Behind the Lens episode 266 Carnival Part II: ‘The best spot on Fat Tuesday’

Mizani Ball on family and friends settling in to their traditional parade watching spots on the route. Katy Reckdahl on a Black Masking Indian continuing his father's tradition.
Behind The Lens podcast logo

This week on Behind The Lens, New Orleanians maintain certain traditions at Carnival parades. We say hello to strangers, tote wagons and folding chairs and blankets. But along the St. Charles parade route, we most often settle in areas with our people.

Anthony Hingle Jr. didn’t touch beads or feathers for 32 years. Now he’s back in town, continuing the work of his father, Flagboy Meathead, a legend among Black Masking Indians.

Guests this week include Lens reporters La’Shance Perry, Mizani Ball, Nick Chrastil, Delaney Dryfoos, Marta Jewson and Lens editor Katy Reckdahl.

Theme music by Podington Bear. Additional music from Sophie B. Wright High School’s marching band.

You can also listen to Behind The Lens on Apple PodcastsSpotify and other services.

Carolyne Heldman

Carolyne Heldman Rovira has been in media for 35 years, and is currently the podcast host and producer for Behind The Lens. Heldman served as executive director at Aspen Public Radio, an NPR affiliate, where she launched four weekly news, public affairs, and cultural affairs programs. She has been a guest lecturer at Tulane University, is a frequent guest and moderator for the Aspen Institute, Rocky Mountain Institute, and the American Enterprise Institute.