For generations, women’s health concerns—from chronic pain and hormonal changes to pregnancy, menopause, and aging—have been misunderstood, minimized, or dismissed. This conversation will examine how practices in medicine shape women’s experiences across their lifespans. Moderated by Dr. Jennifer Avegno, the panel explores why so many women struggle to be heard in the healthcare system, how gaps in research and training affect care, and what it will take to build a more responsive, equitable, and evidence-based approach to women’s health.

Romance can be both swoon-worthy and spine-tingling. Olivia Worley, author of the psychological thriller So Happy Together, and Juliette Cross, author of the romantasy Firebird, explore how passion and peril intertwine in their stories. Together they’ll discuss crafting unforgettable characters, balancing romance with danger, and why readers are drawn to love stories that keep them on the edge of their seats.

For more than three decades, Sister Helen Prejean’s work against the death penalty has shaped the national conversation on justice and mercy. Her landmark book Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States ignited debate and went on to become an Academy Award–winning film, a play, and one of the most performed operas in the world. In conversation with writer and activist Rose Vines, who adapted Dead Man Walking into a graphic edition, Sister Helen reflects on how storytelling across mediums can move hearts, influence culture and inspire action. Moderated by Sophie Cull, this powerful session explores the ways art can bear witness, challenge injustice and help build movements for change.

For decades, artist Francis X. Pavy has captured the spirit, landscapes, and layered histories of French Louisiana through vivid color and unmistakable style. In this conversation with Tulane's Nick Spitzer, Pavy reflects on a lifetime of work shaped by place, language, and culture, exploring how art can both preserve tradition and continually reimagine it. Featuring the 2026 official poster artist for the New Orleans Book Festival, this session offers a rare look at the creative vision behind an enduring body of work.

Thomas Beller, Beth Ann Fennelly, and physician-writer David Weill, MD join moderator Jedidiah Jenkins to explore memoir and personal essay writing as an act of reclaiming identity through observation and reflection. Drawing on decades of writing across literature, poetry, and medicine, and reflecting on their own deeply personal work, the panelists discuss how the act of narrative reconstruction allows a writer to unify a lifetime’s worth of selves and to own identity.

Authors Keisha N. Blain and Sasha Bonét celebrate the strength, vision, and resilience of Black women across generations. In conversation with Kim Boyle, they explore how storytelling, memory, and lived experience shape leadership, inspire communities, and challenge cultural narratives. This session illuminates the power of voices often overlooked, showing how the stories we tell and remember can transform both individual lives and society as a whole.

Artists Ron Bechet, Freddie Williams Evans, Anna Rita Scott, and Ayo Scott explore the legacy of sculptor and painter John T. Scott, reflecting on his innovative techniques, cultural impact, and the ways his mentorship continues to inspire new generations in a conversation moderated by Shantrell Austin.

Celebrated author Daniel Kehlmann discusses his latest novel, The Director, examining the intricacies of creativity, leadership, and the human impulse to shape stories and ideas. In conversation with journalist Michelle Miller, Kehlmann reflects on his writing process, the inspirations behind his characters, and the ways literature mirrors and challenges our understanding of the world. This session offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of today’s most acclaimed contemporary authors, revealing how narrative, ambition, and imagination intersect in his work.

Are you constantly worried about what others think? Meg Josephson, author of Are You Mad at Me?, offers a guide to letting go of judgment, embracing your own choices, and living a more authentic life. In conversation with Sasha Sagan, Josephson explores strategies for reclaiming confidence, joy, and personal freedom.

Celebrating its centennial, Xavier University of Louisiana has shaped generations of leaders and change-makers. Historian Vincent Barraza joins Congressman and Xavier alumnus Troy Carter and Xavier University President Dr. Reynold Verrett to discuss the university's storied history, enduring legacy as a leading HBCU, and lasting impact on the city of New Orleans.