Troubled Men Podcast

The drummer, singer, and songwriter with the Hellcats, the Alluring Strange, and the Chiselers was a longtime provocateur and facilitator on the Memphis music scene. She crisscrossed the country with the shambolic Panther Burns/Hellcats circus before relocating to Toulouse, France, to marry and pursue a solo career. Widely known as the mouthpiece for the notorious White twins, she’s never been afraid to talk to strangers. Tonight Misty finds out just how strange things can get when she joins the Troubled Men in the Christmas Club. Topics include a Broadway Cruise to Bermuda, buffets, French Quarter Fest, a Gwyneth Paltrow court case, baby names, smoking, clinics, the Dalai Lama, a plastics fire, an Arkansas childhood, a DJ father, Mark Lindsay, Loudon Wainwright, getting stoned with the Easter Bunny, early larceny, the Brave One, moving to Memphis, Mandrax, following the Dead, a stolen keg, pink cocaine, side hustles, Jim Dickinson, meeting Lorette Velvette, pursuing Tav Falco, a longing for the stage,

The Norwegian blues guitar titan, record producer, and songwriter returns to the musical center of the universe to soak up some 3rd world charm and record a new record. After days of productive sessions and a whirlwind survey of local hot spots and luminaries, Arne joins René and guest cohost John Papa Gros at divebar mecca Snake and Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge to pause and reflect. Topics include a return appearance, Doug Belote, Terence Higgins, a pandemic release, the problem of evil, drinks with Lucinda Williams and a Rolling Stone, a Chris Rock sighting, Steve Jordan, Quint Davis, Tipitina’s, the Kingpin, Papa Mali, Louque, Viking invasions, Steve Watson, Johnny Vidacovich, Frenchy, vibration, the Lamarquestra, Randy Rainbow, Broadway pit musicians, Dino Kruse, sidemen, a television tribute, a daughter’s success, reindeer, French Quarter Fest, a new EP, and much more. Intro music: "Trucker Takes A Wife" by Styler/Coman Break and Outro Music: "Dressed Up To Get Messed Up"and "Pro

The award-winning photographer and screenwriter’s work has appeared on the covers of every major newspaper, Time, and Newsweek. Renso recently turned an artistic self-help exercise into a collection of street photography, “I Saw You In New Orleans.” Having worked in war zones around the world, the nine-year Navy veteran once again demonstrates courage under fire as he sits down with the Troubled Men. Topics include a triumphant return, SXSW, CC Adcock, Mojo Nixon, Joey Spampinato, Jerome Deupree, a Dave Clements gig, a failed recall drive, a new petition, the New Orleans Book Festival, Bill Gates accusations, Epstein Island, Keith Duncan, a Broadway cruise to Bermuda, a name explored, family, a first camera, the smoking area, metal bands, GWAR, a Navy recruiter, swimming underwater, a New Orleans assignment, New Year’s in Naples, a photographic rebirth, negative space, art within limitations, pandemic street art, and much more. Intro music: "Just Keeps Raining" by Styler/Coman Break Mu

The award-winning DJ, radio programmer, and host of the NOLA County show on WHIV 102.3 FM and Country Du Monde on Gimmecountry.com digital radio backed into the music biz almost by accident. Being in the wrong place at the right time, he threw away a career in law to hang out on air with established Americana music stars and highlight up-and-coming artists. Tonight Jimi rolls into the Christmas Club looking like the rootin’est tootin’est hombre east of the Pecos. The Troubled Men take cover. Topics include a John Papa Gros tour, road food, chicken wings, senior menus, Dix Denney RIP, the Weirdos, John Denney, the L.A. punk scene, an arrest story, a record deal, moving to Austin, Tulane Law School, the BP oil spill settlement, the Banks Street Bar, Ron Hotstream, early broadcasting, Dr. MarkAlain Dery, Dave Catching, Rancho de la Luna, Bill Davis, Jesse Dayton, guest selection, regional music, “George and Tammy,” Dale Watson, Will Sexton, Bruce Watson, the NOLA Ameripolitan Festival, th

The transcendental pedal steel guitar virtuoso, composer, and singer is comfortable in just about any musical setting, be it jazz, blues, country, bluegrass, or pop. An in-demand session player, he’s recorded with Brian Blade, Joni Mitchell, Peter Rowan, Ruthie Foster, Papa Mali, and Coco Robicheaux. Releasing both the jazz record “Byways of the Moon” and the singer/songwriter project “Easley Rider” over the last couple of years, Dave is a busy guy. Tonight he makes time to join the Troubled Men for a trippy stroll through the canyons of their minds. Topics include gig recaps, an impending tour, a surgery, One Eyed Jacks, a fortune cookie, church, a potato ban, Tom Sizemore, Jack Nicholson’s daughter, sad banjo music, Steve Martin, Hawaiian music, Johnny Bonvillain, Spade Cooley, Aunt Marti, bee stings, a Japanese grandfather, internment camps, a political activist mother, a Methodist missionary, an anti-war protest, an acid trip, Jerry Garcia, the Grateful Dead, Col. Bruce

The monster tenor sax player with Walter Wolfman Washington & the Roadmasters began his tenure with the hard-partying ensemble in 1987, logging countless late nights at the Maple Leaf, Benny’s Bar, and festival performances around the world. His history includes work with stars like Johnny Adams, Snooks Eaglin, Kirk Joseph, Smilin’ Myron, and Alison & the Distractions, as well as playing and recording as leader of his own groups. Tom’s seen it all and lived to tell the tale. Tonight he returns to his old stomping grounds for a rendezvous with the Troubled Men. Topics include Lent, a completed recall petition, Mardi Gras complaints, Raquel Welch RIP, Stella Stevens RIP, “Too Late Blues,” Huey Piano Smith RIP, a Johnny J & the Hitmen reunion, a John Papa Gros tour, a man hunt, an experimental high school, playing French horn, hearing Hendrix, Edgar Winter, switching to saxophone, lashes, the Alvin Batiste workshop, Kidd Jordan, Berklee College, a police encounter, Charl

The singer and songwriter with the Song Dogs has been playing club dates since she was a teenager on the Maple Leaf stage. She’s spent years living in NYC and Paris doing business consulting by day, performing by night. Now Alison has returned home, working on a Song Dogs reboot featuring a record release and festival gigs. Tonight she crosses the parade route to take her chances with the Troubled Men. It’s so dark inside, she could be almost anywhere. Topics include carnival fever, a royal exterminator, a bribe, Dave Turgeon 2.2, an Obamacare success story, a mob action, a political vendetta, the recall, a smashed window, early singing, karaoke sessions, an original lineup, a record deal, Tom Fitzpatrick, Tom Fitzmorris, an overseas move, residency, finding community, a bar rescue, a re-formed band, Bruce McDonald, Lisa Mednick, hospitality, upcoming shows, and much more. Intro music: "Just Keeps Raining" by Styler/Coman Break Music: "Sweet Girl" frome "First You Make A Roux" by Alison Young Outr

The London-born music photographer came up in the thick of the ’77 punk explosion, shooting bands like the Clash, the Specials, the Damned, and the Jam, and developing close friendships with the musicians along the way. A recent move to New Orleans and the opening of his Mostly Rock ’n’ Roll Gallery, which exhibited many pieces at the recent International Clash Day celebration, have accompanied a creative renaissance where Steve is capturing images of the city’s thriving music scene. The way things are going around here, this town can use all the rebirth it can get. Topics include a recovery, a recording session, a tribute show, Carnival season, the mayoral recall, Super Blow weekend, CTI, a rigorous pat-down, RIP Burt Bacharach, a last name, a first camera, a gambler, trunk gifts/stolen goods, early shows, Joe Strummer, the Hollywood Palladium shows, a Polaroid photo, “Taxi Driver” NYC, Jerry Dammers, “Free Nelson Mandela,” Terry Hall, Two Tone bands, “Gh

The screenwriter, filmmaker, and college professor broke into Hollywood by selling his first spec script to a major studio. That led to a decade spent working as a script doctor for Fox, DreamWorks, and New Line Cinema. Then he returned to New Orleans to make indy films including “Mutiny” starring Nicky Katt and “Tortured By Joy” narrated by John Lurie, with Narcissy mastermind Jay Holland as the lead. We trace Henry’s career from video store clerk to auteur as he offers an upbeat take on the future of the art form. Topics include a sudden illness, a silver lining, a crime wave, a convict at large, the mayor on “Face the Nation,” a shared relative, the Prytania Theater, a Jesuit education, old Frenchmen St., a guesthouse, rewrites, redheads, the Klezmer All Stars, Alex McMurray, Chris Lane, Rio Hackford, Theryl DeClouet, Hollygrove, a stills film, “Putney Swope,” movie audio, “The Color of Money,” “The Hustler,” TV vs film, closed c

Effervescent record producer/podcaster John Agnello (Sonic Youth, Dream Syndicate, Dinosaur Jr., Drive-By Truckers) and Tony Award-winning actor/musician Michael Cerveris (The Gilded Age, Fun Home, Tommy) join us in the Feral Zone as we take a break from recording to chat. John has seen a lot since his start in 1979 as an intern at the famed Record Plant recording studios in NYC. We discuss John’s illustrious career as well as his work with Michael and the band on the next Loose Cattle record. Forced ping pong with Meat Loaf, Gene Simmons’ book of groupies, boudin balls…all that and more. Topics include Dockside Studio, a first single, Americana music, a traumatic memory, a magical experience, 10,000 hours, the bayou, isolation, Jay Gonzalez, mutual admiration, an analog mindset, creative solutions, a Redd Kross track, trusting the process, Mark Lanegan, picking takes, a subtle method, mentors, Jack Douglas, nightmare sessions, a legendary brother, going AWOL, being lucky, Cindy Lauper, Wil

The affable guitarist, sound engineer, tour manager, and studio builder with Gatemouth Brown, George Porter Jr., Ultrasonic Studios, and Daniel Lanois’ Kingsway studio has been involved with every aspect of the New Orleans music scene for decades. As a Jazz Fest stage manager, he’s a friendly face you’re always happy to have on your side. Cool as a cucumber in any situation, his good humor is put to the test as he joins the Troubled Men for a going-over. Topics include Mel Gibson, Jason Ricci dodging a bullet, an ATM smash-and-grab, Krystal burgers, New Year’s Eve with Dolly, Miley, and David Byrne, “The Whale,” garbage popcorn, a sports fan, the Clements Brothers on acid, Luigi’s, the Playboy Club, the Golliwog, Charlie Blancq, Kerry Brown, the Warehouse, the Allman Brothers, LSU dorms, Leisure Landing, Julie Ebel, the Pearls, Gentilly, Tom Fitzpatrick, the Cars, Mighty Sam McLain, Wayne Bennett, the Colt 38, a vodka problem, Eugene Ross, Ray Charles, a John Lee Hook

The quintessential New Orleans trumpet player and singer, along with brother Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, comes from a long line of musicians going back to Louis Armstrong’s band and the early days of jazz in the city. Shepherded as a youth by grandfather Jessie “Ooh Poo Pa Doo” Hill and brass band mentor Danny Barker, he grew up around Fats Domino as well as Allen Toussaint and Dr. John, who produced and played on his debut record, “Satchmo of the Ghetto.” His exploits in the penthouses of the elite and recent soiree with visiting French president Macron haven’t spoiled him. He still gets down and dirty with the Troubled Men. Topics include the new year, pedicures, a slouch alarm, technology, recent deaths, dinner conversation, playing for George Bush, Dooky Chase, school days, the brass band revival, Tamborine and Fan, hustling tourists, tap dancing, a lucky number, a prior meeting, eating squirrel, Prince La La, a hotshot, the Lastie family, sage advice, b

On the final show of the year, a guest goes missing in action on the mean streets of New Orleans, and the Troubled Men turn on a dime to deliver an impromptu free-associative howl into the void. Fellowship and frivolity abound in the Christmas Club Lounge. Topics include a missing guest, a hard freeze, bubble wrap, double zippers, a theme menu, deep-fried Christmas trees, a party trick request, jury duty, bowl season, the Wheel, a bar mitzvah, danger on the streets, Chateau Marmont parties, a fashion shoot, animal videos, an airport run, a dog pack, the 1984 World’s Fair, a stalker update, a priest update, specialty socks, tight suits, sock garters, the Lakers dynasty, Senate seats, Jack Nicholson, hot oatmeal, an in memoriam wish list, and much more. Intro music: "Just Keeps Raining" by Styler/Coman Break Music: "This Is About This" by the Geraniums Outro Music: "Orbit Of Blame" from "This Is About This" by the Geraniums Support the podcast: Paypal or Venmo Join the Patreon page here. Shop for Troubled

The electrifying frontman, vocalist, and rub board player spent years as his father Rockin’ Dopsie Sr.’s onstage foil and righthand man in the Zydeco Twisters, playing on Paul Simon’s “Graceland” and Bob Dylan’s “Oh Mercy” records along the way. Leading the band since his father’s passing, Dopsie Jr. mixes tradition with James Brown-style showmanship that wows crowds from his hometown of Lafayette to the White House. As far as screaming is concerned, it’s how the Troubled Men wake up every morning. Topics include Trump NFTs, crypto, Pokemon, the World Cup final, a Chanukah party, scratchers, the new police chief’s aunt, bar dogs, a chance encounter, musician habits, the Cajun Twisters, J’s Lounge, Grant Street Dance Hall, a 1st grade education, J.D. Miller studio, passing on SNL, Daniel Lanois, Bono, Kingsway Studio, a successor, a catch phrase, Lagniappe Day at USL, private parties, a miniature kangaroo, Bill Clinton, Harry Lee, Gatemout

The Grammy-nominated piano player, organist, and singer wowing crowds at a Monday night Saturn Bar residency has also toured and recorded with EDM star Pretty Lights, the Iguanas, Bonerama, and the Maelstrom Trio, with Skerik and longtime co-conspirator Simon Lott. A classically-trained pianist, he’s equally comfortable with the James Booker/Dr. John/ Allen Toussaint canon or the Hammond B3 organ trio jazz repertoire. While he may be a tall drink of water, BC is relieved that the Troubled Men are sticking to cocktails tonight. Topics include a headphone aversion, Chanukah, a wedding party, DC Harbold, World Cup fever, a birthday party, Debra Howell, the mayor’s recall, a new police chief, deodorant, alternate names, Baton Rouge, supportive parents, the College World Series, a longshot, a childhood autograph, Catholic High, M’s Cafe, the School for Improvised Music, the Knitting Factory, a fist meeting, Glyn Styler, Andy Bourgeois, regionalism, hip hop, self-examination, a novel recording app

The celebrated author, poet, singer, and L.A. cultural historian is the co-founding publisher and editor at Punk Hostage Press and a true Hollywood Punk Rock luminary. A founding member of the all-star Ringling Sisters collective, she also collaborated and performed with the Dickies, the Flesh Eaters, the Lame Flames, and Pink Sabbath. During her time bartending at the famed Cathay de Grande and David Lee Roth’s Zero Zero after-hours club while living in the notorious Disgraceland apartment with Pleasant Gehman and Belinda Carlisle, Iris saw just about every sort of debauchery under the sun. The Troubled Men are transfixed. Topics include neighbors, a barn burner, Paul Newman, “The Long Hot Summer,” Kirstie Alley RIP, the Stalker Files, a Macron visit, a retiring police chief, an STD comeback, Al Capone, a t-shirt redesign, Beyond Baroque, Pacoima, a chop shop childhood, Van Halen as a house band, a Valley girl, the LA De Da column, the Whisky a Go Go, a punk boyfriend, the Slab Lab, “

The Australian experimental techno and electronic music artist is actually a New Orleans native and Charity Hospital baby who fled the city as a child in advance of Hurricane Katrina. Suffering bi-continental culture shock and longing for connection, he found succor in the hip hop and DJ community of his adopted homeland. Gus may be a slave to technology, but he’s as free as a bird as he samples koala sex shrieks in the sonic wilderness. The Troubled Men don their gimp masks for this one. Topics include fake weather, Margaret Orr, a Thanksgiving recap, booze wasters, the usual suspects, the Fairgrounds, dog races, a new Neil Young record, cyber Monday, a new iPhone, the Stalker Files, the future, Adelaide, dingoes, Nicole Pavy, a forgotten childhood, an impending sense of doom, a hat trick, Vegemite, the rave scene, “The Piano,” aborigines, EDM, glitch hop, private shows, Aussie character, politics, a corporate furry, the D house, bogans, Indonesian religious police, ugly Americans, social m

When a scheduled guest falls ill at the eleventh hour, it’s once more unto the breach for the Troubled Men. Fulfilling the foundational axiom of showbiz, they open their notebooks, fall back on their instincts, and talk up a storm. Snake & Jake’s head honcho Dave Clements makes an early cameo, but this episode is Double Troubled, stem to stern. You asked for it. You got it. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Topics include a change of plans, the men’s room, toddler t-shirts, a nightmare, the Plowed Boys, Blue Velvet Studio, a day of infamy, a traumatized age group, a first girlfriend, a porn priest returns, saving souls, the Loose Cattle recording sessions, John Angello, Jay Gonzalez, Wadzilla lives, Troubled Men t-shirts, early episodes, a 2-week binge, a harsh interrogation technique, a word search gone wrong, a kid’s birthday party, the Urine Destroyer, a campaign announcement, unknown candidates, political hot water, a chicken heir flames out, an ethics lapse, West Side

The writer, educator, and author of "They Called Us River Rats: The Last Batture Settlement of New Orleans" has lived on the thin strip of land on the Mississippi River-side of the levee since he stumbled onto the hidden enclave after a chance encounter at the Maple Leaf Bar decades ago. Now he chronicles the history, folkways, and legends of the area with a personal memoir of his life on the margins. Macon is comfortable living in constant jeopardy, so he’s cool as a catfish when he sits down with the Troubled Men. Topics include election day sensations, a silent partner, the Clempire, a campaign ad idea, Po Boy Fest, Hubig’s pies, an old flame, Dave Clements, a Virginia childhood, a first rental, Wavelength magazine, a teaching job, Fortier High School, a word origin, batture commerce, goats, the heyday, the decline, squatters, mail service, the big teardown, hurricanes, flood stage, river sounds, Oliver Houck, Gemini parties, John Mooney, a french fry fight, book royalties, new friends, power l

The lovable frontman, singer, songwriter, and musician with Concrete Confetti, the Gutter Brothers, and Sonny Schneidau’s Fortifiers started out busking on the streets of London with a jacked-up jug band-turned-skiffle outfit before moving indoors and getting signed to Elvis Costello’s Demon Records. Coming from a legendary New Orleans family, he grew up among bohemian royalty. Tonight he climbs back into the gutter to slum it with the Troubled Men. Topics include an Airbnb conflict, Halloween, the Tic Tac girl, staying clean, strollers, D. H. Peligro RIP, the sane one, the Clementses, the Pavys, the Charbonnets, a blended family, the Frank Spencer Quartet, Keith Keller, a tea chest bass, Dr. Feelgood, Nick Lowe, pub rock, a reunion record, St. Roch, Steve Walters, Kelly Keller, a softball team, playing catcher, the Brothers Three Lounge, a new recording, casting a spell, and much more. Intro music: "Just Keeps Raining" by Styler/Coman Break Music: "Still Waiting" from "Isometric Boogie" by the Gu