In this episode of Only Good Vibes News Network, Whistle Monsta and Jamie Bernstein sit down with Joseph Makkos, the print-maker, archivist and founder/curator of the NOLA DNA Project. Joseph takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable treasure trove: tens of thousands of historic New Orleans newspapers and printed materials, and how he’s turning them into accessible history, design, and data. We talk about discovery, preservation, the future of archives, and why the stories embedded in old newspapers still matter today.

Joseph Makkos is a designer, print-maker, preservationist, and archivist based in New Orleans. Through the NOLA DNA Project he manages a rare collection of roughly 30,000 historic newspapers from New Orleans (circa late 19th to early 20th century) and is actively digitizing, curating, and re-presenting them for research, art, design and public engagement.

Visit the NOLA DNA Project: http://noladna.com

Thank you to our sponsors:

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Jamie Bernstein:

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This week on the Only Good Vibes News Network, Whistle Monsta and Jamie Bernstein welcome Dr. Bruce WIlson - Board Certified Cardiologist and Founder of AlmighTea.

AlmighTea was founded by Dr. Bruce Wilson, a board-certified cardiologist and master healer who believes that true wellness transcends the physical body. With deep roots in both Western medicine and ancient healing practices, Dr. Wilson created AlmighTea as a bridge between science and spirit. Grounded in his training in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, and elevated by his mastery in New Paradigm Multi-Dimensional Transformation and Kriya Yoga, he crafted a high-vibration tea to nourish the mind, body, and soul. After drinking AlmighTea, you will feel aligned, elevated, restored, and refined.

Learn more and purchase AlmighTea at https://almightea.shop/

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This week on the Only Good Vibes News Network, Whistle Monsta and Jamie Bernstein welcome Holly MacKenna and her daughter, Maeve Graffagnini - authors of Inhale, Exhale...Shoot!

Inhale, Exhale...Shoot! follows Kunall the Pelican, a talented young basketball player who loves the game—but when it’s time to take the big shot, anxiety creeps in. His wings tremble, his belly tightens, and his mind fills with doubt. What if he misses? What if everyone is watching?

Set in the colorful heart of New Orleans, this beautifully illustrated picture book offers more than just a story about sports. It gently introduces children to mindfulness and breathwork as tools for managing stress, self-doubt, and performance anxiety—on the court and in everyday life. With encouragement from his coach and support from his teammates, Kunall learns to center himself, take a deep breath, and trust in his abilities.

Perfect for children ages 4–8, especially those who experience anxiety, love sports, or need a calming reminder to breathe through big emotions. Inhale, Exhale...Shoot! is an inspiring story of resilience, emotional awareness, and the power of staying present.

Learn more and purchase Inhale, Exhale...Shoot! at

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NOLA Motorsports - https://nolamotor.com/

Whistle Monsta:

Jamie Bernstein:

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This week on the Only Good Vibes News Network, Whistle Monsta and Jamie Bernstein welcome Arron "Birdie" Barringer and Chet Pierson from VetJams.

VetJams is a collaborative music project of musicians and veterans. VetJams unites military veterans through the power of live music—creating safe, supportive spaces where shared rhythm builds camaraderie, combats isolation, and shines a spotlight on mental health. We champion the message: it’s okay to seek help, and through the VetCenter (504-507-4977) all veterans can get therapy for free regardless of discharge type.

Check out VetJams at https://www.vetjams.org

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Jamie Bernstein:

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Whistle Monster and Jamie Bernstein sit down with a New Orleans icon, Hank Staples, owner of Maple Leaf Bar. Hank shares a few stories about his journey from New York to New Orleans, how he first became connected to the Maple Leaf, and how he eventually became the owner.

Thank you to our sponsors:

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Jamie Bernstein:

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This week on the Only Good Vibes News Network, Whistle Monsta and Jamie Bernstein welcome one of New Orleans’ most respected sonic architects, Grammy Award–winning producer and engineer Tracey Freeman. From his early days working sound at Jesuit High School to touring with Harry Connick Jr., Tracey has shaped the sound of countless NOLA legends, including Kermit Ruffins, Rebirth Brass Band, Leroy Jones, Ivan Neville, and more.

In this deep and soulful conversation, Tracey shares how balance, joy, and humility have guided his decades-long career behind the board. He opens up about recording on the road, surviving the transition from analog to digital, and keeping the spirit of New Orleans music alive in a changing world. The crew also gets candid about pandemic creativity, mentorship in modern production, and unforgettable sessions from The Jungle Book soundtrack with Bill Murray to Harry Connick’s unreleased solo projects. It’s an inside look at the craft, discipline, and magic that power the Crescent City’s sound, told by the man who’s mixed it all.

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Jamie Bernstein:

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This week on the Only Good Vibes News Network, Whistle Monsta and Jamie Bernstein welcome a rising voice in the New Orleans music community: Dylan Frechette, drummer, guitarist, bandleader, and lifelong friend of the show.

Dylan sits down in the Fan Cave to talk about his musical journey, from playing Willie Green’s drum kit as a kid on Oak Street’s Po’Boy Fest, to falling off the stage, to developing into one of Loyola University’s most promising young musicians. He shares stories of growing up between Orlando, Denver, and New Orleans, discovering improvisation, and finding a true musical family through Frenchy, Maple Leaf culture, and the city’s deep generational lineage of funk, jam, jazz, and roots music.

Whistle and Jamie dive into: Dylan’s first memories of New Orleans, including Leroy yelling at a speeding car, setting the tone for what “NOLA energy” really means.

His Po’Boy Fest debut at age 6-7, how the crowd embraced him, and the unforgettable moment when he passed out from adrenaline after crushing his first gig.

Learning under legends, playing with Leo Nocentelli, Nick Daniels, and others; hearing stories from the Meters universe; and what it’s like being 14 in a rehearsal room full of Grammy-winners.

Why he chose Loyola over music schools across the country, and how New Orleans’ sense of family reshaped his musical identity.

Building a new live-music culture for his generation, bringing Loyola students into jam sessions, and creating opportunities for young musicians to connect with the raw, improvisational heart of New Orleans music.

Insights on listening, jamming, and music as community, including how real improvisation requires listening to others instead of yourself.

Dylan also talks about his band Surco, their weekly residency at the reborn Jimmy’s, upcoming Funk Fest performances, and why he believes live improvisational music is essential for young listeners today.

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In this episode of Only Good Vibes News Network, Whistle Monsta and Jamie Bernstein sit down with Joseph Makkos, the print-maker, archivist and founder/curator of the NOLA DNA Project. Joseph takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable treasure trove: tens of thousands of historic New Orleans newspapers and printed materials, and how he’s turning them into accessible history, design, and data. We talk about discovery, preservation, the future of archives, and why the stories embedded in old newspapers still matter today.

Joseph Makkos is a designer, print-maker, preservationist, and archivist based in New Orleans. Through the NOLA DNA Project he manages a rare collection of roughly 30,000 historic newspapers from New Orleans (circa late 19th to early 20th century) and is actively digitizing, curating, and re-presenting them for research, art, design and public engagement.

Visit the NOLA DNA Project: http://noladna.com

Thank you to our sponsors:

Whistle Monsta:

Jamie Bernstein:

neworleans, goodvibes, onlygoodvibes, noladna, archive, archivist, newspaper, curator, founder, tulane, loyola, timespicayune, history, foryou, whodat, podcast, nola

Leroy and Jamie talk to Julie Ladato (Board of Directors) and Ken Cryer (President) about their work with the Threadhead Cultural Foundation. 

In 2009, the non-profit Threadhead Cultural Foundation 501(c)(3) was launched to promote the cultural heritage of New Orleans through grants and assistance to musicians, artists, and others involved in endeavors relating to music and other artistic expressions whose work is in the tradition of preserving, promoting and disseminating the cultural heritage of New Orleans and the surrounding area of Louisiana. The Foundation raises funds through memberships, fundraising events and donations. Funds raised are granted to artists and artistic projects through an application process usually conducted in the Fall of each year.

Threadhead Cultural Foundation:

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Whistle Monster and Jamie Bernstein sit down with a New Orleans icon, Hank Staples, owner of Maple Leaf Bar. Hank shares a few stories about his journey from New York to New Orleans, how he first became connected to the Maple Leaf, and how he eventually became the owner.

Thank you to our sponsors:

NOLA Motorsports

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