Talk Louisiana

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.

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.