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PODCAST · music

Obligations at the Lounge

by Ryan Scully and Howie Huber

A podcast from New Orleans about the current events, history, and tall-tales surrounding infamous BJ's Lounge and its Ninth Ward neighborhood.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Aug 13, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. OATL37: Chris Olsen!!! Music by Clint Maedgen!

    Obligations lives!!! (We were just on summer break.) Howie and Scully are back with special guest: influencer and French Quarter vintage clothing store owner Chris Olsen. He popped into the King Room to discuss his journey into French Quarter small business advocacy and beyond. He shares how...

  2. OATL36 - Sabine McCalla!!! Live Music from The Helots!

    Singer/Songwriter, BJ's Bartender and Bestie Sabine McCalla stops by the King Room to tell Scully and Howie about her new single that just dropped on Garhole Records and the upcoming full album release. She shares stories of growing up with Haitian activist parents, living in Africa for two years...

  3. OATL 35: Morning 40's Rick Hukill!!! Live Music from Conor Donohue!

    Rick stops by the King Room to talk to Howie and Scully about growing up in Onion Town, Hanging in Athens, GA during its heyday, being saved from certain death by the late Paris Nesbit who also wrote a song about Rick (featured mid-interview), being forced by the law man to take an alias and hide...

  4. OATL34: Nancy Montoya!!! Live Music from Slow Motion Cowboys!

    Queen of Krewe of Dreux (and basically the universe), Nancy Montoya pops into the King Room to talk to Howie and Scully about how much she loves the Lounge. She shares how the late Gilbert Lopez introduced her to BJ's almost 30 years ago and how it remains dear to her heart. She tells of being a...

  5. OATL33: Jazz Fest with Robin Rapuzzi!!! Music by Tuba Skinny!

    Robin walks a block and a half from his house to join Howie and Scully in the King Room for a chat about our beloved neighborhood. He tells how he came to New Orleans looking for inspiration many years ago and how he continues to find it; he explains what its like to play multiple instruments in...

  6. OATL32: WWOZ MEETS OBLIGATIONS w/ AJ "The Boudin Man" Rodrigue!!!

    The Boudin Man joins Howie and Scully in the King Room to discuss DJ'ing on WWOZ, restarting his father's old record label, and the importance of giving Ninth Ward musicians their due. He tell us how as a child he spent many nights recording bands with father for Houma Records. (His mother send…

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  7. OATL31: Joshua Starkman for Mayor!?!? Live Music from James McClaskey & the Rhythm Band!

    A tuxedoed "Mayor" Starkman joins Howie and Scully in the King Room for a discussion about the campaign. Yes It is real; he will be on the ballot! He shares several of his policy proposals including elimination of liability for all corporations, encouragement of bribery, expansion of bureaucracy...

  8. VOTE NO!!! on the March 29th Amendments w/ Meg Garvey

    Legislative Chair of the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Meg Garvey joins Howie and Scully to explain why all Louisiana voters should say NO!!! to the four amendments on the March 29 ballot. Hint: They are all a means by which Jeff Landry can further consolidate his power in an...

  9. Episode 30: Glass Half Full's Fran Trautmann!!! Live Music from Sabine McCalla!

    Fran joins Howie and Scully in the King Room to discuss how drinking a High Life at BJ's Lounge can help restore the wetlands. She shares how she once feared the "boogey man" of coastal erosion while growing up in south Louisiana. But she channeled that into action and by college she and a couple...

  10. Episode 29 - Stop the GrainTrain w/ Kate Thorstad & Elliot Robinson! Live Music from Anna Moss!!!

    Elliot and Kate join Howie and Scully in the King Room to discuss the fight to stop the activation of the long dormant Alabo Wharf and its connecting rail lines in the lower Ninth Ward. They explain how Sunrise Foods International (Qatar, Turkey, Canada) and Port of Orleans are fast tracking a…

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  11. Christmas Special w/ Pierre the Singing Christmas Tree & Jennifer Callan

    Pierre Sings Howie, Scully, and Jennifer a Christmas dittyy; the gang sings "Twelve Bywater Days of Christmas" and Scully and Alex Pianovich sing Scully's original tune, "Forgive me Santa." BJ's wishes everyone a Merry Christmas!!!

  12. Episode 28: The Canal Will Kill NOLA! w/ Sam Bowler & Jeff Treffinger -- Live Music from Jeff Boston

    Sam and Jeff Join Howie and Scully in the King Room to discuss the fight against the canal expansion project that will have devastating effects on the thousands of people living in it's vicinity (including us at BJ's Lounge). They discuss the history of the canal and the current proposed…

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  13. BONUS!!! FRIENDSGIVING W/ JENNIFER CALLAN

    Jennifer pops into the King Room to let us know the details about the upcoming community Friendsgiving!!!

  14. Episode 27: Dive Bar Bathrooms w/ Brian Fouhy Live Music from Rough Seven

    Brian joins Howie and Scully in the King Room to the discuss the beauty of the public bathroom. His book of photography "Occupied" (published by New Heroes and Pioneers Press) captures the unique and unexpectedly compelling images of dive bar toilets including that of BJ's, J&J's, Ms. Mae's and...

  15. Episode 26: Bywater Bakery's Alton and Chaya!!! Live Music by Cuba Heat!

    Alton and Chaya come to the King Room to drop some baker's knowledge. They discuss the impact of Whole Foods decision to change the recipe of the Chantilly cake, why the public went crazy, and how the New York Times highlighted Chaya's role in the creation of the original recipe. Alton describes...

  16. Episode 25: Bruce Sunpie Barnes!!!!

    Sunpie joins Howie and Scully in the King Room to talk about music, nature, Creole culture, photography, neighborhood history, sports, and the spirit world. He describe how playing with Kansas City Chiefs was cool, but not his dream, how eating songbirds helped him ace ornithology, getting lost…

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  17. Episode 24 - Low Point's Mik Grantham!!! New Release Music by Max Bien-Kahn!

    Howie and Scully return for the first episode of their second season with Mik Grantham co-owner of Ninth Ward community hub, Low Point. They discuss coffee, books, wine, music and more. She tells of how she self published her first book of poems which led to the founding of Disorder Press - her…

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  18. Episode 23 - Parkview Lives!!! Kathy's Back!!! Live Music from Action Lady!

    For our one year anniversary we welcome the powerful, patient and beloved owner of Parkview Tavern, Kathy. She shares with us the good news that the tavern's 30 years in business has been extended (at least for a bit). She describes the real power of compromise and exhibits a sense of magnanimity...

  19. Episode 22 -- Actor Jamie Neumann!!! Live Music from Sally Baby's Silver Dollars

    Howie and Scully talk with HBO’s The Deuce star Jamie Neuman about growing up in New Orleans, how working at a bar can be an in road to opportunities, the joys of cabbage ball, what separates working on an HBO series vs. neighborhood stage productions, how important it is to not wait for your big...

  20. Episode 21: Gambit Weekly Editor John Stanton!!! Live Music from Silver Synthetic!!!

    Howie and Scully interview John Stanton about life at Gambit Weekly. They discuss how he once had his collarbone broken by Rudy Gulliani’s goons, the importance of reporting on New Orleans as a resident vs as a visitor, the joys of an occasional day drink, how urban alt-weekly’s have changed over...

  21. Episode 20: "Be Nice or Leave!!!" w/ Dr. Bob - Live Music from Coleman's Swing Set Septet

    Howie and Scully head over to Dr. Bob's compound to chat with the legendary folk artist. They find out about his time working at Hubig's Pies in his teens, how one piece of art inspired him to quit his job and become an artist, why his gallery is a "Simon free zone," how he saved Josh Cohen from...

  22. Episode 19 - Music Box's Leah Hennessy!!! Live Music from Mike Dillon and James Singleton

    Howie and Scully set up in the middle of the Music Box for an interview with Executive Director Leah Hennessy about it's past, present and future. They discuss the collaborative nature of everything they do, some of the epic performances over the years, how the Meridian Brothers brought BJ's and...

  23. Episode 18: Devin De Wulf of Krewe of Red Beans!!! New Music from Whip Appeal!

    Howie and Scully discuss working in Commander's Palace vs Doggie Daycare, the grand opening of BJ's Ninth Ward Backyard, and the great new record from Whip Appeal. They interview Krewe of Red Beans' Devin De wulf about the origins of the Krewe, how beans once burned down Beanlandia, the evolution...

  24. Episode 17: Libraries Rule!!! With Brittany Silva - Music by Night Medicine

    Howie and Scully discuss purification through illness or DMT, how its hard to get anything done from the outside, the difference between sober and drunken Mardi Gras, and release some big news about the future of the podcast. They interview the multi-talented Brittany Silva about her job as...

  25. Episode 16: Bailey Smith and Josh Cohen of Morning 40 Federation!!! New Music by Morning 40 Federation!

    Howie and Scully interview Bailey and Josh about upcoming Mardi Gras shows, the band's origins, songwriting in bars, love of the 9th Ward, why you shouldn't let the 40's stay at your house when on tour, using an answering machine to write songs, energy v. virtuosity when performing, and their...

  26. Episode 15: Cindy Wood of Vaughan's Lounge!!! Live Music from Miss Martha and Her Goodtime Gang!

    Howie and Scully go to Vaughan's and interview the matriarch of the neighborhood about 42 years of bar ownership at Dauphine and Lesseps. They discuss the upcoming Lesseps Street Block Party, how a banana tree became a bar, antics from navy chiefs, the plus's and pitfalls of barroom romances, and...

  27. Episode 14: The Saving of Sister Street with Johnny Loretta!!! Live Music from Chris Acker and We Hate Lindsay

    Scully and Howie conduct their first remote interview from the fabled Sister Street House. They interview Johnny Loretta about having just recently acquired the house (Like the day before!!!) and discuss how the space became central to the rise of the ever expanding Holy Cross Music scene. Its...

  28. Episode 13: What is the Barmuda Triangle? Jane McBride & Jennifer Callan!!! Live Music from Jackson and the Janks!

    TWO INTERVIEWS!!! First, Howie and Scully discuss their field trip to a City Planning Commission meeting on Blue Oak — What fun!!! Then back to the Lounge they interview Jane about how it feels to be the reigning BJ's Bye Week Cook off Champion for two out of the last three years and how we'll…

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  29. Episode 12: DBA's Tom Thayer!!! & Live Music from Max and the Martians

    AFTER 23 YEARS, DBA HAS CHANGED HANDS!!! Howie and Scully talk to the great Tom Thayer about why he sold the business, how Frenchman Street has changed over the years, what it takes to book great bands, the importance of a solid staff, and how to get a puking Scully of his hand and knees and back...

  30. Episode 11: John "Rebel" Carr & Live Music from Daiquiri Queens

    In this giving thanks episode, Howie and Scully discuss a successful Americana Fest, the upcoming Palestinian fundraiser, the desire to Cajun two-step, and some of the visual art that lives at the Lounge. They interview Rebel Carr about coming to BJ's in 1981, neighborhood broom factories…

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  31. Episode 10: Little Freddie King!!! Live Music from the man himself!

    Howie and Scully discuss the uproar over the previous episode's interview with Kathy from Parkview Tavern and Blue Oak's response to the attention. They also discuss the burglary of BJ's and how the community has stepped up to help in the recovery. They celebrate the 10th episode with an…

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  32. Episode 9: Kathy of Parkview Tavern!!! Live Music from Greazy Alice!

    WHY IS PARKVIEW CLOSING? Scully and Howie interview Kathy, owner of Parkview Tavern, about the 30-year history of the beloved neighborhood tavern and its unfortunate forthcoming closure due to Blue Oak Barbecue's "hostile takeover." We play two live at BJ's tracks from Parkview and BJ's regulars...

  33. Episode 8: Joe Andrews!!! Live Music from Julie Odell!

    Howie and Scully discuss the filling of a famous pothole, a new sponsor, BJ's being honored by Saveur Magazine, and the pros and cons of the new hotel going in across from the Joint. They interview the Lounge's lawn man and retired longshoreman, Joe Andrews, about the many things he loves about…

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  34. Episode 7: Wacko Wade!!! Live Music from J.J. Adams Family Band!

    Scully and Howie hear from Drew Brees and discuss the start of Who Dat! season, how to pull a Tony Soprano when your car is booted and sit down with publisher, manager, songwriter and drummer for Little Freddie King: "Wacko" Wade They talk about what is was like to be a musician in New Orleans in...

  35. Episode 6: Meschiya Lake!!! Live Music from Meschiya and Rough Seven!

    Howie and Scully are back with singer and authentic human Meschiya Lake. They discuss whether Bj's is a dive bar, Scully and Meschiya's long running friendship established one late nineties morning on the banks of Lake Michigan, having your blood lost, French Jails, eating lightbulbs, and...

  36. Episode 5: Brooke Trout Paulus!!! and the Forever Mystery of Pothole Pete and Scary Dan

    Howie and Scully discuss developments in the investigation and interview Brooke about the tunnel between Vaughan's and BJ's, clown culture, and the value of leaving somethings a mystery. We hear two tracks from Haiti's most recent gift to New Orleans: RAM.

  37. Episode 4: The Joint's Pete Breen!!! and the Continuing Mystery of Pothole Pete and Scary Dan

    Howie and Scully discuss Little Freddie King's birthday party and talk to the Joint BBQ's Pete Breen about his 20 years in the neighborhood and the joys of smoking meat. He shares his story about becoming suspect #1 and reveals the most compelling piece of evidence yet: a photo of Pothole Pete...

  38. Episode 3: Johnny Cisco!!! and the Continuing Mystery of Pothole Pete and Scary Dan

    Howie and Scully discuss the St. Claude food vendor crackdown and interview Johnny Cisco about growing up in the neighborhood and what its like to be the King of Krewe of Dreux. More information is uncovered bringing the hosts closer to uncovering who kidnapped Pothole Pete.

  39. Episode 2: The Continuing Mystery of Pothole Pete and Scary Dan w/ Special Guest Jeanne Hannan

    Howie and Scully discuss the Jukebox vs. Sonos controversy, the possible closing of Buffa's, and Interview the longtime neighbor of the Lounge Jeanne Hannan and discover past lives of BJ's Lounge (It was once a lesbian bar, was called Georges, and had an interesting tenant who lived in the bar)....

  40. The Mystery of Pothole Pete and Scary Dan

    The first episode introduces hosts Scully and Howie and sets the stage for the ongoing investigation into the mystery surrounding the disappearance and return of Pothole Pete. Jennifer Callan, neighbor and regular at the bar is interviewed, revealing details of the event which lead to more...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

A podcast from New Orleans about the current events, history, and tall-tales surrounding infamous BJ's Lounge and its Ninth Ward neighborhood.

HOSTED BY

Ryan Scully and Howie Huber

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Obligations at the Lounge have?

Obligations at the Lounge currently has 40 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Obligations at the Lounge about?

A podcast from New Orleans about the current events, history, and tall-tales surrounding infamous BJ's Lounge and its Ninth Ward neighborhood.

How often does Obligations at the Lounge release new episodes?

Obligations at the Lounge has 40 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Obligations at the Lounge?

You can listen to Obligations at the Lounge on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Obligations at the Lounge?

Obligations at the Lounge is created and hosted by Ryan Scully and Howie Huber.
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