Unscripted: the NolaPapa Podcast

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Emergencies can happy out of nowhere! Especially when you have a kid... even more when you have children.  I learned quickly as each of our kids were born that situations can go south really fast. I remember as a new parent how scared I would get when our first newborn baby would act differently. 
That is why I thought it would be helpful to create a brand new segment that allows our audience to submit their own questions as it relates to them.
**With that said, This is for entertainment purposes ONLY. If you have ANY hesitation about your child's health, PLEASE seek advice from your child's pediatrician.**

We asked our audience members to submit their own Pediatric Emergency Questions and for fun, the first question chosen by Dr. Mutter wins a $25 gift card to Rouse's Markets to help make some groceries. I want to be sure to thank Rouse's for their generosity.
Listen to find out who the winner is! 

Then, later we welcome Ochsner's Athletic trainer to talk to us about why March is Athletic Training Month. 
I can only imagine how my kids would act later on in life watching from the side lines from any sport. They would be kicking and screaming to get back in the game. Sometimes, that could be a crucial mistake. 
Find out the 7 signs that your kid is ready to get back to their sport. 
Destini Manuel, LAT, ATC, Athletic trainer from Ochsner Andrews Sports Medicine Institute is here to go over all of the signs we as parents need to look for!

As always thank you to our talented guests this week. Nola Love! 

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Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

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Sandpiper Vacations has been a sponsor for NolaPapa.com from the beginning and I am so thrilled that the owner, Nick Bryan is back to share the latest in what is happening in the world of vacationers. 
This week he is here to introduce us all to the biggest, grandest, most gigantic cruise ship in the world! 
The brand new, state of the art cruise ship, Icon of the Seas is a record breaking, next level voyage of entertainment!
"World class venues that push the limit of your imagination..."
As intimidating as planning such a vacation is, Nick is here to make it super simple. His team is located strategically around the country to help anyone maximize the magic in their vacation. 
I have BEEN wanting to go on a pleasure cruise... now, I want to even more! 

Find out more how to plan your most magic vacation ever by visiting 
www.sandpipervactions.com. 
Tell em' NolaPapa sent ya!

Then later, we go back in time to me standing on the theater stage in 8th grade. I was trying out for the drama program in high school. The lights were bright. The nerves were upended. But, I stepped up into the circle of light and auditioned my little heart out. 
Drama is exhilarating. Improv is even more!  This next guest gets me excited because she is an author that has devoted her talents to help children find their own talents in improv. 
Sam Marsden is an author that has written multiple books, like Drama Games for Early Years and Acting Games for Improv. 
All of her work is geared towards opening up our children's minds to allow instinct to outshine fear. After all, kids have an overall easier experience to block the outside out than adults do. 
Learn more here,
www.marsdensam.com

Support the show

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

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Relationships with people are an easy indicator of how far our own pages have turned.  
When I first came to New Orleans, I snuck off from my friends and went to the "other" side of Bourbon Street.  
Down on the opposite end stood the gay clubs and everything else that came along with them. There was an energy around that I had never experienced before.
I knew in those first moments that THIS was my new scene. A short time after, I met long time friend, Cousin Dimitri. No, he wasn't just my cousin, he was everyone's cousin! He was and still is a beloved D.J. at the iconic radio station, WWOZ. 
If you have never heard of this radio station then I strongly urge you to go to www.wwoz.org and you can live stream it. 
Cousin Dimitri has been around to see me grow up, fall in love, get married, have kids and everything in between. He even came to Douglas and I's wedding. 
I hope you enjoy listening  to our times gone by. After all, it's those times that pass that shape us into who we are today! 
Locals go to 90.7 FM but to listen to the Jazz and Heritage Station, check out their site! 

Then later, The Joker of New Orleans sits down with me. Didn't know there was one? Well, there is. Not only is his mug on point donning bright electric green hair, but he can read your mind. Like, really. He is a mentalist that has been known to tell you your exact birthday, unlock your phone, or nail it with slight of hand. 
I don't know his name- just Joker of New Orleans. Mysterious right?
He even blew my mind! You have got to listen to this. His plan is to be on AGT soon! I am very excited to see where this uniquely mysterious cat is going!
Check him out on Instagram @Jokerofneworleans

Support the show

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

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Last season, you may remember the local documentary called Dirty Dogs.  The director, Ty Turner sat down and blew our mind! A 50 year old ordinance in New Orleans had allowed the local staple, Lucky Dogs the exclusive vendor inside the French Quarter. 
For HALF A CENTURY, this push cart brand has essentially had a monopoly in one of the oldest neighborhoods in America. 
Not anymore. 

This season, I wanted to revisit this story and hopefully get some closure to this wild tale of hypocrisy and good ole boy strongholds. 
After many emails, calls and conversations with different members of New Orleans City Council and their team, it seemed to me that there was significant traction being made!

Today, I am super excited to welcome back to the show, the same documentary- 
Dirty Dogs, but this time the Producer and Cinematographer, Adrian Sosebee lets us all know what the last year has been like and just what this project means to other passionate, local businesses that are now allowed to work in this historic neighborhood, the Iconic French Quarter! 
Adrian has been apart of this project from the very beginning and it is awesome to see results! Especially coming from the South, where change usually takes an excruciatingly long time to happen.
Adrian Sosebee also owns his own production business called Solid Ice Media.
He has even taken over editing our show, Unscripted- a NolaPapa Podcast! He is everywhere and take it for me- He is good at what he does! 
Find him at www.SolidIceMedia.com

Did you hear that? It's the lemonade man!
Later, we welcome one of the new push cart vendors that is NOW ALLOWED in the French Quarter! Topher Patch, owner of his own pushcart, Meyer's Frozen Lemonaid joins me to talk about what it has been like to have his ambitions to create such a deliciously NEEDED treat to sip on in the heat of the French Quarter. 
My family and I have personally tried Topher's own recipes and my friends, this cat knows what he is doing! From the ground up he thought out his business plan to not only serve a uniquely yummy treat, but also make his customers smile. And this man can and absolutely did that for me and my family. 
He knew what he wanted to do and went for it. During LOCK DOWN! Fear need not for Meyer's Lemonade. Listen to this interview and you will find out.

Find out all about his products and reserve a party today at
www.MeyersLemonade.com

Support the show

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

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Did you know that February is National Heart Month? To help remember,  just think of a HEART for Valentine's Day! I am so thrilled to welcome back Pediatric Cardiologist, David Weiland. 
From  *Congenital heart defects (which heart complications baby is born with) 
And then *Acquired heart defects come later in life. It is up to us as parents to KNOW THE SIGNS. It also up to the parents to TAKE your child to their Well Visits with your primary pediatrician.  That is the only way to learn about the serious complexities of the beautiful heart that lay inside your baby. 
Dr. David really sheds light on this crucial topic and his insights are VERY appreciated! 

Then later, we welcome 2 of my most favorite people back. Married couple, John and Kari Turner. They are incredibly inspirational and I so hope you find this interview as inspiring as I do.
John, an actor went to NYC and was almost killed by a mugging. It left him with brain damage and couldn't walk for a long time. He then pivoted to writing about his experience in a humorous way.  His book, Dairy of an Angry Gimp ignited his love for writing. He met his wife, Kari at a convention learning about handicapped Americans. 
Kari has cerebral palsy and they never looked back. In fact, they looked to the future and today, they are raising the 2 most beautiful little girls. Defying the odds every single day. Love yall! (they are also my cousins :) Can you tell that Papa is so proud of them?

They are also writers for our digital magazine, NolaPapa N.O.W. 
Check out their column here. 
https://nolapapa.com/nolapapa-magazine/

Support the show

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

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It's Mardi Gras Baby!! Gosh this escalated quickly! 
No where in the country will you find the cultural electricity that New Orleans has oozing from her streets that rises up to each ironclad balcony! 
The Live Oaks all slip into a little something a little more flashy-  bedazzled and sparkling like  fancy ladies decked out for a Broadway show. 
Experiencing what Mardi Gras is like during Deep Gras is something to behold at least once in your life! For real, y’all.
And this show is dedicated to all of the locals that dive into this festive pool every Carnival Season.  

I knew our Mardi Gras Show had to be lit. How does one find the perfect Mardi Gras guests? Well this episode will letcha' know, baby!

First, we welcome back to the show, My Pal, Mrs. Ti Martin, Co-Owner of LEGENDARY Commander's Palace. She makes me laugh so hard! Gosh I love her! She shares the delicious desserts created by her pastry chef AND  again,  just like last year, She unloads HUUUUGE NEWS!!
Right next to Commander's is their BRAND NEW CRÊPERIE called Le Petit Bleu. We were lucky to get a virtual tour and you can find it on our Instagram page @nolapapa. 
The fresh vibes mixed with classic looks definitely elevates it's adorably chic cafe! 
Find Le Petit Bleu at 1427 Washington Ave. (504) 2070-1343.

Then later we welcome the WINNER of last year's Greasing of the Poles at the 
Royal Sonesta! Each year, a celebratory contest is held on Bourbon Street to help ring in the wild season! WGNO Meteorologist, Brooke Laizer, WINNER of last year's contest joins me to talk about ALL THINGS GREASERS! 
What was her angle to take home the 4th WIN by WGNO? She breaks it all down! She also tells us what inspired her to become a meteorologist and her answer is absolutely adorable.  
I hope all that can celebrate has an awesome and safe time! 
Happy Mardi Gras! 

Listen Now!

Support the show

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

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Each year I track down and invite many people that I find inspiring to our podcast. 
From Hollywood to New Orleans, I look for trailblazers, trendsetters, and warm, compassionate humans that help to make a difference in our crazy world. 

This week I am super excited to have the one and only GENIE from Broadway's hit musical, Aladdin! 
Michael James Scott joins me to talk about all things BROADWAY! Where did it all begin for him? Who helped him realize his own potential? Who inspires him daily? 

Don't miss this exciting new episode with one of NYC's most beloved stars! 
Find out more about Michael by browsing his website at 
www.michaeljamesscott.com

Support the show

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

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I knew as our new season was about to premiere that one of my own favorite artists ever, Terrance Osborne was the most PERFECT guest. SO, I set my sights on him hoping and keeping all the optimistic vibes that he revealed himself  as our season 4 guest! And as life would have it, Here he is in the flesh!
Today, Terrance Osborne sits down with me to talk about everything from his beginning inspirations to TODAY!
Unbeknownst to me that he would be in the middle of an amazing whirlwind of a gigantic Raising Canes Mardi Gras promotion!
This Papa is incredibly grateful for the time we were able to make for this incredible Season 4 Premiere!
You can find T's work at www.terranceosborne.com and you can visit his gorgeous gallery at 3029 Magazine St!

Then later, after 4 seasons I have finally gotten our own illustrator, Victoria Zemke here! Victoria is the brilliant artist behind our own children's books, The Adventures of Addie Underwater and The Secret Mermaid Revue.
The way Victoria was able to know exactly what I wanted made this project so much fun! Imagine my surprise when I found out one of her greatest inspirations was our first guest, Terrance Osborne!
Papa found it only fitting to pair them together forever for an unforgettable
Episode 2 of our 3 Episode Premiere!

You can find her own New Orleans inspired coloring book all around New Orleans or click here to order it!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/403878412901

Support the show

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

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Y’all I am just beside myself! We are embarking on our 4th season of this experiment- this love letter to New Orleans, that keeps being written. I set out looking for people, artists and creators that inspire not only me, be so many others every single day. 

Anyone that knows anything about New Orleans knows that right now is a unique and special time of the year where the locals and tourists alike revel in the streets for Mardi Gras! Starting January 6 each year on King's Day and party all the way up to Fat Tuesday on Mardi Gras day! 
One of my personal favorite parades to go to is a "Super Krewe" and rolls on Lundi Gras, the Monday night before Fat Tuesday! 
Founded 31 years ago by giant celebrity Harry Connick Jr, he wanted to create a Mardi Gras krewe that was made up of artists of all types. He wanted to make sure that his krewe would accept people of all creeds. Over the 3 decades that Orpheus has rolled, each year it has gotten a little bigger and prettier with all of the beautiful floats that make it one of the most sought after experiences of the whole Carnival Season! 
Renee Maxwell, Orpheus' entertainment director sat down with me recently to dish out some of the new details for the krewe this year! 
For example , Neil Patrick Harris and his HUSBAND David Burtka are the celebrity monarchs this year.  Yall, did you hear what I just said? 
A GAY COUPLE will grace the celebrity monarch float just like ANY OTHER over the years! This is the most inclusive work I have ever seen during recent years for Mardi Gras!
Find out more details like Taylor Dayne performing at their Ball after the parade! 
Join us Lundi Gras- Feb 12 for the thirty first year of the Krewe of Orpheus! 
Find out everything at www.kreweoforpheus.com

And then we welcome one of the Iconic beings in the Universe that is about to take to the streets TOMORROW NIGHT in the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacca!
The Pink Wookie is synonymous with this walking krewe of space and fantasy revelry. 
Gary Griggs, the human being inside of the pink wookie sat down with me to talk about just HOW he was able to create such a memorable and vibrant character! 
The Krewe of Chewbacca may not be a "super krewe" but they are definitely a GIANT walking krewe with thousands of the most creative people in New Orleans! 
Join us tomorrow night! Saturday, Jan. 20 at 6:00 in the Marginy! 

Support the show

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
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STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

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Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

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Y’all  I CANNOT believe Christmas is here! I am literally geeking out over this flipping show!!!! 
Our Christmas Eve Episode  is one of the most special of all of our shows each year. 

Ya' see, some people have it really hard during the Holidays. Some in my own LGBT community can't even go home to see their families during the Holidays because of who they love.  Think about that. 
Men and women hide who they truly are their whole lives because of the ramifications it would cause in their own families. 

I was there before! And the pain from that gives me ambition to help others through their darkest times. 
For the past 3 years I have searched for music artists that come from my LGBT community to hear their own stories of inspiration and how they overcame their own struggles to pursue their dreams in front of everyone. 

This year, I stalked a contestant from the very first season of American Idol- 
Jim Verraros. His brand new single just came out and we jam to it a little later! 
Jim not only was on the first season of American Idol but was the first contestant ever to come out as gay during the windstorm that was Idol's first season!
Here how he decided to come to terms with his sexuality and publicly step forward and embrace who he truly was for all the world to see.

Grab some coco and a blanket and cozy up for our 3rd Annual Christmas Special!
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to each of you and thanks to all yall for the continued support.

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Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
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Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...