Unscripted: the NolaPapa Podcast

Erik Alexander
  • 4.7 (24)
  • COMEDY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Life isn’t just a blog. It’s also Unafraid, Unique, and Unscripted: The NolaPapa Podcast. Inspiration can be found anywhere. Especially, here.

  1. 3D AGO

    Celebrating Autism WITH Hot Dogs!

    Send us Fan Mail Back in 2011, I remember personally waiting in line on Freret Street at the new hot dog closet that had just opened up. A line down the block. It was something to behold. Especially because it was only 6 years after Katrina. And Freret Street still looked like it. For real.  But a few investors saw potential and the first sparks in the dark were made.        And before you knew it,  that street was bright and bustling again. It was and IS magical. Just driving down this street currently is so inspiring. And it started with just a handful of visionaries. One being, the owner of DAT DOG, Constantine Georges.  Constantine sat down with me to talk about how it all happened. From a tiny hot dog closet to a total city dominator.  Mr. Georges has the personality and the vision to make it happen. All behind a concept of nostalgia.  Georges, a former federal prosecutor, olive oil purveyor breaks it all down and even offers some advice for others out there with an idea or concept. Persistence is key.  ______ Then later, we’re celebrating April’s Autism Acceptance month with local children's book author, mama & advocate; founder of Rare Blooms Foundation, Dana Garrett.  After her daughter's diagnosis of CSS & Autism, Dana felt led to advocate for kids through writing and philanthropy. She self published a children's book series called “Alana & Wyatt's Adventures” highlighting nonverbal kids, their siblings & the different ways we all communicate. She established Rare Blooms Foundation in 2026 with the mission to support families raising neurodivergent children by hosting restorative retreats, enrichment and life skills workshops, caregiver gatherings, sibling programs and celebrations.  This month  Dana will be joining our Kid's Book Club LIVE at Dat Dog on Freret Street! She will be reading her books and the kids will be having fun with activities and Hot Dogs! We are so grateful for brave parents like Dana that leads by example. I was taught one person can change the world. Dana Garrett is proof. Plus she looks like my OG crush- Daphnie from Scooby Doo. Just sayin.  To find her books and to learn more about Dana's mission go to  www.rarebloomsfoundation.org Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!  STATE FARM®   INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri             https://ridewithla.com/ Ochsner Children’s Hospital Www.ochsner.org Rouses Markers Www.rousesmarkets.com Cafe Du Monde www.shop.cafedumonde.com New Orleans Ice Cream Company Www.neworleansicecream.com ERA TOP REALTY: Pamela Breaux plbreaux@gmail.com New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

    1h 12m

  2. APR 10

    Another NY Times Bestseller & A Near Death Experience

    Send us Fan Mail Alyson Gerber is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Liars Society series, a middle grade mystery, like Knives Out for the family. The Liars Society is a Barnes & Noble Bookseller Favorite, Girls' Life Book Club Pick, and The Week Junior Book of the Week. The Liars Society has been nominated for the Texas Bluebonnet Award as well as book awards in Pennsylvania, Missouri, Vermont, New Hampshire, Indiana, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Alberta, and South Dakota. Find more about Alyson at www.alysongerber.com We had the best time talking about her brand new book from her series "The Liars Society- A Secret Escape"! It just was released 3 days ago you guys! Find it everywhere. If it's by Scholastic, you know where to find it!   Then later we welcome a survivor of not one, not two BUT THREE near death experiences. YES! THREE!  Connie Fusella, Certified Psychic Medium, Author and 3X Near-Death experiencer, Public Speaker & Spiritual Teacher sat down with me to talk about her powerful book "You are SOUL Beautiful". Connie is a highly evidential and respected certified Psychic Medium with a gift for bridging the gap between the physical and spiritual realms. For over two decades, she has been helping people connect with their loved ones on the Other Side. She’s had a fascinating journey, with conscious memories of spirit communication beginning at the age of four. Connie has first-hand knowledge of the Afterlife through three near-death experiences that intensified her connection to the Other Side and led to her soul’s true destiny of becoming a Psychic Medium.  To learn more about Connie's work or to find her book visit www.meaningfulmessages.info Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!  STATE FARM®   INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri             https://ridewithla.com/ Ochsner Children’s Hospital Www.ochsner.org Rouses Markers Www.rousesmarkets.com Cafe Du Monde www.shop.cafedumonde.com New Orleans Ice Cream Company Www.neworleansicecream.com ERA TOP REALTY: Pamela Breaux plbreaux@gmail.com New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

    53 min

  3. APR 3

    Holy Week Stories with Brother Todd

    Send us Fan Mail A super special Easter episode coming at ya this week. Holy week became more special to me as my children grew and became curious. I love learning more about not only Christ and the way, but also introducing new knowledge to my babies. WHO better to lead us in this meaningful conversation than our own Brother Todd van Alstyne, New Orleans Anglican Dominican Friar.  We welcome Brother Todd on multiple times a year for a fun, family friendly segment with my own kids who are 10, 8 and 6 years old. From stories of the REAL Father Christmas to the meaning behind Dia De Los Muertos, Brother Todd is full of real life stories that help sharpen our own tools for understanding such things, especially for kids.  This week's one segment is dedicated to an Easter full of love, gratitude and eagerness for a spring season full of blessings.  Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!  STATE FARM®   INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri             https://ridewithla.com/ Ochsner Children’s Hospital Www.ochsner.org Rouses Markers Www.rousesmarkets.com Cafe Du Monde www.shop.cafedumonde.com New Orleans Ice Cream Company Www.neworleansicecream.com ERA TOP REALTY: Pamela Breaux plbreaux@gmail.com New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

    38 min

  4. MAR 27

    When You Dream Big & The Power of Music

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever made a mark… just to see where it might take you? Our guest today has built a magical world out of that very idea! Peter H. Reynolds is the creative mind behind some of your favorite stories, and he’s here to remind us that every one of us has something special to share.  Peter just released his brand new book 'When You Dream Big' by Scholastic!    'When You Dream Big' is a joyful celebration of imagination, courage, and all the little steps that turn big dreams into reality. With his signature heart and whimsy, Peter H. Reynolds invites readers to believe in their ideas—even the ones that feel a little too big, a little too bold, or a little too “out there.” Through playful illustrations and uplifting words, the story reminds us that every great adventure starts with a single spark… and that dreaming big isn’t just for someday—it starts right now. Perfect for dreamers of all ages, this book is like a gentle cheerleader, encouraging you to take that first step, trust yourself, and see just how far your dreams can go. Then later we welcome Music Healer, Raphael Groten. Some artists perform… and some transform. Raphael Groten uses music as a bridge—connecting mind, body, and spirit in a way that feels both grounding and uplifting. In a time that is stressed to the max, find a way to slow down. Relax. And let music lead the way.  Find more about his work at www.raphaelgroten.com Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!  STATE FARM®   INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri             https://ridewithla.com/ Ochsner Children’s Hospital Www.ochsner.org Rouses Markers Www.rousesmarkets.com Cafe Du Monde www.shop.cafedumonde.com New Orleans Ice Cream Company Www.neworleansicecream.com ERA TOP REALTY: Pamela Breaux plbreaux@gmail.com New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

    54 min

  5. MAR 20

    Bayona- A New Orleans Treasure & a New Spice in Town!

    Send us Fan Mail Bayona is a highly acclaimed restaurant in the French Quarter, renowned for its creative global cuisine developed by James Beard Award-winning chef Susan Spicer. Located in a beautifully restored 200-year-old Creole cottage, it offers an upscale yet inviting atmosphere with an enchanting garden courtyard. It is absolutely enchanting, yall. And today we get to hear from Bayona's Executive Chef Christy Engeran. Engeran began her culinary career at Bayona at age 19, working under Susan Spicer shortly after the restaurant opened in 1990. After decades of experience, including running her own bistro and working in high-end scratch kitchens, she returned to Bayona in 2021 as Chef de Cuisine. She is credited with bringing a "quietly bold" and "refined yet soulful" balance to the menu, continuing the restaurant's legacy of using fresh, local produce. Chef Christy and I had a ball talking about all things Bayona. I highly encourage you to make a reservation and see for yourself what I am talking about!  Then Later we welcome from Chattanooga, Tn- Chef Blackwell Smith joins me to talk about his line of Cajun seasonings called "Lucky Cajun Seasoning". The way I see it, if you love New Orleans, and you have passion for New Orleans- who gives a flying flip if you're technically from here. Yall got to try this line of seasonings! Find more about them all at www.theluckycajun.com.   Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!  STATE FARM®   INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri             https://ridewithla.com/ Ochsner Children’s Hospital Www.ochsner.org Rouses Markers Www.rousesmarkets.com Cafe Du Monde www.shop.cafedumonde.com New Orleans Ice Cream Company Www.neworleansicecream.com ERA TOP REALTY: Pamela Breaux plbreaux@gmail.com New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

    52 min

  6. MAR 13

    Renowned 5th Generation Psychic Medium & A Nola Bred Mentalist

    Send us Fan Mail World Renowned, Fifth generation  Psychic Medium, Dallisa Hocking has reached millions all over the world and across her 250,000 plus followers across all platforms. She is the founder of Spirit & Spark, a platform that connects people with spiritual teachers and intuitive practitioners.  Dallisa joined me a couple seasons back, but today she is here for something really wild. Something I cannot even put into words. You'll have to listen. Wait. What? Did she just say... UMMMM. Whoa.  Find more about her work at www.spiritandspark.com Then later we talk to my buddy with the green, slick hair. Yall know him! Come on now. The one and only, Joker of New Orleans sat down with me at the incredibly spooky, Apothecary in the French Quarter. It literally has an antique seance table yall. And we sat at it. No seances tho!  The Joker, too has a large following due to his FREAKING MENTLEISM! You guys, he literally gets inside of your head and reads your thoughts. You've seen this level stuff on AGT, and today he blew my mind.  Find the Joker of New Orleans on Instagram @thejokersinsta and do me a favor, will ya? WATCH HIS REELS. Just watchem.  Special thanks to the Apothecary at 725 St. Peter 504-766-8179 Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!  STATE FARM®   INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri             https://ridewithla.com/ Ochsner Children’s Hospital Www.ochsner.org Rouses Markers Www.rousesmarkets.com Cafe Du Monde www.shop.cafedumonde.com New Orleans Ice Cream Company Www.neworleansicecream.com ERA TOP REALTY: Pamela Breaux plbreaux@gmail.com New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

    1h 10m

  7. MAR 6

    Oscar Nominated Billy Ray's First Novel & Tui Sutherland's Fiery NEW Release

    Send us Fan Mail Billy Ray is an American screenwriter and film director. He has written numerous successful films, including the first Hunger Games movie, Captain Phillips, and Richard Jewell, earning an Oscar nomination for the second film.  Burn the Water is a new YA dystopian romance novel by Hunger Games screenwriter Billy Ray, released on March 3, 2026, by Scholastic Press. It is a "Romeo and Juliet" style story set in a submerged 2425 London, where two teenagers from rival, warring factions—the Rogues and the Crowns—fall in love. Find Billy's Brand New Book, Burn the Water- OUT NOW!  Later, we welcome Tui Sutherland over to congratulate her on the release of her SIXTEENTH precious little dragon egg!! Wings of Fire #16: The Hybrid Prince, releasing on March 3, 2026 by Scholastic. Find her new book Wings of Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!  STATE FARM®   INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri             https://ridewithla.com/ Ochsner Children’s Hospital Www.ochsner.org Rouses Markers Www.rousesmarkets.com Cafe Du Monde www.shop.cafedumonde.com New Orleans Ice Cream Company Www.neworleansicecream.com ERA TOP REALTY: Pamela Breaux plbreaux@gmail.com New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

    42 min

  8. FEB 20

    Broadway's MUFASA! & Celebrating ❤️ Month w/ Ochsner Children's

    Send us Fan Mail YALL. Yep. It's one of those times.  Broadway has always rang my bells. There is just something about it. Maybe it is the live performances? I don't jive with ALL of Broadway musicals BUT Disney? Papa jives with ALLLL of the Disney.  We took the kids to see Aladdin two years ago and to watch their little faces just made everything perfect.  Today you guys we are talking to THE MUFASA in New York City. YES!! Broadway!! Disney's The Lion King has dominated the box office for over 20 years! And our next guest has has played Mufasa for over a decade!!  L. Steven Taylor is a former Pre-K teacher, turned actor who is best known for his record breaking run as Mufasa in The Lion King on Broadway. His advocacy for Arts Education and his use of Spoken Word to spark conversation and change surrounding Social Justice has earned him the Distinguished Public Service Award from the City of Queens in New York. He is a father, husband and eternal believer in the power that theater has to change hearts, minds and lives. This one is goo - oo - ooood.  And find his book on Amazon yall! Sammy & His Lion!  _____________________________________________ Then Later, We celebrate National Heart Month with our friends at Ochsner Children's Hospital!  Dr. Thomas Young, stopped by to chat with me about the importance of not only this month and the visibility it brings, but also to show how he and his amazing team help lead the way, every single day!  Dr. Thomas Young specializes in pediatric cardiology and adult congenital heart disease at Ochsner Health. Dr. Young earned his medical degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He then remained at VCU for a combined internal medicine and pediatrics residency, serving as chief resident before completing his pediatric cardiology fellowship. He joined Ochsner in 2005. Dr. Young is board-certified in pediatric cardiology by the American Board of Pediatrics and in adult congenital heart disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He practices general pediatric cardiology and adult congenital cardiology. Dr. Young directs the Ochsner Adult Congenital Heart Disease program and is the chief of pediatric cardiology at the Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. He enjoys caring for children and adults with congenital heart disease. If you or someone you know has any questions relating to this or anything else health related, shoot me an email at info@nolapapa.com and we will discuss it on the air with one of our health professionals.  Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors!  STATE FARM®   INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri             https://ridewithla.com/ Ochsner Children’s Hospital Www.ochsner.org Rouses Markers Www.rousesmarkets.com Cafe Du Monde www.shop.cafedumonde.com New Orleans Ice Cream Company Www.neworleansicecream.com ERA TOP REALTY: Pamela Breaux plbreaux@gmail.com New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

    55 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Life isn’t just a blog. It’s also Unafraid, Unique, and Unscripted: The NolaPapa Podcast. Inspiration can be found anywhere. Especially, here.

Information

  • Creator
    Erik Alexander
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    160
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Unscripted: the NolaPapa Podcast
  • Show Website
    Unscripted: the NolaPapa Podcast

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