Nola Famous

Actor Jim Gleason, instructor and owner of the Working Actor's Studio talks about surviving in the business for over 30 years. After moving back home from LA, he met his wife, opened an acting school and continues to land roles in Hollywood South. He attributes his success to hard work and strong faith in God. Listen in as he shares his inspirational story with Tatum Gardner and guest cohost Scott Simon of I Heart NOLA!

Amanda "Heyyy Bonita" Mester stops by the studio to talk about moving to New Orleans and becoming a journalist for Offbeat Magazine, her love and appreciation for the hip hop culture, and her true passion - being a hip hop journalist. There is rap music outside of Jay Z and Drake, and Heyyy Bonita along with cohosts Rapbaum and Foodie Patuttie give Tatum a much needed lesson. (with maybe a little bit of wine involved).

It's a Grammy Party in the NOLA Famous Studio tonight! Reid Wick, Project Manager and Representative for the Recording Academy, stops by to talk about how New Orleans is becoming a major player in the music industry. We've always had the talent! Now we are perfecting the business side of things and making a lasting impact. Listen in for who to watch, and what's coming for the future of the music industry in out beloved NOLA!

Chef Eric Cook of Gris Gris Restaurant on Magazine Street in New Orleans pulls up a chair at the NOLA Famous table to unveil his new summer menu and cocktail specials. Chef Richard Papier surprises his friend with the cohosting spot. We talk about opening Gris Gris and how in just one short year, Chef Cook and Restaurant have managed to win awards such as Best Chef and Restaurant in the City~

Restaurant Consultant Amy Chan, and Grey Bird Baking Co. owner Taylor Moore stop by the studio to talk about the future of pop-ups and supper clubs, starting a restaurant business and the struggles of being successful in this super competitive market.

Three New Orleans entrepreneurs, David Tipsie E. of Lavish Lemonade, Ashley Chauvin of "Show Me Chauvin" and Kassie Herlong of Lush Straws, come to the NOLA Famous studio to talk about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, starting your own business, risk vs. reward and all of the pros and cons of being your own boss! In the end, we all decided its worth the risk!

Artist Betsy Youngquist of the Myth Gallery on Royal Street stops by to talk about her gorgeous mixed media art sculptures, jewelry and art combining mythology, humans and animals. Gallery Manager Anastasia Apostolos and NOLA Famous favorites Austin Rapbaum and Butch Von Dreaux join in as cohosts. Make sure to check out this episode, and check out The Myth Gallery and Gallery X on Royal Street!

Chef Richard Papier of Arana stops by the NOLA Famous Studio to talk about how he got started in the restaurant business, moving away after Hurricane Katrina, and eventually finding his way back to open a restaurant on Magazine Street. Download the episode now to hear about upcoming Tequila Dinners and even a little goat hunting???

Abhi Bhansali, co-owner of City Greens stops by the NOLA Famous studio to talk about the history behind the restaurant, opening the fourth location on Freret St., the new summer menu and a fifth location opening in the New Orleans Airport this fall! Make sure to listen in and stop by one of the locations to try the new summer menu coming out TODAY!