Louisiana Insider

You may not have noticed it, but this year is the 125th anniversary of the legalization of the Storyville red-light district in New Orleans. Storyville was an effort to make prostitution more respectable by allowing it only in a designated neighborhood. Historian Sally Asher joins Errol Laborde, executive editor of Louisiana Life, along with podcast producer Kelly Massicot to talk about the bawdiness, characters and famous bordellos of Storyville.

Oh yes, we will also hear about some legendary cemetery tombs including one built to house the era’s most famous madame.

In trying to pick a Louisianian of the Year, there are 4.6 million people to choose from. Louisiana Life magazine makes the task a bit easier by talking to experts in various fields to whittle the size to five worthy people. Managing Editor Melanie Warner Spencer joins Errol Laborde, executive editor of Louisiana Life, along with podcast producer Kelly Massicot to talk about some of the state’s shining lights.

Oh yes, we will also hear about a few exciting museums worth trying.

In preparing his book about king cakes, author Matt Haines claims to have sampled from 80 different cakes for the sake of journalism. His book, "The Big Book of King Cake” was worth the effort because it is both an informative history of the king cake and a source of greet photography showing the confection at its best. Haines joins Errol Laborde, executive editor of Louisiana Life, along with podcast producer Kelly Massicot to tell about his odyssey. Oh yes, we will answer the question, are there really boudin king cakes?

Census figures do more than just set the numbers for political districts, they also tell us a lot about our lives and places of note in Louisiana. Jeff Adelson and Sam Karlyn, both journalists for The Advocate who have extensively studied the numbers, join Errol Laborde, executive editor of Louisiana Life, along with podcast producer Kelly Massicot to tell stories from the 2020 census.

Oh yes, we will also hear about the plight of the once prospering town of Waterproof, Louisiana

We think of Louisiana’s culinary excellence most often in terms of the seafoods, gumbo, etouffees and the variety of pork dishes, but there is a whole other category for sweet things. Lafayette-based author Dixie Poche joins Errol Laborde, executive editor of Louisiana Life, along with podcast producer Kelly Massicot to discuss her book, “Louisiana Sweets: King Cakes; Bread Pudding and Sweet Dough Pie.”

You will discover the origins of many native desserts and learn more about the native produce that are in the mix.

Oh yes, we’ll also hear about a town that once had a festival to celebrate homemade cakes.

Some places are known for their snow at Christmas time; Louisiana’s river parishes are known for their fire on Christmas Eve.

Chicago-based filmmaker Mark Niedelson joins Errol Laborde, executive editor of Louisiana Life, along with podcast producer Kelly Massicot to discuss his documentary "Papa Noel: The Legacy of the Levee Bonfires." The production, which is available through the resources of Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB), tells the story as centered in the St. James Parish town of Gramercy and spread along the River Road levee.

Oh yes, we’ll also speculate on the true origin of the bonfires. It may not be what you have heard.

There was once a part of present day Louisiana that neither France nor Spain could decide on who was the possessor, so it was declared a neutral ground known as “No Man’s Land.” Filmmakers Bill Rodman and Flo Ulmer-Rodman, along with historian Adley Cormier, join Errol Laborde, executive editor of Louisiana Life, and podcast producer Kelly Massicot to discuss their documentary about a lawless and adventurous section of 19th Century western Louisiana.

Oh yes, we’ll also hear about a tree in Lake Charles where cowboys and pirates once met to trade items and maybe sample a little barbecue.

Louisiana politics is known for being colorful and controversial. It is also, like most politics, constantly changing. Two University of Louisiana Political Scientists, Pearson Cross and Christie Maloyed, have compiled a book, “The Party is Over: The New Louisiana Politics” featuring contemporary political readings. They join Errol Laborde, executive editor of Louisiana Life, along with podcast producer Kelly Massicot, in the Louisiana art of talking politics.  Oh yes, we will also hear an evaluation of the Bobby Jindal administration and what might have gone wrong.

At issue was Black vs. White. In the days of racial segregation many road places were denied to black travelers. For decades, a guidebook offering travel suggestions was called "The Green Book." "The Green Book," named after the publication’s founder, provided highway information about motels, restaurants and places to go along the nation’s highways. A full length film and a Smithsonian documentary about the topic have been produced and now Louisiana Public Broadcast (LPB) has put together the documentary “Safe Haven – Louisiana’s Green Book,” focused on key locations in Louisiana, including New Orleans’ Dooky Chase restaurant and the bluesy Dew Drop Inn. The documentary’s co-producers Kara St. Cyr and Emma Reid join Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde and podcast producer Kelly Massicot to discuss the discoveries from "The Green Book," a few of which still stand.

Oh yes, we’ll also hear about the impact that the ESSO gasoline company had in supporting black travel.

Louisiana has four federally recognized Native American tribes, one of the most historic is the Coushattas who settled largely around Allen Parish in the vicinity of Elton and Kinder. David Sickey is a past tribal chairman and a member of the tribe’s governing board. Sickey joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde and podcast producer Kelly Massicot to discuss the history, culture and some of the social issues that the state’s tribal people face.

Oh yes, we’ll also hear about the impact of the casinos.