PODCAST · music
The Shadow People
by Nigel Hall, Derrick Freeman
Welcome to The Shadow People, a podcast where New Orleans musicians Nigel Hall and Derrick Freeman bring their unfiltered, unapologetic, and often hilarious takes on politics, music, sports, and the chaos of life. From behind-the-scenes tales of musician life to spirited debates about controversial internet comments and the state of pop culture, The Shadow People keeps it real, raw, and unpredictable. Whether you're here for the jokes, the insight, or just to feel like you're hanging with two of NOLA's finest, this is the podcast you didn’t know you needed.
Episodes
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The Shadow People Ep38 - Nigel’s Birthday, Earth Wind & Fire & Getting Older
No guest. No grand agenda. Nigel Hall checks in remotely from the road on his birthday, Derrick Freeman holds things down in New Orleans, and Danny Abel eventually wanders into the studio to join the foolishness.A rare day off has Nigel thinking about birthdays, gratitude, getting older, staying...
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The Shadow People Ep37 - The United States of New Orleans
Nigel Hall is home for exactly two days, which apparently is just enough time to sit down with Derrick Freeman, Jelly Joseph, and Danny Abel for another episode of The Shadow People.This one starts with Nigel’s eye twitching from tour life, Jelly in her birthday mumu era, and the whole room…
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The Shadow People Ep36 - Jelly Joseph Joins The Shadow People
The Shadow People are back, and this one comes with a new addition to the family. Nigel Hall and Derrick Freeman catch up after a little time away, get into the Nolan Wells story and the exhausting reality of trying to make sense of things that still don’t make sense, then somehow end up deep in...
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The Shadow People Ep35 - MJ Biopic, Danny Demoted to Cowbell, Knicks in Finals
Nigel Hall, Derrick Freeman, and Danny Abel are back for another episode of The Shadow People. This week: the Michael Jackson rabbit hole continues, Danny tells the story of getting sent to Europe only to end up playing cowbell through the longest second line in Copenhagen history, the crew talks...
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The Shadow People Ep34 – Zach Mama: From Paris to 50 States, Comedy, Jazz & Life on the Road
TITLE: The Shadow People Ep34 – Zach Mama: From Paris to 50 States, Comedy, Jazz & Life on the Road DESCRIPTION: French-born comedian, drummer, world traveler, and all-around wild man Zach Mama joins The Shadow People for one of the most unpredictable conversations we've had yet. Before becoming…
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The Shadow People Ep. 33 – George Porter Jr., The Meters, Jazz Fest Stories & the Legendary P-Bass
This week on The Shadow People, Derrick Freeman and Nigel Hall sit down with the legendary bassist of The Meters for a conversation that somehow manages to feel like a history lesson, a backstage hang, a musicians’ therapy session, and an old neighborhood bar conversation all at once.George talks...
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The Shadow People Ep32 - Whistle Monster, Good Vibes vs Bad News & Saints Talk
The legendary Leroy Mitchell, better known as Whistle Monster, pulls up to the studio and the conversation is already in motion.We drop in mid-stream as Leroy reflects on turning 59 and what actually matters when life starts getting real. What begins as a story about his former therapist takes a...
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The Shadow People Ep31 - Doug Belote, Drum Lore, Studio Life & Ridiculous Impressions
Part 1 of this split episode brings Doug Belote into the room, which means two things are guaranteed: deep drummer talk and hilarious hijinks.Doug sits down with Nigel and Derrick to talk about coming up between Lafayette and New Orleans, learning by listening, and getting his real education the...
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The Shadow People Ep30 - Soaking, Jam Cruise Tears & A Mardi Gras Reality Check
This episode opens in the most unhinged way possible and somehow still lands exactly where it should.Nigel learns what “soaking” is on air. We apologize in advance. After the chaos, the conversation turns into something genuinely beautiful. Nigel talks about bringing his son on Jam Cruise for the...
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The Shadow People Ep29 - Raj Smoove: Cash Money Tours & the Gallier Hall DJ Debate
Nigel’s out on the road, so Derrick holds it down in-studio with a real New Orleans legend: DJ Raj Smoove a.k.a. the “world’s greatest DJ” (self-appointed, but… also kind of true).Raj walks us through coming up in Gentilly, learning the craft the hard way (crates, records, no shortcuts), and how...
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The Shadow People Ep28 – Puff, Petty & a New Orleans Christmas
The Shadow People hit their one–year anniversary with a holiday episode that somehow manages to be equal parts true-crime autopsy, sports therapy session, and Christmas group hug.Nigel and Derrick kick things off with a deep dive into the new Diddy documentary produced by 50 Cent: the year of…
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The Shadow People Ep27 - Cokeheads in Charge and Tribute Yourself
Back in the studio after a couple months on the road, Nigel and Derrick get right to it. Nigel’s fresh off Europe, Australia, Tokyo, Hawaii, and a stop at Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco, and the contrast between “the world” and “home” hits hard. The fellas talk travel whiplash, culture…
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The Shadow People Ep26 - Danny Deep Dive with the Assistant DA
Nigel is somewhere over the Pacific. Danny slides from the dark corner into the hot lights. We talk Mississippi childhood, art schools, Tulane to UNO, Marsalis and Peterson lore, and the strange path from guitar ensemble to Guitarmy. There is a Hornets band saga, a Pelicans kid-night meltdown…
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The Shadow People Ep25 - Juice's Journey, D'Angelo, & NOLA's New Mayor
Episode 25 opens like a family room. Nigel’s voice drops in from the road, Lettuce dates on the horizon, and a heavy moment reflecting on losing heroes and what that does to musicians our age. Julian “Juice” joins as guest host, part New Orleans memory book, part announcement of a new chapter....
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The Shadow People Ep24 - Nigel in Barcelona, Lettuce Talk, Saints Realism & More
Nigel Live from Barcelona: Jazzy Jeff Sessions, Lettuce’s “Rising to the Top,” + SE Mic LoveNigel checks in from Europe with road stories, studio heat, and a little airline chaos. From recording with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Corey Fonville, and rising vocalist Ronnie Lux, to Lettuce’s new take on Kenny...
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The Shadow People Ep23 - Yolanda Ross on The Chi, NYC Grind, and Life After Jada
What happens when you hand the mic to Jelly on her birthday, invite Yolanda Ross fresh off her run on The Chi, and let Derrick cook? You get one of the most heartfelt and funniest episodes yet.Yolanda opens up about growing up in Omaha, chasing fashion before acting found her, and the unlikely…
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The Shadow People Ep22 - Live at Tipitina's!
Tipitina’s is home court for working musicians, and the room feels it. LBJ sets the table, Derrick and Nigel bring the friendly chaos, and the Shadow Band turns the stage lights into a living room. What follows is pure New Orleans: road stories and weather jokes, a tender moment about fathers and...
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The Shadow People Ep21 - Corey Glover on Living Colour, Platoon & Rock’s Untold Stories
Corey Glover — legendary frontman of Living Colour, actor in Platoon, and Broadway’s Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar — joins Derrick Freeman and Nigel Hall for a raw, hilarious, and inspiring deep-dive into his career. From grinding in Brooklyn rehearsal spaces with Vernon Reid to scoring a…
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The Shadow People Ep20 - Patrice Rushen
In a beautifully introspective episode, legendary musician and composer Patrice Rushen joins Nigel Hall and Derrick Freeman to discuss the artistry, humor, and profound wisdom behind her prolific musical journey. Renowned for her iconic hit "Forget Me Nots," Patrice's groundbreaking career spans...
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The Shadow People Ep19 - DJ Soul Sister
Listening to DJ Soul Sister talk about music feels like stumbling upon a secret library filled with records you've only ever dreamed existed, each groove worn deep by a thousand loving spins. In this episode of The Shadow People, hosts Nigel Hall and Derrick Freeman sit down with the beloved New...
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The Shadow People Ep18 - Anjelika "Jelly" Joseph Returns!
In Episode 18 of The Shadow People Podcast, Grammy-winning musician Nigel Hall welcomes back the beloved Anjelika "Jelly" Joseph, who fills in while Derrick enjoys a much-deserved vacation in Mexico. Nigel and Jelly conduct an honest, heartfelt, and often hilarious conversation covering music,...
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The Shadow People Ep17 - Juneteenth, Sly Stone, and LBJ!
In this very special episode of The Shadow People, we welcome the esteemed Lebron Joseph aka LBJ to the studio to discuss New Orleans' complicated historical handling of Juneteenth, the ways in which the media game has changed, and the legacy of Sly Stone (RIP). LBJ has been a broadcaster in New...
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The Shadow People Ep16 - The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff (Pt. 2)
In Part 2 of our conversation with the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff, we examine more deeply the truth behind the music industry: mastering myths, artistic ego checks, and what it really means to create music that moves people.Jeff talks candidly about the modern music landscape, why mixing and…
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The Shadow People Ep15 - The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff (Pt. 1)
DJ Jazzy Jeff on Philly, Neo-Soul, & Why You Need to Release Your MusicIn this monumental episode of The Shadow People, Nigel and Derrick sit down with the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff for an insightful and wide-ranging conversation. From his early production days in Philly to the birth of Jill…
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The Shadow People Ep14 - Jazz Fest Highs, Tourist Lows & Why America Looks Bad Abroad
Jazz Fest is over and The Shadow People are back—tired, reflective, and ready to speak on it. In this episode, hosts Derrick Freeman and Nigel Hall share raw, funny, and emotional stories from this year’s Jazz Fest, including a show-stopping set with Nikki Glaspie and their crew at the Maple…
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The Shadow People Ep13 - Nikki Glaspie
Drummer, bandleader, and all-around powerhouse Nikki Glaspie (Dumpstaphunk, Beyoncé, The Nth Power) joins Derrick and Nigel for a raw, hilarious, and revealing episode of The Shadow People. From playing stadiums with Beyoncé to mushroom-fueled tours through Colorado, Nikki shares the road-tested...
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The Shadow People Ep12 - Jazz Fest, Dumpstaphunk & No Covers w/ Alex Wasily
It’s Jazz Fest season in New Orleans, and The Shadow People are back with a heavy-hitting episode featuring trombonist, arranger, and all-around musical badass Alex Wasily—best known for his work with Dumpstaphunk, Earth Wind & Power, and the Very Good Mondays series.Alex joins Nigel Hall…
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The Shadow People Ep11 - Festival Season & 70s Musician Draft
It’s Festival Season in New Orleans, and The Shadow People are back with another killer episode. Nigel Hall and Derrick Freeman dive into French Quarter Fest highlights, Jazz Fest prep, and the legendary hustle of gig life in the city.Then, things get funky as the crew holds the first-ever 70s...
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The Shadow People Ep10 - 50 Cent's Election Text, Thieving Pastors, & Mega-Church Madness
Episode 10 of The Shadow People Podcast is here, and Nigel Hall & Derrick Freeman have plenty to unpack—starting with Louisiana's wild recent election where Governor Jeff Landry’s proposed amendments were unanimously rejected. Find out why Derrick was baffled by receiving a personal voting…
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The Shadow People Ep9 - Ivan Neville Talks Neville Brothers, Wild Stories, & Festival Secrets
In Episode 9 of The Shadow People Podcast, Derrick Freeman and Nigel Hall sit down with legendary New Orleans musician Ivan Neville (Dumpstaphunk, Neville Brothers, The Rolling Stones). Ivan dives deep, sharing powerful stories from his wild early days, behind-the-scenes adventures touring with…
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The Shadow People Ep8 feat. Angelika "Jelly" Joseph - NOLA Culture, Mardi Gras, and Societal Harmony
Ever wonder what Mardi Gras is like for the musicians who keep the city moving? 🎷🎭In this episode, Angelika “Jelly” Joseph (Tank and the Bangas, Galactic) joins Derrick Freeman and Nigel Hall to talk about the real Mardi Gras experience—not just as locals, but as artists balancing the chaos…
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The Shadow People Ep7 - Jam Cruise, Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest
Nigel Hall is back in the studio after a long tour, reflecting on road life, the highs and lows of performing, and how self-care keeps him grounded. Derrick Freeman and Nigel discuss mental health in the music industry, losing loved ones, and how artists carry the weight of cultural…
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The Shadow People Ep6 - Nigel on Tour, Super Bowl, and Who Really Makes America Great?
In The Shadow People Episode 6, Nigel Hall checks in from Miami before boarding Jam Cruise while Derrick Freeman holds it down at home. They dive into Kendrick Lamar’s cultural impact, the stupidity of Kanye, and the Super Bowl’s unexpected moments—from Philly’s domination to Trump’s awkward...
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Bonus Mini Episode! "Nigel’s Food for Thought: Commanders, Eagles, & Super Bowl Madness"
Nigel Hall is on the road, so naturally, Drew & H.W. took it upon themselves to… take over. 🚨Welcome to this very official, absolutely authorized, and in no way hijacked mini-episode of The Shadow People. Nigel’s "Food for Thought" segment is here, but not before Drew & H.W. derail things...
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The Shadow People Ep5 - Fires, Community & Greed (w/ Eric Krasno, Raquel Rodriguez & John Notto)
In Episode 5 of The Shadow People, hosts Nigel Hall and Derrick Freeman are joined by an incredible lineup of guests: Grammy-winning guitarist Eric Krasno, singer-songwriter Raquel Rodriguez, and guitarist John Otto. Together, they dive into the devastating fires in Pasadena and Altadena, shining…
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The Shadow People Ep4 - New Year, New Orleans, and the Fate of Live Music
Episode 4 of The Shadow People Podcast is a lively, thought-provoking, and deeply personal exploration of life, music, and society. Hosted by acclaimed New Orleans musicians Derrick Freeman and Nigel Hall, this episode touches on the recent New Year’s events that shook the city, offering…
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The Shadow People Ep3 - Deck the Halls, Not Your Family!
Join Nigel Hall and Derrick Freeman as they sleigh their way into Episode 3 of The Shadow People! From holiday highs to seasonal struggles, this episode is a chaotic, hilarious, and heartfelt exploration of Christmas traditions, wild family stories, and their ultimate top (and bottom) holiday…
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The Shadow People Ep2 - Drake’s Defamation, Jazz Grammys, and New Orleans Sports Despair
In this episode of The Shadow People, Nigel Hall and Derrick Freeman dive into the absurdity of Drake’s legal moves, debate the legitimacy of Andre 3000’s controversial Grammy nomination, and vent their frustrations about the current state of New Orleans sports teams. From the Pelicans’ woes to…
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The Shadow People Ep1 - Why Voter Engagement, Mike Tyson, and Shower Etiquette Matter
In the premiere episode of The Shadow People, Nigel Hall and Derrick Freeman launch their podcast with humor, insight, and raw honesty. They kick things off with a discussion about the power of voter engagement and how communities can drive real change, before sharing their unique takes on Mike...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to The Shadow People, a podcast where New Orleans musicians Nigel Hall and Derrick Freeman bring their unfiltered, unapologetic, and often hilarious takes on politics, music, sports, and the chaos of life. From behind-the-scenes tales of musician life to spirited debates about controversial internet comments and the state of pop culture, The Shadow People keeps it real, raw, and unpredictable. Whether you're here for the jokes, the insight, or just to feel like you're hanging with two of NOLA's finest, this is the podcast you didn’t know you needed.
HOSTED BY
Nigel Hall, Derrick Freeman
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Shadow People have?
The Shadow People currently has 39 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Shadow People about?
Welcome to The Shadow People, a podcast where New Orleans musicians Nigel Hall and Derrick Freeman bring their unfiltered, unapologetic, and often hilarious takes on politics, music, sports, and the chaos of life. From behind-the-scenes tales of musician life to spirited debates about controversial...
How often does The Shadow People release new episodes?
The Shadow People has 39 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Shadow People?
You can listen to The Shadow People 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 The Shadow People?
The Shadow People is created and hosted by Nigel Hall, Derrick Freeman.
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