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Do you remember that Disney Christmas Carol with Mickey Mouse? It will ALWAYS be right there in my memory. Ok, from that movie, now comb through and remember the Ghost of Christmas Present. The big, dopey giant eating turkey legs and drinking out of goblets? Yes. HIM.

That is where my mind goes when I think of the traditional Reveillon feasts here in New Orleans. What is a Reveillon feast, you may ask? "A Réveillon dinner is a traditional, lavish French Creole holiday feast in New Orleans, named from the French word for "awakening," originally eaten late after midnight mass on Christmas Eve but now offered throughout December in many restaurants as multi-course, prix-fixe menus featuring rich dishes like gumbo, turtle soup, seafood, roasted meats, and decadent desserts. It's a festive culinary event showcasing Creole culture, with menus evolving from traditional breakfasts to elaborate dinners with modern twists. " -the google.

This whole, ornate concept blows my mind. It feels like you have stepped into a Downton Abbey picture. Now, that is depending on where you chose to celebrate this decadent occasion. And for the past 5 years, we have welcomed chefs from all around New Orleans tell their stories of Reveillon and what it means to them.

This yearrrrrr I am over the moon! We are welcoming back my buddy, veteran and super chef, Eric Cook! Chef Cook is the restauranteur behind the beloved Saint John and Gris-Gris restaurants. Listen to how Chef Cook is able to articulate his love language about New Orleans, their own direction and his committed dedication to this jewel of a city. His passion burns hotter than a black iron skillet. Hear how he selects his menu and how he wants both restaurants to bring out different tastes of our great city.

Book your rez's now yall!

Gris-Gris:

Address: 1800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Hours:

Open · Closes 10 PM · More hours

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Boy what a show! Annnnd It's Christmas time!!! I am just beaming, y'all!

We have a from the Grammy award winning, sensational A cappella group Pentatonix, Scott Hoying and his charming husband Mark Hoying!!!

To make this interview even more fun, it was recorded DURING Scott's time on Dancing with the Stars! Wow, what a whirlwind. ANNND to make it even more special, they are expecting their first baby. Oh my lanta. All the feels. It makes me think back 10 years ago when we first brought our little nugget home. In fact, yesterday- December 4 made 10 years. And man, they go by fast.

While ALL of that was going on they released their second children's book! Fa La La La Family is the most adorable book that brings representation to Christmastime. This gorgeous picture book is sure to inspire anyone out there- kid or the raisins!!!! (Me. I am the raisin.)

I am just tickled all shades of pink for this one, y'all. They are the REAL DEAL.

Pick up their brand new book ANYWHERE and EVERYWHERE. And you can keep up with all of their things at www.scottandmarkhoying.com

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Then later, we welcome back my most favorite pediatric ER doc from Ochsner's Children's Hospital, Dr. Lauren Mutter!! Oh gosh we always have the best time.

This episode, I thought it would be super fun to ask our audience to submit their own HOLIDAY THEMED Pediatric Emergency questions. And they came though, you guys! I am 44 years old, I am not too proud to say that Dr. Mutter taught ME something today!

We even partnered with our other friends at Rouses Markets to give to the winning submission a $25 gift card that Dr. Mutter selected! Buuut Ya Gotta listen to find out who won!

From our family to you and to the entire team at Ochsner Health- We love yall and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri https://ridewithla.com/

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
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ERA TOP REALTY: Pamela Breaux plbreaux@gmail.com

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Thanksgiving. Man. Again, pinchin' my dedgum self y'all. Thanksgiving for me is SO special because it revolves around being grateful. Being thankful. Knowing that we are blessed. Sometimes it may be hard to see the ground through the fog but with faith in your heart, there's no tellin' how many blessin's you can count.

AND TY HERNDON is here to tell us all about it, folks. From his sensational song that ear wormed its way into my 44 year old self to this DAY.... to his brand new album with the likes of LeAnn Rimes, Michael Ray, Kristin Chenoweth, Brooke Eden, and Ashley McBryde. Like- FOR REAL. And doofus papa is here to talk about it all!!!!!

Not to mention his BRAND NEW MEMOIR that isn't even released yet, y'all! 'What Mattered Most' An intimate, often hilarious but always sincere memoir from country legend Ty Herndon on his struggles with addiction, mental health, his career, relationships, and being the first openly gay male country superstar.

This episode is from my heart to yours... and Ty's on this Thanksgiving eve. Remember to stay true to WHO YOU ARE. And then? Everything will fall into place.

Love yall and God bless ya. papa

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri https://ridewithla.com/

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Our 2025 Culinary Thanksgiving Special is here yall. This time- with ya papa's favorite- upper end Italian and it is some better than Venice. I said it. I had it. and I know it. But this is deeper than that. It is deeper than the menu, the ambience. This is where legacies are made. And this Restaurant's story is unlike anything I have ever heard. I knew it was special, but boy Heidi. This is a unique rendition of a chef to table story.

The Late, Vincent Catalanotto Sr. learned to love and appreciate food at an early age, and then spent most of his life working in the service industry, fueling his passion for the restaurant business while allowing him to hone his innate ability to create fabulous meals and to make people happy. His years of experience as a waiter convinced him that people like to eat food that is familiar, but which has a spark of uniqueness about it.

Vincent opened the first of his successful neighborhood restaurants in 1989. The "little Italian place on the side street" quickly became Metairie's hidden jewel. Vincent developed a menu that showcases the finest and freshest ingredients available. He blended his own ideas about New Orleans style Italian cooking with some things he learned while working in fine dining rooms around the city. Locals returned often because of the quality and value of the food as well as for the comfortable atmosphere created by Vincent and his well-chosen staff. It wasn't long before Vincent had more customers than chairs; the addition of a second location was inevitable.

Vincent Catalanotto's son, and new proprietor of Vincent's Italian Cuisine in Matairie, Vincent Catalanotto Jr. sat down with me recently in their Metairie location. It was special. And I very much appreciate V talking to me about his one of a kind, late pops. Wow, what an inspiration.

I gotta tell ya- it was so moving that the lights flickered a couple times. Not gonna lie. This one was very special. Happy Thanksgiving you's guys. I am getting the cataloni asap!

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Then later we welcome back our long time partners, Ochsner Children's Hospital!

For first time parents, finding your new pediatrician can be a tall order. At least it was for me and Douglas. There were so many boxes to check! Luckily, we have our friends at Ochsner Children's Hospital to walk us through the process!

Today, we have Dr. Nick Algu joining me to talk about the important key things to remember when selecting your baby's very first doc! He even throws out a couple of pointers for new parents taking their itty bitties into the holiday season this year. From outdoor gatherings to vaccines- Dr. Algu has got ya covered!

Learn more about all things Ochsner Health at www.ochsner.org

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri https://ridewithla.com/

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
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Rouses Markers
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Sandpiper Vacations
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Cafe Du Monde www.shop.cafedumonde.com

The Law Firm of
Forrest Cressy & James
Www.forrestcressyjames.com

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ERA TOP REALTY: Pamela Breaux plbreaux@gmail.com

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Can you believe CBS's Let's Make a Deal has been on the air for 17 years?! 17 YEARS! that means, in 3 years it will be TWENTY FREAKING YEARS. 2 things.

Either that makes me as old as a slap bracelet- OR I am aging as graceful as a blind drag queen on a unicycle! OOF! Either way, Jonathan Mangum, the show's announcer by day but... but night? His 3 row keyboard. OH YES. The muse runs in his blood!

Recently Jonathan sat down with me to talk about it all! 17 years of laughter and shenanigans but ALSO what he does on his "off" time. HA! This man is busy! From Who's line is it anyway to taking up a brand new passion project... 80's style baby.

Listen, in a time and place where many things overload us- it's the magic makers that bring it all back home and in balance. Laughter does so much good for our world. Our society. And for 17 years, this IMPROV at heart, Game show has changed lives every single week. And Jonathan Mangum is part of it. Thank you, sir. You are the light!!!

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Then later we welcome another New York Times Best seller yall! Thanks to our friends at Cafe Du Monde, you know that Papa brings in some talented authors and this time OMGGGG.

From the author of New York Times Best Seller, All Because You Matter, Tami Charles' final installment of her beautiful trilogy, Together United was just released and folks, it is gorgeous. A lyrical and astounding proclamation of unity and love, this stunning picture book serves as a reminder and a clear declaration that together, we are all part of something much greater. Courageous and bold, this final follow-up to the New York Times bestselling All Because You Matter and acclaimed We Are Here is a message of optimism: that alone we are strong, but together we are unstoppable!

Tami Charles’ powerful and rhythmic text reminds young readers of their brilliance as individuals and the immense power they hold when their voices come together as one. Breathtaking illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, evoke the beauty and wonder of how we are all connected together in the world and our ability to change it for the better. Together, United is a community touchstone and a reminder that the best way to a better future is to create it together… united.

Find it WHEREVER books are sold!

ANNND! This is one of our NolaPapa Kid's Book Club Selections for 2026! To learn more about having your child join, email at info@nolapapa.com

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri https://ridewithla.com/

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
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Cafe Du Monde www.shop.cafedumonde.com

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Forrest Cressy & James
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ERA TOP REALTY: Pamela Breaux plbreaux@gmail.com

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Real World ALERT! AWWW MAN! We got an excited papa on our hands. Anything Real World related and I am there!

Recently, I got to sit down with Real World legend and trailblazer, Jon! You know, from Real World Los Angeles?! Jump down this google hole with me. 1, 2, 3 GO!

• Brennan was one of the first reality TV stars, joining The Real World as an 18-year-old college freshman and devout Christian from Kentucky. He later competed on other MTV reality shows, including Road Rules: All Stars (which he won), Battle of the Seasons (2002), and The Inferno II. He currently co-hosts a podcast, Getting Real With Jon & Beth, with fellow reality TV personality Beth Stolarczyk.
  • MTV producers cast him because they wanted a country music singer for the Los Angeles season. He performs 80s & 90s-inspired country music and has released several songs and albums, including the recent singles "I Ain't Done Singin' Yet" and "Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky". His music is available on major streaming platforms like Spotify.
  • Other Work: He has worked as a youth pastor and, as of late 2023, was reportedly driving for Uber in Nashville to cover his bills.
    
    
• Notable Facts
  
  
  • Birth: Born on July 30, 1974, in Owensboro, Kentucky.
  • Personality: On The Real World, he was known for his conservative views, abstinence from alcohol and sex, and a dramatic interaction with castmate Tammy in a Winnebago that inadvertently inspired the show Road Rules.
  • Online Presence: He actively shares updates about his music and podcast on his Instagram and Facebook pages.
    
    
• For more information, visit his official website at jonbrennan.com.
  
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Then later I welcome my sweet friend Kim Bellas joins me to talk about her AMAZING platform called Sober is the NEW Cool. "Helping to Heal the World

...one person at a time, as we are all Recovering from something." Known by many as Kim, Kimmummy, Matriarch, Friend, Confidante — I am a beacon of love and wisdom. I inspire the world with every step I take, gently guiding others to heal their broken pieces inside, embracing their true selves, and finding peace within. I embody the power of one — showing how a single life, filled with purpose and kindness, can transform others and help heal every corner of the world.

Even through Kim's message, inspired me to talk about my own journey without booze. Listen, it is so easy to let the next day blend into the next. My own habits albeit celebratory, had I not intervened, could kill me. Everyone has there own reasons they drink. For me, nothing was worth it anymore. And especially living with diabetes.

Kim's personal story is a testament of the heart of a mama.

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri https://ridewithla.com/

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
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Rouses Markers
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Cafe Du Monde www.shop.cafedumonde.com

The Law Firm of
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ERA TOP REALTY: Pamela Breaux plbreaux@gmail.com

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If anyone out there has ever wondered about how adoption works, this Papa is an open book. All 3 of our babies came into our lives through the beautiful gift of adoption.

1 year and 5 days before our first was born, so started World Adoption Day. Every year on November 9th, World Adoption Day encourages adoptees to share their stories. It’s also a day for adoptive parents to connect with others and reflect upon their adoption journey.

#WorldAdoptionDay

For couples experiencing the pain of infertility, adoption can be a wonderful way to become parents. However, there are many other kinds of people who adopt children each year. Maybe they simply want to provide a home for a child in need. Or maybe a woman has a medical condition that would make it dangerous to carry a baby. Others adopt because they are single, but still wish to have children.

Today, on this extra special episode, we welcome 2 local women with incredibly inspiring adoption stories. 2 completely different yet immensely powerful. I met Kristine Breithaupt on the political trail earlier this year when THE MAN- Oliver Thomas met me for an exclusive interview.

Little did I know, before we started filming, I got to meet Kristine, owner of Last Word Strategies. I had no idea she had such a heartwarming testimonial for adoption.

You never, ever know the words written inside of someone's heart until they are strong enough to release them through their vulnerabilities- and in doing so, allowing others to grow; through empathy, through support, and through the caring hearts of others. All of that ignites the fire within others to hopefully, possibly explore their own option of adoption.

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Then Later,

We welcome back one of the most important players in creating our own family! Lisa Pecquet Harell was our adoption attorney for all 3 of our babies. In fact, our entire team stayed the same throughout all 3 of our kid's births.

Lisa is a hometown firecracker that not only comes to bat for her clients, but she too has such a strong and trailblazing story of her own. Being adopted back in the 70's, there was no open adoption. Yet, Lisa's parents were truthful with her from the very beginning. They just allowed Lisa to navigate her own way creating the subject by introducing story books. Ironically, just like Douglas and I!

So inspiring. And if any of yall need contacts reach out to me at: info@nolapapa.com

Remember World Adoption Day is this Sunday November 9!

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STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri https://ridewithla.com/

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More Halloween fun coming your way!

A spooktacularly funny novelty board book featuring a silly little witch's feet and brimming with howl-arious jokes from bestselling creator Sandra Magsamen!

Did you know that witches like to tell a silly joke or two? That's what makes them so witchy... who knew?

Get ready for a silly Halloween treat with this tall novelty board book that includes hilarious jokes on every page -- perfect for the youngest fans eager to tickle their funny bones! Featuring a silly witch and her silly feet, toddlers and little ones will love holding, touching, and giggling along. With Sandra Magsamen's signature message of love, this spellbinding board book is perfect for the Halloween season!

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Then Later,

We welcome back to the show our DEAR friend, Dominican Friar, Brother Todd van Alstyne! Each year, Brother Todd visits us to tell us the TRUE story of Saint Nicholas, and the same will be true this year! But Tonight, He is here to tell us the origins of Dia De Los Muertos!

My kids got to gather round' for this one and I encourage you to invite yours along too! The Day of the Dead is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, though other days, such as October 31 or November 6, may be included depending on the locality. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have died.

We hope each of you enjoy the fun and meaningful messages behind this time of year.

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri https://ridewithla.com/

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
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ERA TOP REALTY: Pamela Breaux plbreaux@gmail.com