New Orleans Podcasting - Listen To The Voices That Are Rebuilding New Orleans. Click On The Link Below To Hear The Latest Int

Our guest this week is the captain of Thoth. Thoth, a Carnival Krewe, or organization, began in 1947. Ever since "Reconstruction" following the Civil War, the identity of Thoth's Captain has remained secret. The 2008 Captain describes his responsibilities and duties and clarifies some common Mardi Gras misconceptions. Thoth, also known as the "Krewe of Shut-Ins", brings Mardi Gras to hospital patients and others who are unable to attend the parade.

Dominique Rizzo is the owner of La Boulangerie, a popular French bakery located on Magazine Street in New Orleans. Since we are in the Carnival Season, Dominique describes the original French King Cake and explains how it differs from our traditional New Orleans King Cake. He recalls his first impressions of New Orleans and shares his observations of how New Orleans is unique and distinct from other American cities.

Jesyka Bartlett is the fourth generation Bartlett to work at the French Market Coffee Company. Her family co-owns this New Orleans based business along with the Dodge family. French Market Coffee Company, founded in 1890, supplies locals with one of their favorite brews. Jesyka reflects on the difficult months following hurricane Katrina and the challenges facing her company. New Orleans is famous for coffee; after listening to Jesyka, you will understand why.

Arthur Hardy, Mardi Gras expert and historian, publishes the annual Mardi Gras Guide. Arthur shares the big news for Carnival 2008: the Krewe of Endymeon's long awaited return to its pre-Katrina Mid-City route. "It sends a message that the police department, if not at full strength, is strong enough to handle the large crowds in Mid-City", Arthur says. And he notes that the pre-parade party and concert on Orleans Avenue are great fun, too. Arthur also talks about "Family Gras" in Metairie on the first weekend of Mardi Gras.

Patty Gay is Executive Director of the Preservation Resource Center. She explains how the PRC focuses on saving and promoting our neighborhoods, architecture, and culture. Patty tells us about the increase in volunteers since hurricane Katrina and how important they are to New Orleans' recovery. "The PRC offers workshops each month on various tips on rebuilding older New Orleans homes", Patty says. Patty also describes the PRC's Operation Come Back Program that restores vacant and blighted properties.

Robert Lyall is General and Artistic Director for the New Orleans Opera Association. Robert describes Hurricane Katrina's extensive damage to the opera's traditional venue, The Theatre of Performing Arts located in Armstrong Park. Despite the challenges Katrina brought, the New Orleans opera returned to the arts' scene in March, 2006 with a grand gala. The event was so successful that Robert planned a New Year's Eve celebration; he promises this event will be the perfect way for music and art lovers to welcome the new year, 2008.

David Rubenstein is the owner of Rubensteins, one of New Orleans premiere clothing stores. David describes the challenges his store faced following Hurricane Katrina and why he decided to reopen. Founded by David's father and uncle in 1924, Rubensteins continues to be a leader in business and fashion. Recently, the store was honored with awards from Esquire Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and the fashion trade publication, The Daily News Record.

Bonnie Goldblum is Executive Director of Longue Vue House & Gardens. Philanthropists Edgar Bloom Stern, a New Orleans cotton broker, and his wife, Edith Rosenwald Stern, an heiress to the Sears-Roebuck fortune, built the estate. The house was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2005. Bonnie recalls the damage Hurricane Katrina caused and points out how lucky Longue Vue was to have so many volunteers to help rebuild this beautiful landmark.

Beau Bassich is Executive Director of the City Park Improvement Association in New Orleans. Beau talks about the recent reopening of the park's historic carousel, extensively refurbished following Hurricane Katrina. He also talks about the annual Celebration in the Oaks, a magical walking tour through the botanical gardens laced with beautiful holiday decorations. Beau tells us that "He sees a definite up turn in what is happening in the city."

Lenny Vangilder is Director of Publicity for the New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots. Lenny reflects on the damages caused by Hurricane Katrina and the Fair Grounds' efforts to recover. New Orleans Fair Grounds is one of the oldest racetracks in America. As Lenny points out, the opening of the track on Thanksgiving Day is one of those New Orleans traditions not to be missed. This year, 7,300 fans attended, "...which is about the norm," Lenny says.

James Bernazzani is the FBI special agent in charge of New Orleans. We met in Audubon Park, near his uptown home, to talk about how the FBI has taken on non-traditional roles since Katrina. These roles are in addition to its primary focus of stopping terrorist threats in Louisiana. James is especially interested in routing out public corruption in the New Orleans area. He says, "Corruption doesn't steal from the person who is directly affected, it steals from everyone."

Marc Robért II, owner of Robért Fresh Market, explains his commitment to Lakeview and New Orleans: "This is a very strong area...and I am confident this area will come back". Marc's wife, Darlene, gave me a tour of the new market. She proudly pointed out each section, from greeting cards to lobsters. Whether you live in Lakeview or not, the grand re-opening of a major grocery in New Orleans is a big plus and a great morale booster.

Sandy Whann, owner of Leidenheimer Bakery, is the great grandson of its founder, George Leidenheimer. Sandy tells us about the challenges his company faced re-opening following Hurricane Katrina and how he drove his employees roundtrip from Baton Rouge to New Orleans everyday. He tells us about New Orleans French Bread and shares his theory of how it evolved from the heavy, dense German bread his great grandfather first made, into the light airy bread we know today. The "Magna Carta" of the Poor-Boy is also one of his topics.

Mardi Gras World owner Blain Kern--"Mr. Mardi Gras"--talks about his Haunted House and special Halloween Night Gala. Blain is donating 50 percent of the event proceeds to local first responders and he invites everyone to come join the celebration. The Halloween Gala will feature celebrities including John Goodman, Allen Toussaint, Deacon John, and real African warriors. Visit Blain Kern's Haunted Fun House. for discounted Haunted House tickets and to learn more about the Halloween Gala.

David Kahn is the Director of the Louisiana State Museum in New Orleans. David talks about "GOLD", the exciting new exhibit that opened October 20 and runs through January 2, 2008. "The exhibit was developed by the American Museum of National History in New York City", David tells us, "...the exhibit covers all aspects of gold". David also shares the good news that visitation for the Cabildo, Louisiana State Museum's flag ship attraction, has reached 98 percent of its pre-Katrina levels.

Kenneth Ferdinand describes the Market’s newly completed renovation and updates us on those currently in progress. Kenneth emphasizes the importance of camaraderie in New Orleans today: “We know how to express our humanity”, he observes, “that’s why New Orleans will never go away.” He tells the story of French Market’s origin and notes that more locals are returning to the Market and its future is bright.

Linda Gonzales is Assistant Executive Director of the New Orleans Mission. Linda describes the damages the Mission sustained following Hurricane Katrina and she explains the Mission's services. In addition to giving the homeless a place to stay, the Mission helps people find work; its new challenges are due to the different type of homeless in New Orleans post-K. Linda also notes that people are more caring now and more willing to help.

Charlie Martinez is General Manager of Landry's Seafood House. The only restaurant remaining on the New Orleans lakefront since Hurricane Katrina. Landry's occupies the old site of Bart's restaurant. Charlie, a New Orleans native, describes how appreciative his customers are that Landry's re-opened. "People love to talk to you", he says. Charlie shares his memories of swimming in the lake as a kid and describes how high the water rose during Hurricane Katrina.

Norm Abram, master carpenter with This Old House, TV's popular home improvement program, will be filming ten This Old House episodes here in New Orleans. The series will tell the story of several individuals who are rebuilding their homes and their lives. Norm tells us how impressed he is with the spirit of New Orleanians and with the number of volunteers who are energetically helping to rebuild, despite their lack of knowledge about construction.

Jim describes how Katrina affected the organization's staffing and its many properties. "However, " he says, "we are bouncing back well". Jim points out that Katrina has crystallized his purpose at VOA: "We are focusing on affordable housing for working people". He talks about how the future of New Orleans is in the hands of everyday people, working hard to rebuild New Orleans.