Beyond Bourbon Street, an Insider's Guide to New Orleans

In this episode, I talk with Ed Branley, author, historian, podcaster and contributor to GoNOLA.com. Together, we dive into the Battle of New Orleans.

Imagine you are standing in Jackson Square. You look up at Andrew Jackson atop his horse and wonder why he's there.

Sure, you know about the battle of New Orleans, but what was New Orleans like in the period leading up to the War of 1812? As the battle approached, what did New Orleanians think and feel about it? What did they think would be the outcome? How about the major players in the battle itself?

Listen in as we discuss these ideas and more. By the end of today's show, you'll get a sense of the battle itself, and also of New Orleans in the early 1800s. I enjoyed the conversation and know you will, too!

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play Music. New episodes are available every other Wednesday. You can find us on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook| Website

Thanks for listening!

Mark

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In this episode, I talk with Arthur Hardy, founder and publisher of Arthur Hardy's annual Mardi Gras Guide. His guide is THE resource for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It contains everything you need to help you enjoy the Carnival season, including parade maps, history, insider tips and more.

Listen in as we discuss the history of Carnival and how to get the most out of your experience.

Do you know when float riders started tossing beads and trinkets to the crowd? How does someone get to be king or queen of Carnival? Can I participate in Mardi Gras? By the end of the discussion you'll have the answers to these questions and more!

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play Music. New episodes are available every other Wednesday. You can find us on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook| Website

Thanks for listening!

Mark

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It's All About You

It's been an amazing year for Beyond Bourbon Street. We've gone from launch to building an awesome community of people who love New Orleans. I've gotten to interact with many of you - by email, on Facebook, Instagram and sometimes even in person. Along the way I've made new friends and been able to take you along as we explore New Orleans.

This episode is my chance to say thanks for your support, encouragement and friendship.

Your Questions Answered

In this episode, we look back on the first year of the Beyond Bourbon Street podcast. I answer your questions about my favorite episodes, about how the podcast has impacted me, and what 2017 might look like. I also answer several behind the scenes questions, including...

• What is the process of creating the podcast?
• How and where do you record?
• How is the show doing?

The Top 5 (okay 6) Most Downloaded Episodes of 2016 1 - Po-boy festival, Voodoo, Boudin Bourbon & Beer, Halloween - episode #1 2- The Cemeteries with Sally Asher - episode #22 3 - Tales from the Garden District with Christine Miller - episode #17 4 - History of the Po-Boy, with my Dad, Vincent Bologna - episode #6 T5 - Creole Culture and the Sausage King, with Vance Vaucresson - episode #20 T5 - The Language of New Orleans - episode #11 NOTE: The Girls Guide and the Treme episode are both new, but are on a pace to be up near the top quickly!

Where Do I Find the Beyond Bourbon Street Podcast?

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play Music. New episodes are available every other Wednesday. You can find us on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook| Website

Thanks for listening!

Mark

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In this episode, Mark digs into the HBO Series Tremè, the television show created by David Simon and Eric Overmyer. The pair had previously worked together on the critically acclaimed series The Wire and brought that same passion to this project.

In Tremè, Simon and Overmyer put the spotlight on ordinary people trying to rebuild ordinary lives set against the backdrop of New Orleans and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the levee failures.

The shows features an ensemble cast including actors John Goodman, Wendell Pierce, Michelle Leo, Clarke Peters, Steve Zahn, Khandi Alexander, Kim Dickens, Lucia Micarelli, Michael Huisman, Rob Brown and Phyllis Montana-Leblanc. Among the characters they portray are a Tulane professor, a civil rights attorney, a chef, several musicians, a bar owner and the Big Chief of a Mardi Gras Indian tribe.

Listen in as Mark describes the series, and shares his perspepctive as a New Orleanian. Along the way, you'll learn about the characters, the music, and the places and events portrayed on the small screen. All this and more on episode #26 of Beyond Bourbon Street!

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play Music. New episodes are available every other Wednesday.

You can find us on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook| Website

Thanks for listening!

Mark

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In this episode, Mark talks with Kelly Claverie and Mignon Parent, the founders and co-owners of the brand a Girls Guide to New Orleans. Together, the two native New Orleanians provide the female traveler with the resources they need to have a wonderful visit to New Orleans.

Listen in as Mark, Kelly and Mignon discuss what to pack, where to stay, where to eat, what to see and lots more! This episode is packed with insider tips. By the end of the discussion, you'll be planning your next trip to the Crescent City! And guys, there is plenty in this episode for you. Granted, you might not want to know where to get your nails done, but then again, who knows? If not, you'll still get lots of ideas on how to make the most of your visit to New Orleans, too. I promise! All this and more on episode #25 of Beyond Bourbon Street!

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play Music. New episodes are available every other Wednesday.

You can find us on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook| Website

Thanks for listening!

Mark

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Tom Fitzmorris has been hosting a daily radio show about New Orleans food and dining for 28 years. Tom is also the producer of http://nomenu.com a website with hundreds of restaurant reviews and a daily blog about the food of New Orleans.

In today's episode, Mark is a guest on Tom's show - the two discuss the origins of the New Orleans tradition known as Reveillon. After their discussion Mark helps you plan your Reveillon experience including his top choices for places to dine this holiday season. We also explore some of the actual menus - if you can't make it to the Crescent City, you can get some great ideas for your own holiday meals.

All this and more on episode #24 of Beyond Bourbon Street!

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play Music. New episodes are available every other Wednesday.

You can find us on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook| Website

Thanks for listening!

Mark

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In this episode, Mark talks with New Orleans musician Paul Sanchez. Listen in as Paul talks about writing his first song at age six, growing up in a family of 11 children and playing street ball in the Irish Channel. Paul takes us on a journey through time and New Orleans, weaving stories throughout the discussion. Learn about the worst band name ever and how Paul made a music video with Steven Soderbergh! Paul released his first solo album, Jet Black and Jealous in 1992. In 2016 he released the sequel; Heart Renovations. Mark and Paul discuss the similarities and differences and why it took so long! In the years between, Paul was a founding member of the rock band Cowboy Mouth and an actor on the HBO Series Tremè. He was a writer, producer and performer in the musical adaptation of Dan Baum's book Nine Lives, and a collaborator with the likes of John Bouttè, John Rankin, Alex McMurray and just about every musician in the Crescent City. By the end of the discussion, you'll be a fan of New Orleans' best songwriter. If you already know and love Paul's music, you'll learn some of the history and the stories from a New Orleans original. Ever wondered about the story behind Nasty Evil Clown or Meet me at the Foot of Canal Street? All this and more on episode #23 of Beyond Bourbon Street!

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play Music. New episodes are available every other Wednesday.

You can find us on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook| Website

Thanks for listening!

Mark

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In this episode, Mark talks with Sally Asher, author of The St Louis Cemeteries of New Orleans. Sally's book is a fascinating exploration into the lives of the people buried in some of New Orleans' most historic cemeteries. Listen in as Mark and Sally talk about why New Orleanians bury their deceased above ground. The two discuss the history behind the St. Louis cemeteries and describe what a second line is really about, plus the history of All Saints Day in the Crescent City. Along the way, you'll learn about a premier architect, a black officer in the Union Army, a religious order of Catholic nuns, a chess master, and many more. By the end of this discussion, you'll be booking a ticket to come to New Orleans and explore the cemeteries to see the architecture and learn about the people who now call them home! If you're already a New Orleanian, go check out some of the sites and people you'll hear about. All this and more on episode #22 of Beyond Bourbon Street!

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play Music. New episodes are available every other Wednesday.

You can find us on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook| Website

Thanks for listening!

Mark

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In this episode Mark takes you on a tour of the historic Carrollton neighborhood.

If you were ever thinking about a move to New Orleans, a morning or two on the streets of Carrollton would about do it. Located just 5 miles from the French Quarter, Carrollton has a small town feel with plenty of charm, and is only a streetcar ride away.

We explore the food, the architecture, history and the music. Ever heard of the Black Pearl? Want the inside scoop on Jacques-Imo's restaurant or the best place to take in a Rebirth Brass Band performance? You've come to the right place!

All this and more on episode #21 of Beyond Bourbon Street!

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play Music. New episodes are available every other Wednesday.

You can find us on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook| Website

Thanks for listening!

Mark

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The idea behind the Beyond Bourbon Street podcast is to bring you stories about the food, music, places, people and events that make New Orleans unique. Today's guest manages to cover all five of those things! In this episode, Mark sits down with Vance Vaucresson, president of Vaucresson Sausage Company. Vance's company is the last of the original food vendors at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival, continuing the tradition begun by his late father, but that only scratches the surface. Vance is also a family man, a performer with a beautiful voice, and a student and ambassador of his Louisiana Creole roots. Mark and Vance trace the Vaucresson family history from 19th century France to present-day New Orleans. Learn how Vance's father opened the first black-owned Creole restaurant in the French Quarter and was instrumental in the beginnings of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The two also discuss present day festivals including the New Orleans Po-Boy Festival and BBQ and Blues, both coming up in October 2016. Learn about the musical adaptation of Dan Baum's book "Nine Lives" and gain insight into the music culture of New Orleans. Along the way you'll meet members of the Bouttè family as well as singer-songwriter and native son, Paul Sanchez.

All this and more on episode #20 of Beyond Bourbon Street!

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play Music. New episodes are available every other Wednesday.

You can find us on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook| Website

Thanks for listening!

Mark

[email protected]