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

Today's episode is about the Mississippi River batture, and specifically the people who've chosen to live on that sliver of land over the years.

To help me explore this culture I've enlisted the help of Macon Fry, author of the book They Called Us River Rats, and himself an inhabitant of the batture.

My guest is an author, a chef, and perhaps most importantly a Cajun woman, in love with her native land and way of life. Melissa Martin joins me to talk about the restaurant, her latest cookbook, Bayou, Feasting Through the Seasons of a Cajun Life, and more.

For more than 40 years, the Berger House at 6000 St. Charles Avenue is transformed each Halloween into the Skeleton House. The lawn is covered with dozens of skeletons, each with a costume and a name. In 2024, the skeletons embraced the arrival of Taylor Swift and her Eras tour. Join me as I learn all about it from Louellen Berger.

My guests today are the co-owners of Porgy's Seafood Market, a local market and restaurant with a focus on Louisiana caught seafood.

This week, we answer questions about New Orleans from listeners like you!

Today's guest tells us about the tradition of black New Orleanians masking in Indian suits.

My guest today, Miss Anais St. John, is an entertainer, performer and a teacher.

Ever wondered what it's like to work on the Mississippi River? Today, we go behind the scenes with Todd Clower, CEO of Harbor Towing and Fleeting.

My guest today is an author, folklorist, educator, scholar, and former Poet Laureate of Louisiana.

Dr. Mona Lisa Saloy writes about her life as a black Creole in her 7th Ward neighborhood, as well as about the larger perspective of the black experience, in Louisiana and beyond.

This discussion was a joy. I hope you enjoy it, too.

What happens when the Louisiana Governor decides not to accept federal funding for feeding school-aged children during the summer? Amanda and Isaac Toups, owners of Toups' Meatery decided to do something about it. Join me and Amanda to learn about their efforts.