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.

Julia Bland, Executive Director of the Louisiana Children's Museum

Ned Sublette

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.

Ned Sublette, author of The World That Made New Orleans

Jonah Dowling

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.

Jonah Dowling, Chairman of the Louisiana Landmark Society's New Orleans Nine Committee.

Brian Landry

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.

Chef Brian Landry with world famous Galatoire's Restaurant.

Jennifer Weishaupt

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.

Jennifer Weishaupt Mid-City New Orleans restaurateurs.

Nathan Rothstein

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.

Nathan Rothstein is Executive Director of New Orleans Young Urban Rebuilding Professionals

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.

"Morgus the Magnificent" solves the world's economic crisis with the FAT TAX

Bill Borah

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.

Bill Borah talks about the City Charter amendment vote on November 4, 2008

Ed Blakely

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.

Ed Blakely, New Orleans Recovery Czar

Lori Nesser

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."

Lori Nesser, owner of La Peniche restaurant

Listen to the voices that are rebuilding New Orleans. We will be interviewing city leaders, executives, artisans and many other  New Orleanians to hear how they are rebuilding their lives and businesses. From time to time, we may even have a national celebrity on our show. Visit often to hear how New Orleans is being rebuilt into a true twenty first century city while continuing to embrace its seventeenth century charm.

This podcast is the best Link to a city that I&#39;m Crazy about. Even if I went to your city once and hope too go back

The best news show that came out of The Big Easy

Over the past few months, I have been catching up on this podcast.  The host offers a very widespread view of the city of New Orleans--restaurant owners, business owners, entertainers, historians, and sometimes just regular folks.  All of them have a story to tell and all, in my opinion, are the heroes of New Orleans who dug in and stayed, fought and continue to fight for their way of life, for their city, for their families.  These are the voices of the real New Orleans, not the ridiculous Bill O&#39;Reilly promoted stereotypes.  Terrific job, and I hope that this podcast continues.  Each major American city should have such a podcast to record its cultural history.  I give it 5 stars though I am tempted to offer 4 stars because the sound quality is often very poor, though it seems to improve as the podcasts get more current.

Comprehensive view of New Orleans and the Recovery

New Orleans Podcasting - Listen to the voices that are rebuilding New Orleans. Click on the link below to hear the latest interview.

Marci Schramm

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.

Marci Schramm, Executive Director for the French Quarter Festival, Inc.

Elyse Luray

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".

Elyse Luray is an appraiser, auctioneer, and one of PBS television's "History Detectives"

Jim Letten

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.

Jim Letten, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana

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...."

Kacey Hill, Public Relations Officer for The National WWII Museum

"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.

"Doc" Hawley is a river pilot who specializes in steam driven sternwheelers

Dominique Rizzo

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.

Dominique Rizzo, owner of La Boulangerie describes the original French King Cake

Bonnie Goldblum

Bonnie Goldblum is Executive Director of Longue Vue House &amp; 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.

Bonnie Goldblum, Executive Director of Longue Vue House & Gardens

Lenny Vangilder

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.

Lenny Vangilder, Director of Publicity for the New Orleans Fair Grounds

James Bernazzani

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."

James Bernazzani, FBI  special agent in charge of New Orleans.

Marc Robért II

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.

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.

Marc Robért II,  owner of Robért Fresh Market in Lakeview

Sandy Whann

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.

Sandy Whann, owner of Leidenheimer Bakery talks about New Orleans French Bread

David Kahn

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.

David Kahn, Director of the Louisiana State Museum

Linda Gonzales

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.

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.

Linda Gonzales, Assistant Executive Director of the New Orleans Mission

Norm Abram

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.

Norm Abram, master carpenter with This Old House, TV's popular home improvement program

Cindy Mandina

Cindy Mandina is the co-owner of Mandina's Restaurant in Mid-City New Orleans. Mandina's defines the essence of traditional New Orleans neighborhood cooking. Cindy tell us about the damage that resulted from Hurricane Katrina and why it took so long for the restaurant to reopen.She tells us what the original business started out to be and when it became a restaurant. Cindy also shares her thoughts on the New Orleans recovery.

Cindy Mandina, co-owner of Mandina's Restaurant in Mid-City New Orleans

John Blancher

John Blancher is the owner of Rock'n' Bowl in New Orleans Mid-City. In operation since 1988, Rock'n' Bowl has become a New Orleans icon, to the delight of both young and old. John recounts how he has seen boys and girls meet on his lanes, get married, and return years later with children of their own. John re-opened on November 10, 2005, less then three months after Hurricane Katrina. He has been an inspiration to New Orleanians and is an example of the power of optimism in the New Orleans business community.

John Blancher, owner of Rock'n' Bowl in New Orleans Mid-City

Teddy Pierre

Teddy Pierre is a masonry craftsman. He describes his work restoring old tombs and explains the importance of using proper materials. Teddy is vice president of the New Orleans Craft Guild and he introduces us to guild president, Jeff Treffinger. Jeff tells us about the guild's vision to create a school to train youngsters in the lost arts of craftsmanship. He talks about the current Priestly School project where ten lucky students will learn craftsmanship skills from local master craftsmen.

Teddy Pierre, masonry craftsman and vice president of the New Orleans Craft Guild

Earl Barthé

Earl Barthé's family company specializes in historical plastering. Mr. Barthé, a retired plasterer himself, is now a plastering historian. Plaster is in Earl's blood: the Barthé family has been plastering since 1850. Earl tells us that his father worked on such historic buildings as Saint Louis Cathedral, the French Market, and the Saenger Theater. "New Orleans is well known for plasterers", Earl says; at one time more plasterers lived in New Orleans' 7th ward alone than in all of Louisiana.

Earl Barthé, retired plasterer and now plastering historian

Beth Galante

Beth Galante is the director of Global Green in New Orleans. The local office functions as an educational center to show residents how to make their homes and businesses more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Beth shares a tip on saving energy, describes Global Green's project in the Ninth Ward, and tells us about Global Green's monthly seminars that highlight energy saving strategies and "green" approaches to rebuilding and repairing in New Orleans.

Beth Galante, director of Global Green talks about energy and the environment

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