Unscripted: the NolaPapa Podcast

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SO EXCITED for our JUMBO show! 

Sometimes there is just SO MANY amazing interviews ya Papa has to put them all together! All completely different, but all BLAZING with passion and the ability to convert that passion into some of the most amazing experiences you can find! 

Hear how each guest shares their own inspiring stories, from National Puzzle day to Broadway in NYC! But you'll have to come to Papa's sweet Louisiana to get Cafe Du Monde's Iconic treats! 

Relax and listen!

First up, speaking of Cafe du Monde, I got to sit down with one of the family members that run the FAMILY OWNED business! That's right. As big as their brand is, they are still family owned and operated and stayed specifically in Louisiana. They have shown their commitment to our beloved city for over a hundred years, yall! So, with that said, meet Emily Jager. She runs the gift shops and everything else that needs to be done. Oh and the stories she has!

Did you know that back in the 50's and beyond, customers used to roll up in their big ass cars and eat Beignets in their CARS!!! That gives ya papa so much anxiety! ha! Such a good chat. AND SUPER grateful to include them in our 2025 roster of sponsors that makes our magic happen! 

Go to www.cafedumonde.com or www.shop.cafedumonde.com to find 

EVERYTHING you need! From history to merch and of course the coffee & beignet mix to make in your own kitchen! 

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Then, We welcome ANOTHER Iconic brand that I have loved my ENTIRE life. And I bet two shiny rocks that yall did too! Founded in 1946, Highlights Magazine for children has helped to motivate, inspire and educate children for lifetimes! 

Another fun fact. Did you know that January 29th was National Puzzle day? Unfortunately, our 5th season did not start in time for this to air. But that doesn’t mean you cannot access all of the puzzles Highlights has in store for your kiddos!

I was lucky enough to sit down with Head of Puzzle Innovation over at Highlights, Allison Kane AND the freakin' FOUNDER of "National Puzzle Day!" Jodi Jill created this amazing appreciation day over 30 years ago and the growth each year is staggering! C'mon! Everyone loves puzzles! My personal all time favorite was the hidden pictures. Not necessarily a puzzle but, hey. Gimme a break. HA! 

Listen to what inspired them from the very beginning AND what inspires them now! The joy I could feel through this interview isn't felt all the time. Highlights Magazine and Jodi have their fingers on a very strong pulse. 

Find all the fun at www.highlights.com AND over at Jodi's website at www.puzzledayfun.com

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And Finally for yall, we have a WICKED finale. 

Joining us all the way from Broadway in NYC is Matthew Deloch, solo performer in Wicked on Broadway! Matthew sat down to chat with me about what it takes to be in one of the most famous Broadway shows imaginable. Matthew shares stories of his upbringing in LOUISIANA, y'all!  I had NO idea. I see a guest I am inspired by, I go for it without any info. And to my astonishment, a southern boy. JUST LIKE ME! 

Hear what it took for him to land his dream role and what it has been like since his big leap from the country swamp. Such an inspiring story of passion, courage and persistence that shows anyone that your hard work really CAN pay off. 

If you have not already, check out WICKED on Broadway if you're in the city! Look for Matthew too! He's the ribbon, pole performer/dancer! 

Get tickets at www.broadway.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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Is this REALLY Season Five? Like, for real? In the short hiatus that we took after Christmas, 2025 came chugging through with Stats of our show like NEVER BEFORE.

This lil engine that could is NOW the #1 podcast in New Orleans! (www.goodpods.com) WHAAAA! And to guild the lily... the NolaPapa Podcast is now #5 in New Orleans! (www.feedspot.com)

There are others too, yall. Ded gum son!!! LET's GOOOO!

Starting us off this year is a chef I first saw back years ago when Top Chef was hotter than boudin! (spicy Louisiana rice sausage)

I followed along and remember thinking, oh he is spicy! But also funny! And also exquisitely detailed. Little did I know, celebrity Chef Art Smith has had such an esteemed career. Starting off from the very beginning when he admired Martha Stewart. Little did he know, he'd work for her but not only that, Oprah Winfrey and The White House! 

Today, Chef Art owns multiple restaurants, including one in my stomping ground of WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!! Yep, nestled in Disney Springs resides Chef Art's crown jewel called, Homecomin' . I love everything about it and CANNOT wait to visit there with my family. 

Sit back and welcome us all in as Chef Art spills the tea on not only Oprah, but my precious Martha Stewart. Like, y'all! OH MY!

—————————————————————————

Later we welcome New York Times best selling Children's Book Author of ABC's of Black History- Rio Cortez sits down with me to talk about her BRAND NEW book that JUST hit the bookshelves! In a beautiful picture book brimming with G for Groundbreaking women, National Book Award nominee Rio Cortez and illustrator Lauren Semmer celebrate all the joys, challenges, and historic forward movement of women’s history in the United States, with a special focus on the Black women, brown women, transwomen, and others who make change happen. This is a book about Artists, Activists and Allies, about Civil Rights and Choice, about Freedom Fighters, Headliners, Labor -- and Librarians! It’s about historic moments—Kamala Harris being sworn in as the first African-American and first Asian-American Vice President of the United States; Title IX passing through Congress; Seneca Falls, where the first women’s rights convention was held; the Riot Grrrls movement; and so much more. 

This was such a fun little chat with Rio. She was so bright and her energy definitely translates to her beautiful work of art! 

Find her books where ever books are sold! Literally!  

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

Holy cow what a season! I cannot believe we are about to wrap our 41st show of our 4th season!
I am so grateful for our inspiring guests that took the time to sit down with me to help share their passions, missions, and light to all of our audience through out the world. Thank you to our New Orleans community that helps our positive foot print grow outside of our city and spread into places that need the light that only New Orleans understands.
Thank you to our amazing producer and editor that creates a magical show every single Friday. Adrian from Solid Ice Media is amazing and he is local. He is the mastermind and it wouldn't be possible without his talents. Thanks big guy.
And of course, thank you to every single sponsor that NolaPapa.com has, allowing our campfire to brighten- creating embers from it to soar into the air and brightening someone's life somewhere out there.

On this season 4 finale, we welcome New York Times Best Selling Author, John Garrison. His brand new book, Red + Hot and Blue was released recently and he sat down with myself and local book enthusiast and author, TQ Sims.
"Red Hot + Blue is a meditation on music's capacity to find us, transform us, and help us make sense of our historical moment. Blending memoir and cultural history, Garrison recalls his coming out at the height of the AIDS crisis alongside the music industry's first major response to the epidemic. In 1990, a groundbreaking effort by musical artists sought to combat the silence and stigma about the disease. The resulting tribute album to legendary composer Cole Porter was evocatively titled Red Hot + Blue, capturing both the joy and melancholy that accompany love during turbulent times. It re-imagined those iconic songs - including “Don't Fence Me In,” “Every Time We Say Goodbye,” “Night and Day” - not just to celebrate the composer but also to offer a shared vision for survival. In this book, Garrison reflects on his own life story through the lens of Porter's life and music to illuminate the emotional landscape we all navigate in the search for love.

Red Hot + Blue returns us to the early 1990s to reveal how the love songs of the past can be revived to speak to new audiences in times of need. The book is the portrait of an album, a pandemic, and a young gay man's coming of age in the era of both."  Courtesy of www.bloomssbury.com

Find Red+Hot and Blue at: https://a.co/d/iJjLSEf
Find the Vinyl here: https://a.co/d/ezbB5EA

Then we welcome upcoming new Author, TQ Sims. His new book, "God Speed Lovers" was released last month and is adding to a new genre that brings SYFY and gay romance together in a unique and romantic time, allowing our community to connect with a different type of story. 
"Lovable loner Casey Isaac thinks love isn’t for him. Not since extraordinary events left him with supernormal powers and a great deal of trauma. But when Oscar Kenzari looks at him, he can’t help but change his mind. As Divinators, Casey and Oscar have used their psychic powers to defend humanity from sentient, extradimensional storms for one hundred years. But a storm more powerful than any before is brewing. MaalenKun, prince of the maelstrom, conqueror of countless realities, plans to turn the tables by infecting Casey’s mind. MaalenKun is not the only threat. Casey and Oscar must determine who they can trust: the eccentric trillionaire keeping them in the dark, the independent contractors with secrets of their own, or a seemingly helpful extradimensional being shrouded in mystery. As Casey works to defeat threats around and within himself, he must open to love for his chosen family, for Oscar, and for himself to unlock a transformative power capable of banishing MaalenKun. And Oscar must make a difficult choice that could cost him the future he dreams of. Can Casey and Oscar’s love break the storm?"

Find TQ's books at:  https://a.co/

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 is an interview I have always wanted from the depths of my heart. Danny’s messages I remember from watching Real World New Orleans inspired me to move to New Orleans almost 25 years ago. My trajectory could have been so different. My stubbornness to leave Mississippi because of some show was ridiculous to a lot of people. Man, my life would have been so different had I listened to them. Danny’s messages this Christmas hits hard- just like old times.
 
Our 4th annual Christmas Eve Special was created for our LGBT community that is not welcome home for the holidays. Every year I track down beacons of hope and light that is bottled up inside of passionate and kind people in my community that will help me send up embers into the world that may allow others to find their way in an unwelcoming place they may be in. 

*If you need resources please go to*:
https://nolapapa.com/lgbtq-resources


Some sobering statistics for you this Holiday:
(www.thetrevorproject.org)

• LGBTQ youth in our sample who reported housing instability or homelessness had nearly two to four times the odds of reporting depression (aOR = 2.07), anxiety (aOR = 1.96), self-harm (aOR = 2.30), considering suicide (aOR = 2.62), and attempting suicide (aOR = 3.70) compared to those who did not report any housing instability. 
• 69% of youth who reported past housing instability and 68% of youth who were currently homeless reported that they had engaged in self-harm in the last year – compared to 49% of youth who had not experienced housing instability, 
• 58% of youth who reported past housing instability and 62% of youth who were currently homeless reported having seriously considered suicide in the last year – compared to 35% of youth who had not experienced housing instability, 
• 28% of youth who reported past housing instability and 35% of youth who were currently homeless reported a suicide attempt in the last year – compared to 10% of youth who had not experienced housing instability,  
  • Preventing LGBTQ Youth Homelessness. Strong anti-discrimination policies in the workplace and strong anti-bully and harassment policies in schools can be effective in helping LGBTQ youth stay connected to school and employment, increasing their skills and future earnings, and making it easier for them to maintain stable housing. Additionally, since family conflict around youths’ LGBTQ identities is a driving factor in LGBTQ youth homelessness, developing family counseling or mediation programs may be effective at decreasing conflict and keeping LGBTQ youth in their homes and connected to their families. Special attention should also be paid to preventing housing instability among LGBTQ youth in foster care through case management and exit planning for youth exiting care. 

NolaPapa.com Will ALWAYS be a SAFE PLACE for my community. Our Christmas Eve episode is dedicated for all of those that need hope, inspiration and love this Holiday Season. 

Danny and I had an amazing chat about keeping the fire inside you bright so that the embers from it fly and touch others that need your light as well. 
We are ALL in this together, whether some understand or not. 

Always remember that there are so many more people that love you than the ones that don't. Those may be the loudest. Just lose the noise and listen to your heart. Find your passions. Lose cynicism. Try to find humor that makes you happy. Smile. Then, when your tired and weary head becomes strong again, help someone that needs it. 
I love you. Danny loves you. And so many more does, too. 
Merry Christmas and if you need me, email me 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              ...

Send us Fan Mail

It's time to serve up another round of "NolaPapa READS!" This time, with a Christmas overlay! 

I LOVE this new segment of the show. For the last couple of months, we have brought New York Times Best Selling authors to the show and sit down for a chat in where their inspirations came from and how they were able to create such masterpieces. From Heartstopper author to today's guest, Jason June! 
"Jason June is a New York Times best selling author who loves to create picture books that mix the flamboyantly whacky with the slightly dark, and young adult contemporary rom-coms full of love and lust and hijinks."
His love of writing stories highlighting our LGBT community is inspiring and helps shine a light on books that allow our younger youth to be sucked into a positive and lightheartedly funny space to be who we are, no matter what. 

Today, my rotating co-host of "NolaPapa READS!" is local book worm and host of her own show, "Book Banter". Rayna Neilson and I are talking about Jason June's work and  brand new book,
 "Flopping in a Winter Wonderland""
"This adorable rom-com unwraps the healing power of love and the magic of the Christmas season."

Find it everywhere including his sight, www.heyjasonjune.com.


Then later, we welcome back our favorite MD from Ochsner Hospital for Children!
We love our partnership with this amazing hospital system. Ochsner Health has an
every day impact on our community with the most passionate and hardworking staff of any hospital I have come across. That is exactly why I reached out to them almost 3 years ago! 

We are celebrating our one year anniversary of this particular segment, "Emergency! With Dr. Mutter and Ochsner Hospital for Children"

This time, instead of answering questions submitted by our audience, Dr. Mutter and I chat about the most common emergencies that the Holiday Season brings. 
From the Flu to depression- we covered it. And I welcome all of yall to listen, Especially if you have kids! 

*this segment is for entertainment purposes only.*

For any health related questions or to schedule an appointment go to:
www.ochsner.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

I am so excited for our THIRD annual Christmas Réveillon & Saint Nicholas show!

When I moved to New Orleans almost 25 years ago from South Mississippi, my mind was blown to see how fancy and special these dinners were during December. 
Beautifully curated dishes that correspond with the vibes of the winter months set with a gorgeous Christmasy  backdrop made the most perfect meal for me and Douglas. It was so nice that I brought my mama the following year. 

Come to find out, these fancy dinners are all about preserving the rich history behind the beginning of the "Réveillon feast.
The Réveillon tradition is most commonly enjoyed by local families and/or friends gathered around a large table in an old French Quarter restaurant or reserving one of the small private dining rooms they offer. However, couples or families visiting New Orleans during the holidays can also savor the same memorable Réveillon Dinner experiences at restaurants all over town. The feelings of togetherness and good cheer, coupled with the memories of all that great New Orleans food, will stick to the palate of your memory forever.

I am proud to welcome one of the oldest and well known restaurants to our show! Open since 1856, Tujague's restaurant was In existence before “New Orleans” even bore its name, and having served as a Spanish armory, Tujague’s restaurant has survived decades of war, depression, fire and plague to bring you a tradition of culinary excellence undiminished today.

Tujague’s is the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans, the birthplace of brunch and home to the oldest stand-up bar in America, but first and foremost, Tujague’s is a neighborhood restaurant, located in America’s oldest neighborhood—the French Quarter. Steeped in foodie lore, Tujague’s is undeniably one of New Orleans’ most famous and historic restaurants.
Celebrating its 160th anniversary in 2016, this famous French Quarter culinary treasure grew from humble beginnings. Prosperity had never smiled more broadly on New Orleans than it did in the period when Tujague’s first opened its doors. The city’s growth during the 1850s was immense, and, for European emigrants in search of success in the New World, opportunity was everywhere for the taking.

Today, Tujague's is thriving more than ever and we are super excited to welcome Executive Chef, Meg Gray to the show to talk about her own choices for this year's menu. We also dive into what or WHO inspired her to become the chef she is in one of the oldest restaurants in our country! 

To learn more about Tujague's Restaurant visit:
tujaguesrestaurant.com


Later we welcome my dear friend and Anglican Brother/Friar that lives here in New Orleans AND MAGICALLY transforms into the spirit embodiment of the jolly man that walked the other side of the world thousands of years ago! 
Brother Todd Van Alstyne has memories growing up with the beautiful traditions of Christmas past.

Quick history lesson of the Real Saint Nick!
Nicholas was born to a wealthy family in the third century. When his parents died, he distributed their wealth to the poor, became a priest, and became legendary for his profound generosity and care for people.

Stories spread far and wide about his generosity. The most famous incident from his life is the night he dropped a small sack of gold coins through the window into the house of a family in desperate need. This provided dowries for three daughters who would have otherwise almost certainly ended up being slaves or prostitutes.
Nicholas is perhaps the inventor of anonymous giving. 1700 years after his death, his spirit lives on as a confounding reminder of the obligation we have to those who live in suffering on the brink of despair.

Is Sant real? Well, during these weeks leading up to Christmas, Brother Todd makes sure that these beautiful stories live on through the faces of our children. 

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

Every step we take in life leads us somewhere. And before we know it, the path we've taken awakens different parts of our on self, to unleash new passions, talents and if we listen close enough to our intuitions, that will unlock the key to understanding what to do with them. 
Attention to all the little details also make our passions sparkle like a dew drop on a leaf. 
And when we bring all of that together, and are grateful for all of the other lessons we have learned in our life to that point, in a way, I feel it creates a manifestation situation that only the committed, dedicated, and meticulous can understand. 

With all of that said, I am THRILLED to welcome New Orlean's hottest chef right now for our very special Thanksgiving Special. 
Before he opened his exquisite restaurants, Saint John and Gris-Gris, before he cooked at Brennan's or Commander's Palace, he learned the hard life lessons to be as detailed oriented by joining the Marines. Yes! The Marines! 
"The only thing I could compare it to was the way a kitchen is ran. There are ranks in a kitchen just like the military. And you rise up the ranks." 

Now, with his brand new location of Saint John on Saint Charles Ave and his newly released cook book, Modern Creole, Chef Cook's universal love letter to home cooking and being raised in one of the greatest cities in the world is sure to inspire a whole new generation of hard working, grateful and detail oriented chefs all across our city and country. 

Thank you for your service, your talents and for such a great chat, Chef. 
Happy Thanksgiving! 

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 one made me jittery! 

Our New Segment, "NolaPapa Reads" is packed with New York Times Best Sellers and this one really had me nervous! 
If you have not heard of Heartstopper by now, let's pull back the drapes for you so you can see the sunshine. 
From ginormous author, Alice Oseman, Heartstopper is a now an adapted coming of age romantic drama that is based on Oseman's webcomic and graphic novel of the same name. 
We get to chat with Osman and an executive producer of the hit Netflix show, Patrick Walters!

I am so excited to talk these two, especially because Alice was able to hand over her books to make it into the hit show it is today. That takes a lot of faith and stepping out to allow someone else take it and allow it to grow into the fandom that is today! A must listen y'all! 

Then later we welcome back our sweet friend Rebecca from the LASPCA! 
I love learning new things about our non profits around South Louisiana. Every time one comes on, I learn SO MUCH! And I truly hope you do too. 

That being said, the HISTORY behind the LASPCA is freaking fascinating! 
You have got to listen you guys. 

We also talk about our AMAZING Holiday Benefit for the LASPCA at Urban South Brewery on Dec 7 from 7-10pm. With Live entertainment from America's Got Talent Top 5 finalist, Food from across the city and it is COMPLETELY FREE! 
Just get your ticket by registering for the event here! 

 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/doggies-got-talent-tickets-1075702758909?aff=oddtdtcreator

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

As ya'll probably know by now, Adoption changed our lives forever. Living on the other side of the process, I am able to recall all of the emotions that would rush through our bodies. It isn't for the faint of heart. But for the ones that are truly committed and damned determined to create their family, then strap in. It is a beautiful and scary journey, but in the end... it is magical. Douglas and I are forever grateful to our birthmothers that strapped in with us. It was a rollercoaster of feelings. Feelings that helped us grow, mature, and let go and let God. 

Each year for our Adoption show I search for inspiring stories that would allow our audience to experience the emotions told by these incredible humans. 

Gayswithkids.com is where I personally started writing. This platform allows dads from all over the world to connect, learn and grow their own confidence by seeing representation from other gay dads... like Douglas and I! 
Recently, I found a really inspiring article over on GWK and I had to talk to him.

Meet Kevin. He lives in Los Angeles and he is a single dad. He went through the entire process as a single gay man. After 4 years of fostering his son, he was finally able to finalize recently and he wrote about it. 
I cannot IMAGINE how much grit it took to complete. 
I highly recommend you listen to this one. And you can follow his family at 
@therealdadoflosangeles.

Then later we welcome back The Real Modern Dads! 
Doug and Brent Munster live in Atlanta, Ga. Doug runs non profit called "The Gift of Adoption"-Georgia Chapter and Brent works in business. Together for almost 20 years, they too went through the adoption process and are able to talk about their experiences after their 2 boys were born. Now almost a decade later, Doug and Brent open up about their journey. 
They also operate a social media account called @realmoderndads that is a hoot and a hollar! 

And to all the ones out there that are thinking of growing their family either through adoption or fostering, reach out to me if you need me. I am always here. My email is [email protected].

Happy Adoption Month Yall!

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

November already?!?

How is this possible? Our 2024 Season is drawing to a close but we STILL have some amazing stories of inspiration to throw at ya!

We are so excited to introduce a BRAND NEW SEGMENT this week that will bring the NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHORS to OUR SHOW!
How did I get so lucky? I am still scratching my head! But with that said, this week, I proudly give you,

 "NolaPapa READS!"
Eliot Schrefer is an American and British author of both adult and young adult fiction, and a two-time finalist for the National Book Award in Young People's Literature. Schrefer's first novel Glamorous Disasters was published by Simon & Schuster in 2006.
In this sequel to The Darkness Outside Us, a Stonewall Honor Book optioned for film by Elliot Page and Page Boy Productions, New York Times bestselling author Eliot Schrefer delivers another ambitious, genre-bending novel and epic love story that spans thousands of years and the far reaches of the galaxy.

Just released on October, 1st- "The Brightness Between Us" can be found anywhere and everywhere!

Next up,

I have wanted to have this amazing non profit on for the longest.
Covenant House- New Orleans,
 Opens its heart and its doors each year to more than 650 youth & children ages 22 and under.
Serving Young People Overcoming Homelessness & Trafficking.
With generous friends and community partners, our dedicated staff provides youth with relentless support, unconditional love, and absolute respect.

Kento Azegami, Covenant House New Orleans- Developmental Assistant sits down with me to talk about the amazing work that not only he does but the entire organization. 
-Did you know:
*97% of survivors have a previous history of sexual abuse or assault?
*94% first experienced trafficking while under the age of 21?
*99% are experiencing profound trauma (PTSD)?
*97% grew up in violent or abusive homes?

Not to mention, the runaways regarding the LGBT community. 
Covenant House REMAINS OPEN to ACCEPT ANY CHILD or YOUNG ADULT from baby to 22 years old. 
These kids to not need to be a Louisiana resident to be welcomed with open arms. 

Imagine the immense amount of money this must take to operate. 
Kento, helps with generating funds to allow this organization to operate on the scale that it does! 

With that said, each year Covenant House ALL ACROSS America has an amazing fundraiser that helps create these exact funds!
"SLEEP OUT": A global movement to end youth homelessness. Give up your bed for one night to ensure that youth facing homelessness sleep safely at Covenant House. 

TO JOIN the MOVEMENT: www.sleepout.org
TO LEARN MORE about Covenant House- New Orleans:
www.covenanthousenola.org
TO DONATE:
www.covenanthousenola.org/donate/

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              ...