Say More with Carla Pesono

About Say More with Carla Pesono

Say More with Carla Pesono is a bold, unfiltered podcast where food personality Carla Pesono sits down for deep conversations with chefs, business owners, and entrepreneurs---giving people a chance to share their stories, journeys and perspectives on life and business. It’s not about small talk. It’s about the full story—the messy, inspiring, real stuff people rarely get asked. Let’s pour a glass & Say More.

Publisher

Carla Pesono

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Dec 2025

Latest episode

10 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Jun 2026

   How Mosca’s Became a New Orleans Italian Restaurant Legend | Say More with Carla Pesono

   Lisa Mosca is a co-owner of Mosca’s, one of the most iconic Creole-Italian restaurants in the New Orleans area. We sat down with Lisa to explore the remarkable story behind her family’s over 80-year-old restaurant, from her grandparents’ journey from Italy to Chicago and eventually Louisiana, to the generations of hard work, sacrifice, and hospitality that helped turn Mosca’s into a beloved institution. Lisa shares what it was like growing up inside the restaurant, how the family developed their unique Creole-Italian cuisine, and why the family-style dining experience has continued to bring people together for decades. We also discuss the challenges of preserving a family legacy, including navigating Hurricane Katrina, COVID-19, and the loss of her father while helping lead the business into its next chapter. Lisa reflects on the lessons she learned from her family, the role Italian immigrants played in shaping New Orleans food culture, and how hospitality extends far beyond the food on the table. This conversation is a heartfelt look at family, tradition, resilience, and the enduring power of creating a place where generations of people can gather, celebrate, and make memories together.

2. 

   3 Jun 2026

   Ian McNulty on New Orleans Food Culture & Restaurant History | Say More with Carla Pesono

   Ian McNulty is a food critic and journalist from NOLA.com and Where Y’Eat who has spent decades documenting the restaurants, chefs, and culture that make New Orleans one of the greatest food cities in the world. We sat down with Ian to talk about how a guy from Rhode Island became one of the most trusted voices in New Orleans food journalism, what he learned covering the city after Hurricane Katrina, and why restaurants here mean so much more than just a place to eat. From neighborhood joints and fine dining institutions to Michelin stars and po-boy debates, we dig into the stories behind the city’s evolving food scene and the people keeping it alive. We also get into the rise of food influencers, how social media has changed restaurant culture, and why New Orleans still feels different from every other food city in America. Ian shares his thoughts on the future of Creole cuisine, the emotional connection locals have to restaurants, and the balance between preserving tradition while embracing new flavors and ideas. This conversation is a love letter to New Orleans hospitality, resilience, and the never-ending conversation around food in this city. Say More with Carla Pesono is a bold, unfiltered podcast where food personality Carla Pesono sits down with the most interesting chefs, musicians, artists, and community figures—from New Orleans and beyond. A former TV news anchor turned food creator and media personality, Carla brings her newsroom curiosity and kitchen-table honesty into every conversation. It’s not about small talk. It’s about the full story—the messy, inspiring, real stuff people rarely get asked. Let’s pour a glass & Say More. Follow Say More with Carla Pesono: Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_ (http://www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono (https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono) Website: https://www.carlamedia.com/ (https://www.carlamedia.com/)

3. 

   27 May 2026

   Inside the Brennan Family Restaurant Empire with Dickie Brennan | Say More with Carla Pesono

   Dickie Brennan is a restaurateur and the founder of Dickie Brennan & Company. We sat down with Dickie to talk about growing up inside one of New Orleans’ most iconic restaurant families, carrying on a legacy that helped shape the city’s food culture, and what it really takes to lead restaurants through decades of change. From Commander’s Palace and Brennan’s to Bourbon House, Palace Café, and Pascal’s Manale, Dickie shares the stories behind some of the city’s most beloved restaurants and the people who inspired him along the way. We also dive into the evolution of New Orleans hospitality, the impact Covid had on the restaurant industry, and why genuine human connection still matters more than ever. Dickie opens up about leadership, mentorship, preserving New Orleans culture, and how food has the power to bring communities together. From bourbon culture and Creole-Italian cuisine to rebuilding historic restaurants and dreaming up new ideas for the city’s future, this conversation is packed with history, honesty, and a deep love for New Orleans. Say More with Carla Pesono is a bold, unfiltered podcast where food personality Carla Pesono sits down with the most interesting chefs, musicians, artists, and community figures—from New Orleans and beyond. A former TV news anchor turned food creator and media personality, Carla brings her newsroom curiosity and kitchen-table honesty into every conversation. It’s not about small talk. It’s about the full story—the messy, inspiring, real stuff people rarely get asked. Let’s pour a glass & Say More. Follow Say More with Carla Pesono Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_ (http://www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono (https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono) Website: https://www.carlamedia.com/ (https://www.carlamedia.com/)

4. 

   20 May 2026

   Sue Zemanick's Road to the Michelin Star | Say More with Carla Pesono

   Sue Zemanick is the chef and owner of Zasu, one of New Orleans’ most acclaimed restaurants and a recent Michelin star recipient. We talk with Sue about her journey from Pennsylvania to New Orleans, working in some of the city’s most iconic kitchens, and what inspired her to open Zasu in Mid-City. She also shares the story behind earning a Michelin star, how the recognition changed the restaurant overnight, and why staying true to her style of approachable, high-quality food matters more to her than creating a pretentious dining experience. We also dive deep into New Orleans seafood culture, Sue’s favorite ingredients and dishes to cook, her love for Southeast Asian flavors, and the realities of balancing restaurant ownership, creativity, leadership, and family life. From octopus and oysters to neighborhood restaurants and culinary trends, this conversation is a candid look at what drives one of the city’s most celebrated chefs. Say More with Carla Pesono is a bold, unfiltered podcast where food personality Carla Pesono sits down with the most interesting chefs, musicians, artists, and community figures—from New Orleans and beyond. A former TV news anchor turned food creator and media personality, Carla brings her newsroom curiosity and kitchen-table honesty into every conversation. It’s not about small talk. It’s about the full story—the messy, inspiring, real stuff people rarely get asked. Let’s pour a glass & Say More. Follow Say More with Carla Pesono: Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_ (http://www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono (https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono) Website: https://www.carlamedia.com/ (https://www.carlamedia.com/)

5. 

   13 May 2026

   How James Clesi Built a Crawfish Empire in New Orleans | Say More with Carla Pesono

   James Clesi is the owner and chef behind Clesi’s Seafood Restaurant & Catering, known for some of the most talked-about crawfish boils in New Orleans. We sit down with James to talk about how he built his business from the ground up, starting with simple sidewalk pop-ups and turning them into a full-scale restaurant, catering operation, and event space. From his Sicilian roots to growing up around food and family traditions, we get into how culture, consistency, and community shaped the way he approaches both cooking and hospitality. We also dive deep into New Orleans crawfish culture, what actually makes a great boil, why timing matters more than any recipe, and why people get so fired up over traditions like “red gravy” vs sauce or what belongs in the pot. James breaks down the real difference between Cajun and Creole influences, shares how the industry has evolved with growing demand, and explains why creating an unforgettable experience goes far beyond just the food. Say More with Carla Pesono is a bold, unfiltered podcast where food personality Carla Pesono sits down with the most interesting chefs, musicians, artists, and community figures—from New Orleans and beyond. A former TV news anchor turned food creator and media personality, Carla brings her newsroom curiosity and kitchen-table honesty into every conversation. It’s not about small talk. It’s about the full story—the messy, inspiring, real stuff people rarely get asked. Let’s pour a glass & Say More. Follow Say More with Carla Pesono Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_ (http://www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono (https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono) Website: https://www.carlamedia.com/ (https://www.carlamedia.com/)

6. 

   6 May 2026

   From Classroom to Comedy Tour with Nick Harrison | Say More with Carla Pesono

   We’re kicking off Season 2 of Say More! Nick Harrison, aka Mr. Professor, is a comedian and influencer who turned a 15-year career in education into a full-blown content empire and now a nationwide tour. We sit down with Nick to unpack how a few TikTok videos during the pandemic turned into millions of followers, brand deals, and the Gen X Takeover Tour that’s selling out shows across the country. From grocery store jam sessions to working with major brands, he breaks down how consistency, authenticity, and just having fun built something way bigger than he ever expected. We also get into the real reason his content hits: connection. Nick talks about creating joy in a heavy world, the emotional impact his videos have had on fans, and why staying grounded matters even as everything scales. From music, nostalgia, and Buffalo Bills fandom to faith, family, and building a business off your personality, this conversation is raw, relatable, and exactly what Say More is all about. Say More with Carla Pesono is a bold, unfiltered podcast where food personality Carla Pesono sits down with the most interesting chefs, musicians, artists, and community figures—from New Orleans and beyond. A former TV news anchor turned food creator and media personality, Carla brings her newsroom curiosity and kitchen-table honesty into every conversation. It’s not about small talk. It’s about the full story—the messy, inspiring, real stuff people rarely get asked. Let’s pour a glass & Say More. Follow Say More with Carla Pesono Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_ (http://www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono (https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono) Website: https://www.carlamedia.com/ (https://www.carlamedia.com/)

7. 

   29 Jan 2026

   Korey with a K on Turning Viral Skits Into a Comedy Career | Say More with Carla Pesono

   Korey with a K is a viral comedian and content creator from New Orleans whose laid-back, improvisational skits rack up millions of views and keep the internet laughing. We talk with Korey about how he went from casually posting short Instagram videos to building a full-time career rooted in consistency, originality, and staying true to his values. He breaks down his creative process, why he avoids controversy-driven humor, and how pulling inspiration from everyday life has helped him stand out in an oversaturated social media landscape. We also dig into Korey’s breakout impersonations, including the Cam Newton videos that led to real-life collaborations, and how validation from the people he parodies shifted his perspective on success. Korey shares how the past year became his biggest growth period yet and opens up about filming his own improvised sketch comedy show, drawing inspiration from In Living Color and Key & Peele. This is a real conversation about patience, integrity, New Orleans culture, and using comedy to bring joy when people need it most. Say More with Carla Pesono is a bold, unfiltered podcast where food personality Carla Pesono sits down with the most interesting chefs, musicians, artists, and community figures—from New Orleans and beyond. A former TV news anchor turned food creator and media personality, Carla brings her newsroom curiosity and kitchen-table honesty into every conversation. It’s not about small talk. It’s about the full story—the messy, inspiring, real stuff people rarely get asked. Let’s pour a glass & Say More. Follow Say More with Carla Pesono Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_ (http://www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono (https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono) Website: https://www.carlamedia.com/ (https://www.carlamedia.com/)

8. 

   22 Jan 2026

   Justin Kennedy on What Makes Parkway Bakery A New Orleans Institution | Say More with Carla Pesono

   Justin Kennedy is the general manager of Parkway Bakery & Tavern, one of the most iconic po’boy shops in New Orleans, whose story is inseparable from the city itself. We dig into Parkway’s roots as a neighborhood bakery founded in 1911, the real history behind the po’boy, and how this corner institution evolved alongside New Orleans’ changing neighborhoods, industries, and culture. Justin breaks down why French bread matters, how roast beef became the backbone of Parkway’s menu, and why doing things the right way—fresh, consistent, and from scratch—has always been non-negotiable. We also get personal about Hurricane Katrina, the moment that nearly ended Parkway but ultimately solidified its legacy and Justin’s lifelong commitment to it. From rebuilding after the storm to growing Parkway into a globally recognized spot—including earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand—this conversation is about community, family, mentorship, and service. For Justin, Parkway isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a living museum, a civic responsibility, and a place where New Orleans comes together across generations and backgrounds. Say More with Carla Pesono is a bold, unfiltered podcast where food personality Carla Pesono sits down with the most interesting chefs, musicians, artists, and community figures—from New Orleans and beyond. A former TV news anchor turned food creator and media personality, Carla brings her newsroom curiosity and kitchen-table honesty into every conversation. It’s not about small talk. It’s about the full story—the messy, inspiring, real stuff people rarely get asked. Let’s pour a glass & Say More. Follow Say More with Carla Pesono Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_ (http://www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono (https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono) Website: https://www.carlamedia.com/ (https://www.carlamedia.com/)

9. 

   15 Jan 2026

   Arkesha Baquet on Preserving the Legacy of Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe in New Orleans | Say More with Carla Pesono

   Arkesha Baquet is the co-owner of Li'l Dizzy's Cafe, one of New Orleans’ most iconic Creole restaurants in the Treme. We sit down with Arkesha to talk about what it really meant to step into a multi-generation family legacy during COVID, take over the restaurant after her father-in-law’s retirement, and keep a decades-long tradition alive while finding her own leadership style. We get into the real work behind Lil Dizzy’s Cafe's success today—preserving family recipes, building a strong team, investing in young talent, and leading with intention, consistency, and “positivity on purpose.” Arkesha shares how customer service, community, and authenticity have fueled the restaurant’s viral growth, celebrity visits, and national recognition, plus what’s next for Lil Dizzy’s Cafe as it continues to thrive in New Orleans and beyond. Say More with Carla Pesono is a bold, unfiltered podcast where food personality Carla Pesono sits down with the most interesting chefs, musicians, artists, and community figures—from New Orleans and beyond. A former TV news anchor turned food creator and media personality, Carla brings her newsroom curiosity and kitchen-table honesty into every conversation. It’s not about small talk. It’s about the full story—the messy, inspiring, real stuff people rarely get asked. Let’s pour a glass & Say More. Follow Say More with Carla Pesono Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_ (http://www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono (https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono) Website: https://www.carlamedia.com/ (https://www.carlamedia.com/)

10. 

    8 Jan 2026

    Shan Samantaray on Building LUFU NOLA From The Ground Up | Say More with Carla Pesono

    Shan Samantaray is a co-owner and executive chef at LUFU NOLA, and his path to opening one of New Orleans’ most exciting Indian restaurants was anything but traditional. We sit down with Shan to talk about moving to New Orleans from India, meeting his future business partners by chance, surviving COVID layoffs, and turning pop-ups cooked out of an apartment into a full-scale restaurant rooted in intention, grit, and community. He shares how those early years shaped his leadership style, his respect for collaboration, and his belief that food should always be about feeding people first. We also dig deep into Indian cuisine beyond the clichés: regional cooking, street food, and why LUFU doesn’t label itself “authentic.” Shan breaks down how New Orleans seafood, seasons, and culture influence the menu, what it meant to land on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list, and why this city’s openness and humanity made it the perfect place to build something lasting. This episode connects the dots from apartment-prepped pop-ups to the moment LUFU was recognized by the Michelin Guide, and everything in between. Say More with Carla Pesono is a bold, unfiltered podcast where food personality Carla Pesono sits down with the most interesting chefs, musicians, artists, and community figures—from New Orleans and beyond. A former TV news anchor turned food creator and media personality, Carla brings her newsroom curiosity and kitchen-table honesty into every conversation. It’s not about small talk. It’s about the full story—the messy, inspiring, real stuff people rarely get asked. Let’s pour a glass & Say More. Follow Say More with Carla Pesono Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_ (http://www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono (https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono) Website: https://www.carlamedia.com/ (https://www.carlamedia.com/)

11. 

    18 Dec 2025

    Briggs Barrios on Building A Viral Small Batch Ice Cream Brand From Scratch | Say More with Carla Pesono

    Briggs Barrios is the founder of Super Witch Ice Cream Co., one of New Orleans’ most talked-about small-batch ice cream brands, and his path there was anything but traditional. We sit down with Briggs to unpack how a former stock and commodities trader turned an ice cream obsession into a cult-favorite business built on intention, craft, and consistency. We get into his years of “market research,” the science behind premium ice cream, why hand-packing matters, and what truly separates small-batch ice cream from what you find in the grocery store. We also talk about the deeply personal story behind the name Super Witch, the grind of building a one-person operation from scratch, and how weekly pint drops helped grow demand without sacrificing quality. Briggs breaks down his most popular flavors, American vs. French-style ice cream, the role social media plays in selling out every week, and what’s next as Super Witch expands into high-end soft serve and cookies. It’s a real conversation about taking risks, trusting your curiosity, and building something meaningful—one pint at a time. Say More with Carla Pesono is a bold, unfiltered podcast where food personality Carla Pesono sits down with the most interesting chefs, musicians, artists, and community figures—from New Orleans and beyond. A former TV news anchor turned food creator and media personality, Carla brings her newsroom curiosity and kitchen-table honesty into every conversation. It’s not about small talk. It’s about the full story—the messy, inspiring, real stuff people rarely get asked. Let’s pour a glass & Say More. Follow Super Witch Ice Cream Co. – https://www.instagram.com/superwitchicecream (Follow Super Witch Ice Cream Co. – https://www.instagram.com/superwitchicecream) Follow Say More with Carla Pesono Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_ (http://www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono (https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono) Website: https://www.carlamedia.com/ (https://www.carlamedia.com/)

12. 

    11 Dec 2025

    Toya Boudy on Food, Culture & Finding Purpose in New Orleans | Say More with Carla Pesono

    Toya Boudy is a culinarian, author, and multidisciplinary artist from New Orleans who has turned her life, culture, and grind into food, storytelling, and TV. We sit down with Toya to talk about growing up on the West Bank in a creative, food-loving family, cooking for the neighborhood at 15, navigating teen pregnancy and struggle, and eventually finding her voice through poetry, acting, culinary school, and television. We get into how she built her career on her own terms, kept her Blackness and integrity front and center, and why competition and comparison are illusions when you’re actually walking in your purpose. We also dig into the soul of New Orleans food and culture and how different cuisines across the world are more connected than people think. Toya shares the story behind her cookbook Cooking for the Culture (and her next one), plus the deeply personal origin of her vegan ice cream brand, Poetic Just•Ice Cream. We talk about fear, faith, imagination as “God’s playground,” leaving “safe” jobs, betting on yourself, and why living in alignment with who you really are has a way of bringing the right people, opportunities, and flavors straight to your table. Say More with Carla Pesono is a bold, unfiltered podcast where food personality Carla Pesono sits down with the most interesting chefs, musicians, artists, and community figures—from New Orleans and beyond. A former TV news anchor turned food creator and media personality, Carla brings her newsroom curiosity and kitchen-table honesty into every conversation. It’s not about small talk. It’s about the full story—the messy, inspiring, real stuff people rarely get asked. Let’s pour a glass & Say More. Follow Say More with Carla Pesono Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_ (http://www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono (https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono) Website: https://www.carlamedia.com/ (https://www.carlamedia.com/)

13. 

    10 Dec 2025

    Say More with Carla Pesono Trailer

    Season 1 Launching December 11th! Say More with Carla Pesono is a bold, unfiltered podcast where food personality Carla Pesono sits down with the most interesting chefs, musicians, artists, and community figures—from New Orleans and beyond. A former TV news anchor turned food creator and media personality, Carla brings her newsroom curiosity and kitchen-table honesty into every conversation. It’s not about small talk. It’s about the full story—the messy, inspiring, real stuff people rarely get asked. Let’s pour a glass & Say More. Follow Say More with Carla Pesono Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_ (http://www.youtube.com/@CarlaPesono_) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono (https://www.instagram.com/carlapesono) Website: https://www.carlamedia.com/ (https://www.carlamedia.com/)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.