CCJC Audio Podcast Episode 00014, Season 1
Meet Jean Dugas - Marketing Manager
Jean Dugas (pronounced Zhahn Doo-GAH), a pillar of the Cajun Chronicles Podcast Corporation, juggles his demanding job as our Market Manager expertly along with the unwavering love and care for his daughter, Anastasie. She is a bright, spirited girl, Anastasie was battling Acadian Friedreich's Ataxia, a rare degenerative neurological disorder.
Jean's days were a whirlwind of both professional and personal responsibilities. He rises before dawn, tending to Anastasie's needs, ensuring she is comfortable and medicated. As the sun kisses the horizon, he hands over her daycare to her home care nurse and helper. Then he rushes to the studio. His mind is a whirlwind of soundbites, interviews, and deadlines.
Cajun Chronicles’ Podcast Studio is a sanctuary of creativity and sound. In a stark contrast to the quiet intensity of his home life. At work, he immerses himself in the many aspects of our vision of what we can bring our listeners and readers. All of that is also steeped in multi-cultural exchanges, interviewing musicians, historians, and storytellers.
Our podcast is in part a passion project for all of us, including Jean is spreading kindness and understanding of the marginalized populations. Like all of our staff members and other employees it's a way to preserve heritages and connect with not only our local community but globally.
Yet for Jean Dugas, the weight of Anastasie's condition was always present. Late nights, filled with editing and post-production can sometimes happen. And when they do they are occasionally punctuated by urgent calls from home. A fever, a sudden fall, a worsening symptom – each presented a new challenge day and night.
Jean, a man of unwavering faith, found solace in his New Orleans community. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues always rally around him and Anastasie. Many do offer practical help and emotional support. They'll babysit Anastasie, run errands, or simply listen as he pours out his heart when it comes to being a caregiver.
The journey was arduous, filled with both joy and sorrow. Anastasie, despite her illness, was a beacon of hope and sweetness. Her laughter, her resilience, and her unwavering spirit inspires everyone, including her father, Jean, to persevere. He’s learned to balance the demands of his job as a marketing manager with the needs of his daughter, finding strength in the face of adversity.
Through it all, Jean's love for Anastasie remained steadfast. He is her protector, her provider, and her greatest champion. Though the road ahead was uncertain, he is walking it with unwavering determination, knowing that love, hope, and the unwavering support of a community could conquer any challenge.
At sixteen years old now, Anastasie's world has always been a delicate slow boil of light and shadow. Her brilliant mind is trapped in a fading and failing body. Acadian Friedreich's Ataxia, a cruel degenerative disease, had stolen her childhood, inching its way into her muscles, her balance, and her dreams.
She can’t remember a time when she could run freely, twirl without fear, or feel the wind in her hair. Now, each step is a difficult calculated movement, a silent battle against her weakening body. The sterile confines of therapy sessions, isolation from others her age, and doctor's appointments rob her of being able to escape her true reality.
The absence of her Cajun mother who bailed in the face of being overwhelmed, is a wound that never truly healed. That fact alone casts a long shadow over her life. She yearns for the warmth of a mother's love, a comforting embrace, and a gentle voice. But the void remains, a constant reminder of the love she had lost through no fault of her own.
Yet, in the face of adversity, Anastasie found strength. She poured her energy into her studies, finding solace in books and her work as an artist. She learned to adapt, to find joy in the small victories, and to appreciate the beauty in the world around her.
As she grow older, the challenges became more daunting. Simple tasks, like tying her shoes or holding a pen or a paint brush, became arduous. She tires easily, but perseveres, fueled by an indomitable spirit. She is so much more than her illness. She is a fighter, a dreamer, and a soul yearning for connection.
All of us at Cajun Chronicles Podcast Corporation are dedicated to bringing awareness of this disease because while it is rare, it is prevalent in Cajun and Creole families. Acadian Friedreich's Ataxia in Cajun and Creole families is due to a phenomenon known as the Founder Effect.
This occurs when a small population, in this case, the early Acadian settlers to Louisiana and elsewhere, carries a specific genetic mutation. As this population grows, the frequency of the mutation also increases, leading to a higher incidence of the disease within the communities.
“It's important to note that while Acadian Friedreich's Ataxia is more prevalent in Cajun and Creole populations, it can affect in similar mutations in individuals of any ethnicity. However, due to the specific genetic history of these populations, and the practice of intermarriage in colonial times, the disease is more common among them.”
Jean Dugas’ Unique Perspectives In Being A Marketing Manager
Jean's personal experiences as a father and caregiver for Anastasie have profoundly shaped his perspective as a marketing manager. Here are some key insights he's gained:
Empathy and Understanding: Caring for Anastasie has heightened Jean's empathy for others. He understands the challenges of navigating difficult situations, the importance of patience, and the power of compassion. This empathy allows him to connect more deeply with his team and clients, building stronger relationships and fostering a more collaborative work environment.
Resilience and Adaptability: Facing the constant challenges of Anastasie's condition has made Jean incredibly resilient. He's learned to adapt to changing circumstances, pivot strategies, and find creative solutions to problems. This adaptability is invaluable in the fast-paced world of marketing, where trends shift and consumer preferences evolve rapidly.
Effective Time Management: Balancing work and care giving has honed Jean's time management skills. He's become a master of prioritization, multitasking, and efficient use of time. This skill set allows him to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet tight deadlines, and maintain a high level of productivity.
Effective Communication: Communicating complex medical information and advocating for Anastasie's needs has refined Jean's communication skills. He's learned to articulate ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively. This ability to communicate effectively is essential for building strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Navigating the challenges of Anastasie's condition has forced Jean to become a skilled problem-solver and critical thinker. He's learned to analyze complex issues, identify potential solutions, and make informed decisions under pressure. These skills are invaluable in the marketing field, where creative problem-solving and strategic thinking are essential.
By applying these insights to his role as a marketing manager, Jean is able to lead his team with empathy, resilience, and a strong focus on results. He understands the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and adaptability in achieving success.
A Day In the Life Of Being A Podcast Marketing Manager
When asked to describe his typical day as a Podcast Market Manager, this was Jean’s smiling reply:
“Every morning, I dive into the world of podcast metrics over a cup of coffee. I pore over listener numbers, engagement rates, and social media analytics, deciphering the digital landscape to uncover trends and opportunities. Armed with this data, I think about a strategic plan to boost our audience and brand awareness.
Next, it's time to unleash our social media prowess. We cast a wide net over so many important topics and causes. I curate engaging content, from behind-the-scenes glimpses to thought-provoking discussions suggested by our writers and other staff. I schedule posts, interact with our followers, and keep a watchful eye on the latest trends.
Email marketing is another powerful tool in my arsenal, not exactly my favorite task as it can get overwhelming on the receiving end. On the outgoing end, I try to craft compelling newsletters, highlighting new episodes, exclusive content, and special offers.
Each email exchange both ways is a chance to nurture our loyal listeners and entice new ones. More importantly a way to make their days a little better. If we can’t help our listeners, even if it is only making them smile, then we fail. We refuse to fail.
The way I see it, collaboration is one of the master keys. I work closely with the production and writing/editorial team, brainstorming ideas for new episodes, developing promotional campaigns, and exploring cross-promotional opportunities with other podcasts.
To stay ahead of the curve, I constantly monitor industry trends and experiment with innovative marketing tactics. Whether it's launching a viral TikTok or other social media challenge or partnering with influencers, I'm always seeking new ways to make real connections with our audience.
Data is my compass. I use analytics tools to measure the impact of our marketing campaigns, identify areas for improvement, and refine our strategy.
And finally, I strive to immerse myself in the vibrant world of podcasting, attending industry events virtually most of the time, networking with fellow marketers, and staying up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies.
It's a fast-paced, creative, and ever-evolving role but that’s exciting. But the reward of seeing our podcast audiences grow and connect with listeners in a positive and profound way makes it all worthwhile. — Jean Dugas © 2025
Passions: Jean is passionate about bringing awareness to this little known disease to the forefront of understanding it is an inherited disease in some families, especially in Louisiana. His responsibilities between work and caring for his daughter don’t leave a lot of personal time for much else. However, he does make time each day to engage in exercise at the gym in the building and listen to comedy podcasts late at night before retiring to remind himself that no matter what happens, always make and take time to laugh.
Favorite Things: Helping Anastaise find new avenues for sharing her art. They both love exploring virtual museums and art galleries around the world. His favorite foods are his own late mother’s recipes for Corn and Okra Maque Choux, Okra Gumbo, and Cornbread with Okra and Tomatoes. Both he and Anastasie enjoy couche-couche with cream for breakfast.
As for beverages, the closest he comes to a grown up drink is a Hurricane Rita - a tropical-inspired mocktail with pineapple, orange, and cranberry juices, often garnished with a cherry and a pineapple wedge.
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 2025 All Rights Reserved.
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