Talk Louisiana

Rev. Chris Andrews and Mike Manning of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank comment on the significance of the holiday as well as President Trump and LSU Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow.We'll be back with more Talk Louisiana Thursday, December 26th.

EBR Councilman Matt Watson on the year in review as St. George was approved and Mayor Broome seeks re-election against Watson, a possible challenger. Actor John Schneider of Livingston Parish on his latest works, including a movie, book and hit song. Sasha Thackaberry updates listeners about LSU Online.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser assesses the year in tourism. Mark Ballard of the Advocate looks at the impeachment of President Trump and the departure of President King Alexander at LSU.

Former Louisiana Senator Elbert Guillory, a lawyer from Opelousas who is Director of Minority Outreach for the Louisiana Republican Party, assesses impeachment proceedings against President Trump.

Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta comments on his role with the Trump Administration and rising costs of utilities in Louisiana. Former LSU Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope discusses the abrupt resignation of President and Chancellor King Alexander, who is leaving LSU for Oregon State. LSU Music Professor Brian Shaw previews the 8th Annual Cool Winter Nights, Hot Jazz at the Manship Theatre.

Dr. Faye Williams, National President/CEO of the National Congress of Black Women, and Former Louisiana Senator and Representative Ben Bagert.

Activist Darrell Glasper and Dr. Carl Luikart comment on the 50th anniversary of the first prep basketball game between a white school and black school in Baton Rouge. Tom Aswell of Louisiana Voice on the impeachment bids against Huey Long and Donald Trump.

Judge Kathleen Richey, executive director of CASA in Louisiana, talks about the 17 state chapters and volunteers who advocate for underprivileged children. Mark Ballard, Capitol Reporter, comments on opposition to Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards from 95 Republicans in the Legislature with inauguration one month away. Emma Reid, LPB producer, details her documentary about duck hunting, “In the Blind.”

East Baton Rouge Parish Chief Public Defender Michael Mitchell and Deputy Lindsay Blouin makes their case for a new source of funding from the parish government, as the department’s resources dwindle and case load increases. Bobby Lamb, The Advocate business editor, on the state of the Baton Rouge economy and The Advocate's upcoming 2020 Economic Outlook Summit on January 7th.

Dr. Shawn Wilson, Secretary of Louisiana Department of Transportation, on changes in Louisiana road conditions and challenges for the department. Author Chris Russo Blackwood reflects on a 30-year-old Louisiana murder case which inspired her recent book, My Brother's Keeper.

Local attorney Charles Landry discusses St. George annexation. Dr. John Kirwan, executive director of Pennington Biomedical Research Center, showcases his plan for the Pennington bariatric research and treatment center.

Advocate Columnist Stephanie Grace comments on how national politics is shaping the political environment with Senator John Kennedy leading the charge for President Trump. Darlene Adams Rowland of BREADA previews the screening of the award-winning documentary film “The Biggest Little Farm” Sunday at the Manship Theatre.

Reporter Stanley Nelson details cold cases of racial killings in Louisiana and Mississippi in the 1960s that have been solved including the death of Frank Morris in Ferriday on Dec. 10, 1964. Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on preparation for next month’s inaguration and how Louisiana Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy stand on impeachment. Vocalist and musician Rachel Ammons previews her performance tonight at the Dyson House.

Reporter Dan Moldea comments on the impeachment hearing by the House Judiciary Committee and the search for the remains of Jimmy Hoffa, missing since 1975. Dr. John Dickson , Chair of the LSU Choral Program, talks about the annual LSU Candlelight Concert.

Senator Dan Claitor and Rep. Steve Carter reflect on three terms in the Legislature as they depart office after 12 years at the Capitol. Carter lost to Franklin Foil by four votes in his quest to represent citizens in District 16, the seat vacated by Claitor.

LSU Basketball Great Rudy Macklin comments on the historic season for LSU football and his role as the head of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness. Paul Arrigo of Visit Baton Rouge looks at the year in tourism and challenges in promoting Baton Rouge and New Orleans amid dire crime news.

Financial advisers Andy Anderson and Ameen Walker assess the state of the economy, the stock market and investment strategies for 2020 on the busiest shopping day of the year. Ecologist Alejandro Frid on his book “Changing Tides, An Ecologist’s Journey to Make Peace with the Athropocene.”

LSU graduate Sydnie Kohara recalls being on the anchor desk in San Francisco 30 years ago when a major earthquake rattled the Bay Area and caused $5 billion in damages; Author Ruta Sepytes on her book “The Fountains of Silence” about Franco’s Spain in 1957; Singer Roslyn Kind, sister of Barbra Streisand, reflects on her career; Producer Matt Doyle talks with Shankar Vedantam, host of NPR’s “The Hidden Brain.”

East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome talks about St. George, crime, AIDS case rates and MOVEBR.

Tyler Bridges, Pulitzer Prize winning reporter, details his 3,700 word recap of the 2019 Louisiana Governor’s election. His story ran in Sunday, Advocate.

U.S. Senate candidate Antoine Pierce talks about his campaign against incumbent Bill Cassidy with the election just over eleven months away. Conservative columnist and commentator Quin Hillyer reviews the impeachment inquiry against President Trump.

Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Stephen Handwerk recaps the governor’s election and Louisiana legislative races. Historian Joseph McBride discusses the mystery surrounding the assassination of President Kennedy, 56 years ago today. Rene Coman, bass player for the Iguanas, previews the performance at the Dyson House on Dec. 5th.

Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for the Advocate, surveys Louisiana politics in the aftermath of Gov. John Bel Edwards’ victory Saturday over challenger Eddie Rispone. Molly Buchmann of the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre previews the annual production of the Nutrcacker. Writer Sands Hall discusses her book “Reclaiming My Decade Lost in Scientology.”

LSU graduate and former U.S. Intelligence Officer at the Pentagon Janet Humphries comments on the impeachment inquiry of President Trump. Advocate Columnist of 40 years Smiley Anders observes his 82nd birthday with us. Singer Mary Gauthier previews her Thursday night performance at the Dyson House.

Ray Strother, legendary political consultant, assesses the victory for Gov. John Bel Edwards over Republican Eddie Rispone. Pulitzer Prize finalist Aaron Glantz talks about his book “Homewreckers.” Many Trump administration members are featured in this work about profiteering in the housing collapse.

Pollster Bernie Pinsonat assesses the governor’s election in which John Bel Edwards defeated Eddie Rispone. Ashley Shelton, executive director of the Power Coalition, talks about African American turnout efforts which enabled Gov. Edwards to win by huge margins in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell and political consultant Scott Wilfong assess the gubernatorial contest on election eve in Louisiana. Highland Coffees proprietor Clark Cadzow notes 30 years of service at the gates of LSU, an area considered a graveyard for businesses.

Political consultant Roy Fletcher assesses the governor’s race two days out. Mark Ballard of the Advocate discusses issues that could swing the race between John Bel Edwards and Eddie Rispone. Christina Lake of Preserve Louisiana comments on an event tonight at the Old Governor’s Mansion. Congressman Mike Johnson on the president’s rally in Bossier City.

LSU Shreveport Political Scientist Jeffrey Sadow and Political Consultant Mary Patricia Wray weigh in on the governor’s election and President Trump’s visit to Bossier City on Thursday. Writer Robert Greene reflects on his career of penning books about strategy, power and greed.

Lt. Gen. Russel Honore assesses the Louisiana gubernatorial election and its impact on the environment. Mary Durusau of the Old State Capitol discusses a new exhibit “Victory from Within: The American Prisoner of War Experience.” Author Phil Keith details the legendary life of Eugene Bullard profiled in the book “All Blood Runs Red.”

Dr. Gene Mills, president and CEO of the Louisiana Family Forum, discusses the strength of evangelical voters as Louisiana prepares for a Saturday electoral showdown for governor. Dr. Eric Robinson, graduate of the Manship Schoo,l on the limits of political speech. Jessica Kemp, Vice President of CPEX, on the Smart Growth Summit.

Former Louisiana lawmaker Troy Hebert and Professor Dayne Sherman square off on the governor’s election, Senator John Kennedy and the impact of President Trump on Louisiana voters. Singer/songwriter David St. Romain and Douglas Gay of the Baton Rouge Music Studio detail Veterans Songs of Survivors Workshops. Acclaimed writer Ruta Sepetys talks about her later work pertaining to post WWII Spain “The Fountains of Silence.”

Famed political consultant Mark McKinnon, host of Showtime’s “The Circus,” talks about the state of American politics. Mark Ballard of the Advocate assesses the governor’s election nine days out. Jason Andreason of the Baton Rouge Gallery comments on Friday’s live art auction “Kinetics.”

Bob Edwards, host of Morning Edition for 25 years, comments on the show’s 40th anniversary. Marcia Gaudet, friend and associate of Ernest Gaines, recalls Louisiana’s great writer who died yesterday at 86. We remember Ernest Gaines with an encore interview on his 75th birthday.

Lamar White of the Bayou Brief comments on the governor’s election which is eleven days away. Vastine Stabler and Femi Euba discuss the production of Gloria at Swine Palace. Lawrence Jackson, White House photographer for eight years with President Obama, details his book “Yes We Did.”

Senate candidate Beverly Brooks Thompson looks at her campaign against Franklin Foil. Rich Rubino discusses his book “American Politics on the Rocks."

Longtime Louisiana politico Jim Brown on his memoir “My Louisiana Odyssey” and the governor’s race 16 days before the election between John Bel Edwards and Eddie Lee Rispone. Mark Ballard of the Advocate on being a panelist in the lone debate between Gov. Edwards and Eddie Lee Rispone. Author Marta McDowell on the gardening life of the famed poet Emily Dickinson.

Rep. Franklin Foil assesses his Senate quest against Beverly Brooks Thompson. Rep. Julie Stokes comments on her fight against breast cancer.

EBR District Attorney Hillar Moore opines on crime in the state’s largest parish. Brian Shaw of the LSU Music School joins acclaimed musician Ben Folds to preview their appearance later this week. Elaine LaLanne, widow of famed muscle man Jack LaLanne, reflects on her husband’s legacy to fitness.

State Librarian Rebecca Hamilton previews the Louisiana Book Festival. Baseball great Denny McLain assesses the World Series. Hollywood icon Ruta Lee on Alex Trebek and Nikita Khrushchev.

Professor Jeff Sadow of LSU Shreveport and former state lawmaker Melissa Flournoy debate the fate of the governor’s race and the state of the presidency. Saints Coach Sean Payton in an interview with Graham Bensinger comments on President Trump and gun control. Dr. Gail Gross discusses her book “How to Build Your Baby’s Brain.”

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain on the status of hemp in Louisiana and the governor’s election. Strain was re-elected to a fourth term on Oct. 12. Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on Republican responses to Ukraine scandal testimonies, the Governor's race, and the future of St. George. Singer Susan Cowsill on her upcoming performance at the Dyson House November 7th.

Colonel Rob Manesss, head of GatorPac and erstwhile U.S. Senate candidate, says he’s leaving the Republican Party because of actions by prominent GOP Louisiana donor Lane Grigsby. Tobin Smith, 14-year Fox News contributor and guest anchor, describes his association with the network in “Foxocracy.”

Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Eric Marshall on the season ahead. LSU Manship School Dean Martin Johnson comments on the departure of Sheppard Smith at Fox News and upheaval at NBC two years after Today Show host Matt Lauer was ousted. National Book Award winner Tim O’Brien, the acclaimed novelist, reflects on the challenges of fatherhood late in life.

Kimberly Neustrom, Executive Director of the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation, showcases a major gala. Author Lydia Pine on her book "Genunine Fakes: How Phony Things Teach us about Real Stuff". Susan Mailer, eldest daughter of Norman Mailer comments on his remarkable and controversial life.

Candidate Belinda Davis on LA House District 70 runoff election against Barbara Freiberg. Noel Hammatt details tomorrow’s Baton Rouge Kiwanis Club's 70th Annual Pancake Breakfast which begins at 6 AM in the Carl Maddox Field House. Charles Bush on his film, Music Dreams An American Story, featuring Henry Turner Jr. and Turner’s influence on Baton Rouge Blues.

LSU Journalism School Graduate Sydnie Kohara talks about anchoring network coverage for ABC when the San Francisco Earthquake hit the Bay Area 30 years ago tonight. Mark Ballard of the Advocate on the bid by businessman Lane Grigsby to buy Franklin Foil out of a contested race for Senate District 16. Pulitzer Prize winner James Stewart discusses his book “Deep State, Trump, the FBI and the Rule of Law." Adam St. Pierre and Andrew Tadman of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library on Saturday’s 6th annual Maiker Faire.

Republican Political Consultant Roy Fletcher comments on the gubernatorial runoff between Democratic incumbent John Bel Edwards and Republican Eddie Rispone and the prospective three way runoff for the Louisiana Senate with Democrat Beverly Brooks Thompson facing Republicans Steve Carter and Franklin Foil who tied for second place. Foil is Fletcher’s client. LSU Professor Vincent LiCata previews the SciArt New Science Play Festival at LSU. Capitol Park Museum Curator Joey David on exhibits featuring Martin Luther King’s hearse and the Canary Islands.

Former Democratic Congressman Charles Melancon of Napoleonville on the death of moderates in American politics and the forecast for the Nov. 16 runoff for governor between John Bel Edwards and Eddie Rispone. Lizy Dastin, art history professor at UCLA, discusses the popularity of public art in our country and in Baton Rouge.

Republican Dan Claitor and Democrat Jim Nickel comment on the gubernatorial primary with Governor Edwards being forced into a runoff with challenger Eddie Rispone and Claitor’s vacated Senate now a tie between Franklin Foil and Steve Carter for second place behind Beverly Brooks Thompson.