Folks in Central Louisiana sometimes refer to their beloved section of the state as “CENLA.” There was a time when some wags might have referred to the city of Alexandria and the area around it as “Sinla.” Historian Michael Wynne joins host Errol Laborde, and podcast producer Kelly Massicot, to talk about discoveries from researching his new book, "Flaunting their finery and audaciousness: The Notorious Brothels, Gambling Houses, Opium Dens and Saloons of Alexandria (Central Louisiana)."

Wynne has tales to tell about the period from the late 1800's into the World War I era, when some cities had a bawdy reputation that paralleled New Orleans’ famous Storyville.

This discussion is a surprising slice of life that once ran contrary to its bible belt reputation. But part of the story is why it disappeared.

Political analyst Robert Collins joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde to talk about the past historic Nov. 5 election. Collins, a political science professor at Dillard University and a political analyst for WVUE TV Fox 8, discusses what was learned from Donald Trump’s election including the domination of the Republican party not only for the presidency but in Congressional elections. He also discusses possible shifts in voting trends especially among Black and Hispanic voters. The discussion raised important questions, particularly in preparation for future elections, including why so many pollsters were wrong.

Journalist Peter Finney Jr. joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde and podcast producer Kelly Massicot to talk about his new book, “Drago’s: An American Journey.” It is a compelling story about the Civitanovich family that migrated from Croatia after World War II and the eventual evolution of a great seafood restaurant, Drago’s, best known for its signature dish Charbroiled Oysters. One of the founder’s sons would be known for the dish; the other son would become an emergency medicine specialist and is coroner of Jefferson Parish. It is a story of hard work, ambition and the American dream that started across the ocean.

...If you ever have a chance, try the oysters.