Saving Mr. Bingle

Saving Mr. Bingle

Author: Mark Bologna December 11, 2024 Duration: 35:53

Today's episode is all about Mr. Bingle, a beloved local Christmas character created by a department store. Joining me is author Sean Patrick Doles who created a fairy tale called Saving Mr. Bingle. We discuss Mr. Bingle's history as well as Sean's book.


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: 100

Beyond Bourbon Street, an Insider's Guide to New Orleans
Podcast Episodes
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…
Celebrate Canal Street - EP 225 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:55
Today's show is about an effort to revitalize Canal Street. My guest today, Sandra Thompson Herman, is the founder of that effort called Celebrate Canal! Coalition.
Storyville Museum - EP 224 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:21
Several years ago I did an episode or two with the Historic New Orleans Collection about the Storyville red light district. They had an excellent small exhibit about Storyville. Well now, there is a whole museum dedicate…
Ep. 223 - The Mardi Gras Game [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:57
My guest today is a New Orleanian who decided to create a board game focused on Mardi Gras. Michael Combes was disappointed in the lack of games with a New Orleans theme, so he created his own. Listen in as he describes…
EP 222 - Arthur Hardy Mardi Gras Preview 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:26
My guest today probably knows as much about Mardi Gras as anyone. He's published an annual Mardi Gras Guide for 49 years, including the 2025 edition. I'm thrilled to be joined by Arthur Hardy!
EP 221 - The Sugar King [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:32
Today's episode is all about Leon Goudchax, a Jewish immigrant to New Orleans who made a fortune as a merchant, and a sugar cane farmer and refiner.
Ep. 220 - The Year in Review - 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:50
Today's episode is a recap of 2024 and a bit of looking ahead to what's in store for the show in 2025.