The Shadow People

By Nigel Hall, Derrick Freeman

Welcome to The Shadow People, a podcast where New Orleans musicians Nigel Hall and Derrick Freeman bring their unfiltered, unapologetic, and often hilarious takes on politics, music, sports, and the c... more

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FAQs about The Shadow People:

How many episodes does The Shadow People have?

The podcast currently has 30 episodes available.

The Shadow People episodes:

March 24, 2025 The Shadow People Ep9 - Ivan Neville Talks Neville Brothers, Wild Stories, & Festival Secrets
In Episode 9 of The Shadow People Podcast, Derrick Freeman and Nigel Hall sit down with legendary New Orleans musician Ivan Neville (Dumpstaphunk, Neville Brothers, The Rolling Stones). Ivan dives deep, sharing powerful stories from his wild early days, behind-the-scenes adventures touring with the Neville Brothers, and candid reflections on his journey to sobriety. From hilarious tales of local icons to confronting vulnerability through music, Ivan keeps it real, raw, and insightful. Plus, Nigel and Derrick unpack the sketchy economics behind music festivals, navigating tough conversations around race and culture, and why the music scene needs honest dialogues more than ever.Tap in for a heavy dose of authentic New Orleans swagger, laughter, wisdom, and music industry truths that only The Shadow People can deliver.Follow The Shadow People and stay tuned for more episodes!Hosts: Derrick Freeman, Nigel HallSpecial Guests: Ivan Neville, Danny AbelProducer: Andrew Meehan, Brown Hound SoundsTimestamps:0:00 Intro / Real Talk on Race & Controversial Situations07:28 The Sketchy Economics Behind Music Festivals15:28 Ivan Neville Joins the Show18:13 Early Days with Nick Daniels & Neville Brothers Stories27:03 Wild Times, Funny Memories, and Iconic Performances37:46 Sobriety, Personal Growth, and Music as Healing#IvanNeville #ShadowPeoplePodcast #NewOrleansMusic #Dumpstaphunk #NevilleBrothers #MusicPodcast #SobrietyJourney #JazzFest #MusicIndustry #NewOrleansCulture

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1h 14min
March 10, 2025 The Shadow People Ep8 feat. Angelika "Jelly" Joseph - NOLA Culture, Mardi Gras, and Societal Harmony
Ever wonder what Mardi Gras is like for the musicians who keep the city moving? 🎷🎭In this episode, Angelika “Jelly” Joseph (Tank and the Bangas, Galactic) joins Derrick Freeman and Nigel Hall to talk about the real Mardi Gras experience—not just as locals, but as artists balancing the chaos, the gigs, and the celebrations.🍾 Navigating Mardi Gras as both a job and a party🎶 How New Orleans music crosses racial and cultural boundaries🚶🏾‍♂️ Making time for parades—Derrick & Nigel even squeezed in a trip to see Muses Uptown!📺 The best streaming shows right now (Sly Stone doc, Puff Daddy exposé & more)🫧 THC-infused seltzers, plus a few off-camera breaks 👀And of course, Jelly drops some gems about her upcoming Lundi Gras gig with Galactic and the unique energy that fuels this season for NOLA musicians.A rare inside look at Mardi Gras from the people making the soundtrack—tap in!

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1h 7min
February 25, 2025 The Shadow People Ep7 - Jam Cruise, Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest
Nigel Hall is back in the studio after a long tour, reflecting on road life, the highs and lows of performing, and how self-care keeps him grounded. Derrick Freeman and Nigel discuss mental health in the music industry, losing loved ones, and how artists carry the weight of cultural responsibility in their work.Smoker and Nigel dissect:🎭 The grind of touring and why it’s not all glitz and glam💔 Coping with loss and the importance of telling people you love them🎷 JazzFest lineup talk + legendary performances we missed and ones we won’t!🎥 The new Sly Stone documentary – why it’s a must-watch for music fans💬 Reacting to our YouTube comments – the wildest takes & biggest trolls🔔 Hit that subscribe button, drop a comment, and share your thoughts!📧 Send your questions & hot takes to [email protected]🎧 Also available on Spotify & YouTube Podcasts#ShadowPeople #MusicPodcast #JazzFest #TourLife #SlyStone #MentalHealth #Comedy #Podcast

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53min
February 15, 2025 The Shadow People Ep6 - Nigel on Tour, Super Bowl, and Who Really Makes America Great?
In The Shadow People Episode 6, Nigel Hall checks in from Miami before boarding Jam Cruise while Derrick Freeman holds it down at home. They dive into Kendrick Lamar’s cultural impact, the stupidity of Kanye, and the Super Bowl’s unexpected moments—from Philly’s domination to Trump’s awkward appearance.Special guest Danny Abel joins to break down the chaotic Super Bowl scene in New Orleans, where local businesses suffered while the city turned into a military zone and to share his perspective on the big game, celebrity trolling, and the bizarre spectacle of Trump Coin and Trump Shoes.Derrick's Food for Thought segment explores who’s really making America great, reflecting on music, sports, patriotism, and the people who truly represent American excellence.Hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE and send us your thoughts at [email protected] !#TheShadowPeoplePodcast #KendrickLamar #SuperBowl #Trump #KanyeWest #NewOrleans #NFL #BlackExcellence

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45min
February 08, 2025 Bonus Mini Episode! "Nigel’s Food for Thought: Commanders, Eagles, & Super Bowl Madness"
Nigel Hall is on the road, so naturally, Drew & H.W. took it upon themselves to… take over. 🚨Welcome to this very official, absolutely authorized, and in no way hijacked mini-episode of The Shadow People. Nigel’s "Food for Thought" segment is here, but not before Drew & H.W. derail things immediately.
Also, where's Smoker? Parading with his parrain at the Super Bowl?Topics include:🏈 Washington Football Fandom: A 30+ year case study in suffering.🦅 Philly’s Super Bowl Hopes: Should they be allowed to have them?🥶 Why Nigel Almost Moved to Philly (And Why He Didn't).📈 Super Bowl Predictions🎺 The Shadow People Marching Band? Maybe.📺 Watch now before Nigel gets back.#TheShadowPeople #NFL #SuperBowl #WashingtonFootball #PhillySports #DrewAndHW #PodcastTakeover #FootballPain

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11min
January 24, 2025 The Shadow People Ep5 - Fires, Community & Greed (w/ Eric Krasno, Raquel Rodriguez & John Notto)
In Episode 5 of The Shadow People, hosts Nigel Hall and Derrick Freeman
are joined by an incredible lineup of guests: Grammy-winning guitarist
Eric Krasno, singer-songwriter Raquel Rodriguez, and guitarist John Otto.
Together, they dive into the devastating fires in Pasadena and Altadena,
shining a light on how local communities have stepped up to support
those in need. Guitarist Danny Abel also makes an appearance, sparking
conversations about New Orleans snow, the rise of Trump Coin, and the
greed of billionaires.
With personal stories, heartfelt reflections, and plenty of laughs, this
episode blends serious discussions about helping rebuild Altadena with
the kind of humor and honesty you’ve come to expect. Don't miss this
dynamic mix of music, community, and candid conversation.
Links to support Altadena and Pasadena relief efforts:
Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena - www.bgcpasadena.org/donate
GoFundMe List:Displaced Black Families in Altadena -
tinyurl.com/2e6j5bwc
Produced by Brown Hound Sounds
New Orleans, LA

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1h 7min
January 24, 2025 The Shadow People Ep4 - New Year, New Orleans, and the Fate of Live Music
Episode 4 of The Shadow People Podcast is a lively, thought-provoking,
and deeply personal exploration of life, music, and society. Hosted by
acclaimed New Orleans musicians Derrick Freeman and Nigel Hall, this
episode touches on the recent New Year’s events that shook the city,
offering heartfelt reflections on violence, public safety, and the need
for community healing. The conversation is a mix of serious commentary
and lighthearted banter, with appearances from guitarist Danny Abel, who
shares insights on global perspectives and the changing landscape of
live music.
Key moments include:
Reflecting on Violence: The hosts tackle a recent tragedy in New
Orleans, discussing its impact on the city, their families, and the
music community.
The Future of Live Music: The trio debates whether live music is
"dead," exploring how technology, cultural shifts, and financial
pressures have transformed the music industry.
Danny Abel's News Segment: Danny offers a global perspective on
societal issues and shares stories from his travels that reveal the
universal challenges we face.
Humorous Nostalgia: From anecdotes about Jazz Fest misadventures
(including a near-miss with heatstroke during a Michael McDonald set) to
reminiscing about wild gigs and band chemistry, the episode balances
heavy topics with genuine humor.
Looking Ahead: The hosts discuss their personal and professional goals
for the year, offering inspiring advice to creatives about embracing
change, staying authentic, and exploring new artistic avenues. Tune in
for a mix of music, culture, and comedic candid conversations.

Produced by Brown Hound Sounds
New Orleans, LA
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1h 12min
January 24, 2025 The Shadow People Ep3 - Deck the Halls, Not Your Family!
Join Nigel Hall and Derrick Freeman as they sleigh their way into
Episode 3 of The Shadow People! From holiday highs to seasonal
struggles, this episode is a chaotic, hilarious, and heartfelt
exploration of Christmas traditions, wild family stories, and their
ultimate top (and bottom) holiday jams. Can “All I Want for Christmas”
spark a debate worthy of a holiday feast? (Spoiler: Yes.)
They also discuss their favorite yacht rock legends, Michael McDonald's
magic touch, and even spill about meeting the man himself (over a
grilled cheese, no less). Plus, hear their hot takes on New Year’s
Eve—aka “Amateur Hour”—and why some Christmas songs should retire for
good.
🎄 Expect plenty of laughs, stories of holiday chaos, and a sprinkle of
seasonal wisdom: cling to the people you love, cut the toxic ones loose,
and keep your playlists Donny Hathaway-approved.
Produced by Brown Hound Sounds @brownhoundsounds
New Orleans, LA

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1h 2min
January 24, 2025 The Shadow People Ep2 - Drake’s Defamation, Jazz Grammys, and New Orleans Sports Despair
In this episode of The Shadow People, Nigel Hall and Derrick Freeman dive into the absurdity of Drake’s legal moves, debate the legitimacy of Andre 3000’s controversial Grammy nomination, and vent their frustrations about the current state of New Orleans sports teams. From the Pelicans’ woes to the Saints’ struggles, no topic is safe from their hilariously unfiltered commentary.
Stick around for hot takes on hip-hop battles, heartfelt reflections on the challenges of family, and the kind of raw, unpolished honesty that only this duo can deliver. Plus, find out why Derrick thinks a WNBA team could be the city’s salvation and how Nigel’s unexpected encounter with a legendary NFL figure might just be a sign from the universe.
This episode is equal parts laughter, wisdom, and chaos—just like the city they call home.
🔊 Produced by Brown Hound Sounds
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1h 21min
January 24, 2025 The Shadow People Ep1 - Why Voter Engagement, Mike Tyson, and Shower Etiquette Matter
In the premiere episode of The Shadow People, Nigel Hall and Derrick
Freeman launch their podcast with humor, insight, and raw honesty. They
kick things off with a discussion about the power of voter engagement
and how communities can drive real change, before sharing their unique
takes on Mike Tyson’s legacy—including wild theories about his behavior
in the ring. Nigel reflects on his sacrifices to pursue music,
recounting his time living on the streets to follow his passion, while
the duo examines cultural shifts in the Black community and the evolving
music scene from the 70s to the 80s. They also touch on societal
pressures faced by Black women, hilarious observations about dogs acting
like they pay rent, and why proper shower etiquette involves a foggy
mirror.Blending heartfelt stories, sharp commentary, and plenty of
laughs, Episode 1 sets the stage for the dynamic mix of comedy, culture,
and perspective that defines The Shadow People.
Shot and Produced by Brown Hound Sounds, New Orleans, LA

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1h 11min

FAQs about The Shadow People:

How many episodes does The Shadow People have?

The podcast currently has 30 episodes available.