The Driving Force
A transportation podcast produced by the Louisiana Transportation Research Center. Hosts Todd Blount and Garrett Wheat highlight what and who is driving change in Louisiana transportation.
Episodes
On this episode, Todd and Garrett continue our series on Highway Safety by welcoming Assistant Highway Safety Administator Laura Riggs to discuss Louisiana's Highway Safety Improvement Program. In this conversation, Laura outlines the extensive and data-driven process by which Louisiana leaders identify and implement a broad range of safety countermeasures.
On this episode, Todd and Garrett kick off a three-part series with DOTD's Highway Safety section by focusing on Louisiana's Strategic Highway Safety Plan. They are joined by Highway Safety Administrator Adriane McRae and SHSP Program Manager Autumn Goodfellow-Thompson for this important and informative conversation!
Sandy Brady, LTRC's Research Librarian, joins Todd and Garrett on this episode to give us a "behind the stacks" look at how she has built, maintained, and managed LTRC's world-class transportation research library over nearly 20 years, serving as an ever-ready resource for researchers across Louisiana and beyond.
On this special edition of The Current Force, Todd and Garrett talk with DOTD Director of Waterways Chris Collins about the critical importance of Louisiana's rivers and navigation channels to the state's economy and more. In this conversation, you'll learn more about the fascinating, intensive process of maintaining navigational safety and efficiency across the state!
In this special edition of The Flying Force, Todd and Garrett are joined by Josh Duplantis and Heather Henson of Louisiana DOTD's Aviation Group to explore all things aviation, including facilities, safety, emerging technologies, and more. You won't want to miss a minute of this fascinating conversation!
On this special episode of The Connecting Force, we begin a three-part series featuring members of DOTD's Multimodal Commerce Group. Today we interview OMC Commissioner Julia Fisher-Cormier and Director of Ports Molly Bourgoyne to learn more about the critical importance and practical operations of Louisiana's extensive port system.
Corey Mayeux, LTRC's Technology Transfer Engineer, joins Todd and Garrett to take our listeners on every LTRC project's journey from initial concept to completed research to final publication. Corey's unique background as both a transportation researcher and a technical editor make this a fascinating conversation!
Patrick Mehaffey, LTRC's Audio-Visual Manager, joins Todd and Garrett on this episode for a behind-the-scenes look at the technology and tools LTRC utilizes to provide world-class transportation training to thousands of men and women every year.
Three members of DOTD's Innovative Procurement group- Anna Hanks, Morgan Kelley, and Tim Nickel- join Todd and Garrett for a "crash course" on how their team is pursuing creative solutions to finance and execute road, bridge, and other infrastructure projects across Louisiana.
Three members of LTRC's Internal Training Team- Patrick Frazier, Hannah Boggs, and Will Ritter- join Todd and Garrett to share more about their important work with DOTD construction personnel across Louisiana, ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness.
Rebecca Rizzutto, LTRC's External Training Director, joins Todd and Garrett to for an engaging conversation about our ongoing outreach initiatives to Louisiana's K-12 educators, specifically the acclaimed AASHTO Stem Outreach Solutions program.
The 2025 Louisiana Transportation Conference is in the books! On this episode, DOTD’s Contract Services Administrator, Mark Chenevert, joins Todd and Garrett to discuss several highlights from this year’s conference, as well as the reasons he looks forward to participating each time it is offered.
Two members of Louisiana's Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP), Courtney Dupre and Haley Ortiz, join Todd and Garrett to discuss several exciting upcoming initiatives and opportunities for local transportation officials across Louisiana.
Emily Wolfe, LTRC's Public Information Director, joins Todd and Garrett for Episode 06 of The Driving Force. In their conversation, Emily reflects on over two decades of change and growth at LTRC, especially in the areas of communication and publications. She also highlights several upcoming training opportunities organized and hosted by the LTRC team.
Kirk Wales, LTRC's Structured Training Program Manager and head of our Internal Training Team, joins Todd and Garrett to discuss how he and his team contribute to the workforce development efforts of DOTD's 4,000+ statewide employees.
Dr. Marcus Sylvas, LTRC's Leadership Development Program Manager, joins Todd and Garrett to share how he is engaging and equipping hundreds of DOTD leaders across Louisiana through a series of development courses.
Dr. Mary Leah Coco, LTRC's Associate Director of Technology Transfer and Training, joins Todd and Garrett for the inaugural episode of The Driving Force. In their conversation, Mary Leah provides an overview of LTRC's expansive efforts to train the transportation workforce of Louisiana and beyond.
Stacey Wilton, LTRC's Education Outreach Program Manager, joins Todd and Garrett for the Episode 02 of The Driving Force. In their conversation, Stacey shares about two exciting programs providing hands-on experience and opportunities to rising young engineers across Louisiana.
Dynah Capone, Director of the Louisiana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP), joins Todd and Garrett for Episode 03 of The Driving Force. In their conversation, Dynah provides an overview of how she and her LTAP team are engaging and equipping local government officials across Louisiana with transportation training opportunities and resources.
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