Louisiana is rich when it comes to the depth of our culture, our food, our traditions. But one aspect of our identity that many festivals have been trying to highlight is that of our vast contributions to the literary world at large. Whether native Louisianians or those who have found creative outlets along our bayous and centuries-old streets... from Tennessee Williams to James Lee Burke, Anne Rice and Ernest Gaines, Louisiana has been the inspiration to many a great writer.

April 10-12, the 10th Annual Books Along the Teche Literary Festival will be a highlight of our contribution to the greater literary good, while honoring the Cajun roots of the area and shining a light on the towns and waterways that are the foundation of Louisiana. This week, festival Co-Chair Deb Lindsey shares some insight into what festivalgoers can expect when they head down along the Teche!

This week’s podcast is a little different as we hear from Louisiana Life magazine editor Reine Dugas – not in her capacity as editor, but instead for her work with the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival. The festival is in its 40th year in New Orleans and promises to bring a lot of exciting events starting March 25. For more information, a full schedule and tickets, click here.

"Sinners," the 2025 Ryan Coogler horror/action film starring Michael B. Jordan, has already won big at major award shows like the Golden Globes, Actor Awards and Brit Awards. But everyone in Louisiana should be rooting for the movie on Sunday, March 15, as the 98th annual Academy Awards takes place. The film was shot on location in Louisiana with countless Louisiana workers. One of those workers is Donnie Dean. Donnie is an Emmy Award-winning, Louisiana-born special effects artist who has help run the Louisiana-based Spectrum FX company for almost 20 years. Donnie, along with three others, is nominated for an Oscar in the category of Best Visual Effects for his work as the lead special effects coordinator on the movie – a first for Louisiana in this category.

This week, Donnie shares a little about his work, the excitement of being nominated and what this means for the Louisiana film industry.