich heritage of a region that produced culinary icons like Tony Chachere and Paul Prudhomme.

Whether you're fascinated by social media phenomena, interested in cultural preservation in the digital age, or simply enjoy heartfelt conversations about unexpected life changes, this episode delivers warmth, humor, and inspiration in equal measure. Find Corey on TikTok @ledouitt and discover why authentic voices celebrating regional culture are finding such remarkable success online.

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Crawfish, culture, and keeping the Cajun flame alive—author Tanya Ardoin is on a mission to preserve our French-speaking heritage through delightful children's books that charm readers of all ages.

The catalyst for Tanya's journey into authorship came from profound personal loss. "When I lost my mom, my biggest regret was I didn't record her voice speaking French," she shares candidly. This realization sparked a determination to document her aging family members' voices and stories before they disappeared. What began as recordings of her grandfather teaching French to her little cousin blossomed into the Crawville book series that's capturing hearts across Acadiana.

Each book cleverly introduces just one French word per page, making language learning accessible for young readers while including translations and phonetic spellings for parents. The characters themselves—Claudi the little girl and her Pawpaw as a crawfish—are lovingly based on Tanya's cousin Audie and her late grandfather. Beyond mere storytelling, these books serve as cultural touchstones, filled with authentic details from Corelle dishware to traditional "palettes" (floor bedding). Tanya has expanded her offerings to include companion coloring books in both children's and adult versions so families can learn together.

As a member of what she calls "the lost generation" of Cajun French speakers—those whose parents were punished for speaking French in school and thus didn't teach their children—Tanya's work represents a heartfelt attempt to reconnect younger generations with their heritage. Her upcoming third book will feature Cajun cooking with Pawpaw, doubling as both storybook and cookbook because, as she explains, "every book has to have a purpose."

Want to join the Cajun cultural revival? Visit TanyaArdoin.com to explore her books and learning materials, and don't miss the Grand Revé Acadien celebration in Church Point on October 18th—a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the language, music, and traditions that make our community so special.

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Ever watched your child struggle with back-to-school transitions and felt that tug on your heart? You're not alone. The September routine shift affects everyone in the family, and finding balance amid homework, activities, and life's demands takes more than just good planning—it takes grace.

In this heartwarming conversation, we explore the emotional landscape of back-to-school season from a mother's perspective. Whether you're navigating homeschool flexibility or traditional school schedules, we discuss how children's routines impact the entire family dynamic. Remember when teachers used to say, "We won't be comfortable until October"? That wisdom applies to our children too as they adjust to new environments, expectations, and workloads.

The after-school crunch presents perhaps the greatest challenge for families today. By the time kids get home, have a snack, and settle in, it's often approaching 4:30. Add homework, activities, dinner, and bedtime routines, and parents find themselves wondering: where does actual living happen in between? We share candid thoughts about this normalized chaos and offer encouragement for finding small moments of connection.

We also celebrate the beautiful ways children absorb faith lessons in everyday moments, like a three-year-old who now says "Help me Jesus" whenever facing a challenge. These unplanned teaching opportunities often become the most powerful spiritual foundations in our children's lives.

Perhaps most importantly, we highlight the invaluable role of community support during the school year. The neighbor who offers homework help, the grandparent who handles pickup, or the friend who steps in during busy seasons—these "village" members make the difference between surviving and thriving. Their contributions deserve our recognition and gratitude.

Join us for this authentic, encouraging conversation about navigating back-to-school season with faith, community, and a healthy dose of reality. Remember, you're doing better than you think, mama!

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