real stories.
local voices.
nola grit.
As one of New Orleans’ most recognized law firms, this show dives deep into the people and stories that make our city one of a kind.
Each episode features real conversations with local artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and everyday legends sharing their rise, their struggles, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. We also pull back the curtain on the legal world with behind-the-scenes firm stories, employee spotlights, and honest discussions about life, law, and legacy.
It’s equal parts inspiration, entertainment, and local pride. Always rooted in resilience, creativity, and community. Whether you’re chasing your own dream, curious about the legal world, or just love the soul of New Orleans, you’ll find something here that speaks to you.
Episodes
Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 19
For the very first time, From NOLA with the Forstalls goes LIVE in front of an audience for an unforgettable day celebrating the music, culture, and spirit of New Orleans. Host Jonathan Forstall sits down with two of the city’s most influential artists:
Robin Barnes, the “Songbird of New Orleans,” Louisiana State Music Ambassador, and Billboard-charting jazz artist, shares her incredible journey from singing Ave Maria at six years old to becoming one of the city’s most celebrated voices. She opens up about preserving Louisiana’s rich musical heritage, creating her highly anticipated album Louisiana Love, overcoming personal challenges, and why the word that defines New Orleans is joy.
BJ So Cole, one of the leading voices pushing Bounce music into a new generation, BJ so Cole discusses the loss that shaped his career, building a family-friendly movement in Bounce, creating viral hits like Pump It Up, using TikTok to reach millions, and his vision for empowering the next generation of artists through ownership and opportunity.
This special live event is more than a podcast, it’s a celebration of the people who make New Orleans unlike anywhere else in the world.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- Robin Barnes’ inspiring story from church singer to international performer
- The meaning behind her upcoming album Louisiana Love
- A special live musical performance
- BJ So Cole’s rise in the Bounce music scene
- The evolution of New Orleans music in the social media era
- Why culture, community, and authenticity continue to define the city
Whether you’re a lifelong New Orleanian or simply love great stories, music, and authentic conversations, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 18
Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 17
In this episode of Local Legends on From NOLA with the Forstalls, Jonathan Forstall sits down with Pastor James Thomas III, founder of EPIC NOLA (Eagle Point International Community Church), for a powerful conversation about faith, family, music, leadership, entrepreneurship, and discovering your true calling.
Pastor Thomas shares how growing up in New Orleans East, being mentored by his father, and developing a deep love for music helped shape the man he is today. From playing piano and preaching to teddy bears as a child to becoming a respected pastor and community leader, his story is filled with lessons about perseverance, purpose, and service.
The conversation explores the influence of the Black church, the importance of fatherhood, entrepreneurship, mentorship, real estate investing, philanthropy, and the life-changing moment when Pastor Thomas finally stopped running from God’s calling.
In This Episode:
- Growing up in New Orleans East
- The influence of Pastor Thomas’ father and grandfather
- Music, ministry, and finding purpose
- The role of the Black church in developing leaders
- Entrepreneurship and real estate lessons
- Fatherhood, mentorship, and community impact
- How faith shaped his journey
- The moment he answered God’s call
- Building EPIC NOLA
- Leadership lessons for the next generation
Whether you’re searching for purpose, navigating a career transition, building a business, or deepening your faith, this conversation offers wisdom, inspiration, and practical life lessons from one of New Orleans’ most impactful community leaders.
Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 16
In this episode of Chats with Chip on From NOLA with the Forstalls, Jonathan Forstall sits down with his father, veteran New Orleans attorney Chip Forstall, for a heartfelt conversation about how life in New Orleans has changed over the decades. Together, they explore everything from neighborhood life, childhood memories, family dinners, and community relationships to the impact of technology, social media, modern parenting, and life after Hurricane Katrina.
Chip shares personal stories about growing up in New Orleans, attending law school, taking the Louisiana Bar Exam, building a legal career spanning nearly five decades, and witnessing the city evolve through some of its biggest changes. The conversation also dives into what has remained constant: the music, food, culture, and unique spirit that continue to make New Orleans unlike anywhere else in the world.
Whether you’re a lifelong New Orleanian, a former resident, or someone who simply loves the city, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the past, present, and future of one of America’s most beloved cities.
In This Episode:
- Growing up in New Orleans in the 1950s and 1960s
- Neighborhood life and childhood memories
- How technology changed family relationships
- Life before smartphones and social media
- The Louisiana Bar Exam and becoming a lawyer
- Hurricane Katrina’s impact on New Orleans
- The city’s food, music, and culture
- Why New Orleans remains unlike any other city
- Family traditions and lessons across generations
Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 15
In this powerful episode of Local Legends on From NOLA with the Forstalls, Jonathan Forstall sits down with Sonny Lee, founder of Son of a Saint, to discuss the life-changing experiences that shaped his mission to mentor young men growing up without fathers.
Sonny shares the heartbreaking story of witnessing his father’s death as a child, the challenges of growing up in a single-parent household, the mentors who helped guide him, and how those experiences ultimately inspired him to create one of New Orleans’ most impactful nonprofit organizations.
The conversation explores fatherhood, mentorship, community support, leadership, resilience, and the critical role positive role models play in a young person’s life. Sonny also reflects on his time working with the New Orleans Zephyrs, the New Orleans Saints organization, and the moment he realized he needed to create a solution for boys facing the same challenges he experienced growing up.
In this episode:
- Sonny Lee’s emotional story of losing his father at age 3
- Growing up without a father figure
- The importance of mentorship and community
- Lessons learned from sports, coaches, and role models
- The founding story behind Son of a Saint
- Why early intervention changes lives
- Leadership, purpose, and giving back to New Orleans
- How one idea became a nationally recognized nonprofit organization
If you care about mentorship, fatherhood, leadership, community impact, and inspiring stories of resilience, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 14
Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 13
Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 12
Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 11
Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 10
Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 9
Local Legends, host Jonathan Forstall sits down with Brittany Flippen, a New Orleans entrepreneur, fitness coach, author, and business owner, who shares her raw, unfiltered journey from struggle to success.
Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 8
Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 7
Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 6
Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 5
Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 4
Season 1, Episode 3
Season 1, Episode 2
Season 1, Episode 1
Jonathan Forstall sits down with New Orleans icon Tamica Lee for a raw, inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what it really takes to “do it all.”
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Listen
Watch
Step inside the studio of From NOLA with the Forstalls! Where NOLA culture, community, and law collide. Watch full podcast episodes featuring famous local legends, as well as informative conversations with Chip. From powerful legal insights to heart-filled New Orleans stories, every episode captures the people, culture, and spirit that make our city one of a kind.
Local Legends
A special episode series from From NOLA with the Forstalls spotlighting the people shaping New Orleans culture. Join us as we sit down with artists, musicians, restaurant owners, entrepreneurs, and community voices to hear their stories of resilience, creativity, and success.
Chats With Chip
Sit down with our founder, Chip Forstall, as he shares stories, lessons, and behind-the-scenes insights from building the firm you trust.
Join Us
Want to share your story with New Orleans? Come be a guest on From NOLA with the Forstalls and showcase your talent, business, or journey to our growing audience. As a guest, you’ll get featured across our podcast and social media platforms. Free exposure that puts your name in front of thousands of locals. Plus, you could even be considered as the next voice or artist for our famous jingle commercials. Fill out the form below and let’s put your story in the spotlight.
Fill out the form and our booking agent will contact you.
The Host
Jonathan Forstall
Jonathan Forstall is a New Orleans attorney carrying on the legacy of his father, Chip Forstall, a name long synonymous with helping families across Louisiana. Together, they’ve built more than a law firm; they’ve built a family tradition of fighting for people and giving back to the community they love. That same spirit inspired Jonathan to launch From NOLA with the Forstalls, a podcast that blends law, laughter, and local stories from the heart of New Orleans. Whether he’s simplifying and explaining legal issues or shining a spotlight on local artists, entrepreneurs, and everyday heroes, Jonathan brings the same warmth, humor, and authenticity that define the Forstall name. For him, the mission is simple — help people, share stories, and keep the New Orleans spirit and culture alive.





