Jerileewei’s Substack Cajun Chronicles Series
Jerileewei’s Substack Cajun Chronicles Series
Francoise LeBlanc: A Cajun Force
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Francoise LeBlanc: A Cajun Force

Growth and reinvention, choosing something bigger than ourselves
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CCJC Audio Podcast 00008, Season 1

Meet Francoise LeBlanc: A Cajun Force to Be Reckoned With

Francoise LeBlanc, a dynamic force in the world of podcasting, brings a unique blend of Cajun heritage and global experiences to her role as Co-Producer, next to our other Co-producer, Gabriel Gaudin, at Cajun Chronicles Podcast Corporation. Raised partly in the heart of Louisiana in Mamou, she developed a deep appreciation for her roots and a passion for storytelling.

Image of Francoise Leblanc in her office at Cajun Chronicles Podcast
Cajun Chronicles Audio Podcast - Bringing you the heart of Louisiana. Artwork generated with Google Docs Image Maker

As the daughter of a dedicated deputy sheriff, she was exposed to the harsh realities of life in the bayou at a young age. Yet, her experiences also instilled in her a deep sense of justice and compassion.

Francoise's unique blend of Cajun heritage and worldly experiences makes her the ideal candidate for being one of the Co-Producers at Cajun Chronicles. She is a skilled communicator, a creative thinker, and a meticulous organizer. Her passion for storytelling and her deep understanding of Cajun culture will undoubtedly elevate the podcast to new heights.

After completing her Master of Public Health at Tulane University, Francoise furthered her academic pursuits by earning a Master of Science in Disaster Resilience Leadership. This academic background, combined with her real-world experiences, equipped her with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of the podcasting industry.

Image of Francoise LeBlanc at a podium speaking to students with her guide dog beside her
Cajun Chronicles Audio Podcast - Bringing you the heart of Louisiana. Artwork generated with Google Docs Image Maker

Francoise is a true creative, with a keen eye despite being blind for detail and a knack for crafting compelling narratives. Her dedication to her craft is evident in every aspect of her work, from script writing to audio editing. As a skilled communicator, she effortlessly connects with audience needs and wants while fosters strong relationships with guests and collaborators.

With her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment, Francoise is poised to make a significant impact on the world of podcasting. She is dedicated to creating content that is both informative and entertaining. She is excited to share the rich cultural heritage of Cajun Louisiana with listeners and readers around the globe. A Visionary with a heart of gold.

Francoise is a striking woman with a captivating presence. Her still beautiful piercing blue eyes and infectious smile reflects her warm and inviting personality. With a quick wit and a sharp sense of humor, she can easily command a room. Her passion for her work is evident in her every action, and her dedication to excellence is inspiring.

Image of Francoise and her guide dog in her courtyard garden
Cajun Chronicles Audio Podcast - Bringing you the heart of Louisiana. Artwork generated with Google Docs Image Maker

Like her cousine, Executive Producer Vivienne Robichaux, her contributions to the team have grown up under the umbrella of a multi-generational large extended family. Unlike her first cousin Vivienne Robichaux, her background was a steady one directional love affair with both writing and journalism.

Though born in Louisiana and spending her elementary school years in Mamou, her branch of the family for a period of time tried being Cajun where no one else spoke Cajun. After migrating to Kyrene, Arizona, with her parents and siblings, Francoise later embarked on a series of unconventional careers. For a short period of time she traveled to NYC, but landed right back in Louisiana having realized that her Cajun roots were too deep to ever be happier elsewhere.

Staying firmly in NOLA, despite being a globetrotting job hopping passionate activist, she has always been driven by a desire to make a difference. Her work with marginalized communities, including the homeless, abused women, and indigenous peoples, has shaped her into a compassionate and empathetic individual.

A Sudden Tragic Turn In Francoise LeBlanc’s Life

Cajun Chronicles Audio Podcast - Bringing you the heart of Louisiana. Artwork generated with Google Docs Image Maker

A tragic accident abruptly changed the course of Francoise's life while working with indigenous communities in a war-torn Mozambique. While documenting the struggles of a displaced tribe, an undetected landmine from the Mozambican Civil War detonated near her team, leaving her blinded. The world, once a vibrant palette of vivid colors, was suddenly muted and obscured.

Her resilience and unwavering spirit fueled her passion for storytelling, leading her to the world of podcasting. Despite the darkness that had enveloped her world, Francoise's inner light shone brighter than ever.

We All Should Be More Like Francoise LeBlanc

Image of Francoise LeBlanc enjoying her garden with her guide dog
Cajun Chronicles Audio Podcast - Bringing you the heart of Louisiana. Artwork generated with Google Docs Image Maker

Francoise LeBlanc's life story certainly speaks to the power of human resilience, adaptability, and the indomitable human spirit. Her journey, marked by both joy and adversity, offers valuable life lessons for all, her passions are:

🦮 Embracing Challenges as Opportunities for Growth: Francoise's experience with blindness demonstrates that setbacks can be catalysts for personal and professional development. By embracing her challenges and learning new skills, she transformed adversity into opportunity.

🦮 Cultivating a Positive Mindset: Despite facing significant obstacles, Francoise maintained a positive outlook. Her unwavering determination and belief in herself allowed her to overcome adversity and achieve her goals.

🦮 Holding The Power of Resilience in Her Hands: Francoise's story is a testament to the power of resilience. By refusing to let her circumstances define her, she persevered and emerged stronger than ever.

🦮 Understanding The Importance of Community: The support she received from the Louisiana Association for the Blind in Shreveport, Louisiana, played a crucial role in her life journey. A strong support network can make a significant difference in overcoming challenges.

🦮 Favorite Things: Her Golden Retriever guide dog, Jo-El; being a true foodie any and all seafood; Rockin’ Dopsie Sr. song, ‘The Way You Do The Things You Do,’ audiobooks and podcasts (historical fiction, true crime, and comedy); tending her herb garden (feeling the textures of leaves and smelling the fragrant blooms); and volunteering at a local animal shelter; and advocating for accessibility rights.

Francoise's life story inspires us to embrace our challenges, cultivate a positive mindset, and never give up on our dreams. Her unwavering spirit and determination serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found.

Jerileewei’s Substack Cajun Chronicles Audio Podcast series is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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This tale is inspired by real New Orleans history, but some details have been spiced up for a good story. While we've respected the truth, a bit of creative license was used. Please note that all characters may be based on real people, but their identities in some cases have been Avatar masked for privacy.

A Word of Wisdom:

As you read, remember history and real life is a complex mix of joy, sorrow, triumph, and tragedy. While we've added a bit of fiction, the core message remains: the human spirit's power to endure, adapt, and overcome.

© Jerilee Wei 2024 All Rights Reserved.

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