Brown Water Banter

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. 
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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
 

Ep 329| Office of Coastal Resources Management

In this episode, we sit down with Randy Wilson and Jake Pettigrew from the Office of Coastal Resources  Management. 🌾🌊 Their team works to protect and restore some of the most unique habitats along the Mississippi Gulf Coast — from longleaf pine savannas to marshlands and barrier islands. 🏝️
Randy and Jake break down how prescribed fire🔥, habitat thinning, and careful stewardship help maintain healthy land and prevent dangerous wildfires. They also explain how coastal preserve lands are acquired, what public access looks like, and how people can get out and enjoy these spaces through hiking, hunting, and paddling. 🚶‍♂️🦆🚣‍♀️
We talk Deer Island, trail management, the history behind fire suppression, Deepwater Horizon funding, and why restoring these ecosystems matters for wildlife, fisheries, and everyone who enjoys the outdoors. 🐟🌿
Watch the full episode now ⬇️
https://youtube.com/live/MYFLt9-UKcg?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 328| Heavy Metal Charters

Captain Joey Cates of Heavy Metal Charters joins us in the studio for a wide-open conversation about life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, building a charter business from scratch, and bringing a heavy metal attitude to the world of fishing. We talk back-bay roots, kayaks, oyster tours with Two Crackers Oysters, and the unpredictable ride of charter life in Biloxi.
If you enjoy Gulf Coast culture, outdoors, fishing, and stories from the water, this episode delivers from start to finish.
Watch the full episode on YouTube now ⬇️
https://youtube.com/live/EagSaOJ_kLI?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 327| Butcher Baker

Michael and Stephanie Paoletti from Butcher Baker join us to talk about their journey from catering and Sweet Enchantments to running a modern restaurant and lounge in Midtown Ocean Springs.
They share how their idea evolved over five years, how local support fuels their growth, and why The Butcher Baker is more than just a name — it’s a lifestyle built on creativity, community, and good food.
Watch the full episode on YouTube now ⬇️
https://youtube.com/live/nY55pZJ_FcE?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 326| Grand Bay NERR with Nate McGregor

Nate McGregor and Jonathan from the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve join us to talk duck hunting, teal season, and how their team is using drones, AI, and hunter surveys to protect Mississippi’s marshland habitats.
From waterfowl migration to new conservation tech, this episode connects the dots between hunting and habitat science.
Watch the full episode on YouTube now ⬇️
https://youtube.com/live/EqrxGdulf-A?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 325| Ricky Mathews

Ricky Mathews—host of The Ricky Mathews Show and SuperTalk Outdoors—joins us to break down the corporate takeover of local media. As former president and publisher of three Gulf Coast newspapers (📰 The Sun Herald, 📰 The Press-Register, and 📰 The Times-Picayune), Ricky brings decades of experience and a front-row seat to the collapse of traditional journalism.
We cover:🏢 The shift from Knight Ridder to McClatchy ownership📱 The iPhone & Facebook’s disruption of newspapers🌪️ Katrina’s impact on Mississippi newsrooms🤖 Why AI might reshape jobs faster than we realize
This conversation asks the big question: Can local voices survive in a corporate media world?
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. 
Watch the full episode on YouTube: Here
Download our free app:Apple: HereAndroid: Here
All our links: https://linktr.ee/brownwaterbanter

Ep 324| A Night In Blue

United in Blue is bringing the Coast together for A Night in Blue at the IP Casino on October 18 — an evening of music, auctions, and community support dedicated to the families of fallen first responders.
In this episode, we talk with Lynn Bentz and Dan Cuevas about:👮‍♂️ Why this mission is personal for those in law enforcement💔 The challenges families face after losing a loved one in the line of duty🎶 How the gala blends music, food, and fundraising into one powerful night🙌 The many ways the community can get involved, from tickets to sponsorships
📍 October 18 | IP Casino, Biloxi, MS 🎶
This conversation goes beyond the uniform — it’s about honoring heroes, lifting up families, and uniting Mississippi in support.
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. 
Watch the full episode on YouTube: Here
Download our free app:Apple: HereAndroid: Here
All our links: https://linktr.ee/brownwaterbanter