From Nola with The Forstalls – A podcast featuring real conversations with real New Orleans artists

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 24

Can you really suffer a serious injury in a low-impact car accident? Insurance companies often argue that if there’s little damage to your vehicle, there couldn’t have been a serious injury; but is that actually true?

In this episode of Chats with Chip, veteran New Orleans personal injury attorney Chip Forstall sits down with host Jonathan Forstall to explain why “minor impact” collisions can still cause major injuries. They discuss how modern vehicle bumpers absorb damage, why every person’s body responds differently to a crash, how pre-existing conditions can affect injury claims, and the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts.

You’ll also learn:

Why little or no vehicle damage doesn’t mean you’re uninjured
How age, health, body position, and prior injuries affect crash outcomes
Why symptoms often appear hours or days after an accident
Common arguments insurance companies use to reduce claims
What to do immediately after a minor accident to protect your health and your legal rights

Whether you’ve recently been involved in a fender bender, want to understand your legal rights, or simply want to learn how personal injury claims really work, this episode offers valuable insights from nearly five decades of legal experience.

Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 23

Singer, songwriter, actress, filmmaker, and cultural advocate Grace Gibson joins Jonathan Forstall for an unforgettable episode of Local Legends, the podcast highlighting the people shaping the culture of New Orleans.

Known to many as the “River Queen,” Grace shares the remarkable story behind her journey, from growing up between Los Angeles, New York, London, and France to building her own career in music, film, and the performing arts. She opens up about growing up with Emmy Award-winning parents, choosing to forge her own path, overcoming rejection, and learning that your self-worth should never be tied to your career.

Throughout this inspiring conversation, Grace discusses:

Her childhood surrounded by music, film, and creativity
Growing up with legendary parents while creating her own identity
The realities of the entertainment industry and handling rejection
Why living abroad transformed her perspective on life
The importance of resilience, purpose, and personal growth
Building a music career from the ground up
The advice from her mother that continues to shape her life
Why success means much more than fame or recognition

Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, musician, filmmaker, or simply someone looking for inspiration, Grace’s honesty, humor, and wisdom make this one of our most powerful conversations yet.

Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 22

What makes employees stay with a company for 20, 30, even nearly 40 years? In this episode of Chats with Chip, Jonathan Forstall sits down with attorney and founder Chip Forstall to discuss the real secret behind building a workplace culture that people genuinely love being a part of.

Drawing on decades of leadership experience, Chip shares why respect, leading by example, treating employees like family, and creating a sense of purpose are far more powerful than salary alone. From cleaning baseboards alongside his staff to taking the entire office on annual trips, Chip explains the leadership principles that have built one of New Orleans’ most loyal and successful teams.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to build a workplace culture employees never want to leave
Why respect is the foundation of great leadership
The importance of leading by example
Why recognition matters more than money
Practical ways to improve employee engagement and retention
How strong workplace culture creates better client experiences
Leadership lessons every business owner and manager can apply

Whether you’re a business owner, manager, entrepreneur, or simply interested in becoming a better leader, this conversation is packed with practical advice that can transform the way you lead your team.

Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 21

From being kicked out of eight schools to becoming the #1 high school football recruit in America, Malachi Dupre’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

In this episode of Local Legends, Jonathan Forstall sits down with former LSU Tiger, NFL wide receiver, entrepreneur, and New Orleans native Malachi Dupre for an honest conversation about perseverance, pressure, and finding purpose beyond football. Today, Malachi has traded the field for the table as the co-founder of Kenji Kazoku, bringing the same passion, discipline, and teamwork that fueled his football career into New Orleans’ culinary scene. Be sure to follow the restaurant on Instagram at @kenjikazoku

Malachi opens up about growing up in New Orleans, struggling in traditional classrooms, Hurricane Katrina, discovering his passion at John Curtis Christian School, becoming a five-star recruit, choosing LSU over powerhouse programs across the country, and the immense pressure that came with being one of the nation’s top prospects.

This conversation goes far beyond football. It’s about resilience, self-belief, leadership, family, identity, and learning how life’s biggest setbacks can become the foundation for future success.

If you’re an athlete, parent, coach, student, or simply someone who loves inspiring stories of overcoming adversity, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode:

Malachi’s incredible story of being expelled from eight schools
Growing up in New Orleans before and after Hurricane Katrina
How John Curtis Christian School changed his life
Becoming the No. 1 wide receiver recruit in the country
Choosing LSU over Alabama, Florida State, UCLA, and other top programs
The pressure of living up to five-star expectations
Lessons learned from Coach J.T. Curtis and Nick Saban
Family, mindset, discipline, and life after football

Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 20

In this episode of Chats with Chip, part of the From NOLA with the Forstalls Podcast, Jonathan Forstall sits down with his father, longtime New Orleans attorney Chip Forstall, to talk about the biggest mistakes people make in the moments after a car accident, and what you should do in the first 72 hours to protect yourself.

After a crash, emotions are high, adrenaline is pumping, and many people forget the simple steps that can make or break their case. Chip shares decades of experience helping accident victims and explains why documentation, photos, witnesses, police reports, and acting quickly are so important.

In this episode, Jonathan and Chip discuss:

What to do immediately after a car accident
Why photos and videos at the accident scene matter
Why getting a police report can protect you later
What information you should collect before leaving the scene
Why nearby cameras and video evidence can disappear quickly
How witness statements can impact your case
When to seek medical attention after a crash
Why insurance companies start investigating immediately
Common mistakes people make after an accident

Chip also shares real stories from cases he has handled throughout his career, including how quickly stories can change after people leave the accident scene, and why protecting evidence early can make all the difference.

Whether you live in New Orleans, Louisiana, or anywhere else, this conversation gives practical advice on staying prepared and knowing what steps to take if you’re ever involved in an accident.

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

In this episode of From NOLA with the Forstalls: Chats with Chip, Jonathan Forstall sits down with his father, Chip Forstall, for a conversation about Plan B, adapting to change, and learning how to move forward when life throws the unexpected at you. Chip shares personal stories about divorce, rebuilding his law practice, raising children and grandchildren, navigating Hurricane Katrina, and learning that happiness is often tied to the ability to adjust. From business lessons to family life, he explains why success is not just about having a perfect plan, it’s about being able to think, adapt, make changes, and keep going when Plan A falls apart. This episode dives into resilience, leadership, failure, ego, business growth, and the importance of learning from mistakes. Whether you’re a business owner, parent, attorney, entrepreneur, or someone facing uncertainty in your own life, this conversation offers real wisdom on how to stay prepared, stay humble, and keep moving forward.

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

Jonathan Forstall sits down with his father, veteran attorney Chip Forstall, for an honest conversation about leadership, ego, empathy, teamwork, and the power of listening.

Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 13

Local Legends, Jonathan Forstall sits down with legendary New Orleans DJ, DJ Raj Smoove, for a deep conversation about music, culture, creativity, and the art of reading a crowd.

Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 12

Chats With Chip, host Jonathan Forstall sits down with his father, veteran New Orleans attorney Chip Forstall, to break down the truth behind lawyer advertising, million-dollar settlement commercials, and what accident victims aren’t being told.

Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 11

Local Legends, Jonathan Forstall sits down with New Orleans artist Pell to break down the real story behind his rise, from growing up in Gentilly to navigating Hurricane Katrina, rebuilding in Mississippi, and ultimately chasing music full-time.

Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 10

In this episode of From NOLA with the Forstalls: Chats with Chip, Jonathan Forstall sits down with his father, veteran attorney Chip Forstall, to go behind the scenes of what really goes into deciding whether a law firm can take on a case.

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

In this episode of From NOLA with the Forstalls: Chats with Chip, Jonathan Forstall sits down with his father, Chip Forstall, to break down the origin story behind one of the most memorable legal jingles in New Orleans.

Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 7

In this episode of From NOLA with the Forstalls – Local Legends, host Jonathan Forstall sits down with Chef Toya, a world-renowned chef, author, and creative force, to talk about her journey from a struggling student to discovering her purpose through food.

Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 6

In this episode of From NOLA with the Forstalls: Chats with Chip, host Jonathan Forstall sits down with his father, veteran attorney Chip Forstall, to explore how being a father shaped his approach to leadership, business, and life.

Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 5

In this episode of From NOLA with the Forstalls: Local Legends, Jonathan Forstall sits down with New Orleans artist Casme to talk about her journey from a faith-filled upbringing to performing on one of the biggest stages in music, and everything in between.

Latest Episode: Season 1, Episode 4

Taking Over the Family Law Firm: Lessons on Legacy, Leadership & Client Trust

Season 1, Episode 3

From the Projects to the Pulpit: Pastor Everett’s Incredible New Orleans Story

Season 1, Episode 2

Chats with Chip: The Emotional Weight of Personal Injury Cases w/ Chip Forstall

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

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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.