689. Amanda Skenadore

689. We talk to Amanda Skenadore about her novel on the Carville Leprosy Colony, The Second Life of Mirielle West. Amanda Skenandore is a registered nurse turned historical fiction author whose medical background deeply shapes her storytelling. In her novel The Second Life of Mirielle West, she takes listeners into 1920s America to follow a Hollywood socialite whose life is upended when a diagnosis of leprosy forces her into exile at Carville, Louisiana — the nation's only leprosarium at the time. Blending rigorous medical history with emotional depth, the story explores one woman's fight against systemic isolation and social stigma as she seeks purpose, belonging, and redemption in the most unexpected place. 

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. Gaspar Cusachs. "Lafitte: The Louisiana Pirate and Patriot."
   Here in Barataria, amid the innumerable branches of bayous, passes, and inextricable cypress swamps, persons may lie concealed from the strictest scrutiny. In 1811, Lafitte fortified the eastern and western points of this island, and established a regular depot. Here the prizes were brought and sold to the inhabitants of the adjoining districts, who resorted to these places for the purpose of obtaining bargains in matters of trade and without being at all solicitous to conceal the object of their journey. No effective measures having been taken to expel the pirates they continued their depredations upon the Spanish commerce and sometimes ventured to attack vessels of other nations. They were generally regarded as pirates, but it is probable that most, if not all of them, were commissioned by the Carthagenian government.
   
3. This week in Louisiana history. July 31 1976. U.S. Rep. F.E. Hebert of N.O. completes longest term in office, 35 yrs, 6 m, and 28 days.
4. This week in New Orleans history. July 31, 1919: Iconic jazz saxophonist Earl Bostic was born, later influencing the New Orleans R&B sound with his unique technical style.
5. This week in Louisiana.
   Satchmo SummerFest
   August 1'2
   New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Avenue
   New Orleans, LA 70116
   Website: frenchquarterfest.org
   Satchmo SummerFest is New Orleans' annual celebration of Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong, held each year on the first weekend of August to honor his August 4 birthday. The festival is free, thanks to support from New Orleans & Company, and takes place on the grounds of the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint. The weekend features live music, lectures, food vendors, and a Sunday second‑line salute:
   
• Live Music: Outdoor stages featuring traditional jazz, brass bands, swing, and local legends, all presented by French Quarter Festivals, Inc.
• Satchmo Legacy Stage: Indoor talks and presentations exploring Armstrong's life, recordings, and cultural impact, led by scholars and musicians.
• Food Vendors: New Orleans cuisine served on‑site, curated by the same team behind French Quarter Fest.
• Jazz Mass & Second‑Line: A Sunday morning tradition honoring Armstrong with a church service followed by a second‑line parade to the festival grounds.
6. Postcards from Louisiana. The Rock Block Band at Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar.

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