Conversations with Jason Berry offers an intimate look at the life and mind of one of America's most fearless investigative journalists and cultural historians. Across twenty-three compelling interviews, Berry reflects on the forces that have shaped his work-from uncovering corruption in the Catholic Church to chronicling the rich cultural and political landscape of Louisiana. Berry's groundbreaking exposes on clerical abuse established him as a leading voice in investigative journalism, yet his journey is equally personal-a struggle with faith, institutional betrayal, and an unwavering commitment to the truth. Beyond journalism, Berry's deep love for his home city led him to become one of New Orleans's most celebrated historians. His critically acclaimed book, City of a Million Dreams: A History of New Orleans at Year 300, cements his legacy as a vital interpreter of the city's contradictions, resilience, and enduring beauty. This collection offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a writer whose work continues to shape public discourse, blending sharp inquiry with a profound understanding of the human condition.
Howard Hunter is a native of New Orleans and a history teacher of forty-two years. He is coauthor with James Gill of Tearing Down the Lost Cause: The Removal of New Orleans's Confederate Statues, published by University Press of Mississippi; has published articles on New Orleans and the Civil War for both academic and general audiences; and is past president of the Louisiana Historical Society.
Introduction Chronology Berry: Press Aide to Charles Evers Mike Winship / 1971 The Catholic Quandary Don Lee Keith / 1992 Point of Contact The Dallas Morning News / 2006 Unholy Trinities Clancy DuBos / 2006 Interview with Jason Berry Charles Henry Rowell / 2006 Maciel, a Sexual Predator Marisa Iglesias / 2007 Thinking About New Orleans #9: Jason Berry (Part I) Jane Ciabattari / 2007 Thinking About New Orleans #9: Jason Berry (Part II) Jane Ciabattari / 2007 Jason Berry with Allan Turner Allan Turner / 2008 Jason Berry: Church Whistleblower Judy Ball / 2011 "Tell Me About It"-Jason Berry at the Tennessee Williams Festival Mark A. Folse / 2011 Rockburn Presents: Jason Berry Ken Rockburn / 2012 Questions for Jason Berry Zach Czaia / 2017 In a Long Career, Writer Jason Berry Turns Homeward Again in City of a Million Dreams Susan Larson / 2018 Catholic History of New Orleans Highlighted During Its Three-Hundredth Anniversary Christopher White / 2018 The Triumph of New Orleans, the Tragedy of the Catholic Church: A Conversation with Jason Berry Christiaan Mader / 2019 The Jazz Writer: Jason Berry's Quest to Understand the Place Where He's From Tom Roberts / 2019 Grace Under Pressure John Baldoni / 2021 City of a Million Dreams Fulfills Twenty-Five-Year Documentary Quest for Jason Berry David Johnson / 2021 Filmmaker 5 with Jason Berry: City of a Million Dreams Kami Spangenberg / 2022 Questions for Research Halley Jepson / 2022 Jason Berry Oral History Mark Cave / 2023 Jason Berry with G. Howard Hunter G. Howard Hunter and Adele Layrisson / 2023
