The Shadow People

The Shadow People

By Nigel Hall, Derrick FreemanMusicMusic Commentary
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The Shadow People episodes

  • 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!


    1 hr 7 min
  • 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


    53 min
  • 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


    45 min
  • 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


    11 min
  • 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


    1 hr 7 min
  • 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

    1 hr 12 min
  • 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


    1 hr 2 min
  • 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

    1 hr 21 min
  • 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


    1 hr 11 min

About The Shadow People

From the publisher's feed

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 chaos of life.