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Mardi Gras Beyond The Beads

A dive into the history, tradition and modern celebration of New Orleans Carnival – The Greatest Free Show on Earth.

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S7, Episode 5: How Carnival Has Evolved in America

In this part two with Carnival historian Errol Laborde, we pick up right were we left off and the start of Carnival in the states. Errol takes us by way of Philadelphia – with a stop in Mobile – through to the celebration of Carnival and Mardi Gras as we know it today. Plus, he shares a few of his favorite Carnival food pairings - champagne and a Moon Pie, anyone?

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S7, Episode 4: Inside the King Cake Hub

Jennifer Samuels became one of the go-to people for king cake when her and her husband Will sarted the King Cake Hub. Following Will’s passing in 2021, Jennifer decided to continue the business in his honor and has grown the hub to a must-visit for each Carnival season. This episode of Beyond the Beads Ashley caught up with Jennifer to talk about the hub, what they have to offer and some new…

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S7, Episode 3: The Beginning of Carnival As We Know It

Errol Laborde is a famed Carnival historian with a knowledge that span thousands of years and countless books. Arguably, very few know more about the beloved celebration outside of Errol. This week, we tapped into his vast knowledge of the subject to start from the very beginning. In this two-part interview, we'll discuss where the concept of Carnival originated and how it ended up in Louisiana,…

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S7, Episode 2: The History of Throws with the Historic New Orleans Collection

What's Carnival without a little "throw me something, mista?" Those who have experience Carnival parades since they were born probably remember being in a ladder or on someone's shoulders catching beads, stuffed animals and all kinds of trinkets from those riding in the parades. If you're like any normal New Orleanian, you also have a place in your kitchen dedicated to plastic Mardi Gras cups…

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S7, Episode 1: Artist Brandan "BMike" Odums Partners with Raising Cane's for Carnival 2026

Brandan "BMike" Odums is a visual artist here in New Orleans who is behind some of the city’s most iconic murals. One of the most famous is that of the Katrina girl on the front of his StudioBe 36,000 square foot gallery in the Bywater. While Odums has worked with many major brands and famous individuals, he is teaming up this year with Raising Cane's to debut a new Mardi Gras mural at one of the…

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S6, Episode 3: Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Moves – 610 Stompers' Brett Patron

In our final episode of Season 6, we shine a light on some - in our opinion - extraordinary men with extraordinary dance moves. Brett Patron is a founding member of the 610 Stompers, New Orleans' premier all-male dancing group. From physique to uniform, we get all the info behind these dancing dudes and the badass ladies that walk with them.

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S6, Episode 2: Queen of Tucks Ellie Platt Reigns Over Beyond the Beads

Only a handful of men and women each year get to say they are a part of royalty... Carnival royalty that is. This week we have the current reigning queen of the Krewe of Tucks Ellie Platt to share her love for her krewe and the road to becoming their queen.

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S6, Episode 1: Vice Takes a Look at Cajun Mardi Gras

In the first episode of our new season, we're launching a crossover episode with sister podcast "Louisiana Insider." Producer, and occasional host, Kelly Massicot talks to Vice producer and storyteller Jackson Garrett. Garrett and Vice will release a new documentary this year highlighting the culture and traditions behind Cajun Mardi Gras. Garrett shares his insight into the celebration and what…

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S5, Episode 5: Meeting of the Courts

In the final episode of season 5, Errol and Rich discuss the inception and history of the meeting of Rex and Comus, as well as the ball that is televised each Mardi Gras night. Additionally, they cover the meeting of Rex and Zulu each Lundi Gras, and Errol's new book that covers it all.

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S5, Episode 4: Major Carnival Anniversaries

In 2024, three Carnival krewes are celebrating big milestone anniversaries. In this week's episode, Errol Laborde and Rich Collins dive into the history of the krewes of Carrollton, Mid-City and Okeanos, as well as an important date for Rex.

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