The calliope on the Riverboat Natchez is as much of the sound of New Orleans as any brass band

Full Show 6/8/2026: Hegseth continues to remake US military into God's Army

On today's show, Ian Hoch addresses the Department of Defense drastically reducing its recognized religious affiliation codes for service members from over 200 to just 31. Then, Ian has on Matthew in Ukraine, to talk about how he's coping what has changed, and what does he want Americans to understand about Ukraine at this point in the conflict, Ned Moore, Executive Director of the Lafon Performing Arts Center, to talk about their upcoming season and the bigger mission behind it: bringing live performance, arts education, and cultural opportunities to communities that don’t always have easy access to them, and Debbie Fagnano, the calliope player on the Steamboat Natchez, to talk about what it's like playing her instrument on the riverboat.

The calliope on the Riverboat Natchez is as much of the sound of New Orleans as any brass band

It’s one of those sounds that instantly feels like New Orleans - bright, loud, historic, a little strange, and completely unforgettable. It's the calliope! Debbie Fagnano, the calliope player on the Steamboat Natchez, joins Ian Hoch to explain what it is like to play such a rare instrument on one of the city’s most iconic boats? How do you keep a tradition like that alive?

Hour 2: Has the arts shaped way you saw the world when you were young?

This hour, Ian Hoch has on Ned Moore, Executive Director of the Lafon Performing Arts Center, to talk about their upcoming season and the bigger mission behind it: bringing live performance, arts education, and cultural opportunities to communities that don’t always have easy access to them. Then, Ian Hoch drops the2 O'clock News Bomb and chimes in on Trump walking out on a "Meet The Press" interview, the ceasefire that's not a ceasefire in the Middle East, and the UFC cage on the White House lawn.

2 O'clock News Bomb: CINO - "Ceasefire In Name Only"

Ian Hoch drops the2 O'clock News Bomb and chimes in on Trump walking out on a "Meet The Press" interview, the ceasefire that's not a ceasefire in the Middle East, and the UFC cage on the White House lawn.

The Lafon Performing Arts Center's mission is to give students access to an expansive arts program

In Luling, the Lafon Performing Arts Center has built a one-of-a-kind program that brings Broadway-level training to St. Charles Parish schools. Students have access to an expansive arts program, from theater to ceramics to broadcasting, as well as professional mentorship from seasoned artists. Fully integrated into the school day, the program helps students develop creativity, confidence, teamwork, and preparation for future careers in the arts. This world-class facility, owned and operated by St. Charles Parish Public Schools, is a model for how suburban and rural districts can deliver big-city caliber arts education. Ned Moore, Executive Director of the Lafon Performing Arts Center, joins Ian Hoch to talk about their upcoming season and the bigger mission behind it: bringing live performance, arts education, and cultural opportunities to communities that don’t always have easy access to them.