Episode 13 of The Mark Romig Show brings together legendary Saints moments, New Orleans culture, and the people who make this city special.

Featured guest Thomas Morstead takes us inside the iconic Super Bowl “Ambush” onside kick, reflects on his time with the Saints, and shares what it meant to be part of a team that helped lift New Orleans after Katrina. He also opens up about the “Minnesota Miracle,” leadership, and why New Orleans has become home for his family.

In Move The Chains, NFL reporter Mike Triplett joins us to break down the Saints’ draft strategy, roster needs, and where the team stands heading into a pivotal offseason.

We also sit down with Luka Cutura of Seven Three Distilling in our On The Table segment presented by Blue Runner, whose journey from oyster boats and swamp tours to award-winning bourbon is as New Orleans as it gets. His “Whiskey Tree” story ties together Prohibition, culture, and the spirit of Louisiana.

5-Minutes with .. presented by New Orleans & Company: From the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, we highlight the tournament’s massive economic and charitable impact, along with insight from PGA Tour pro Ryan Palmer, who shares why this event — and this city — remain a favorite stop each year. Along with 2026 Zurich Chair Torie Kranze and former chair and restauranteur, Tommy Cvitanovich of Drago's Restaurant.

Plus, the crew dives into French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest, New Orleans food, and a debate on whether king cake should be year-round.

And in This Week in New Orleans, April Dupre gives you your guide to what’s happening around the city.

🎙️ It’s a full episode celebrating New Orleans through sports, food, culture, and community.

The Mark Romig Show is presented by LOVE NOLA TV
Sponsored by Blue Runner Foods, New Orleans & Company, and Visit The Northshore

The Mark Romig Show is produced by LOVE NOLA TV, the official tourism and visitor information channel of New Orleans, seen in thousands of downtown hotel rooms and locally across all major digital platforms.

🎧 Subscribe to The Mark Romig Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube
📺 Watch full episodes and clips on the LOVE NOLA TV YouTube channel
📍 Filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana

New episodes weekly.
For the love of New Orleans.

In Episode 12 of The Mark Romig Show, we bring you a powerful look at what makes New Orleans one of the most unique and resilient cities in the world.

Our Featured Guest, Walt Leger III, President & CEO of New Orleans & Company, shares how New Orleans competes on a global stage, the evolution of tourism, and why visitors continue to fall in love with the city. From major events to neighborhood experiences, Walt breaks down the strategy behind New Orleans’ success.

We also preview French Quarter Festival with Emily Madero and Troy Sawyer, highlighting one of the largest free music festivals in the country, featuring 300+ performances and incredible local food.

On On The Table (presented by Blue Runner Foods), Chef Charlie Pierre of Fritai shares the story behind his modern Haitian cuisine and the deep cultural ties between Haiti and New Orleans.

In Move The Chains, Ross Jackson of Locked On Saints breaks down the Saints’ draft strategy, key offseason moves, and what fans should expect this season.

Plus, Positively New Orleans highlights NASA’s Artemis II mission and the critical role New Orleans plays in the future of space exploration through the Michoud Assembly Facility.

🎙️ The Mark Romig Show is produced by LOVE NOLA TV, celebrating the people, culture, and stories that make New Orleans truly one of a kind.

👉 Subscribe, follow, and share to stay connected with everything New Orleans.

The Mark Romig Show is produced by LOVE NOLA TV, the official tourism and visitor information channel of New Orleans, seen in thousands of downtown hotel rooms and locally across all major digital platforms.

🎧 Subscribe to The Mark Romig Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube
📺 Watch full episodes and clips on the LOVE NOLA TV YouTube channel
📍 Filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana

New episodes weekly.
For the love of New Orleans.

This week on The Mark Romig Show, we welcome New Orleans Saints safety Justin Reid, who shares what it means to return home to Louisiana, bring a championship mindset to the Saints, and play in front of the city that raised him.

We also sit down with the family behind Deanie’s Seafood, one of New Orleans’ most iconic restaurants, to talk about tradition, fresh Gulf seafood, and what keeps locals and visitors coming back for generations.

Plus, Jim Cook, President & CEO of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, joins us to discuss the future of tourism, major developments like the Omni Headquarters Hotel, and the role conventions play in driving the city’s economy.

From sports and food to business and culture, this episode highlights what makes New Orleans truly special.

The Mark Romig Show is produced by LOVE NOLA TV, the official tourism and visitor information channel of New Orleans, seen in thousands of downtown hotel rooms and locally across all major digital platforms.

🎧 Subscribe to The Mark Romig Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube
📺 Watch full episodes and clips on the LOVE NOLA TV YouTube channel
📍 Filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana

New episodes weekly.
For the love of New Orleans.

This week on The Mark Romig Show, we bring together some of the voices and stories shaping New Orleans right now, from the Pelicans broadcast booth to major events transforming the city’s future.

Mark sits down with New Orleans Pelicans broadcasters Antonio Daniels and Joel Meyers for a conversation that goes far beyond basketball. From their 25-year friendship to their on-air chemistry, they share what makes New Orleans different from every other NBA city. We also dive into the Pelicans’ future, what fans should expect, and why building a championship team takes time.

In Move The Chains, Jay Cicero, President & CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, joins the show to talk about the incredible momentum in New Orleans sports. From the X Games and HONDO Rodeo Fest to the ongoing push for another Super Bowl, Jay explains why New Orleans continues to lead as one of the top host cities in the world.

In 5-Minutes With, James Trawick gives us a preview of the HONDO Rodeo Fest coming to the Caesars Superdome, a unique combination of elite rodeo competition and major concert performances.

On On The Table presented by Blue Runner, Becker Hall of Hogs for the Cause shares the powerful story behind one of New Orleans’ most meaningful festivals. What started as a backyard barbecue has grown into a nationally recognized event raising millions for families battling pediatric brain cancer.

We also take a look at what’s happening around the city in This Week in New Orleans with April Dupre, and close the show with Positively New Orleans, reflecting on the city’s deep-rooted traditions of faith, culture, and community.

🎙️ ABOUT THE SHOW

The Mark Romig Show is a weekly podcast celebrating the people, culture, food, music, and stories that make New Orleans unlike anywhere else.

🤝 SPONSORS

This episode is made possible by:
Blue Runner Foods
New Orleans & Company
All The Waves, the podcast from Visit The Northshore

🎥 PRODUCTION CREW

Host: Mark Romig
Executive Producers: Glenn Haggerty, Keith Haggerty
Producer & Editor: Kal Landry
Crew: Chef “Pooch” Rivera, Freddy “The Reporter” Quinn

🔔 SUBSCRIBE

Follow The Mark Romig Show on your favorite podcast platform and stay connected to everything New Orleans.

The Mark Romig Show is produced by LOVE NOLA TV, the official tourism and visitor information channel of New Orleans, seen in thousands of downtown hotel rooms and locally across all major digital platforms.

🎧 Subscribe to The Mark Romig Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube
📺 Watch full episodes and clips on the LOVE NOLA TV YouTube channel
📍 Filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana

New episodes weekly.
For the love of New Orleans.

What happens when the President of the United States unexpectedly walks into a neighborhood po’boy shop?
In Episode 9 of The Mark Romig Show, Justin Kennedy, owner of Parkway Bakery & Tavern, shares the unforgettable story of the day Barack Obama showed up unannounced during the BP oil spill.
From Secret Service surprises to serving one of the most famous customers in the world, this is a story only New Orleans could deliver.
But this episode goes far beyond one incredible moment.

🍽️ ON THE TABLE (Presented by Blue Runner Foods)
Chef Dee Lavigne of Delightful Roux Cooking School breaks down the art of roux, gumbo debates, and preserving Creole cooking traditions in Central City.

🏃 MOVE THE CHAINS
Eric & Kristen Stuart preview the Crescent City Classic and why it’s one of the most beloved races in the country, blending fitness, music, and New Orleans culture.

🎭 5 MINUTES WITH…
Legendary broadcaster Peggy Scott Laborde joins us to talk about the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival, her incredible career, and the magic of storytelling in New Orleans.

🎺 POSITIVELY NEW ORLEANS
A powerful closing on what makes this city unlike anywhere else in the world… and why its spirit continues to inspire.

🙌 SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Blue Runner Foods
Authentic Louisiana flavor made easy. A New Orleans staple for generations.
New Orleans & Company
The official destination marketing organization for New Orleans. Plan your visit at NewOrleans.com.
Visit The Northshore
Just across the lake and a world away. Explore Louisiana’s Northshore. And subscribe to All The Waves Podcast.

🎙️ ABOUT THE SHOW
Hosted by Mark Romig, the official Voice of the New Orleans Saints, The Mark Romig Show highlights the people, culture, food, and stories that make New Orleans one of the most unique cities in the world.

New episodes drop every Wednesday.

👤 GUEST BIOS
Justin Kennedy
Owner of Parkway Bakery & Tavern, one of New Orleans’ most iconic po’boy destinations, known nationwide for its classic sandwiches and local legacy.
Chef Dee Lavigne
Founder of Delightful Roux Cooking School, dedicated to preserving and teaching Creole and Cajun cuisine.
Eric & Kristen Stuart
Organizers of the Crescent City Classic, a premier 10K race attracting tens of thousands annually.
Peggy Scott Laborde
Award-winning TV host and producer, longtime host of “Steppin’ Out,” and a cornerstone of New Orleans cultural storytelling.

Production Krewe
Host: Mark Romig
Executive Producers: Glenn Haggerty, Keith Haggerty
Production Krewe: Jordan Fontenot, Chef Sean “Pooch” Rivera
Video Editor / Producer: Kal Landry

Subscribe for more episodes featuring the people and stories that make New Orleans unlike anywhere else. Watch full episodes here on YouTube and follow along for clips, interviews, and more from The Mark Romig Show.

📍 CHAPTERS
0:00 Cold Open – Obama Story Tease
0:15 Show Intro
1:00 Justin Kennedy Interview Begins
2:30 The Day Obama Walked In
8:45 Cooking for the President
12:30 Parkway’s Legacy
20:00 New Orleans Questionnaire
35:00 On The Table – Chef Dee Lavigne
48:00 Move The Chains – Crescent City Classic
1:05:00 5 Minutes With Peggy Scott Laborde
1:18:00 Positively New O

The Mark Romig Show is produced by LOVE NOLA TV, the official tourism and visitor information channel of New Orleans, seen in thousands of downtown hotel rooms and locally across all major digital platforms.

🎧 Subscribe to The Mark Romig Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube
📺 Watch full episodes and clips on the LOVE NOLA TV YouTube channel
📍 Filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana

New episodes weekly.
For the love of New Orleans.

In Episode 8 of The Mark Romig Show, we bring together an incredible lineup of guests who reflect the very best of New Orleans culture, sports, food, and entertainment.

From the LOVE NOLA TV studio on St. Charles Avenue, Mark Romig is joined by New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, Pelicans radio play-by-play voice Todd Graffagnini, restaurateur Desi Vega, and New Orleans Film Society Executive Director Dodd Loomis for a dynamic and wide-ranging conversation.

We kick things off with the krewe talking about the electric atmosphere surrounding Banana Ball at the Caesars Superdome, the return of parade season, Super Sunday, and what makes New Orleans such a unique place to live. As always, there’s a reminder that in this city, there’s always something happening.

In 5 Minutes With…, Dodd Loomis shares his vision for the New Orleans Film Society and how the organization is elevating storytelling through both education and live experiences. From the New Orleans Film Festival to the French Film Festival, Dodd explains how film in New Orleans goes far beyond the screen and becomes a fully immersive cultural experience.

Next, in Move the Chains, Todd Graffagnini breaks down the current state of the New Orleans Pelicans. He offers insight into the team’s progress since the trade deadline, the importance of player health, and what the future could hold as the young core continues to develop. Todd also reflects on his journey in broadcasting and the passion of New Orleans sports fans.

In On The Table, presented by Blue Runner Foods, Mark sits down with Desi Vega, one of the most recognizable names in New Orleans dining. Desi shares stories from his early days in the restaurant business, lessons learned from legends like Emeril Lagasse and Ruth Fertel, and how he built a group of restaurants known for both exceptional food and hospitality. From Mama’s Meatballs to the art of the perfect steak, this conversation captures the spirit of New Orleans dining.

Our featured guest is Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, who opens up about stepping into a leadership role in New Orleans, his relationship with Drew Brees, and what it means to play in a city that lives and breathes football. He also shares his experience as Grand Marshal in a Mardi Gras parade, life as a new father, and how he’s embracing the culture of New Orleans both on and off the field.

The episode wraps up with This Week in New Orleans featuring April Dupre’s top recommendations on where to eat, drink, and play, followed by Mark’s Positively New Orleans, highlighting the city’s rich performing arts tradition.

Whether you’re a lifelong New Orleanian or someone who simply loves the culture, this episode captures the energy, authenticity, and spirit that make New Orleans unlike anywhere else.

The Mark Romig Show is presented by Blue Runner Foods, New Orleans & Company, The Historic New Orleans Collection, and Visit The Northshore.

Be sure to subscribe, follow, and share as we continue to celebrate the people and stories that define New Orleans.

The Mark Romig Show is produced by LOVE NOLA TV, the official tourism and visitor information channel of New Orleans, seen in thousands of downtown hotel rooms and locally across all major digital platforms.

🎧 Subscribe to The Mark Romig Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube
📺 Watch full episodes and clips on the LOVE NOLA TV YouTube channel
📍 Filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana

New episodes weekly.
For the love of New Orleans.

From the LOVE NOLA TV studio on beautiful St. Charles Avenue, welcome to Episode 7 of The Mark Romig Show, where New Orleans culture, sports, food, tourism, and international connections all come together in one packed episode.

This week, Mark Romig is joined by an outstanding lineup: Stephanie Turner of New Orleans & Company, Chef Shawn “Pooch” Rivera of LOVE NOLA TV, Savannah Bananas catcher Bryce Grizzaffi, and Consul General of France Rodolphe Sambou.

If you love New Orleans, hit subscribe, turn on notifications, and follow along for weekly conversations celebrating the people, traditions, food, music, and ideas that make this city unlike anywhere else.

In this episode:

5-Minutes With Stephanie Turner (Presented by New Orleans & Company)
Stephanie Turner, Senior Vice President of Convention Sales and Strategies at New Orleans & Company, explains why conventions and meetings are one of the most important foundations of the New Orleans economy. While many people think of Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and major sporting events, Stephanie shares why the other 300-plus days matter just as much. She talks about booking business years into the future, the power of New Orleans’ “Built to Host” message, and why New Orleans was recently ranked among the top convention cities in the country. She also explains how walkability, hospitality, hotel partnerships, and major events like the Super Bowl all help position New Orleans as one of America’s great host cities.

On The Table with Chef Shawn “Pooch” Rivera (Presented by Blue Runner)
This week, we pull one of our own from behind the production table into the guest chair. Chef Pooch Rivera talks about his journey from Mid-City and old Metairie to the food world, his work on the globally popular Walk-In Talk podcast, and the launch of the new Love To Eat New Orleans podcast under the LOVE NOLA TV umbrella. Pooch shares his passion for telling the food story of New Orleans from the inside out, not just through celebrity chefs but through home cooks, bartenders, dishwashers, oyster shuckers, waiters, and everyone who keeps the hospitality engine running. This is a great conversation about culture, memory, food lineage, and why meals can bring peace.

Move The Chains with Bryce Grizzaffi
Savannah Bananas catcher and Morgan City native Bryce Grizzaffi joins the show ahead of Banana Ball coming to the Caesars Superdome. Bryce talks about growing up in South Louisiana, playing at Southeastern Louisiana and Lamar, and the wild way he got discovered by the Bananas through Instagram. He explains what fans should expect from Banana Ball: nonstop action, dancing, music, fan interaction, comedy, and a baseball experience unlike anything else. If you have never seen the Savannah Bananas, this interview is your perfect introduction. Bryce also talks about Louisiana food, the energy he expects from New Orleans fans, and why Banana Ball is built for entertainment.

Featured Guest: Rodolphe Sambou
Consul General of the French Republic, Rodolphe Sambou, joins Mark for a fascinating conversation about the enduring relationship between France and Louisiana. He discusses the historic depth of those ties, the work of the French consulate, French immersion education, tourism, trade, culture, and why Louisiana holds such a unique place in France’s view of the United States. He also shares stories about Pr

The Mark Romig Show is produced by LOVE NOLA TV, the official tourism and visitor information channel of New Orleans, seen in thousands of downtown hotel rooms and locally across all major digital platforms.

🎧 Subscribe to The Mark Romig Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube
📺 Watch full episodes and clips on the LOVE NOLA TV YouTube channel
📍 Filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana

New episodes weekly.
For the love of New Orleans.

Episode 6 of The Mark Romig Show celebrates the culture, cuisine, sports, and spirit that define New Orleans.

This week’s featured guests include:

🍽 Chef Frank Brigtsen – Celebrating 40 years of Creole excellence at Brigtsen’s and sharing stories from Commander’s Palace, K-Paul’s, and his new cookbook The Color of Flavor.

🍴 Chef Brian Landry – The “King of Seafood” joins us On The Table to talk Jack Rose, the Ponchartrain Hotel, QED Hospitality, and preserving Creole roots while evolving cuisine.

🏈 Doug Mouton – WWL-TV Sports Director brings Saints optimism, reflections on 2006 and Drew Brees’ Hall of Fame legacy, plus a look ahead to the Saints heading to Paris.

🚀 Sam McCabe – Director of New Orleans Entrepreneur Week previews NOEW and discusses why community is New Orleans’ entrepreneurial superpower.

⚓ Positively New Orleans – Mark highlights Sail 250 New Orleans as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration along the Mississippi River.

From culinary legends to civic leadership, from Superdome memories to tall ships on the river, Episode 6 showcases why New Orleans continues to inspire.

Filmed at the LOVE NOLA TV studio on historic St. Charles Avenue.

Subscribe for weekly episodes celebrating the people, culture, music, food, and spirit of New Orleans.

The Mark Romig Show is produced by LOVE NOLA TV, the official tourism and visitor information channel of New Orleans, seen in thousands of downtown hotel rooms and locally across all major digital platforms.

🎧 Subscribe to The Mark Romig Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube
📺 Watch full episodes and clips on the LOVE NOLA TV YouTube channel
📍 Filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana

New episodes weekly.
For the love of New Orleans.