Unscripted: the NolaPapa Podcast

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Summer camps are coming in hot!! But not just any summer camps- we have one of the city’s BEST summer camps here today! 
Sam Bass, Art Camp 504’s Camp Director sat down with me to talk about her own inspiration behind this amazing camp for our kids in the Big Easy.  
Our own girls have been multiple years- and what makes this camp so great is that it is
Offered multiple times during the year- even in different seasons! 
Their spaces are filling up  FAST y’all!
 Snag them now at 
www.artcamp504.org! 

Then, I welcome back my pal and owner of Brian Rosenberg from Gayswithkids.com- MY VERY FIRST platform to write my blog many years ago! 
Brian was on  our very first show  a couple of years ago and today he is back to talk about the exciting new stuff coming out of GWK lately! 
Their revolutionary way to learn about your path to fatherhood with a brand new program that launched last year called 
GWK ACADEMY- a one stop shop for any and all a gay man would need to start their own journey to parenthood! 
Download their FREE APP called GWK Academy in your app store and go to gayswithkids.com to learn more! 

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’m so excited to welcome back a very special segment to our show. Preemies run deep in Papa‘s heart.
 So deep in fact,  that I felt it was important to create a segment that would highlight the people that allow these beautiful,  tiny bundles of joy the opportunity to survive, grow and then thrive!

Pinxav diaper rash ointment is our joint partner along with Ochsner’s Hospital for Children in producing this sweet and informative segment- and my heart couldn’t be more grateful! 

Today, we welcome back from Ochsner Hospital for Children’s neonatologist four almost 30 years Dr. Harley Ginsberg.
His expertise passion, and eagerness to not only help our preemies, but also to help other upcoming professionals learn to  follow in his same footsteps.

Then later  I welcome back my old friend… A Louisiana ICON in the drag world. 
Tiffany Alexander joins me to talk about our two decade long friendship and also the trailblazing path that she has been on for over three decades. 

The drag queen wars that our society is going through right now is ridiculous and I can prove it. 

Drag queens are artists, performers and insanely  talented human beings. They offer a  a different perspective at looking in our world from only a couple of vantage points. 
Listen y’all,  and you will hear the passion in Mitch‘s voice. 
Tiffany Alexander is the very first Miss Gay Louisiana America and hosts her own show on Bourbon Street that she has had for a very long time. So long, in fact, ya’ papa used to go to it!

Inspiration comes from all corners of our society. It’s time that we take a minute to observe, reflect and understand the drag world.
One queen at a time.  Welcome to our brand new segment called, 
The Drag Queen Wars: featuring:
Tiffany Alexander 

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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Teachers should definitely be given an entire month of appreciation for the immense amount of EVERYTHING it takes to be an educator.

Seriously! One week? C’mon America.

Well with the week that they are given it is so important that we take time to go out of our way to let them know how much they mean to you!
I am so thrilled to welcome back GINORMOUS social media star and teacher, Mr. Greg Smedley-Warren from The Kindergarten Smorgasbord, a platform that not only helps teachers to find their light, but also allows us all to see the magic that happens inside of the classroom. Mr. Greg teaches and an  elementary school in Nashville Tennessee, the latest city of a tragic school shooting.
He opens up and shares how important it is for a child to feel safe and how he makes it his priority every single day.

Visit Mr. Greg at: https://thekindergartensmorgasboard.com/

Then, I welcome back my friend and pediatric cardiologist from Ochsner Hospital for children, Dr. Jake Kleinmahan. 
This segment is designed to help expand the helpful conversation regarding our health- in a less formal and relaxed background.

Dr. Jake tackles questions submitted by our audience, and  sheds his own light and expertise in whatever is thrown our way! 

Do you have a question that you would like Dr. Jake to answer? Submit them at [email protected].

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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This week we welcome two United States Veterans to the show. I’m truly amazed at how our own soldiers can harness their gifts after their  world of war & peace-  then, to share them with the entire world.
First I welcome my pal Steve McPhail- aka Mcphizzle66 to the show. A past military vet and now rising TikTok’r and Artist! Bob Ross may have been mentioned a couple of times here. I LOVE BOB and if you do too then you’ll love Phizz!
To watch him paint live almost every night check out the links below!
https://linktr.ee/mcphizzle66

Then I welcome another Vet and author- Gene Bennett,  recounting different stories  about his own overseas operations from his deployment in  the nineties. 
There are things that I learned here that is disheartening and I only hope that our government begins to treat our own veterans with more dignity and respect. 
To find Gene’s book:
We Did Not Deserve the Crapper: The prison we entered but never fully left https://a.co/d/fU5SErZ

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

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

 Welcome to this special episode, brought to you by Ochsner Hospital for Children in recognition of World Autism Awareness month and today we are joined by Dr. Lee  Annotti, 
a pediatric psychologist at Ochsner Hospital for Children and an expert in autism spectrum disorders.
Find out the myths, early warning signs and learn how to cope as a parent dealing with autism. Because parent fatigue is real. 

Next we welcome an incredible product AS SEEN ON TV! The first human dog bed for HUMANS! From Shark tank, to day time tv, and all in between, this product is everywhere! 
Hear from the inventors themselves and find out what inspired them to create this amazingly relaxing product! 
Go to weareplufl.com and enter NOLAPAPA for you own discount! 

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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Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast, where we feature inspiring stories and conversations with people who are making a positive impact on the world. Today, we are honored to have Rob Sheer, the founder of global nonprofit Comfort Cases, join us.

Comfort Cases is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comfort and support to children in foster care. Through their programs and initiatives, they aim to ensure that no child has to endure the upheaval of moving from home to home with nothing but a trash bag to hold their belongings. Rob Sheer, a former foster child himself, founded Comfort Cases with the goal of improving the foster care experience for children everywhere.
In this episode, we'll hear Rob's personal story and the inspiration behind the creation of Comfort Cases. We'll also learn about the impact Comfort Cases has had on children and families around the world and what they have in store for the future as we introduce our new amazing segment with our friends at Comfort Cases! 

Next up, Todd Parr is an American author and illustrator of children's books. His books are known for their vibrant illustrations, positive messages, and themes of diversity and inclusivity.

Parr has written and illustrated over 50 books, including "It's Okay to be Different," "The Family Book," and "The Goodbye Book." His books cover a wide range of topics, from celebrating differences and promoting self-acceptance to dealing with loss and saying goodbye.

Parr's work has been praised for its ability to help children feel seen and valued, no matter their differences or challenges. He has won numerous awards for his books, including the Parents' Choice Gold Award and the National Parenting Publications Gold Award.

In addition to his work as an author and illustrator, Parr is also a philanthropist and activist. He has donated millions of dollars to children's charities and is a strong advocate for causes such as children's education, animal welfare, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Whether through his books or his activism, Todd Parr's work has touched the lives of countless children and families, promoting love, kindness, and acceptance for all.

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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We've got two wonderful guests this episode, and my goodness did I learn a lot! First up we talk to Dominique Fleitas, an assistant curator at the Audubon Zoo in NOLA who takes care of the Jaguar Jungle and the Louisiana Swamp exhibits. 

Dom tells us about how she got interested in zoo work through her favorite animal, the North American Otter. We talk about Audubon's new alligator exhibit, how it was designed, and how the white leucistic alligators (not albino!) are found and brought to the zoo. Then we discuss what Dom's days look like caring for the animals in the Jaguar Jungle, who feeds and cleans all the animals at the zoo, and how staff use 'enrichment' to keep the animals active and healthy.

Then we welcome back our good friend Becky Balfe, past editor of lovewhatmatters.com and writer for our new digital magazine, NolapapaNow, which you can find at Nolapapa.com. Becky tells us about how her life experiences have influenced her writing, which focuses on issues like divorce, infertility, living with lupus, and being a single mom. She also talks about what her new column will include for the Nolapapa Magazine and what might be coming up for Becky on the dating front!

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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Getting good beauty sleep is about more than just keeping yourself looking fresh. March 12-18 is National Sleep Health Week, so this episode we're talking to Ochsner Hospital's pediatric pulmonologist and sleep expert Dr. Leyden Lozada about healthy sleep habits for adults and kids. 

Dr. Lozada tells us why sleep is critical for our health and growth, especially for kids, how a lack of sleep impacts our bodies, and how we can improve our pre-bedtime routines. We also discuss whether it's a good idea to ban toys in bed, whether soothing sounds and lights are really helpful for babies, and what warning signs parents should look out for in their children when it comes to respiratory health at night.

Then we hear an important true story from documentary film director Tye Turner of the so-called NOLA Hot Dog War. Tye tells us about the corruption he's uncovered that is going on right now in the streets of New Orleans in his movie "Dirty Dogs." 

The documentary tells the story of a local ordinance that has allowed Lucky Dog hotdog vendors to have a 50-year monopoly on the French Quarter!!! Y'all ever noticed there are NO other food trucks or food stands allowed?! Well, as Tye explains, he uncovered in his filmmaking that Lucky, the only food cart chain in the Quarter, is also part-owned by one of our own state senators! This is a fascinating and enraging story, after you hear it I think you'll agree that we need to do something about the lack of equal opportunity for potential food vendors in our beloved city.

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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We're getting real and deep this week with inspirational writers Kari and John Turner. We're talking about what it's like to be a disabled person with children in America today. Kari and John are my husband's dear cousins, who accepted me into their family immediately and with open arms, and I'm thrilled for y'all to hear their story of inspiration and strength. We discuss how John got sober after his traumatic brain injury and found his life's purpose in writing for a magazine where his future wife Kari was the editor. Kari, who has cerebral palsy, tells us what it's like to be a mother with a lifelong disability who was raised alongside a twin without a disability. She also tells us about her activism work for disability rights, her work on blogs that talk about life with disabilities, and how she deals with people who overstep their boundaries with comments in public.

Then we sit down with America's Got Talent top 5 competitor, dog dance trainer extraordinaire, Sara Carson! You might remember Sara and her Collie dogs Hero and Loki from AGT's cast in Season 12. We're talking about how Sara trains her dogs from puppies, what it's like doing the AGT show day in and day out, how it felt waiting to hear if she made it to the next round, and how life has been for her and her beloved dogs after the show. 

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              ...