In 2001, David Hlavsa and his wife, Lisa Holtby, lost their first son, James, at 20 weeks gestation. In 2007, this loss inspired David’s first essay, “My First Son, A Pure Memory,” which was featured in the “Modern Love” column of the The New York Times. He later penned the critically-acclaimed memoir, “Walking Distance: Pilgrimage, Parenthood,…
Read MoreWhen it comes to having a great idea in business, the difference between success and failure is hard to pin down till you’re one or the other. Lisa Lloyd doesn’t have the luxury of hindsight. Lisa is an inventor. She has invented products that have made millions. And she has had days that weren’t so…
Read MoreJudge Laurie White is the Chief Judge at New Orleans Criminal District Court. Because that’s an elected position, Judge White refers to herself as a “politician” but nobody else in the bar is buying that. The common wisdom of a bunch of drinkers seems to be that if you are elected to a position that…
Read MoreKim Carson, the Queen of New Orleans Honky Tonk, describes the difference between New Orleans Hony Tonk and the rest as, “New Orleans is Honky Tonkier.” Kim ought to know. She plays her NOLA H-Tonk all around the world. Spending more than half of the year out of the country takes its toll on other…
Read MoreGrowing up on the family rhubarb and pumpkin farm, Shannon Ritscher’s life was like that of most small-town teenagers. In 1986, all that changed when Shannon’s brother, Steve, killed himself. Devastated by the loss of his son, four years later, Shannon’s father David, also took his own life. Despite these set backs, Shannon found a…
Read More