Best Susan Orlean Podcasts (2025)

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New Orleans voters have a chance to correct the mistake that is Sheriff Susan Hutson 19:43

Play Pause

12d ago19:43

19:43

Newell talks about a judge holding Sheriff Susan Hutson in contempt of court for ignoring a court order to transport inmates to court on weekends and holidays.

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263 - Queen of the Literary Scene with Susan Orlean 1:09:00

14d ago1:09:00

1:09:00

Now wait a minute. (Bryan) has a sudden work obligation and can only stay for the introduction (such is the life of a Hollywood A-Lister), but boy is he missing out. We suppose it's only fair, though, since Ronna missed out the first time this absolute literary legend was previously in The Carriage House. Joining us this week is the Queen herself, …

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DA Williams charging a real estate developer with criminal blight is a good sign for New Orleans future (Full Show: 7/29/2025) 1:56:43

3h ago1:56:43

1:56:43

On today's show, Newell talks about how the leadership in New Orleans is doing a horrible job of keeping the city free from filth, grime, and blight. Then, Newell has onMelanie Talia, President and CEO of the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation, to talk about the lack of actions being taken to implement the recommendations outlined in the Tenoe…

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What are the Save Our St. Bernard Group's concerns surrounding the Louisiana International Terminal project? 38:26

3h ago38:26

38:26

This hour, Newell is joined by Jim DiFatta, an executive member of the Save Our St. Bernard Group, to share his opposition to the Louisiana International Terminal project. Then, Ed Carlson, CEO of Odyssey House Louisiana & Director of the Low Barrier Shelter (on Gravier St.), joins the show to talk about what kind of uptick in traffic (if any) they…

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Odyssey House Louisiana was funded $380,000 for permanent housing for the unhoused 13:40

9m ago13:40

13:40

Just over a week ago, New Orleans officials began dispersing homeless residents sleeping or camping in the French Quarter and parts of the Marigny in the latest phase of their years-long effort to reduce the city's unsheltered population. Ed Carlson, CEO of Odyssey House Louisiana & Director of the Low Barrier Shelter (on Gravier St.), joins Newell…

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A member of the Save Our St. Bernard Group share their objections to the Louisiana International Terminal project 23:15

20m ago23:15

23:15

New Orleans port terminal promises jobs, faces pushback in St. Bernard Parish. Construction for the Violet terminal is expected to begin soon, but residents say they'll fight until it's moved downriver. Jim DiFatta, an executive member of the Save Our St. Bernard Group, joins Newell to share the opposition to the LIT project.…

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It's been 8 months since the New Year's terror attack; is the French Quarter more secure? 40:32

1h ago40:32

40:32

This hour, Newell has on Melanie Talia, President and CEO of the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation, to talk about the lack of actions being taken to implement the recommendations outlined in the Teneo Report on the French Quarter. Then, Ben Albright, CEO of Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana, Independent Agents Service Corpor…

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How reliable are Demotech’s ratings on smaller insurance companies? 22:22

1h ago22:22

22:22

As major home insurers flee storm-ravaged markets, Demotech’s ratings enable smaller ones to step in. A string of failures has left homeowners in the lurch. Ben Albright, CEO of Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana, Independent Agents Service Corporation, joins Newell to talk about it.…

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Why is no one moving to implement the recommendations outlined in the Teneo Report on the French Quarter? 18:11

18m ago18:11

18:11

Melanie Talia, President and CEO of the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation, joins Newell to talk about the lack of actions being taken to implement the recommendations outlined in the Teneo Report on the French Quarter.

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Blight and filth are blisters on the underbelly of New Orleans 37:41

1h ago37:41

37:41

This hour, Newell talks about how the leadership in New Orleans is doing a horrible job of keeping the city free from filth, grime, and blight. Then, Newell opens the talk lines and is asked if there's anything good Mayor LaToya Cantrell has done.

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Why can't New Orleans leadership keep Interstate 10 clean? 17:16

1h ago17:16

17:16

Newell talks about how the leadership in New Orleans is doing a horrible job of keeping the city free from filth, grime, and blight.

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265 - Full Berkshire Shaker Realness 1:25:08

5h ago1:25:08

1:25:08

Well, it's official! Our little baby boy (Bryan) is off to Edinburgh with his hilarious show. But before he goes, we give him the best send-off we can think of: a Carriage House Catch-Up! After debating the best cookies in New York and the national scandals du jour, Ronna (& Bryan) give advice on getting over the guilt of a marriage proposal (it's …

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Sheriff Susan Hutson is an international embarrassment that has to go (Full Show: 7/28/2025) 1:54:28

18h ago1:54:28

1:54:28

On today's show, Newell addresses the clerical error that led to the release of the incorrect inmate from the Orleans Parish jail.Then, Newell has onHarry Nelson, founder and Managing Partner at Nelson Hardiman, LLP, to discuss the government finding that up to 2.8 million Americans are enrolled in two separate health plans underwritten by taxpayer…

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How the government protected and regulated the US car industry into global irrelevance 41:20

18h ago41:20

41:20

This hour, Newell is joined by Guy Williams, President of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust, to discuss international trade deals and tariffs, how the government protected and regulated the US car industry into global irrelevance, stablecoin (and why you don't want one), and the return of the Louisiana DMV scam.…

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What is Stablecoin (and why you don't want one) 12:20

18h ago12:20

12:20

Guy Williams, President of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust, joins Newell to explain what a 'stablecoin" is and why you don't want one.

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The Free Society Coalition's mission is to bring people together 34:31

19h ago34:31

34:31

This hour, Newell has on Jay Lapeyre, CEO at Laitram LLC and Board Chair of The Cato Institute & Atlas Society, to talk about their mission to revisit the first principles raised in the Declaration of Independence.

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How do we come together and unite for liberty and responsibility? 31:37

19h ago31:37

31:37

What are the common values that can move us forward toward a future where liberty and personal responsibility thrive? Jay Lapeyre, CEO at Laitram LLC and Board Chair of The Cato Institute & Atlas Society, joins Newell to talk about their mission to revisit the first principles raised in the Declaration of Independence, to elevate our shared humanit…

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It's time for Sheriff Susan Hutson to pack it up and leave 38:36

20h ago38:36

38:36

This hour, Newell addresses the clerical error that led to the release of the incorrect inmate from the Orleans Parish jail. Then, Harry Nelson, founder and managing partner at Nelson Hardiman, LLP, joins the show to discuss the government finding that up to 2.8 million Americans are enrolled in two separate health plans underwritten by taxpayers.…

1
The government has found over 2 million Medicaid "Double Dippers" 18:11

20h ago18:11

18:11

The government has now found that up to 2.8 million Americans are enrolled in two separate health plans underwritten by taxpayers. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reported late last week that 1.2 million Americans last year were enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program in two or more states. Harry Nelson,…

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To Sheriff Susan Hutson, do us all a favor and RESIGN! 11:33

20h ago11:33

11:33

Newell addresses the clerical error that led to the release of the incorrect inmate from the Orleans Parish jail.

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There are a lot of conspiracy theories about why Stephen Colbert's show is getting canceled (Full Show 7/25/2025) 1:52:21

4d ago1:52:21

1:52:21

On today's show, Newell shares his opinions on the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Then, Newell has on Coach Lea Westlake, Director of Coaching for the New Orleans Spartans Football Club, to talk about his team's national championship victory,Lacy Osborne, CEO & President of the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, to talk about the…

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Remittances aren't good for either country's economy 38:36

4d ago38:36

38:36

This hour, Newell is joined by Ira Mehlman, Media Director of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), to discuss the FAIR report on remittances and how they affect the U.S. economy. Then, Newell states where he stands with the Epstein controversy.

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Newell wears the badge of "RINO" proudly 4:33

4d ago4:33

4:33

A extreme conservative caller gives Newell crap for being friends with Democrats

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"RELEASE THE FILES!" (Newell on the Epstein Files) 8:21

4d ago8:21

8:21

Newell states where he stands with the Epstein Files controversy.

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How do remittances affect the U.S. economy? 20:28

4d ago20:28

20:28

Ira Mehlman, Media Director of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), joins Newell to discuss the FAIR report on remittances (money sent to an immigrant's home of origin) and how it affects the U.S. economy.

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An efficient criminal justice system is the backbone of a safe St. Tammany Parish 38:41

4d ago38:41

38:41

This hour, Newell has on Lacy Osborne, CEO & President of the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, to talk about the growth of St. Tammany Parish. Then, Newell opens the phone lines and the WWL callers chime in on where local tax dollars go, keeping up with infrastructure, and the price of tires.

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St. Tammany Parish is prepared to change and grow with the times 18:35

4d ago18:35

18:35

Lacy Osborne, CEO & President of the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, joins Newell to talk about the growth of St. Tammany Parish, the parish's economy, and the efficiency of their criminal justice system.

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The cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: political or financial? 35:04

4d ago35:04

35:04

This hour, Newell shares his opinions on the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Then, Coach Lea Westlake, Director of Coaching for the New Orleans Spartans Football Club, joins the show to talk about his team's national championship victory.

1
The New Orleans Spartans win the national championship in Tampa! 13:34

4d ago13:34

13:34

On July 15, coach and former soccer player Lea Westlake guided the New Orleans Spartans, a tiny academy soccer club, to win the national championship in Tampa, or as they now call it, “Champa.” It was a nail-biter, ending in a 2 to 2 tie. Then, in 30 minutes of O.T., they scored twice! Coach Westlake joins Newell to talk about the team's victory.…

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Why does the left believe the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is a political attack? 16:06

4d ago16:06

16:06

Newell shares his opinions on the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

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Two Calls From The Party Doctor 33:03

5d ago33:03

33:03

BEST SHOW BESTS! In these classic clips, Tom gets two calls from The Party Doctor! (Andrew Earles). (Originally broadcast on The Best Show On WFMU on February 19th and March 19th, 2002). New to the Best Show? Check out Best Show Bests, the greatest hits of The Best Show! Available every Friday on your podcast app. BEST SHOW LIVE! The Best Show is c…

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Hosting the Super Bowl proved that the inefficiencies of New Orleans can be overcome (Full Show: 7/24/2025) 1:53:08

5d ago1:53:08

1:53:08

On today's show, Newell talks about the challenges the Orleans Parish jail is facing with backlog and capacity challenges. Then, Newell has on Jay Greene, PhD, Senior Research Fellow, Center for Education Policy with the Heritage Foundation, to talk about a recent WalletHub report, ranking state school systems from best to worst,Ron Faucheux, polit…

1
The Orleans Parish backlogs affect every component of the criminal justice system 40:47

5d ago40:47

40:47

This hour, Newell is joined by Rafael Goyeneche, President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, to discuss the cost of the Orleans Parish backlogs on the taxpayer, the racketeering charges against the trio linked to the death of the Kansas City reporter in Kenner during the Super Bowl, and the Orleans Criminal District Court finding Sheriff Susan …

1
President Trump's 6-Month Report Card 33:55

5d ago33:55

33:55

This hour, Newell has on Ron Faucheux, political analyst & publisher of "Lunchtime Politics," to talk about how President Trump is doing after his first 6 months of his 2nd term. Then, Louisiana State Senator Pat Connick joins the show to discuss the major win Gretna saw during this legislative session.…

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Gretna saw major wins with over $3 million in state funds allocated to local projects 10:36

5d ago10:36

10:36

Gretna saw major wins this legislative session, with over $3 million in state funds allocated to local projects, including some that had been in jeopardy after the parish cut funds to them earlier this year. Louisiana State Senator Pat Connick joins Newell to talk about the win.

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It's 6 months into Trump's 2nd term; how's he doing? 20:36

5d ago20:36

20:36

This week marks the six-month anniversary of Donald Trump’s second presidency. It’s a good time for a check-up. Ron Faucheux, political analyst & publisher of "Lunchtime Politics," joins Newell to discuss how Trump is doing as well as Mayor LaToya's final months in office.

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The Orleans Parish jail has to clean up their backlogs ASAP 38:27

5d ago38:27

38:27

This hour, Newell talks about the challenges the Orleans Parish jail is facing with backlog and capacity challenges. Then, Jay Greene, PhD, Senior Research Fellow, Center for Education Policy with the Heritage Foundation, joins the show to talk about a recent WalletHub report, ranking state school systems from best to worst.…

1
Where does the WalletHub report rank Louisiana schools? 12:30

5d ago12:30

12:30

Jay Greene, PhD, Senior Research Fellow, Center for Education Policy with the Heritage Foundation, joins Newell to talk about a recent WalletHub report ranking state school systems from best to worst.Unlike other research that focuses primarily on academic outcomes or school finance, WalletHub’s analysis takes a more comprehensive approach. It acco…

1
The Orleans Parish jail is facing a significant backlog and capacity challenges 20:06

5d ago20:06

20:06

Newell talks about the challenges the Orleans Parish jail is facing with backlog and capacity challenges.

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Mayor Cantrell attempts to "white out" her Henry Consulting emergency contract faux pas (Full Show: 7/23/2035) 1:54:16

6d ago1:54:16

1:54:16

On today's show, Newell points out and shares a list of countries and organizations that are suing the U.S. while being funded by the U.S.Then, Newell has onJP Morrell, New Orleans City Councilmember, to give the latest on Mayor Cantrell's Henry Consulting French Quarter garbage emergency contract controversy,Michael Hecht, President & CEO of GNO I…

1
The brutal summer has been kind to the New Orleans tourism economy 37:04

6d ago37:04

37:04

This hour, Newell is joined by Geoff Freeman, President & CEO of the US Travel Association, to discuss major wins for the travel industry from the "One Big Beautiful Bill." Then, Kelly Schulz, Senior Vice President of Communications & Public Relations at New Orleans & Co., joins the show to talk about a robust summer in New Orleans.…

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The summer is a great time to rediscover the magic of New Orleans 14:01

6d ago14:01

14:01

Kelly Schulz, Senior Vice President of Communications & Public Relations at New Orleans & Co., joins Newell to talk about a robust summer in New Orleans, including the success of UFC 318 and the Lutheran Youth Convention.

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The "One Big Beautiful Bill" yields major wins for the travel industry 19:31

6d ago19:31

19:31

President & CEO of the US Travel Association, Geoff Freeman, joins Newell to discuss major wins for the travel industry from the "One Big Beautiful Bill," for example, $12.5 billion to modernize air traffic control, as well as a few setbacks and next steps.

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'A lot of things in this market are perplexing:' A mid-year review of the US economy with a warning that prices will increase 41:08

6d ago41:08

41:08

Housing prices, retailer perception, tariffs, gas -- what's going on in this topsy turvy US economy? Here's a mid-year look at key indicators. On Deadline is hosted and produced by Lauren Barry and produced by Christy Strawser.

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UFC 318 in New Orleans was a knockout for the Smoothie King Center 40:43

6d ago40:43

40:43

This hour, Newell has on Michael Hecht, President & CEO of GNO Inc., to talk about the UFC 318 selling out the Smoothie King Center on Saturday night and other New Orleans economic news. Then, Mike Eckert, Board Chairman of Gulf South Angels, joins the show to discuss how they've invested more than $28m into 70+ early-stage companies and have quiet…

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Gulf South Angels have been quietly investing in companies that have become national successes 14:03

6d ago14:03

14:03

Mike Eckert, Board Chairman of Gulf South Angels, joins Newell to discuss how over the past decade, Gulf South Angels has invested more than $28m into 70+ early-stage companies and has quietly become nationally recognized as one of the most respected angel groups in the country. They recently shared a mid-year investment update, highlighting the $3…

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The Henry Consulting emergency contract should be thrown out 36:32

6d ago36:32

36:32

This hour, Newell points out and shares a list of countries and organizations that are suing the U.S. while being funded by the U.S. JP Morrell, New Orleans City Councilmember, joins Newell for the latest on Mayor Cantrell's Henry Consulting French Quarter garbage emergency contract controversy.

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The details of Mayor Cantrell's Henry Consulting emergency contract are a dumpster fire 16:51

6d ago16:51

16:51

At a City Council committee meeting Monday, officials detailed their private back-and-forth with Cantrell over a sanitation contract dispute between IV Waste's emergency cleaning and Henry Consulting. Critics argue that IV Waste should continue to do the job since they would do it cheaper than Henry consulting, who doesn’t actually own any garbage …

1
Did Donald Trump kill "The Late Show" or is it a victim of changing tastes and trends? 25:44

6d ago25:44

25:44

Paramount is canceling 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' after paying President Donald Trump $16 million for a segment he didn't like on another of their shows. Does that mean the network killed a historic TV franchise to appease the president of the United States or is something else afoot? Dive in with On Deadline. The show is hosted and produ…

1
Why are we funding counties and organizations that are suing us? 16:58

6d ago16:58

16:58

Newell points out and shares a list of countries and organizations that are suing the U.S. while being funded by the U.S.