Episode 142: A Louisiana Dolphin Rescue Story

07/13/23 • 31 min

When hurricanes rumble from the Gulf, the high winds and storm surges sometimes re-locate unwilling sea mammals into surrounding land masses and waterways. That happened after Hurricane Ida in 2021, which displaced a dolphin into a bay near Grand Isle.

While the bay water was ecologically sound to support the new arrival, it offered no access to the Gulf. With the cooperation of several sea life specialist, plans were made to re-locate the mammal who during the interim had delivered a calf that swam at her side.

Gabriella Vazquez, the Audubon Nature Institute’s Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding and Rehab Coordinator, joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with podcast producer Kelly Massicot to tell the tale of a relocation that required scientific knowledge, skill, strong backs and good hearts.

We will also hear what the staff named the two dolphins and how researchers are able keep up with their whereabouts.

We will also hear what the staff named the two dolphins and how researchers are able keep up with their whereabouts.

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Episode 141: Billy Nungesser - Lt. Gov. Takes on Diversion Projects and Global Tourism

In 2010, during the time that Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser was Plaquemines Parish’s President, the BP Oil Spill took place. He became immersed in the issue, so much that the national media referred to him as the “Face of the Spill.” As Lt. Gov., Nungesser has additional battles including developing and promoting tourism.

Nugesser joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with podcast producer Kelly Massicot, to express strong feelings about diversion projects as well as attracting visitors to the state. We will also hear about his recent trip to Australia and New Zealand.

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Episode 143: Farming in the Neighborhood

Who would have thought that there would be a working farm on Jackson Avenue right in the heart of Uptown amid the mansions and the magnolias?

Well, there is, and it is more than tomato plants stuck in the ground but all kinds of vegetables and fruits grown scientifically—all part of the urban farm movement . Michael Richard, farm director for Recirculating Farms – a non-profit group committed to being ecologically resourceful yet bountiful in its produce – joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde, along with podcast producer Kelly Massicot to talk about how serious farming can be developed in urban neighborhoods. He also explains the process and benefits of water recirculation.