Troubled Men Podcast

The Grammy Award-winning trombone player and bandleader of the Tropicales, his 1960s-styled Caribbean lounge group, has been a mainstay of the Trad Jazz and Frenchmen St scenes since his arrival in town almost two decades ago. A chance encounter with mastermind Jimbo Mathis led to years touring and recording with the Squirrel Nut Zippers. With the Tropicales’ schedule heating up, Charlie drops by to cool his heels with the Troubled Men.  Topics include the end of the school year, a new pope, junkyard auto parts, a trip to the dump, the Diddy trial, Pete Rose reinstated, RFK Jr.'s germ theory, St. Louis, a trombone joke, a hockey team, a family ska band, REM opening for the English Beat, teenage club gigs, a priest uncle, overblowing, solo records, NuTone Recordings, Algiers, the Big Island Jazz and Blues Festival, Doug Garrison, sidemen, the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, Exotica, Martin Denny, the lounge music revival, Herb Alpert, Brasil ‘66, Derek Carr, "The Alcoa Sessions," 78 rpms, wax cylinders, summer t

The songwriter, singer, and guitar player has been making records as a solo artist and with his band Varnaline for over two decades. His collaborations with Son Volt’s Jay Farrar include the “New Multitudes” project with Jim James of My Morning Jacket which paired unused Woody Guthrie lyrics with new music. With a show of his oil paintings currently running at Nola ’Nacular gallery and a summer tour with fellow troubadour Steve Earle coming up, Anders takes a detour into the Christmas Club for a couple rounds with the Troubled Men. Topics include a backyard concert, Lynn Drury, good gigs, Newell Normand, porch parties, a cereal killer, milk and meat, a dead pope, the College of Cardinals, Morris Day and the Time, bad tenants, medical advice, open tunings, Hudson Valley, a farm, the circus, Donnie’s vs coyotes, writing songs, the Kentucky Derby, 4-track recording, Portland, strip clubs, a divided ballroom, moving to Alaska, immediacy in art, Anthony DelRosario, Gob Iron, moving to New Orleans, Miss Mae’s, Fre

The award-winning reporter, music critic, playwright, and author of the excellent book "Country and Midwestern: Chicago in the History of Country Music and the Folk Revival" has written for many top news outlets and publications, the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, the New York Times, ABC News, Downbeat, and Mojo among them. The Chicago native who now splits his time between there and New Orleans has also written a number of Offbeat cover stories, including the Irma Thomas feature for the recent Jazz Fest issue. Mark has always had a genuine interest in and curiosity about people. His night with the Troubled Men may cure him of that. Topics include an illness, Santana, Wink Martindale RIP, Dick Clark's house, Pepperdine University, the Pope’s death, Susan Cowsill's Joni Mitchell show, bad gigs, a bike rider, a flood, a water bill, Entergy, a message from the past, theater of the mind, radio, Oak Park, Fitzgerald's American Music Fest, the Beat writers, Bob Dylan, "A Complete Unknown," "I'm Not There," a col

The singer and musician with Les Cenelles Creole Ensemble, early music group Musica da Camera, and rock band Shot Down in Equador Jr. has recently completed the "Musique(s)!” project (w/ Louis Michot, Leyla McCalla, Sweet Crude, and Sunpie Barnes) for the American Folklife Center resulting in an album, book, film, and exhibition documenting French and Creole music in Louisiana. An antique bookbinder by trade and an esoterica fan by inclination, Joe has a deep appreciation for history and connecting the dots. Tonight he puts himself in a bind with the Troubled Men.   Topics include French Quarter Fest, Greg Schatz, a shooting, a Passover Seder, matza, "Chad Gadya," Ladino, Gardenia Moon's "Dead Flowers," a death sentence, political violence, a motorcycle accident, Boston, Treme, Riverbend, Spectrum, Hurricane Betsy, the Fertel family, NOCCA, the Grosses, St. Augustine H. S., a Kinko's job, Bill Davis, Kelly Keller, Nicky Sanzenbach, Peter Strauss, Mary Tyler Moore, Chuck Gwartney, ethnomusicology, the Carolin

The guitarist with the legendary Continental Drifters and Lulu and the Broadsides landed in NYC in '76, becoming a roadie for the Cramps and living with band members Bryan Gregory and Nick Knox. By the '80s he was playing guitar with iconoclastic vocal stylist Klaus Nomi and touring internationally with Lydia Lunch. His tenure with the Dream Syndicate's Steve Wynn brought him to L.A., where he fell in with the early Drifters at Raji's. An international man of mystery since his childhood in Hong Kong, Robert joins the Troubled Men for a thorough debriefing.  Topics include festival season, a WWOZ live set, a Jeff Treffinger recording with Glyn Styler, old-time expressions, an angry friend, a day of protest, pussy hats, hair care, deodorant, baby powder lawsuits, the Red Rockers' reunion, Bryan Barberot, Jonathan Pretus, the market crash, Memphis, Goner Fest, Eric Friedl, a band house, Kim Gordon, the Electric Chairs, pirated records, Syracuse U., Debbie Harry at Max's Kansas City, Miriam Linna, the "Gravest H

Founding Red Rockers' bassist and NY Dolls manager Darren Hill returns with Oley Sassone, the SexDog guitarist and director of the Rockers' MTV debut, "China." While the hit video elevated the band to new career heights, touring with U2 and other top groups, it was also the pivotal achievement for Oley, propelling him to a career in L.A., where he rubbed elbows with James Cameron, Steven Soderbergh, and Marvel creator Stan Lee. Oley went on to direct over 100 music videos as well as numerous TV shows and films, including "Xena: Warrior Princess," "Hercules," and the controversial Roger Corman production of "The Fantastic Four." Tonight Darren and Oley return to their dive bar roots as they get down and dirty with the Troubled Men. Topics include the Milan Bar, deportations, a vow of silence, a wedding party, April Fool’s Day, RFK Jr.'s toilet seat, a surprise tattoo, Pete Davidson, a methadone safe, a publishing mixup, Rummel H.S., super 8 movies, "A Hard Day's Night," "Pretty Baby," Sven Nykvist, the Swedish

The Grammy Award-winning drummer, engineer, and producer playing with slide guitar phenom Sonny Landreth for the past 20 years was also with bayou superstar vocalist and accordion player Wayne Toups during the height of his '90s beefcake madness. Coming from a family counting more than 10 drummers among them, he learned his craft as a mere lad. Producing area talent at his Brignac Lane recording studio in Gonzales occupies any free time he has between live shows. Tonight Brian comes up out of the swamp to regale the Troubled Men.   Topics include a forgotten passport, a close call at customs, cruelty, Signalgate, political violence, Lucinda Williams at Chickie Wah Wah, Kraftwerk at the Civic, a bad meal, Jack in the Box, talent shows, teen bands, a drug bust, an orchestral approach, Carl Schexnayder, "Back To The Bayou," James Burton, Harrah's Casino, Charlie Brent, Toto, Yacht Rock, Donald Fagen, Chubby Carrier, Hipboot Joe, Sonny Landreth and Dave Ranson, Cindy Cashdollar, Michael Landau, Gary Novac, Jimmy

The proprietor of Atchafalaya restaurant was also a founding partner in both Snake and Jake's Christmas Club Lounge and the beloved Circle Bar. While a career waiter at top New Orleans restaurants including Upperline, Bayona, and Gautreau's, he would open Snake's at midnight and tend bar for the late-night superstars including celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain until well after sunrise. His new "Rhythm Kitchen" TV series for PBS explores the intersection of fine dining and music with live performances and specially-curated menus. Tonight Tony returns to the scene of the crime with the Troubled Men and Clempire czar Dave Clements as they commune with the ghosts of the Christmas Club's past. Topics include pleading the 5th, the next mayor's race, moving to Guam, Yonkers, a threesome, festival season, government cuts, a BJ's gig, Arnie Fielkow, Dave Clements, Tom Fitzmorris RIP, St. Louis, pro hockey, a game show on ice, a debate champion, only children, debate camp, spreading, law school plans, hospitality culture

The retired Florida police chief, community gadfly, and blogger with his own "Barker's View" is a longtime visitor and fan of New Orleans, having spent many a Mardi Gras ensconced with the barflies at the Circle Bar. As a private citizen, he's got opinions on everything, and is known to take exception with the local political establishment. Tonight he joins the Troubled Men in the flesh. Will it be a ride-along or a drive-by? Tune in and find out. It could go either way. Topics include a body, Carnival time, Eric Traub, Roberta Flack R.I.P., "Play Misty for Me," a firing squad, getting stoned, a dismissed ticket, fired workers, DOGE, a bruise, a domestic conflict, Waffle House, Harmony Circle, a fried potato poorboy, Will Smith, sex trafficking, pimping, escort services, the Vice Squad, a CPAC groping, the cocaine epidemic, pill mills, Rick Scott, Ron DeSantis, Chris Rose, smoking, bar tabs, bar mail, day drinking, the Junior Explorers, college failure, army discipline, FBI training, Eddie Compass, Ray Na

They all said it wouldn’t last, but as usual, they were wrong. Episode 300 was a rousing success, with former guests and listeners from the Troubled Nation showing up for a night of fellowship at Snake and Jake’s. With a cavalcade of stars — musicians, artists, writers, and misfits — the Troubled Men convene to do what they do. If you’re not Troubled, you’re not paying attention. And if you can’t laugh at your problems, they can. Trouble Never Ends! Topics include the LA fires, guinea pigs, the snowstorm, an argument, the Ring Room, the Midnight Cowboy, aging, Miss Yolanda, dead guests, Dave Clements, Nicky Sanzenbach, Mojo Nixon, knife control, rounded scissors, Saints emails, catechism class, porn work, an unwanted child, DC Harbold, “Counter Culture,” More Fun Comics, a Circle Bar artifact, Clockwork Elvis, CC Adcock, Jude Law, the Help, Portia de Rossi, Chris Champagne, “Secret New Orleans,” Paul Sanchez, high anxiety, dental charts, award shows, Natasha Sanchez, a new record, Keith Duncan, the Ogden Muse

The singer, guitarist, and songwriter was a close associate of John Cale, providing the haunting vocals on “Only Time Will Tell” and touring with his group for several years. A Lower East Side luminary, she was the talent booker at Max’s Kansas City and door person at CBGB, palled around with Eno and Tom Verlaine, and toured Europe with Television. Deerfrance joins René in the Feral Zone with her bassist and Tav Falco’s Panther Burns alum Kai Eric to discuss the glory days of NYC punk, their new record, “The Sad Electronic Now,” and the current state of the world. Topics include a double bill with Lorette Velvette, Memphis, Ross Johnson, dropping out of school, San Francisco in the late ’60s, vows of silence, MDMA, the Academy of Music, discovering Devo and the B-52s, ORK Records, No Wave bands, Jane Friedman, the post-Vietnam drug scene, an Alex Chilton story, Elaine Polk, Coney Island therapy, the Cramps, Miriam Linna, a U.N. childhood, public speaking, acting class, the dramatic pause, living with Jean-Mi

The award-winning songwriter, singer, and guitar player now fronting his own Rolling Road Show was also a founding member of Cowboy Mouth, the Backbeats, and the Write Brothers. With over 20 solo releases and “Nine Lives: A Musical History of New Orleans” in his catalogue, he’s seen the music biz from every angle. Having recovered from debilitating health issues, Paul takes his life in his hands as he joins the Troubled Men to chat it up about the highs and lows of a lifetime on the stage. Topics include New Year’s Eve, the Islamic State terror attack, Kings Day, Carnival season, an annual physical exam, a smoke alarm, the “Deep Dive” pilot, Trader Joe’s, a wives’ club, the Beverly Dinner Playhouse, a heart attack, an older brother, acting, auditions, sage advice, Ann Miller, Catholic school, a mugging, the platoon system, the punk scene, escaping high school, Steve Walters, Vance DeGeneres, a Stephen Soderbergh video, the Cold, Alex McMurray, Dave Pirner, Fred Leblanc, Dash Rip Rock, Bill Davis, a P.A. job,

The performance artist and singer fronting art punk dance band Malevitus and burlesque/hip hop act MC Sweet Tea returns to talk about new recordings, shooting videos, and the inclusion of her underground classic “Properfukt” on the Amy Schumer TV show ”Life and Beth.” Tiana is also known as the Mary Poppins of punk rock, and tonight, as always, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. Topics include Christmas, Boxing Day, a surprise attack, the Anarchist Cookbook, baking, bar dogs, a Chanukah gathering, latkes, a giant baby Jesus, the Raiders vs the Saints, a baby wolf, the Kentucky Derby, the Weber grill, minimal supervision, Austin, San Francisco, Richard Linklater, a Henry Griffin film, the Shim-Shamettes, a solo record, Linda Montano, intention, Marcus Bronson, sobriety, Rob Cambre, fan mail, lockdown, Carlo Nuccio, a child’s video, early childhood education, MTV, Jeff Massey, Ben Jaffe, Nicole Pavy, a final question, and much more. Intro Music: "Just Keeps Raining" by Styler/Coman Break and Outro

The drummer and singer’s career has included stints with R.L. Burnside, Link Wray, Sparklehorse, Epic Soundtracks, Untamed Youth, and so many more. He’s been in Rock’n’roll College forever and remembers most of it. Tonight Clarke joins the Troubled Men to review the highs and lows of a life on the road. Never leave the van. Topics include Vietnam vets, the stranger, a survey, RFK Jr., service dogs, a cat toilet, “Joker: Folie a Deux,” a Maxwell’s gig, an assassination, a drone invasion, insurance, soap operas, a first meeting, a jam session, Don Spicer, the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, a toy drum set, guitar mass, a teen band, a Mercy Sweet 16 gig, Branford Marsalis, LSU, the Sex Pistols in Baton Rouge, the Human Rayz, Bill Davis, Dash Rip Rock, Our Favorite Band, Charlie Pickett and the Eggs, the dBs, S.C.O.T.S., Cindy Wilson, Deke Dickerson, Cape Cod, Trey Halliwell, absinthe brewing, the Incredible Casuals, the Beachcomber, the Lyres, the Panther Burns, Ross Johnson, Los Straightjackets, Nikki Sudden, the Royal

The multi-Grammy-winning violinist, singer, and songwriter and his band BeauSoleil have been at the forefront of Cajun and Zydeco music for 50 years. Collaborations with Keith Richards, Richard Thompson, and Mary Chapin Carpenter and their numerous appearances on Prairie Home Companion have been icing on the cake. Tonight Michael joins René in the Feral Zone to illuminate the meaning behind it all. Topics include a St. Louis Cathedral gig, the Franklin restaurant, a waitress bit, the Iguanas at Broadside, a family farm, a Quarter horse track, a musical family, a Sunday dance, playing trumpet, the banjo, Gene Autry, Elvis, a drummer cousin, Little Rickie, Zachary Richard, a roadhouse oasis, a French festival, Montreal, Phil Johnson, Coteau, Nathan Abshire, William Blake, Lil’ Buck Senegal, research grants, cultural anthropology, the rosary in French, Garrison Keillor, the Jazz Fest tour, Gary Stewart, Maple Leaf gigs, Dennis Magee, the Big Island Jazz and Blues Fest, snorkeling, simplicity, set lists, “Alligat

The singer, guitarist, and songwriter with Morning 40 Federation and Rough Seven is also the owner of BJ’s Lounge and cohost of the “Obligations At the Lounge” podcast. Scully spent years as a middle school history teacher and authored the children’s book, “T-Roy’s Pirogue.” Tonight he joins the Troubled Men where his love of dive bar culture and experience handling unruly children pays off. Topics include a sweet spot, a Thanksgiving recap, a big dog, an Advent calendar, an old flame, UCLA, a Biloxi gig, the Loose Cattle record release at the Temple House, the new WWOZ studio, Hunter Biden’s pardon, a guilty priest, a hand puppet, Vin Scully, a Missouri childhood, underground music, Fugazi, college, Nirvana, an older brother, learning guitar, frat hazing, moving to New Orleans, Monaco Bob’s, the Attack Family, Commander’s Palace, Josh Cohen, finding the Bywater, No Wave music, thematic shows, national touring, breakup shows, a Morris Jeff poster, Louis Michot’s Nouveau Electric Records, sobriety, the Iguanas

The piano player, drummer, and vocalist with Mem Shannon, Vince Vance and the Valiants, and Dr. Sick is also an ace audio engineer and sound mixer with his own Uptown Audio Productions. With years running sound for the cream of Louisiana musical artists, he learned from the masters the fine art of leading a band and putting on a show. Rob has always beaten his own path through life. Tonight he joins the Troubled Men, whose path has deserved a good beating for some time now. Topics include Thanksgiving eve, a Loose Cattle New York City gig, Tammy Faye on Broadway, the Kingpin, political shunning, the McRib’s return, Ford LTD, Krispy Krunchy Chicken, a grocery clerk, being legally deaf, a shopping cart collector, Chuck Woolery RIP, the Playboy Olympics, the Mansion, Tony Curtis, O.J. Simpson, Don Adams, RFK Jr., Cheryl Hines, Maine, piano lessons, Ben Franklin alumni, Chinese students, N.O. Music Exchange, Jimmy Glickman, Rock’n’Bowl, touring with the Iguanas, an Oregon move, Nurse Ratched, teaching at the Scho

The singer, guitarist, and songwriter with the Hellcats, Tav Falco’s Panther Burns, and the Kropotkins was steeped in the Memphis underground of Tav and Alex Chilton and nourished on a diet of canned tuna on toast, menthol cigarettes, and primordial blues. She emerged fully formed as Lorette Velvette, ready to take the world by storm. After a retreat to country life to raise a family, she resurfaced with a new band and a reignited sense of urgency. On a recent swing through town, Lorette entered the Feral Zone to shine a light on the dark recesses of her past, present, and future. Topics include Counter Fest, Memphis May, a dentist visit, WEVL, Misty White, the Antenna Club, Sue Easley, the Gustarvo diet, Steve Magee, “The World We Knew,” Lisa McGaughran, international touring, HoJo’s clam rolls, a film series, art actions, Diane Green, Patrick Mathé, Doug Easley, “Wall of Death,” “Cherry Mansions,” Misty White, an AWOL drummer, the Zippin Pippins, Amy LaVere, the Lolitas, Deerfrance, Australia, “Hoodoo Train

The award-winning journalist, author, and TV host has covered music, entertainment, and more for the Times-Picayune, the Advocate, and Offbeat magazine for decades. His book, “Groove Interrupted,” explored the post-Katrina musical landscape, and his “Let’s Talk” weekly TV show features local and national personalities. Keith has conducted hundreds of interviews, but tonight the Troubled Men turn the tables as the hunter becomes the hunted and predator becomes prey. Topics include an election recap, the blame game, 2nd term plans, a Michael Deas stamp, “The Vermilion Coat,” lame duck actions, Willie Nelson, Crazy Horse, the 4B boycott, a customer confession, bathroom advice, a Dr. John tribute show, Sicilian roots, N.O. East, Brother Martin H. S., Michael Tisserand, Rush, college music acts, a vegetarian meal for R.E.M., a Reba interview, a Hall and Oates show, a Courtney Love article, Hole, Keith O’Brien, Frank Donze, Pulitzer prizes, post-Katrina duty, looting the Walmart, downsizing the paper, a Jerry Seinf

The Troubled Men convene at Snake and Jake’s in the final hours of campaign season as the polls close and the first vote counts roll in. Joined by Clempire Czar Dave Clements and resident philosopher, bartender, and former Goldman Sachs analyst Juan Parke, they hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and resolve that however it turns out, the struggle will continue. Topics include a dictator shirt, a Dodgers win, Dennis Allen’s firing, Derek Carr, college playoffs, news coverage, voting candy, Vegas odds makers, undecided voters, P. Diddy, keys to the city, a postal parking ticket, the Tedeschi-Trucks band, a lump of votes, Steve Rapport, Tony Hinchcliffe, Tucker Carlson, eroding norms, the ring of power, a Puerto Rico joke, insult comedy, intern opinions, historical ignorance, objective truth, Steve Bannon’s prison release, Murders & Assassinations, fluoride, conspiracies, a rare elixir, RFK Jr., the Electoral College, a prescient prediction, and much more. Intro Music: "Just Keeps Raining" by Styler/C