On episode four of the third season of the Between Bites podcast, Nina Compton and Larry Miller sit down with Samir Mowad, General Manager of Caesars New Orleans.

Samir shares his journey from growing up in New Orleans to overseeing the transformation of Harrah’s into Caesars. He reflects on his childhood memories of the French Quarter and Saints and LSU games, highlighting his deep personal connection to the city.

Samir takes us behind the scenes of the massive Caesars renovation, discussing the challenges of rebranding, managing guest experiences during construction, and adapting to the post-pandemic hospitality landscape. He also dives into the impact of legalized sports betting, the Caesars Superdome partnership, and the excitement surrounding the casino’s new luxury hotel with its stunning views of Canal Street and the Mississippi River.

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On episode three of the third season of the Between Bites podcast, Nina Compton and Larry Miller are joined by Grammy Award-winning artist/songwriter/producer PJ Morton.

Morton discusses the challenges and rewards of writing his autobiography, Saturday Night, Sunday Morning, as the process turned into a form of therapy, helping him uncover hidden themes and connections in his journey.

PJ shares stories from his upbringing as a preacher's kid in New Orleans and highlights the influence that the city's rich musical culture had on his multifaceted career.

Morton reflects on his journey to earning five Grammy awards and how being nominated alongside legends like Stevie Wonder inspired him. He shares stories about Stevie’s mentorship and how their friendship has influenced his music and advocacy.

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On episode two of the third season of the Between Bites podcast, Nina Compton and Larry Miller are joined by Chef Melissa Martin, owner of the Mosquito Supper Club in New Orleans.

Chef Melissa explains the foundational philosophy of the Mosquito Supper Club, emphasizing the connection to Cajun culture and the importance of using local, fresh ingredients sourced from Louisiana with the goal of preserving Cajun heritage and traditions.

Discussion shifts to Chef Melissa's two books, Mosquito Supper Club: Cajun Recipes from a Disappearing Bayou and Bayou: Feasting Through the Seasons of a Cajun Life, as she aims to dispel common myths and stereotypes about Cajun life and cuisine.

Later we learn about Chef's new project on the West Bank of New Orleans where guests will be able to get a quick escape from the city life and experience a mix of hospitality and local culture while enjoying the beauty of the Mississippi River.

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On episode one of the 3rd season of the Between Bites podcast, Nina Compton and Larry Miller are joined by New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green.

Coach Green shares his love for the city of New Orleans, its culture, and how he and his family have embraced living here.

Green discusses transitioning from player to coach and the challenges and rewards of his coaching career, particularly in nurturing young talent as he expresses excitement about this season's Pelicans team.

Later, Green talks about his favorite restaurants in New Orleans and the other cities he visits while traveling with the team and talks about how important nutrition is for NBA players.

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On episode 12 of the Between Bites podcast, Nina Compton and Larry Miller are joined by Grammy award-winning musician and composer Terence Blanchard.

Blanchard gives a rich narrative about growing up in New Orleans that spans his early influences, artistic evolution, and professional achievements. He talks about the emotional power of music and shares some of the insights and early encouragement he received from jazz legends like Art Blakey and Alvin Batiste.

Giving a mini-masterclass on the complexities and differences between producing music for film and composing and conducting operas and orchestras, Terence Blanchard's insights shine light on the technical aspects of composition and conducting while showing his philosophical approach to music as a dynamic storytelling tool.

Terence passionately discusses music's role in healing and community building, noting how his New Orleans roots and the city's vibrant musical culture deeply influence his work, resonating with global audiences.

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On episode 11 of the Between Bites podcast, Nina Compton and Larry Miller are joined by Martha Wiggins, Chief Culinary Officer and Executive Chef at Cafe Reconcile.

Chef Wiggins talks about the day-to-day operations and the foundational principles of Cafe Reconcile, emphasizing its commitment to nurturing young individuals in New Orleans through a comprehensive four-tier program. This initiative not only equips them with culinary and hospitality skills but also addresses their personal barriers, providing a holistic approach to their professional and personal development.

Having transitioned from the high-pressure environment of traditional kitchens to the socially impactful space of Cafe Reconcile, Chef Wiggins shares her journey and the fulfillment she finds in working with the youth.

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On episode ten of the Between Bites podcast, Nina Compton and Larry Miller are joined by award-winning New Orleans filmmaker Edward Buckles Jr. to discuss his love of filmmaking, storytelling, cooking, and New Orleans.

Buckles talks about his critically acclaimed film "Katrina Babies", a documentary that was not only an outlet for his own trauma but also a means to explore the collective trauma experienced in New Orleans before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina.

Inspired by his grandmother's dedication to preserving family photos, Buckles was drawn to collecting footage and assembling narratives at an early age. This would prove invaluable to Buckles on his nearly seven-year journey of interviewing and compiling stories for "Katrina Babies".

Hear about Buckles' current and future projects as his work seeks to document collective traumas but also foster healing and understanding through the power of narrative.

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On episode nine of the Between Bites podcast, Nina Compton and Larry Miller are joined by renowned New Orleans singer-songwriter Mia Borders.

Mia talks about her childhood musical inspirations, playing her first gig at Carrollton Station in 2006, and her day-of routine when preparing for a performance.

Hear more about Mia's progression as an artist and business owner, her love of woodworking, and her soon-to-be released album "Firewalker".

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