Former Governor Haley Barbour
Former Governor Haley Barbour joined The Extra Mile podcast to talk about his political career, Hurricane Katrina recovery stories, the link between transportation infrastructure and economic development, tort reform and more.
Former Governor Haley Barbour joined The Extra Mile podcast to talk about his political career, Hurricane Katrina recovery stories, the link between transportation infrastructure and economic development, tort reform and more.
- Show intro, introducing former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour - 00:31
- More information on Governor Barbour's career including why he ran for office - 01:00
- On memorable Hurricane Katrina stories, which happened during Gov. Barbour's administration - 04:30
- MDOT crews as first responders during disasters like Hurricane Katrina - 08:38
- On the debris left by Hurricane Katrina - 11:42
- On Marsha Barbour's (Governor's wife) role in Hurricane Katrina recovery - 12:29
- The late Senator Thad Cochran's role in helping Mississippi get what it needed post Katrina - 15:43
- Importance of having a strong transportation infrastructure network - 17:45
- Signature legislation or policies during governorship - 20:21:16
- On the lost art of bipartisanship - 22:36
- Governor Barbour on MDOT Executive Director Brad White - 27:40
- Favorite place to get a bite to eat when out on Mississippi highways - 28:13
- What is Governor Barbour up to these days? - 29:23
- Show outro - 30:30
Creators and Guests
Host
Paul Katool
Paul Katool joined the Mississippi Department of Transportation Public Affairs Division in 2016 as the agency’s first Social Media Strategist. In 2019, he was promoted to Digital Media Manager, where he led the creation of MDOT’s nationally award-winning Extra Mile Podcast. In 2022, Paul assumed the role of Deputy Director of Public Affairs, which includes helping to run the day-to-day operations of the division.
Host
Will Craft
Will Craft joined MDOT in 2018 after serving on Senator Thad Cochran’s and Senator Hyde Smith’s staffs. Beginning in the Government Affairs role at MDOT, Will assisted executive leadership in matters of policy, stakeholder engagement, legislative affairs, and external communications. Since joining the Public Affairs team in 2023, Will is most often recognized as one of the “podcast guys”. The Award Winning Extra Mile Podcast is hosted by Will and Paul Katool, and produced by Drew Hall.
Producer
Drew Hall
Drew Hall is a media producer with experience in video production and journalism. He currently works in the Public Affairs Division of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, where he shoots and edits a range of content, including producing the award-winning podcast The Extra Mile. Drew holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Mississippi State University and has received industry recognition, including an AASHTO Best Audio Production Award. Previously, Drew worked as a photojournalist for News Channel 12 and Fox 40 News, developing his skills in visual storytelling and news production. Drew is married to Courtney Ann Hall, of Corinth, MS, and has one son, Jackson.