Planet NOLA

Planet NOLA host Mary Jacobs and Marcelle Beaulieu of @louisianahbrah talk about the 2022 elections in the State of Louisiana - viral ads, candidates, campaigns, the importance of voting, and how it's not rude to talk politics. Want to know what's on your ballot? Visit geauxvote.com.

Mandie Landry currently represents District 91 in the Louisiana House of Representatives and is running for Senate District 5. She and host Mary Jacobs talk about managing her own social media accounts and her unapologetic platform advocating for women. If you want to learn more about Mandie as a person and her platforms tune in to this episode!

In Planet NOLA's Season 2 bonus, we're talking elections. Meet Davante Lewis, a candidate for Louisiana's District 3 Public Service Commission. If you're asking yourself what does the public service commission do, you'll learn in this episode. And, you'll learn why you may not know already. Spoiler: monopolies don't want us to know who has a hand in regulating them. https://www.instagram.com/davanteforla/ (@davanteforla)

Join host Mary Jacobs and co-producer of Carrie Moulder for a down memory lane as they debrief Season 2. If you're a lover of the pod, you'll appreciate hearing about the process of guest selection and plans for the future plus our gratitude for all that's been completed! 

Sage Michael is a community organizer, activist, New Orleans East resident, and so much more. One of his dreams is to see a revitalization of the historic Lincoln Beach. Listen to learn about this project, for about 15 history lessons, and to be inspired by someone who is dedicating their life to making a space for his community.

Lowell Landes is a retiree living in the best retirement home in New Orleans, overlooking Frenchmen street and the Mississippi River. He's a joyful party animal that moonlights as a film actor. Lowell has some of the best turn-of-phrases you'll ever hear. Enjoy New Orleans through his eyes and gain some of his sage wisdom along the way.

Jasmine Johnson is like a very rare flowering plant. You likely did not know who she was, but now that you know you're like "How has this beautiful flower not been known to me before?" Then, suddenly, you have a whole new favorite flower. Mary and Jasmine have been rolling together since they were teens. If you want to hear all about their lives as badass Catholic school girls, this is the episode for you. Jasmine dives into being raised Southern Baptist, how she's never felt "NOLA enough," and her incredible work as a healer. Find Jasmine on Instagram: @sagehandsmb

Laura Sanders has big joyful mid-western kind energy with a heaping dose of New Orleans fun. You'll learn a little bit more about managing your creative energy while working freelance, new information about the New Orleans boat scene, and how to open mic like a pro. Laura is also the designer of our incredible Planet NOLA logo! Follow her at @yaylaurasanders.

Terri Simon is an Alt Academic, Native New Orleanian, and cool AF. In this episode, she and host Mary Jacobs talk JCC sock hops, what everyone gets wrong about the meaning of Creole, and how and when to claim your story and get your money! To read "From the 19th century to the nine-nine: How Mannie Fresh, Juvenile, and Gottschalk brought New Orleans music to the world, 150 years apart," visit The Historic New Orleans Collection's https://www.hnoc.org/publications/first-draft/19th-century-nine-nine-how-mannie-fresh-juvenile-and-gottschalk-brought-new (website).

Rusty Lazer AKA Jay Pennington AKA the man of many names and lives has been in New Orleans since the 90s. If you've lived in New Orleans for any amount of time, chances are you've been at a party Rusty Lazer has DJed, experienced The Music Box Village, or enjoyed a live Big Freedia set when they used to work together. Pennington has played a part in so many things that make New Orleans what it is. This episode covers so much ground, from non-profit work to how easy it is to still get in your head even after years of practice. Enjoy two folks getting to know each other and the city from their eyes a bit more.

Kendra Unique is a model-dancer-actor-mutual-aid-mover-green-thumb-goddess. She and Planet NOLA host Mary Jacobs talk dance, how to give to your community in a sustainable way, the best way to start your garden in the Louisiana climate, creating in a pandemic, and so much more in this episode!

Last year, New Orleanian Bob Murrell ran for City Council District A out of his commitment to his family and neighbors. He and host Mary Jacobs talk about what makes someone want to be a civil servant in a city like New Orleans, catch up with some local political drama, and more!

Kamari Stevens is a local stand-up and New Orleans transplant, class of 2015.  In this episode, he shares with us the dangers of the beignet industry, the secrets behind Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and his personal beef with Birdman. Kamari is one of the funniest people in the city, and this episode is a gem. 

Marcelle Beaulieu is the mastermind behind the Instagram @louisianahbrah. She amassed a strong following of Louisiana locals looking for alternatives to the traditional news cycle. Her Instagram is a wealth of information presented in an easy to access way. She works to make the Louisiana political landscape transparent for her followers to both stay up to date and know how to get active. Marcelle and host Mary Jacobs talk about politics, leaning into their creativity, and so much more. 

Host Mary Jacobs goes all the way back to high school with her friend Dawn. When Dawn proposed she interview Mary for an episode of Planet NOLA, saying "yes" just felt right. Mary Jacobs is a born and raised New Orleanian with a background in performance of all types. When she's not hosting this podcast, she is running her secondhand styling business and community-based gym. This episode is a deep dive into how the podcast came to be, but mostly it's just a sweet conversation between two longtime buds. Their connection is endearing and dynamic! 

Gabrielle Washington and Dexter Gilmore have been building worlds of their own since they were kids playing Dragon Ball Z together. That kind of chemistry is so rare and special, It's only natural that they've got an undeniable creative and romantic compatibility now. Their closeness threads through their projects both together and apart. Listen to learn more about the New Orleans music DIY scene, LO-FI, making music in a city known for one sound, and some mushy but incredible love stuff. These two are as real as it gets. 

Tara Tolford is one of the many that moved here for college and never left. For most of her time here, she's worked as a researcher and urban planner to better understand how people in our city and state get around when they don't have access to a personal car. Her work helps push initiatives and projects to build a more accessible transit system. From bike lanes to buses, she does it all! Tara is an incredible speaker, and person and this conversation will leave you not only smarter but inspired! 

Levy Easterly jokes about his move from the French Quarter to the South 7th Ward, just six blocks away, by saying he was "the last of the bohemians" to leave the Quarter. He knows this is a sweeping statement, but, of course, it's got some truth. Levy is a person that represents a version of New Orleans that host Mary Jacobs wishes we'd all try harder to cling to. He's a creative who pulls people in with his energy, artistic nature, and general bright spirit. He is the level of fun and free so many of us dream of being. He makes things by compulsion, like how he will let you know that he did a "house float" before it was a thing. Levy's art is who he is and how he is.

Greta Trosclair is a NOLA native with 15 years in the service industry. For 12 of those years, she's been reigning from Port of Call, known for its dive-vibes, strong drinks, and burgers. On this episode, Greta and host Mary Jacobs talk regulars, what makes her job so fun, famous encounters, growing up NOLA, and so much more. These two have years of rapport as comedy partners, so be prepared for this fun and funny conversation. 

Ian Hoch self-describes as the "Wacky but lovable co-host" at his radio job but  "wacky and lovable" is also just a solid way to describe this actor, comedian, and radio personality in general! Ian has a long history in the New Orleans performance communities and many accolades under his belt. We talk about our local theater and comedy communities past, present, and future, and we dive into the news radio plays in the greater New Orleans community. Ian loves crossing the aisle for difficult conversations and encourages everyone to call into your local talk radio station to speak your piece.

Tenaj Jackson is a New Orleans native. Like so many locals, she is a woman of many hats. Tenaj is doing beautiful mutual aid work in her neighborhood, the 7th Ward Triangle. In addition to being the world's best neighbor, she's an active member of the New Orleans theater community and will be directing a show for The NOLA Project this summer. You can also find Tenaj if you're looking for a massage therapist. To work out the stress in your body, check her out at BodyWerk by Naj. In this episode, she and host Mary Jacobs talk about all these things and growing up Catholic school kids. You're guaranteed a laugh listening to this one!

Zac Manuel is a New Orleans born'n'bred filmmaker. His work is visually and mentally some of the most moving and beautiful you can imagine. One of his more recent projects, the film “Time” was nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary in 2021. An Oscar nom is just one of his many accolades, of course, but perhaps truly a greater accomplishment is simply who Zac is. He's a gift. You're going to fall in love with his authentic voice and ideas on this episode while learning a little bit more about the world of film and Zac.

Charlie Schully is a New Orleans bad boy. By that, of course, we mean he is pushing for systemic changes to our roads and fair housing access. He works to defend renters in tricky situations with landlords and volunteers with the Renters Rights Assembly locally. With host Mary Jacobs, this episode dives into the grassroots community forum called “Bike Uneasy” Charlie founded and well as the dark and complicated housing landscape and history of New Orleans.

This week's episode features writer and born-and-raised NOLA resident Megan Braden-Perry. Megan and Mary talk about neighborhood hierarchy (spoiler: they both don't care for Uptown), the dating scene (spoiler:men are trash), where they like to eat (spoiler: sometimes we want a vegetable), and so much more. Strap in for a fun conversation with a lot of New Orleans feelings.

Maryam Henderson Uloho is a powerful and inspiring pillar of the greater New Orleans community. On this episode, we discuss her work and mission of decarceration and rehabilitation of those exiting the prison system. Living in the state with the highest population of those imprisoned, Maryam poses the question of what incarceration really means and focuses her work in undoing the harm caused to those caught in the dehumanizing world of the American prison system. This conversation is heavy but important. On the web at sisterhearts.org On Instagram @sisterhearts_thriftstore

Host Mary Jacobs & guest local comedian Mary-Devon Dupuy talk about all things comedy and growing up Catholic school girls. They ask themselves if they are "good" New Orleanians and what that even means. This episode is like listening to two old friends catching up except the friends are both comedians and are obsessed with each other. 

On this episode of Planet NOLA, we sit down with Will Terry, a Grammy award winning musician, small business owner, and newly minted clothing designer. We talk about the evolving music scene in New Orleans and what it's like being a creative person in a city that presents artists with more opportunities than most. Will has a very soothing voice, so buckle up for the sweet sounds of this conversation.  Find Bayou Soap on Instagram at @bayousoap.