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

Leah Chase is the chef at Dooky Chase restaurant and a culinary icon in New Orleans. I interviewed her in her FEMA trailer, where she talked about the return of Dooky Chase. We also talked about Creole food, and the distinction between European Creole cuisine and the cuisine of Creoles of Color. While speaking about the evolution of Creole food, Leah pointed out that Integration exposed Blacks to European Creole cooking. Black cooks then added their knowledge and ingredients, adding to New Orleans' rich culinary tradition.

Tommye Myrick is the Executive Director of the New Orleans African American Museum of Art, Culture, and History. The museum, damaged during Katrina, has re-opened in Treme, an early African-American faubourg. Tommye describes the museum and explains the "Code Noir" (Black Code) that was the law defining the conditions of slavery when the French governed New Orleans.

Paul Soniat is the Director of New Orleans City Park Botanical Gardens. Paul describes the damage the gardens sustained following Katrina and the generous gift that made it possible to re-open to the public in record time. Paul also talks about the outstanding efforts of volunteers from the visiting National Association of Realtors conference in rebuilding the gardens. A New Orleans native and popular musician, Paul tells us about his new CD, "Below the Water Line".

Rob Couhig, a New Orleans attorney and former mayoral candidate, talks about the election, his decision to run, and his volunteer service to the mayor during Mayor Nagin's first 100 days. Rob discusses his support of subsidized home ownership over subsidized rentals as a way to rebuild a stable, durable post-Katrina New Orleans. Rob also highlights the importance of youth programs as one positive way to address the crime issue.

Dr. Morgus, also known as "Morgus the Magnificent", enlightens us about "Morgusian Science" and the esoteric "Higher Order". In this rare interview Dr. Morgus explains how his revolutionary sports medicine has led the New Orleans Saints to recent success. The eminent Doctor also shares his solution for pumping water out of the city in the event of another hurricane.

Stephen Rehage is the originator, producer, and owner of the "Voodoo Music Festival", one of only a few independently owned large music festivals in the country. Steve reflects on the importance of high profile festivals and events to send the message that New Orleans is back in business. This year's 2006 festival runs Oct. 28 - 29 in City Park.

Ti Martin is an owner of Commander's Palace, one of New Orleans' and the country's finest dining institutions. Ti tells us about the emotional grand opening just over a year after Katrina wreaked havoc on our famous and beloved culinary landmark. Ti explains there was never any question about re-opening:"This is who we are". Ti describes Commander's culinary specialties and shares her positive vision and thoughts about New Orleans' future.

Ti Martin is an owner of Commander's Palace, one of New Orleans' and the country's finest dining institutions. Ti tells us about the emotional grand opening just over a year after Katrina wreaked havoc on our famous and beloved culinary landmark. Ti explains there was never any question about re-opening: " This is who we are". Ti describes Commander's culinary specialties and shares her positive vision and thoughts about New Orleans' future.

Gary Ostroske is the President of United Way for the New Orleans area. Gary tells us how their Canal Street offices fared in Katrina and describes United Way's assistance in the immediate aftermath of the storm. He explains United Way's goals in our community and shares some of his creative solutions to accomplish these goals in Post-Katrina New Orleans.

Anthony Bologna, owner of Venezia Italian restaurant, talks about its much anticipated return to North Carrollton Avenue. Venezia restaurant, a beloved landmark in Mid-City New Orleans, has been a thriiving business for years on North Carrollton near Canal Street. Anthony recalls Venezia's long history, and how his father influenced his decision to go into the restaurant business.

Phyllis Benoit is the principal at St. Benedict the Moor School in Gentilly. She talks about the school's benefactors, a couple who have funded the school since 1998. Phyllis explains how this unique, non-tuition school asks for no money, but does require parents to give 50 hours of service per year to the school. We also visit with Cory Wharton, a third grade student at St. Benedict the Moor. Cory shares his enthusiasm for his school and tells us what he wants to be when he grows up.

Sister Kathleen continues her conversation about the devotion of St. Gabriel parishioners as they rebuild their lives and their parish. We also hear the story behind the mystery phone call she received during part one of the interview, and learn that help sometimes comes from the most unexpected sources.

Sister Kathleen continues her conversation about the devotion of St. Gabriel parishioners as they rebuild their lives and their parish. We also hear the story behind the mystery phone call she received during part one of the interview, and learn that help sometimes comes from the most unexpected sources.

The Director of Museum Programs at The Historic New Orleans Collection tells about the many aspects of the museum. John describes the current exhibit, "City of Hope", a tribute to the spirit of New Orleanians after Hurricane Katrina. He walks me through the exhibit and talks about a few of the most interesting items.

Today we go behind the scenes at Audubon Nature Institute with Richard Buchsbaum, Vice President of Food and Beverage. Richard explains that the Audubon Nature Institute is more than just the Zoo and Aquarium as he tells us about local social events, including weddings, and the re-emerging convention business. Richard also talks about some unexpected positives as a result of Katrina.

Richard Gruber, director of The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, brings us up to date on upcoming exhibits. He talks about the museum's unique role in post-Katrina New Orleans and its Katrina-related exhibits during the hurricane's anniversary month of August. Richard closes by pointing out the positive creative energy that is an unexpected gift born of this cataclysmic event we call Katrina.

City planning is the new buzz word in New Orleans post- Katrina. Stephen Villavaso, city planner for 30 years and president of Villavaso and Associates, was just awarded a contract to develop a city-wide infrastructure plan. Stephen outlines the process for creating the New Orleans city plan, our unique opportunity to rebuild New Orleans with foresight and care. He explains how citizen participation is vital to the recovery of New Orleans.

Jay is the owner of Parkway Bakery and Tavern, just a block off Bayou Saint John near Esplanade Avenue. Parkway has been in operation since the early 1900's and Jay walks us through those early years. Since Parkway is famous for its po'boy sandwiches, Jay is quite the po'boy expert. He tells us how the po'boy got its name and what was served on the original po'boy.

Most of us know Arthur Hardy as a nationally recognized authority on New Orleans Mardi Gras and publisher of "Arthur Hardy's Mardi Gras Guide". Arthur's love for the city does not stop at Mardi Gras, however. He is now on the board of a New Orleans charter school, namely Warren Easton. Hear Arthur explain how the board plans to make this school a shining example of the New Orleans recovery.

René Brunet is the owner of the Prytania Theater, the only independently owned single screen theater remaining in New Orleans. René recounts the early days of movie theaters including Vaudeville. He also shares his thoughts on the New Orleans recovery.