Brown Water Banter

Ep 339| Fred Haise

This episode is a once-in-a-lifetime conversation with Fred Haise — Apollo 13 astronaut and Biloxi, Mississippi native.
Fred joins Brown Water Banter to talk about growing up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast during the Great Depression, fishing and crabbing off the seawall, working as a newspaper boy in Biloxi, and how a kid from a small seafood town ended up in the space program.
We dive deep into Fred’s journey from journalism to the military, becoming a test pilot, and eventually being selected by NASA. Fred walks us through the intense training process for Apollo missions, what it was like preparing for spaceflight, and how incremental testing and preparation shaped NASA’s approach to risk.
This episode isn’t just about space — it’s about discipline, curiosity, service, and how life on the Gulf Coast helped shape one of the men who survived one of the most famous missions in human history.
An incredible story from a true American legend.
Watch the full episode now on YouTube ⬇️
https://youtube.com/live/uC-ophFMbFU?feature=share
Also big thanks to Southern Magnolia Smiles, Forever Young Men's and Women Health, and Taylor and Cox Law Firm,  for the support! 
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Ep 338| Department of Marine Resources

🦪 Oyster season on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is finally showing signs of a real comeback — and we brought the experts into the studio to explain exactly how it’s happening.
In this episode of Brown Water Banter, we’re joined by Jason Rider, Shellfish Bureau Director, and Eric Broussard, Deputy Director Office of Marine Fisheries with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. They break down the science, history, and management behind Mississippi’s oyster reefs and what it takes to responsibly reopen oyster season.
🌊 How Mississippi oyster reefs declined and what recovery actually looks like📊 The difference between historic harvest numbers and today’s reality⚖️ How DMR assesses reefs and decides when seasons open or close🦪 On-bottom harvesting vs off-bottom aquaculture explained🌱 Why oysters are critical for water quality, fish habitat, and coastal protection
This episode pulls back the curtain on oyster management — from diver reef assessments to harvest limits — and explains why oyster recovery is a long game that affects far more than what ends up on your plate.
Watch the full episode now on YouTube ⬇️
https://youtube.com/live/2QJxp6lBKZg?feature=share
Also big thanks to Southern Magnolia Smiles, Forever Young Men's and Women Health, and Taylor and Cox Law Firm,  for the support! 
Want to be a part of the pelican gang? Check out our merch Here. 
Download our free app:Apple: HereAndroid: Here
All our links: https://linktr.ee/brownwaterbanter

Ep 337| David Jolly

Comedian David Jolly joins Brown Water Banter live in Biloxi for a wild conversation about comedy, sobriety, and betting on yourself.
David breaks down his grind from Orlando open mics to the East Coast comedy circuit, landing in Austin, and becoming part of the Kill Tony and Comedy Mothership scene. We get into quitting whiskey to take comedy seriously, the freedom of speech comeback in stand-up, and how his viral DeAndre Holms sketches took off online.
This episode goes everywhere — from bombing for chicken wings to performing on some of the biggest comedy stages in the country.
If you like raw conversations, unfiltered comedy, and stories about chasing the shot when it finally shows up, this one’s for you.
🎙️ Listen now and enjoy the ride.
Watch the full episode now on YouTube ⬇️
https://www.youtube.com/live/PyOaGfUBZGE
Also big thanks to Southern Magnolia Smiles, Forever Young Men's and Women Health, and Taylor and Cox Law Firm,  for the support! 
Want to be a part of the pelican gang? Check out our merch Here. 
Download our free app:Apple: HereAndroid: Here
All our links: https://linktr.ee/brownwaterbanter

Ep 336| Christmas on the Avenue

In this episode of Brown Water Banter, we’re joined in studio by Joel Davis, Nicole Nezat, and Biloxi City Councilman Wayne Gray to break down the inaugural Christmas on the Avenue event and what it means for Downtown Biloxi. Representative Scott Delano also joins us. 
We cover how the idea came together, the city coordination behind the scenes, and why this event is a major step toward bringing more foot traffic, tourism, and holiday energy to Howard Avenue.
🎄 Event Highlights🎶 Live music and multiple entertainment stages💡 Grand Lighting of Howard Avenue with 150 sponsored Christmas trees❄️ Snow falling in Downtown Biloxi🎅 Santa Claus Parade🍻 Santa Crawl with participating local businesses🏠 Live Christmas trees donated to families in need after the event
📅 December 18–20📍 Howard Avenue, Downtown Biloxi
This episode dives into the vision, the logistics, and the long-term goal of turning Christmas on the Avenue into a signature Gulf Coast holiday tradition.
Watch the full episode now on YouTube ⬇️
https://youtube.com/live/6pepJ-upSF4?feature=share
Also big thanks to Southern Magnolia Smiles, Forever Young Men's and Women Health, and Taylor and Cox Law Firm,  for the support! 
Want to be a part of the pelican gang? Check out our merch Here. 
Download our free app:Apple: HereAndroid: Here
All our links: https://linktr.ee/brownwaterbanter

Ep 335| Fishing for Toys

In this episode of Brown Water Banter, we sit down with the men behind the Inaugural Fishing for Toys Tournament, a Gulf Coast charity event that was born out of a men’s Bible study called Fishers of Men.
What started as a small group of men gathering to study scripture and support one another grew into something much bigger — an outreach focused on serving families and kids in need during the Christmas season. Through Fishers of Men, the group recognized a need in the community and partnered with Pascagoula Police Department to help provide toys, meals, and hope to local families.
We talk about how the Bible study began, how it evolved into an outreach ministry, and how the Fishing for Toys tournament became a natural extension of their mission to serve others. The conversation also dives into community policing, mentorship, faith, and the powerful impact that men stepping up together can have on families and neighborhoods.
This episode is a reminder that real change often starts small — with men willing to check their egos at the door, show up consistently, and put faith into action.
Watch the full episode now on YouTube ⬇️
https://youtube.com/live/SPF78fVZh6M
Also big thanks to Southern Magnolia Smiles, Forever Young Men's and Women Health, and Taylor and Cox Law Firm,  for the support! 
Want to be a part of the pelican gang? Check out our merch Here. 
Download our free app:Apple: HereAndroid: Here
All our links: https://linktr.ee/brownwaterbanter

Ep 334| Marsh Town Mafia Charters

Derek from Marsh Town Mafia Charters joins us to break down the world of nighttime flounder gigging on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He talks about growing up on the water, what pushed him to finally get his captain’s license, and how he built a gigging-only charter business. 
We cover how a gigging trip actually works, what the lights reveal in the marsh, the species you see after dark, and why conditions like tide and wind make each night different. Derek also shares stories from clients, lessons learned, and what keeps him fired up to run trips after long shifts at the fire department.
Watch the full episode now on YouTube ⬇️
https://youtu.be/LrCcJU7wm_Q
Also big thanks to Southern Magnolia Smiles, Forever Young Men's and Women Health, and Taylor and Cox Law Firm,  for the support! 
Want to be a part of the pelican gang? Check out our merch Here. 
Download our free app:Apple: HereAndroid: Here
All our links: https://linktr.ee/brownwaterbanter
 

Ep 333| Mississippi Seafood Marketing Program

In this episode, we’re joined by Charmaine Schmermund and Francesca Linthicum from the Department of Marine Resources , who leads the Mississippi Seafood Marketing Program, to break down how the Coast’s most iconic industry is protected and promoted. We cover how the agency promotes local harvesters, supports Coast culture, and educates the public through statewide outreach events. 🦐🌊
They break down the Mississippi Seafood labeling law, the Mississippi Seafood Cook-Off, and why it matters for both restaurants and consumers. We also talk about DMR’s publications, including the Marine Information Calendar that locals grab as soon as it hits the shelves. 📅
The crew explains how the photo contest works, how the public helps shape the calendar, and how those images end up across DMR’s website and materials. They also touch on upcoming workshops, finfish research, and resources available to anglers, teachers, and businesses.
A great overview of how DMR works behind the scenes to support seafood, conservation, and the Gulf Coast community. 🎣
Also big thanks to Southern Magnolia Smiles, Forever Young Men's and Women Health, and Taylor and Cox Law Firm,  for the support! 
Want to be a part of the pelican gang? Check out our merch Here. 
Download our free app:Apple: HereAndroid: Here
All our links: https://linktr.ee/brownwaterbanter

Ep 332| March For Vets 2025

🎖️ March For Vets 2025 is returning to the Coast, and organizer Lucas Tosh joins the show on Veterans Day to explain how the march began, why it matters, and what this year's event will look like.
👟 Lucas describes how the idea for the march first came up during a conversation with his wife Megan and their friend Sarah at Government Street Grocery.🪖 He talks about why raising awareness for veterans is important and how the event has grown each year.📅 He lays out the 2025 route from Pass Christian Harbor to Government Street Grocery in Ocean Springs and what participants can expect along the way.🎤 He discusses the purpose behind the walk and the recognition many local veterans still don’t receive.
Lucas shares how the march has evolved and why community support makes such a difference.
Also big thanks to Southern Magnolia Smiles, Forever Young Men's and Women Health, and Taylor and Cox Law Firm,  for the support! 
Want to be a part of the pelican gang? Check out our merch Here. 
Download our free app:Apple: HereAndroid: Here
All our links: https://linktr.ee/brownwaterbanter

Ep 331| Lost Pizza Co.

In this episode, we sit down with Eric from Lost Pizza Co. in Ocean Springs to talk about more than just great food. We get into how the restaurant has become a true part of the community — hiring local kids, supporting local schools, and building a family atmosphere that goes way beyond the dining room.
We also discuss an important fundraiser happening for Jacob, a former employee who was seriously injured in an accident. On November 18th, Lost Pizza Co. is donating 100% of the entire day’s sales (dine-in, takeout, and delivery) to help support Jacob and his family with medical and travel expenses. This is a chance for the Gulf Coast to show what community really looks like. 💙
Eric also shares the story behind their yearly yearbook signing event, which started when a local student’s book came home without a single signature. Lost Pizza stepped in, the community rallied, and every page was filled. Moments like that are why this place matters to so many.
We do taste testing in the studio, talk about menu favorites, the story of how Lost Pizza began, and how they’ve stayed committed to Ocean Springs since day one — through the good times and the tough, including opening just before COVID. 🍕🔥
❤️ FUNDRAISER INFO:On November 18, Lost Pizza Ocean Springs is donating 100% of ALL sales to support Jacob’s recovery.Stop in, order takeout, or delivery — it all counts.
Also big thanks to Southern Magnolia Smiles, Forever Young Men's and Women Health, and Taylor and Cox Law Firm,  for the support! 
Want to be a part of the pelican gang? Check out our merch Here. 
Download our free app:Apple: HereAndroid: Here
All our links: https://linktr.ee/brownwaterbanter

Ep 330| Smokin' The Coast BBQ Competition

🔥 Smokin’ the Coast is back — and it’s more than just a barbecue competition.
In this episode, we sit down with members of the Neptune Trident Foundation to talk about how this event raises money for disaster relief and helping families right here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
We get into:🍖 How championship & backyard BBQ teams come together for the cause🚛 The wild story of hauling supplies into North Carolina after the floods🎭 The connection between Neptune’s Mardi Gras traditions and community service👧 Why Friday night’s Trunk-or-Treat is becoming a new family favorite🏆 What teams can expect in this year’s cook-off competition
This is Gulf Coast community showing up for each other.
Watch the full episode now ⬇️
https://youtube.com/live/xCe-EW_s9e4?feature=share
Also big thanks to Southern Magnolia Smiles, Forever Young Men's and Women Health, and Taylor and Cox Law Firm,  for the support! 
Want to be a part of the pelican gang? Check out our merch Here. 
Download our free app:Apple: HereAndroid: Here
All our links: https://linktr.ee/brownwaterbanter