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

Julia Bland is Executive Director of the Louisiana Children's Museum. Julia, a native of Tennessee, graduated from Newcomb College, began with the Museum as a volunteer, and has never left. When asked how Hurricane Katrina affected the Museum, Julia said, "Our Museum has rethought our purpose...we have reached out in a much more meaningful way...." One very important program Julia describes is Play Power, a program that helps kids heal through play.

Ned Sublette is the author of The World That Made New Orleans. Ned take us on a tour of his book that explores many of the outside influences that have helped make New Orleans culture what it is today. Ned focuses a great deal on the Cuban and Haitian connections. "The embargo of Cuba was an embargo of New Orleans", Ned says. He also touches on the French and Spanish influences on the Crescent City and shares some interesting facts and insights about the Mardi Gras Indians.

Jonah Dowling is Chairman of the Louisiana Landmark Society's New Orleans Nine Committee. "The New Orleans Nine is a list of nine buildings endangered of being demolished", Jonah explains. The purpose of the New Orleans Nine is to make the public aware of these properties and to assist the owners in any way to save the buildings. Jonah specifically talks about the old Dixie Brewery and the Deutsches-Haus, both in imminent danger of being demolished.

Chef Brian Landry is head chef at world famous Galatoire's Restaurant. Chef Brian tells us about his first place finish in the preliminary Great American Seafood Cookoff competition. He describes Galatoire's Shrimp Remoulade, one of Galatoire's famous dishes: the recipe is105 years old. Brian also talks about why New Orleans food is so much better than other food in our country and shares his thoughts on New Orleans' recovery following Hurricane Katrina.

Jennifer Weishaupt and her husband are the owners of The Ruby Slipper Cafe in Mid-City New Orleans. Jennifer, originally from New York, explains why she has made New Orleans home and how she came to open this neighborhood cafe. Despite the challenges Hurricane Katrina presented, Jennifer and her husband chose to stay in New Orleans and start this new business. In addition to being a restaurant owner, Jennifer is also the president of the Mid-City Neighborhood Organization.

Nathan Rothstein is Executive Director of New Orleans Young Urban Rebuilding Professionals (YURP). Nathan explains how YURP helps young professionals find avenues to express their talents and move New Orleans in a progressive new direction. Kendrick Pullen, the Program Director, thanks The Brown Family Foundation for its support and talks about the many out of town colleges he plans to visit to spread the word about YURP's exciting work in New Orleans.

Dr. Morgus, also known as "Morgus the Magnificent", is New Orleans' preeminent Doctor of Science. A member of the "Higher Order", Dr. Morgus specializes in Morgusian Science. The unenlightened may call him mad, but New Orleanians recognize his true and enduring genius. In our interview "The Dr." shares his rare insights and focuses on economic issues. He suggests a revolutionary form of tax to offset the city's heavy post-Katrina debt.

Bill Borah is a land use attorney who has work tirelessly to amend the city charter regarding city planning. New Orleanians will vote on this important amendment on November 4th, 2008. Hurricane Katrina gave citizens the realization that we must have a plan as we rebuild the city. Bill explains why we need this amendment and how it will benefit the neighborhoods and citizens of New Orleans. Bill points out that this a vote is not to select a city plan, but to put the force of law behind whatever plan we develop.

Ed Blakely is the New Orleans Recovery Czar. Ed tells us that the city has recently started receiving substantial Federal funds as of November, 2007. These funds have allowed the city to dramatically expand its recovery efforts from 20 active projects to 340. Ed explains what his job description actually is and tells us how he started the recovery process when he arrived in New Orleans. He also talks about change and notes that New Orleans doesn't have to lose its unique identity to be able to compete globally.

Lori Nesser is the owner of La Peniche, a popular restaurant in the Faubourg Marigny. Lori explains the importance of neighborhood businesses in New Orleans and tells us how they help make the city unique. She also gives us the meaning of the name "La Peniche" and describes its origin.When I asked about what positive things she sees happening in the city since Hurricane Katrina, Lori is upbeat:"...I hear positive stories about reasons why people are staying as opposed to the negative stories about why people are leaving."

Elizabeth Williams is President of the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, the latest addition to New Orleans' rich museum landscape. The museum features Southern food and drink and also spotlights farmers, trappers, cooks and others who produce, deliver, and prepare our distinctive food and beverages. The museum explores how food plays an integral part in our celebrations. "I think people have come to appreciate what a special culture we have here in New Orleans.", Elizabeth says.

Kacey Hill is Public Relations Officer for The National WWII Museum, formally The D-Day Museum. Kacey explains the museum received a congressional mandate and is now the official WWII museum of the United States. "We are currently in the process of undergoing a $300 million expansion to cover other segments of the War besides D- Day...", Kacey tells us. The museum attracts visitors from all over; according to Kasey: "We have found that most of our visitors are only in the city to come see the museum...."

Jim Letten is the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Jim tells us how he first became interested in the Law. He explains what the U.S. Attorney's office does and talks about one of the responsibilities of his office: to defend the Corps of Engineers against lawsuits. Jim describes the relationship between the U.S. Attorney's office and the FBI; he notes that the transition from James Bernazzani, former FBI Special Agent in charge of New Orleans, to Bernazzani's successor will likely be seamless.

Elyse Luray is an appraiser, auctioneer, and one of PBS television's "History Detectives". Elyse explains why history is so important and why people are fascinated by the past. She talks about the historical significance of New Orleans and mentions examples of interesting local finds, including one of the first submarines used in the Civil War. During her recent visit, Elyse applauded the commitment of the people who have stayed. "I find that people who 'get it' care, and they are trying to preserve it...they are not letting the city die".

Suzanne Lapin is President of MakeNewOrleansHome.com. This organization actively promotes New Orleans as an attractive relocation destination. "It's really important, I feel, for the city to start to market itself ...as a wonderful place to move and bring your family...", Suzanne says. The organization runs video testimonials on TV in local hotels to get the word out. Suzanne, who is not a native, says New Orleans is the friendliest place she has ever lived and she wants the whole world to know how wonderful we are.

Marci Schramm is Executive Director for the French Quarter Festival, Incorporated. Marci gives us a preview of the 2008 French Quarter Festival, April 11 -13. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the celebration and Marci tells us about how the festival originated in 1984. Since it's modest beginning, the festival has grown to attract 400,000 attendees with a local economic impact of $100 million.

Ronnie Kole is a world renowned musician and philanthropist. Ronnie talks about two of his proudest music achievements: his recent "Louis Prima Arts and Entertainment Award", and his upcoming induction into the "New Orleans Musical Legends Park" on Bourbon Street where a life size statue of Ronnie will stand. Ronnie also tells us about "Jazz on the Bayou", a fundraiser benefiting Easter Seals of Louisiana. This gala will give fans a chance to meet Ronnie in his home, enjoy Louisiana dishes, and help a good cause.

Cesar Burgos is Chairman of the Board for New Orleans' Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Cesar reflects on the damages Hurricane Katrina caused to RTA and its fleet. Despite the losses RTA sustained, Cesar believes the RTA can become stronger and more effective than it was before the storm. Recent improvements include state of the art security and a new RTA management company. Cesar says, "I think the city is moving in the right direction and the days of milk and honey are just around the corner."

"Doc" Hawley is a river pilot who specializes in steam driven sternwheelers. For over 30 years, "Doc" has captained the Steamboat NATCHEZ up and down the Mississippi River past New Orleans. After decades of working on the NATCHEZ, "Doc" has accumulated an arsenal of entertaining stories about the river and the riverboat. He shares a few of these anecdotes and describes what it takes to become a riverboat pilot. An accomplished calliope player, "Doc" also tells us why no calliope has ever been in tune.

Brian Landry is Vice President of Marketing for Children's Hospital in New Orleans. Brian tells us that Children's Hospital accepts all children, regardless of their ability to pay. He describes the annual Carnival visit by members of the Krewe of Thoth to bring Mardi Gras to the young patients and tells us about Hulk Hogan's recent visit while he was in town to ride with the Krewe of Bacchus. Brian recalls the difficult months that followed Hurricane Katrina and comments on New Orleans' potential to be the "Jewel of the South".