Raising a Family in New Orleans: Jan Bologna's Unique Perspective

Raising a Family in New Orleans: Jan Bologna’s Unique Perspective

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Jan Bologna, a lifelong New Orleans resident, reflects on the city’s growth and changes while sharing her love for the unique culture, discussing the challenges of raising a family, and revealing her favorite local experiences in this captivating episode of Beyond Bourbon Street.

In this episode host Mark Bologna interviews his mother, Jan Bologna, who shares her experiences and insights growing up in New Orleans and raising a family there.

Jan discusses various topics such as the changes in the education system after Hurricane Katrina, the positive developments in the city, the influence of her family’s French and Italian cultures on her cooking, and her favorite New Orleans restaurants and cultural experiences.

Jan’s personal perspective offers a unique insight into the growth and changes in New Orleans over the years. She expresses her love for the city and shares her favorite moments and traditions that make it special.

Her reflections on education, culture, and culinary influences paint a vivid picture of the city’s evolution and provide valuable insights for listeners. If you are interested in hearing firsthand experiences from someone who has lived and thrived in New Orleans, this episode is a must-listen.

Jan’s passion for the city and her deep connection to its history and culture shine through in her stories and anecdotes. From the challenges of running a restaurant to the joys of Mardi Gras, this conversation promises a fascinating glimpse into life in the vibrant city of New Orleans.

“Childhood was a lot less encumbered by all the outside things…we had to invent our own toys, our own games. Kids today sometimes miss out on that.” – Jan Bologna

About Hurricane Katrina “We survived it because we learned in the midst of that…we had each other. That was an immense difference.” – Jan Bologna

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:08 – Introduction,

00:04:15 – Interview Introduction,

00:04:40 – Growing Up in New Orleans,

00:13:27 – The Impact of Hurricane Katrina,

00:14:36 – Starting a Business,

00:15:50 – Serving the Community,

00:17:35 – Mixed Emotions about the City,

00:19:45 – Passing on New Orleans Culture,

00:26:19 – Working in the Family Business,

00:28:28 – Memories of Growing Up in the Restaurant,

00:32:53 – Moving to the North Shore,

00:34:41 – Adjusting to Life on the North Shore,

00:37:15 – Importance of Family in the City,

00:38:26 – Challenges and Changes in the City,

00:39:53 – The Charter School Experiment,

00:40:53 – Streetcars and Public Transportation,

00:42:57 – French and Italian Influences,

00:46:59 – Favorite New Orleans Experiences

The Historic New Orleans Collection

Support comes from The Historic New Orleans Collection, the city’s premiere history museum, located at five twenty Royal Street in the heart of the French Quarter.

Check out their online publication called First Draft. Its’ a combination blog and online exhibition space. hnoc.org/firstdraft

Through November 5, 2023, check out their exhibit about women’s right to vote. Titled, “Yet She Is Advancing”: New Orleans Women and the Right to Vote, 1878–1970

The 19th amendment granted American women the right to vote, in 1920, but Louisiana laws effectively disenfranchised Black women.

As many white women began going to the polls and increasing their political participation in segregation-era New Orleans, African American women continued to fight for access to the ballot. From paying their poll taxes to organizing voter registration drives, Black women challenged their status as second-class citizens up to and through the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

This exhibit tells a decades-long story through objects, images, documents, and interactive displays—and through the words of the New Orleans women who for nearly 100 years persisted in their struggle to obtain the vote.

As always, the Historic New Orleans Collection is free. It’s somehow continues to fly under the radar, but should not be missed.

Go to HNOC.org/Visit to plan your trip.

Two Chicks Walking Tours

Long time listeners probably remember the crew over at Two Chicks operates intentionally small public walks (14 guests compared to 28 so half the size of the city ordinance) seven days a week. These experiences are focused in the Garden District and French Quarter neighborhoods.

Two Chicks is also also producing private curated walks for groups sized 1 – 200 when called upon.

While the team is female led they do have a rooster strutting around and there are tour guides from before the lockdown still on staff.

Find out more at Find out more at Two Chicks Walking Tours.com .

Accidental Cajun Photography

If you own a copy of the Beyond Bourbon St travel guide, you’ve seen the work of James Cullen of Accidental Cajun Photography.

Whether it’s portraits, events, weddings or lifestyle or photojournalism, Accidental Cajun Photography provides quality and value.

James also offers photography instruction and sells his fine art prints at TheAccidentalCajun.com. For inquiries email at accidentalcajun@gmail.com.

All The Bitter

All the Bitter make 100% alcohol free bitters using organic ingredients. Winners of 20 awards from major spirit competitions, they can be used in both alcohol-based and alcohol free concoctions. I’ve tried them in multiple drinks, and on vanilla ice cream.

They have four main bitters now, with several experimental varieties on the way. The ones I have are the New Orleans, inspired by Angostura and Peychaud’s, as well as Orange, Lavender, and Aromatic. Place your order at allthebitter.com and use code BBS15 to get 15% off your oder.

Find out more at allthebitter.com.

Thank You

Thanks to my mom, Jan Bologna, for joining me today! And thanks to all of you who listen and reach out to me each week. Thanks also to our podcast editor Joel Sharpton from Pro Podcast Services.

Subscribe to the Podcast

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on

Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play Music or wherever you get your podcasts. If you do enjoy listening, please share Beyond Bourbon Street with someone who shares our love of New Orleans.