Louisiana Insider

Episode 227: Haunted French Quarter Hotels

Nicole Beauchamp is a world-renowned paranormal researcher with a soft spot for the spirit of the Crescent City. Her recent contribution to the paranormal world is her newest book “Haunted French Quarter Hotels,” where she takes a dive into the history and hauntings of 10 New Orleans hotels. This week, we talk to the author about her new book, her personal paranormal experiences in the city and around the world, as well as the free and open-to-the-public book launch happening Oct. 4 in New Orleans. 

Episode 226: City of West Monroe's Northeast Louisiana Celtic Fest

For a couple decades West Monroe has played host to the Louisiana Celtic Festival. While northeast louisiana might not strike many as the most celtic areas of the world, the festival brings together those from all over looking to don a kilt and learn more about the rich culture. And for those of us who are part of the “Outlander” fandom, it’s the perfect opportunity to have your own Scottish experience before the premier of the final season. This week, I’m talking with Courtney Hornsby and Adrienne Lafrance-Wells with the city of west Monroe where they share a little background into the history of the festival, what to expect, events those interested can participate in, and what else to do around west Monroe while you’re in town. www.facebook.com/NELACelticFestwww.cityofwestmonroe.comwww.monroe-westmonroe.org 

Episode 225: Lake Charles Mayor Reflects on Hurricane Rita 20 Years Later

This year marked the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the greater New Orleans area. But, less than a month later, southwest Louisiana was hit by one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record and the biggest storm to hit the area in almost 50 years at that time. For 17 years, Randy Roach served as the mayor of Lake Charles. In 2005, he not only had to take in displaced New Orleanians following Hurricane Katrina, but then make the difficult decisions that came along with a direct hit by Hurricane Rita. This week, we chat with the former mayor about the experience of Hurricane Rita and reflecting back on 20 years later. 

Episode 224: NBC Nightly News' Tom Llamas Shares His Connection to Louisiana

Earlier this summer Tom Llamas took over the reigns as the anchor and managing editor of NBC’s Nightly News. A graduate of Loyola University New Orleans, and married to a local New Orleanian, the Big Easy has been like a second home for the journalist. I recently interviewed him for our sister publication New Orleans Magazine and recorded the conversation that spanned career, new beginnings and what New Orleans and Louisiana means to him. 

Episode 223: The New Orleans Superdome at 50 Years

Next to the St. Louis Cathedral and the Crescent City Connection, the Superdome is a visual icon of the city, completing the well-known skyline of the Big Easy. Through the ups and downs of football to playing host to the likes of The Rolling Stones and Muhammed Ali, The Superdome has seen the city through many phases since its opening. One, most notable, was the domed building’s role in Hurricane Katrina. As the home of the New Orleans Saints celebrates its 50th anniversary and we look back on 20 years since Katrina, this episode we’re taking a journey from the beginning with Evan Holmes. Holmes is the General Manager of the now-named Caesars Superdome, as well as the Smoothie King Center and ASM New Orleans.