Unscripted: the NolaPapa Podcast

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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.

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 year we welcomed Country music star Ty Herndon to be our special guest for our Christmas Eve show. He is an absolute light. His enlightening words are as rich as his soulful voice. 

Ty tells us about his experience being raised in the church in Mississippi and following his dreams of being a country singer, years before he came out in 2014. We talk about how he dealt with telling his fans he was gay while he was on stage, how his mama helped him find the strength to live his authentic life.

We also get to hear and discuss some of Ty's new music. He even opens up about the angels that inspired him to save his own life, and how he wrote his latest album. Then, we break out the tears and reminisce about our vey own late gay idol Leslie Jordan, who was a good friend to Ty for many years. This episode is packed full of inspiration y'all, so enjoy and Merry Christmas one and all!

Go to TyHerndon.com To stay updated!

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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The Holidays are here!  Are  y’all ready for a Revillion  dinner to Remember? James Beard  and Food & Wine’s award winner- New Orleans own, world renowned Chef and restauranteur,  Susan Spicer sat down with me to talk about her own inspirations and  how her culinary journey all began.  
After this interview I felt so inspired! Chef Susan opened up about who played important roles in influencing her path to become a culinary staple of New Orleans,  From her first restaurant in the French Quarter to her newest, Rosedale, we find out what drives her to continue to be so present inside of her restaurant kitchens! 
Find her restaurants:
Rosedale 
801 Rosedale Drive 
504-309-9595
Www.rosedalerestaurant.com
Reservations suggested but walk ins available 
Bayona
430 Dauphine St.
504-525-4455
Www.bayona.com
Reservations suggested 

Then, we’re keeping the Holidays rolling with our dear friend Saint Nicholas! For j3 year now, Dominican Friar, Br. Todd van Alstyne joins me for Christmas lore from the TRUE beginnings of Saint Nicolas. 
Every year, Br. Todd embodies the form of Saint Nicholas to help keep the spirit of love, kindness and giving. He dresses up in the fanciest Santa garb that resembles a Catholic Cardinal- complete with white beard and staff! 
He tours local SE Louisiana churches to spread good tidings and Christmas Spirit in a time when we need it the most.
Curl up and listen to true tales of the REAL Santa Clause with Br. Todd AKA Saint Nicholas! 

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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As the Holidays approach, it is even more important to me as a father to know and understand some of the most important aspects of our children’s health. From diabetes to abnormal sleep patterns- there are vital signs that we as parents need to be cognizant of- while also educating ourselves with more information that can be so beneficial  in all of our daily  lives- especially during the holidays!

This is our Holiday special with Ochsner Hospital for children Pediatric Spotlight with Nurse Practitioner Marissa Miller speaking about diabetes and Nurse Practitioner Brittani Wild, speaking about sleep hygiene.
I have certainly learned more regarding my own children's health. I know that you will too. 
 For more information please visit 

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 606,031 children passed through the foster care system in 2021? 

Read that again and let it sit with you a moment. 606,031 kids that deserve the same love just as any other sit, wait and dream of the perfect day. 
 For 6 months of each of our children's lives we fostered them in order to proceed with their adoptions. The uneasy moments of not being in control, for me, was one of the hardest parts. 

The stories that I hear from foster parents are absolutely inspirational. 
Each experience  of unconditional love waits so patiently  on the other side, yearning for the moment to build the family they've always dreamt of having. 

One of these dreams came from a loving mother in South Florida that has a beautiful family in thanks to our foster care  system. 
Ann Swearingen recalls her own experience with her partner, Jeff, through the Foster Care System. Listen as she so delicately recollects their own path  of parenthood that  lay before them. 
Their fear is real, but the love is transcendental and will always win.


Next, we welcome Doug Munster, an adoption advocate that helps to run the 
Georgia Chapter of the Non Profit "GIFT OF ADOPTION". 
He and his husband, Brent are the proud dads of two beautiful boys through their own journey of adoption. 
Recently, Doug and his chapter raised over $600,000 that will benefit families in Metro Atlanta and reaching outward into Georgia and in turn was given recognition in 
Washington DC this summer. 
Doug's chapter in Georgia has helped 5,000 kids find their forever family! 
He is doing BIG things in the world of adoption and all of it is so appreciated. 
Thank you Doug! 
You can follow all of his sweet families adventures on Social media. 
Find them @realmoderndads
To find out more about The Gift of Adoption head over to GIFTOFADOPTION.ORG

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              ...

Send us Fan Mail

The extraordinary work done by the advocates for our fur babies deserve recognition! Can you imagine what it takes to organize a STATE wide operation that takes in and helps ALL sorts of animals every single day? 
It is a massive undertaking and I am grateful to welcome Rebecca Melanson from the Louisiana SPCA to shed light on what she and her coworkers do each day to serve our 4 legged population of our state, 
Can I tell you it is absolutely inspiring ?!? 
Find everything that they are about at www.louisiannaspca.org 

Then later, we welcome children's book author Mellissa Toole. She has recently published a new children's book that helps children understand and imagine what the concept of "Time" really means.  This sweet book allows children to innocently imagine where the time goes! 
Find her brand new book called "Time is on Your Side" on Amazon.com
Time is on Your Side
 https://a.co/d/963nLbK

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              ...

Send us Fan Mail

 Say it with me! Team USA! 
Today, I am SOOO excited to welcome someone from the Olympic games, Team USA!  
This is a full circle moment for me because I grew up watching  Olympic  figure skating and gymnastics with my mama. It was electric! 
Championship Figure skater, Jason Brown sits down with me to talk about what it took to become an Olympian and where it ALL started.  This is a inspirational conversation you definitely  do not want to miss!

Then later,  I get another progress report from our own council member from District B of New Orleans, Lesli Harris!  We welcome her back to the show to discuss everything on my list! 
 Street lamps, 
Road construction, 
Trash pickup, 
311 and being RESPECTFUL to the city’s  employees, 
Crime, 
Our homeless problem, 
The new police chief,  Ann Kirkpatrick,
The tacky hairnet high rise building downtown, Plaza Tower 
AND even talked about our state's new leadership and how that may effect us in NOLA. 
Councilwoman  Harris is genuinely passionate about her civil service and is motivated to be our voice on the city council! 

Y'all, I like her a lot! 

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              ...

Send us Fan Mail

Do you smell that? I smell PUMPKINS! 
How is Halloween upon us already? I am so excited to showcase this amazing episode recorded at my dear friend's house, New Orleans Psychic Medium, Cari Roy. 

I got to learn about Ghost detector gadgets from Paranormal Investigator, Misti Gaither,  and I even got to put a bandana around my head and listen to something called the "Spirit Box". 
I was and still am befuddled! Listen and get all snuggled up as we listen to lesson of "Spirits of Halloween 2023". 

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              ...

Send us Fan Mail

This week, we are so proud to interview Ochsner Hospital for Children's New pediatric cardiologist! Dr. David Weiland received undergraduate and medical training at University of Mississippi. He completed his pediatric residency training at Vanderbilt University and completed ANOTHER fellowship studying pediatric cardiology fellowship Duke University. THEN he studied another year of advanced training at Duke University for training in pediatric and congenital electrophysiology.
In short, Dr. Dave is well educated and eager to not only help as much as he can at Ochsner but Also, unlock the possibilities of his new home in New Orleans with his wife and 2 children. 

Go to Ochsner.org to find out all about Ochsner Health.

Then Later,
I am thrilled to welcome from neworleanspsychic.com, Cindy Armstrong, local psychic and medium. Cindy works along side our dear friend, Cari Roy, owner of neworleanspsychic.com.  Cari is a regular on our show and I am so excited to welcome Cindy!
I have my own insecurities and issues that I need to process and proceed through life without it bubbling up. Having a therapist helps, but also... dealing with super heavy things like the crippling loss of my brother throws wrenches into my mind gears. 
For this, I sometimes seek answers from beyond with very talented psychic/mediums from across the country. 
The peace I felt  from this interview sits SO WELL with my soul. 
The Beyond has answers, and you NEVER know who may come through. 

Book your appt. now at NEWORLEANSPSYCHIC.COM
or Call TOLL FREE at 1-877-774-6652

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              ...

Send us Fan Mail

When it comes to our kid's dental hygiene habits your Papa is always on the forefront.  Getting them to do anything takes an act of congress but hygiene needs to be taught in a fun and repetitive way. From tooth brush songs to children story books, I am here for it! Simply because it teaches our littles to take pride in what they have RIGHT NOW.
Adam Dennis is a local New Orleans Children’s book author that wrote about what would happen when the beloved Gary the gator from Uptown Pediatrics was visited by the tooth fairy. The unlikely events helped Gary take pride in his own smile which helps our own kids understand the importance of keeping their own grill shiny!
Find his book all over! Click here to order it now!
https://www.amazon.com/Gary-Tooth-Fairy-No-Generic/dp/1455627674

Then later we welcome back one of our NolaPapa NOW writers, Becky Balfe.
An inspirational writer finding her own strength through her own words and by doing so, helping others to understand the complexities of creating a family and the difficulty understanding our bodies when they don't perform the way we need them to.
Be sure to read her column in our Digital Magazine!
https://nolapapa.com/nolapapa-digital-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              ...