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Parents get stressed at New Years, and I have three babies so I know our littles are feeling it too. This episode I'm talking to Dr. Nikita Patel, Pediatric specialist at Oschner's Hospital for Children in New Orleans, about how to help our kids manage the stress we all feel around the start of the new year. 

Dr. Patel and I  talk about preparing our kids for stresses like scary weather (we got tornadoes in NOLA now, y'all!) and being around crowds for New Years parties. We also get into healthy eating habits, how to stay active when it's cold outside, and setting realistic goals with our children for the year ahead.

Then we get a heart-warming and tear-jerking story from our inspirational second guest, Nick Lynch, who was one of the original Make-A-Wish kids from the 1980s. Now he's all grown up and is telling us just how important it is to grant wishes for critically ill kids and their families, so they get something to look forward to and memories they can cherish. 

Nick tells the story of how he got to know Make-A-Wish at age 3 when he was diagnosed with cancer. Now, he sits on the foundation's board, and makes sure more kids with critical illnesses get the chance to have their spirits lifted too. We also talk about the MAW Foundation's changes over the pandemic, and what the team has planned for 2023.

That's it from the NolaPapa team for 2022! We'll be back in January. Until then, Happy New Year, y'all! 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

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Can y'all believe it?! Christmas is here! And so is Country  Music Superstar, Ty Herndon!  He is joining us on our special Christmas Eve episode!!

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, and how his dating life is going now (hint: he's lookin', fellas!)

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!

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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

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We're checking in with Dr. Jake Kleinmahon, Pediatric Cardiologist at Oschner's Hospital for Children, for another edition of Dr. Jake's Take. He's got some really important bits of holiday health info, like how to calm stressed out kids (and parents!) during the end of the year chaos. Then Dr. Jake spills the tea on why parents of teenagers should be alarmed about a new 'Loaded Tea' our high schoolers are getting into. It's just too much caffeine, y'all!

Then I sit down with my friend, our beloved local NOLA Anglican Dominican Friar, Brother Todd van Alstyne. Not only does he have a complete heart of gold, he's actually a lot like the real Santa Claus! Brother Todd tells us the real story of Jolly Old Saint Nick, how he's inspired by the classic tale of the real man who became a saint, and how Brother Todd tries to embody Santa's values year-round in New Orleans. Merry almost-Christmas, everybody!

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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

Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

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This episode is all about the famous NOLA Réveillon Dinners - 23 courses, all-night parties, holidays done New Orleans Style!

We're blessed with some delicious restaurants in NOLA, and one of my personal favorites is Commander's Palace, a 130-year-old family-run creole restaurant in the heart of the Garden District. I'm talking to Ti Martin, owner of Commander's Palace, about how her family took on the restaurant in the 60s, how they select their ever-changing menu of delectable dishes, what's on the menu for their Réveillon Dinner, and how their waitstaff coordinate so we all get our dishes at the same time. That's real service, y'all! At the end of our conversation, Ti tells us the exciting news about her new fiancée!

Then I talk to NOLA icon Poppy Tooker, New Orleans' native culinary activist, author, and host of NPR-affiliated radio show and podcast, Louisiana Eats! Poppy tells us all about the historic ways NOLA celebrates Christmas with feasts, including the old Réveillon Dinners, and the traditions of the old Catholic French Quarter.

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 the winter season, when all the germs spread and everyone gets sick. Including Papa! This episode we're talking all about how we can help our kids stay healthy. 

First, I talk to Dr. Lauren Mutter, who works in Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Oschner Hospital for Kids here in New Orleans, about her top health and safety tips for parents this holiday season. We talk about the uptick in kids getting Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), how to handle the fevers and colds our babies and us parents get this time of year, and how to keep our homes safe for our toddlers while we stay busy cooking turkeys and hanging decorations.

Then, I talk to the most amazing kids author, y'all are going to love him; David Norec. He's got a new children's book that will help our kids think about choices that impact their health. It's called "The Adventures of Exo and Cy," and it tackles some really important topics for kids like healthy snacking choices, diabetes, and exercising.  He's got a heart of gold, and the story behind why he wrote this book gave me goosebumps. I know y'all will love it too.

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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Babies change everything, I say it all the time. Our three babies came to us through adoption, and since November is National Adoption Month, we're going to be talking about what it's like to adopt as a gay man, and what it's like to adopt a premature baby.

First,  We Revisit Gayswithkids.com and pluck an INSPIRATIONAL article that I LIVE FOR.
 I talk to fellow gay dad Michael Bellavia (@mrbellavia on Instagram) about his experience becoming a father through a co-parenting/surrogacy relationship. Not only is he a fabulous otter daddy (although he won't admit it!) he's also a top-notch game show contestant with advice to give!!!

Then, we've got our brand new segment, brought to us  by our friends at Pinxav.com amd Ochsner Hospital for Children-
"Early Arrivals, A Preemie Story" - In future episodes we'll be joined by segment leader Nikki Rockwood, a NICU nurse, but this week I wanted to sit down and talk with my husband Dr. Douglas Alexander to tell you about our own preemie experience with our first daughter, who was born at 29 weeks. We're talking about bad tummies, scheduling feedings, learning from our social workers, and books books books!

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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When I was a kid I nerded out over meteorologists! I thought they were the coolest. This episode, I'm talking to one of my favorite NOLA meteorologists, David Bernard. When I heard he was leaving Fox8 to pursue his education in social work at Tulane University to be a therapist, I knew I had to ask him why he chose that path. 

We talk about what it's been like for David being an out gay TV meteorologist, whether people recognize him in his new classroom setting, and what he hopes to do with his future degree.

Then we're kicking off our fascinating new segment, Coffee Talk with Dr. Doug! I join my husband, psychiatrist Dr. Douglas Alexander, to discuss the two things he knows a whole lot about; coffee, and what it does to our brains!!!  

This week, Dr. Doug covers what caffeine is, how coffee is made, where makes the beans different, how coffee addiction works in our bodies, and Dr. Doug's advice on the best brewing tech for all his fellow coffee lovers.

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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November is National Adoption Month, and as y'all may know, all three of our babies came to us through open adoption. So this episode, my husband Douglas joins us to talk about our experiences with the adoption process through the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. We're reliving those early days as new dads, how we chose the path of open adoption, and what it means for our family. You'll also hear some of the Dave Thomas Foundation's heartwarming stories of foster and adoptive families. Learn more at www.davethomasfoundation.org

Then, I sit down with our family's own clinical social worker, the wonderful woman who saw us through all three of our adoptions, Suzy Loeb. We talk about building trust with your adoption team, how to maintain open communications and allow relationships with birth families to develop, how to talk to our kids about adoption, and so much 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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It's the spookiest time of the year y'all, Halloween! We all know New Orleans is haunted, so this episode we're talking to our friend Misti Gaither, paranormal investigator, and famed NOLA psychic medium Cari Roy, who you may have seen on The Today Show, A&E, and the Discovery and Travel Channels.

I'm excited to be on location with Cari and Misti as we talk about how they connect with the energies all around us and carry out paranormal investigations in our city. 
Cari also tells us about her mother, who was gifted as well. I even get a paranormal demonstration and we try out their spirit detection machines! I listened to the spirit box and let me tell you it was TALKIN!!! You get to hear it too!

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 for our new segment on kid's health, "Dr. Jake's Take" with our friend Dr. Jake Kleinmahon, pediatric cardiologist at Oschner Hospital in New Orleans!
First up, Dr. Jake talks to us about balance when it comes to screen time for our kids. Does time on the Wii or Netflix really impact our children's heart health?! Dr. Jake says yes! FASCINATING!!!

Then, I talk to Dr. Harley Ginsberg,  Oschner Hospital pediatrician and co-founder of Louisiana's first human-donated milk bank. He and his wife have done AMAZING things to set up a bank full of healthy human milk for our newborns and babies in need, helping Louisiana families all across the state.

DONATE TODAY! The preemies need it!
Find out how to donate your MONEY & your MILK at
https://www.ochsner.org/services/mothers-milk-bank-at-ochsner-baptist

Check out the new website NolaPapa.com and make sure you're following along on Instagram and Facebook @nolapapa


Interested in becoming a sponsor? Reach out! We'd love to talk to you. 
Find more about us at NolaPapa.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              ...