It's A Good Life, Babe New Orleans Podcast

In the spirit of this weekend (March 11-13, 2022), one-half of the remaining It's A Good Life, Babe podcast feels compelled to republish this episode, given a loathing of the St Patty's parade (over whiteness abundance, date rapey ness, plastics throws clogging our sewage system, etc) while by contrast loving the Second Line (multi-generational living culture, music, fashion, etc). This episode was recorded in March of 2018, and this weekend was a bit of wash/rinse/repeat except without the better half of the podcast here to complain and appreciate respectively with me. We also got into the entire spring silly season in New Orleans including Super Sunday (uptown & downtown), St. Joseph's Day, Hogs for the Cause, and the Louisiana Derby, all within the context of the current socio-political, cultural & racial dynamics. Plus some talk on Benson's Succession, Pels & Saints, with some Jeff Duncan enmity sprinkled in. There are also John Fohl, Davis Rogan, Cousin Andy, Hirsh, Traci Birch, Rome Julien, Kenna Bra Sam, William Peck, and Fried Ribs shout-outs.

In Part Two of the Wheel of Death reunion and remembrance show, the gang continues to spin the wheel and memorialize those deemed to pass on next. The wheels get rattled with booze and dosing, and banter a little slurred, contentious and chirpy. But such a good excuse to get together with the family that is our friend tribe while everyone remains with us; and to fondly remember those who are not.

In a special game show gimmicky/ reunion / remembrance edition, we spin a wheel to see who in our friend group will expire next, and then memorialize them, while recalling the respective spirits of Geoff Douville & Griper Nugent, who left our tribe too soon and we dearly miss. Thanks to Lil Homie & Traci for sitting in, Max for producing, and Cousin Andy for hosting and technical guru'ing. This is not for a broad audience, but we hope that it finds a cult'ish ear or two.

It is with a heavy heart to re-publish one of our favorite episodes from 2016 recorded remotely from Snake & Jakes, featuring guests Brian ‘Griper' Nugent - RIP- and Dave Clements, recorded and mixed by Griper remotely from the infamous New Orleans dive bar Snake & Jakes that was a second home for us in our early New Orleans years. We tell the origin story hear. And we get to hear Griper's voice, for those of us who are yearning for that in this moment, following his recent passing. Enjoy. Share. Love.

From a show recorded in August 2016, inspired to be republished now in the context of the new Lance Armstrong documentary on ESPN, as well as missing the Olympics this summer, Geoff & Joel have hot takes on sports doping in general, and Lance specifically. RIP Geoff and his Unicorn takes.

Two years ago to the day, Geoff Douville, Miss Deanie, and Derrick Smoker Freeman gathered at Pal’s Lounge to celebrate their birthdays, and participate in, plus provide play by play for, a Storyville Ham Kick, inspired by Mo Johnson. Such a good time.

Recorded in June of 2017, Geoff & Joel did a segment called ‘We Call You', in which we called prospective guests on air without giving them an advance heads up. In this show, we called Joel’s Mom (at the 37-minute mark) without notice and she rolled with it. We talked about growing up as a latchkey kid in the 70s inspired by Bill Burrs show F is for Family and southern food.Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, and to all the sons and daughters who love them.

David Lee Simmons joined the show with Geoffrey Douville in April 2017, and we had a great conversation about New Orleans- so many topics that are relevant to what we are going through today.

Ian McNulty joined the show in 2018 around Jazz Fest time, and talks food and jazz fest and Rhode Island. Ian is a fun dude, and it’s a fun talk. Plus great thoughts and observations on New Orleans post-Katrina. Thanks for tuning in, and hope y’all are staying healthy and sound.

Originally recorded in April 2017, Derrick Freeman joined the show during Jazz Fest to talk about Herbie Hancock, the Low End Theory Players, SOUL Brass Band, Jazz Fest & an epic Bonnaroo experience with Widespread Panic, and subsequent shenanigans. Chocolate mushrooms and Millenials vs Gen X’ers.

This is a classic from 2012 recorded between Jazz Fest weekends. We have hot takes for Baby Boomers, and love for great jazz artists. Love for Terence Blanchard, and more. And it’s fun. Thanks for tuning in.

We had not too long ago published an old PodKive from 2012 that one Joel Jackson passed off as the first episode ever of It’s A Good Life, Babe. I knew that wasn’t exactly true when I published it. Both shows were recorded the same night. This was the first one. It’s a doozy- parents, girlfriends, and political opponents should not listen to this one. But man, Geoff & I came out of the gates so strong and fluid… RIP my friend.Thanks for listening, except for parents and GFs. Hope y’all are well and safe and taking care.

This is one of Joel Jackson’s most very favorite show from 2012. Because Geoff Douville was so dope. And this show seems so relevant to our times.Oblivious lessness monstersSan FranciscoEmpathyParkinson’s and not joking about itThe Adderall Gen vs Gen XCustomer service from top down Don’t contempt your customerYou vs us=No debit card attitudeThe price is right=Epicenter of green meets SpicoliMike JudgeOcean beach surfing americaDirty HarryBody SnatchersMayansGolf cart protocolsWomen are better than manSpecial People SubversivenessSociety Selfishness

Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington, Johnny Adams, Lee Dorsey, Irma Thomas, Ben Ellman, Amsterdam Philip, Pal’s Lounge, Geoff’s Birthday, Black Angels, Kenny Wayne Shepard, We Call You… With The Greatest Co-Host Ever Griper Nugent… Wham… Brown Out… Grupo Fantasma…. Lionel Richie… Paul Peck… Taco Party….Ideal Mart…Bonnaroo… Snake & Jakes Christmas Club Barn… and phew… a rerun episode on Geoff’s Birthday way before he got sick… rest in peace Douville. Love you brother.

Hey y’all… this is the last or one of last times we’ll be cross-publishing via It’s A Good Life, Babe channels, the new podcast, Six Feet Of Separation. We hope that you will subscribe and listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and check us out at www.sixfeetofseparation.show.On this episode, we welcome a New Orleans based healthcare front line worker & nurse Molly McGee, and an Amsterdam based healthcare administrator, Annemarie van Dalen.

The guys are back with a producer, a theme song, sponsors and plugs. We open up discussing going to the Saints home opener at the Dome, and speculate on what dirt new kicker Wil Lutz must have on coach Sean Payton. We spend the rest of the pod introducing the Douvillympics, to take place in New Olreans' City Park every two years. Special Thanks to Egg Yolk Jubilee, Griper Nugent, Terranova, Bob Roth's Lounge, and Grupo Fantasma.

Artists, musicians, and workers in the gig economy are among those who are suffering the most during this global public health pandemic. In this episode, we hear from someone who’s stepping up to make a difference by helping those in need access the stimulus and other funds that are available to them. Pre and Post Covid, helping artists and musicians with pro bono legal aid. Thanks to Gene Meneray for coming on the show.

From the 2012 It’s A Good Life, Babe podkives, Geoff & Joel share hurricane evacuation and flooding stories with one another. Clearly. we wouldn't be re-publishing this in July or August. In April, these stories are kind of quaint. With any dumb luck.Hope everyone is staying healthy and safe. Thanks for listening and sharing.

Paul Grass returned in part two of a marathon chat with Geoff and Joel. Paul testified about the trials and tribulations of making independent films as a 20-something. There is also gospel and post-apocalyptic evolved cockroach wars. Thanks for tuning in.

Paul Grass, life long friend of Geoff Douville’s, as well as fellow bandmate in Egg Yolk Jubilee, joined the show in the Spring of 2017. They talked about the 90's music scene in NOLA, and their friendship over the years. A fun listen. Enjoy.

Sue Zemanick joins the show for talk on life, culture and cooking during Covid-19. Sue talks about her restaurant Zasu, and what the future might hold for her and the restaurant. Plus we get into our respective home cooking strategies during the lockdown. Later in the episode, we talk Top Chef, French cooking shows and reading letters from literary figures. Thanks for listening. Stay safe and stay sane.

Tom Thayer of DBA New Orleans joins the show and talks about putting up for sell the venerable Frenchmen Street music club. Tom gets into how he and his partners found the space, and his relocation to New Orleans to open the club in the early oughts. We talk about changes over the years on Frenchmen Street, the uptown/downtown divide, and finding silver linings during the Coronavirus lockdown.Then Traci Birch joins in, and talks with Tom about the amazing wedding reception she & Geoff Douville enjoyed at DBA, as well as DBA hosting the after Memorial service reception in February after Geoff passed. Traci gets into the challenges of teaching from home, and the daily walks she takes all over the now quiet streets of New Orleans.

Author and podcaster Lloyd Shepherd, currently of BBC Sounds in London, (www.lloydsheperd.com) joins the show and talks about jogger problems, high praise and gratitude manifestation for health workers, and cultural differences in policing. We get into working from home Zoom life, and Lloyd shares his obsessive nature towards Covid-19, as well as the inability to enjoy escapist activities in the time of Corona.Thanks for listening and sharing. Stay safe, take care, be well, do good.

Another rerun episode from December 2016 with Dave Clements recorded remotely from Snake & Jake’s. Dave talks about his brother Cranston, about in the same vein the Cuomo brothers do during a global pandemic with one another. It’s fun stuff.

Rome Julian of Laketilly Acres urban farm in New Orleans joins the show and talks homeschooling, and shifting from his shutdown film and television work to making his side hustle the primary hustle during the Coronavirus lockdown. Microgreens. Collards, Kale, Sprouts… and pretty much anything green and leafy. Plus we learn about chickens and eggs. Amidst a global pandemic, gardening and urban farming is ever more super dope than it ever was. Thanks for listening and sharing. Be well, take care, do good.

Introducing a new podcast for the times of Coronavirus and a global lockdown nation. This pilot episode is just that- we are finding our sea legs and introducing the show. This inaugural episode takes a little time for the set up, and then picks up steam with our first guest, Ivan ‘Lil Homie’ Solomon, which begins at the 31 minute mark.We will clean up audio issues, add polish, and have many awesome guests coming up from New Orleans, around the US, and the globe.Thanks for listening and sharing. Be well, take care, and do good.

Marueen (Mo) Johsnon joined the show (March 28, 2018) and recollected on being part of the 90’s DC to NOLA migration, and the origin stories of the Shim Shamettes. Mo talked about producing burlesque shows today via Real Cool Trash, and spun tales of the Storyville Ham Kick.

David Kunian joined the show in October 2016, and talked about his gig as Music Curator of the New Orleans Jazz Museum and Louisiana State Museum, his 20-plus year stint as WWOZ DJ, and much more. David was, I supposed not coincidentally, instrumental in many different realms during Geoff’s life, in the last days Geoff was with us, and in the weeks that followed.Thanks for listening, while staying at home, distancing when outside, and taking care of yourselves.

William Peck joined the show to talk about his welding craftsmanship on 2nd Line BBQ Rigs, as well as Deep Fried Ribs, the latter which he picked up on during his 21-year incarceration at Angola prison. He talked about issues facing formerly incarcerated citizens, and ‘Post-Incarceration Syndrome’. We discuss the importance of education and the challenges to find and retain employment ‘on the outside’.This episode was recorded in August 2017, not long after William was released from Angola. This past December, he was King of the Big 9 SAPC Second Line, and warmly reached out to us to see if we could do a remote podcast recording from the Friday night pre-2nd Line Big 9 celebration. Such a sweet and thoughtful guy.

Ben Ellman joined the show on April 19, 2018, the eve of the release of Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington’s most recent album ‘My Future is My Past’. Ben talked about producing the album, working with Cha Wa, how he came to New Orleans, and the beginnings of his music career in NOLA, including Little Rascals Brass Band, Lump, and of course Galactic. Shout outs during the show included Corey Henry, Ben Shank, Willie Green, Neville Brothers, Kid Koala, Kermit Ruffins, Whitney Houston, Klezmer All-Stars, Gypsyphonic Disko, Danny Barker, James Singleton, Muddy Waters, Adam Shipley, Anti Records, Tom Waits, Stanton Moore, Jonathan Freilich, Rob Cambre, and more.Thanks for listening and sharing…

We’re republishing some of our favorite evergreen episodes during the Covid-19 ‘stay the F home’ lockdown. Tank & The Bangas joined the show in August 2017. Two things about this episode: one, we had met them two months earlier while we were producing shows from Bonnaroo, so they assumed we were legit from that context. It was humorous borderline awkward when they walked into the modest (euphemism) pre-renovated studio but they took it in gracious stride. And two, this is one of my favorite shows because Geoff and I hung back from our mics for long stretches as the band members began to organically interview each other. It was charming and authentic. Right after they left the studio, I think that was the first time one of us said to the other: ‘that’s power of the pod’.Please don’t hate for some less than ideal audio at certain points in the show. We didn’t know nearly the entire band was coming and had to share mics, so the levels get a little uneven at times.Thanks for listening and sharing… and more to come.

In the very last Good Life, Babe episode (arguably), Traci Birch joins the show, and we remember Geoffrey Douville.

In the third of the last four episodes, Joel & Randy are joined by Friends of the Good Life, Amsterdam Philip, Lil Homie & Cousin Andy. We get silly and we get deep. We love and miss Geoffrey Douville.

In the second of the last four episodes, Joel and Randy are joined by Paul Grass, Mac McCann and Rob Cambre. We talk Egg Yolk Jubilee, the new album, and recap the Geoff Douville Rock-n-Roll tribute at Tipitina’s. And at the end, we tag in the WWOZ interview by David Kunian with Paul, Chris Lane, and Ethan Ellestad from MaCCNO.

In the first of the final last four episodes, Geoff Douville’s life long friends from High School, David Lindberg & David Burley, join the show and tell lovely stories about their lives and Geoff. With Randy Perez on Geoff’s mic, on the levels, and on the echo effect.Thanks for listening, sharing and caring.

Music writer and cultural unsung hero Jay Mazza joined the program in its infancy under the new format. We got into his history with the Mystic Krewe of Orphans & Misfits (MOMs Ball), including his tenure as the Grand Marshall. A must-listen for fans of Carnival, MOMs, the Radiators, and New Orleans music culture in general. Thanks for tuning in!

A very after school special cancer edition Trilogy of podcasts recorded from the awesome and lovely University Medical Center in New Orleans, while Geoff was on the chemo drip. Randy Perez. The Griper. Jackie Shulman. Nurses (Norma!). Amsterdam Philip. Beeps from the saline drip machine thingy. We talk food. We talk Mardi Gras. We mostly try to have fun and laugh. Cause what else you gonna do?

The second in the trilogy from Hotel Drip Dieu-Ville! Movie comedies (00-12:00) with Jeremy Smith and Aron Lambert. Plus the New Orleans Jazz, Seattle Pelicans (12:00-30:00). And then Randy Perez jumps on the Mic for Lil Doogie! Popeyes & Gas Station Chicken! Plus Donut Glazed Trout! (30:00-57:00). We don’t edit- you scrub!

In our first of three shows from University Medical Center, we get into butt itch, Mike Judge and all things under the chemo-drip sun. With friends Jeremy Smith and Randy Perez. Fuck Cancer. Remember Geoffrey Douville.

The very first evening Geoff and Joel put our voices to microphones, Geoff examined and told the story of his very first harrowing job on a barge. Listen, enjoy, share…

Hey y’all. Please enjoy this part one of the last of two podcast shows with our friend Geoff Douville. It was two nights before Geoff and Traci’s wedding, and we did some greatest hit ‘clip shows like from the 80s’. Listen, share, enjoy… We love you all.

Hey y’all. Please enjoy this part one of the last of two podcast shows with our friend Geoff Douville. It was two nights before Geoff and Traci’s wedding, and we did some greatest hit ‘clip shows like from the 80s’. Listen, share, enjoy… We love you all.

Friend of the Good Life Aron Lambert (and resident Pelicans expert) returns to talk Saints success, Teddy, Michael Thomas, Alvin Kamara, the Saints Defense, and more. Plus we talk a bit about the upcoming local election in NOLA.

The show’s two most frequently recurring guests, Derrick Freeman of SOUL Brass Band & Ethan Ellestad of MaCCNO, come together for the first time on the same episode. We chop up the latest ABO ordinance under consideration by the City Council, development fueled gentrification, the WaPo piece on the rampant arrest warrants in New Orleans, Safety & Permits corruption, and more. It really is a good life down here folks, but sometimes you have to bullhorn about the bad stuff in order to preserve the life we chose to live in the city we love. That’s this episode. When Derrick Freeman comes on the show and we don’t talk Saints at the beginning of the season, you know it’s time to get serious about some civic, cultural & political issues that matter.

New Orleans musician James Martin joins the show along with Jon Kieran from the New Orleans Film Festival. James talks about his new album “Keep Movin’” dropping on October 4th with a release performance at the Jazz Playhouse. James is also taking part in the new Music Initiative developed by the New Orleans Film Festival, October 16- 23. Permalink

Re-running this episode from exactly two years ago in light of the current Drew Brees Focus on Family saga. Unless you have a penchant for two-year old Fantasy Football musings, fast-forward to the 27:55 mark for early hot takes on Drew Brees being less than a good guy, with special guest and insights from Derrick ‘Smoker’ Freeman.

Hi everyone. Part two of Geoff & Joel’s summer European summer travel recaps. New producer stepped up in such a way in his second show that we’ll just let his liner notes below (plus the pod) speak for itself.Geoff’s Europe story:Soprano Sax – 2:15Trip to Europe – 5:53US Formula 1 – 6:30Connecticut – 9:00Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - 11:50Jimi Hendrix Guitar – 13Rig videos at the MET exhibit – 21:30Healthcare and chemo – 24:10Started journey in Europe – 25:20Utrecht and Lars – 27:30Biking in the Netherlands – 29:50Amsterdam Phil’s car – 30:45Gay Pride in Amsterdam - 32Record Store – 34: 15Dive Bar in Amsterdam – 36: 30Bicycle is King – 38:00Dashing Bicycles- 39:20Back to Amsterdam- 41:10Mustang Convertible across Belgium – 45:40Paris – 46:00Pompidou – 47:20Rich on the Louve - 49:00Documentary about New Orleans – 50:20Glasgow- 52:40Tease of when Geoff gets back in US – 54:00

Geoff & Joel return with the first of two new episodes regarding their respective summer travels. They rock-paper-scissored to see who goes first, and of course Joel won. They also introduce a new producer, Aidan (who is awesome) and the OG producer Rich VK enters mid-show with food. You can’t write this shit. Plus a Drew Brees/ Tony Dagradi prank. Fun stuff. Liner Notes here from 1st time producer (they got soooo much better in 2nd episode- we didn’t really do any training for him so cut him some slack). Thanks for listening, subscribing, sharing! Liner NotesJoel’s Europe trip with the swamp donkeys:-traveled 40 hours from New Orleans to Manchester-driving the van -let me give people some advice -roundabouts -rich v kay enters-military truck story-Newcastle gig-Kate from cobalt -Band meeting-Shout out to Ryan from the Domino -Geoff’s Utrecht story -Dutch techno-Screaming kids on airplane-Airports-catching the door -getting off the plane

Geoff & Joel started recording podcasts in 2012. However, the first iteration of the show we never actually published and distributed the episodes, even though we recorded a ton of shows back in the day. So on occasion, we publish one of those archived episodes that we term a PodKive.On the Monday morning following the Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco., Geoff and Joel break down the weekend from their hotel.. There is an Andy Dick’ish relevant story which is why we dug it up from the old hard drive and published now. Plus production golf cart stories of course. Thanks for listening. New episodes coming soon!

OG Liner Notes from this replay episode #66, Part One:Stacey Pfingsten, Executive Director of Louisiana Architectural Foundation joins the show to talk about next weekend's Architecture & Design Film Festival: New Orleans. Joining Stacey is photographer Catherine Ledner whose documentary about her architect father Albert Ledner will premiere at the New Orleans Museum of Art on Friday, August 25. Not to mention Catherine's Mimi Beulah Ledner, the Queen of the iconic New Orleans pastry, the Doberge cake. What a delightful conversation.