Best Sally Asher Podcasts (2025)

No two women in New Orleans have had more misinformation spread about them then Voodoo Priestess Marie Laveau and the sadistic socialite Delphine LaLaurie. For over a century, the lives of these women have been largely told through misinformation and speculation. Historically, writers have embellished and sensationalized their lives and over time r…

1
EP 239 - Meteorologist Margaret Orr 48:40

Play Pause

29d ago48:40

48:40

Meteorologists in New Orleans tend to become well known locally, probably due to our reliance on them during hurricanes. My guest today retired in 2024 after a long career as chief meteorologist at WDSU tv. Join me as I interview Margaret Orr about her career, Mardi Gras, retirement, and more.By Mark Bologna

1
“Scrim, A ‘Tail’ of Serendipity: Interview with Margaret Orr.” 45:02

1M ago45:02

45:02

Scrim, A ‘Tail’ of Serendipity: Interview with Margaret Orr.” Margaret Orr discusses her new children’s book “Scrim My Tail: As Told to Margaret Orr,” published by Susan Schadt Press and illustrated by Matt Rinard. Announcer Donald Lewis. Opening credit music "Buttermilk Drop" courtesy of Katy Hobgood Ray & The Confetti Park Players. Glenn May soun…

1
“New Orleans’ Haunted Restaurants: An Interview with Poppy Tooker.” 42:00

2M ago42:00

42:00

“New Orleans’ Haunted Restaurants: An Interview with Poppy Tooker.” Cookbook writer, radio host, and tv personality Poppy Tooker discusses some of New Orleans’ most haunted restaurants. “New Orleans’ Haunted Restaurants: An Interview with Poppy Tooker.” Cookbook writer, radio host, and tv personality Poppy Tooker discusses some of New Orleans’ most…

1
EP 238 - The Life and Legacy of Anne Rice 38:28

2M ago38:28

38:28

Today's episode is all about the author Anne Rice, known for her books about vampires. To help me dive into all things Anne Rice, I'm, joined by Joel Sharpton, co-host of the podcast The Articulate Coven.By Mark Bologna

1
Secrets from the Skeleton House of St. Charles Ave: An Interview with the Skeleton Queen of New Orleans. 35:17

2M ago35:17

35:17

“Secrets from the Skeleton House of St. Charles Ave: An Interview with the Skeleton Queen of New Orleans.” For over twenty years, Louellen Berger has been transforming her home on St. Charles Ave into a must-see Halloween destination known as the Skeleton House. For the entire month of October, visitors flock from all over the world to see Louellen…

1
“The Calm After the Storm: The Labyrinths of New Orleans.” 46:56

2M ago46:56

46:56

“The Calm After the Storm: The Labyrinths of New Orleans.” An interview with Marty and Debi Kermeen, educators, presenters, facilitators, owners of Labyrinths in Stone, and founding members of The Labyrinth Society. The Kermeens discuss what led them into making labyrinths, the significance behind them, and what makes the labyrinths in New Orleans …

1
EP 237 - The Obituary Cocktail 33:57

2M ago33:57

33:57

Today's show is about a darkly named drink; the Obituary Cocktail. Made with gin, vermouth, and absinthe, it's origin is as mysterious as its name. Join me and author Sue Strachan as we discuss the drink, its origin, and where to sample one.By Mark Bologna

1
Hatchets & Harlotry: When Carrie Nation Visited New Orleans’ Storyville 1:18:52

3M ago1:18:52

1:18:52

In this episode I take a deep dive into two very different women – controversial temperance advocate Carrie Nation and New Orleans madam Josie Arlington – and what happened when they met on a December night in 1907 in the city’s notorious red light district known as Storyville.By Sally Asher

1
EP 236 - Loretta's Authentic Pralines 35:50

3M ago35:50

35:50

Today's epsiode is about two of my favorite New Orleans treats, pralines and beignets. One of my favorite places to get both is Loretta's Authentic Pralines. I'm joined today by the owner of Loretta's, Mr .Robbie Harrison to discuss pralines, beignet's, and his mother's legacy. We also dive into the upcoming Beignet Fest.…

1
Interview with a Gravedigger Part 3 34:41

4M ago34:41

34:41

The final episode of the three-part series entitled “Interview with a Gravedigger” with city gravedigger, sexton of Greenwood and Cypress Grove Cemeteries, and owner of NOLA Cemetery Renewal LLC, Nick Black. Listener discretion is advised. Nick discusses, among other things, disturbing things found in and above tombs, the difference between a reuse…

1
EP 235 - The Trail They Blazed: Civil Rights in New Orleans 34:11

4M ago34:11

34:11

Today, we talk about an exhibit at the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) called The Trail they Blazed, featuring notable people and moments in the fight for civil rights in New Orleans and Louisiana at large. I am joined by HNOC curator Eric Seiferth.By Mark Bologna

1
Interview with a Gravedigger Part 2 29:37

4M ago29:37

29:37

Part two of a three-part series entitled “Interview with a Gravedigger” with New Orleans' city gravedigger, sexton of Greenwood and Cypress Grove Cemeteries, and owner of NOLA Cemetery Renewal LLC, Nick Black. Listener discretion is advised. This episode deals with some topics that some might find troubling. Nick talks about, among other things, wh…

1
Interview with a Gravedigger Part 1 26:12

4M ago26:12

26:12

I sat down with New Orleans native Nick Black who is the contracted gravedigger for the city's cemeteries, as well as the sexton of Greenwood and Cypress Grove Cemeteries, and the owner of NOLA Cemetery Renewal LLC. Nick discusses, among other things, the often-disturbing tradition of New Orleans’ burials, including the process of digging a grave, …

1
EP 234 - Antigravity Magazine 46:55

5M ago46:55

46:55

Ever wonder about those free magazines you pick up around town? Well, I did. It led me down the path of wanting to find out more about Antigravity Magazine. Join me and editor/publisher Dan Fox as we discuss what Antigravityh is all about!By Mark Bologna

1
EP 233 - Save Our Cemeteries, an Interview with Sally Asher 31:05

6M ago31:05

31:05

Discover the unique charm and rich history of New Orleans' cemeteries, where each one tells its own story. Explore beyond the famous spots and uncover hidden gems with Sally Asher in our latest episodeBy Mark Bologna

1
EP 232 - Making It Home - From Vietnam to New Orleans 33:59

6M ago33:59

33:59

Saigon fell in April 1975. Shortly thereafter Vietnamese immigrants began arriving in New Orleans. Now, fifty years after the fall of Saigon, the Historic New Orleans Collection has created an exhibition telling their stories. Join me as I sit down with Senior Historian and Mark Cave to discuss the details.…

1
Slavery in Louisiana - a Visit to Whitney Plantation - Episode 231 1:00:09

7M ago1:00:09

1:00:09

Slavery in Louisiana - a Visit to Whitney Plantation In today's episode, we learn about slavery in Louisiana. We visit Whitney Plantation, located in Wallace, LA 40 miles West of New Orleans. The Whitney is the only plantation whose primary focus is on the slaves who worked, lived, and died along this stretch of the Mississippi River. My guest toda…

1
Questions & Answers - EP 230 40:57

8M ago40:57

40:57

Today's episode is a question and answer epiosde with questions from listeners like you.By Mark Bologna

1
Fleurty Girl - Episode 229 15:59

8M ago15:59

15:59

My guest is a successful business owner who created a shop focused on celebrating New Orleans through its offerings.By Mark Bologna

1
Cucuron - Episode 228 23:33

8M ago23:33

23:33

Ever wanted to support New Orleans artists but didn't know how to connect with them other than a visit to the city? My guest today hopes to bridge that gap through her business called Cucuron.By Mark Bologna

1
Hansen's Sno-Bliz and the Story of the New Orleans Snowball - Episode 227 39:35

9M ago39:35

39:35

Hansen's Sno-Bliz and the Story of the New Orleans Snowball In today's episode, we head over to Hansen's Sno-Bliz on Tchoupitoulas Street, in uptown New Orleans. We visit with Ashley Hansen, granddaughter of Ernest and Mary Hansen, and the current owner of Hansen's Sno-Bliz. Hansen's is the oldest snowball stand in the United States, and is current…

1
Coastal Preservation - EP 226 32:29

9M ago32:29

32:29

Coastal restoration and finding ways to preserve the Louisiana Coast has been a topic I've wanted to explore for several years. Today, I'm joined by James Karst, Director of Communications at the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana.By Mark Bologna

1
Celebrate Canal Street - EP 225 23:55

10M ago23:55

23:55

Today's show is about an effort to revitalize Canal Street. My guest today, Sandra Thompson Herman, is the founder of that effort called Celebrate Canal! Coalition.By Mark Bologna

1
Storyville Museum - EP 224 42:21

10M ago42:21

42:21

Several years ago I did an episode or two with the Historic New Orleans Collection about the Storyville red light district. They had an excellent small exhibit about Storyville. Well now, there is a whole museum dedicated to Storyville. I'm joined today by the museum's founder and curator, Claus Sadlier.…

1
Ep. 223 - The Mardi Gras Game 22:57

11M ago22:57

22:57

My guest today is a New Orleanian who decided to create a board game focused on Mardi Gras. Michael Combes was disappointed in the lack of games with a New Orleans theme, so he created his own. Listen in as he describes the game and his plans for making it a reality.By Mark Bologna

1
EP 222 - Arthur Hardy Mardi Gras Preview 2025 35:26

11M ago35:26

35:26

My guest today probably knows as much about Mardi Gras as anyone. He's published an annual Mardi Gras Guide for 49 years, including the 2025 edition. I'm thrilled to be joined by Arthur Hardy!By Mark Bologna

1
EP 221 - The Sugar King 55:32

12M ago55:32

55:32

Today's episode is all about Leon Goudchax, a Jewish immigrant to New Orleans who made a fortune as a merchant, and a sugar cane farmer and refiner.By Mark Bologna

1
Ep. 220 - The Year in Review - 2024 41:50

1y ago41:50

41:50

Today's episode is a recap of 2024 and a bit of looking ahead to what's in store for the show in 2025.By Mark Bologna

1
Saving Mr. Bingle 35:53

1y ago35:53

35:53

Today's episode is all about Mr. Bingle, a beloved local Christmas character created by a department store. Joining me is author Sean Patrick Doles who created a fairy tale called Saving Mr. Bingle. We discuss Mr. Bingle's history as well as Sean's book.By Mark Bologna

1
EP 218 - A Health Update & The River Rats Reprise 44:18

1y ago44:18

44:18

Today's episode is about the Mississippi River batture, and specifically the people who've chosen to live on that sliver of land over the years. To help me explore this culture I've enlisted the help of Macon Fry, author of the book They Called Us River Rats, and himself an inhabitant of the batture.…

1
Mosquito Supper Club - EP217 33:49

1y ago33:49

33:49

My guest is an author, a chef, and perhaps most importantly a Cajun woman, in love with her native land and way of life. Melissa Martin joins me to talk about the restaurant, her latest cookbook, Bayou, Feasting Through the Seasons of a Cajun Life, and more.By Mark Bologna

1
The Skeleton House - EP216 19:24

1y ago19:24

19:24

For more than 40 years, the Berger House at 6000 St. Charles Avenue is transformed each Halloween into the Skeleton House. The lawn is covered with dozens of skeletons, each with a costume and a name. In 2024, the skeletons embraced the arrival of Taylor Swift and her Eras tour. Join me as I learn all about it from Louellen Berger.…

1
Porgy's Seafood Market 37:00

1y ago37:00

37:00

My guests today are the co-owners of Porgy's Seafood Market, a local market and restaurant with a focus on Louisiana caught seafood.By Mark Bologna

1
Listener Questions - EP214 48:36

1+ y ago48:36

48:36

This week, we answer questions about New Orleans from listeners like you!By Mark Bologna

1
Shaka Zulu Big Chief of the Golden Feather Nation - EP213 47:43

1+ y ago47:43

47:43

Today's guest tells us about the tradition of black New Orleanians masking in Indian suits.By Mark Bologna

1
Anais St John - EP 212 29:18

1+ y ago29:18

29:18

My guest today, Miss Anais St. John, is an entertainer, performer and a teacher.By Mark Bologna

1
Working on the Mississippi River - EP211 37:52

1+ y ago37:52

37:52

Ever wondered what it's like to work on the Mississippi River? Today, we go behind the scenes with Todd Clower, CEO of Harbor Towing and Fleeting.By Mark Bologna

1
Black Creole Chronicles - EP210 50:22

1+ y ago50:22

50:22

My guest today is an author, folklorist, educator, scholar, and former Poet Laureate of Louisiana. Dr. Mona Lisa Saloy writes about her life as a black Creole in her 7th Ward neighborhood, as well as about the larger perspective of the black experience, in Louisiana and beyond. This discussion was a joy. I hope you enjoy it, too.…

1
Toups' Family Meal EP #209 27:00

1+ y ago27:00

27:00

What happens when the Louisiana Governor decides not to accept federal funding for feeding school-aged children during the summer? Amanda and Isaac Toups, owners of Toups' Meatery decided to do something about it. Join me and Amanda to learn about their efforts.By Mark Bologna

1
Questions and Answers - EP 208 51:13

1+ y ago51:13

51:13

This week, we answer listener questions about New Orleans on a variety of topics.By Mark Bologna

1
Bastion - a New Orleans Community for Veterans 52:01

1+ y ago52:01

52:01

Today, we discuss Bastion, a Community of Resilience. Bastion is a community, purpose built for veterans. To learn more about it I am joined by Jackson Smith, Bastion's Executive Director.By Mark Bologna

1
New Orleans Music Scene with Keith Spera 34:28

1+ y ago34:28

34:28

Join me and Keith Spera as we recap Jazz Fest 2024, and talk about the New Orleans music scene.By Mark Bologna

1
The Essential Guide to New Orleans Jazz Fest 1:01:26

1+ y ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Ever been to Jazz Fest, or want to go? We've got all the insider tips you need to have a great time!By Mark Bologna

1
Haunted New Orleans 44:30

1+ y ago44:30

44:30

Interested in haunted New Orleans? Ghost stories and other popular and untold legends? This is the episode for you! Join me and guest Orion Couling as we talk about his experience leading haunted tours around New Orleans.By Mark Bologna

1
Entrepreneur Róbert LeBlanc 44:20

2y ago44:20

44:20

One of the things I really like to do with the podcast is highlight businesses I think you would enjoy that also have owners who seem to do things right. My guest today is one of those. Róbert LeBlanc is the founder of Leblanc + Smith, a hospitality company with several local businesses.By Mark Bologna

1
Things to Do In New Orleans - Spring 2024 37:08

2y ago37:08

37:08

Wondering what to do in New Orleans post-Mardi Gras? We've got you covered in this episode.By Mark Bologna

1
BBS201 52:34

2y ago52:34

52:34

Today's episode is your Mardi Gras survival guide. We'll go through everything you need to know to enjoy parade season in New Orleans!

1
Mardi Gras 2024 with Arthur Hardy - Episode 200 53:13

2y ago53:13

53:13

Mardi Gras 2024 Today's episode is our annual discussion of Carnival and Mardi Gras in New Orleans with Arthur Hardy, publisher of the Mardi Gras Guide. We discuss history, anniversaries, impact on the economy, what's new in 2024 and more.