662. Matthew & Melissa Teutsch, part 1.

662. Part 1 of our conversation with Matthew and Melissa, hosts of the the "This Ain't It" podcast, covering their response to MAGA religion. Hosted by Matthew Teutsch, a scholar of African American literature and Director of the Lillian E. Smith Center, and his wife Melissa Teutsch, the show explores the intersection of culture, politics, and history. Together, they engage in deep conversations about civil rights, the power of rhetoric, and the ongoing struggle for social justice in the American South and beyond. By examining the "interminable" nature of systemic oppression, the Teutsches challenge listeners to embrace the responsibility of resistance through education and empathy.

1. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today!
2. This week in the Louisiana Anthology. Dorothy Day wrote the article, “Florence Is a Communist.”
       “Do you know what Communism is, Florence?”
      “Yes, I am a Communist,” Florence stated, and afterward when we were alone together in the kitchen she went into more details about her beliefs.
       “Communism,” she stated, “is to help the poor.” So the poor of the small town of Jacobi where she came from, were quite ready to be enrolled in the ranks of the Communists.
       There were about eighty Negroes signed up with the Communist group in her little town in Louisiana, and in the neighboring towns of Lettsworth, Lagonia, Batchelor, Torras and Susport there were groups of from forty to sixty in each town.
       They were not doing anything much at present, not even meeting, she explained, since the young Communist organizer who had been keeping contact with them had been jailed and run out of town. He had been transferred by the Party to another state, so there the matter was halted.
   
3. This week in Louisiana history. January 23, 1680. Bienville born in Montreal, Canada, 12 of 14 children. 
4. This week in New Orleans history. The Clio streetcar ran from January 23, 1867 until September 1, 1932.  This line originally ran from Canal Street up to Clio Street to Magnolia Street, returning on Erato and Carondelet Streets. In 1874, it was extended across Canal Street to Elysian Fields, making it the first streetcar line to cross Canal Street. It was extended at both ends from time to time, before giving up its territory to newer lines in 1932.
   
5. This week in Louisiana.
   January 31, 2026
   The Legends of Hip Hop Tour
   Shreveport Municipal Auditorium
   705 Elvis Presley Ave.
   Shreveport, LA 71101
   Website: shreveportmunicipalauditorium.com
   Email: info@shreveportmunicipalauditorium.com
   Phone: (318) 841-4000
   A star-studded concert featuring some of the biggest names in classic hip hop.
   Lineup & Details This event takes place in the historic venue where Elvis Presley got his start:
   7:00 PM: Doors open to the public.
   8:00 PM: Show starts.
   
   • The Lineup: The 2026 tour features performances by Webbie, Ying Yang Twins, Trina, and Lil' Keke.
   • The Venue: The “Muni” is a National Historic Landmark, offering an intimate and high-enenrgy atmosphere. 
   • The After-Party: Many local downtown Shreveport bars host unofficial after-parties following the show.
     
   End: Approximately 11:30 PM.
   Note for Listeners: This is an all-ages show, but parental discretion is advised due to concert volume and lyrical content.
6. Postcards from Louisiana. Florida Street Blowhards at LSU.

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