Planet NOLA

Kendra Unique is a model-dancer-actor-mutual-aid-mover-green-thumb-goddess. She and Planet NOLA host Mary Jacobs talk dance, how to give to your community in a sustainable way, the best way to start your garden in the Louisiana climate, creating in a pandemic, and so much more in this episode!

Last year, New Orleanian Bob Murrell ran for City Council District A out of his commitment to his family and neighbors. He and host Mary Jacobs talk about what makes someone want to be a civil servant in a city like New Orleans, catch up with some local political drama, and more!

Kamari Stevens is a local stand-up and New Orleans transplant, class of 2015.  In this episode, he shares with us the dangers of the beignet industry, the secrets behind Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and his personal beef with Birdman. Kamari is one of the funniest people in the city, and this episode is a gem. 

Marcelle Beaulieu is the mastermind behind the Instagram @louisianahbrah. She amassed a strong following of Louisiana locals looking for alternatives to the traditional news cycle. Her Instagram is a wealth of information presented in an easy to access way. She works to make the Louisiana political landscape transparent for her followers to both stay up to date and know how to get active. Marcelle and host Mary Jacobs talk about politics, leaning into their creativity, and so much more. 

Host Mary Jacobs goes all the way back to high school with her friend Dawn.

When Dawn proposed she interview Mary for an episode of Planet NOLA, saying "yes" just felt right. Mary Jacobs is a born and raised New Orleanian with a background in performance of all types. When she’s not hosting this podcast, she is running her secondhand styling business and community-based gym. This episode is a deep dive into how the podcast came to be, but mostly it’s just a sweet conversation between two longtime buds. Their connection is endearing and dynamic! 

Gabrielle Washington and Dexter Gilmore have been building worlds of their own since they were kids playing Dragon Ball Z together. That kind of chemistry is so rare and special, It's only natural that they've got an undeniable creative and romantic compatibility now. Their closeness threads through their projects both together and apart. Listen to learn more about the New Orleans music DIY scene, LO-FI, making music in a city known for one sound, and some mushy but incredible love stuff. These two are as real as it gets. 

Tara Tolford is one of the many that moved here for college and never left. For most of her time here, she’s worked as a researcher and urban planner to better understand how people in our city and state get around when they don’t have access to a personal car. Her work helps push initiatives and projects to build a more accessible transit system. From bike lanes to buses, she does it all! Tara is an incredible speaker, and person and this conversation will leave you not only smarter but inspired! 

Levy Easterly jokes about his move from the French Quarter to the South 7th Ward, just six blocks away, by saying he was "the last of the bohemians" to leave the Quarter. He knows this is a sweeping statement, but, of course, it’s got some truth. Levy is a person that represents a version of New Orleans that host Mary Jacobs wishes we’d all try harder to cling to. He’s a creative who pulls people in with his energy, artistic nature, and general bright spirit. He is the level of fun and free so many of us dream of being. He makes things by compulsion, like how he will let you know that he did a "house float" before it was a thing. Levy’s art is who he is and how he is.

Greta Trosclair is a NOLA native with 15 years in the service industry. For 12 of those years, she’s been reigning from Port of Call, known for its dive-vibes, strong drinks, and burgers. On this episode, Greta and host Mary Jacobs talk regulars, what makes her job so fun, famous encounters, growing up NOLA, and so much more. These two have years of rapport as comedy partners, so be prepared for this fun and funny conversation. 

Ian Hoch self-describes as the "Wacky but lovable co-host" at his radio job but  "wacky and lovable" is also just a solid way to describe this actor, comedian, and radio personality in general! Ian has a long history in the New Orleans performance communities and many accolades under his belt. We talk about our local theater and comedy communities past, present, and future, and we dive into the news radio plays in the greater New Orleans community. Ian loves crossing the aisle for difficult conversations and encourages everyone to call into your local talk radio station to speak your piece.