Julia Bland is Executive Director of the Louisiana Children's Museum. Julia, a native of Tennessee, graduated from Newcomb College, began with the Museum as a volunteer, and has never left. When asked how Hurricane Katrina affected the Museum, Julia said, "Our Museum has rethought our purpose...we have reached out in a much more meaningful way...." One very important program Julia describes is Play Power, a program that helps kids heal through play.

Ned Sublette is the author of The World That Made New Orleans. Ned take us on a tour of his book that explores many of the outside influences that have helped make New Orleans culture what it is today. Ned focuses a great deal on the Cuban and Haitian connections. "The embargo of Cuba was an embargo of New Orleans", Ned says. He also touches on the French and Spanish influences on the Crescent City and shares some interesting facts and insights about the Mardi Gras Indians.

Jonah Dowling is Chairman of the Louisiana Landmark Society's New Orleans Nine Committee. "The New Orleans Nine is a list of nine buildings endangered of being demolished", Jonah explains. The purpose of the New Orleans Nine is to make the public aware of these properties and to assist the owners in any way to save the buildings. Jonah specifically talks about the old Dixie Brewery and the Deutsches-Haus, both in imminent danger of being demolished.

Chef Brian Landry is head chef at world famous Galatoire's Restaurant. Chef Brian tells us about his first place finish in the preliminary Great American Seafood Cookoff competition. He describes Galatoire's Shrimp Remoulade, one of Galatoire's famous dishes: the recipe is105 years old. Brian also talks about why New Orleans food is so much better than other food in our country and shares his thoughts on New Orleans' recovery following Hurricane Katrina.

Jennifer Weishaupt and her husband are the owners of The Ruby Slipper Cafe in Mid-City New Orleans. Jennifer, originally from New York, explains why she has made New Orleans home and how she came to open this neighborhood cafe. Despite the challenges Hurricane Katrina presented, Jennifer and her husband chose to stay in New Orleans and start this new business. In addition to being a restaurant owner, Jennifer is also the president of the Mid-City Neighborhood Organization.

Nathan Rothstein is Executive Director of New Orleans Young Urban Rebuilding Professionals (YURP). Nathan explains how YURP helps young professionals find avenues to express their talents and move New Orleans in a progressive new direction. Kendrick Pullen, the Program Director, thanks The Brown Family Foundation for its support and talks about the many out of town colleges he plans to visit to spread the word about YURP's exciting work in New Orleans.

Dr. Morgus, also known as "Morgus the Magnificent", is New Orleans' preeminent Doctor of Science. A member of the "Higher Order", Dr. Morgus specializes in Morgusian Science. The unenlightened may call him mad, but New Orleanians recognize his true and enduring genius. In our interview "The Dr." shares his rare insights and focuses on economic issues. He suggests a revolutionary form of tax to offset the city's heavy post-Katrina debt.

Bill Borah is a land use attorney who has work tirelessly to amend the city charter regarding city planning. New Orleanians will vote on this important amendment on November 4th, 2008. Hurricane Katrina gave citizens the realization that we must have a plan as we rebuild the city. Bill explains why we need this amendment and how it will benefit the neighborhoods and citizens of New Orleans. Bill points out that this a vote is not to select a city plan, but to put the force of law behind whatever plan we develop.

Ed Blakely is the New Orleans Recovery Czar. Ed tells us that the city has recently started receiving substantial Federal funds as of November, 2007. These funds have allowed the city to dramatically expand its recovery efforts from 20 active projects to 340. Ed explains what his job description actually is and tells us how he started the recovery process when he arrived in New Orleans. He also talks about change and notes that New Orleans doesn't have to lose its unique identity to be able to compete globally.

Lori Nesser is the owner of La Peniche, a popular restaurant in the Faubourg Marigny. Lori explains the importance of neighborhood businesses in New Orleans and tells us how they help make the city unique. She also gives us the meaning of the name "La Peniche" and describes its origin.When I asked about what positive things she sees happening in the city since Hurricane Katrina, Lori is upbeat:"...I hear positive stories about reasons why people are staying as opposed to the negative stories about why people are leaving."