The Parish Circuit

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/

Welcome to The Parish Circuit, where we discuss business, economics, politics, worldview, and more, all to the glory of God.On this Episode, Jeff Cook talks about being the sales director of over 500+ employees at Sterling Automotive. He shares what it's like going from 1 location to 17, and recounts stories of his past 13+ years at the company.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, Ben Leonards talks about how he began his Christian business of 10 years, how to capitalize on certain opportunities, and some specifics on how his business operates in his line of work.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, Blake Gilbert and Daniel Bates talk about the struggles of starting a new business, the inner-workings of their current business, and how to operate a Christian business properly. From tithing to prayer, they give great insights on how to succeed as a Christian business owner.theparishcircuit.com

Welcome to Parish Circuit, where we discuss business, economics, politics, worldview, and more, all to the glory of God.theparishcircuit.com