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Spud's Bio

Spud's bio

Well, I've been called "SPUD" since I was a 10-year-old Boy Scout. My brothers dubbed me "Spud," as well as a few other less-than-flattering nicknames.. Spud is the one that stuck.

I was born and raised in Gonzales, and was a proud Eagle Scout at 14 (as were my two older brothers). After graduating from East Ascension High School at 17, I received a music scholarship to Nicholls State University for my skill in playing the bassoon. (That's right… I played the bassoon! A note to you youngsters out there...chicks dig bassoon players. There are a million horn players, but not everybody plays something this cool.)

At Nicholls, I studied acting and theatre. I got my first true taste of New Orleans on my 18th birthday when the Nicholls band performed at a Saints game in the 'Dome. It was love at first sight, and I've been drawn to New Orleans ever since.

I do have long family ties to New Orleans. My great-grandfather is buried in the family crypt in Lakelawn in Metairie. My great-uncle was Rex in 1944. Another ancestor, physician Alexander Elbridge McConnell was a personal friend of adventurer Jim Bowie. He almost went with Bowie to Texas but stayed in New Orleans and died treating people in a yellow fever epidemic. (He would have lived a bit longer if he went to the Alamo.)

I went on to get my Masters' Degree in acting and theatre from LSU, yes, I’m a proud Tiger. A lot of people ask me about my acting chops, so here ya go: I've been a regular on three network TV series: Rosanne, The Riches, and most recently, Treme. I've had parts in over 50 movies and TV shows, with more than a few of my roles involve a spectacular on-screen death. My on-stage work includes The Kingfish, Earl Long in Purgatory, and A Confederacy of Dunces.

I'm the luckiest guy in the world to be married to Maureen "Mo" McConnell (also an actress.) Together we have 3 young children, who have also appeared on stage and screen with both me and Mo. (Hey, that could be a whole new screenplay.. "Me & Mo..." Hmmmm..)

Oh, and radio…I got this gig in 2004. I was a guest host on the Andre’ Trevigne Show and SOMEbody decided I would make a good host. So here I am…host of the “Talk Gumbo” every weekday afternoon from 1 to 4. The best thing about radio? Doing radio is like doing standup comedy, except you can’t cuss. You have to be prepared and you have to be prepared to improve.

Spud's Podcasts

2-22-12 3pm Open Lines
Spud talks to listeners about Mardi Gras 2012, along with Valets rights on holding keys from drunk drivers.

2-22-12 2pm Open Lines
Spud talks to listeners about whether or not valets have the right to hold vehicle keys from car owners who they think may be intoxicated.

2-22-12 1:10pm David Becker
Spud talks with Director of PEW Center on the State Election Initatives, David Becker about Voters Registration across the country,

2-20-2012 3:10pm Michel Claudet
Spud talks to Terrebone Parish President Michel Claudet about Mardi Gras in Terrebone Parish.

2-20-2012 2:10pm Mike Edmunson
Spud talks to Louisiana State Police Colonel Mike Edmunson about the do's and don'ts of Mardi Gras.

2-20-2012 1:10pm Open Lines
Spud talks to WWL Listeners about all things Mardi Gras on this Lundi Gras.

2-16-12 3:10pm Open Lines
Spud talks to WWL listeners about child nutrition, police in New Orleans, and much more.

2-16-12 2:35pm Dr. Karen DeSalvo
Spud talks to City Health Commissioner Dr. Karen DeSalvo about healthy lunches for children.

2-16-12 2:10pm Julie Gunlock
Spud talks to Julie Gunlock, Senior Fellow of the Independent Women's Forum, about healthy lunches for children.

2-16-12 1:10pm Open Lines
Spud talks to WWL listeners about crime in New Orleans. Are more police officers the answer?

Spud's Video Blog

Spud's Political Cartoons

BCS Trophy: Slipped out of our paws...

Click to see the full-sized image of Spud's cartoon..

Hog: It's What's For Dinner!

Ouch for Ole Miss!

Dirty Birds Go Down!

Clash of the Titans

Saint 27 Bucs 16

My French mode...

Da Kingfish!

Spic & Span

What's with the hat?

What's In The Pot

School Discipline Policy- Students get fined instead of detention

A Chicago charter school is fining students for infractions instead of giving them detention and some parents say it's simply a way for the school to make extra money since some infractions are small like not having a shoe tied. What do you think? Read more...

Cincinnati High School paying students to come to class

A high school in Cincinattie is paying it's students with Visa gift cards if they come to school on time and stay out of trouble...is this the best way to get kids to school? The principal says they can't teach them if they are not there to learn...but what are they really teaching these kids about life? Read more...

8th grader in Philly puts teacher in hospital

An 8th grade student at a Philadelphia school attacked his science teacher after they got into an argument....does this show that school discipline or lack of it is the problem? Read more...

Do you think public universities should be tuition free just like K-12?

This college professor says that the best way for President Obama to combat the rising cost of college tuitions is to make them 'free' just like grades K-12 if they are public schools...good idea or bad? What do you think....should the Feds pick up the tab for you or your kid to go to college? Read the blog...

If a juvenile kills should they get the same treatment as an adult in court?

Alyssa Bustamante was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for kiling her 9 year old neighbor when she was 15. If a juvenile commits a heinous crime, should they be held responsible for it in adult court...no matter their age the time of the crime? Even if that sentence could be the death penalty?
Read more...

Should religious confessions be used against someone in court?

A panel of judges will decide if the testimony of a Pastor can be used against one of his parishoners who confessed to him that he had raped a 9 year old girl. Do you think pastors or priests should come forward if they recieve a confession of a crime? Read more...

President's health care mandate and the Catholic Church

Do you think 'freedom of religion' should trump any mandated healthcare laws that say birth control should be covered for employees of hospitals and schools that are owned by churches? Horace Cooper, with the National Center for Public Policy Research says the mandate is unconstitutional and in some ways un-american....read his report here.....

Susan G, Koman and Planned Parenthood

Susan G. Koman - the nation's largest breast cancer awareness organization has announced that they will continue sending money to Planned Parenthood after first announcing they would not. Do you think they made the right or wrong decision? Read more...

Gay Marriage legal again in California

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco has ruled against the voter approved ban on same-sex marriage known as Proposition 8, saying the ban was unconstitutional because it was discriminatory to one segment of society. Do you agree or disagree with gay marriage? If there were no benefits associated with marriage, like healthcare or Social security etc. do you still think there would be a big push for gay marriage? Read more...

McDonald's add angers pitbull owners

McDonald's has been testing a new chicken bite product in some markets and running radio ads in those markets that say the new chicken is not as dangerous as 'petting a stray pitbul.' Pitbull owners are outraged saying the ad enhances a negative stereotype about the dogs being dangerous...McDonald's has pulled the ad. Do you think they should have? When you think of a dangerous dog which breed do you think of the most? Read more and hear the ad....

Should parents have to go to court if their kids are tardy too often for school?

A couple in Virginia are being taken to court to face fines for their childrens habitual tardiness at their school. The total time averages out to about 3 minutes a day or one hour of total missed time, is this the best way to deal with this problem? Should tardy issues be dealt with in the courtroom or the classroom?
Read more...

Super Bowl halftime show controversy

Madonna performed at hafltime of Super Bowl 46 last night, while her performance was great there is a bit of controversy over one of the other singers on stage with her shooting the 'bird' at the camera. the NFL and NBC have quiclly apologized for the incident....do you think this will once agani change the Super Bowl halftime show and if it does will it change it for the good or bad? Read more...

Senate passed Stock Act to stop insider trading in Congress will House follow?

The Senate last week passed the Stock Act bill which would stop the practice of Insider Trading by members of Congress and make them follow the same laws as other Americans. The bill was passed on a bipartisan vote and now moves to the House...will the House pass it as well? Read more...

Will slashing number of hospital beds put the public at risk?

State Budget cuts will reduce the number of hospital beds at University Hospital, could this but the public at risk since the number of potential beds for hospital patients, including mentally ill patients, will not be available? Read more...

What's the best way to protect yourself and your family?

Many people wonder what's the best way to protect themselves and their families with the rise in violent crime seen in the Metro area....if you think a handgun is the best way to do that then you should have the proper training in handeling a handgun. If you want to get a concealed carry permit then you must be trained by a licensed professional trainer, check out the guys at Concealed Carry Nola if you think this is the way you want to go. Read more...

Pentagon to cut troops by 100,000

Pentagon announces plans to make cuts in the military to save money and streamline. 100,000 troops will be cut from the ranks are you okay with those cuts? Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says these cuts will affect all 50 states...is that code speak for closing military basis and won't that lead to more job losses in communities? Read more...

U.S. Senator Rand Paul refuses pat down at Nashville Airport

Authorities blocked U.S. Sen. Rand Paul at Nashville International Airport on Monday after the Kentucky Republican refused a pat-down at a security checkpoint after setting off the scanner. He felt like he did not need a pat-down and just wanted to be rescanned. He left after being told he would need a pat down to proceed and a rescan not an option. Is there a double standard- one for the 'elite' or 'muckity mucks' and another for ordinary Americans? Do you you or I would have been able to refuse a pat down and walk away after setting off the alarms? Read More...

New Orleans S&WB wants a rate hike to fix infrastructure problems

The New Orleans S&WB says they need a rate hike in order to raise money for much needed repairs to the system. Are you willing to pay more to fix the problems or take the risk of the system failing? Read more...

Joe Paterno passes away over the weekend

How do you think he will be remembered? How do you think he should be remembered? What was the first thought that went through your mind when you heard that he had passed away...great winning college coach or Jerry Sandusky and the molestation charges? Read more...

Why did Newt Gingrich win South Carolina by double digits?

GOP candidate Newt Gingrich won the South Carolina primary by 12 points over rival Mitt Romney...the question however persist...which of the two has the best chance of beating Barack Obama in November? And why are Democratic leaders happy that Newt won in South Carolina?

Is the future of education in cyber space...and are you okay with that?

Is the future of education in cyber space? If so are you okay with that? Does going to school mean, going to school ...by going physically somewhere and having a physical contact? A Michigan principle had his teachers video their lectures so students could refert to them online over and over...good idea or bad?
With schools losing funding...do you think cyber classrooms are inevitable?

Rick Perry drops from GOP Presidential race endorses Gingrich

Do you think this will propel Newt over Mitt Romney? Who do you think will be the next to drop from the race and is it now just a two man showdown with Romney and Gingrich? Read more...

Obama blocks pipeline from Canada

President Obama has rejected the proposed Keystone pipeline that would send oil from Canada to refineries on the Gulf Coast citing environmental concerns. Now China may end up getting the pipeline and the oil...is this a smart move by the President? And if we are trying to create jobs...why reject something that would create jobs for several industries?

Read more...

Alabama fans assault passed out LSU fan after BCS championship

A viral video on the web shows a passed out LSU fan being assaulted by Alabama fans after the BCS game...why didn't people who were watching try to stop this? What makes people in crowds not respond to an assault or an attack? If you were there would you have tried to stop this...regardless of which team you were for? See video and read more....

Saints fans attack and shoot 49er fan

Why do some fans get too caught up in the victory or loss of their team that they do stupid things like this? Do yo 'live and die' with your team....if so why? Read more...

Is smoking pot safer than smoking cigarettes?

A 20 year study says that smoking one joint a week does not hurt your lungs as bad as smoking cigarettes. So does that mean pot should be legalized like cigarettes? is the study really saying what the headlines claim? Read more...

A Chicago man in jail for photos of his daughter bound with tape.

.Andre Curry, 21, was charged with aggravated domestic battery, aggravated battery and unlawful restraint for allegedly binding his 22-month-old daughter’s hands and feet with blue tape, placing another piece of tape over her mouth, then snapping a photo that he posted on Facebook. He says he and his daughter were just playing around and child authorities say the child was not harmed in anyway. Curry has no prior criminal record and is a single dad that works and takes care of his daughter. Do you think the police overreacted to this one?

Read the article and see the photo here...

Should the Federal Government have authority over what's indecent on TV?

The court will decide whether the Federal Communications Commission may constitutionally enforce its policies on "fleeting expletives" and scenes of nudity on television programs, both live and scripted. Do you think the FCC is right in not allowing them or should random outbursts of profanity or nudity in programs be covered by 'free speech' laws?
Read More...

Fireworks safety for New Year's Eve

Will you be 'popping' firecrackers at your house on New Year's Eve? Is it even legal for you to do so? We'll talk to all the local lawmen about what you can and can't do this weekend to celebrate the New Year.
Read More...

Road Home grants still not being used to rebuild some homes

Over a third of all Road Home grant recipients have not used the money to rebuild their homes yet, so what should happen to them? Do they need to more time to rebuild or do they need to give the money back?
Read more...

Gun sales are up for December in America

Gun sales continued to climb in December in the United States especially during the holiday season. Did you give someone a gun for Christmas? Spud says guns are like puppies and people should by their own so they know what they are getting into and what they can actually handle! Read more...

Drew Brees sets NFL passing record with big win over Falcons

Drew Brees set the new NFL passing record last night by passing Dan Marino's mark that was set back in 1984....how many more yards to you think the final record will be with one more game left to play? Plus how far do you think the Saints will go in the playoffs? Read more...

Joy Theater to reopen on Canal Street

The 1947 Joy Theater to re-open on Canal Street...Spud will talk with the Queen of Soul Irma Thomas today about her career, her memories of the Joy Theater and the grand repoening this Thursday night! Read more...

Video: Spud reads the "Cajun Night Be

On his final show before the big holiday, Spud read the "Cajun Night Before Christmas" live on the air. Click here to view the video & for information on ordering a copy of the classic poem/book.

Supreme Court to decide if lying about military honors is free speech

Supreme Court to decide if a lower courts ruling that a man lying about receiving the Medal of Honor is protected under the first amendment as free speech. So lying is now protected as free speech? How do you think the Supreme Court should rule on this one? Read more...

NTBS also says U.S. traffic fatalities hit lowest level since 1949.

NTBS also last week said U.S. traffic fatalities have hit the lowest level since 1949...were there cell phones in 1949 and we didn't know about them? If traffic fatalities are down and cell phone use in cars is up...then why the proposed ban?

Read More...

NTBS recommends banning cell phone use while driving

NTBS has recommended that there be a Federal ban on cell phone use in cars....citing the distractions that cell phones cause to be deadly....do you think they should be banned? Read More...

Should there be a stricter teenage curfew for the French Quarter?

The New Orleans City Council is thinking of making changes to the times that teens are allowed in the French Quarter...good idea or bad? Read More...

Should you have to show a picture ID to vote?

Should you have to show a picture ID to vote? Spud says yes but some activist say no and that it's racially motivated...what do you think? Read More...

The Glass Mendacity!

Hey y'all, come see me on stage TONIGHT in "The Glass Mendacity" at the Deutsches Haus in Old Metairie. TUES/WED at 7:30pm. $15 - For info: call 259-9888 or visit http://deutscheshaus.org/events/. Reservations recommended but walkups are welcome! Doors open at 6:30pm. You'll laugh your GLASS off, guaranteed!