re: Is a 36 minute layover enough to get to your next flight in time?

Like I said earlier, 30 minutes is enough time in Houston as long as things run on time and you do not need to clear immigrations/customs.

If you are flying BTR-IAH on a regional jet, you will most likely arrive into terminal B. You will either fly out of B, C or E. C and E require taking the train shuttle. The train is very convenient to get to and I've never had to wait more than 2-3 minutes for it. The furthest gate in C or E from the shuttle is not more than a brisk 5 minute walk.

The one thing I'd recommend is NOT gate checking a bag on the flight from Baton Rouge. It often takes forever to get the bag in the jetway in Houston. Also, download the United app and check your connecting gate info as soon as you land in Houston. It will be more accurate than the gate agent's printout. The in-flight magazine will have a map of the Houston terminals.