Meet Your Guide

Mark Aspiazu was born and raised in New Orleans. He graduated from Jesuit High School and then got his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of New Orleans. He went on to work in the for-profit education system, becoming president of two college campuses in the New Orleans area. Over time, he realized that his true passion was in education through tourism alongside New Orleans history, food and cocktails. Mark spent his weekends showing people around the city wishing he could do it full time…so he did! In 2014 he got his tour guide license, and in December of 2015 he decide to make the leap from Campus President to full-time New Orleans tour guide. He hasn’t looked back since.

Angela Monroe Aspiazu might be from the Midwest, but her heart truly belongs to New Orleans. A former creative director and finance professional, Angela was indifferent to history until a business trip to the Crescent City changed everything. Captivated by its vibrant culture, she dove headfirst into all things New Orleans—historical, culinary, and cultural.

When she’s not guiding tours, Angela explores every nook and cranny of New Orleans with her fiancé, Mark—especially the never-ending list of great restaurants. An adventurous world traveler, dancer, and foodie, she loves learning about her tour guests’ home towns…and where to eat when she gets there!

James grew up in rural Mississippi and at an early age, he set his sights on the big city of New Orleans. Following in the footsteps of an ancestor (a riverboat captain from the 1870s), he headed south and upon arriving in New Orleans knew immediately he had found his heart’s home. A tour guide with 15+ years experience, James now boasts degrees in Literature and French as well as an encyclopedic knowledge of his adopted city’s history, culture, and legends.  As our resident “paranormal expert” and an initiate in New Orleans Voodoo, James has appeared and consulted on shows ranging from Haunted USA to NCIS: New Orleans.

Tylyn is a New Orleans native who has recently returned to her home city. She attended the University of New Orleans film program, obtaining her MFA in 2015. Shortly after, she moved to Chicago and found herself telling people there all about the strange and wonderful city she came from. Upon returning, she fell even deeper in love with the city. Discovering how much she loved researching New Orleans history and telling people about what she learned, she decided to become a licensed tour guide. When not working, Tylyn enjoys watching & working on movies, playing her drums, and spending time with her two dogs – all while calculating just how much coffee is safe to drink per day.

B.J. Schneider was born and raised in New Orleans. He graduated from Holy Cross High school and after some time at the University of New Orleans, he enlisted in the US Army. After military service, he got his first of two associate degrees in allied health and became a certified paramedic. After decades working in New Orleans his intrigue into the city’s past blossomed during its tricentennial. Looking to share his love and knowledge with others, he began a YouTube channel about New Orleans called Big Easy Life and in an effort to show his viewers his legitimacy, he got his tour guide license and figured he should at least try it on for size. Now he is able to express his love for the city in person!

EJ is a Texas-born tour guide with deep Louisiana roots, tracing his family’s history in the state back nearly 200 years. A former history teacher and award-winning documentary filmmaker, EJ specializes in Black History and culture in Louisiana. His tours are informed by years of historical research and a personal connection to the region, offering a rich, immersive experience that highlights the cultural diversity and historical significance of Louisiana. Whether delving into landmark stories or sharing hidden gems, EJ’s passion for history and storytelling brings the past to life for visitors.

Born in Cajun Country (albeit with no accent to show for it), Adelai is a lover of film, festivals, and French heritage. Adelai received her Honors Baccalaureate in Moving Image Arts, French, and Folklore  in 2019 and her Masters in Film Production in 2023. She has worked on “Why We Dance” for the National Endowment for the Arts,  “Rougarou” for the KINDOMADA Arts Incubator, and TV5-LeMonde Haut Paulers for the National Day of Francophonie. In addition, she produced and directed the documentary film “Bayou Belles,” on Louisiana Fair and Festival Queens, and “Chez Nannette” which explores food, family, and French in the context of a small Cajun village.  Her work primarily focuses on the forces within Louisiana and those that shape it, both past and present. When she is not developing Louisiana’s reputation on screens small and large, she works studying and sharing Louisiana’s folklore to thousands each year as one of its tour guides.