Troubled Men Podcast

With the documentary chronicling chess icon Jude Acers, “The Man in the Red Beret,” making the film festival circuit, filmmaker Derek Bridges and Chess Cave founder Baylee Badawy trace Jude’s epic life from orphan to world record holder and chess promo giant. His World Chess Table on Decatur St. is instantly recognizable to locals and tourists, and attracts celebrities like Jamie Foxx to challenge him. Tonight Jude puts the Troubled Men in check. Topics include a film crew, romantic words, the saltwater wedge, government failures, the RBG postage stamp, a bear attack, soundtrack options, a PBB&J sandwich, playing Bobby Fischer to a draw, a 12-year shoot, a rockumentary, the HNOC, a runaway, the N.O. Jazz Museum, introduction to chess, finding a tribe, night owls, Charlie Watts, Paul Morphy’s grave, chess boxing, a monument, a Greyhound bus station, fellowship, a monster promo effort, “On the Road,” two nurses on a bus, a monetary promise, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Ev

The Casa Borrega founder was among the first wave of spray can fine artists in his hometown of Mexico City following graduation from an elite teachers’ college. Making his way to New Orleans, he wowed Frenchmen St. crowds with his live painting exhibitions, making contacts that landed him shows at the CAC and the Smithsonian Museum in DC, among others. A true renaissance man, Hugo started the restaurant and cultural incubator as an exercise in service and humility. Tonight he joins the Troubled Men for what may prove to be his most humbling endeavor yet. Topics include the saltwater wedge, the Chinese, adversaries, Beyoncé, Jay Z, J Lo, a Gong Show recap, JQ Palms, Jimi Chubbuck, George H. W. Bush, Buddy Roemer, Mike Foster, Trader Joe’s, a family of four, the Walmart on Tchoupitoulas St., Zacatecas, a normal school, a shoemaker, LSD, a Russian wedding death, Cafe Brasil, a scholarship to Tulane, an identity crisis, discovering the Iguanas, an art celebrity, a Mexican radio voice, lucha lib

The iconic tuba and bass player with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and creative director of the Hall has led a revitalization of the legendary institution cofounded by his parents in 1961. Growing up in an apartment above the business, he was surrounded by a who’s who of trad jazz giants from an early age, and ran loose on the streets of the French Quarter in all its decadent glory. Tonight Ben joins the Troubled Men for a rescheduled appearance and proves to be worth the wait. Topics include an Arkansas gig, a dismissed camera ticket, football violence, a traffic jam, the Senate dress code, Stanley Adkins RIP, a Fitbit alert, Larry Borenstein, French Quarter kids, McDonogh 15 school, the Rivergate, a tuba player shortage, the Olympia Brass Band, a baked Alaska mishap, Walter Payton, teenage hangouts, Jimmy’s, a Clash tribute, Steve Rapport, NOCCA, Clyde Kerr, Nicholas Payton, Mark Braud, Newman school, rental car carpooling, Chevra T’hilim synagogue, a Halloween display, the appeal of Bur

When a guest goes missing on the streets of New Orleans, René and Manny suspend judgement and forge ahead. Never at a loss for words, the Troubled Men have no problem filling the void. Is it an oversight, a happy accident, or something more sinister? Only time will tell. Topics include a change of season, a new record, a tragic birthday, airlines, a medical procedure, Dave Clements, a new police chief, a murder gap, a carjacking, a political ad, a state funeral, JP Morrell, coupons, public assistance, fighting City Hall, rental maintenance, the London Lodge Motel, Jimi Chubbuck, Dave Turgeon, goats, a Gong Show, a dog overdose, fentanyl poisoning, Tom Petty, a radio show, a Bogdanovich documentary, a Hollywood dinner party, Kate Moss in person, River Phoenix, Jude Acers’ first appearance, and much more. Intro music: "Just Keeps Raining" by Styler/Coman Break Music: "This Is About This" by the Geraniums Outro Music: "Tonight" from "Little Houses In Space" by the Geraniums Support the podcast: Payp

The beloved washboard master and singer with the Tin Men, the Palmetto Bug Stompers, Washboard Rodeo, and his own blues trio was also a cofounder and namesake of the legendary Chaz Fest, which ran for 11 years as the bohemian 9th Ward alternative to Jazz Fest. With a kit that adds woodblock, coffee cans, and a front desk bell to the traditional washboard, he shines in any musical setting, and always brings a smile to the face of anyone hearing him. Let’s see who’s smiling after Chaz sits in with the Troubled Men. Topics include Burning Man, psychedelics, a rule of thumb, Woodstock 25, gas pump porn, a Taylor Swift show, an Airbnb incident, Spirit Airlines, a McDonald’s murder, menudo, a NY childhood, drum and bugle corps, playing congas, refusing induction to the Army, Roomful of Blues, Key West, jug bands, the Boulder scene, Mark Diamond, meeting Rod Hodges and Joe Cabral, moving to New Orleans, Alex McMurray, Matt Perrine, a Gong Show benefit, touring, spasm bands, “Bad Detective,&rd

The guitarist, composer, and record producer with Tav Falco’s Panther Burns caught the rock’n’roll bug during the rockabilly revival of his youth in Sicily, where he devoured the records of Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, Scotty Moore, and the Stray Cats’ Brian Setzer. His passion for music brought him to Rome and ultimately to Memphis. Mario grew up in the shadow of Mount Etna, an active volcano, so he’s comfortable living with danger. Tonight he brings those nerves of steel as he joins René in the Feral Zone, in advance of the Panther Burns U.S. tour. Topics include a musical family, Teddy boy rock’n’roll, American influence, Vince Mannino, learning from records, Beatles vs. the Stones, a court job, the Roman music scene, Enrico Chichi, Ennio Morricone, “Apache,” “Take It Away,” an autobiographical musical comedy, Eddie Redmount, Italian dialects, Louis Prima, meeting Tav Falco, trust, exceeding limits, touring with Mike Watt and Toby Dammi

The Black Top Records co-founding president, record producer, and A&R director was personal manager for the legendary Gatemouth Brown as well as an assistant district attorney for Orleans Parish. Between releasing over 100 albums of new blues, soul, and r&b, traveling the world with bands, and practicing law, he’s seen enough to fill several lifetimes. Tonight Hammond joins René Coman and guest co-host Dick Deluxe to review the triumphs and heartaches of life in and out of the record biz. Topics include a funeral guest list, Fred the Painter, an FBI raid, Alexandria, an aristocratic background, college years, the DKE fraternity, Tulane Law School, Quint Davis, early Jazz Fests, a Little Walter statue, Leon Medica, Louisiana LeRoux as backing band, an Austin City Limits appearance, Lady Bird Johnson, a keen ear, production technique, Robert Ward, Snooks Eaglin, mixing low end, Earl King, David Torkanowsky, the Hotel Bentley, a grandfather’s demise, late night walks, Kelly Keller, Hea

The in-demand tenor saxophonist, composer, and arranger with jazz/funk wunderkinder Naughty Professor played his way into the group as a freshman at Loyola. Developing a national following, the band became a hard-touring powerhouse playing over 100 dates a year and releasing a string of LPs and singles featuring collaborators like Ivan Neville, Chali 2na, David Shaw (Revivalists), and Eric Benny Bloom. As a member of the Naughty Horns, he’s recorded and toured with Big Freedia, Galactic, Tank & the Bangaz, and Dumpstafunk. Ian is an autodidact from way back, but tonight he gets broken-home-schooled by the Troubled Men. Topics include the heatwave, a broken A/C, a return to school, playing at the leper colony in Carville, “Feelings,” James Carville, an assessor’s office visit, a bulletproof house, celebrity deaths, crashing a band, the Santa Cruz Mystery Spot, Joey Chestnut, home schooling, piano training, school band, music snobbery, a eureka moment, the Kuumbwa Jazz summer camp, a

As a drummer (DiNOLA, Pink Slip), artist manager (dB’s, Gun Club, Richard Hell, Peter Holsapple), tour manager, Monkey Hill Records label head (Cowboy Mouth, the Continental Drifters, the Bluerunners), studio owner (Jimmy Ford Clinic), and club owner (Ford’s Place), he knows every aspect of the music biz from the inside out. Jimmy escaped service in Vietnam to become a soldier for rock’n’roll. Tonight he enters the free-fire zone with the Troubled Men. Topics include 100º in the winter, a naked shooter, spontaneous combustion, diaphragms, returning to school, a “Barbie” party, “Oppenheimer,” the U.S.S. Indianapolis, Concrete Confetti, Malevitus, Horsegirl, leprosy in Florida, Hanson on tour, Vance DeGeneres, Zeppelin cover bands, Charleston, an assumed name, the draft lottery, Mohammad Ali, neighborhood bookmaking, radiation poisoning, tour managing Professor Longhair, the Dew Drop Inn Revisited, Frank Riley and Bob Singerman, Jeffrey Lee Pierce, Frank Quin

The illustrious former New Orleans Saints VP, City Council President, Jewish Federation of N.O. CEO, and basketball executive has held a stunning series of positions in the forefront of sports, politics, and community service. He’s witnessed the city’s many ups and downs, and his love for his adopted hometown has never wavered, even as he went elbow-deep in the city’s post-Katrina rebirth. Arnie has lived a life of extraordinary achievements, and they’ve all led inexorably to this summit with the Troubled Men. Topics include a return from touring, support animals, Mayor Cantrell, Trump in town, hard butter, “Barbie,” Cafe du Monde, traffic cameras, a parking ticket, pandemic wishes, the SAG strike exceptions, summer movies, “Oppenheimer,” Zoom 12-step meetings, Ben Franklin H.S. alumni, a deferred campaign, Green Bay, college basketball, a letter to the Saints head office, Jerry Romig, Jim Haslett, firing a mascot, Buddy Diliberto, keeping the Saints in town pos

The musician, composer, and instigator was instrumental in the formation of bands such as Sex Dog, the RockAByes, the Blue Vipers, Waka Waka, Stanley and the Undesirables, and his own group, Blood & Grits. A pivotal figure in New Orleans underground music, he also played on Richard Hell's "R.I.P." and toured with Hell after that release. Having grown up in the Carrollton neighborhood, Nicky witnessed dice games outside Snake and Jake’s on his way to elementary school. Tonight he returns to the scene to name names and connect the dots with the Troubled Men.  Topics include live gigs, touring with the Iguanas, Google Image searches, Leslie Van Houten’s release from prison, buyer’s remorse, a Stalker File update, life highlights, playing Max’s Kansas City and CBGB, growing up with Cranston and Dave Clements, Johnny Mathis, public schools, a jazz fan during segregation, studying at the Sorbonne during WWII, sources, Frank Stone, early Jazz Fest gigs, Ed Blackwell’s return, t

The ace drummer/percussionist has worked with artists including Dr. John, Irma Thomas, the Radiators, and Michael Ray’s Cosmic Krewe. Studying under Cuban master percussionists Hector Gallardo and Regino Jimenez, he has spent years exploring a wide range of Afro-Cuban and Caribbean drumming. Michael once traveled to Havana for an initiation into bata drumming which included a ritual hand washing. After his night with the Troubled Men, he’s going to need a shower. Topics include a Lynn Drury tour, the Finger Lakes, Canadian fires, Eric Bolivar, wake up calls, Carlo Nuccio, Supreme Court decisions, Alan Arkin RIP, last words, Hart McNee, White House cocaine, heat records, “Barbie,” Michael Ward, Uganda Roberts, school band, Percussion Inc., Tulane, teaching, Smilin’ Myron, Pupi Menez, playing with Cachao Lopez, Kenny Claiborne, Cafe Brasil, Adé, Mas Mamones, Mani Lander, dance workshops, Katherine Dunham, a Johnny Adams session, James Singleton, the Dragon’s Den, playi

The bassist and bandleader, formerly with Michael Hurtt and his Haunted Hearts, Johnny J and the Hitmen, and Clockwork Elvis, has been living in Stockholm, Sweden for the last few years. While leading his own Du Mondes band and doing stained glass restoration keeps him busy, he still gets homesick for New Orleans. Tonight John checks in from his Safehouse for a booster shot from the Troubled Men.   Topics include deserted streets, heat exhaustion, yard work, Fathers Day, Upstate NY gigs, Mayor Cantrell in L.A., Irvin Mayfield’s new city job, L.A. Street Scene violence, a dedicated listener, Swedish summer, porn, meatballs, a Chicago childhood, a first guitar, learning bass, dyslexia, the Loyola music program, a nervous breakdown, the Green Mill, Al Capone, Geraldo Rivera, Jimmy Sutton, Offbeat sales, the Ponderosa Stomp, Joe Clay, Hunter Thompson at the Circle Bar, Swedish healthcare, road dates, Steven Seagal, Charlie Louvin, Johnny Penino, Frankie Ford, John Paul Keith, saunas, and much more.

The charismatic guitar player, singer, and former Mermaid Lounge co-owner has lived on the Frenchmen St. crossroads overlooking Cafe Brasil/Favela Chic for more than two decades, and witnessed the street’s evolution from a sleepy locals-only club scene to a major live music corridor. Having played there with Tribe Nunzio, Banda Logun, Second Lion, Ritmo Calypso, and Alabama Slim, he knows the area inside and out. Tonight he joins the Troubled Men to report from the trenches. A party of Juggalettes arrive to bring up the rear. Topics include the heat, the Naked Bike Ride, a Puerto Rican tourist, an injured bystander, a Mandina’s meal, Jimmy Chubbuck, Spectrum High School, a first meeting, a sex tape, the Unabomber RIP, Pat Robertson BIH, Pat Sajak’s retirement, an artistic family, Old Metairie, Tulane disappointment, hanging outside Jimmy’s nightclub, the Beat Exchange, hallowed ground, Radio Marigny, tradable goods, Chuck Reilly RIP, Fire, the Sluts, Daemon Shea, the development of a s

The singer, guitar player, and songwriter grew up touring with her blues harmonica legend father, Charlie Musselwhite, at clubs and festivals around the world. Though raised in the San Francisco Bay Area blues hotbed, she didn’t see a place for herself in the music until she got turned on to the Delta sound. Now in New Orleans, she’s a woman on a mission, playing and recording with guitar virtuoso Jimmy Robinson as well as her Cosmic Gentlemen band. Tonight Layla pays her dues, as she sits in with the Troubled Men. Topics include an Iguanas tour recap, an emergency van repair, the kindness of strangers, a pre-K graduation, empty nests, the Big Island Jazz & Blues Festival, snorkeling, a tiger shark attack, Mother’s Day memories, an unleashed dog, celebrity births, a Robert DeNiro movie, vintage clothes, the Seattle scene, Bob West, Chicago blues, avant garde theater, Jerzy Gotowski, an entrepreneurial streak, herbal makeup, the Sidebar, Brian Stoltz, Daniel Perez, Alex Mallet, Las Vegas

The Grammy-winning Cajun singer and accordion star has carried bayou culture from Crowley, La., to the four corners of the globe. We catch up with him in Hawaii during the star-studded 10th annual Big Island Jazz and Blues Festival to survey the highs and lows of his storied career. Harmonica ace Jason Ricci and singer Kaitlin Dibble join Rene Coman and his Iguanas bandmate Joe Cabral on the veranda for the occasion. Topics include Jay Miller, family life, East Texas dance halls, Zydecajun, Buckwheat Zydeco, leaving school, clearing canals, Acadian dialect, Nova Scotia, Barry Ancelet, Master Tracks studio, Steve Popovich, early recordings, the accordion in Louisiana, diatonic reeds, the ‘90s, hitting the wall, the brotherhood of musicians, a longtime band, Tommy McLain, Clyde’s Camp, Warren Storm, Lil’ Buck Sinegal, Clifton Chenier, feral cats, a harmonica face-off, and much more. Intro music: "Trucker Takes A Wife" by Styler/Coman Break Music: "Johnnie Can't Dance" from "Blast from the Bayo

A founding member of Galactic, the Grammy-winning drummer and educator has also been a member of Garage A Trois and the N.O. Klezmer Allstars, and is an owner of the legendary Tipitina’s. Even with the new “Book of Queens” record from his Krasno/Moore Project to promote, he still finds time to develop lessons for his online Stanton Moore Drum Academy. Stanton is a busy guy who always looks crisp and clean. Tonight he gets down and dirty with the Troubled Men. Topics include a Jazz Fest recap, losing it, an Iguanas tour, a backyard Geritol party, 911 calls, Jimi Chubbuck, Tom Jones, Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream,” pet burial, King Charles, the Burger King, Theryl DeClouet, saying no, advice for young musicians, being a band, Tipitina’s improvements, rotating singers, shaving, Stanton Inc., teaching drums, influences, a new Walter Washington record, David Torkanowski, Robert Mercurio, Ben Ellman, record vs. album, a new release, CD sales, sold-out shows, heat exhaustion, an

The British master photographer and MBE recipient started off shooting friends like the Pogues and the Clash when he was a touring musician. Renowned for intense, intimate closeups, his portraits of celebrities, philosophers, moon landing astronauts, WWI veterans, and Holocaust survivors have graced elite editorial publications and museum permanent collections worldwide. Now residing in New Orleans, he returns to his hometown for the opening of the “Punk: Rage & Revolution” exhibition at the Leicester Museum and Galleries featuring his iconic photos from the early days along with other images and artifacts of the era. Steve’s punk ethos is that anyone can do anything. Tonight the Troubled Men prove that once again. Topics include a return to the Ring Room, a sold-out Susan Cowsill show, Pat McLaughlin at Jazz Fest, the sobriety tent, an AirBnB, a wedding gift, a Mandina’s hit, reading in the sauna, the RTRs, motorcycle racing, a trip to NYC, a Cramps bubblebath photo, a CB radio cl

The singer and multi-instrumentalist with Vapors of Morphine, the Deltabilly Boys, and the Busted Jug Band cut his teeth in street bands in the French Quarter, playing old-time acoustic blues and folk music. A post-Katrina relocation to Cambridge, Mass., led to meeting Dana Colley and Jerome Deupree of Morphine and being invited to front a reformed version of the group after the tragic passing of beloved singer/bassist Mark Sandman. The trio, now with drummer Tom Aery, continues to champion Low Rock and moody, unusual/experimental music on their latest “Fear & Fantasy” release. Tonight Jeremy joins the Troubled Men to plumb the depths to a new low. Topics include Elizabeth King, Dave Easley, a mayoral restriction, Jazz Fest prep, holidays, a house concert, candle season, feet, high standards, food truck delivery, Japanese toilets, a lost crack pipe, Jimmy Slut returns, a Dix Denney memorial, Matt Tecu, Greg Schatz, Ithaca, NY, early performances, moving to N.O., the Big Mess Blues Band, Washbo

The irrepressible singer, guitar player, and radio host celebrates the release of “The Mojo Manifesto: The Life & Times of Mojo Nixon,” the hilarious bio doc covering the southern-fried maniac’s career. From the early days with Skid Roper menacing the MTV bigwigs to his unhinged stage antics with the Toad Liquors and his Outlaw Country and NASCAR radio shows on SiriusXM, Mojo always goes in whole hog. Tonight the Troubled Men discover that madness is the method. Topics include a Bob Mugge memoir, a book signing, Michael Tisserand, a French Quarter Fest recap, John Mooney, physical therapy, drugs, recycling, eye contact, dog walkers, shootings, fainting, the slap and tickle, Jesus, North Carolina beaches, a campaign platform, Richard Petty, Walter Hill, Jim Dickinson, “Talladega Nights,” baby names, editing the movie, a newspaper reporter father, Danville, Va., “The Prisoner’s Song,” a college punk in Ohio, a Shane MacGowan debacle at Wolf Trap, a Howlin&rsqu