Jonshell Johnson is the Education Coordinator at Grow Dat Youth Farm, and To'Nae is a member of the Youth Assistants Crew. Together, they join us to share how this seven-acre farm in City Park is doing far more than growing food—it’s growing leaders. We talk about how the organization hires and mentors young people through paid job training, hands-on farming, and workshops that explore food justice, workers’ rights, climate change, and community-building in New Orleans.

We dive into how farming becomes a vehicle for deeper conversations about food access, food apartheid, and health inequities, and how shared meals and open dialogue help undo bias and build connection across differences. To'Nae shares how the program shaped her confidence, leadership, and understanding of sustainable agriculture, while passing that knowledge back to her family and peers. From youth-led initiatives like beekeeping and food pantries to tackling the climate realities facing our city, this conversation highlights how they are equipping the next generation to build a more just and resilient New Orleans.

Missions Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. Missions Bayou is hosted by Maya McGee and Brenna Gourgeot. Maya McGee is the Senior Director of Operations at Comfy Stone, where she helps nonprofits clarify and elevate their storytelling to better reflect their mission and impact. Brenna Gourgeot is a community organizer and data analyst focused on socioeconomic and environmental justice in Southeast Louisiana. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates

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