Talk Louisiana

Guest host Jan Swift talks to new Louisiana Senate President Page Cortez about the issues that will define the upcoming session, and Anne Kim about the growing number of “opportunity deserts”.

Paul Arrigo, who heads Visit Baton Rouge, comments on the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on tourism. Erin Khar discusses her 15-year battle against opioid addiction derailed in her book “Strung Out.”

Political Consultant Ray Strother opines about the Presidential election and the politics of Coronavirus. Mark Ballard of The Advocate weighs in on the jockeying for position in the legislative session starting March 9.

Financial advisers Fred Dent and Andy Anderson assess a huge decline in markets from the Coronavirus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has tumbled more than 2,000 points this week.

Tonge Helaire and Madee Helaire, mother and sister of LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, discuss Madee’s battle with Muscular Dystrophy and how Clyde rebounded from an incident in which he killed in a man in self defense to help LSU to the national title. Investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell recaps 30 years of chasing killers from the Civil Rights Movement. Four Klansmen were convicted on the basis of reporting from Mitchell. Heralded reporter Greg Palast makes the case that elections are tampered with in the U.S.

Time Correspondent Charlotte Alter discusses the influence of Millennials in American politics led by 26 members of Congress and presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg. EBR Council member Chauna Banks talks about friction on the Council and looks at the mayoral election 35 weeks away. Poet Donney Rose previews his sold out Manship Theatre performance this week.

On the Monday edition of the show, Jim speaks with author Charlotte Alter. Also EBR Councilwoman Chauna Banks is in the studio. Jim also welcomes Baton Rouge poet Donney Rose.

On the Monday edition of the show, Jim speaks with author Charlotte Alter. Also EBR Councilwoman Chauna Banks is in the studio. Jim also welcomes Baton Rouge poet Donney Rose.

Major General Skip Phillips and Colonel Eric Crider on the stop in Baton Rouge of the Army War College. Eugene Collins, head of the Baton Rouge NAACP, on racial strife in Zachary over alleged sexual abuse by a white teacher of a black student.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon comments on the coming showdown over tort reform and insurance rates for women. Mark Ballard of the Advocate discusses the newspaper’s account if business dealings of Attorney General Jeff Landry.

Political Consultant Rannah Gray reports on her trip through Iowa for that state’s caucuses and her visit to Nevada for the primary there. Former State Rep. Raymond Jetson, who was a pastor for 23 years, comments on the statement from former Texas Gov. Rick Perry that President Trump has been chosen by God.

Author John Barry reflects on his research about the flu pandemic a century ago and how it compares to Coronavirus. Dietmar Rietschier, Executive Director of the Amite River Basin Commission, recalls the bombing of Dresden 75 years ago this month in the final days of WWII.

Outgoing Superintendent of Education John White looks back at his tenure. Jim discusses the 2020 election, and the change of heart regarding the President experienced by many of his former GOP rivals.

Advocate Reporter Bryn Stole comments on a story about business dealings of Attorney General Jeff Landry. Psychologist Juko Holiday recalls her appearance 20 years ago on “Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire?” John Dennis talks about his electoral challenge of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

David Rubenstein on his new book “The American Story”. Quin Hillyer on the Louisiana GOP’s censure of Mitt Romney. Mark Ballard on tort reform efforts.

Former gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone comments on the close race he lost to Gov. John Bel Edwards, sizes up the national and state political landscape and tells his backstory as a son of North Baton Rouge. Historian Alexis Coe on her book about George Washington.

Former LSU Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope and Stephanie Riegel comment in the search for a new leader at LSU. Riegel reveals the top home sales in Baton Rouge. Dr. Neal Barnard talks about his book, “Your Body in Balance.”

Lamar White of the Bayou Brief and Elbert Guillory, State GOP minority outreach director, discuss the 2020 President Race and upcoming Democratic primary in New Hampshire. Remembering Robert Conrad.

Dayne Sherman and Jeff Sadow discuss the state of the presidential race. John Schneider talks Kirk Douglas. Cast and producers behind Baton Rouge indie film Daisy and Smiling Jack talk about their planned South by Southwest release.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne opines about quarrels over Louisiana estimates and the opening at LSU for the president-chancellor post vacated by King Alexander. Veteran journalist Megan Angelo discussed her debut novel “Followers.” c of The Advocate talks about impeachment nationally and the conservative wave that has overtaken the Louisiana Legislature.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser on his trip to Canada. Mary Patricia Wray and Scott Wilfong discuss the State of the Union and more.

Professor Bob Mann of the LSU Manship School comments on the debacle for Democrats in Iowa as vote counting is delayed. Mann and his students visited the Hawkeye State. Renowned brain scientist Stanislaus Dehaune of France on his book “How We Learn.” Dehaune makes the cases that humans still outperform machines.

Republican Political Consultant Roy Fletcher looks at the changing electoral landscape of the American South and predicts Bernie Sanders will win the Iowa Caucuses and the Democratic presidential nomination. University of Oklahoma Mass Communications Professor Jensen Moore sizes up winners and losers in the Super Bowl commercial battle. Vastine Stabler of Swine Palace Theatre previews the production of “Oil” at the Shaver Theatre.

Veteran investigative reporter Dan Moldea discusses impeachment. America my Oyster founder Bea Gyimah on their upcoming event. Dr. Donald Green on Dale Brown Day.

Political consultant Ray Strother opines about the U. S. Senate vote on witnesses at the Trump impeachment trial. Mark Ballard of The Advocate comments in the continuing feud between Attorney General Jeff Landry and Governor John Bel Edwards. Accomplished artist Christopher Janney previews his appearance with LASM.

Baton Rouge Coroner Beau Clark and Troy Prevot of Stonetrust Insurance assess the opioid epidemic which resulted in 126 deaths in East Baton Rouge in 2019. Tia Mills, President of the Louisiana Association of Educators, looks at the quality of public schools, teacher pay and the 2020 Legislative session.

Author Bryan Washington, the 2019 recipient of the Ernest Gaines writing award, talks about his debut novel, “Lot,” which focuses on characters and places from his native Houston. Bryan Smith, an adventure journalist from the National Geographic, reflects on danger zones across the globe and previews his appearance next week at the Manship Theatre. Conservative Columnist and Commentator Quin Hillyer assesses the U.S. Senate impeachment trial of President Trump and the call for former National Security Advisor John Bolton to testify.

LSU History Professor Nancy Isenberg on the Centennial celebration of women gaining the right to vote in America and continuing challenges with equality. Noelle Straub of Stateline on major issues facing State Legislatures this year, including voting access, vaping, sports betting and aid for disasters. Kathy Kliebert, Board Chair of the Bridge Center, on the opening of a 25,000 square foot facility in downton Baton Rouge later this year for those afflicted with mental illness.

Recap of impeachment trial of President Trump and new contract for Ed Orgeron. Johnny Carson attorney and biographer Henry Bushkin on the popularity and troubled life of the late night television personality who died 15 years ago. Professor James Alexander of Nicholls State University preview Sunday’s Chamber Music performance in New Roads.

Guest Host Julie Baxter-Payer sits in for Jim today and talks with Susanne Romig of ARC of Baton Rouge about their new facility, Mark Ballard of the Advocate about the odds of TORT reform, and author Eitan Hersch about Politics is for Power: How to Move Beyond Political Hobbyism, Take Action, and Make Real Change.

Attorney Mike Wolf comments on the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump. Baseball great Denny McLain assesses the Baseball HOF voting and the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal.

Former U.S. Attorney and onetime Congressman Don Cazayoux assesses the opening of the impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate of President Trump. Developer John Miller recalls building the Country Club of Louisiana with Jack Nicklaus, the world’s greatest golfer who turns 80 years old today.

Activists Faye Williams and Darryl Glasper from different political perspective offer views of the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and predictions on the impeachment trial of President Trump. Author Brad Schreiber comments on the contributions to music of James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, Jimi Hendrix and Marvin Gaye. Schreiber’s book is “Music is Power.”

Jordan Dunlap showcases LSU’s championship trophy.

WRKF founder Eric Deweese and current station manager Paul Maassen comments on the 40th anniversary of the station. Ed Orgeron’s college coach Sam Goodwin recalls Coach O in his formative years at Northwestern State. Lecco Morris of Ragtime Poetry pays tribute to Muhammad Ali on the 78th anniversary of the birth of the Louisville Lip.

Dan Borne, the Voice of the Valley for 34 seasons, comments on LSU’s national championship football season and hosting the governor’s inaugural at the State Capitol on Monday. Mark Ballard of the Advocate discusses a big win for Governor Edwards with Clay Schexnayder of Gonzales named House Speaker. Veteran actor Michael O’Neill of Auburn joins us to comment on his latest projects.

Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome assesses life in Baton Rouge amid a national championship season for LSU. Broome talks about crime, traffic and the prospect of the Village of St. George.

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser assesses the national impact of LSU’s national championship win over Clemson. Ara Rubyan previews the 14th annual Jewish Film Festival at the Manship Theatre. Community activist Erica Etelson talks about her book “Beyond Contempt, How Liberals Can Communicate Across the Great Divide.”

State Rep. Steve Carter comments on his final day in the Louisiana Legislature, the inauguration of Gov. Edwards and LSU facing Clemson for the national title. Former LSU defensive star Dr. Bo Strange recalls the 1958 championship Tigers closing their perfect season with a 7-0 win over Clemson in the Sugar Bowl. LSU fan Leslie Tassin was present in New Orleans for the champions of 1958, 2003and 2007. He will be in the Superdome tonight.

Senator-Elect Franklin Foil discusses the new look Legislature that will be seated at the State Capitol on Monday. Author Zach Williams remembers LSU football coach Bo Rein who died 40 years ago today in a plane crash. Ron Higgins, editor of Tiger Rag, previews the LSU-Clemson national championship game Monday night at the Superdome.

Author Molly Carmel comments on the perils of a sugar laden diet. Mark Ballard of the Advocate on the resignations of John White and Rebecca Gee and the Louisiana congressional delegation on Iran and President Trump. Stacy Wolf of Princeton on Broadway in America.

LSU professor Brooks Elwood comments on new revelations about the Indian Mounds. Retired Air Force Rob Maness and Lamar White of The Bayou Brief chime in on turbulence between the U.S. and Iran.

Journalist Danny Heitman on his new career move after 33 years at the Advocate. Pastor Donnie Wilkinson of Broadmoor United Methodist on the schism in his Church over the issue of gay marriage.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Care Economist Mike Bertaut comments on the state of the Affordable Care Act amid a split decision from the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court. Visit http://www.ldh.la.gov/HealthyLaDashboard/ for Louisiana stats on the Medicaid expansion. Congressman Mike Johnson opines about impeachment and the drone attack that killed prominent Iranian leader.

Friday, January 3rd: Professor Jeff Sadow of LSU-Shreveport and Professor Dayne Sherman of Southeastern Louisiana University chime in from opposite sides of the political spectrum to assess the November 3rd election, ten months from today.

Veteran anchorman George Sells compares media coverage of Watergate with the Clinton and Trump impeachments. Mark Ballard of the Advocate looks at the top stories of 2019.

Prolific writer and NPR contributor Ed Cullen discusses the big events of 2019. Pam Bordelon of The Advocate runs down the top 10 parties of the year.

Lawyer Lewis Unglesby comments on trial lawyers becoming a political issue and the state’s pursuit of coastal damages from the oil and gas industry. An encore interview from 1994 with reporter Carley McCord, one of five people killed Saturday in a plane crash in Lafayette. McCord was on her way to Atlanta to cover the LSU-Oklahoma game. She was married to Steve Ensminger Jr., son of LSU offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger.

Conservative author, radio host and film critic Michael Medved unveils his 14th book, “God’s Hand on America, Divine Providence in the Modern Era.” Advocate feature writer and WWII authority George Morris talks about the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge and recalls his career as a sportswriter as LSU faces Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl on Saturday.

Democrat Susan Nelson and Republican Scott Wilfong share views about the state and national political scene. Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard takes a peek at 2020 politics.