You might want to have a snack within reach for this one, because On The Cusp is diving into all things barbeque. Hosts Matt and Dave sit down with Valerie and Taneia Benn, owners of The Magnolia Pit in Shreveport. Val and Benn talk about what led to their decision to buy the restaurant from Chef John Strand and what drew them into the restaurant business in the first place. They share what they wanted to do differently from other local barbeque spots, including keeping the culinary menu inclusive so guests with any diet can find something to enjoy. This conversation dives into the importance of supporting fellow women chefs in our area and highlights the rising number of women making their mark in the culinary industry. Tune in now to hear what really goes on behind the counter and in the Pit at one of Shreveport-Bossier's hottest restaurants.

This episode was recorded before Val and Benn made the decision to sell The Magnolia Pit, and we wish them the best! We're excited to see what the new owners bring to this local favorite.

In this episode of On The Cusp, Keith Payne of Payne Mechanical Services shares the story of the family business his grandfather started back in 1956, growing from residential plumbing into a powerhouse commercial plumbing and HVAC company. Keith joins hosts Matt and Dave to break the exciting news that Payne Mechanical Services has expanded from four locations to five, with a brand new location now open in Tulsa, OK. He also dives into how the company gives back by supporting the communities their employees call home, and how word of mouth and community involvement drive their marketing and growth. Keith makes the case for skilled trades as a smart career path, offering hands-on training and real opportunity without the need for a four-year college degree. Tune in now to hear how Payne Mechanical Services built a lasting legacy and why the trades might just be the career move you never considered!

On this episode of On The Cusp, hosts Matt and Dave sit down with father-son duo Mike and Dennis Etheredge to talk about Etheredge Industrial Services, a 40-year-old Shreveport business built from the ground up. Mike shares what motivated him and his wife to start the company, how he raised the capital to get it off the ground, and why he credits their employees as the true backbone of the business. Dennis opens up about growing up around the business, always knowing he'd end up working on electric motors, and the story behind Mike passing the company on to him. Together, they discuss how the father-son team has since expanded operations to other cities across the South. Tune in now to hear how a family business built on hard work turned into an industrial success story!

On this episode of On The Cusp, hosts Matt and Dave talk with Chris Phillips, co-owner of The Picklr, Bossier City’s newest premier pickleball destination located at the Louisiana Boardwalk. Chris shares what it took to bring the franchise to the Shreveport-Bossier area and discusses the growing popularity of pickleball across the country. The conversation also highlights the importance of local entrepreneurs and community support in bringing new opportunities and entertainment to the region. Whether you're an experienced player or just looking for a fun activity with family and friends, The Picklr has something to offer. Tune in now and hear the story behind one of the area's newest places to play, connect, and have fun.

Matt and Dave take On The Cusp on the road, heading straight to the patio at Margaritaville Resort & Casino in Bossier City to sit down with Director of Food & Beverage Nicole Harrington. Nicole shares how the resort is creating unforgettable experiences that go well beyond gaming, bringing a true "resort" atmosphere to life in Northwest Louisiana. She also highlights how the local community has shown up strong for Margaritaville, and how the resort is giving back through partnerships with area businesses like Chasing Aces, the Picklr, and the vibrant Eastbank District. Tune in now and let Nicole take you behind the scenes of one of Bossier City's most exciting destinations, because the fun doesn't stop at the front door!

Kyle Hand, owner of Hand Construction, joins On The Cusp hosts Matt and Dave to discuss the company's current projects, including ongoing work at the Shreveport Regional Airport. Kyle shares how his father founded the company in the 1980s and the role Hand Construction has played in developing the Shreveport-Bossier area over the years. He also shares his thoughts on the upcoming data centers, the job opportunities they could bring to the region, and what the permitting and construction process looks like for large commercial projects. Tune in now and get the inside scoop on the blueprints building North Louisiana’s future!

Exciting changes are underway at the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana! Join On The Cusp hosts Matt and Dave as they sit down with Megann McDaniel, the new Director of Marketing and Development, to discuss everything happening at your local YMCA. From brand-new Little League fields hosting summer tournaments that drive economic growth in the Shreveport area, to the wide variety of classes and programs available at each location, there's something for everyone in the community. Megann also shares her experience securing funding for the new fields and the revenue streams that will keep families coming back for years to come. Each YMCA location across the Shreveport area boasts a unique look that beautifully reflects its surrounding community. Tune in now to hear what's next for this beloved community hub in Northwest Louisiana!

Join Matt and Dave on On The Cusp as they sit down with special guest Rocky Rocket from the Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation (GBEDF) — the organization driving job and tax growth in the region since the 1970s! Together, they dive deep into the exciting collaborative projects between GBEDF, EAP, and North Louisiana's top economic developers that are transforming the Shreveport-Bossier area. Discover the major improvements being made across the region that are paving the way for even more growth and opportunity in North Louisiana. Rocky also drops some exclusive insider info on brand-new developments coming to Bossier City that are set to boost surrounding communities in a big way. Bossier's booming and the good times keep on coming, so tune in, turn it up, and let's grow together!