Talk Louisiana

Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Dr. Shawn Wilson is joined by Compliance Program Director Paul Merrick-Roddy to discuss federal funding towards improving the cities highways and ways to bring about diversity. LSU's Kevin Cope talks the university, investments in athletics vs. academics, and also comments on the university's president and the mural debate.

Features editor for The Advocate Jane Risher talks her life and career covering the people of Baton Rouge as well as The Advocate's new section, "Louisiana Inspired". Former WAFB anchor George Sells reflects on his career as an anchorman on his 80th birthday. General manager and president of WRKF Paul Maassen talks the station and the Fall Member Fest.

Former professional baseball player Denny McLain talks his baseball career as well as his thoughts on the game today. The Advocate's Mark Ballard speaks on life in Washington and several political topics including Jeff Landry and upcoming elections.

Libertarian attorney Mike Wolf talks the Supreme Court's leaning towards Alabama as well as congressional districts. Pro-Choice Candidate for Louisiana's First Congressional District Katie Darling discusses her candidacy and her viral campaign video. LSU's School of Music's Damon Talley and Scott Terrell talk the school and its upcoming events. The new music sextet "Eighth Black Bird" will take place on October 11th at the LSU Union Theater. Tickets are limited. For more information and tickets, visit https://www.lsu.edu/cmda/music/blog/public/eighth-blackbird.php.

Owner of Elizabethan Gallery on Jefferson Hwy. Liz Walker talks the effects of the gentrification of Government Street in Baton Rouge. American reporter for The Advocate and The Times-Picayune Tyler Bridges remembers Democratic political consultant Raymond Strother and comments on several political topics including the upcoming US Senate Race.

CBS Chief Washington Correspondent and author Major Garrett is joined by National Election Expert and author David Becker to discuss the repercussions of the 2020 election by referring to their recent book, "The Big Truth: Upholding Democracy in the Age of “The Big Lie”. Founder of WRKF Eric Deweese talks the legacy of the station. To support WRKF, visit www.wrkf.org.

CBS Chief Washington Correspondent and author Major Garrett is joined by National Election Expert and author David Becker to discuss the repercussions of the 2020 election by referring to their recent book, "The Big Truth: Upholding Democracy in the Age of “The Big Lie”. Founder of WRKF Eric Deweese talks the legacy of the station. To support WRKF, visit www.wrkf.org.

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser talks how tourism is being effected in Louisiana as well as the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian. Paul Arrigo speaks on his 20+ years as President and CEO of Visit BR and his plans post retirement.

Author, producer, and long-time friend and attorney of Johnny Carson, Henry Buskin reflects on the life and legacy of Johnny Carson. The Advocate's Mark Ballard talks what's going on in Washington as well as national and local politics.

Investigative reporter for The Advocate Andrea Gallo discusses her work regarding child welfare and the current DCFS staffing shortage. American journalist, writer, and political commentator Steven V. Roberts speaks on the political environment, his late wife, Cokie Roberts, and the unsolved 1972 plane crash that took the life of Cokie Robert's father, Hale Boggs. Steven Roberts will be speaking at the Founders Luncheon at the Crowne Plaza Executive Center Baton Rouge this Friday. For more information, visit wrkf.org. Author, broadcaster, and journalist Hayley Campbell talks her recent book "All the Living and the Dead". Executive director for BREADA Darlene Rowland talks the organization, the Red Stick Farmers Market and the upcoming fundraiser, Farm Fete Fundraiser held on this Thursday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the River Center Library.

Financial advisor Fred Dent talks the bare market and its affect on financial conditions as well as the upcoming midterm elections. Journalist and author Casey Parks speaks on her recent book "Diary of a Misfit". BRCC's Chancellor Dr. Willie Smith is joined by new athletic director Brock Kantrow to talk recent BRCC enrollment and athletics.

Chair of the Board of Louisiana Progress and co-founder of 1000 Women Louisiana Melissa Flournoy is joined by American conservative newspaper columnist and writer Quin Hillyer to discuss what's going on in politics today. Managing artistic director of LSU' School of Theatre Vastine Stabler is joined by director Hannah Wolf and air guitar champion and actor Matt Burns to talk the upcoming production "Airness". Showings start September 29th and go till October 9th. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/event/airness/226400/. Talk Louisiana host Jim Engster reflects on the life and career of Jack LaLanne.

The Advocate Reporter George Morris talks the completion of his 40 years at The Advocate and also comments on WWII and LSU Sports. American actor, comedian, and impressionist Jim Meskimen talks his career over the years and some upcoming projects. South African singer-songwriter and guitarist Jonathan Butler speaks on the inspiration behind his music and also what is to come. Butler's upcoming performance presented by "Warring Women" is today at 6:30 p.m. at the Hemingbough Greek amphitheater in St. Francisville. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

President of the Baton Rouge Youth Movement Ashley Rankin speaks on the organization and its goal to educate young people on the importance of registering and going out to vote. For more information, call 225-407-0850. Co-owner of The Shed BBQ in Baton Rouge and employer of murder victim Allison Rice, Chez Ciccone, speaks on Rice and the senseless murder. The Advocate's Mark Ballard speaks on his transition to Washington DC and several political topics including the crime rate and Donald Trump.

American best-selling author and investigative journalist Dan Moldea talks politics surrounding Donald Trump and others and comments on the tragic death of Las Vegas reporter Jeff German. Television actress Loretta Swit talks her many years on the hit 70's TV show M*A*S*H.

Editorial Director and columnist at The Times-Picayune and The Advocate Nola Stephanie Grace talks about several political topics including the upcoming elections and their candidates. Author, US Army Combat Veteran and cult survivor Daniella Mestyanek Young speaks on her recent book "Uncultured: A Memoir". .

Miss America Wheelchair and national ambassador Karen Roy reflects on the tragic shooting that left her paralyzed 35 years ago and also her life and advocacies since then. ABC Board Chairman Scott Wilfong speaks on the idea of keeping bars open later. Senior Vice President of Community and Economic Development for Hope Enterprise Corporation Kathy Saloy speaks on the organization and the racial wealth gap. For more information, visit www.hopecu.org.

Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Stephen Handwerk talks several political topics including the political parties and upcoming elections. LSU Beat's Glenn Guilbeau speaks on the political component of the SEC and LSU's upcoming football season. Executive director of PASA- Performing Arts Serving Acadiana Jackie Lyle talks about what's new in Acadiana preforming arts and the upcoming visionary project "Sacred Spaces". For more information, visit pasaonline.org. Author and labor attorney Steven Mitchell Sack speaks on his new book "Fired! : Protect Your Rights & FIGHT BACK If You're Terminated, Laid Off, Downsized, Restructured, Forced to Resign or Quit".

Retired lieutenant general who served as the 33rd commanding general of the U.S. First Army Russel Honore reflects on his 75 years of life, growing up in Point Coupee Parish, and comments on several Louisiana issues. The Advocate's Mark Ballard speaks on the upcoming elections and the federal abortion ban.

Journalist and Dean Emeritus of the Faculty of Journalism at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism Nicholas Lemann talks about his start into journalism and comments on a few political topics including civil rights and Donald Trump. Nicholas Lemann will be speaking on civil rights and the Supreme Court tonight at LSU's Lod Cook at 4:30 p.m. Pollster, author and nonpartisan political analyst Ron Faucheux speaks on several political matters including the upcoming elections.

Political consultant Mary Patricia Wray is joined by Veteran Colonel Rob Maness to discuss several political topics including the upcoming midterm election, political parties, and Donald Trump. LSU Tiger Girls head coach Kandace Hale talks the team, their National Championship win, and what is to come.

U.S. Senate Candidate Gary Chambers talks the upcoming election and his campaign. Former metro councilman Darrell Glasper is joined by lawyer, writer, and political activist Mike Wolf to reflect on the LSU and SU game and to speak on several political topics including student loan debt and the upcoming election.

Former LSU and professional football player Rohan Davey is joined by former SU and professional football player Ken Ellis to talk about their football careers as well as the upcoming LSU and SU football game. Lawyer, first daughter of Baton Rouge, and graduate of both LSU and SU Sarah Broome is joined by musician, poet, and former SU's The Human Jukebox member Chancelier Skidmore to speak on their journey to this point as well as the significance of the LSU vs. SU game. One of the youngest survivors of the Nazi labor camp Tova Friedman reflects on her life by referring to her book "The Daughter of Auschwitz: My Story of Resilience, Survival and Hope".

LSU's "Voice of the Valley" Dan Borne reflects on years as an announcer and comments on LSU's upcoming football season. The Advocate's Mark Ballard discusses several Louisiana political topics. Psychologist and friendship expert Dr. Marisa Franco talks about her recent book "Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make--and Keep--Friends".

Former American football player and coach Curley Hallman talks about his life and times as a football coach and also comments on LSU's upcoming football season. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital physician assistant and commercial astronaut Hayley Arceneaux reflects on her life and career, from her cancer diagnosis to traveling to space, by referring to her book "Wild Ride: A Memoir of I.V. Drips and Rocket Ships".

Lawyer and author Judge Freddie Pitcher Jr. talks his life and journey to this point by referring to his recent book "Breaking Barriers: A View from the Bench". Managing Artistic Director of Theatre of Baton Rouge Jenny Ballard is joined by Executive Artistic Director of New Venture Theatre Greg Williams to talk the upcoming production "Doubt" A Parable" opening Friday, September 9th. For more information, visit theatrebr.org. American author and editor Daniel Stashower talks his recent book "American Demon".

Former special projects director at LPB and new executive director of Children's Knock Knock Museum Christina Melton talks about the museum and all it entails. Former LSU and professional basketball player and Director of Governor’s Council of Fitness & Director of Bureau of Minority Health Access Rudy Macklin speaks on his basketball career, the Bureau of Minority Health, and comments on LSU's upcoming season.

Attorney and Louisiana Political Official Jim Brown talks Donald Trump and his FBI home raid and also uses his book "Justice Denied" to recount his experience with the FBI. The Advocate's Mark Ballard discusses several political topics including the recent election, upcoming midterm elections, and Donald Trump.

Renowned tailor and men's fashion expert talks the latest on fall fashion. Former member of the Louisiana State Senate and American Republican Elbert Guillory comment several political topics including Brittney Griner and the home raid of Donald Trump.

Oncology specialist Dr. Gerald Miletello discusses recent clinical trials as well as new cancer research developments. Libertarian attorney Rufus Craig talks several political topics including the insurrection at the capital, gun rights, and the abortion ban. Senior director of LSU's Online and Continuing Education Program Lisa Verma speaks on the program and its benefits.

President and CEO of Louisiana Lottery Rose Hudson talks about the lottery and her journey over the last sixteen years. Political consultant and author Rich Rubino talks several political topics including the upcoming election.

Lt. Gov. and Commissioner of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism Billy Nungesser discusses the world of tourism, the talk of Mardi Gras cancellation, as well as other topics specific to Louisiana. International award winning author Rannah Grey is joined by former TV reporter and writer Ryan Naquin to speaks on Grey's book "Familiar Evil" and talk about its upcoming documentary. Author and journalist Baynard Woods speaks on his recent book "Inheritance: An Autobiography of Whiteness".

Attorney, politician, and Commissioner of Conservation, Richard Ieyoub, speaks on his previous positions in politics as well as his current position at the Department of Natural Recourses. The Advocate's Mark Ballard discusses several political topics including the recent broadband instillations, upcoming elections, and the abortion ban.

Widow of former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards, Trina Edwards, talks her recent engagement to well-known politician, John Alario. Talk Louisiana host Jim Engster comments on several political matters including the upcoming election.

American author and historian John Berry reflects on his previous work "Rising Tides" on its 25 year anniversary and speaks on his upcoming book about the recent pandemic. John DiGiulio and Mike Johnson from DiGiulio Brothers Italian Café speaks on the restaurant and its history.

LSU Emeritus Professor Dr. Brooks Ellwood talks his latest research regarding LSU's Indian Mounds. Attorney and member of the Louisiana State Senate Cleo Fields discusses several political topics including congressional redistricting, the upcoming election, and the abortion ban. LBP's Dorothy Kendrick is joined by researcher Susan Hymel to talk Kendrick's latest work "Angela Gregory: A Legend Chiseled in Stone" which is to premier tonight a 7 p.m. on LPB.

Section 1, Division B of the Louisiana 19th Judicial District Court judge and court of appeal candidate Dr. Donald Johnson speaks on his journey to this point as well as the upcoming election. Political consultant Stephen Handwerk discusses the upcoming election, the Democratic Party, and Donald Trump. American actor Michael O'Neill talks about his latest production "Echoes" to be released tonight on Netflix.

Administrator at former abortion clinic Hope Medical Group in Shreveport Kathaleen Pittman talks about the closing of the clinic as well as life beyond abortion availability in Louisiana. The Advocate's Mark Ballard speaks on the abortion ban as well as Donald Trump.

Chairman and chief executive officer of Acadian Ambulance Service and member of LSU Board of Supervisors Richard Zuschlag speaks on Acadian Ambulance on its 50th Year Anniversary. American investigative reporter, author and film director Jason Berry talks gun violence across the country by referring to his recent article "An Ex-Cop and a Preacher Wrestle with America's Gun Violence".

(Larry D. Moore)Healthcare economist from Blue Cross Blue Shield Mike Bertaut speaks on the affordable care act as well as the inflation reduction act. Lead Consultant for First Financial Baton Rouge Ameen Walker is joined by employ retention credit specialist Heather Kleinpeter to discuss employ retention credit. New York Times bestselling author and associate editor at The Washington Post David Maraniss talks about his latest work, "Path Lit by Lightening: The Life of Jim Thorpe".

Baton Rouge lobbyist Jim Nickel fills in for Talk Louisiana Host Jim Engster and speaks to Engster briefly on his journey to this point in radio as well as LSU's upcoming football season. LSU’s Communications Director and Associate Athletics Director Michael Bonnette joins Nickel to discuss LSU athletics and their upcoming seasons.

District 5 Councilman Darryl Hurst talks a few EBR Parish topics including the raise for police and city employees and the makeup of the parish council. The Advocate's Mark Ballard talks the voting rights act, the abortion ban, as well as Donald Trump and the recent FBI raid of his home. American author and former Marine Corps Special Operations Team Leader Elliot Ackerman discusses his recent book "The Fifth Act: America's End in Afghanistan".

American conservative newspaper columnist and writer Quinn Hillyer is joined by National President/CEO of the National Congress of Black Women, United Nations Peace Ambassador, an attorney, and activist Dr. Faye Williams to discuss several political topics including Donald Trump, the recent raid of his home, and upcoming midterm elections. Sports reporter and author Glenn Guilbeau talks about his recent book "Everything Matters in Baseball". Managing Artistic Director of Theatre Baton Rouge, director, and actress Jenny Ballard speaks on Theatre Baton Rouge and its upcoming productions including The Wizard of Oz showing August 18th - August 21st. Information on this and other productions can be found at theatrebr.org.

President of Louisiana AFL-CIO Louis Reine speaks on several economic topics including the minimum wage rate and union memberships. Godfather of the Louisiana Libertarian Party Mike Wolf discusses several political issues including Donald Trump and the recent FBI raid of his home.

Chartered Financial Analyst of Dent Wealth Advisors Fred Dent discusses several economic issues including the recent hiring surge and thoughts on a possible recession. Owner of The Red Shtick and satirist writer Jeremy White talks the evolution of comedy.

Superintendent of BREC Corey Wilson speaks on his journey to this point as well as several BREC projects in the works. Chair of the Board of Progress and co-founder of 10,000 Women Louisiana talks about the politics surrounding the abortion ban as well as the voting decision in Kansas.

Longtime political consultant Dick Morris joins the show briefly to comment on Donald Trump referring to his recent book "The Return: Trump's Big 2024 Comeback" before abruptly ending the interview. The Advocate's Mark Ballard talks several political topics including the end of the US Senate qualifying, Kansas abortion voting, and the recent veteran's health care bill.

Son of former Louisiana governor Buddy Roemer and chairman of G2 Net-Zero Chas Roemer speaks on his late father as well as the importance of the use of energy sources with less carbon. Longtime journalist and Los Angeles native John Burke reflects on the life and career of American sportscaster Vin Scully amid his recent passing. Newscaster Valentina Wilson talks about her years in the journalism and reporting industry as well as her upcoming event "The Shades of Success". For invitations and information go to www.theshadesofsuccess.net or email at [email protected].

LSU Vet School's Senior Director of Outreach and Strategic Initiatives and daughter of Heisman Trophy Award winner Billy Cannon, Bunnie Cannon speaks on the life and legacy of her late father. New media artist and designer Matt Kenyon joins president and CEO of Baton Rouge Art Gallery Jason Andreasen to talk SWAMP as well as Kenyon's latest work, CLOUDBURST opening August 3rd from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. University of Washington professor and author Chantel Prat speaks on her latest work "The Neuroscience of You: How Every Brain Is Different and How to Understand Yours".

Founder and publisher of the Bayou Brief Lamar White talks several topics surrounding Louisiana politics, the US Senate race, and comments on Donald Trump. Author and early literacy advocate Maya Payne Smart speaks on the importance of reading by referring to her recent book "Reading for Our Lives".