Troubled Men Podcast

The award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter, and college professor returns to discuss "Brenda," his new feature film playing at the Prytania Theater at Canal Place starting November 13. Having weathered the storm of the only episode collapse in the podcast's history, Henry knows all too well he could be in for some choppy waters as he climbs aboard with the Troubled Men.

Topics include a custom Red Vines explanation, Halloween, Mike Ditka RIP, Susan St. James RIP, rollercoaster mayhem, a failed execution, an airplane attack, a police encounter, "Digger," Elizabeth Holmes, subtitles, a time capsule, movie trailers, marketing, "Jaws," parenting...

The legendary singer, songwriter, pianist, and accordion player is a founding member of the Subdudes, Li'l Queenie and the Percolators, and Ron Cuccia & the Jazz Poetry Group. Returning to New Orleans for a Tipitina's documentary filming, he also staged a triumphant show with songs and musicians from across his long career. Tonight John joins the Troubled Men to celebrate Manny's Platinum Birthday as they continue down the fairway on the back nine of life.

Topics include an SD card recap, the Saints in Paris, riots, Fort Collins, Colorado, mining college, the oil patch, a big family, a...

The award-winning filmmaker returns to discuss his new feature "Brenda" showing November 3rd at Canal Place Theater, as the Troubled Men suffer their first catastrophic equipment failure in 8 years of podcasting. The result is a 6 minute episode, proving that Trouble Never Ends, but the Struggle Continues. Henry returns in two weeks for a second bite of the apple.

Intro Music: "Just Keeps Raining" by Styler/Coman

Outro Music: "Who Shot the La-La" from "Victory Mixture" by Willy DeVille

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The longtime harmonica player with Little Freddie King and perennial BJ's Bywater Lounge bartender first came to New Orleans as road manager for Ronnie Earl. His instant love for the city resulted in a Ninth Ward residency lasting 35 years and counting. Tonight he joins the Troubled Men where his fluency in dive bar vernacular sets him up for success.

Topics include Dave Clements' birthday, a Bosco sponsorship, Eddie V., a hurricane, airplane misbehavior, driverless cars, a high-speed chase driving test, Eva Marie Saint RIP, "On The Waterfront," complicated cocktails, Boston, Learning the Blues, a Vietnam vet, progressive...

The fine artist and co-owner of the Ferrara Showman Gallery is also founder of the annual "No Dead Artists” international exhibition as well the "Guns In The Hands of Artists" series, incorporating decommissioned firearms into works of art. His latest project, "Hands Of Music," involves casting, 3D printing, and mounting sculptures of the hands of dozens of New Orleans musicians in playing position, creating an archive of the city's musical community at the points of contact with their instruments. Tonight, as Jonathan joins the Troubled Men, an extra set of hands is just what he needs.

Topics in...

Decorated journalists and authors Alison Fensterstock and Michael Tisserand have recently completed a fantastic biography on a beloved New Orleans cartoonist, illustrator, and music writer. The book, "Bunny Matthews: His Life, Art, and Obsessions," has just been published by the Historic New Orleans Collection. As creator of the iconic "Vic & Nat'ly" series, Bunny captured the dialect and cultural milieu of the city's working class while presenting a satirical, worts-and-all view of daily life in the area. Tonight Alison and Michael join the Troubled Men to discuss all things Bunny. As returning guests, they knew what they were getting into.<...

The civil rights attorney, artist manager, and singer with the Valparaiso Men's Chorus and the Shitty Stones has been a tireless champion of the disabled community, having successfully litigated more than 500 cases under the Americans With Disabilities Act over the last 20 years. Discovering Hurray For The Riff Raff at a neighborhood dive opening slot, he shepherded the band through several records leading to their major label signing. Tonight Andy joins the Troubled Men and treats their diminished capacity with dignity and grace.

Topics include above-ground pools, a landlord, local news, animal attacks, a chili stand, a hair...

He’s a Grammy-nominated recording engineer and record producer for artists including Steel Pulse, Dr. John, Better Than Ezra, Irma Thomas, and Carlo Nuccio’s final “Clap Hands” record, and has worked at Fudge Recording, the Music Shed, and Marigny Studios over his decades in biz. A Navy combat veteran, Jacques joins the Troubled Men on Bastille Day as they man the barricades, well aware that the revolution always devours its children.

Topics include Midwest gigs, a police encounter, “Other’s Day,” the Truck Farm, a lightning strike, a student pilot, suicide, a first marriage, Ricky Castrillo RIP, James Riv...

The veteran singer, songwriter, and guitar player with Walking Wounded, the Stoney White Punks, and Killeen Foundry has released his latest solo record, "Sad Songs At Sunset, Chapter 1," and created a play incorporating the material that was recently staged at the AllWays Cabaret. A former itinerant child preacher, he spent years in the L.A. music biz rat race before relocating to New Orleans to teach college. In this episode, Jerry, being a professor of English literature, employs a narrative style reminiscent of Joyce's “Finnegans Wake." The Troubled Men are still dizzy.

Topics include Anthony Bourdain's 70th Bi...

The decorated pedal steel guitarist and 25-year veteran of Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer band joins René and songwriter, singer, and guitar player Ned Henry in advance of the record release show for Ned's new album, "Make Your Own Weather.” Doyle is a living legend, having played and recorded with country music stars including George Jones, Johnny Paycheck, Roy Rogers, Chet Atkins, Lynn Anderson, Conway Twitty, Webb Pierce, and Dolly Parton starting in the 1950s. Now he enters the Feral Zone to share highlights from a life spent making music.

Topics include a new record, Tom Stern, Blue Vel...

The drummer, songwriter, and singer with bands including Narcissy, the Bonapartes, the Low Amps, and the Abitals was also a member of the notorious Alex Chilton-produced group Soupchain. His association with record biz mastermind Carlo Ditta led to gigs backing the legendary John Sinclair. Now moonlighting at T Ray's Boudin and Cracklins, Anthony joins the Troubled Men to show them how the sausage is made.

Topics include Agent 99 lookalikes, World Cup fever, the Naked Bike Ride, a rope swing mishap, a tipping incident, birthday gunplay, drunk hunting, Post-It Note exercise, "Welcome In" sightings, the desert, New Iberia...

The intrepid guitarist, songwriter, and singer with the Tin Men, the Valparaiso Men's Chorus, 007, Happy Talk, and Kings of the Small Time is also a veteran of such groups as Royal Fingerbowl, Michael Ward & Reward, the Geraniums, the Write Brothers, and the Glyn Styler band. He recently completed and released the posthumous album by dearly departed collaborator Carlo Nuccio, "Clap Hands." In a moment of weakness, Alex volunteers for a second turn in the barrel with the Troubled Men. He can't plead ignorance this time around.

Topics include Pride month, Rat Fink, "Welcome In," "Drunk Hunting," Juan...

The Grammy Award-winning saxophone player and composer with the New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Otra, Charlie and the Tropicales, and Muevelo with Margie Perez is also a professor of music at UNO. First stationed in town with the Marine Corps Band, then coming to prominence with the young lions of Quintology, he's played or recorded with Galactic, Nicholas Payton, the Temptations, Charlie Hunter, and Gatemouth Brown. Brent's experience with the formless minds of today's students comes in handy as he attempts to school the Troubled Men.

Topics include the Trump Phone, RFK's snake handling, Hawaii, #1 in Serbia, a 91-year-old...

The award-winning singer, musician, and songwriter celebrates the release of her 7th album, "The Death of Cool," this week. Produced by Squirrel Nut Zippers' mastermind Jimbo Mathus and engineered by studio wiz Mike Napolitano, the record boasts contributions from esteemed collaborators including Eric "Roscoe" Ambel and the Zippers' own Dr. Sick. Having spent years sailing tall ships around the world, Daphne navigates to the choppy waters of Snake and Jake’s where the Troubled Men are well aware they will all wind up in the drink.

Topics include "Welcome in," social division, the mailman, a hall pass, a...

The stand-up comic, producer, writer, model, and podcast host is a veteran of the L.A. and New Orleans comedy scenes with a new series "Rosie Tran Presents" now available on Amazon Prime. In her comedy special on Peacock, "Saigon Honey," Rosie draws on her background growing up in New Orleans as a first generation Vietnamese-American. Tonight she laughs it up with the Troubled Men.

Topics include French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest prep, mobile toothbrushing, a ruptured sewer line, a Titanic auction, a surprise guest, the Alice Harte-Edna Karr-Ben Franklin pipeline, Algiers, a comic boyfriend, the Howlin...

The master drummer and percussionist with Bonerama, Lynn Drury, the Pimps of Joytime, and the Joe Krown Trio has also played with Anders Osborne, Tab Benoit, Karl Denson, and Ellis Marsalis. His recent kidney transplant, after over 10 years on dialysis, has given him a new lease on life and a long-overdue return to normalcy. With an intense festival season schedule looming, Eric finds some free time to catch up over cocktails. That new kidney will be working overtime cleaning out the toxins after his night with the Troubled Men.

Topics include street people, Tiki Tuesday, young love...

The singer, guitar player, and songwriter with the Hawtsies, the Newborn Naturals, and Boogie Man Smash is also the founder and CEO of Full Tilt Records and a partner in the nightclub Chickie Wah Wah. Having grown up in a mobbed-up Youngstown, Ohio, with a Lou Reed/Velvet Underground obsession during the collapse of the steel industry, he's no stranger to the seedy side of life. Tonight Rob takes a walk on the wild side with the Troubled Men.

Topics include Juan's wedding, Bosco from Eddie V., festival season, Frostop demolition plans, our fearless leader, "Welcome in,"...

The Grammy Award-winning guitarist with Chubby Carrier and Tyron Benoit also played with departed local legends Michael Ward and Dino Kruse. Under the Choupic Sessions umbrella, he releases recordings from his long-running songwriting collective. Once a regular at Snake and Jake's, tonight Randy returns to the scene with the Troubled Men. For him, it's a definite step down.

Topics include road construction, water main breaks, a Glyn Styler recording session, a cast party at Francis Ford Coppola's, a St. Patrick's day parade, the Brain Tuner, unfunny comedies, "The Bear," Mel Brooks, smoking, a poll, a gondola crash...

The award-winning burlesque performer, producer, and founding creative director of Fleur de Tease, Burgundy Burlesque, and Burlesque Ballroom cut her teeth in the ballet world, training with the Miami Ballet and the American Ballet Theater before moving to New Orleans and embracing the resurgent burlesque movement. With Trixie Minx Productions she has assembled a full roster of classic vaudeville acts including dancers, circus performers, magicians, and aerial artists for private and corporate events. Sideshow acts...circus freaks—she'll feel right at home with the Troubled Men.

Topics include a first communion, Bosco, a water main break, locker ro...

The Honey Island Swamp Band singer, guitar and mandolin player, songwriter, and frontman spent years touring and recording with blue-eyed soul man Eric Lindell, appearing on the Conan O'Brien show along the way. His latest project, the RiverBenders with Jake Eckert, Myles Weeks, and Russ Broussard, takes a more acoustic, back-porch approach. Tonight Aaron, a former newspaper reporter, has the tables turned as he gets a good grilling from the Troubled Men.

Topics include skateboarding, a water main break, Mardi Gras parades, a snowstorm, a Sonny Landreth and the Iguanas tour, Robert Duvall RIP, Jesse Jackson RIP...

The award-winning roots rock songwriter, singer, guitarist, and bandleader was also the founding singer and bass player in the hard-touring funk jam band Juice. Releasing a series of solo albums of original songs, he's maintained a close association with recording artist and record producer Anders Osborne, who also played on the "Bridges" record released in 2025. Recently returning to performance after recovering from a stroke, Dave takes his chances tonight as he goes head to head with the Troubled Men.

Topics include Chaka Khan and Rufus, Bud Cort RIP, the Super Bowl, Black Sunday, the Olympics, Carnival parades...

The drummer, vocalist, songwriter, and bandleader of Omari Neville and the Fuel is also the son of legendary singer and percussionist Cyril Neville of the Meters and the Neville Brothers. Growing up surrounded by the funk, soul, and R&B of the family band, he expanded his musical palette with a love for Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, and New York hip hop. Fresh off the Big Easy Cruise, Omari sails into the turbulent waters of the Troubled Men Podcast, and it's every man for himself.

Topics include dog attacks, a new year, Stormy Daniels, "Melania," Trixie Minx, a...

The legendary songwriter, singer, guitarist, and author captured the spirit of a generation with her 1996 album "Diary Of A Mod Housewife," then chronicled her formative years in the NYC underground in her celebrated memoir, "Girl To City." The followup, "Girl To Country," covers her time as a single mother in the Nashville songwriting scene. Touring in support of the new book and her latest album, "Hang In There With Me," produced by her punk rock luminary husband, Wreckless Eric, Amy joins René in the Feral Zone to connect all the dots.

Topics include an ice storm, the F...

The acclaimed drummer, percussionist, bandleader, and instructor has played with an astounding list of artists including Randy Brecker, John Scofield, Astrud Gilberto, Liza Minnelli, and Sammie Davis Jr. as well as New Orleans heroes James Booker, George Porter, Willie Tee, Earl Turbinton, and Wynton and Branford Marsalis. He's also played on dozens of soundtracks including the Oscar-winning score to "The Shape of Water." Living in Paris for the last 25 years, Jeff returns to New Orleans for a visit and enters the Feral Zone with René and guest cohost Dave Clements for a thorough debriefing.

Topics include Doug B...

The award-winning singer, guitarist, and songwriter with the Neptunes, Thousand $ Car, the Rhodes Tavern Troubadours, King Soul, and FLACK started his first band with Steve Watson and Pete Gordon in middle school, and were packing D.C. clubs with underage kids throughout high school. Back in town to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Kingpin, Jake joins René in the Feral Zone to discuss the long, strange trip.

Topics include the 1990s, early sets, Elvis 45s, Blue Velvet Studio, Tom Stern, songwriting, youth hockey, NRBQ, Ft. Reno, D.C. punk rock, Marion Barry, a summer job, Sean M...

The beloved songwriter, guitarist, singer, and bandleader of the Milwaukeeans and Tomorrow Sound has counted Joe Ely, Bonnie Raitt, Nick Lowe, and Pat McLaughlin among his long-time supporters and collaborators. With the release of his latest self-titled record, produced by Alex Hall, Paul joins René in the Feral Zone to discuss making the record and their shared history in the rock and roll circus.

Topics include a return visit to Milwaukee, the British invasion, Midwestern soul music, local radio, record collections, a pivotal arts festival, the Art Blakey Band, Bobby Watson, a Florida college, learning guitar, the W...

The guitarist and singer with the Susan Cowsill band has also logged time with Amanda Shaw, Gal Holiday's Honky Tonk Revue, and Dirty Mouth, all while holding down a steady gig on Bourbon St. for the past decade. It's the final episode of the year, so Dave and the Troubled Men convene at the Christmas Club Lounge to contemplate the sacred and the profane. The Struggle Continues.

Topics include Chanukah, a gift box recap, more bar mail, Rob Reiner's murder, other celebrity deaths, a speed camera hearing, a local terrorist arrest, dementia tests, a White House ceremony...

The world-renowned drummer, composer, and music instructor's resume includes stints playing with Jaco Pastorius, John Scofield, Gil Evans, Tania Maria, Herbie Mann, Bobby McFerrin, and David "Fathead" Newman. Teaching at New York's Drummers Collective, the University of New Orleans, and the Heritage School of Music, he has been a sought-after mentor for generations of the country's top drummers. While Ricky's days traveling with the circus are far behind him, his session with the Troubled Men proves he still fits in with the sideshow freaks.

Topics include a Raiders' controversy, a birthday lunch, Iran-Contra, a mysterious package, ICE...

The young guitarist, singer, and songwriter performing with Maggie Koerner, Lynn Drury, Dave Jordan, and the recent New Orleans edition of "The Last Waltz" also plays with his own groups including Cosmic Gumbo, Krewe DeBauchery, and the satirical Christmas-themed Hunks of Coal. Using the esoteric B-Bender bridge, he creates ethereal steel guitar effects reminiscent of classic country recordings. With the release of the first single from his forthcoming solo album, Max drops in on the Troubled Men to brighten the mood in the waning days of a trying year. Hope is not for the weak.

Topics include...

The acclaimed fine art photographer and photojournalist published several photo books while still in undergraduate school. "Project 504-907" contrasted his native New Orleans with Fairbanks, Alaska, where he earned an MFA in photography. Now pursuing a PhD in anthropology, he's conducting a series of interviews with local musicians concerning the state of the scene pre- and post-Katrina. Young people with energy and artistic drive like Miles give the Troubled Men hope for the future. Then again, it could just be the cocktails kicking in.

Topics include Dog Night, pita pockets, a Thanksgiving brunch, Others Day, "A Family...

The Grammy-nominated singer, guitar player, songwriter, and record producer has released 16 solo albums and collaborated with luminaries including Steve Albini, Buck Owens, Lucinda Williams, the Mekons, and NRBQ's Al Anderson. Playing in New Orleans on a tour supporting his excellent new record, "Now Then," Robbie slips into the Feral Zone with René, in the circular safety of the world-famous Carousel Bar.

Topics include Marigny Studios, the Beat Exchange, Alex Chilton, "High Priest," a Quaker school, a musical family, Columbia University, NYC, moving to Chicago, the Old Town School of Folk Music, comedy, humor in music, Johnny Paycheck, "C...

He's a two-time Grammy Award-winning recording engineer, record and video producer, and owner of the new Uptown audio visual production facility, Sound From Space. Mentored by legends Ellis Marsalis and Keith Keller, among others, he's gone on to make records with Dr. John, B.B. King, Galactic, Rebirth Brass Band, and Allen Toussaint. Tonight Chris faces the music with the Troubled Men, and there are no second takes.

Topics include the Mercury Lounge, Houston St., Armistice Day, Guillermo del Toro, bullfights, PETA commercials, TV preachers, delinquent tenants, Sally Kirkland RIP, ethics violations, Sheriff Michelle Woodfork, NLP, Reefer...

The organ and piano ace who's toured with Bonerama, Dr. John's final band, and the Take Me to the River AllStars has also played or recorded with Nicholas Payton, Nora Jones, Stanton Moore, Johnny Vidacovich, Big Chief Donald Harrison, several Marsalises, and his own Joe Ashlar Organ Trio. He first became obsessed with keyboards at 4 years old after seeing Herbie Hancock perform "Rockit" on Sesame Street, and was averaging two gigs a week by age 10. Coming to New Orleans in 2007 to play on a Galactic side project with Simon Lott, he quickly found a welcoming music scene and a...

The novelist, filmmaker, and publisher of Dirty Magick Magazine is also a college professor and director of the absurdist band showcase "Escape from the Secret Lab." He spent years living in Beverly Hills with a rock star while hobnobbing with indie film darlings, writing screenplays, and accumulating massive debt. With his fourth novel "Midnight Brew" coming out this month, Charlie joins the Troubled Men to see if he can escape from the Christmas Club Lounge. Tune in and find out.   Topics include the World Series, the Maui Jazz and Blues Fest, Geritol, Halloween, a flight mishap, the No Kings protest, W...

The guitarist, songwriter, and singer with John “Papa" Gros, Adam Pearce, and Layla Musselwhite has teamed up with a supergroup of veteran sidemen as Captain Buckles, now celebrating the release of "Hurry Up," their first full-length album. Alex and bandmates Smitti Supab, Phil Breen, Rob Davis, and EZ Smith  are taking the wheel and are charting their own course. Tonight Alex sails into the Christmas Club and ties up with the Troubled Men. Any port in a storm.
Topics include election results, Helena Moreno, sour grapes, a captured fugitive, a Mark Sanchez stabbing, John Madden, Diane Keaton RIP, “Baby Boom...

The award-winning cartoonist, animator, and illustrator behind Mogihead comics is a founding member of the 24-hour Draw-A-Thon, the comics editor for Antigravity magazine, and board president of the Krewe of 'tit Rex, where his handmade micro “Qomix" are a much sought-after parade throw. His early obsession with Charles Schulz's "Peanuts” comic strip and preteen exposure to a Bunny Matthews' "Vic & Nat'ly" book convinced him to pursue a career as a comic artist. Having recently won "Best Film" in the 48 Hour Film Project competition, he and his Cut Dat Out Productions animation team will travel to Portugal to compete in the...

The legendary singer, guitarist, and songwriter, once named artist of the decade, started with the Nuns in the early days of the San Francisco punk scene and opened for the Sex Pistols' final show. Later forming Rank and File with ex-Dils Chip and Tony Kinman, he went on to start the True Believers with brother Javier before launching a solo career that has yielded 20 albums. His latest release is the striking "Echo Dancing," revisiting earlier compositions with recontextualized treatments. While on a recent tour stop in New Orleans, Alejandro enters the Feral Zone with René at a notorious downtown h...

The singer, guitarist , accordion player, and songwriter has been barnstorming the festival circuit in advance of his "Mid-City" album. After growing up in Houma, Louisiana, in a musical family with blues titan brother Tab Benoit and studying with Elaine Aiken at the Actors Conservatory in NYC, Tyron was destined for a career in showbiz. Two combat tours with the U.S. Marines during Operation Desert Storm gave him all the tools he needed to fend off the Troubled Men.   Topics include a sleeping giant, a birthday dinner, an Icelandic vacation, an assassination, Robert Redford RIP, the Devo documentary, a David D...

The veteran tenor saxophone player grew up with family friends Louis Prima and Sam Butera as his mentors, becoming bandleader of his own group the Emperors at age 12. By 17, Johnny was playing the biggest clubs on Bourbon St., later working with recording stars including Freddy Fender, Ernie K-Doe, Dr. John, Frankie Ford, Sam Cooke, and Kenny Rogers. Now with Vince Vance and the Valiants, the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductee drops in for a sit-down with the Troubled Men. It's an offer they can't refuse.

Topics include an attack ad, campaign finance, the Best Life pharmacy, Sidney...

The 3rd-generation multi-instrumentalist spent his formative years in his family band, Ovi G. and Los Ranas (the Froggies), the latest incarnation of a group started in the 1940s by his grandfather as a marimba orchestra in Guatemala. Growing up in New Orleans with his master musician father, Ovi started playing professionally at 8 years old, and eventually was recruited to be a drummer at NOCCA. Now a working musician in bands including Margie Perez, Vivas, Victor Campbell and Jafet Perez, and Los Tremolo Kings, Ovi sits in with the Troubled Men in an attempt to elevate the proceedings. It's worth a...