In tandem with the new season of sister publication New Orleans Magazine's "Beyond the Beads" podcast, we're launching a crossover episode. 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 he hopes viewers learn from his experience.

Louisiana is blessed with several areas of natural wonders including the Gulf of Mexico’s shore and barrier islands, the Kisatchie Forest and the Atchafalaya Basin.

The basin cuts north-south from near Simmesport to Morgan City. Historian Jason Theriot joins host Errol Laborde and podcast Kelly Massicot to talk about this ancient wonderland of swamps, cypress trees, wildlife and native cultures. He also discusses the impact of floods and modern efforts to keep the area rivers on course. Then there are food sources.

What’s the basin’s most popular fish for eating? Here’s a hint, keep a frying pan nearby.

George Rodrigue is one of Louisiana’s all-time important artists, and may be the most important at depicting images of early like in Cajun Culture. He created scenes of celebrations beneath moss laden oak trees; life of the bayou and even Evangeline. Then there is the Blue Dog – a descendent of a family pet and the fictional loup-garou that prowls the swamps. TV producer Sean O’Malley joins host Errol Laborde and podcast producer Kelly Massicot to talk about his documentary, “Blue; The Life and Art of George Rodrigue.”

Hear about Rodrigue’s genius as an artist and as a marketer both of which contributed to the world’s image of the Cajun life. (And don’t worry about the dog; he’s friendly.)