Episode 224: NBC Nightly News' Tom Llamas Shares His Connection to Louisiana

On Nov. 15, Beignet Fest in New Orleans will host its 8th annual event. Not only is this festival highlighting a culinary fan favorite, the event as a whole was created to support the Beignet Fest Foundation and its mission to celebrate and support children with autism and their families. This week, we hear from festival founder Sherwood Collins, who tells us about the creation of Beignet Fest, the foundation’s many community endeavors and what everyone can expect at this year’s event. 

Since 1906, the State Fair of Louisiana has been bringing Louisianians and visitors a like together for fun, food and the promotion of agriculture across our state. From the largest livestock show and carnival in the state, to lumberjack competitions and even a petting zoo - the state fair has a little something for everyone. The fairs marketing director Russell Adams shares insight into the festival, what people can expect and what the organization is doing to make sure everyone has a safe, fun time at the three-week event starting Oct. 30 in Shreveport. 

In this week's episode, editor Reine Dugas takes over the podcast to talk to John Hoffman. The Shreveport-native is the new drummer for the band Primus. Hoffman won the spot in a long audition process that saw thousands of competitors. Hoffman shares with Dugas his experiences with the band, the long audition process and his life in Louisiana.

You may know him as a member of Team Niall on the current season of "The Voice" on NBC, but Dustin Dale Gaspard is helping to put Cajun music and language on an international stage. The artist, from Cow Island Louisiana has officially made it to the third round of the singing competition after going head to head in the knockout round with another member of the team. Reba McEntire says he’s fascinating, his coach thinks he could win the show and we’re just all rooting for a member of the home team. In this episode, Dustin shares why he’s advocating so hard for the widespread appreciation Cajun music, how he got his start and what it’s like to be part of a huge TV show like "The Voice."

Each year, Food & Wine magazine shares their list for Best New Chefs in the country. Kelly Jacques – cofounder and chef of Ayu Bakehouse in the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans – joins the ranks of Nina Compton, Anna Castro and Nicole Cabrera Mills as a Best New Chef. Jacques started the highly popular bakery following the COVID-19 pandemic and really made a splash on the famous Frenchman Street. In this week's episode, Jacques talks about her mission of bringing joy to the community and those who eat her food, plus what the honor means to her.

In today’s episode, we’re highlighting this year’s Festival Acadien et Creoles in Lafayette with VP of Programming & Development Patrick Mould. The festival, as it’s known today, is in its 51st year of bringing Cajun and Creole culture to the masses. The three-day festival is set to highlight the food, music and art of the region and includes multiple stages, art exhibit and symposium, chef demonstrations and more. For more information visit festivalsacadiens.com!

Nicole Beauchamp is a world-renowned paranormal researcher with a soft spot for the spirit of the Crescent City. Her recent contribution to the paranormal world is her newest book “Haunted French Quarter Hotels,” where she takes a dive into the history and hauntings of 10 New Orleans hotels. This week, we talk to the author about her new book, her personal paranormal experiences in the city and around the world, as well as the free and open-to-the-public book launch happening Oct. 4 in New Orleans. 

For a couple decades West Monroe has played host to the Louisiana Celtic Festival. While northeast louisiana might not strike many as the most celtic areas of the world, the festival brings together those from all over looking to don a kilt and learn more about the rich culture. And for those of us who are part of the “Outlander” fandom, it’s the perfect opportunity to have your own Scottish experience before the premier of the final season. This week, I’m talking with Courtney Hornsby and Adrienne Lafrance-Wells with the city of west Monroe where they share a little background into the history of the festival, what to expect, events those interested can participate in, and what else to do around west Monroe while you’re in town. www.facebook.com/NELACelticFestwww.cityofwestmonroe.comwww.monroe-westmonroe.org 

This year marked the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the greater New Orleans area. But, less than a month later, southwest Louisiana was hit by one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record and the biggest storm to hit the area in almost 50 years at that time. For 17 years, Randy Roach served as the mayor of Lake Charles. In 2005, he not only had to take in displaced New Orleanians following Hurricane Katrina, but then make the difficult decisions that came along with a direct hit by Hurricane Rita. This week, we chat with the former mayor about the experience of Hurricane Rita and reflecting back on 20 years later. 

Earlier this summer Tom Llamas took over the reigns as the anchor and managing editor of NBC’s Nightly News. A graduate of Loyola University New Orleans, and married to a local New Orleanian, the Big Easy has been like a second home for the journalist. I recently interviewed him for our sister publication New Orleans Magazine and recorded the conversation that spanned career, new beginnings and what New Orleans and Louisiana means to him.