The evolution of New Orleans Then And Now
How we cooked up New Orleans Then And Now
A while back, I was chatting with my friend Craig Ernst discussed podcasts we enjoy. As we talked, it became clear that we liked shows with multiple hosts, where there was interaction and banter.We focused on local (New Orleans) podcasts, and concluded that, while some are good listens, they didn’t have that back-and-forth of, say, the ObamaBros or The Bulwark crew.
My pod is a good example of this. As much as my NOLA History Guy pod is fun and informative, the show is pretty much me talking. Once in a blue moon, I’ll have a guest, but it’s me talking, as if I’m speaking to a local group of some kind. In fact, that’s how Craig and I got to know each other–he coordinates continuing education for the Friends of the Cabildo Walking Tour Guides.
So, we’ve kept this conversation thread alive, exchanging ideas on what would make a good New Orleans podcast. The back and forth between two knowledgable hosts, maybe bring in a guest host on occasion for more of a roundtable, add some interviews with local personalities and business owners, and a beer discussion evolved into a plan. That plan is ready to advance.
Newsletter first
Our plan includes not only a podcast, but an email-based newsletter. The newsletter rolls out right after the first of the year. You would think it totally “New Orleans logical” that we’ll drop the first issue of the newsletter on Twelfth Night, but that’s’s coincidence. We decided to drop podcast episodes on Wednesdays, with the newsletter hitting inboxes the day before. January 6th is a Tuesday, so there you go.
The newsletter’s mission is twofold. First, to promote the podcast. The main “spotlight” content, however, stands on its own. The “then” articles will include historical stuff by me. Craig adds the “now” with articles we call “Nice NOLA News” and “Great NOLA Reads.” While we’ll reference podcast episodes and tease upcoming topics, the newsletter is meant to attract readers on its own.
The podcast
This is the real fun part. Craig and I are opinionated and not lacking for things to talk about. Our over-arching theme for the pod is New Orleans Neighborhoods. We both have business motivations here, of course. Craig is a realtor, so talking about neighborhoods will (hopefully) lead to new listings for him and sales. I’m looking to increase the number of speaking engagements I do, which brings in honorariums and book sales. We will talk to folks who also have business motivations, such as authors, business owners, community leaders, and what we call “wild card” personalities.
Listening
To say New Orleans Then And Now is a work in progress is an understatement. We would love to hear from our friends and colleagues–what topics interest you for both articles and podcast episodes? You can subscribe to the newsletter now (the form is at the top of this article and on the home page. Drop us a line (Craig or Ed) and tell us what you think.