Behind The Lens

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Behind The Lens is a weekly podcast from the team at The Lens, New Orleans' nonprofit investigative newsroom. Each week, our reporters take a close look at what they're covering in local politics, education and land use. Hosted and produced by Jessica Rosgaard.

Behind The Lens


    • May 16, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 32m AVG DURATION
    • 296 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Behind The Lens

    Behind The Lens episode 273: ‘Caught in the lurch’

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 27:47


    Delaney Dryfoos on the the largest new delta in North America. Marta Jewson on how the decentralized New Orleans school district caught one special education student in the lurch between NOLA Public Schools and KIPP New Orleans. The post Behind The Lens episode 273: ‘Caught in the lurch' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 272: ‘Growing threat’

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 22:33


    Delaney Dryfoos on the Calcasieu River's concerning pollution. Marta Jewson on Lycee's $400k property tax bill and the city's offer to settle a lawsuit with the school board. The post Behind The Lens episode 272: ‘Growing threat' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 271: ‘Death warrant’

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 31:20


    Nick Chastil and Katy Reckdahl on working conditions at Angola's Farm Line, with an eye on summer heat, and execution in Louisiana, following the first state execution in more than a decade. The post Behind The Lens episode 271: ‘Death warrant' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 270: ‘The wrong schools’

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 21:52


    Education reporter Marta Jewson on the state's request that the courts free them from a special education consent decree, the city council seeks to send $10m to schools and NOLA Public Schools has a new superintendent. The post Behind The Lens episode 270: ‘The wrong schools' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind the Lens episode 269: ‘They are not forgotten’

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 27:58


    This week, two St. James Parish residents who recently wrote a piece for the Lens on their families' deep roots in the region and how local histories like their own are threatened by the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. Barbara Washington and Gail LeBoeuf are co-founders and co-directors of Inclusive Louisiana, a local organization dedicated […] The post Behind the Lens episode 269: ‘They are not forgotten' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind the Lens episode 266 Carnival Part II: ‘The best spot on Fat Tuesday'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 30:51


    Mizani Ball on family and friends settling in to their traditional parade watching spots on the route. Katy Reckdahl on a Black Masking Indian continuing his father's tradition. The post Behind the Lens episode 266 Carnival Part II: ‘The best spot on Fat Tuesday' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 268: ‘Cruel and unusual’

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 31:17


    Special guest Ned Randolph on Entergy's proposal to build a massive AI data center in an impoverished section of north Louisiana that Meta is eyeing. Nick Chrastil on the state's push to use nitrogen hypoxia for executions. The post Behind The Lens episode 268: ‘Cruel and unusual' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 267: ‘Young, Black, vibrant’

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 30:18


    Mizani Ball and Marta Jewson on how Mardi Gras Day parade route changes affected local businesses and marching bands. Delaney Dryfoos on Venture Global's expansion plans amid its spotty environmental compliance record. The post Behind The Lens episode 267: ‘Young, Black, vibrant' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind the Lens episode 266 Carnival Part I: ‘Throw less, throw better’

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2025 32:28


    Nick Chrastil on how gun laws clash during Carnival, including on the parade route. Delaney Dryfoos on krewes' efforts to make parades greener. And Marta Jewson on high school marching bands — and their budgets. The post Behind the Lens episode 266 Carnival Part I: ‘Throw less, throw better' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 265: ‘That’s just a payday loan’

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 33:41


    Nick Chrastil on records that show plans for Gov. Jeff Landry's "transitional center" were well underway before the terrorist attack. Marta Jewson on the ongoing dispute over a supposed $90 million settlement between the City and School Board amid its financial crisis. The post Behind The Lens episode 265: ‘That's just a payday loan' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 264 Part II: ‘Our Katrina narrative'

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 33:38


    The Lens spent January talking to Lower 9th Ward residents to tell their stories, narratives a Super Bowl committee wanted to control. The post Behind The Lens episode 264 Part II: ‘Our Katrina narrative' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 264 Part I: ‘Our Katrina narrative’

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 31:47


    The Lens spent January talking to Lower 9th Ward residents to tell their stories, narratives a Super Bowl committee wanted to control. The post Behind The Lens episode 264 Part I: ‘Our Katrina narrative' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 263: ‘They never paid’

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 35:39


    Nick Chrastil and Katy Reckdahl on a temporary shelter Gov. Jeff Landry opened in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl and local concerns about the process. Delaney Dryfoos on The Descendants Project's lawsuit against agencies they allege violated the state constitution in giving Greenfield LLC tax breaks. The post Behind The Lens episode 263: ‘They never paid' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 262: ‘A new generation’s fight’

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 26:47


    Delaney Dryfoos on the sale of Entergy New Orleans' natural gas arm to a new entity and La'Shance Perry on the legal challenge to Act 246, the nation's strongest law blocking certain reproductive healthcare. The post Behind The Lens episode 262: ‘A new generation's fight' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 261: ‘A moment in the year’

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 49:57


    The Lens staffers reflect on our work, including favorite stories, in 2024 and look ahead to 2025. The post Behind The Lens episode 261: ‘A moment in the year' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 260: ‘Tough Transitions’

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 31:32


    Marta Jewson on the annual December announcement of which charter schools will close. Delaney Dryfoos on work to revitalize Maurepas Swamp. The post Behind The Lens episode 260: ‘Tough Transitions' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 259: Opinion: ‘The education situation’

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 54:20


    In a special episode, Adrinda Kelly, the founding Executive Director of Black Education for New Orleans (BE NOLA), whose mission is to support Black educators and Black-led schools, reflects on two decades of changes in New Orleans education. The post Behind The Lens episode 259: Opinion: ‘The education situation' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 258: ‘Floodplains’

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2024 33:47


    Delaney Dryfoos and Eric Schmid on new insurance models Mississippi River towns are leaning on. Nick Chrastil on juveniles leaving the Jackson Parish Jail. The post Behind The Lens episode 258: ‘Floodplains' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 257: ‘Creating new reefs’

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 35:25


    Delaney Dryfoos and La'Shance Perry on "Cajun Coral," a type of 3D printed coral used to help rebuild living reefs. Marta Jewson on the NOLA Public Schools' $36 million budget shortfall and superintendent's midyear resignation. The post Behind The Lens episode 257: ‘Creating new reefs' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 256: ‘A Tricky Endeavor’

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 34:12


    Delaney Dryfoos a federal rule to eliminate lead pipes in the next decade. Nick Chrastil on changes to federal welfare money. Jay Marcano on the call for Tulane University to divest from fossil fuels. The post Behind The Lens episode 256: ‘A Tricky Endeavor' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 255: ‘Civil rights at risk’

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 29:01


    Delaney Dryfoos on a wharf redevelopment in the Lower 9th Ward. Marta Jewson on Louisiana AG's decision to join a lawsuit targeting transgender men and women, and broader civil rights. The post Behind The Lens episode 255: ‘Civil rights at risk' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 254: ‘It’s scary, dangerous’

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 27:43


    Marta Jewson and La'Shance Perry on their interview with a women about what it's like to be pregnant in Louisiana after the fall of Roe. Delaney Dryfoos on St. James residents' fight against industry. The post Behind The Lens episode 254: ‘It's scary, dangerous' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind the Lens episode 253: ‘Mace with no warning’

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 32:55


    Nick Chrastil and Katy Reckdahl on the Jackson Parish Jail housing kids without the required license to do so. The post Behind the Lens episode 253: ‘Mace with no warning' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind the Lens episode 252: ‘Bleeding out’

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 30:48


    Marta Jewson and Katy Reckdahl on a new Louisiana law that requires doctors to keep common maternal health care medications under lock and key. Delaney Dryfoos on a Mississippi River mayors agreement. The post Behind the Lens episode 252: ‘Bleeding out' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind the Lens episode 250: ‘Insurance Crisis’

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 24:05


    Delaney Dryfoos on the continuing homeowners insurance crisis for Louisianans, and one politicians proposal to fix it. Marta Jewson reflects on covering school closures. The post Behind the Lens episode 250: ‘Insurance Crisis' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 249: ‘An America of enslavement’

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 34:00


    A conversation with independent scholar and writer Deborah G. Plant on her book Of Greed and Glory. The post Behind The Lens episode 249: ‘An America of enslavement' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind the Lens episode 248: ‘They’ve harmed our public health’

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 32:32


    Sara Sneath on the fossil fuel industry's relationship with Louisiana universities. Marta Jewson and Katy Reckdahl on Rooted School's guaranteed income study. The post Behind the Lens episode 248: ‘They've harmed our public health' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind the Lens episode 247: ‘Cumulative emissions’

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 33:05


    Delaney Dryfoos and Katy Reckdahl on Formosa's proposed plastic complex in St. James Parish. And Greenfield's retreat from its plans for an $800 million grain terminal. The post Behind the Lens episode 247: ‘Cumulative emissions' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind the Lens episode 246: ‘unreasonable doubt’

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2024 28:55


    Nick Chrastil and Katy Reckdahl on a court of appeals' ruling in favor of three young Black men stopped by security district officers. Marta Jewson on a new sunshine law. The post Behind the Lens episode 246: ‘unreasonable doubt' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 245: ‘Adults failed them’

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 35:20


    Nick Chrastil on "extreme" conditions incarcerated people face at David Wade Correctional Center. Marta Jewson on a judge's order that will give Kennedy High School seniors who endured a graduation scandal their day in court. And Delaney Dryfoos on what a 'D' for New Orleans' water system means for residents. The post Behind The Lens episode 245: ‘Adults failed them' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 244: ‘More and more extremes’

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2024 26:13


    Nick Chrastil on changes that have resulted in thousands of Louisianans losing food stamps and a new state law that threatens thousands more. And Delaney Dryfoos on spring flooding in the Midwest and how it can benefit Louisiana. The post Behind The Lens episode 244: ‘More and more extremes' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 243: ‘The solar Motherhouse’

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 30:27


    Nick Chrastil on a judge's order to the Dept. of Corrections requiring a plan to protect Angola inmates working the Farm line in blistering heat. Delaney Dryfoos on the The Sisters of the Holy Family nuns who are working to build a solar-powered microgrid resilience hub for their neighbors in New Orleans East. The post Behind The Lens episode 243: ‘The solar Motherhouse' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 242: ‘Extreme heat and dirty water’

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 29:31


    La'Shance Perry, Nick Chrastil and Katy Reckdahl on the jail exceeding its population cap and Angola prisoners still forced to work the fields in extreme summer heat. The post Behind The Lens episode 242: ‘Extreme heat and dirty water' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 241: ‘Radical Black joy’

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 34:57


    Mizani Ball on the historical and ongoing struggle for civil rights in New Orleans and how its expressed through music in the city. Katy Reckdahl on a teacher accused of restraining a student been involved in a similar incident 8 years ago, raising concerns about background checks into school personnel. The post Behind The Lens episode 241: ‘Radical Black joy' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 240: ‘An enduring insult’

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2024 28:02


    Special guest writer Lolis Eric Elie on local civil rights pioneers who are being to replace the current street names, including his father, Lolis Edward Elie. The post Behind The Lens episode 240: ‘An enduring insult' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 239: ‘It’s unconscionable’

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2024 31:42


    Nick Chrastil on an eye-popping State Police contract The Lens had to sue to obtain. It's been one year since JPSO shot and killed Calvin Cains III and his family is suing for body camera footage. And a redesign of City Park could disrupt Grow Dat Youth Farm. The post Behind The Lens episode 239: ‘It's unconscionable' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 238: ‘Juvenile Jails’

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2024 35:00


    Nick Chrastil and Katy Reckdahl on a bill that would provide funding to build new local juvenile-detention faciilites. Marta Jewson and La'Shance Perry on the Living School's final days as it prepares to close its doors. The post Behind The Lens episode 238: ‘Juvenile Jails' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 237: ‘A union victory’

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 25:40


    Marta Jewson on Lycée Français charter school's teachers union victory. And Delaney Dryfoos on both industry and activists taking aim at the EPA. The post Behind The Lens episode 237: ‘A union victory' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 236: ‘An energy company deciding subject matter’

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2024 35:42


    Sara Sneath on LSU's unusual relationship with the oil and gas industry. Marta Jewson on Lycée Français charter school's union drive. The post Behind The Lens episode 236: ‘An energy company deciding subject matter' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind the Lens episode 235: ‘One step behind Exxon’

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2024 34:09


    This week on Behind The Lens, Sara Sneath on a Louisiana law that allows carbon capture well sites to remain unknown under a "trade secret" exception and Nick Chrastil on state legislation that could cut food stamps for thousands. The post Behind the Lens episode 235: ‘One step behind Exxon' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 234: ‘Rabble-rousing at the Big Green’

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 26:39


    La'Shance Perry on St. John Parish's vote on rezoning for Greenfield. Delaney Dryfoos on Gov. Landry's Task Force for Sewerage and Water Board. And Katy Reckdahl on union organizing at Tulane University. The post Behind The Lens episode 234: ‘Rabble-rousing at the Big Green' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 233: ‘A Black hamlet’

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 35:55


    Delaney Dryfoos on St. John the Baptist Parish's voted to allow heavy industrial uses on the parish's rural West Bank after years of contentious debate. Nick Chrastil on Gov. Jeff Landry's seismic changes to the criminal justice system. The post Behind The Lens episode 233: ‘A Black hamlet' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens “Sunshine Week” episode 232: ‘It’s so powerful to see’

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 33:42


    Lens reporters on the Louisiana Public Records Act and how it helps us fulfill our mission. We reflect on how records made possible reporting on Henry Montgomery, a graduation scandal at Kennedy High School and the uncovering of the state's decision to send kids in juvenile detention across state lines. The post Behind The Lens “Sunshine Week” episode 232: ‘It's so powerful to see' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 231: ‘We cannot allow it to fail’

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 34:10


    Katy Reckdahl and La'Shance Perry on the loss of musician Kerry "Fatman" Hunter. Marta Jewson and Dr. Ashonta Wyatt on the district's decision to open a direct-run school at Lafayette. The post Behind The Lens episode 231: ‘We cannot allow it to fail' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 230: ‘It’s easy to get lost in the fun of Mardi Gras’

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 36:31


    La'Shance Perry on the Krewe of Choctaw's harmful portrayal of culture to those of Choctaw heritage. Delaney Dryfoos on stepped up Carnival recycling efforts this year. And Nick Chrastil on gun arrests during Mardi Gras and concerns about racial profiling. The post Behind The Lens episode 230: ‘It's easy to get lost in the fun of Mardi Gras' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 229: ‘Backtracking on promises’

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2024 32:55


    Nick Chrastil on Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams's decision to work closely with newly elected Governor Jeff Landry's office, despite his progressive campaign promises. Aidan McCahill on New Orleans water bills, some of the highest in the nation, and seniors who are feeling the pinch. The post Behind The Lens episode 229: ‘Backtracking on promises' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 228: ‘The river knows what to do’

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2024 33:59


    Marshland restoration is underway in Barataria Basin. Lafayette Academy families are still trying to catch their breath after the district told them their school would close — and then reversed its decision. A parade celebrating Martin Luther King Jr., returned to its historic route on St. Claude Avenue this year. The post Behind The Lens episode 228: ‘The river knows what to do' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 227: ‘There’s no real public oversight’

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2024 37:32


    Nick Chrastil on The Lens' lawsuit against the state Office of Juvenile Justice for public records related to its $9.5m emergency staffing contract. And author Matthew Kincaid joins us to talk about his new book: Freedom Teaching. The post Behind The Lens episode 227: ‘There's no real public oversight' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 226: ‘The means to fight this’

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2024 36:40


    Nick Chrastil on the federal consent decree guiding the jail's construction of a facility called Phase III. Terry Jones from Floodlight on carbon capture and sequestration in the state. The post Behind The Lens episode 226: ‘The means to fight this' appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 225: ‘If there’s an accident, it’d be hard to evacuate’ ‘

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2023 32:13


    Delaney Dryfoos on new land growing along Louisiana's coast. Sara Sneath on Venture Global's tax incentives in Plaquemines Parish and parallels to the mining town of Port Sulphur. The post Behind The Lens episode 225: ‘If there's an accident, it'd be hard to evacuate' ‘ appeared first on The Lens.

    Behind The Lens episode 224: ‘Holding power to account’

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2023 35:16


    Delaney Dryfoos on St. John Parish's President cutting off advocate Joy Banner during public comment. Now, she's suing for the violation of her First Amendment rights. A judge again barred the parish from changing the zoning on the Greenfield Property. The post Behind The Lens episode 224: ‘Holding power to account' appeared first on The Lens.

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