Elation Podcast

Juwan Johnson is a tight end for the New Orleans Saints who has built his NFL career through perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to his team. We sat down with Juwan to talk about his journey from New Jersey to the NFL, how playing multiple sports shaped his athletic career, and what it's really like competing at the highest level of professional football while balancing life off the field.We also dive into the realities of playing in the NFL, from navigating team dynamics and the pressures of social media to building a personal brand, staying grounded through family and faith, and preparing for each new season. Along the way, Juwan shares honest insights into life inside the Saints locker room and the lessons he's learned about leadership, resilience, and finding success both on and off the field.Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home. Follow Elation EntertainmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/Website: https://www.elationent.com

Will Clapp is a former NFL offensive lineman for the New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Chargers, and Buffalo Bills who now serves as an assistant offensive line coach for the Saints. We sit down with Will to talk about his journey from Brother Martin High School to LSU and the NFL, what it was like playing for his hometown team, and how an injury unexpectedly opened the door to coaching. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from life in the league, including the mental and physical demands of professional football, the sacrifices his family made throughout his career, and what it's really like competing for a roster spot.We also dive into the Saints' culture under the new coaching staff, Will's perspective on developing players, the realities of NIL in college football, and why relationships inside an NFL locker room last long after the final whistle. Whether you're a football fan or simply enjoy hearing stories about leadership, perseverance, and life after professional sports, this conversation offers an authentic look inside the game from someone who's lived it at every level.Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home. Follow Elation EntertainmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/Website: https://www.elationent.com

Michael Paz is a New Orleans music producer and artist manager whose career has taken him from performing and producing music to managing artists, producing records, and working behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in entertainment. We sat down with Michael to explore the experiences that shaped his journey, from growing up overseas and becoming a self-taught musician to building a career through curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace every opportunity that came his way.We also dive into the evolution of the music industry, why today's artists need to think beyond the music, and what it takes to succeed as both a creative and an entrepreneur. Along the way, Michael shares incredible stories from decades in the business, lessons learned from producing records and managing talent, and unforgettable encounters with legendary musicians and entertainers that offer a rare look behind the curtain of the industry.Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home. Follow Elation EntertainmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/Website: https://www.elationent.com

Cesar Bacaro is a musician and app co-founder from Cuba. We sat down with Cesar to talk about his journey from growing up in a Cuban musical family to becoming part of New Orleans’ vibrant music scene. From traditional Cuban rhythms and jazz influences to the deep cultural connection between Cuba and New Orleans, Cesar shares how music shaped his life and led him to build relationships within one of the most unique music communities in the world.We also dive into the business side of being a working musician and the challenges artists face behind the scenes when it comes to booking gigs, managing schedules, and navigating the industry. Cesar opens up about co-founding Giigs, a tech platform designed to simplify booking local musicians for venues and event managers while helping artists get discovered more easily. We discuss entrepreneurship, learning to code, using AI tools, the future of live music discovery, and how technology can better support independent musicians and local music communities.Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home. Follow Elation Entertainment:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/Website: https://www.elationent.com

Sami Slovy is a production manager and event producer in New Orleans. We sit down with Sami to talk about her journey from moving to New Orleans for college to building a career in live music, festival production, and touring. She shares stories from life on the road, managing everything from arena tours to international festivals, and breaks down the chaos, creativity, and problem-solving that come with producing live events at a high level.We also dive into how the music industry has changed over the years, from rising touring costs and merch culture to the impact of AI and technology on music production and live entertainment. Sami gives an honest look at what it takes to survive in today’s industry while explaining why real, in-person music experiences still matter more than ever. This conversation is all about the passion, community, and energy that keep live music alive.Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home. Follow Elation EntertainmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/Website: https://www.elationent.com

Ryan Chavez is a Managing Partner at Imprinted Group. We sit down with Ryan to break down his journey from working in music venues and launching festivals like Hangout Fest to building a venture studio focused on solving real problems in the music and entertainment industry. We get into how Imprinted Group was created, why the industry is still behind in adopting modern tools, and how his team is building companies that bring structure, efficiency, and innovation to a space that’s long been underserved. We also dive into the future of the industry, from AI-driven automation to improving access for independent artists and reducing the gap between creators and experienced managers. Ryan shares insights on companies like Trainable and StageCare, including the mission to provide healthcare for music professionals, and why purpose-driven solutions matter just as much as profitability. We also touch on the lack of infrastructure in cities like New Orleans and what it will take to truly move the culture and industry forward.Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home. Follow Elation Entertainment:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/Website: https://www.elationent.com

Jessica Weinberg is the owner of Catch 504, a New Orleans-based music booking company. We talk with Jessica about her journey from moving to New Orleans straight out of college to working with the Saints and Pelicans, where she quickly rose into a live entertainment role managing hundreds of performances. She shares what it was like stepping into a city with such a deep music culture, how she learned the industry through experience, and the pressure of producing live events at scale.We also dive into the moment she hit burnout, walked away from her job with no plan, and built Catch 504 from the ground up by identifying real needs from artists. Jessica breaks down the importance of relationships in the music industry, creating a business rooted in authenticity, and how she’s expanding beyond booking into artist development, branding, and major events like Wednesdays at the Square.Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home. Follow Elation EntertainmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/Website: https://www.elationent.com

Conway Solomon is a CEO & Co-Founder of WRSTBND. We sit down with Conway to break down how his New Orleans roots and early experiences in live event production led to building a company that’s transforming how festivals, sporting events, and large-scale experiences operate behind the scenes. We get into the origin of WRSTBND, why existing tech solutions weren’t cutting it, and how his team built a platform focused on simplifying operations while unlocking powerful data insights for event organizers. We also dive into the real value of data in live events, how it drives revenue, improves guest experience, and helps organizers make smarter decisions year over year. Conway shares stories from working major events like the PGA Tour, Formula 1, and the Super Bowl, along with his perspective on where the industry is heading, from personalized attendee experiences to the growing demand for seamless, frictionless entry and engagement.Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home. Follow Elation EntertainmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/Website: https://www.elationent.com

Dr. Peggy Honoré is the Board President of the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic and Assistance Foundation, and Gregg Hill is a New Orleans-based artist. We sit down with both of them to talk about what it really takes to protect the people behind the music in a city built on culture. Dr. Peggy shares how her background in healthcare led her to advocate for musicians’ well-being, breaking down the real challenges artists face, from lack of health insurance to lifestyle-related health issues like hearing loss, respiratory problems, and chronic conditions.We also dive into the bigger picture of why musicians are a vital “natural resource” that needs to be supported for the culture to survive. Gregg brings his perspective as an artist and community builder, sharing how he turned a small fundraiser into a growing movement that supports the clinic and raises awareness. From navigating healthcare systems to building stronger community support, this conversation highlights the real work being done to sustain New Orleans music and the people who keep it alive.Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home. Follow Elation EntertainmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/Website: https://www.elationent.com

Brian “Tank” Greenberg is the General Manager of Tipitina's, one of New Orleans’ most iconic live music venues. We sit down with Tank to break down his journey from a college student at Tulane University looking for extra work to leading a legendary stage that’s been shaping the city’s music culture for decades. He shares how a simple opportunity turned into a career, what it really means to run a venue with deep cultural roots, and how he balances the business side of music with the responsibility of preserving something the city feels ownership over.We also get into the bigger picture of the music industry, from the decline of traditional radio to the rise of independent artists navigating a saturated digital world. Tank talks about why live music is still where artists truly thrive, the challenges facing New Orleans musicians today, and the role locals play in either sustaining or taking the culture for granted. From industry shifts to real conversations about professionalism, community, and showing up, this one dives deep into what keeps the New Orleans music scene alive.Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home. Follow Elation EntertainmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/Website: https://www.elationent.com