About Mr. Nola Nerd

Welcome to NolaNerdCouple.com — Our Family, Our Passions, Our Adventures

Hi! I’m Kurt Hargis, aka Mr. Nola Nerd. Together with my wife and our amazing 7-year-old, we are the heart and soul behind NolaNerdCouple.com. What started as CookTravelEat.com has grown into a space where we share our love for music, travel, food, comic cons, movies, and family life in Louisiana.

As a proud dad, husband, and lifelong nerd, I find joy in exploring new places, collecting vinyl records, cooking, and discovering the best eats wherever we go. Whether it’s braving the crowds at comic cons, searching for rare LPs, or building family traditions in New Orleans and beyond, our blog is all about embracing curiosity together.

While I am able-bodied passing, I do have a disease called pallindromic rheumatism which is poorly described as pre-RA. Living with palindromic rheumatism brings its challenges, but it also teaches me resilience and gratitude daily. My family is my foundation, and every adventure—big or small—is better with them by my side.

Proud Dad to a Wonderful 7-Year-Old

Above all, I am the proud father of a fantastic 7-year-old who inspires me to see the world with fresh eyes. Parenthood not only shapes my perspective as a blogger and educator but also reminds me of the importance of patience, wonder, and celebrating every milestone. Many of our stories and experiences are shared through this lens of family and discovery, which allows us to often focus our content toward families.

What You’ll Find on This Blog

• Travel Guides & Tips: Explore our favorite destinations, from Edinburgh to Florence to hidden Louisiana gems.
• Food & Cooking: Recipes, restaurant reviews, and culinary adventures for families and foodies.
• Music & Pop Culture: Vinyl treasures, concert experiences, and everything Star Wars.
• Comic Cons & Nerd Life: Insights, cosplay tips, and honest reflections on the con experience.
• Parenting & Family Life: Real stories about raising a young nerd and balancing work, play, and learning.

My Professional Journey as an Educator

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Award-Winning Louisiana Teacher

By day, I’m an educator at Destrehan High School with over 20 years of classroom experience. My journey from history major to computer science teacher has shaped my approach to teaching, blending innovation, empathy, and a relentless commitment to my students.

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Champion for Diversity and Inclusion in STEM

I’m proud to have built a diverse computer science program, with over 50% female enrollment, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field and encouraging all students to thrive in STEM.

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Recognition and Professional Achievements

• 2023 Louisiana History Teacher of the Year (Gilder Lehrman Institute)
• Selected for the National Humanities Center’s Summer Institute for African American Studies
• Presenter for Learning for Justice’s Teaching Hard History program
• Leadership roles: department chair, data analyst, turnaround trainer, and school improvement planner

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Teaching Philosophy

My teaching is rooted in building relationships, cultural responsiveness, and meeting each student where they are. I strive to create an inclusive, supportive classroom environment where everyone feels valued, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential, not just as students, but as people.

This same philosophy guides how I write and share on NolaNerdCouple.com.
Just as I work to connect with every student, I see this blog as a way to connect with fellow nerds, families, and curious explorers—no matter where they’re starting from. My goal is to create a welcoming space where we can geek out over music, movies, comic cons, Star Wars, and all things “nerdy,” while also making everyone feel seen and accepted.

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Lifelong Learner and Leader

I continually seek new ways to grow, present at national conferences, and collaborate with educators from across the country. My greatest fulfillment comes not from accolades, but from making a difference in my students’ lives.

This commitment to diversity and inclusion doesn’t stop at the classroom door—it’s woven into every part of NolaNerdCouple.com. Just as I strive to create an inclusive learning environment, I want this blog to be a welcoming space where everyone, regardless of background, gender, or experience level, feels accepted, represented, and inspired to pursue their passions.

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Connect With Us

Want to collaborate, invite me to speak, or just say hi? Reach out at mrnolanerdcouple@nolanerdcouple.com. We love connecting with fellow nerds, educators, parents, and explorers!