Best NOLA.com Podcasts (2025)

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A Trip Down Memory Lane with Mike Hoss: Saints Fanhood, Lessons from Jim Henderson, Mike's Goals as the Voice of the Saints 54:12

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4y ago54:12

54:12

We know New Orleans Saints’ RT Ryan Ramczyk is staying put since the great news of his contract extension broke last week, but the team’s changes in 2021 aren’t limited to just the field. Broadcasting legend Mike Hoss is joining the fold as play-by-play radio broadcaster. On a new episode of Black and Gold Rush, Mike Hoss recounts his journey with …

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He Trains Saints' Dogs and Helps Thousands Uncover Purpose Through Pain (Meet Saints Fan Joseph James) 1:00:35

4y ago1:00:35

1:00:35

The Who Dat Nation is full of incredible people. On a new episode of Black and Gold Rush, you'll meet Joseph James, whose first client at his dog training business, Professional K9 Solutions, was someone New Orleans Saints know well - Zach Strief. You'll hear how Joseph became the "unofficial dog trainer of the New Orleans Saints" thanks largely to…

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Kawaan Baker the Touchdown Maker | Saints Draft Series Part 6 28:03

4+ y ago28:03

28:03

Kawaan Baker, an explosive WR from fledgling football program South Alabama, concludes the New Orleans Saints draft series on Black and Gold Rush. Host Rachel Jones sits down with JT Crabtree, radio voice of the Jaguars, to discuss Baker (or “KB”) the person and the player whom the Saints chose in the seventh round, just three spots behind where th…

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Landon Young Leaves Places Better Than He Found Them | Saints Draft Series Part 5 21:07

4+ y ago21:07

21:07

No one outworks Landon Young. In football or in life. On this episode of Black and Gold Rush, you’ll hear from University of Kentucky grad assistant coach Ryan Finck, who took over much of the offensive line coaching duties when longtime Wildcats O-line coach John Schlarman passed away in November 2020. Finck describes how Young led the “Big Blue W…

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Ian Book - Future Starting QB or Long-Term Backup? | Saints Draft Series Part 4 28:07

4+ y ago28:07

28:07

Be honest. We're not 100% sure whether the New Orleans Saints will start Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill at quarterback in 2021. Sean Payton also could install a package for the Saints fourth-round draft pick, Notre Dame QB Ian Book. On a new episode of Black and Gold Rush, Notre Dame football reporter Tyler James is here to break down how Ian Book w…

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Why CB Paulson Adebo Should Intrigue You | Saints Draft Series Part 3 28:45

4+ y ago28:45

28:45

Former Stanford cornerback and Saints third-round draft pick Paulson Adebo lets his play speak for itself. He's no quote machine, just shy and straightforward, but very well-respected by teammates and coaches. On a new episode of Black and Gold Rush, longtime Stanford radio broadcaster and Pac-12 Network reporter Troy Clardy is here to discuss how …

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Is Pete Werner the Saints' Next Ohio State Success? | Saints Draft Series Part 2 22:34

4+ y ago22:34

22:34

We've all heard the line how the New Orleans Saints must have a satellite office at Ohio State. Linebacker Pete Werner is the fourth Buckeye New Orleans has drafted since 2016. What skills and personality does the Saints' second-round pick bring to the table? Host Rachel Jones asked Pete Werner's high school coach, Rick Streiff. He said Werner's ab…

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Doubt Payton Turner at Your Own Risk | Saints Draft Series Part 1 26:02

4+ y ago26:02

26:02

We kick off our series on the New Orleans Saints' 2021 draft picks spotlighting former Houston DE Payton Turner. Cougars radio broadcaster Jeremy Branham (UH Learfield IMG) explains how he's shined under different coaching staffs and schemes at Houston, why being a multi-sport athlete is so valuable for the first-round pick, why Turner's best footb…

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Unpacking the Saints' 2021 Draft with Mike Detillier 46:02

4+ y ago46:02

46:02

The New Orleans Saints selected DE Payton Turner, LB Pete Werner, CB Paulson Adebo, QB Ian Book, OT Landon Young and WR Kawaan Baker in the 2021 NFL Draft. Analyst Mike Detillier joins host Rachel Jones to take you inside the Saints' draft blueprint for intelligent and instinctive players on this week's episode of Black and Gold Rush. Detillier, an…

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2021 New Orleans Saints Draft Special (with Maddy Hudak) 34:47

4+ y ago34:47

34:47

NFL Draft Weekend is officially here, and if you're like me, it feels like Christmas. Don't miss a special New Orleans Saints Draft episode of Black and Gold Rush. Host Rachel Jones and The Saints Wire's Maddy Hudak take one more look at the Saints' top positions of need on offense and defense and analyze the increasing possibility of the Saints tr…

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NFL Draft Evaluations 101 with Randy Mueller 39:40

4+ y ago39:40

39:40

Former New Orleans Saints GM Randy Mueller joins this episode of Black and Gold Rush with the NFL Draft just three days away! Mueller was thrilled to "be back in Saints world" - what he called one of the best times in his career, though it only lasted two years. Mueller shares his insights on many topics from his 30+ years in football, from draftin…

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New Orleans Saints Draft Primer: What to Watch For (with Luke Johnson) 36:51

4+ y ago36:51

36:51

This episode of Black and Gold Rush is a great mix of behind-the-scenes content and a Saints draft preview! Host Rachel Jones and Luke Johnson, Saints beat writer at The Times-Picayune & New Orleans Advocate, predict the Saints' strategy for the 2021 NFL Draft during their wide-ranging conversation. Rachel and Luke were on The Daily Reveille sports…

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Black and Gold in Our Blood | Locked on Saints' Ross Jackson Shares His Story, NFL Draft Insights 38:46

4+ y ago38:46

38:46

We're back talking NFL Draft and so much more on Black and Gold Rush. This week's guest is Ross Jackson, host of Locked on Saints since 2018. As he tells host Rachel Jones, his journey started well before that. Ross grew up in New Orleans and had New Orleans Saints fandom in his blood from an early age. He has a master's in fine arts from UC Irvine…

1
What are Pelicans' odds to make playoffs ... and does it matter? Plus Jaxson Hayes' bag of tricks 47:07

4+ y ago47:07

47:07

Despite how it might feel after an unfiltered beatdown at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets, the Pelicans still stand well within reach of the NBA's play-in tournament, but what are the odds they can actually get there? Or better yet, does it actually matter? Bird Watch co-hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak dive into that and more from another rolle…

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Who’s Hungry? Jaymee Sire Shares Her Recipes for Overcoming Adversity & Living Joyfully 40:57

4+ y ago40:57

40:57

On this week’s episode of Black and Gold Rush, Rachel Jones talks to Jaymee Sire. Jaymee’s journey began in Great Falls, Montana, then hit a speed bump with a very public layoff from ESPN in 2017. But she mastered the art of the pivot. First Jaymee dishes on sports journalism and her obsession with cooking, then how she almost didn’t take her job o…

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Drew Brees’ Exclusive with Fletcher Mackel, Plus Saints’ Glaring Needs 1 and 1A 32:55

4+ y ago32:55

32:55

This week on Black and Gold Rush, WDSU-TV sports anchor/reporter Fletcher Mackel joins host Rachel Jones for another great New Orleans Saints conversation. Fletcher and Rachel both were born and raised in New Orleans, so they talk about their early years following the Saints, even before Drew Brees and Sean Payton arrived to resurrect the franchise…

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Pelicans NBA trade deadline reactions: Lonzo Ball stays; Redick deal surprises 38:31

4+ y ago38:31

38:31

The NBA trade deadline came and the NBA trade deadline went, but despite all the noise surrounding a potential Pelicans trade of Lonzo Ball -- that turned out to be all it way. Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak go over their early reactions to the deals that didn't take place, and also the surprise deal that did just under the wire to…

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Jameis or Taysom? Larry Holder Talks Saints QBs, Roster Depth & NFL Draft 31:50

4+ y ago31:50

31:50

Let’s face it - it’s difficult to imagine the New Orleans Saints without Drew Brees. His arrival when New Orleans was at its lowest point after Hurricane Katrina lifted up the city and forever transformed the Saints into perennial competitors. But with his retirement now official, Sean Payton and the Saints must decide on their new quarterback, and…

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As Pelicans stumble, should they sell on Lonzo Ball? How about on NBA Top Shot? 44:25

4+ y ago44:25

44:25

The Pelicans rollercoaster continues, but where does the buy/sell needle land after a pair of demoralizing losses to the Blazers as the NBA trade deadline approaches? Should Lonzo Ball be on the market? What if you own a Lonzo Ball moment? Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak dive in on those topics (and yes, a rapidly devaluing Pelicans…

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Drew Brees Tribute, New Orleans Saints’ Top Draft Needs (with Jordan Reid) 31:06

4+ y ago31:06

31:06

It’s the end of THE era in New Orleans, the Drew Brees era, that is. Black and Gold Rush host Rachel Jones takes a look at his legacy that is unmatched not just in numbers, but in impact on an entire city and fan base. It will be strange to not see No. 9 under center for the Saints anymore, but he’ll remain part of the New Orleans fabric forever as…

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Zion and Pelicans back from All-Star Break, so what's next? With guest Jason Maples 44:43

4+ y ago44:43

44:43

As the Pelicans and the rest of the NBA get back from their All-Star Break hiatus, one thing we already knew but enjoyed re-learning anyway: Damian Lillard gets buckets ... even from halfcourt. But what's the deal with Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and the Pelicans as they embark on a crammed second-half schedule? What's the disappoin…

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Nader Mirfiq Eats, Sleeps & Breathes New Orleans Saints, AND He’s on a Bigger Mission 39:38

4+ y ago39:38

39:38

The New Orleans Saints are inching closer and closer under the 2021 salary cap. On Thursday, March 4, they made a tough decision to cut their 12-year veteran punter and fan favorite, Thomas Morstead, and Rachel Jones interviewed Sports Overtime podcast host Nader Mirfiq right before he broke that news. Nader grew up a Saints fan, browsing sports pa…

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Pelicans close first half on low note, so what are the takeaways? Trade targets? 46:13

4+ y ago46:13

46:13

The first half of the Pelicans' 2020-'21 season ended the same way it started, confidence-inspiring wins followed by crushing losses. So where do the Pelicans go from here with a week off to take stock? Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak break down some takeaways from the first 36 games, and where some popular Pelicans trade targets st…

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Drew Brees is My Son’s Hero (Brain Injury Awareness Month Episode) 27:59

4+ y ago27:59

27:59

One in 500 school-age children each year receive a head injury severe enough to be hospitalized. On July 28, 2015, young Luke Siegel suffered a horrific accident in Lubbock, Texas, when a modified golf cart landed on him and his brain was deprived of oxygen for more than 7 minutes. Luke grew up passionate about sports and competition, developing a …

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Zion Williamson is an All-Star, but does he deserve it? Was Brandon Ingram snubbed? 48:30

4+ y ago48:30

48:30

A sentence that was more about "when" than "if": Zion Williamson is an All-Star. But did he deserve the spot over NBA stars like Devin Booker, DeMar Derozan and others? Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak dive in after the announcement of the All-Star reserves to hit on that topic, whether Brandon Ingram deserved another All-Star bid, r…

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Why Zach Strief's Move to Coaching Inspires Me; Saints-Bucs Rivalry Intensifying (With Karen Loftus) 26:32

4+ y ago26:32

26:32

There’s something special about finding your passion in life. Voice of the New Orleans Saints Zach Strief announced Feb. 19 he’s leaving the WWL broadcast booth to become the Saints’ assistant offensive line coach, following his passion and returning to the game he loves. Today’s episode of Black and Gold Rush is all about passion. Tampa Bay sports…

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On what Pelicans' rotation changes could look like & Zion's brilliance 47:51

4+ y ago47:51

47:51

The Pelicans are on the road again, so you know what that means: A lot of bad. After coach Stan Van Gundy hinted that rotation changes could be coming, Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak dive in for some possible answers there, as well as what's behind the insanely hot shooting by Pels opponents, and just how good Zion Williamson has b…

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Saints Free Agency In-Depth, Kris Richard (With ESPN’s Mike Triplett) 29:50

4+ y ago29:50

29:50

NFL free agency news is happening fast in New Orleans, and there’s no one better to break down the Saints’ biggest questions on Lundi Gras 2021 than ESPN NFL Nation reporter Mike Triplett. An Iowa native, Mike has covered the Saints since the 2005 season. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS... -Why Jameis Winston is the Saints’ frontrunner to start at QB -Is Trey H…

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NFL Offseason Begins (featuring Detroit Lions Reporter Tori Petry) 28:01

4+ y ago28:01

28:01

Not one, not two, but THREE former New Orleans Saints are now on the Detroit Lions’ coaching staff - head coach Dan Campbell, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell. Lions team reporter Tori Petry joins host Rachel Jones to discuss early offseason headlines, including Matthew Stafford not heading to New Orleans. EPISO…

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Celebrating the Saints' Super Bowl Anniversary with Jeff Duncan 31:13

4+ y ago31:13

31:13

On this Super Bowl Sunday edition of the Black and Gold Rush Podcast, sports columnist and author Jeff Duncan joins the show. Winning Super Bowl XLIV in just Sean Payton and Drew Brees’ fourth season with the New Orleans Saints was an incredible achievement, one that lifted up an entire city 11 years ago today. Now with Brees’ retirement likely loo…

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Enjoying the good Pelicans: Zion hits new level, defense surges; trades up next? 42:36

4+ y ago42:36

42:36

It's been a rough start to the season, but the Pelicans have shown signs of a team turning the corner in recent weeks. Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak react to a pair of big wins over the Bucks and Suns that sandwiched deflating losses to the Kings and Rockets. Can the defense last? Can Zion Williamson continue to climb? Will the tr…

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Saints Broadcasting Coordinator Caroline Gonzalez Takes Us Behind the Scenes 33:38

4+ y ago33:38

33:38

This episode of the Black and Gold Rush Podcast is a hope-filled conversation between host Rachel Jones and New Orleans Saints broadcasting coordinator Caroline Gonzalez. Stay tuned for a special Saints Super Bowl anniversary episode Sunday, Feb. 7, with Rachel and Jeff Duncan! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS... -How Caroline discovered her path to sports broad…

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Pelicans stock watch: Whose value is rising like GameStop and who's dropped after uneven start 59:44

4+ y ago59:44

59:44

The Pelicans haven't been investing, but they've played a lot like the stock market this season: A lot of ups and downs. So with that in mind, Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak go down the line with Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, Lonzo Ball and others to track who's value has risen through the beginning of the 2020-'21 season, who's…

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Exploring Terry Fontenot’s Story of Hard Work, Plus the State of Saints QBs (with Rod Walker) 19:23

4+ y ago19:23

19:23

Sports columnist Rod Walker of The New Orleans Advocate talks to Rachel talk about the impact of a great story. Terry Fontenot - former New Orleans Saints Assistant GM for Pro Personnel - began as a Saints marketing intern 18 years ago and was just hired by the Atlanta Falcons to run their organization. Fontenot is just one of several Saints coache…

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What's wrong with the Pelicans? Going in on defense, shooting as skid drags on 45:51

4+ y ago45:51

45:51

The Pelicans are hard to watch right now ... and everyone knows it. After the Pelicans dropped another dud on national television, the frustration continues to mount. But what's the culprit for a 1-7 stretch after a 4-2 start? Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak dive in to break down some of the biggest issues plaguing the Pelicans on t…

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Another Saints Playoff Loss: Was it Drew Brees’ Last Ride? Analysis with Chris Rosvoglou 20:23

4+ y ago20:23

20:23

Born and raised in New York, Chris Rosvoglou has developed an unbreakable bond with the New Orleans Saints and is currently the youngest person at age 23 to host two Saints-focused podcasts simultaneously. Chris and Rachel break down a disappointing end to the Saints' 2020 season and give their best guesses of what’s ahead in the Saints offseason. …

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Perseverance, Faith and Football: Delvin Breaux Remains Unbreauxken 12:13

4+ y ago12:13

12:13

Today's episode is all about overcoming the odds. Delvin Breaux tried to commit suicide at age 9 to escape an abusive home, only to break the C4, C5 and C6 vertebrae in his neck about nine years later. But adversity was no match for Breaux. He worked hard, believed in himself and made it to the NFL in 2015, making an instant impact as the New Orlea…

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Introduction with Host Rachel Jones: New Orleans Saints Memories & Taking Risks 5:40

4+ y ago5:40

5:40

Welcome to the Black and Gold Rush Podcast! I’m your host, Rachel Jones, and I'm excited to start this journey sharing both on-the-field and off-the-field stories about the New Orleans Saints, because nothing brings the Who Dat Nation together like a great story. My first time in the Superdome was with my father almost 25 years ago with my face pai…

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Looking back on Pelicans-Hawks blockbuster, Trae Young nutmegs, more with Sarah Spencer 43:19

4+ y ago43:19

43:19

How are things shaping up for the Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans two seasons after that 2019 NBA Draft blockbuster trade? Hawks beat writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sarah Spencer joins Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak to take stock of how things in Atlanta have developed since that trade, their own superstar in Tr…