The Parish Circuit

A good number of the candidates on your Opelousas ballot this year didn't write their platforms, ChatGPT did. We break down why so many candidates are letting AI speak for them and what that says about where they actually stand on the issues.  https://theparishcircuit.com/opelousas-candidates-are-letting-ai-write-their-campaigns/

Larry Davis, running for Congress, joins Stuart Amidon and David Riley on this episode of The Parish Circuit to break down how ordinary people actually move local government.  From library board fights to a single email changing a lawmaker's vote, this episode is a real playbook for getting involved close to home. https://theparishcircuit.com/bringing-the-church-back-to-the-public-square/

The DAR just redefined what "woman" means for membership, and it hits home with chapters in Opelousas and Lafayette. On this episode of The Parish Circuit, Stuart Amidon and David Riley dig into the rule change, and how this is actually harming the women it was built for. https://theparishcircuit.com/daughters-of-the-american-revolution-drop-gender-requirement/

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey recently signed legislation lifting abortion restrictions up to the point of birth, leaving the decision at the discretion of the physician. Louisiana currently stands among the states that have restricted abortion. That protection wasn't always the case here though. Opelousas itself has a direct history with this issue that's worth remembering, especially now. https://theparishcircuit.com/massachusetts-just-legalized-abortion-up-to-birth-opelousas-has-its-own-history-here-worth-remembering/

Stuart Amidon and David Riley break down the fatal pit bull attack in Opelousas and don't hold back. They dig into breed, dog fighting rings hiding in plain sight, and why the parish's cockfighting crackdown needs a sequel. Straight talk on accountability, ownership, and what residents can do right now. https://theparishcircuit.com/https:/fatal-dog-attack-in-opelousas-could-this-have-been-avoided/

Stuart Amidon and David Riley dive back into the reaction from their episode on Louisiana State Senator Jamie Davis, tackling the flood of comments that followed. From accusations of bias to debates over whether Louisiana Democrats and national Democrats are really "polar opposites," the guys unpack why they think the political labels people cling to don't tell the whole story. Featuring comments by Page Christopher, Blake Garland, and Christopher Jackson. https://theparishcircuit.com/us-senate-candidate-jamie-davis-seems-to-be-shifting-local-democrat-politics-farther-left/

A local woman gets nearly two years in prison for stealing half a million dollars from area clinics. Stuart Amidon and David Riley break down what biblical justice actually demands: real restitution, not empty punishment. They dig into restorative justice, the death penalty, and why our prison system fails victims twice. https://theparishcircuit.com/the-bible-has-a-better-answer-than-prison/

Qualifying has closed for the Opelousas mayoral race, and Stuart and David run through all seven candidates on the ballot, from two-term incumbent Julius Alsandor to a stacked field of challengers, breaking down what each one is actually promising versus what they're leaving out. Every campaign leans on the same warm, feel-good language about transparency, safety, and growth, but the guys keep chasing the same question with no real answer: what's the plan, and how are we paying for it? With early voting starting October 20th and Election Day set for November 3rd, they lay out what a candidate should be showing voters and issue a standing invitation for anyone in the race to come on the show and answer for it.

The comment section exploded after The Parish Circuit called Opelousas a city of opportunity "despite its flaws," and Stuart Amidon and David Riley are back to sort through the comments.  Affordable housing, low crime myths versus lived experience, decades of political corruption, and a biblical case for why judgment — and repentance — might be exactly what our city needs. This episode featuring Lana Soileau, Chris Richard, Maggie Faye Richard, Bill Doucet, Sarah Beard, Carol Masson, and Mario Thibodeaux.  https://theparishcircuit.com/comment-section-roundup-opelousas-has-an-absurd-amount-of-potential-part-ii/

Stuart Amidon and David Riley dig into Jamie Davis, the farmer-turned-Senate-candidate selling "Louisiana First" to Southwest Louisiana Democrats. Behind the good-old-boy image? Greater funding for universal healthcare, education, and government housing at every turn. Is this common sense, or soft socialism?

Stuart Amidon and David Riley make the case for Opelousas: cheap houses, booming businesses, and opportunity hiding in plain sight. From new restaurants to a $300 million Walmart expansion, they break down why this overlooked Louisiana town is quietly on the rise, and why now's the time to get in. https://theparishcircuit.com/opelousas-has-an-absurd-amount-of-potential-almost-nobody-is-taking-it/

Nearly three years after a shooting tied to an affair, the Opelousas police chief is running for reelection with the case still open. Stuart Amidon and David Riley break down the charges, the AG's response, and why voters deserve answers before October. This one's been a long time coming. https://theparishcircuit.com/nearly-three-years-later-opelousas-police-chief-scandal-still-sits-unresolved-as-election-looms/

Stuart Amidon and David Riley break down a St. Landry Crime Stoppers post telling residents to watch their neighbors and report "any suspicious activity." They dig into vague government language, the swatting epidemic, police-issued parenting advice, and why a healthy community polices itself instead of outsourcing vigilance to the nanny state. https://theparishcircuit.com/st-landry-crime-stoppers-wants-you-watching-your-neighbors-yard/

A new mobile crisis unit just launched in St. Landry Parish, and Stuart Amidon and David Riley aren't just cheering it on. On this episode of The Parish Circuit, they ask who's really showing up at your door, what worldview they're bringing, and why the church keeps outsourcing its job to the state. https://theparishcircuit.com/st-landry-parish-rolls-out-mobile-crisis-team-and-the-government-just-got-a-little-bigger/

ICE just made an arrest three miles from home. Stuart Amidon and David Riley dig into what happened in Opelousas, then go deeper: what does Scripture actually say about borders, the melting pot myth, and why national identity matters. A local story that opens up a much bigger conversation. https://theparishcircuit.com/three-men-detained-in-opelousas-as-ice-sweeps-reach-st-landry-parish/

Daylight saving time just passed the House, and Stuart Amidon and David Riley are here for it. On this episode of The Parish Circuit, they break down the 1918 farm-labor origins, why farmers never actually wanted it, and what an 8 a.m. winter sunrise in Louisiana really means for you. https://theparishcircuit.com/here-comes-the-sun-doo-doo-doo-doo/

Stuart Amidon and David Riley return with part two of their breakdown on St. Landry Parish's school closures. They dig into the real reason public education keeps drifting left, why Krotz Springs is fighting to survive, and what it actually looks like for parents to reclaim responsibility for their kids' education. https://theparishcircuit.com/the-deficit-grew-st-landrys-schools-are-closing-part-ii/

Stuart Amidon and David Riley break down Opelousas' $17 million water system overhaul on this episode of The Parish Circuit. They dig into wells, storage, lead lines, and the truth behind the city's A rating.

Public housing was never meant to be a permanent address. Stuart Amidon and David Riley sit down with local entrepreneur Brad Vae to talk about what's actually keeping people trapped — broken incentives, absent accountability, and a system designed to manage people rather than free them. The conversation Opelousas needed to have. https://theparishcircuit.com/parish-president-says-public-housing-isnt-permanent-housing-and-the-town-wanted-his-head/

The comment section erupted after The Parish Circuit's original Giving Fridge article, and Stuart Amidon and David Riley are back to go through it. Free food, the War on Poverty, nearly $2 trillion in annual welfare spending, and a biblical case for why dependency is not the same thing as help. Original podcast/article here: https://theparishcircuit.com/opelousas-built-a-giving-fridge-it-was-looted-by-morning/

The Opelousas Giving Fridge was looted within hours of opening. Stuart Amidon and David Riley break down why the Giving Fridge was doomed from day one — and what Opelousas actually needs to do if it's serious about getting people out of poverty. https://theparishcircuit.com/opelousas-built-a-giving-fridge-it-was-looted-by-morning/

St. Landry Parish gave a rapper who glorifies cop-killing his own holiday — then watched two public shootings follow within weeks. Stuart Amidon and David Riley aren't connecting dots so much as pointing at the obvious. This episode of The Parish Circuit doesn't pull a single punch. https://theparishcircuit.com/st-landry-parish-names-may-10-boosie-day-says-rapper-who-made-set-it-off-is-exactly-the-role-model-local-kids-need/

St. Landry Parish schools are closing, and Stuart Amidon and David Riley aren't sad about it. On this episode of The Parish Circuit, they break down the $18 million budget deficit, the schools on the chopping block, and why the collapse of public education in Opelousas might be exactly the reset this community needs. https://theparishcircuit.com/st-landrys-schools-are-collapsing-and-that-might-be-the-best-thing-to-happen-to-them/

St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard said nine words about public housing—and the town demanded his resignation. Stuart Amidon and David Riley unpack the firestorm on this episode of The Parish Circuit, making the blunt case that government dependence isn't compassion, it's bondage. Marriage penalties, vote-buying, and the freedom worth fighting for. https://theparishcircuit.com/parish-president-says-public-housing-isnt-permanent-housing-and-the-town-wanted-his-head/

Welcome to the first episode of the St. Landry Parish Sports Podcast. Today, David Riley breaks down the boys and girls basketball playoff matchups across St. Landry Parish — who's advancing, who got knocked out, and which team is two wins from a state title. New episodes drop Mondays.

In this episode of The Parish Circuit, Stuart Amidon sits down with Larry Davis, a candidate for Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District who is throwing out the standard political playbook. Davis isn’t running on focus-grouped platitudes; he’s running on a mandate to bring the Word of God into the halls of Congress. From the necessity of swift, biblical justice for violent predators to his unapologetic stance as an abortion abolitionist, Davis pulls no punches. He breaks down why the "pro-life" label isn't enough, why the Supreme Court overstepped on marriage, and why the deterioration of the American family is a direct result of the nation turning its back on the Gospel. This isn’t just a campaign—it’s a grassroots movement of believers who are tired of being told to keep their faith out of the public square. Davis explains why he’s willing to risk it all for a clean conscience and why he believes a return to biblical foundations is the only way to save the country. If you’re looking for a candidate who speaks with clarity and conviction, you don’t want to miss this conversation. Follow the Campaign: Website: https://www.larrydavisforcongress.com Facebook: Larry Davis Instagram: @LarryDavisForCongress X: @Larry_Davis_III Email: [email protected] Read the Article: https://theparishcircuit.com/a-new-kind-of-candidate-faith-over-politics-in-louisiana/

Modern families are crumbling in a world of air-conditioned safety and digital distractions. We’ve traded genuine adventure for "pretended risk," leaving men soft and households without a mission. But the ruins of our culture won't be rebuilt from a couch; they’ll be rebuilt in the wild. In this inaugural episode of a new series on The Parish Circuit, Pastor Stuart Amidon sits down with veteran outdoorsman Jonathan Dupuis to discuss the vital necessity of the outdoors in family sanctification. From arming eight-year-olds with machetes to taking infants into the desert, they explore how raw environments strip away pretenses and force a family to function as a unit. It’s time to stop playing it safe and start using God’s creation to sharpen your character and reclaim your household. In This Episode: The "Deficit of Danger" in modern childhood. Why discomfort is a faster tool for growth than counseling. How the wilderness transforms "gangsters" back into children. The vision of Dupuis Guides: Equipping the family for mission. Practical tips for getting your family outside—starting today. https://theparishcircuit.com/dupuis-guides-01-reclaiming-the-family-the-call-to-return-to-the-wild/

Truth, goodness and beauty for Acadiana and all of Louisiana. When cockfighting advocates showed up at the Saint Landry Parish Council meeting asking for help to legalize the blood sport again, they came armed with two arguments: money and culture. Louisiana was the last state in America to ban cockfighting in 2008, and Sunset, Louisiana was the cockfighting capital of the nation. Now they want it back, calling it Creole and Cajun heritage. In this episode, Stuart Amidon sits down with Jonathan Dupuis and David Riley to discuss why the council was right to refuse, why the Bible is clear about how we treat animals, and what happens when Christians fail to bring Scripture to bear on public issues. We break down the two appeals—to majority opinion and economic benefit—and explain why neither holds water when you're deciding what's right and wrong. We also discuss the reality that cockfighting (and dogfighting) are still happening illegally throughout Saint Landry Parish, why some cultural practices don't deserve preservation, and how the region's actual Christian heritage—visible in city seals, courtroom imagery, and the motto "All things to the glory of God"—provides the real standard for public life. Because sometimes the right answer is simple: God says no. That's enough. https://theparishcircuit.com/cockfighting-group-tries-to-bring-blood-sport-back-to-st-landry-parish/

Welcome to another episode of The Parish Circuit, for truth, goodness and beauty for Acadiana and all of Louisiana. When Buddhist monks walked through Central Louisiana on a "peace walk" to Washington D.C., Christ Fellowship pastor Jeffrey Mercer made a one-minute video explaining why Jesus—not Buddhism—offers real peace. The internet exploded. Christians called him hateful and intolerant. And then the Wesley Center, a United Methodist facility where his church had rented space for nine years, kicked them out. In this episode, Stuart Amidon sits down with Pastor Jeff Mercer and Pastor Brian Rhodes from Grace Presbyterian to unpack what happened, why it happened, and what it reveals about the state of Christianity in the Deep South. We discuss the reaction from both Christians and non-Christians, the fear of being labeled a fundamentalist, what it means to speak clearly in the public square, and why young men are increasingly drawn to churches that proclaim truth without apology. https://theparishcircuit.com/louisiana-pastor-says-jesus-not-buddhism-in-viral-video-gets-kicked-out-of-church-by-christians/ Watch Jeff's Videos: Original car video Follow-up statement Christ Fellowship: cfcenla.com

In this episode, Stuart Amidon sits down with Building Official and Code Enforcement Director Lance Ned to reveal the real reasons behind the city’s countless empty properties. https://theparishcircuit.com/opelousas-enforces-vacant-building-ordinance-as-downtown-revitalization-effort-gains-momentum/

Stuart and Jamie sit down to talk about the recent news of a weed shop moving to Opelousas. They discuss Jamie's story, the opioid crisis, alternative medicine, addiction, and the benefits of THC in the right application. https://theparishcircuit.com/medical-marijuana-dispensary-coming-to-opelousas-and-getting-a-card-is-easier-than-you-think/ Sponsored by pagefifty.com

In this episode, we discuss the news of the opening of a medical marijuana pharmacy, “The Apothecary Shoppe” in Opelousas, LA. We delve into the history of The Apothecary Shoppe and examine the issue of marijuana from a biblical perspective. We also had guests share their insights from past marijuana use live in the studio. https://theparishcircuit.com/medical-marijuana-dispensary-coming-to-opelousas-and-getting-a-card-is-easier-than-you-think/

In this episode, we talk about the news of the case for the Police Chief of Opelousas being taken on by the State Attorney General's office..If you have any stories that you think we should cover, please reach out to Stuart [email protected] Vaughan, [email protected]

In this episode, the Parish Circuit team dissects the August 13th Opelousas City Council meeting. Key topics include:Surprise tax increasesA long list of properties slated for demolitionUpdates on the city’s infrastructureLighthearted moments about mysterious water stationsQuirky email addresses

Why throw a life parade every year? Because it's one way we change the world.

Don't defile the marriage bed means more than you think.

Christian fellowship isn't just about having a nice time with friends, it's about storming the gates of hell.

Christians often scatter when new believers fall into serious sin. We shouldn't. stuartamidon.com

God's good gift of delayed gratification.stuartamidon.com

The tumultuous trio breaks down the June 11th Opelousas City Council meeting.Big talking points:properties being demolished or donated inside the cityofficer resigns amidst fight with adolescentWhat-A-Burger is coming

God's promises for you children are true, so act like it.

A brief response to a question I receive on occasion.

Episode Summary: In this compelling episode of The Parish Circuit, host Stuart Amidon sits down with Scott Peyton, former deacon of the Roman Catholic Church and current State Director for Right on Crime. They delve into Scott's harrowing journey from serving as a deacon for over a decade to being excommunicated after a deeply personal family crisis. This episode explores themes of faith, betrayal, institutional failure, and the search for justice and healing. Guest: Scott Peyton Host: Stuart Amidon Show Notes: Introduction: Host Stuart Amidon introduces the episode and welcomes Scott Peyton, sharing a brief overview of Scott's extensive involvement with the Roman Catholic Church and his current role with Right on Crime. Scott's Background: Scott discusses his long tenure with the Roman Catholic Church, where he served as a deacon for 11 years, and his wife Latisha's lifelong commitment to the faith. Transition to the Anglican Church is mentioned as a significant turning point in Scott's spiritual journey. Turning Point: The conversation shifts to the pivotal moment in Scott's life and faith journey: the revelation that his son was molested by their parish priest, leading to the priest's conviction and sentencing. Scott details the aftermath within the community and the diocese, highlighting the lack of support and the challenges faced during the lawsuit against the Diocese of Lafayette. Excommunication and Reflection: Scott shares the shocking development of receiving a formal excommunication decree from the bishop, a rare and severe measure within the Catholic Church. He reflects on the implications of excommunication, the process of healing, and the importance of standing up for justice and protection of the vulnerable. Looking Forward: The Peytons' transition to the Anglican Church and the welcoming community they found there. Scott expresses hope for change within the Catholic Church and emphasizes the need for accountability and learning from past mistakes. Thank you for tuning into The Parish Circuit. Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes. https://theparishcircuit.com/former-catholic-deacon-excommunicated-three-months-after-resigning-over-sons-abuse-case/

Welcome to The Parish Circuit, where we discuss business, economics, politics, worldview, and more, all to the glory of God. "If you were a shoe cobbler, you literally lived above the shop, and all your kids worked with you, and by nature you handed down to them a trade..." In this episode, Jeff and Zack Moncrief talk about their father-son business that they've operated for years in the oil field, how the Lord has blessed them, and their future plans to continue growing. theparishcircuit.com

Welcome to The Parish Circuit, where we discuss business, economics, politics, worldview, and more, all to the glory of God.In this episode, we sit down with Ilea McGee to talk about the nature of objective truth. We discuss the relationship that truth has to one's feelings, the application of truth to the modern LGBTQ movement, and how speaking the truth is a loving act.theparishcircuit.com

Welcome to The Parish Circuit, where we discuss business, economics, politics, worldview, and more, all to the glory of God.In this episode, Emily Nealy describes what it's like to enter into the real estate business as a mother of four. She gives some helpful insights into what it's like to balance being a mother, a wife, and a realtor.theparishcircuit.com

Welcome to The Parish Circuit, where we discuss business, economics, politics, worldview, and more, all to the glory of God."If God is omnipotent and wholly good, why is there evil in the world?" On this episode, we walk through this popular question, and examine it from a biblical and philosophical perspective.theparishcircuit.com

Welcome to The Parish Circuit, where we discuss business, economics, politics, worldview, and more, all to the glory of God.On this Episode, Seth Robin talks about what it's like owning a local grocery store. He talks about why he took over the business and how he plans on improving. He also explains why the pandemic was the best thing to happen to the grocery industry.theparishcircuit.com

Welcome to The Parish Circuit, where we discuss business, economics, politics, worldview, and more, all to the glory of God. On this Episode, Alex Peyton recounts the story of the birth of his newest baby. While there was a healthy birth and a healthy baby, something else was amiss in the situation... https://theparishcircuit.com/louisiana-father-fights-hospitals-attempt-to-keep-newborn-gets-reported-to-child-services-anyway/