It's New Orleans: Mindset

Evan Christopher is a New Orleans based jazz clarinetist and composer. He is known for his unique style which blends contemporary jazz with the styles of early New Orleans jazz musicians. Dr. Nick sat down with Evan to see how a boy from Long Beach, California came to appreciate New Orleans style jazz, and how that appreciation grew into him becoming one of the most respected and lauded jazz musicians in New Orleans. Evan also talks about how being both the product of adoption and divorce has affected his current relationship, how he sort of fell into becoming an ambassador for New Orleans, and why being a musician is so important and not something to be taken lightly.

Garden District revolutionary

Morris Bart is one of New Orleans most visible attorneys. The success of his law firm, coupled with the proliferation of his radio and television advertisements, has made Morris Bart synonymous with personal injury attorneys in New Orleans. Bart began practicing law in 1978 and was one of the first lawyers in the country to advertise legal services on television. In this episode of Mindset, Morris Bart sits down with psychiatrist Nick Pejic to discuss his childhood, his rise to prominence, and the source of his drive for success.

The first lady of New Orleans comedy and theater

Manhattan Jack is an innocuous looking storefront on Prytania Street in Uptown New Orleans, at first glance not remarkably different from other coffee shops that punctuate the neighborhood. But walk inside and you discover that coffee is just a small part of this place. Everything from gourmet pastries and handmade in store chocolates to a full breakfast and lunch menu is available. As you look across the array of cakes, chocolates, and pastries, and watch an array of lunches being delivered to tables, you can't help but wonder what team of chocolatiers, bakers, and chefs are at work here. That team is one man Jack Petronella. AKA Manhattan Jack. In this episode of Mindset, Dr. Pejic walks with the extraordinarily talented Jack down a rocky road strewn with tragedy, loss, and long bouts of painful self discovery that has led from Manhattan to Jack's eponymous storefront in New Orleans. Manhattan Jack's is an ultimately inspiring and uplifting tale of love and faith, but it's far from over.

Marijuana's best friend

Inside the Uptown life of one of New Orleans' oldest society families.

The harrowing tales of a hurricane hero

Over Irma Thomas s 50 year career she has won a Grammy, released chart topping hits, and collected a few ex husbands on the way. She is an institution of the city s music, and is called the Soul Queen of New Orleans. Dr. Nick sits down with Mrs. Thomas to talk about how she overcame personal and social obstacles to become the success she is today, and why it takes more than a pretty voice to be a success. Irma talks about to Nick about her childhood, her rise to fame, and her unique perspective on fame and success. Irma s mix of dedication, self reliance, and the ability to laugh at herself has made her a singer that continues to stay relevant in her city.

New Orleans has always been a city where the music comes from, and this is especially true in the world of hip hop. Some of hip hop s biggest stars including Lil Wayne, Juvenile, and Master P started in New Orleans. But even superstars need their first big break. If you re a hip hop artist in New Orleans, that first big break probably comes from radio DJ Wild Wayne. Wild Wayne s show on Q93 is the most popular show on the city s most listened to radio station. In his long career as a radio host, Wayne has given countless artists their first radio exposure. But Wayne does more than just spin records, he has used his show "Real Talk" as a platform to talk about issues that affect the African American and urban community. When it comes to helping young artists, Wayne does far more than just give their songs a few radio plays, he is the creator of Industry Influence, a monthly event that educates hip hop artists on the ins and outs of the music industry. On this episode of Mindset, Wild Wayne sits down with Dr. Pejic to discuss his journey to becoming New Orleans s most successful radio personality, as well as why he feels so committed to fostering creativity in a new generation of artists.

Starting as a renegade led to a life of respectability

The extraordinary John Georges in his own words

New Orleans' highest achieving hot dog vendor

The mind and life of New Orleans' leading man

The journey from Uptown parties, dating, love, and a promising career, to the priesthood

Laurie White discovers that being a criminal court judge is as much about being judged.

Aidan Gill