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.

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

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

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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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

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.

Elizabeth Williams, President of the Southern Food & Beverage Museum

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

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

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"

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.

Suzanne Lapin, President of MakeNewOrleansHome.com

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.

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New Orleans Podcasting - Listen to the voices that are rebui...

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