Unscripted: the NolaPapa Podcast

Erik Alexander

Life isn’t just a blog. It’s also Unafraid, Unique, and Unscripted: The NolaPapa Podcast. 

  1. 10h ago

    A Scholastic NEW Release & Disney NEWS with DFB!

    Send us Fan Mail  Two guests. Two kinds of magic. One BIG show! ✨ We’re dancing into this episode with New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory, who is making her YA debut with her brand-new novel It’s Only Dancing, releasing October 6 from Scholastic! Inspired by one of my mama’s all-time favorite movies, Dirty Dancing, Jasmine and I get into the heart of the story—and so much more. ❤️ We talk about the importance of representing Black voices, keeping an open mind, finding your own voice, love, and of course… DANCING! 💃🏾🕺🏾 Be sure to find It's Only Dancing in stores everywhere October 6th! Then we turn up the Disney magic with my buddy AJ Wolf of Disney Food Blog! 🏰✨ AJ is back to sprinkle a little of that Disney magic that Disney Adults AND kids can’t get enough of! And there’s even MORE to celebrate—her book, released last year, is now a New York Times bestseller! 🎉 AJ walks us through the latest announcements from D23, gives us the lay of the land at EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival, shares some of the highs and standouts, and of course… we talk ALL THINGS DISNEY! From books and dancing to Disney food and the latest park news, we had the BEST time! Find the Disney Food Blog (DFB) all over the place online! And find AJ's magical book,  Disney Adults wherever books are sold!  🎧 Listen, laugh, learn—and maybe do a little dancing along the way! Support the show Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                  Ochsner Children’s Hospital Www.ochsner.org Rouses Markets Www.ochsner.org STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org  Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                          Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:plbreaux@gmail.com New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

  2. Sep 25

    Celebrating PIPPI LONGSTOCKING & National Coffee Day with Cafe Du Monde!

    Send us Fan Mail 🧡 PIPPI LONGSTOCKING IS HERE! 🧡 One of the most unforgettable characters of our childhood is back… and this time, she’s telling us the story! 🎬✨ The one and only Tami Erin joins me to relive the magic of Pippi Longstocking and take us behind the scenes of what it was like to land the role out of 8,000 kids from around the world! 🤯 From playing a beloved character to meeting royalty and flying all over the globe, Tami’s childhood was anything but ordinary. But perhaps the most magical part of all? Pippi’s message — be yourself, be kind, and never be afraid to be different. And Tami Erin? She’s living proof that those words can stay with you long after the cameras stop rolling. ❤️ It’s a fun, nostalgic trip back to Pippi, the adventures, the memories, and the magic that made her so unforgettable. Then later- We Celebrate ☕️ NATIONAL COFFEE DAY — NolaPapa Style!!  What better way to do it than with a cup of coffee, a pile of powdered sugar, and a little history?  And we’re doing it with our dear friends and sponsors at Café du Monde! Emily Jager joins me for a fun trip through the history of this Globally Recognized, New Orleans institution—from powdered-sugar-filled cars 😂 to navigating an ever-changing world, decade by decade, cup by cup, and beignet by beignet. We’re talking tradition, history, the moments that shaped Café du Monde, and why some things just belong together: coffee, beignets, and New Orleans. ☕️⚜️ So grab your favorite cup, prepare for a little powdered-sugar chaos, and celebrate National Coffee Day with us! Pour it up. Dust it off. And Let’s talk Café du Monde! ❤️ ✨🍦⚜️And special thanks to New Orleans Ice Cream Company @neworleansicecream for a segment carefully crafted and paired with one of the most iconic ice cream moments in cinematic history! Don’t believe me? I welcome you to REVIST The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking and SEE FOR YOURSELVES. 🎙️ Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! Support the show Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                  Ochsner Children’s Hospital Www.ochsner.org Rouses Markets Www.ochsner.org STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org  Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                          Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:plbreaux@gmail.com New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

  3. Sep 19

    The Price IS Right's 55th Season Celebration with Model James O'Halloran & Sandpiper Vacations!

    Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ 🌟 HERE IT COMES! From NolaPapa Studios in New Orleans!!! We’re celebrating the 55th Season of my beloved The Price Is Right with NONE OTHER than resident model of 13 YEARS, the winner of the whole dang model search, James O’Halloran! 🥳 From the Outback of Australia to the razzle dazzle of Hollywood, James takes us through his incredible beginnings, that spark that changed everything, and the journey that landed him on one of television’s most iconic stages. We’re talking about all our favorites — Drew, George, the models, and so many behind-the-scenes stories that will make any Price Is Right fan smile! 💰 What’s James’ standout memory from the last decade? You’ll have to listen to find out! And just when you think the show is over… COME ON DOWN! The 55th season premieres Monday on CBS, bringing some WILD new additions that are sure to spin some cash! 🎡 🌴 THEN, WE’RE HEADING TO LA! Sandpiper Vacations owner and my favorite travel guru, Nick Bryan, joins us once again to talk about JUST HOW we can all plan that perfect quick getaway to Los Angeles. Disney? Universal? The Price Is Right? Or maybe think outside the box and explore a vineyard or two! Nick has the answers, the tips, and the know-how to make that trip happen. 🌐 Visit http://SandpiperVacations.com and start planning your next adventure! 🎧 Listen to this brand-new episode wherever you get your podcasts! #NolaPapa #ThePriceIsRight Support the show Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                  Ochsner Children’s Hospital Www.ochsner.org Rouses Markets Www.ochsner.org STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org  Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                          Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:plbreaux@gmail.com New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

  4. Sep 11

    Brightening The Way with Chef Frank Brigtsen & Ochsner Children's Hospital

    Send us Fan Mail Today, we’re sitting down with a true New Orleans original — a man whose name, cooking, and influence have become part of the fabric of this city. This episode is sponsored in part by Rouses Markets — a company that understands the importance of bringing great food home and celebrating the incredible local ingredients and people that make Louisiana cooking so special. And today, we’re talking to someone who has built a life around exactly that. Chef Frank Brigtsen. Chef Frank is a beloved New Orleans chef, a craftsman, a teacher, and, in so many ways, a keeper of the flame. We talk about his beginnings and his time learning from the legendary Chef Paul Prudhomme — the mentor who helped put him on his path. We talk about following your intuition. Honoring your craft. Showing up consistently. And understanding that success doesn’t happen because of one single ingredient. But perhaps the most important ingredient of all is gratitude — remembering where you came from, who helped you along the way, and what you do with the torch once it’s placed in your hands. Chef Frank has carried that torch for a long time. And he continues to shine a light on what makes New Orleans food, culture, and community so extraordinary. And don’t forget to go out and grab Chef Frank’s brand new book COLOR OF FLAVOR. This one is definitely getting messy in my kitchen.  So grab a seat, grab something good to eat, and join me for some podcast gumbo. _____________________ And then later, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognize the children and young adults facing cancer, honor the families and caregivers supporting them, and highlight the dedicated medical professionals working every day to improve treatment and outcomes. Our next guest is Dr. Robert Vasquez, Director of Oncology for Children and Young Adults at Ochsner Children’s Hospital. In this conversation, Dr. Vasquez helps us better understand childhood cancer, the importance of awareness, and the care and support available to young patients and their families. The more we know the importance, the better our world will be.  Support the show Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                  Ochsner Children’s Hospital Www.ochsner.org Rouses Markets Www.ochsner.org STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org  Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                          Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:plbreaux@gmail.com New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

  5. Sep 4

    🎙️ Fall Premiere — A Super Bowl Champ & A Mardi Gras Ambassador

    Send us Fan Mail We’re kicking off the Fall Premiere with two extraordinary guests who are making an impact through shining their light and talent for the whole world, and one has lot of New Orleans spirit! And speaking of New Orleans, the best coffee deserves the best conversations. And our hearts are full of Cafe Du Monde! Life is better with powdered sugar.  First up, we welcome Super Bowl Champion and Scholastic author Malcolm Mitchell! 🏈📚 His brand-new book, My Super Duper Me, was recently released by Orchard Books of Scholastic and is available everywhere books are sold. But Malcolm’s work goes far beyond the pages of a book. Through his incredible literacy mission, he is inspiring kids across the country to discover the joy and power of reading. We also dive into Read with Malcolm, his remarkable book club that is making a difference every single day. This is one conversation you won’t want to miss! Then, we take things UP—way up! 🚁📸 We welcome professional drone pilot and photographer Jon Gusanders of WANDER ON, giving us a fascinating look at the world from ABOVE. His incredible aerial perspective offers a whole new way to see the places, celebrations, and stories around us. And of course, here in New Orleans, we don’t just celebrate Mardi Gras—we dream about it all year long! 💜💚💛 Jon is an honorary member of MY OWN PERSONAL FAVORITE Mardi Gras krewe of ALL: the Krewe of Orpheus—yes, that Orpheus, founded by the one and only Harry Connick Jr. 🎭🎺 But there’s another side to Jon’s story that goes far beyond Mardi Gras and breathtaking photography. Jon is also a United Cajun Navy responder, stepping up to help during some of the most difficult and heartbreaking moments imaginable. Last year, that meant joining the search for a young autistic boy who went missing in New Orleans East. Jon found him. But it was not the ending any of us had hoped for. And sometimes, in the bleakest of moments, it’s the light that shines. Not just in rescues, but in the people who continue to show up, serve others, and work for the greater good—even when the outcome is heartbreaking. This conversation takes us through laughter, celebration, breathtaking views, difficult moments, and ultimately, the incredible spirit of a city we love. I encourage you to listen to this fun, yet somber love letter to New Orleans. Just in podcast form. ❤️🎙️ Welcome to our Fall Premiere. Support the show Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                  Ochsner Children’s Hospital Www.ochsner.org Rouses Markets Www.ochsner.org STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org  Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                          Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:plbreaux@gmail.com New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

  6. Aug 14

    🌙 Dad's After Dark🌙 **ADULTS ONLY**

    Send us Fan Mail 🌙🎙️ DAD’S AFTER DARK ! 🎙️🌙 This is a parent only Podcast with explicit material! You have been warned. This week, we’re hanging out with Nick Bryan of Sandpiper Vacations and NolaPapa! Nick joins us for a fun conversation about travel, family, business, fatherhood, and the stories behind the brands he’s built. We get into what it’s like balancing dad life with entrepreneurship, creating memorable experiences, and everything in between. It’s a conversation full of laughs, stories, and plenty of Dad’s After Dark energy! 🎧 Listen. Laugh. Dad. Repeat. Support the show Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                  Ochsner Children’s Hospital Www.ochsner.org Rouses Markets Www.ochsner.org STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org  Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                          Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:plbreaux@gmail.com New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

  7. Jul 31

    ☀️ 2026 Summer ⚾️ Super ⚜️ Show

    Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ 2026 Summer Super Show is HERE! ☀️📚 Y’all- We're kicking it off with a very special guest—Newbery Medal-winning author and Scholastic favorite Jerri Spinelli! We chat about his brand-new release, Fifth Grade Top Dogs, a story that couldn't have arrived at a better time. As the parent of a soon-to-be fifth grader myself, this conversation hit especially close to home. We talk about growing up, navigating the fifth-grade years, and the inspiration behind his latest book. Whether you're a parent, educator, librarian, or young reader, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🎧 Tune in, subscribe, and join us for an unforgettable start to our Summer Super Show! Later in the show, we're thrilled to welcome back our dear friend and longtime sponsor, Pam Breaux of ERA Top Agent Realty! 💜💛💚 Pam is always on the move—and this year is no exception. We catch up on all the exciting things happening in her world, from celebrating with her beloved Mardi Gras krewes to stepping into a new leadership role with the Slidell Rotary Club. Through it all, she's remained one of Louisiana's most trusted real estate professionals. Whether she's helping families find the perfect home, giving back through community service, or bringing people together at local events, Pam understands what truly makes a community thrive. Because at the heart of everything she does, it's all about people. 🎧 Don't miss this fun and inspiring conversation with someone who proves that success is built on relationships, service, and a genuine love for Louisiana. We wrap up our 2026 Summer Super Show with sports author and historian Scott Parker, as we explore his latest book, Baseball's Unlikely: A Constant Game 2. ⚾📚 Scott joins us for a fascinating conversation about the stories that make baseball one of America's most enduring pastimes. We discuss the iconic ballparks that have become landmarks in the sport, the unforgettable headlines that have shaped baseball history, and the moments that continue to captivate generations of fans. Whether you're a lifelong baseball enthusiast, a history lover, or someone who appreciates the rich traditions of the game, Scott's latest book offers a fresh look at the events and places that have defined baseball's legacy. 🎧 Don't miss this engaging conversation, and be sure to grab your copy of Baseball's Unlikely: A Constant Game 2 on Scott's website or Amazon as we close out our 2026 Summer Super Show! Support the show Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                  Ochsner Children’s Hospital Www.ochsner.org Rouses Markets Www.ochsner.org STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org  Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                          Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:plbreaux@gmail.com New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

  8. Jul 11

    After Dark! with Chef Eric Cook of Gris-Gris *Adult's ONLY

    Send us Fan Mail Switching gears from our regular show- Adults Only!  Tonight on After Dark, I sit down with world-renowned Chef and United States Marine veteran Eric Cook, the force behind Gris-Gris and one of the most respected voices in New Orleans cuisine. Chef Cook’s journey is one of service, perseverance, and passion — from his years as a Marine to becoming a nationally recognized chef who has helped shape the story of modern New Orleans dining. His restaurants, his leadership, and his commitment to this city have left a lasting mark on our culture. As we celebrate this conversation, we also have to acknowledge the recent news that Eric has made the difficult decision to close Gris-Gris. While this wasn’t the focus of our episode, it is a moment that deserves reflection. The closing of a beloved New Orleans restaurant is more than the loss of a dining room — it is a reminder of the immense challenges facing the independent restaurants, chefs, and small businesses that help make this city unlike anywhere else in the world. Chef Eric Cook’s story is one of resilience, and his contributions to New Orleans will not be defined by one closing chapter, but by the legacy he has built and the lives he has impacted. Join us for an honest conversation with a chef, a veteran, and a true ambassador for New Orleans. Support the show Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                  Ochsner Children’s Hospital Www.ochsner.org Rouses Markets Www.ochsner.org STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org  Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                          Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:plbreaux@gmail.com New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

4.7
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Life isn’t just a blog. It’s also Unafraid, Unique, and Unscripted: The NolaPapa Podcast. 

You Might Also Like