Louisiana Insider

In tandem with the new season of sister publication New Orleans Magazine's "Beyond the Beads" podcast, we're launching a crossover episode. Producer, and occasional host, Kelly Massicot talks to Vice producer and storyteller Jackson Garrett. Garrett and Vice will release a new documentary this year highlighting the culture and traditions behind Cajun Mardi Gras. Garrett shares his insight into the celebration and what he hopes viewers learn from his experience.

Louisiana is blessed with several areas of natural wonders including the Gulf of Mexico's shore and barrier islands, the Kisatchie Forest and the Atchafalaya Basin. The basin cuts north-south from near Simmesport to Morgan City. Historian Jason Theriot joins host Errol Laborde and podcast Kelly Massicot to talk about this ancient wonderland of swamps, cypress trees, wildlife and native cultures. He also discusses the impact of floods and modern efforts to keep the area rivers on course. Then there are food sources. What's the basin's most popular fish for eating? Here's a hint, keep a frying pan nearby.

George Rodrigue is one of Louisiana's all-time important artists, and may be the most important at depicting images of early like in Cajun Culture. He created scenes of celebrations beneath moss laden oak trees; life of the bayou and even Evangeline. Then there is the Blue Dog – a descendent of a family pet and the fictional loup-garou that prowls the swamps. TV producer Sean O'Malley joins host Errol Laborde and podcast producer Kelly Massicot to talk about his documentary, “Blue; The Life and Art of George Rodrigue.”  Hear about Rodrigue's genius as an artist and as a marketer both of which contributed to the world's image of the Cajun life. (And don't worry about the dog; he's friendly.)

Ok, here's a Louisiana Trivia Question: Who originated the state's motto, “Union, Justice and Confidence?” And why? Historian Jason Theriot joins host Errol Laborde and podcast producer Kelly Massicot to talk about his research on the motto's origin, as well as the historic ideals that the motto was supposed to represent. He also tells stories from his book "Frenchie," about soldiers from Louisiana who spoke the native language in France during World War II. Here is history from two eras in one conversation. As for the originator of the motto... hint: It was not Huey Long.

Folks in Central Louisiana sometimes refer to their beloved section of the state as “CENLA.” There was a time when some wags might have referred to the city of Alexandria and the area around it as “Sinla.” Historian Michael Wynne joins host Errol Laborde, and podcast producer Kelly Massicot, to talk about discoveries from researching his new book, "Flaunting their finery and audaciousness: The Notorious Brothels, Gambling Houses, Opium Dens and Saloons of Alexandria (Central Louisiana)." Wynne has tales to tell about the period from the late 1800's into the World War I era, when some cities had a bawdy reputation that paralleled New Orleans' famous Storyville. This discussion is a surprising slice of life that once ran contrary to its bible belt reputation. But part of the story is why it disappeared.

Political analyst Robert Collins joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde to talk about the past historic Nov. 5 election. Collins, a political science professor at Dillard University and a political analyst for WVUE TV Fox 8, discusses what was learned from Donald Trump's election including the domination of the Republican party not only for the presidency but in Congressional elections. He also discusses possible shifts in voting trends especially among Black  and Hispanic voters. The discussion raised important questions, particularly in preparation for future elections, including why so many pollsters were wrong.

Journalist Peter Finney Jr. joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde and podcast producer Kelly Massicot to talk about his new book, “Drago's: An American Journey.” It is a compelling story about the Civitanovich family that migrated from Croatia after World War II and the eventual evolution of a great seafood restaurant, Drago's, best known for its signature dish Charbroiled Oysters. One of the founder's sons would be known for the dish; the other son would become an emergency medicine specialist and is coroner of Jefferson Parish. It is a story of hard work, ambition and the American dream that started across the ocean. ...If you ever have a chance, try the oysters.

If you have lived in New Orleans for any time at all you have heard about this fellow referred to simply as “Bienville” –although his baptismal name was Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. The native of Montreal gets the credit for founding New Orleans and being the Louisiana territory's colonial governor as part of the exploits, for the French crown, with his explorer big brother Iberville. Historian Sally Asher joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, and podcast producer Kelly Massicot, to tell about the founder and his many quirks, including a fondness for tattoos and an ability to communicate with local native tribes. Then there is the story about how he once fooled the British. There is a Louisiana parish and a prominent New Orleans street named after him, plus there is a statue in the French Quarter. There are also lots of stories and we will tell a few of them.

It was along Bayou Teche, at St. Martinville, where Evangeline, according of Henry Longfellow's classic poem, searched for her love Gabriel. The two had been separated by the Acadian expulsion from Nova Scotia. Not far away in Breaux Bridge there is a happier scene at the annual Crawfish Festival when the bounty is served. At New Iberia, Weeks Hall, a renowned artist and photographer, restored Shadows on the Teche a once rundown ante-bellum home that would become a piece of art in itself. The town is also the site of the Bayou Teche Museum, which provides a visual journey down the waterway. Michael Tarantino, a member of the museum's board, joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde and podcast producer Kelly Massicot to talk about the 125 mile long bayou, as well as the museum and the surrounding Cajun country. In a state blessed with many bayous, the Teche is one of the most historic and picturesque. Had fate allowed, It would have been a great stream for Gabriel and Evangeline to appreciate many Sunday afternoon pirogue rides.

It is not the most poetic of nicknames but it is backed by science. Author Ned Randolph joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde and podcast producer Kelly Massicot to talk about his new book, "Muddy Thinking in the Mississippi River Delta," and his experiences covering the state's landscape including the river known informally as “The Big Muddy.” Because the Mississippi River drains much of the central part of the continent, the water carries sediments from upriver along the way that in turn has built riverbanks and nourished marshes and swamps and, near the river's mouth, given the Gulf of Mexico its chocolatey color. It has also built land that would one day give the region, “the blues.” And speaking of colors, the sediment's rich soil also enriches the land for our indigenous “Creole tomato.” You will likely gain a new appreciation for mud including it being the building substance for the Mississippi Delta region – all the better for sitting on a  levee and listening to the blues.

For this the 200th edition of Louisiana Life magazine's “Louisiana Insider” podcast, we feature the magazine's most awarded feature writer. Kevin Rabalais has been the first place winner several times as designated by the International Regional Magazine Association (IRMA) for his articles mostly on the outdoors. A 2022 feature on alligator hunting helped the magazine win its second Magazine of the Year award from the association. The native of Bunkie in Avoyelles Parish, who teaches journalistic related courses at Loyola University, joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde and podcast producer Kelly Massicot to talk about his experiences covering the state's landscape including his encounters with feral pigs and a visit to a turtle hatchery. He has explored throughout the state although to date he has still not spotted a legendary “Rougarou,” but if anyone gets an interview, it will be him.

You have heard of Basin Street and its blues? Well intersecting that street on the edge of New Orleans' French Quarter is “Conti,” a street that was part of the neighborhood that gave Basin its reputation because of the surrounding Storyville red-light district. Storyville has been closed since 1917 but now there is a great new museum that creates an immersive journey into the city's, and the district's, past. Claus Sadlier, the owner/curator of the New Orleans Storyville Museum, joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, and podcast producer Kelly Massicot, to discuss the museum including its virtual visuals, holograms, videos, vintage photographs, narrations and artifacts. Sadlier is also a compelling storyteller with tales to tell about the district – including the music actually played in the bordellos. It wasn't just the blues.

Presidential politics and energy expert Jay Hakes, a former University of New Orleans Political Science professor, has written a compelling new book about contemporary presidents and their response to environmental issues. He helped organize Jimmy Carter's Louisiana campaign in 1976 and he would go on to manage the Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta for 13 years. As an energy expert, he spent time shaping energy policy for the state of Florida and, under Carter, headed the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Hakes joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde and podcast producer Kelly Massicot to discuss his latest book, “The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science and Politics from Eisenhower to Bush,” published by LSU Press. The wide ranging discussion also includes shaping public opinion (such as the awareness of the dangers from second hand cigarette smoke) and the future of electric vehicles. It is high powered conversation.

Sometimes life seems to move in a circle taking its passengers from where they started, to other destinations and then back again. Some of the literary figures who were regulars at the historic Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans' French Quarter – like Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams – might have experienced that in their journeys for discovery, or maybe they were just enjoying a great cocktail at an unforgettable bar. Customers at the Hotel Monteleone's Carousel Bar have now been able to explore the circle of life for 75 years. The namesake libation lounge has reached a significant anniversary while still powered by a one-fourth-horsepower motor that enables a full turn every 15 minutes. Beverage Manager and historian for the hotel, Marvin Allen joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with Producer Kelly Massicot, to talk about the bar and its signature cocktails including the Vieux Carre, which was created to reflect the culture of New Orleans. How so? Join the ride to find out.

One evening in 1949, a group of women stormed into the lobby of the majestic Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans. They headed straight to the bar and demanded to be served Sazeracs, the house specialty and a New Orleans legendary cocktail. What else could the bartender do? A round of Sazeracs for everyone? The geo-social implication of the event was that prior to that night, women were not allowed in that bar, except – of course – for Mardi Gras Day. But now another barrier was broken. The hotel's Director of Sales & Marketing Cam Rinard joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with Producer Kelly Massicot, to talk about to the annual re-creation of the event now known as “Stormin' of the Sazerac.” The Roosevelt, by the way, had been a favorite hangout for Gov. Huey Long, who enjoyed the bar. The hotel was managed by Long crony Seymour Weiss. That may or may not have anything to do with the “storming” but it does show that there was a lot of colorful history at the hotel. Listen and learn more.

As a former Louisiana Secretary of State, Insurance Commissioner and State Senator, Jim Brown has had to cross many rivers including the Mississippi, Atchafalaya, the Red and the Pearl. In his retirement, Brown has had the chance to wade in the Jordan River.                          Brown joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde to talk about his new book, “Jesus, Jews, Jihad and Me: My Jerusalem Journey.” He visited the holy land last year, a region known for the wisdom of the prophets but where he also learned and sensed something was wrong. The day after he left, the war began.

“Down the River” is more than a variant of a poker game. For the writer it can be a stream for words; for the adventurer it can be a highway past great cities and alongside bountiful wetlands. Boyce Upholt, a prolific author who describes himself as a “nature critic” talks to Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with Producer Kelly Massicot, about his new book, “The Great River: The Making and Unmaking of the Mississippi.” The greatest of all the continent's rivers, the Mississippi River provides life for much of the country's central section. It is also a source of wealth and concerns; particularly monitoring its levees as well as assuring that the stream does not wander off course. The book includes stories of canoeing down river; the area's blues heritage; and the challenge of keeping the river environmentally sound. Meanwhile, “ol' man river he just keeps rollin' along.”

As a chef, Eric Cook is known for having lots of spice and flavor in his creations. The same can be said about his conversations. Cook – who owns Gris-Gris restaurant on Magazine Street in New Orleans' Garden District, as well as restaurant Saint John located along the streetcar line on St. Charles Avenue near Lafayette Square – has had plenty in the oven lately. That includes relocating Saint John from its original French Quarter location and putting together a book, “Modern Creole: A Taste of New Orleans Culture and Cuisine.” In an information-rich podcast, Cook talks to Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with Producer Kelly Massicot, about the joys of fishing; the challenges of the restaurant business; the wonders of oysters; why pompano is so special; and how to make “red gravy.” As for his new book, he explains his interpretation of “Modern Creole.” We know this for sure: It will have a good mix of culture and cuisine.

After traumatic events, such as hurricanes, there are  two areas in particular that need damage repair. One is the actual physical destruction and the other can be the psychological damage. A two-part documentary produced and streamed by Louisiana Public Broadcasting deals with both areas. One “Trauma in the Wake of Climate Change” looks at the life strategies for re-building; and the other “After the Storms” examines Lake Charles' 2020 recovery from Hurricane Laura. Avery White and Ben Johnson, the LPB producers responsible for the two presentations, talk to Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with Producer Kelly Massicot, about survival and the ongoing struggles.

There was a time and region where a homerun might have been exclaimed as being a coup de circuit! The added excitement that the ball may have landed in a field such as near the southwest Louisiana towns of Rayne or Crowley (whose teams were the Rice Birds and the Millers) added to the local color. Those were the days of the Evangeline League, a minor but colorful baseball group that played ball mostly west of the Atchafalaya between 1934 and 1957. Historian Brian Altobello joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde along with Producer Kelly Massicot to talk about the league including its stars and its controversies; such as gambling questions and racial issues. Altobello, whose book “Whiskey, Women, and War: How the Great War Shaped Jim Crow New Orleans,” provides great insights into the city's postwar period also talks about that rugged time. As in baseball, a constant goal was to be safe at home.

Randy Fertel knows how to serve with a sizzle, including on steaks or in life. Fertel, the son of Ruth's Chris's Steakhouse founder Ruth Fertel (known for her butter-topped sizzling steaks), is an author who is fascinated with ideas.  He joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde along with Producer Kelly Massicot to talk about his latest book, "WINGING IT: Improv's Power and Peril in the Age of Trump," which takes a philosophical but fascinating dive into the topic of improvisation as a tool of innovation. Examples abound including the musical "Hamilton" performed in hip-hop. Or his father who once ran for Mayor of New Orleans on the promise of bringing a gorilla to the zoo. (He lost, but delivered anyway.) Also, here's a chance to learn the truth about just how the steak got its sizzle.

Liz Williams dishes out information about food in several different servings. She is the founder of New Orleans' Southern Food and Beverage Museum (SoFab). She has written books about food,  the latest being “So Fab Cookbook: Recipes from the Modern South,” and she writes a column about food for Louisiana Life magazine. She also has a podcast called “Tip of the Tongue," and she's a magician in the kitchen. Williams joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with Producer Kelly Massicot, to talk about Southern food and what that term means today and answers questions such as: for gumbo –file or okra? What's the difference Creole vs. Cajun?  She also reveals what her menu would be if pressed to prepare the ultimate Louisiana meal and what is her favorite comfort food dish. Hint: It's served with rice.

Few people understand Louisiana, especially its politics, history and issues, better than Robert Mann. He is an author of several books about Louisiana politics, none so close to the topic as his most recent publication, "Kingfish U," a rollicking history of Huey Long and his championing of LSU. Mann has been an insider working for prominent elected officials including Russell Long, John Breaux and Kathleen Blanco, and he has had bylines in newspapers for covering the political beat. Mann joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with Producer Kelly Massicot, to talk about the condition of the state in the Jeff Landry era. It is a compelling discussion, especially when he analyzes the most serious issue facing the state. He also pronounces his pick of the worst governor ever. And it wasn't that long ago.

We know, sometimes back pains can be a real pain in the neck, or something like that. Between our extremities and our shoulders muscles get tight, tensions increase. Beth Winkler is a physical therapist who worked at a hospital where she specialized in outpatient care and developed her own ideas about how to make therapy more compassionate. She now operates her own business, Magnolia Physical Therapy, and has stories to tell. Winkler joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with producer Kelly Massicot, to talk about the healing power of the mind and techniques such as visualization. She knows the issues from first experience. She even learned to cure herself from a concussion. Therapy, of course, frequently involves using your head, even for a neck ache.

This week, producer Kelly Massicot is taking on the role as host to talk to New Orleans culinary icon Poppy Tooker about a special cocktail that got its start in the Crescent City. Thanks to her obsession with the Apple TV+ show "Palm Royale," where The Grasshopper acts as one of the stars, Massicot enlists Tooker to share her knowledge into the history of both one of the city's oldest restaurants and a cocktail that has been a crowd pleaser since 1918. What other drink was Tooker surprised to find the recipe for hidden in the back of a picture frame? Listen to find out!

Insurance is supposed to provide security; in Louisiana it has become a crisis. We hear stories of homeowners being challenged to pay house notes because of the growing costs of home insurance. Automobile rates have increased, too, and what about health costs? Jim Brown who served as a Louisiana state senator, Secretary of State and Insurance Commissioner (1991- 2000) joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with producer Kelly Massicot, to talk about a volatile industry. He also explains why rates tend to be less in neighboring Mississippi and offers his suggestion of an important change for the Insurance Commissioner's office. Rate payers should be aware.

Imagine Louisiana without French. Even if you don't hear it often, you know that it is there and part of the state's history, culture and even its music and food. Well, it could have happened. In 1925 a state law was passed which, in effect, forbade the teaching of the French language in Louisiana. Perhaps the language was seen as being a stigma, but the law was certainly a mistake. In the years to follow, an effort was started to rescind the law and, to the contrary, embrace the language with its variations including Cajun and Creole. Mavis Arnaud Fruge, who is credited with starting the state's French revival movement, joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with producer Kelly Massicot, to tell her story. Joining her are filmmakers Bill Rodman and Flo Rodman whose documentary about the revival, “Mavis: One Simple Sentence,” has recently been released by Louisiana Public Broadcasting. With efforts such as CODIFIL and French immersion schooling the drive to save the language has gotten stronger. Why is French Important? The producers and Fruge make their case. To that we say, ”Merci.”

Here is a dash of chicory for your daily podcast listening. The Louisiana-based Community Coffee company is now in its 105th year. Headquartered in Baton Rouge with facilities in New Orleans, Community is the largest family-owned and operated retail coffee brand in the country and a top selling brand not only in Louisiana but throughout the South. Matt Saurage, the fourth generation owner and Chairman of Community, joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with producer Kelly Massicot, to tell the story of the company's 1919 origin in founder Cap Saurage's Baton Rouge grocery store. Cap was so fascinated with mixing coffee blends he decided to enter the business, which now imports beans from Central America and Africa. Matt also talks about the company's signature dark roast brand and he offers a defense for chicory, which is more than an extender but offers its own flavors and which he always drinks straight up. In addition to coffee roasting, Community lives up to its name by having a history of making community contributions. It is a conversation that is full bodied and never decaffeinated.

Louisiana was the location for the very first Tarzan movie, back in 1917 when actor Elmo Lincoln swung from the trees near Morgan City where the Atchafalaya Swamp played the role of Africa. Louisiana has produced many more settings including for the early burlesque comedians Abbott and Costello whose rocket flight to mars misfired and they landed in New Orleans where the day happened to be Mardi Gras and they mistook the street maskers for martians. Alfred Richard, a film critic whose gigs include a weekly appearance of WWL TV's morning news and frequent appearance on WYES TV's “Steppin' Out” joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with producer Kelly Massicot, to talk about the local movie scene. We will also hear the podcast staff's comments on "Barbie" and, as a bonus, Richard's experience in the role of “Chocolate Thunder” as one of the longtime member of the 610 Stompers. It is fun conversation worthy of a movie.

No sports figure represent mores of an emotional tug of war than Steve Gleason. It was he that, on the glorious night in 2006 when the New Orleans Saints returned to the Superdome after being away for a season because of the damage done by Hurricane Katrina, blocked a punt in the first two minutes of the national televised game that gave the Saints a touchdown. They never looked back the entire game. Gleason's now legendary big play is even immortalized in a statue outside the Dome. But Gleason's story also represents one of life's blocks since he contracted amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), known commonly as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Times-Picayune reporter Jeff Duncan joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde along with Producer Kelly Massicot to talk about "A Life Impossible: Living with ALS: Finding Peace and Wisdom Within a Fragile Existence," the book he has co-authored with Gleason who now communicates through an eye-blink sensitive computer software system. Gleason's story is one of heroism, including that of his wife Michel, and his family. Duncan weaves it all together beautifully. It is a story that must be told, read about and certainly, through the podcast, listened to.

 Ramon Vargas, a former reporter for the New Orleans Times-Picayune and now an editor/reporter for the London-based publication The Guardian, has for several years been covering sex scandals mostly between adult educator authority figures and school age youth. Most of his work has centered around the Roman Catholic church in the New Orleans area but has wider implications. Recently, information released by the Louisiana State police who gained access to what has been private documents, has opened shocking revelations of new charges many made by alleged former victims. Vargas joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with producer Kelly Massicot, to talk about what was learned from the affidavits including what church officials might have known but not revealed.  

Don't you hate it when three alligator brothers will not listen to each other when trying to find a safe place to build a home? The reason: Well, two of the brothers, Bumpy and Lumpy, ignore the other brother, Stumpy, who they think has a big mouth and who always reminds his siblings that he knows better. If you think Stumpy has problems, there is a story about Wilbur, the neighborhood sheep, who is ignored because his ideas are always very unsheep-like. Such is a day in the menagerie of Leslie (Hebert) Helakowski, a Lafayette native who divides her time in Michigan writing nationally-acclaimed children's books – 15 so far. She joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with Producer Kelly Massicot, to talk about the art of appealing to children through story telling. Will anyone ever listen to Lumpy? And does Wilbur have any credibility at all? These and other questions can be answered by getting to know Leslie and her books.

In 1984, New Orleans hosted the Louisiana World's Exposition, known more simply as the world's fair. Through the years the evaluations have been similar – the fair was financially challenging but the locals loved it. Peggy Scott Laborde, a producer for public TV station WYES, was at the time a co-host and producer for WDSU TV Ch. 6's coverage from the fair. She has since done a documentary on the event, as well as a follow-up featuring some of the people involved with the event. She joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with producer Kelly Massicot, to recall the fair's many great memories as well as the hardships. The interview also looks into the future and at the possible great legacies from the fair still ahead.

Secretive Men's organizations –º such as the Free Masons, Elks, Odd Fellows and many more – did not originate just for the sake of privacy. In many cases they had a social purposes such as providing health and security benefits for themselves at a time when neither government nor private enterprise provided much of either. Some groups were also a source of business and social connections. Jari Honora, an historian and genealogist who curated an exhibit for the Historic New Orleans Collection entitled Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art, joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with producer Kelly Massicot, to discuss the organizations, which had a strong presence in New Orleans as well as globally. In New Orleans and Mobile the structure of the groups even had an influence on Carnival krewes. The groups also left a strong architectural presence either through their lodges; office buildings and memorial sites. The interview offers a rare opportunity to peer inside the world of secrecy.

Louisiana's longest running weekly news TV program celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. During that time topics have included the Katrina recovery; the David Duke vs. Edwin Edwards gubernatorial runoff; a World's Fair; the ups and downs of the economy; crime and even the Saints magical season. Marcia Kavanaugh, the WYES TV show's longtime host, joins Errol Laborde, the program's producer as well as "Louisiana Insider" host and executive editor of Louisiana Life, to discuss 40 years of big stories as well as top newsmakers.

Words are for reading, but sometimes it is good to pause and have a word or two about words themselves: how they are used; where they have taken us. Louisiana Life magazine Editor Reine Dugas joins Louisiana Life's Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with producer Kelly Massicot, to discuss Southern literature and who have been some of the best practitioners. They also discuss the art of writing, as well as the future of the book industry and some of their own writing tips. (They might have added a list of cliches that should be avoided “like the plague.”)

Just having survived in New Orleans as a poor French Jewish immigrant was a major accomplishment for young Leon Godchaux. But having lived a life in his adopted city where he eventually opened his own department store, mastered the use of the newly-invented sewing machine for better clothes quality and then to establish a major sugar refinery upriver from New Orleans – which would be a model or the rest of the sugar industry – was a life well lived. Peter M. Wolf, the author of “Sugar King: Leon Godchaux: A New Orleans Legend; His Creole Slave and His Jewish Roots,” joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with producer Kelly Massicot, to discuss the history of an amazing man who also secretly purchased a Creole slave in order to liberate him, and would later become a business partner. Wolf also reveals what happened to the engine for Godchaux's train that was used to haul items throughout the refinery. Hint:  In was relocated to a major theme park.

Louisiana is a state full of images: the swamps, New Orleans, Mardi Gras, sunsets over the Gulf, shrimp boats, musicians and you can add a touch of Voodoo. Longtime curator for The Historic New Orleans Collection John Lawrence joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with producer Kelly Massicot, to discuss the history of photography as presented in the collection's must-have new publication, “Louisiana Lens.” The book is filled with fascinating images dating back from the early days of  “metal, paper and glass” photography to the present digital explosion. Lawrence also recalls some of his all-time favorite photographs.

Sally Asher is a historian, photographer and tour guide who specializes in the bawdy days of the early 20th century in New Orleans and the life and death of the Storyville bordello district. Asher joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with producer Kelly Massicot, to discuss how the city adapted to two major concerns of the times: prostitution and boozing. In both cases New Orleans has its own creative solutions. As a photographer she also has fascinating stories to tell including the time when the Dali Lama met Dr. John and who was most impressed with whom.

Even in the worst of times great stories about compassionate people emerge. Stories such as the case of Julius Rosenwald, who in the tense days pf the early 19th Century was concerned that kids from African American families in the South were denied educational opportunities because of segregation laws. Rosenwald, who had achieved wealth at the managerial level of the Chicago based Sears and Roebuck company, became a major philanthropist and used much of his wealth to fight social problems. He cooperated with educator Booker T. Washington to help fund schools throughout the South that gave opportunities to minorities.  Kenneth Hoffman, the executive director of the New Orleans-based Museum of the of Southern Jewish Experience, joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde to tell the story of the Rosenwald schools, a movement that was eventually responsible for approximately 5000 new two-classroom schools. Of the schools built in Louisiana one building, in Donaldsonville, still stands and is used as a museum with an incredible story to display.

As a former TV news anchor, Warren Bell reported news of the day. Now in retirement, Bell is discovering news from the past and his sources are archives and cemeteries. Bell joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with producer Kelly Massicot, to discuss his new documentary “Buried History: Finding Our Past.” The story centers around St. Louis Cemetery # 2 where he discovered a deteriorating family tomb. That began a search for family records and also an investigation of  the old cemetery, which once was the burial place of  mixed family groups including African-American Creoles. Not only did he learn much about his roots, but also links to others, including early musicians who were entombed there. Bell also discusses the research options available to those who want to learn more about their families and the business side of cemeteries.

Louisiana has always been known as a great state for news. The news itself my not have always been great but the flow of reporting on the politics, disaster, lifestyles and good times within a multi-cultural state has been continuous. Jari C. Honora, historian and genealogist for the Historic New Orleans Collection, joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde to talk about the evolution of newspapers in the state including the rise of publications targeting the black community and the challengers of the modern news media.

Rubensteins New Orleans has always been a place to shop for quality clothes. Now, the New Orleans business provides a quality place to stay. Located at Canal Street and St. Charles Avenue, Rubensteins has long shown a commitment to the city's downtown. That support has been further expressed by combining some of its adjacent buildings into a new quality boutique hotel. Family member Kenny Rubenstein, an owner and general manager of the store, talks to Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde and producer Kelly Massicot about retail, urban downtowns and customer loyalty. He also explains the intricacies of running two businesses that not only provide a place to spend your day, but to end your day as well.

This week's episode is a crossover with sister podcast "Beyond the Beads" from New Orleans Magazine. Since the early 20th Century, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club has been a prominent figure in Carnival culture. From the meeting of the Courts every Lundi Gras to throwing their famous coconuts each Mardi Gras day, Errol and Elroy tackle all aspects of the krewe both in and outside of the Carnival season.

John Burke knows about swamps. He spends time living close to the Atchafalaya swamp near Patterson, Louisiana. Earlier in his career  he was involved in a business of making caviar from the roe of the choupique, a  native fish whose eggs have some of the similar properties properties usen in European caviar. Now he gives swamp tours. His company, Cajun Encounters, not only takes everyday tourist into the swamps, but media celebrities too, such as Troy Landry, the star of the "Swamp People" TV series. Burke talks to Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde about life in the swamps; the beauty and the creepiness. We will also hear about the estimates that there are 2 million gators living in Louisiana. Now that's creepy.

Why are people from Louisiana leaving? Well, not all of them are, but there has been a subtle decline enough to make people wonder. “Jobs” is usually the answer, but there is some good news for the future, including in the energy- and tech-based industries. Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc. (a nonprofit agency dedicate to economic development), talks to Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde about both the challenges and the successes of the Gulf South region. We will also hear why Houston and Atlanta developed so quickly from once being relatively small southern towns to national economic giants.

Dennis Woltering had a long and distinguished career as the nightly news anchor on WWL tv, Ch. 4. Since retiring, he is still frequently in front of a camera and has lots of stories to tell. Acting as an independent producer, he has created documentaries of high-profile locals, including career healthcare pioneer Alton Ochsner and float builder Blaine Kern. (Both were shown on local public tv's WYES tv., Ch. 12. ) His very latest  effort (also on WYES) is “Louisiana Inventors and Innovators,” six profiles of imaginative locals who had big ideas and made them work. The documentary includes stories like drilling for deep water oil; a better way to peel shrimp and even selling lightweight vacuum cleaners. Woltering talks to Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde about his latest project. Producer Kelly Massicot handles the technical effort. Here's a listening tip: You will also hear how a steak got its sizzle.

There are lots of questions raised by numbers; fortunately, many answers have been found. Allison Plyer, chief demographer for the New Orleans-based Data Center, looks at both sides including analyzing why Louisiana's population is declining and why there is still a large presence of  handgun use. This week, Plyer shares her thoughts with Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with the technical expertise of producer Kelly Massicot. Plyer also specializes in analyzing critical Gulf Coast environmental issues. It is important conversation that should not be missed.

Arguably, no one knows Louisiana food better than Stanley Dry. Having served 21 years of writing the food column for Louisiana Life – as well as having been a contributor to national publications including Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, The New York Times and the Times' Book review – Dry, who is retiring from writing, also provided the recipes for a published Louisiana Life recipe collection, “The Essential Louisiana Cookbook. ” He joined Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with podcast producer Kelly Massicot, to talk food and recipes of many types including his favorites in several categories. It is an engaging interview that covers his experiences at table sides and in his own kitchen and gardens, plus he revels his favorite Louisiana themed dinner. Listen closely and you can hear about his top choice fish dish and a surprise ingredient for crawfish boil.

Gordon “Nick” Mueller once had a conversation with Stephen Ambrose, a history professor colleague at the University of New Orleans. What Ambrose had to say would make history itself. He proposed a project to build a museum focused on the Normandy D-Day invasions. Taking advantage of the university's lakefront location – which would be used to test the Higgins landing boats used in the invasion – plus Ambrose's volumes of interviews on the war, the idea seemed like a natural. From that day, Mueller's career took a new track toward his own landing as the founding President and CEO of what would eventually be called The National World War II Museum. Now regarded as one of the nation's best museums and ranking high in attendance, the museum project that Ambrose envisioned, like the Normandy invasion, was a success tough with a heavy drama an obstacles along the way. Mueller joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with podcast producer Kelly Massicot, to talk about the war and the new book he co-authored, along with research historian Kali Matin Schick, entitled “Building the National WWII Museum.” There are lots of stories in the interview including that of Ambrose's reaction the first time he saw a personal screening of his book, “Saving Private Ryan” having been made into a movie.

Louisiana has a rich literary history. All authors conduct interviews as part of their craft, but only one wondered what it would be like to interview a vampire. As another Louisiana author, Kate Chopin, might have said about Anne Rice's vampire book, it was an awakening. Peggy Scott Laborde, a producer and documentary maker for public television station WYES tv in New Orleans joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with podcast producer Kelly Massicot, to talk about her latest documentary, “Literary New Orleans.” The program opens the book on some of the best works from the Louisiana literary scene. We will also hear about why Tennessee Williams changed the name of the play he was working on from “The Poker Night” to “Streetcar named Desire.”