Shows
Pelican BriefsThe History of New Orleans EastToday, Charles shares his work as a PhD in Urban Studies who conducted extensive research on the history and development of New Orleans East. We explore the East's rise as a suburban hub, its decline due to economic and social factors, and the ongoing challenges it faces. Charles explains how his dissertation aims to dispel misconceptions and create an accurate narrative about the area’s potential for revitalization.
We dive into the historical shifts, including the East's transformation into a predominantly Black middle-class community, the unfulfilled promises of revitalization, and its significance as a ga...2025-02-1228 minPelican BriefsPreserving Louisiana's French HeritageLouisiana’s rich French heritage is taking center stage. We're diving into the historical and cultural significance of French in our state, tracing its journey from colonial times to modern preservation efforts. We explore pivotal moments like the 1921 ban on French education, its 1974 repeal, and how programs like French immersion and cultural initiatives are keeping the language alive.
Join us as we discuss the challenges and opportunities of preserving Louisiana French, from economic drivers to cultural identity. With insights into the work of organizations like CODOFIL and events like Festival International de Louisiane, we ex...2025-02-0528 minPelican BriefsTackling Louisiana's Housing and Insurance CrisesToday, we dive into the housing and insurance crises affecting Louisiana. As homeowners and renters, we explore the root causes of these challenges, including skyrocketing housing costs, gentrification, and the devastating impacts of climate-related disasters. We discuss how these issues are shaping urban and rural communities alike, with personal insights and data to highlight the growing urgency of the situation.
We also examine potential solutions, such as the roof fortification program, legislative efforts to stabilize the insurance market, and the need for updated FEMA mapping. This conversation underscores the critical need for bipartisan action...2025-01-2927 minPelican BriefsShreveport's Time to ShineShreveport is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and we’re diving into what it means for Louisiana. From 50 Cent’s massive investment in G-Unit Studios, making it the second-largest Black-owned production studio in the U.S., to a $75 million state-of-the-art government building, Shreveport is positioning itself as a hub for growth and opportunity. We explore how these developments, alongside urban revitalization efforts and new housing projects, are reshaping the city’s downtown and creating jobs.
We also discuss Shreveport’s unique position as the third-largest city in Louisiana, its proximity to Texas, and its cultural and econ...2025-01-2228 minPelican BriefsFederal Funds Flowing Into LouisianaLouisiana is at a crossroads when it comes to infrastructure. Today, we dive into the state’s infrastructure challenges and the transformative impact of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment Act. We discuss Senator Bill Cassidy’s key role in securing $1.2 trillion in federal funding, which is helping to repair roads, bridges, and expand broadband access across Louisiana. While these investments are reshaping the state, we question why most Louisiana politicians voted against the bill yet continue to claim credit for its benefits.
From the GUMBO program’s effort to close the digital divide to funding for cl...2025-01-1528 minPelican BriefsSuper Bowl LIX Preparations in New OrleansPlease note the season 2 episodes of Pelican Briefs were filmed prior to the New Year’s Day terrorist attack that occurred in New Orleans. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families and the entire city of New Orleans as we come together to heal after this tragic and senseless act of violence.
In this episode of Pelican Briefs, Etosha and Charles dive into the hot topic of Super Bowl LIX prep in New Orleans. We explore the city's massive infrastructure projects, downtown beautification efforts, and how these changes impact both residents and vi...2025-01-0824 min
Pelican BriefsTackling Population Decline in Louisiana with Rep. Tammy PhelpsTammy Phelps is a Louisiana State Representative from Shreveport, joining us to discuss Louisiana's ongoing population decline. We dive into the key factors driving people, especially Millennials and Gen Z, to leave the state, including job market challenges, lack of investment in education, and state policies that don't adequately address these issues. Tammy shares her perspective on how Louisiana can reverse this trend by focusing on improving education, workforce development, and economic opportunities.
We also touch on how local and state governments can better collaborate to drive growth, with examples from Tammy’s district. Fr...2024-10-1017 min
Pelican BriefsPelican Pop-Ins - Inside HNOC's Captive State exhibit with Eric SeiferthEric Seiferth is a curator and historian at the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC), and he joins us on this Pelican Briefs Pop-In to dive into the powerful exhibit Captive State: Louisiana and the Making of Mass Incarceration. We explore how Louisiana's 300-year history of slavery, punishment, and racial oppression has shaped the state's current system of mass incarceration, including the connections between Angola Prison, forced labor, and the convict lease system.
Together, we discuss the historical roots of these policies and their ongoing impact on Louisiana's criminal justice system. From tough-on-crime legislation to the...2024-10-0234 min
Pelican BriefsPelican Pop-Ins - Louisiana Legislative Session Impacts with Rep. Mandie LandryThis episode recaps what we covered in Episode 2, Louisiana Legislative Session," if you missed it, listen here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/69ChiR3CQumh8pcjRf2Q6A?si=78730e53440b4428
Mandie Landry is a Louisiana State Representative for District 91, and she joins us on Pelican Briefs to break down the latest from the Louisiana legislative session. We dive into key legislation, including the rollback of criminal justice reforms, the impact of restrictive social justice bills, and what these changes mean for the people of New Orleans. Rep. Landry shares her insights on...2024-09-2524 min
Pelican BriefsPelican Pop-Ins - Developing Canal Street with Davon BarbourThis episode recaps what we covered in Episode 4, "Revitalization of Canal Street," if you missed it, listen here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Ej504tULog8bDQsV6muCc?si=90a3a9d719e64138
Davon Barbour is the President and CEO of the New Orleans Downtown Development District (DDD), and he joins us on Pelican Briefs to share insights on the revitalization of Canal Street. We discuss the DDD’s efforts to attract locals back to the area while balancing local businesses and national brands. Davon also highlights upcoming capital investments and creative placemaking in...2024-09-1825 min
Pelican BriefsPelican Pop-Ins - State Influence in New Orleans with Kaare JohnsonThis episode recaps what we covered in Episode 3, "Jeff Landry Administration and New Orleans", if you missed it, listen here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0MSdab2sofbwWDVqmQg4Pz?si=b1dbfa2641714f91
Kaare Johnson, a seasoned radio and TV talk show host for "The Neutral Ground," joins us on Pelican Briefs to dive into some of the most pressing issues facing New Orleans and Louisiana. We explore Governor Landry's controversial decision to deploy Louisiana State Police to the city, weighing the potential benefits against the political motives that might be at play...2024-09-1122 minPelican BriefsArchdiocese of New OrleansWelcome to Pelican Briefs, your go-to podcast for diving deep into the most pressing issues in Louisiana. In this episode, hosts Charles Miller and Etosha McGee tackle a deeply serious and sensitive topic: the ongoing investigation into the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the alarming allegations of child abuse that have rocked our community.
[TRIGGER WARNING]
This discussion involves distressing details about systemic abuse and cover-ups within the Archdiocese. Over the past four years, the legal proceedings have revealed a staggering amount of hidden abuse, financial expenditures exceeding $36 million...2024-07-1029 minPelican BriefsPopulation DeclineWelcome to another episode of Pelican Briefs with your hosts, Charles Miller and Etosha McGee! In this episode, we dive deep into the pressing issue of Louisiana's population decline. Join us as we explore the various factors driving this trend, including inadequate education and healthcare, which contribute to a significant brain drain as college graduates leave the state.
We discuss the role of the state legislature in this crisis, criticizing recent bills that fail to address these core issues. Instead, we see a focus on conservative cultural policies, such as mandatory Ten Commandments displays...2024-07-0329 minPelican BriefsCanal Street RevitalizationIn this episode of Pelican Briefs, we delve into the fascinating history and future of Canal Street in New Orleans. Join our co-hosts, Etosha McGee and Charles Miller, as we explore Canal Street's transformation from a historic shopping mecca to its current state and the ongoing efforts to revitalize this iconic corridor.
We discuss significant projects like the rebranding and expansion of Harrah's Casino into a Caesars property and its potential impact on attracting investment and tourism. We also highlight the exciting renovations at the Four Seasons Hotel and the plans for Spanish Plaza's...2024-06-2630 minPelican BriefsJeff Landry Administration and New OrleansWelcome back to Pelican Briefs! In this episode, co-hosts Etosha McGee and Charles Miller dive deep into the unique significance of New Orleans as a vibrant blue city in a predominantly red state. We discuss the new governor, Jeff Landry, and his administration's impact on our beloved city.
Join us as we explore Landry's tough-on-crime rhetoric and his legislative efforts to limit New Orleans' autonomy, even amidst recent significant drops in crime rates. We also tackle the challenges faced by the Sewerage and Water Board, including funding and infrastructure issues, and the governor's threats to withhold critical...2024-06-1930 minPelican BriefsLouisiana Legislative SessionWelcome to another episode of Pelican Briefs! Join our co-hosts, Etosha McGee and Charles Miller, as we dive into the hot topics of the current Louisiana legislative session. This episode, we're dissecting three key bills that could significantly impact our state: House Bill 608, the Women's Safety and Protection Act (Louisiana's bathroom bill), House Bill 800, the proposed Constitutional Convention, and Senate Bill 482, a public records bill aiming to limit government transparency.
We'll discuss the implications of House Bill 608, focusing on its transphobic rhetoric and potential impacts on domestic violence shelters. House Bill 800, the "ConCon," aims...2024-06-1230 minPelican BriefsRiver District Development in New OrleansWelcome to the Pelican Briefs Podcast! In our debut episode, hosts Etosha McGee and Charles Miller dive into the exciting and controversial developments surrounding New Orleans' River District.
In this episode, we provide an in-depth look at the transformation of the River District, an undeveloped area along the Mississippi River set to become a bustling mixed-use neighborhood. We discuss Shell's new headquarters, the introduction of Top Golf and 504 Golf, and the significant controversies around transparency and public subsidies. We also address the critical issue of affordable housing and its potential impact on the community.2024-06-0530 minPelican BriefsPelican Briefs TrailerPelican Briefs is a weekly episodic podcast where Etosha McGee and Charles Miller discuss current events in Louisiana and New Orleans through the lens of an Urban Studies professor and a local Capricorn with big opinions. They dish about the hottest topics related to contemporary politics, controversies, and developments in the Pelican State.2024-05-2400 min