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As ya'll probably know by now, Adoption changed our lives forever. Living on the other side of the process, I am able to recall all of the emotions that would rush through our bodies. It isn't for the faint of heart. But for the ones that are truly committed and damned determined to create their family, then strap in. It is a beautiful and scary journey, but in the end... it is magical. Douglas and I are forever grateful to our birthmothers that strapped in with us. It was a rollercoaster of feelings. Feelings that helped us grow, mature, and let go and let God.
Each year for our Adoption show I search for inspiring stories that would allow our audience to experience the emotions told by these incredible humans.
Gayswithkids.com is where I personally started writing. This platform allows dads from all over the world to connect, learn and grow their own confidence by seeing representation from other gay dads... like Douglas and I!
Recently, I found a really inspiring article over on GWK and I had to talk to him.
Meet Kevin. He lives in Los Angeles and he is a single dad. He went through the entire process as a single gay man. After 4 years of fostering his son, he was finally able to finalize recently and he wrote about it.
I cannot IMAGINE how much grit it took to complete.
I highly recommend you listen to this one. And you can follow his family at
@therealdadoflosangeles.
Then later we welcome back The Real Modern Dads!
Doug and Brent Munster live in Atlanta, Ga. Doug runs non profit called "The Gift of Adoption"-Georgia Chapter and Brent works in business. Together for almost 20 years, they too went through the adoption process and are able to talk about their experiences after their 2 boys were born. Now almost a decade later, Doug and Brent open up about their journey.
They also operate a social media account called @realmoderndads that is a hoot and a hollar!
And to all the ones out there that are thinking of growing their family either through adoption or fostering, reach out to me if you need me. I am always here. My email is [email protected].
Happy Adoption Month Yall!Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!
Ochsner Hospital for Children
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November already?!?
How is this possible? Our 2024 Season is drawing to a close but we STILL have some amazing stories of inspiration to throw at ya!
We are so excited to introduce a BRAND NEW SEGMENT this week that will bring the NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHORS to OUR SHOW!
How did I get so lucky? I am still scratching my head! But with that said, this week, I proudly give you,
"NolaPapa READS!"
Eliot Schrefer is an American and British author of both adult and young adult fiction, and a two-time finalist for the National Book Award in Young People's Literature. Schrefer's first novel Glamorous Disasters was published by Simon & Schuster in 2006.
In this sequel to The Darkness Outside Us, a Stonewall Honor Book optioned for film by Elliot Page and Page Boy Productions, New York Times bestselling author Eliot Schrefer delivers another ambitious, genre-bending novel and epic love story that spans thousands of years and the far reaches of the galaxy.
Just released on October, 1st- "The Brightness Between Us" can be found anywhere and everywhere!
Next up,
I have wanted to have this amazing non profit on for the longest.
Covenant House- New Orleans,
Opens its heart and its doors each year to more than 650 youth & children ages 22 and under.
Serving Young People Overcoming Homelessness & Trafficking.
With generous friends and community partners, our dedicated staff provides youth with relentless support, unconditional love, and absolute respect.
Kento Azegami, Covenant House New Orleans- Developmental Assistant sits down with me to talk about the amazing work that not only he does but the entire organization.
-Did you know:
*97% of survivors have a previous history of sexual abuse or assault?
*94% first experienced trafficking while under the age of 21?
*99% are experiencing profound trauma (PTSD)?
*97% grew up in violent or abusive homes?
Not to mention, the runaways regarding the LGBT community.
Covenant House REMAINS OPEN to ACCEPT ANY CHILD or YOUNG ADULT from baby to 22 years old.
These kids to not need to be a Louisiana resident to be welcomed with open arms.
Imagine the immense amount of money this must take to operate.
Kento, helps with generating funds to allow this organization to operate on the scale that it does!
With that said, each year Covenant House ALL ACROSS America has an amazing fundraiser that helps create these exact funds!
"SLEEP OUT": A global movement to end youth homelessness. Give up your bed for one night to ensure that youth facing homelessness sleep safely at Covenant House.
TO JOIN the MOVEMENT: www.sleepout.org
TO LEARN MORE about Covenant House- New Orleans:
www.covenanthousenola.org
TO DONATE:
www.covenanthousenola.org/donate/Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!
Ochsner Hospital for Children
Www.ochsner.org
Rouses Markers
Www.rousesmarkets.com
Sandpiper Vacations
Www..sandpipervacations.com
Zak George’s Dog Revolution!
The Law Firm of
Forrest Cressy & James
Www.forrestcressyjames.com
Comfort Cases
Www.comfortcases.org
New Orleans Ice Cream Company
Www.neworleansicecream.com
Real Estate with Steph & Berkshire Hathaway
www.realestatewithsteph.com
Audubon Institute
www.auduboninstitute.org
The Gift of Adoption Fund
GiftofAdoption.org -
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I just want to hold on to this season for jus a little bit longer! Is that possible?
Well, to make it even better, it coincides with our 100th podcast episode! Churning out a new show every Friday for the last 4 seasons has been an incredible and validating experience.
My goal has always to bring words and sentences from my blog and create real life conversations with the humans of our society that bring a positive aspect that can create an inspiring spark inside of anyone that is listening.
With that said, thank you to all of you that are listening each week, that are sharing our stories, our guests that open up their heart and speak their truth, and to our amazing team that puts it all together for everyone to listen. Adrian from Solid Ice Media is the man and I am so grateful!
And lastly, to our amazing family of sponsors. Without each and every one of our amazing businesses partnering with us, the NolaPapa Podcast would not be possible. Thank you from the bottom of Papa's heart!
Here is to 200 more!
Before I begin, I would like to send our thoughts, prayers, good vibes and NOLA LOVE and light to all that has been effected by the Hurricanes in Florida and throughout, this year. As a New Orleanian, your papa knows just how hard it can be.
Now with that said, Let's get to our Halloween Special!
If you have ever been to Walt Disney World, specifically, Disney Springs, then you are bound to have come across this wickedly insane cookie coming from an eerie bakery called GIDEONS BAKEHOUSE. But for this month only, owner, Steve Lewis has coined the new GIDEONS SPOOKHOUSE for Halloween.
You guys, listen. I am as picky as the next person. It is not just about the cookie. It is the entire experience.
From the gothic look on the exterior, with gargoyles on the rooftop, to the giant doors that open to reveal a spooky and immersive interior. The attention to detail is staggering and is nothing less that what you would expect inside of a Disney World property.
Steve has always leaned to the dark and weird side of life, which personally, we all need sometimes. We take ourselves to seriously and for just a few minutes,
Steve Lewis wants to transport you to a mysterious place, that gives off an old library with cobwebs vibe. The lore coming from the bookshelves with animations of his iconic mascots that change throughout the seasons.
However, For Halloween Steve takes it to the next level with cookies and cakes and merch that you can only find this time of year!
I am always blown away by creative artists that have such an exquisitely eye to detail. Steve's take on life and what he offers to it is absolutely inspirational and I am honored to welcome him BACK. Thank you brother. You may like black, but the light you bring to our world is blinding.
Next up, AUDUBON ZOO!!!
Y'all, you know our family loves the Audubon Institute. Campus to campus, it is so much fun to take my 3 kids all over Audubon. From Monkey Hill to the Stingrays! There is so much to explore at Audubon.
This week, we are celebrating our 100th episodeThank you to our family of amazing sponsors!
Ochsner Hospital for Children
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Rouses Markers
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Sandpiper Vacations
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Zak George’s Dog Revolution!
The Law Firm of
Forrest Cressy & James
Www.forrestcressyjames.com
Comfort Cases
Www.comfortcases.org
New Orleans Ice Cream Company
Www.neworleansicecream.com
Real Estate with Steph & Berkshire Hathaway
www.realestatewithsteph.com
Audubon Institute
www.auduboninstitute.org
The Gift of Adoption Fund
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Have yall ever been to the Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World?
Well- I am hear to tell ya'. It is incredible. I was able to experience back when our oldest was about 9 months old. Yep, it has been a minute and I cannot wait to go back. Luckily, our Disney Guru and beloved sponsor of nolapapa.com, Nick Bryan, owner of Sandpiper Vacations is here to all me to live vicariously through his globe trotting self!
He literally just got back with his family from WDW and NSSHP!
Nick always knows just how to book these events, he has hacks, and he is well seasoned in all things travel. His advice and experience gives such confidence in the ones that are not at all! AND it makes it easier for the ones that are seasoned!
From Virgin Voyages, to theme parks, to ITALY.
Sandpipervactions.com has got you.
Then later, we welcome back Author, Patricia Greenberg, Aging Well Coach and health guru!
Patricia is an expert in all aspects of living life to the fullest at ANY age.
“It’s Ok to be Old" is an entertaining, yet informative book that lets people of a certain age embrace how to be in today with strategies that help each of us live life to the fullest when we reach those later years. One of the greatest accomplishments in life is accepting the things you cannot change, and embracing every one of life’s precious moments."
For tickets to her seminars check out this link below!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/its-ok-to-be-old-the-nyc-launch-tickets-1034921838077Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!
Ochsner Hospital for Children
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Rouses Markers
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Sandpiper Vacations
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Zak George’s Dog Revolution!
The Law Firm of
Forrest Cressy & James
Www.forrestcressyjames.com
Comfort Cases
Www.comfortcases.org
New Orleans Ice Cream Company
Www.neworleansicecream.com
Real Estate with Steph & Berkshire Hathaway
www.realestatewithsteph.com
Audubon Institute
www.auduboninstitute.org
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Did you know that as this episode premieres, New Orleans' crime has seen a significant drop in violent crime in 2024, including murders, armed robberies, carjackings, and non fatal shootings.
Earlier this year, I welcomed past New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial who also saw crime drop to 50%!
Today, our New Orleans Police Chief, Anne Kirkpatrick sat down with me to talk about how she did it, and the answer was quite reminiscent to what Mayor Morial said.
They cannot do it alone. It takes the community, City Council and the Mayor to come together. I was also inspired about what she said about the current mayor.
Chief Kirkpatrick is a light that our city needs. As she said in the interview, " I am like a mom to this force." This is an interview to be inspired by. For real.
Then later, we welcome a local documentary film maker that actually changed a law in New Orleans! A law that had been put in place for over a half century prohibited any outside food vendor EXCEPT "Lucky Dog" to be allowed in the French Quarter.
This documentary, "DIRTY DOGS" takes you through the process and just how it was all done!
Our guest, and cinematographer Adrian Sossobee is back to fill us in on the final chapter of this ongoing 50 year saga.
Rent or buy Dirty Dogs Now!Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!
Ochsner Hospital for Children
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Rouses Markers
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Sandpiper Vacations
Www..sandpipervacations.com
Zak George’s Dog Revolution!
The Law Firm of
Forrest Cressy & James
Www.forrestcressyjames.com
Comfort Cases
Www.comfortcases.org
New Orleans Ice Cream Company
Www.neworleansicecream.com
Real Estate with Steph & Berkshire Hathaway
www.realestatewithsteph.com
Audubon Institute
www.auduboninstitute.org
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Oh my goodness this episode is FUN you guys. If you have followed along with our show long enough, you'll know that your Papa loves all things paranormal.
Well, I do until... I don't. It can get too wild even for me!
However, this episode is packed with fascinating stories of the unique gifts that others have within them... diving deeper than ghost hunting.
This week, I welcome 5th generation psychic medium, Dallissa Hocking.
Dallissa has trained with industry superstars such as Tony Robbins, Dr. Brian Weiss, Dr. Bryce Lipton and Dr. Raymond Moody. She has a unique way of seeing through the layers of energy to get to the root of fear and uncertainty, clearing a light-filled pathway to the Divine.
And if that isn't enough, she has over 100,000 followers on Instagram.
I loved our conversation because we talked about the vibrations that we all put off and the auras and special numbers that help guide us to where we are supposed to be.
Y'all have got to listen!
Later we welcome back my sweet and talented friends, 3rd generation psychic medium, Author, the lovely, Cari Roy! Founder of www.NewOrleansPsychic.com along with Paranormal Investigator and Host of her own show, "Quest: A Journey Into True Crime & The Paranormal, Misti Gaither, found on YouTube.
I am so excited to sit down and listen to the latest that these two are up to!
Cari and Misti will host the very first of its kind.
"ABSINTHE & A SEANCE On a Sunday Afternoon".
They are planning a Live & Immersive Experience with a date that is to be announced.
Cari has had this vision for over 2 decades and this is the year it all comes together. There is limited seated for this unique event and tickets are selling fast. To purchase tickets or Cari's new book go to her website www.neworleanspsychic.com.
Halloween season is so much fun!Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!
Ochsner Hospital for Children
Www.ochsner.org
Rouses Markers
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Sandpiper Vacations
Www..sandpipervacations.com
Zak George’s Dog Revolution!
The Law Firm of
Forrest Cressy & James
Www.forrestcressyjames.com
Comfort Cases
Www.comfortcases.org
New Orleans Ice Cream Company
Www.neworleansicecream.com
Real Estate with Steph & Berkshire Hathaway
www.realestatewithsteph.com
Audubon Institute
www.auduboninstitute.org
The Gift of Adoption Fund
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Today we welcome Author Tripp Friedler to talk about his immensely powerful memoir about a father dealing with his son's crippling disorder- in a world that doesn't even understand it.
The Tunnel is a father's memoir about a family's odyssey through the world of serious mental illness. It is a story about the battles Friedler's son Henry fought with his parents, with various authority figures—including schools, teachers, and the police— and most importantly, the battles Henry fought with his own mind. Henry's story takes place for the most part in the distinctive air of Uptown New Orleans. He came from a well-educated and prosperous Southern family, the only son between two sisters.
I highly recommend everyone read this book. Tripp thank you for sharing your story with us. You are allowing the world to better understand what Bi-Polar disorder is and how we can learn to better accept it.
Then Later we welcome New Orleans Restauranteur, Cara Benson! Cara owns many spots across the city that are loved by all! What started with the French bistro, Tartine, located under the gorgeous Live Oaks off of Broadway, Uptown then gave way to the unforgettable Brunch gems like, French Toast in the French Quarter, Toast on Gentilly Blvd, and then Toast in Gretna! This particular location is my kids' all time favorite restaurant because of the amazing vibes and fantastic playground for the littles to play on while you wait to be seated!
Recently, Cara wanted to create another restaurant that caters to specially made breads and dishes with no gluten! Hen House is just that!
She wanted to create a space that would welcome guests that have dietary restrictions, so that they may experience a Brunch that everyone can love!
What makes this restaurant even cooler is that when Mardi Gras season comes,
The Hen House closes and becomes a KING CAKE FACTORY that rolls out the BEST KING CAKE that New Orleans has to offer.
I stand by my statement! Cara's King Cake is unlike anything that I have ever had!
During the Carnival season you can find these delicious cakes at all of her places.
Listen to how it all happened!Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!
Ochsner Hospital for Children
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Rouses Markers
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Sandpiper Vacations
Www..sandpipervacations.com
Zak George’s Dog Revolution!
The Law Firm of
Forrest Cressy & James
Www.forrestcressyjames.com
Comfort Cases
Www.comfortcases.org
New Orleans Ice Cream Company
Www.neworleansicecream.com
Real Estate with Steph & Berkshire Hathaway
www.realestatewithsteph.com
Audubon Institute
www.auduboninstitute.org
The Gift of Adoption Fund
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Wow. Wow. Wow! What an episode! I am so grateful!
For YEARS, literally over a decade I watched Lucy Bustamante on WWL news as she and her co-anchor, Mike Hoss presented the daily or nightly news. Their chemistry and ability to not only deliver the news like normal, but their respect for each other along with their bits of personality would bubble over through the camera. Their smile, their laugh, their nightly news presentations are so sorely missed. In my own opinion, there hasn't been one since.
WELL, with that said! I tracked down my own Lucy Bustamante after my Karen Swensin interview and was determined to invite Lucy to the show. And not only did I want to invite her but I was committed to finding Mike Hoss and asking him to personally crash the interview. Well friends, it happened. And it was SO FLIPPING GOOD!
Lucy Bustamante is an Emmy and Murrow winning Bilingual News Anchor and journalist and her once co-anchor, Mike Hoss is now the Voice of the NFL Saints on WWL Radio.
Then later, We talk about a seriously important topic that gets lost or forgotten about on a daily basis. Our country's children in foster care. Did you know that when CPS comes to a home to remove a child, they are given a trash bag and about 3 minutes to fill it with the things they cherish most?
There, they travel from home to home toting their life in garbage bag. They deserve better. They deserve dignity. They deserve HOPE for a better tomorrow.
Together with one of our sponsors, Comfortcases.org and founder Rob Scheer, we will partner with "Protection is Affection" CEO Sonya Norsworthy- Marbley
to assemble 300 brand new Comfort Cases that will be given directly to children in our community that are experiencing foster care for the first time.
Together with Louisiana Senator Royce Duplessis, New Orleans Council Member, Lesli Harris and so many more, we will gather Saturday, September 21 from 10am-12:30pm at Ashé Arts and Cultural Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. in New Orleans.
Lunch will be generously provided to our volunteers by Ruby Slipper Cafe.
Listen now to see how myself, Rob and Sonya, along with a whole team of compassionate humans put together such an impactful and special event!Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!
Ochsner Hospital for Children
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Rouses Markers
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Sandpiper Vacations
Www..sandpipervacations.com
Zak George’s Dog Revolution!
The Law Firm of
Forrest Cressy & James
Www.forrestcressyjames.com
Comfort Cases
Www.comfortcases.org
New Orleans Ice Cream Company
Www.neworleansicecream.com
Real Estate with Steph & Berkshire Hathaway
www.realestatewithsteph.com
Audubon Institute
www.auduboninstitute.org
The Gift of Adoption Fund
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That summer break went by faster than my patience inside our RV in the middle of the summer desert- with 3 kids! For real!
We had an awesome camping vacation to the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and then to Zion. It was breathtaking. I have a new found respect for the American SouthWest. Being able to witness it with my family and to see my kids' reaction was the best part.
But today? TODAY IS OUR BIG MID SEASON PREMIERE!!
We've been tracking down some of the most inspiring people to talk to! And today is the day! So, Let's Goooo!
First up, is a invaluable resource that our New Orleans Mama's count on.
Created by Ashely Angelico and Elizabeth Shmelling in 2012, they set out on a new and revolutionary way that local mothers learn, share, and connect with other local Mothers in South Louisiana.
Almost 13 years later, they have grown by leaps and bounds. Today, they have over 25 writers that help to introduce subjects, new and old to the conversation. From babies to dinner time, The New Orleans Mom has got the mama COVERED.
Listen as Ashley and Elizabeth sit down with me to talk about the very beginnings of (NOM) and how little sprinkles of fait and faith come together on the other side of the country to create the LEADING choice for South Louisiana's Mama's.
Then later, we welcome back to the show Dr. Lauren Mutter from Ochsner's Children Hospital! Our Segment "Emergency" is all about our listeners submitting their own questions about their children. From sports to diet, to VACATION!
Dr. Lauren and I tackle these questions to help give you a little more insight and information to allow our listening parents the opportunity to make healthier and safer steps in their daily lives.
Today, we are talking about Emergencies, BUT we are highlighting the VACATION pediatric questions that can arise when we all are away!
From the proper meds that should be taken to the baby in an airplane,
Dr. Lauren breaks it all down!
Find out who's question is answered first and wins a Gift Card from our friends over at Rouses Markets!Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!
Ochsner Hospital for Children
Www.ochsner.org
Rouses Markers
Www.rousesmarkets.com
Sandpiper Vacations
Www..sandpipervacations.com
Zak George’s Dog Revolution!
The Law Firm of
Forrest Cressy & James
Www.forrestcressyjames.com
Comfort Cases
Www.comfortcases.org
New Orleans Ice Cream Company
Www.neworleansicecream.com
Real Estate with Steph & Berkshire Hathaway
www.realestatewithsteph.com
Audubon Institute
www.auduboninstitute.org
The Gift of Adoption Fund
GiftofAdoption.org -
Send us a text
Our Mid Season Finale is coming in hot! Just like the heat and humidity. I was saving this segment of NolaPapa Eats for the summertime!
Cajun Chef Jarred Zeringue, owner of Wayne Jacobs Smokehouse in Laplace, Louisiana has been smoking hot for almost 100 years!
From gumbo to crawfish to their amazing smoked aundoille and hot dogs, once you try it, you will not go without it!
Chef Jarred even ships his meats all over the country! So no worries if you don’t live in South East Louisiana- just go to his site and order his Cajun cookbook along with all the other goodies.
Having homemade smoked hot dogs on the 4th of July is memory waiting to be made!
And locals, go eat inside his restaurant before you grab your loot to take home.
Go to www.wjsmokehouse.com to find all your goodies!
Then later,
We are finishing up this mid season with a documentary film maker that made it his mission to showcase the story behind the little Southern studio that could.
"Beyond The Glass: The WDW Animation Building" is about the opening and success of the Walt Disney Animation Florida studio located inside of Then, MGM Studios, which is now Hollywood Studios.
Dane from his YouTube channel Big Beautiful Dis joins me to talk about the AMAZING INTERVIEWS he was able to land to make this documentary so entertaining.
As unlikely as it was, from The Little Mermaid to Aladdin to the Beauty and the Beast, this little animation studio churned out some of the biggest Disney hits in the 1990's.
Watch and find out how! I loved every minute of this documentary!
To watch it, tap here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_lL1xn8yWAThank you to our family of amazing sponsors!
Ochsner Hospital for Children
Www.ochsner.org
Rouses Markers
Www.rousesmarkets.com
Sandpiper Vacations
Www..sandpipervacations.com
Zak George’s Dog Revolution!
The Law Firm of
Forrest Cressy & James
Www.forrestcressyjames.com
Comfort Cases
Www.comfortcases.org
New Orleans Ice Cream Company
Www.neworleansicecream.com
Real Estate with Steph & Berkshire Hathaway
www.realestatewithsteph.com
Audubon Institute
www.auduboninstitute.org
The Gift of Adoption Fund
GiftofAdoption.org
