Best Rene And Manny Podcasts (2025)

1
TMP309 CHARLIE HALLORAN BONES UP 1:15:13

7d ago1:15:13

1:15:13

The Grammy Award-winning trombone player and bandleader of the Tropicales, his 1960s-styled Caribbean lounge group, has been a mainstay of the Trad Jazz and Frenchmen St scenes since his arrival in town almost two decades ago. A chance encounter with mastermind Jimbo Mathis led to years touring and recording with the Squirrel Nut Zippers. With the …

1
TMP308 ANDERS PARKER: HANDMADE MUSIC 1:18:45

14d ago1:18:45

1:18:45

The songwriter, singer, and guitar player has been making records as a solo artist and with his band Varnaline for over two decades. His collaborations with Son Volt’s Jay Farrar include the “New Multitudes” project with Jim James of My Morning Jacket which paired unused Woody Guthrie lyrics with new music. With a show of his oil paintings currentl…

1
TMP307 MARK GUARINO BECOMES THE STORY 1:18:40

21d ago1:18:40

1:18:40

The award-winning reporter, music critic, playwright, and author of the excellent book "Country and Midwestern: Chicago in the History of Country Music and the Folk Revival" has written for many top news outlets and publications, the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, the New York Times, ABC News, Downbeat, and Mojo among them. The Chicago native wh…

1
TMP306 JOE DARENSBOURG GOES WAY BACK 1:13:22

1M ago1:13:22

1:13:22

The singer and musician with Les Cenelles Creole Ensemble, early music group Musica da Camera, and rock band Shot Down in Equador Jr. has recently completed the "Musique(s)!” project (w/ Louis Michot, Leyla McCalla, Sweet Crude, and Sunpie Barnes) for the American Folklife Center resulting in an album, book, film, and exhibition documenting French …

1
TMP305 ROBERT MACHÉ: DRIFTER AT HEART 1:16:22

1M ago1:16:22

1:16:22

The guitarist with the legendary Continental Drifters and Lulu and the Broadsides landed in NYC in '76, becoming a roadie for the Cramps and living with band members Bryan Gregory and Nick Knox. By the '80s he was playing guitar with iconoclastic vocal stylist Klaus Nomi and touring internationally with Lydia Lunch. His tenure with the Dream Syndic…

1
TMP304 RED ROCKERS: ROAD TO CHINA 1:29:12

2M ago1:29:12

1:29:12

Founding Red Rockers' bassist and NY Dolls manager Darren Hill returns with Oley Sassone, the SexDog guitarist and director of the Rockers' MTV debut, "China." While the hit video elevated the band to new career heights, touring with U2 and other top groups, it was also the pivotal achievement for Oley, propelling him to a career in L.A., where he …

1
TMP303 BRIAN BRIGNAC'S BAYOU BEAT 1:20:25

2M ago1:20:25

1:20:25

The Grammy Award-winning drummer, engineer, and producer playing with slide guitar phenom Sonny Landreth for the past 20 years was also with bayou superstar vocalist and accordion player Wayne Toups during the height of his '90s beefcake madness. Coming from a family counting more than 10 drummers among them, he learned his craft as a mere lad. Pro…

1
TMP302 TONY TOCCO DISHES IT OUT 1:13:58

2M ago1:13:58

1:13:58

The proprietor of Atchafalaya restaurant was also a founding partner in both Snake and Jake's Christmas Club Lounge and the beloved Circle Bar. While a career waiter at top New Orleans restaurants including Upperline, Bayona, and Gautreau's, he would open Snake's at midnight and tend bar for the late-night superstars including celebrity chef Anthon…

1
TMP301 MARK BARKER'S VISIONS FROM A BLOODSHOT EYE 1:25:09

3M ago1:25:09

1:25:09

The retired Florida police chief, community gadfly, and blogger with his own "Barker's View" is a longtime visitor and fan of New Orleans, having spent many a Mardi Gras ensconced with the barflies at the Circle Bar. As a private citizen, he's got opinions on everything, and is known to take exception with the local political establishment. Tonight…

1
TMP300 300th EPISODE PARTY: THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES! 1:22:50

3M ago1:22:50

1:22:50

They all said it wouldn’t last, but as usual, they were wrong. Episode 300 was a rousing success, with former guests and listeners from the Troubled Nation showing up for a night of fellowship at Snake and Jake’s. With a cavalcade of stars — musicians, artists, writers, and misfits — the Troubled Men convene to do what they do. If you’re not Troubl…

1
Feral Zone 22 DEERFRANCE: UNDERGROUND GODDESS 1:07:22

4M ago1:07:22

1:07:22

The singer, guitarist, and songwriter was a close associate of John Cale, providing the haunting vocals on “Only Time Will Tell” and touring with his group for several years. A Lower East Side luminary, she was the talent booker at Max’s Kansas City and door person at CBGB, palled around with Eno and Tom Verlaine, and toured Europe with Television.…

1
TMP299 PAUL SANCHEZ KEEPS ON ROLLING 1:24:27

4M ago1:24:27

1:24:27

The award-winning songwriter, singer, and guitar player now fronting his own Rolling Road Show was also a founding member of Cowboy Mouth, the Backbeats, and the Write Brothers. With over 20 solo releases and “Nine Lives: A Musical History of New Orleans” in his catalogue, he’s seen the music biz from every angle. Having recovered from debilitating…

1
TMP298 TIANA HUX: LIFE IS ART 1:15:23

5M ago1:15:23

1:15:23

The performance artist and singer fronting art punk dance band Malevitus and burlesque/hip hop act MC Sweet Tea returns to talk about new recordings, shooting videos, and the inclusion of her underground classic “Properfukt” on the Amy Schumer TV show ”Life and Beth.” Tiana is also known as the Mary Poppins of punk rock, and tonight, as always, a s…

1
TMP297 CLARKE MARTTY: AMERICA'S GUEST 1:25:35

5M ago1:25:35

1:25:35

The drummer and singer’s career has included stints with R.L. Burnside, Link Wray, Sparklehorse, Epic Soundtracks, Untamed Youth, and so many more. He’s been in Rock’n’roll College forever and remembers most of it. Tonight Clarke joins the Troubled Men to review the highs and lows of a life on the road. Never leave the van. Topics include Vietnam v…

1
Feral Zone 21 MICHAEL DOUCET: FROM BLAKE TO BALFA 1:21:04

5M ago1:21:04

1:21:04

The multi-Grammy-winning violinist, singer, and songwriter and his band BeauSoleil have been at the forefront of Cajun and Zydeco music for 50 years. Collaborations with Keith Richards, Richard Thompson, and Mary Chapin Carpenter and their numerous appearances on Prairie Home Companion have been icing on the cake. Tonight Michael joins René in the …

1
TMP296 RYAN SCULLY PLAYS ROUGH 1:25:07

6M ago1:25:07

1:25:07

The singer, guitarist, and songwriter with Morning 40 Federation and Rough Seven is also the owner of BJ’s Lounge and cohost of the “Obligations At the Lounge” podcast. Scully spent years as a middle school history teacher and authored the children’s book, “T-Roy’s Pirogue.” Tonight he joins the Troubled Men where his love of dive bar culture and e…

1
TMP295 ROB DAVIS IN THE MIX 1:14:26

6M ago1:14:26

1:14:26

The piano player, drummer, and vocalist with Mem Shannon, Vince Vance and the Valiants, and Dr. Sick is also an ace audio engineer and sound mixer with his own Uptown Audio Productions. With years running sound for the cream of Louisiana musical artists, he learned from the masters the fine art of leading a band and putting on a show. Rob has alway…

1
Feral Zone 20 LORETTE VELVETTE: A HELLCAT UNLEASHED 1:08:48

6M ago1:08:48

1:08:48

The singer, guitarist, and songwriter with the Hellcats, Tav Falco’s Panther Burns, and the Kropotkins was steeped in the Memphis underground of Tav and Alex Chilton and nourished on a diet of canned tuna on toast, menthol cigarettes, and primordial blues. She emerged fully formed as Lorette Velvette, ready to take the world by storm. After a retre…

1
TMP294 KEITH SPERA FACES THE MUSIC 1:19:03

6M ago1:19:03

1:19:03

The award-winning journalist, author, and TV host has covered music, entertainment, and more for the Times-Picayune, the Advocate, and Offbeat magazine for decades. His book, “Groove Interrupted,” explored the post-Katrina musical landscape, and his “Let’s Talk” weekly TV show features local and national personalities. Keith has conducted hundreds …

1
TMP293 ELECTION NIGHT(MARE) 2024 1:15:49

7M ago1:15:49

1:15:49

The Troubled Men convene at Snake and Jake’s in the final hours of campaign season as the polls close and the first vote counts roll in. Joined by Clempire Czar Dave Clements and resident philosopher, bartender, and former Goldman Sachs analyst Juan Parke, they hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and resolve that however it turns out, the str…

1
TMP292 KURT LIPSCHUTZ: PARTNER IN RHYME 1:18:50

7M ago1:18:50

1:18:50

The poet, lyricist, and longtime Chuck Prophet songwriting partner grew up in Sinatra-era Palm Springs and was miraculously healed of a mystery ailment by a meeting with Elvis. He later spent time as a comedy writer in L.A. alongside legends including Andy Kaufman and Robin Williams. With the release of Chuck’s new “Wake the Dead” cumbia record cow…

1
TMP291 RODDIE ROMERO: HUB CITY STAR 1:22:46

7M ago1:22:46

1:22:46

The multi-Grammy-nominated Lafayette singer, accordion player, guitarist, and songwriter hit the international festival circuit as a 13-year-old prodigy, having already spent years recording and playing roadhouse dances alongside cajun and zydeco masters including Lil’ Buck Senegal and Buckwheat Zydeco. He continues to electrify audiences with his …

1
TMP290 REED WATSON MUSCLES IN 1:29:07

7M ago1:29:07

1:29:07

The Grammy-winning drummer, Single Lock Records label owner (Jon Cleary, Loose Cattle, Blind Boys of Alabama, Cedric Burnside), and artist manager left Tuscaloosa to put down roots in the fertile loam of legendary Muscle Shoals. A decade on, he has relocated to New Orleans as he launches his one-stop music company, Well Kept Secret. Reed’s got a lo…

1
TMP289 DR. SICK MAKES A HOUSE CALL 1:22:04

7M ago1:22:04

1:22:04

The acclaimed violinist, singer, producer, composer, and musical saw master with Jimbo Mathus’ Squirrel Nut Zippers, the Late Greats, and Career Suicide spent years with the Asylum Street Spankers and various circus sideshows and burlesque troupes honing his punk-jazz-vaudeville aesthetic. The product of his musician father’s amateur genetic engine…

1
TMP288 SEAN KELLY TELLS THE CONTINENTAL DRIFTERS STORY 1:20:11

8M ago1:20:11

1:20:11

The musician, producer, and author of the new Continental Drifters bio, “White Noise and Lightning” started corresponding with band members Susan Cowsill, Russ Broussard, Peter Holsapple, and Vicki Peterson when he was 13 years old. Leading his own art rock band A Fragile Tomorrow with his fellow triplets, he forged a familial bond with the Drifter…

1
TMP287 DANNY NICK GETS HEAVY 1:28:50

8M ago1:28:50

1:28:50

The founding bass player, vocalist, and songwriter with hard rock veterans Suplecs (with Durel Yates and Andrew Preen) has also toured internationally as the bassist with heavy music heavyweights EYEHATEGOD. As proprietor of the Portside Lounge, he operated the premier tiki bar and Mardi Gras Indian headquarters in New Orleans. Decades working in t…

1
Feral Zone 19 MARGIE PEREZ'S LIGHTNESS OF BEING 1:14:37

8M ago1:14:37

1:14:37

The Latin, soul, and jazz singer with Muévelo, Kumasi Afrobeat, and now Los Tremolo Kings journeyed from her Cuban parents’ D.C. home to New Orleans after a chance karaoke encounter launched her professional career. Guest co-host Jeff Treffinger (Tribe Nunzio, the Geraniums, Strawberry) joins René and Margie in the Feral Zone to trace her path back…

1
Feral Zone 18 CHRISTOPHER STRAWBERRY REPRESENTS 1:30:46

9M ago1:30:46

1:30:46

The enigmatic singer and guitarist behind Big Ass Mustache and Strawberry Presents and drummer for Dolly Dillon with Jeri Cain Rossi has always possessed a quiet intensity on stage. Starting out playing on the streets of the French Quarter, he now fronts the reformed STRAWBERRY with Jeff Treffinger of the Geraniums and Tribe Nunzio on guitar. Tonig…

1
TMP286 JEANNE-MICHÈLE CHARBONNET SINGS 1:22:13

9M ago1:22:13

1:22:13

The renowned dramatic soprano diva has spent decades performing at the highest levels of the opera world. Having studied at voice at NOCCA, she now teaches at Haute Ecole de Musique in Switzerland as a Professor of Voice and at studios around the globe. After a career soaring to the heights of European culture, Jeanne-Michèle returns to her old sto…

1
TMP285 WAYNE TOUPS: ZYDECAJUN POWER 1:17:40

9M ago1:17:40

1:17:40

The Grammy Award-winning singer, accordion player, and songwriter started his career as a teenager playing dances in his hometown of Crowley, La. Recordings with legendary producer Jay Miller led to a deal with Mercury Records and international acclaim as a powerhouse performer combining Cajun, Zydeco, and Southern rock. Wayne’s music has taken him…

1
TMP284 KEITH O'BRIEN: LITERARY HUSTLE 1:23:51

10M ago1:23:51

1:23:51

The NY Times bestselling author’s latest book, “Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose and the Last Glory Days of Baseball,” has been hailed as a masterpiece of sports writing. An award-winning journalist who’s written for the Boston Globe, the Atlantic, and the Washington Post, he covered Manny Chevrolet’s first campaign for mayor of New O…

1
TMP283 MIKE DOUSSAN: MUSICAL HEALING 1:16:09

10M ago1:16:09

1:16:09

The award-winning guitarist, songwriter, and singer began his career as Westbank Mike and the Fischer Project. He also plays with the Iko Allstars and the Desert Nudes. An arts education activist and mental health advocate, Mike has spent years promoting the healing power of music. Maybe he can help the Troubled Men. Topics include cold showers, ol…

1
TMP282 CHRIS LANE CRIES WOLF 1:26:03

11M ago1:26:03

1:26:03

The actor and comedian produced and hosted the Comic Strip burlesque show and was the emcee for the Fleur de Tease Burlesque Revue. Chris is also a film worker with a starring role in Henry Griffin’s free jazz comedy, “Mutiny.” Tonight the Valparaiso Men’s Chorus veteran joins the Troubled Men as they play it by ear. Topics include Essence Fest, th…

1
TMP281 STEVE LOWERY: DRAWING FROM LIFE 1:21:16

11M ago1:21:16

1:21:16

The acclaimed portrait artist and illustrator with the NY Yankees, the NY Times, and Madison Square Garden; friend of Dali, Ali, Frazier, and Roberto Duran; and tour photographer with Weather Report and Jaco’s Word of Mouth featured in episode 257 returns for a second round. It’s a free-associative gabfest covering art, sports, music, and a double …

1
TMP280 JAY GONZALEZ: A TRUCKER HITS THE ROAD 1:28:36

11M ago1:28:36

1:28:36

The keyboard and guitar player with Southern rock powerhouse band Drive-By Truckers is also a pop music fanatic, having released a string of candy-coated solo records over his career. His latest collaboration, “Roll Up A Song” with “Space Ghost” writer Pete Smith, is a power pop gem garnering a 4-star review from Mojo magazine. Developing an affini…

1
TMP279 CR GRUVER: UNUSUAL SUSPECT 1:25:40

11M ago1:25:40

1:25:40

The co-founding keyboard player and singer with the New Orleans Suspects spent years playing funk and soul music on the Southeastern club circuit before landing in town. Noticing a vacuum in children’s music training, he established two local branches of the School of Rock, where he passes on lessons learned over a lifetime on the bandstand. Tonigh…

1
TMP278 TOM THAYER'S NEW SUIT 1:20:47

12M ago1:20:47

1:20:47

The DBA co-founder ran the Frenchmen St. nightclub and booked talent for over 20 years. Selling the iconic institution last year, he resurrected the beloved Chazfest, promoting 2024’s event at the Broadside along with several other shows through his New Suit Productions. Having worked in clubs his entire life, like the Troubled Men, Tom does some o…

1
TMP277 MIKE STRECKER MAKES THE BOOK 1:15:24

1y ago1:15:24

1:15:24

The acclaimed writer and comedian has recently published his debut novel, “The Knights of Wade,” a comic tale set in New Orleans. Having written several successful children’s books, including “Jokes for Crescent City Kids,” his latest work has been favorably compared to “A Confederacy of Dunces” for its quirky local flavor. Tonight Mike encourages …

1
TMP276 CHERYL GERBER: DANSE MACABRE 1:16:38

1y ago1:16:38

1:16:38

The award-winning photographer and freelance journalist’s focus on New Orleans culture dates to her work for the legendary Michael P. Smith. While working as Gambit Weekly staff photographer, she’s chronicled the city’s contrasts and contradictions, producing images both comic and tragic, sacred and profane. Her new book, “The Danse Macabre: Celebr…

1
TMP275 SAGE MAAS & JAY HOLLAND: MANDATORY THERAPY 1:19:51

1y ago1:19:51

1:19:51

Musician and electrical/HVAC contractor Sage Maas and Narcissy guitarist/mastermind and registered nurse Jay Holland have been running partners going back to the heyday of the Mermaid Lounge. Sage survived a chaotic childhood to become a heroic and generous instigator. Jay is a guitar hero who plumbs the depths on stage and off, performing feats of…

1
TMP274 DOUG BELOTE: DRUMMING BELOW SEA LEVEL 1:22:22

1y ago1:22:22

1:22:22

The master drummer with credits including Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, Dr. John, and Alison Krauss has completed his documentary film project,”Street Beat: Drumming Below Sea Level,” that examines New Orleans drummers and the second line tradition. Interviewing elders, such as Zigaboo Modeliste, Johnny Vidacovich, Carlo Nuccio, and Raymond Weber, a…

1
TMP273 BRAD ORGERON/JACK ORION AND DAMIEN YOUTH: BELLADONNA LOVERS 1:23:31

1y ago1:23:31

1:23:31

Brad Orgeron/Jack Orion is a 1st generation glam and punk rock singer and guitarist from the Contenders/Backstabbers and Aces 88 who started a band after seeing the New York Dolls, and was a witness to the local scene from its earliest days. Damien Youth is a reclusive, prolific psych/folk rock singer and guitarist who’s recorded over 50 albums of …

1
TMP272 MAX BERNARDI'S BIG REVEAL 1:18:15

1y ago1:18:15

1:18:15

She’s a muralist and painter with work at the Audubon Aquarium and the Orleans Casino, as well as a burlesque performer and producer with the legendary Shim Shamettes, and leader of her own band, the Souvenaires. Max is a sensitive artist, who hopefully remains unsullied by her time at the Christmas Club with the Troubled Men. Topics include Friday…

1
TMP271 CHARLIE KOHLMEYER GETS COMFORTABLE 1:05:43

1y ago1:05:43

1:05:43

The veteran drummer, pianist, and composer started his career playing Tyler’s Beer Garden with the James Rivers Movement. He spent years in NYC slinging bonds on Wall Street by day and making the downtown jazz scene by night. In spite of his family’s nearly 200-year history in New Orleans, Charlie had never been inside Snake and Jake’s Christmas Cl…

1
TMP270 ALISON FENSTERSTOCK ON THE CULTURAL RECORD 1:17:58

1y ago1:17:58

1:17:58

The former Times-Picayune and Gambit writer has spent her career covering arts and culture in New Orleans and beyond. As the Ponderosa Stomp Program Director, she helped showcase legendary figures of rock’n’roll for contemporary audiences. Currently writing the definitive book on beloved “Vic 'n Nat’ly” cartoonist and artist Bunny Matthews, along w…

1
TMP269 STAN BERTHEAUD COMES FULL CIRCLE 1:29:50

1y ago1:29:50

1:29:50

The architect, screenwriter, and college professor has always followed his instincts. Whether designing high-rise hotels, writing a film with Dwight Yoakam, or producing the decorated series “Architecture School” about post-Katrina residential rebuilding, he brings an enthusiasm that is infectious. Tonight Stan joins the Troubled Men. Let’s see who…

1
TMP268 SNAKE & JAKE'S 30TH BIRTHDAY PARTY 1:17:51

1+ y ago1:17:51

1:17:51

The stars align on the triple witching day of Ash Wednesday, Valentine’s Day, and Snake and Jake’s 30th Birthday celebration as the Troubled Men assemble among the penitents and partygoers. Luminaries drop in for cameos, and bar owner Dave Clements offers insights on the origins of the Christmas Club Lounge and the future of the Clempire. Topics in…

1
TMP267 CC ADCOCK: LAFAYETTE MARQUIS 1:18:48

1+ y ago1:18:48

1:18:48

The guitar player, songwriter, record producer, and cofounder of Lafayette swamp pop supergroup Lil’ Band O' Gold has spent the last years recording and touring with the legendary singer and “Sweet Dreams” composer Tommy McLain. Their album “I Ran Down Every Dream,” cowritten with Elvis Costello, has led them to national TV appearances and prestigi…

1
TMP266 MICHAEL GIRARDOT: THE REVIVALISTS 1:10:19

1+ y ago1:10:19

1:10:19

The trumpet and keyboard player with the platinum-selling Revivalists is also a veteran of Rotary Downs and Big Rock Candy Mountain. The hard-touring Revivalists released their 5th studio album, “Pour It Out Into the Night,” last summer, and have spent the year making TV appearances, playing festivals, and selling out concert halls. Proving you’re …

1
TMP265 LYNN DRURY'S HIGH TIDE 1:15:11

1+ y ago1:15:11

1:15:11

As the beloved singer, songwriter, and guitarist releases the single “Love Bomb” in anticipation of her album “High Tide,” the former rodeo rider returns for a Part 2. It’s been a whirlwind year that included epic recording sessions at Dockside Studio, a devastating shoulder injury, and a music community-wide “Lynnefit” tribute show. With her body …

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