EP 242 - 2026 Mardi Gras Preview with Arthur Hardy

EP 242 - 2026 Mardi Gras Preview with Arthur Hardy

Author: Mark Bologna January 28, 2026 Duration: 40:56

As we've done for many years, today we're going to preview Mardi Gras 2026 with our friend Arthur Hardy. This one is especially sweet as Arthur is retiring after 50 years. We look back on his career, on the iconic Mardi Gras Guide he created, and look to the future and what this Carnival season holds for us.


Mark Bologna's Beyond Bourbon Street, an Insider's Guide to New Orleans is a deep, resonant conversation with a city that defies easy definition. This isn't a surface-level tour; it's an immersion into the living culture that pulses in the neighborhoods far from the well-trodden paths. Each episode is built on the understanding that the soul of New Orleans is found in its details: the history baked into a brick wall in the Bywater, the family stories behind a specific gumbo recipe, the social traditions that shape second line parades, and the quiet courtyards known only to locals. You'll hear from chefs, musicians, historians, and everyday residents who share their personal connections to the Crescent City's intricate tapestry. The podcast naturally moves between past and present, exploring how centuries of history directly inform the city's contemporary character, from its vibrant arts scene to its complex social dynamics. For travelers, it offers invaluable context that transforms a visit from a simple vacation into a meaningful experience. For locals, it's a celebration and a rediscovery of home. And for anyone listening from afar, it provides a rich, authentic portrait of a place often misunderstood. Tune in for stories that go beyond the guidebook, revealing the true heartbeat of one of the world's most captivating cities.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Beyond Bourbon Street, an Insider's Guide to New Orleans
Podcast Episodes
EP 235 - The Trail They Blazed: Civil Rights in New Orleans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:11
Today, we talk about an exhibit at the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) called The Trail they Blazed, featuring notable people and moments in the fight for civil rights in New Orleans and Louisiana at large. I am j…
EP 234 - Antigravity Magazine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:55
Ever wonder about those free magazines you pick up around town? Well, I did. It led me down the path of wanting to find out more about Antigravity Magazine. Join me and editor/publisher Dan Fox as we discuss what Antigra…
EP 233 - Save Our Cemeteries, an Interview with Sally Asher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:05
Discover the unique charm and rich history of New Orleans' cemeteries, where each one tells its own story. Explore beyond the famous spots and uncover hidden gems with Sally Asher in our latest episode
EP 232 - Making It Home - From Vietnam to New Orleans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:59
Saigon fell in April 1975. Shortly thereafter Vietnamese immigrants began arriving in New Orleans. Now, fifty years after the fall of Saigon, the Historic New Orleans Collection has created an exhibition telling their st…
Slavery in Louisiana - a Visit to Whitney Plantation - Episode 231 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:09
Slavery in Louisiana - a Visit to Whitney Plantation In today's episode, we learn about slavery in Louisiana. We visit Whitney Plantation, located in Wallace, LA 40 miles West of New Orleans. The Whitney is the only plan…
Questions & Answers - EP 230 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:57
Today's episode is a question and answer epiosde with questions from listeners like you.
Fleurty Girl - Episode 229 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:59
My guest is a successful business owner who created a shop focused on celebrating New Orleans through its offerings.
Cucuron - Episode 228 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:33
Ever wanted to support New Orleans artists but didn't know how to connect with them other than a visit to the city? My guest today hopes to bridge that gap through her business called Cucuron.
Coastal Preservation - EP 226 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:29
Coastal restoration and finding ways to preserve the Louisiana Coast has been a topic I've wanted to explore for several years. Today, I'm joined by James Karst, Director of Communications at the Coalition to Restore Coa…