Mixtape Hope

How much can you hold?  20 years’ worth of memories?  What would you do if there were lyrics to express what we, as native New Orleanians, have lived for the past 20 years… after Katrina. Listen in. We sit with the phenomenal Amanda Shaw as she shares stories, dreams and her mission to bring JOY through her talented voice and fiddle! She encourages us to sit back, kick off our shoes and be AT HOME...

MUSICIANS ON CALL truly lives its purpose.  Having touched the lives of over 1.2 million patients, they continue to want to do more. In 1999, Co-Founders and entrepreneurs, Michael Solomon and Vivek J. Tiwary, decided to prescribe healing through music. This episode sparks conversation about the importance of community and the power of compassion through composition.  Their Vision: "A world f...

Navigating our "origin stories"  while finding those along this path who compliment the journey is a creative endeavor in and of itself. Trusting the process of musical production and the "business" of music is eloquently shared by Thea Aksland and Nelson Capote. Thea Aksland is a DYNAMIC young artist who has found that compliment in Nelson Capote. Capote is a prolific multi-in...

KELLEY GIROD  A native of Louisiana, Girod has lived in NYC since 2005 where she completed her Masters in playwriting at Columbia University.  Since graduating she has established herself in NYC as a playwright and producer.  Girod is currently Director of New Work at the world famous Apollo theater.  In addition Kelley continues to serve as Executive Director of OBIE award winning The Fire This T...

"It all begins at home" Wise words from the man, musician, and mentor in our community. Also known as "Sir Devon Nooner" from The Molly Ringwalds, Jeff Lane sits with us to share his origin story-where it all began. His genuine reflection of the power of music in shaping who and how we love, the peace we all hope for, and of course, his journey into rock 'n' roll will...

From Cleveland to the Crescent City...Conner McCready brings a unique vision, style and talent to his music and art! His energy in performing, love of learning, and tenacity in teaching music is inspiring! It is rare to sit someone who can navigate the SCIENCE and the WHY of music so eloquently. His depth of musical knowledge makes it easy to see what continues to motivate his passion and gift of...

It was “just a feeling” that brought this Pennsylvania native to New Orleans and this city is blessed to have kept her! On the  heels of her latest album “Fever Dreams”  (2023), Shawan Rice is on fire! Her calm exudes wisdom  and musically she  is talented well beyond her years. Her music will hold you, inspire you and teach you.  She is a poet, a scholar, a producer, vocalist and all around genui...

Believe. Believe in something and you will often find your purpose. Chuck Credo IV does just that. The legendary musician, songwriter, producer, entertainer, podcaster, manager and community leader believes in MUSIC and the city that raised him. We sit down with Mr. Credo IV and enjoy the stories and the fuel that has sparked his passion for supporting other artists and entertainers even as he kee...

When Veronica and Victoria Corcoran hit the sand, the ACE they delivery is the strength of will and  determination in "doing the work" it takes to become champions. The AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) lit up the sand here in New Orleans this past April. We were able to catch up with The Corcoran twins as they shared stories of times during their phenomenal college career he...

SEASON 4! "LOCAL LOVE" GRATITUDE as we welcome another season of storytellers and artists being REAL.  As we  continue to learn, music truly unites us all! It inspires HOPE in ways that no other prescription can. We say "thank you" to those who have sat with us, those who have given their time and love as we look forward to sharing more with YOU! Turn up the volume and adjust t...

We had the opportunity to interview internacional award winning musician Sol Pereyra. An accomplished musician, artist, and director, Sol brings her passion for life and laughter to our Mixtape Hope episode while in Argentina preparing for the launch of her sixth album entitled 'La Pelicula'. She splits her time living between Argentina and Mexico City, Mexico and is always on the move s...

David Shaw takes some time out of the busy life of music, songwriting, producing, performing, preparing for a tour and much more to just BE in the NOW.  His career with The Revivalists  as well as a solo album released in 2020-2021 has been a journey which continues to inspire and motivate!  Making New Orleans his home, David continues to plant seeds reflecting his passion for music, creativity, s...

From his days of having a “hall pass” to play with Dr. Lorraine Wilson as a child to bringing LIFE and MUSIC to Preservation Hall, Mr. Louis Ford embodies so much of “What it Means to Love New Orleans”. He shares with us what it meant to sit next to THE legendary Mr. Clarence Ford (his father) and play and record music-while realizing his genetic calling to serve this profession. Mr. Ford teaches,...

As the lyrics go… “Joy will come in the morning, listen y’all”…  There is a longing for both peace and understanding when we step into the diagnosis of dementia.  We are joined by Ms. Veronica  Calliet as she so candidly does what she does best…teaches. She shares with us her experience as a caregiver for someone suffering with dementia. She has focused her light throughout her life personally and...

If you closed your eyes as you listened to one of your favorite songs, what would you see? A memory?  The dance of shadow, light and color? Melissa McCracken can not only tell you-she SHOWS the world her gift. In discovering her gift of SYNESTHESIA, she has been on a personal journey beautifully documenting HOW she hears sound. She is an accomplished, truly unique, brilliant artist who will leave...

Being present.  Honoring the opportunity to be alive. Cortisol and the communion with nature. Photo Walks and Family.  Breaking down walls-sometimes with the beauty of a hug.  Knowing and stepping INTO our triggers.  Ryan Guldemond of MOTHER MOTHER sits with us in a very personal interview to breakdown his solo album-GLDMTH.  A unique blending of senses and expression, this album is a MUST.   Ever...

Big Sam Williams of Big Sam’s Funky Nation embodies pure energy as he sits down with us to share his journey as a musician.  There is a natural ease and eagerness to pull in his audience and motivate others to move!  If you haven’t seen Big Sam’s Funky Nation live-you are missing out on a true musical HEALING!  Listen as we speak to a New Orleans legend who has shared his talent with the world-and...

A mathematician and a musician. We had the pleasure of sitting in studio with Mr. Roberto Matthews. His “moment” which launched  his career as a musician was as vivid a calling as is his faith. Listen in…this Jesuit grad will both educate and inspire you! His voice and talent on multiple instruments is simply beautiful. His purpose and passion for his “why”is beyond moving… Check Roberto out at a...

SEASON 3! Rarely do stories come through with as much passion and charm as in this interview!  What an amazing couple we share time with-Sandy and Dave Furano open up about their life in music and the business of musical healing. From the legendary Winterland venue  in San Francisco, the stories of the early days on the road with bands, the advent of the concert “merch” industry and SO much more,...

Big Freedia! Synonymous  with charm, creativity, energy and BOUNCE. Big Freedia shared with us her journey beginning in gospel music.  Like a mustard seed growing beyond limitations, she fueled her passion for growth with family, faith and community! Singer-song writer, producer, entrepreneur, activist, entertainer, creator, influencer, chef and much more, it’s difficult to imagine how she does it...

Paul Rogers has captured our hearts in this episode as he reflects on his contributions to our beloved Jazzfest! More than that, he brings us down memory lane so gracefully recalling the ART behind the music.  Look around your home or place of work, you likely own one of these cherished pieces…and if you don’t, you should.  Check him out but first sit back and listen to the jazzy music history he...

Bill Rayner,  Friends call him “Billy Rock” and his students call him professor!  We have the privilege of speaking to someone who has TRULY made music his life!  Teaching, composing, playing and performing music embodies all that he loves. So relatable and wise, NYU students look forward to his classes!  We find out why!  Check him out!  Gallatin.nyu.edu

We sit down with Warren Zeiders as he takes us to the open field. His explosion onto the music scene has truly been like LIGHTNING! Listen to what anchors him, what motivates him and how he overcame the unforeseen  transition from athlete to artist.  As he prepares for his tour “”717 Tapes” Tour, he reflects on being REAL and RELATABLE-and enjoying the ride! 

Gratitude and Joy… sentiments that reflect the the emotions of lyrics, melodies and magic of a band coming together to create beautiful music and memories.  The Walters’ revival has been a journey of looking back but being so grateful for the NOW.  We speak with Luke Olson of The Walters.  He takes us through where he has been personally and the unbelievable new journey of this incredible band! WE...

Life and Music. Where we start and those we find along this journey matter.  Leaning on each other as we walk this path, the lyrics, the melody and the rhythm bring us together. The Better Together Band is in studio listening to each other and sharing our journey with YOU. We open up about OUR HEALING and OUR WHY in being vulnerable putting in the time, having fun, coming together and sharing our...