What makes New Orleans a place you can never leave? In Episode 36 of The Mark Romig Show, Mayor Helena Moreno joins Mark for a personal conversation about the city that became her home, the experiences that changed her life, and the people who make New Orleans extraordinary. FEATURED GUEST: MAYOR HELENA MORENO Presented by Ochsner Health From covering Hurricane Katrina as a television journalist to watching Steve Gleason’s unforgettable blocked punt during the 2006 Domecoming, Moreno reflects on the moments that deepened her commitment to New Orleans and inspired her move into public service. She also shares her ideal day in the city, her Mexican and American family traditions, and a surprising personal detail: behind her very public role, she considers herself an introvert. Plus, meet Nacho, her French bulldog whose Krewe of Barkus royal résumé might rival her own! In the Official New Orleans Questionnaire, presented by Bienville Capital Group, discover her favorite po-boy, her love of Irma Thomas and Jazz Fest, and why gumbo is a weekly necessity. ON THE TABLE: CAFÉ RECONCILE Presented by Blue Runner Foods CEO Kheri Billy and Executive Chef Martha Wiggins reveal how Café Reconcile combines beloved New Orleans food with a mission to support young people ages 16–24. They discuss hospitality training, career exploration, social services, and the confidence that comes from learning a skill and passing it on. Chef Martha explains why cooking gumbo, red beans, stocks, and roux from scratch connects participants to their culture while preparing them for what comes next. Learn more, dine, donate, or explore catering: https://cafereconcile.org MOVE THE CHAINS: SEAN FAZENDE FOX 8 sports reporter Sean Fazende breaks down the Saints’ performance against Atlanta, the emotional Domecoming atmosphere, and what needs to improve at the line of scrimmage. The conversation covers Tyler Shough, Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara, quarterback protection, and the Minnesota Vikings matchup. Mark and Sean also discuss Drew Brees, LSU, Tulane, Catholic League football, the college football playoff debate, and the Pelicans’ direction under Jamahl Mosley. 5-MINUTES WITH: LUKE FLEMING Presented by New Orleans & Company Crescent City Chamber Music Festival Founder and Artistic Director Luke Fleming previews the festival’s 11th season, October 15–25, 2026. With the theme “Music That Cuts Through the Noise,” seven free public concerts invite audiences to unplug and experience classical, jazz, and world music influences in intimate New Orleans settings. Luke explains why chamber music is welcoming to first-time listeners and shares his own New Orleans favorites. Explore the schedule and support the festival: https://crescentcitychambermusicfestival.com Also in this episode: April Dupre previews fall events in This Week in New Orleans, and Mark celebrates the return of Pelicans basketball in Positively New Orleans. CHAPTERS 00:00 Cold open 00:15 Featured Guest: Mayor Helena Moreno 20:07 Moreno’s Official New Orleans Questionnaire 28:41 On The Table: Café Reconcile 53:07 Move The Chains: Sean Fazende 1:10:09 5-Minutes With: Luke Fleming 1:26:38 This Week in New Orleans 1:29:05 Positively New Orleans: Pelicans basketball OUR SPONSORS Ochsner Health: Featured Guest and studio sponsor Blue Runner Foods: On The Table New Orleans & Company: 5-Minutes With Bienville Capital Group: Official New Orleans Questionnaire Visit The Northshore: Community Sponsor. Listen to its podcast, All the Waves. ABOUT THE MARK ROMIG SHOW The Mark Romig Show celebrates New Orleans through conversations about its people, food, music, sports, and culture. Watch on YouTube, Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network, and LOVE NOLA TV in more than 16,000 hotel rooms. Listen on your favorite podcast platform. Host: Mark Romig Executive Producers: Glenn Haggerty and Keith Haggerty Producer/Editor: Kal Landry Lead Editor: Jordan Fontenot This Week in New Orleans Host: April Dupre This Week in New Orleans Writer: Katy Olds Follow the show for new episodes, and share this conversation with someone who loves New Orleans. The Mark Romig Show is produced by LOVE NOLA TV, the official tourism and visitor information channel of New Orleans, seen in thousands of downtown hotel rooms and locally across all major digital platforms. 🎧 Subscribe to The Mark Romig Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube 📺 Watch full episodes and clips on the LOVE NOLA TV YouTube channel 📍 Filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana New episodes weekly. For the love of New Orleans.