Talk Louisiana

Richard Zuschlag, President of Acadian Ambulance, recalls founding his company in 1971. Acadian Ambulance has been recognized as the largest private ambulance service in America. It is an employee-owner service headquartered in Lafayette and covering Louisiana, parts of Mississippi and Tennessee. Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for the Advocate, rates the last ten Louisiana governors from Earl Long to John Bel Edwards. Author and activist Harvey Wasserman reflects on his public life as an environmental activist and assesses the progressive movement in the Age of Trump.

Advocate Columnist Stephanie Grace looks at the gubernatorial field a week before qualifying with Eddie Rispone and Ralph Abraham vying to make a runoff against incumbent John Bel Edwards, who hopes to win in the Oct. 12 primary. National Review Roving Correspondent Kevin Williamson reflects on his contention that the left side of the political spectrum is poisoned by political correctness. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran and Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez report on their story that LSU Athletics will no longer contribute to the coffers to the academic side of the university. More than 66 million dollars have been transferred in the last decade.

Kerry Myers, Deputy Executive Director of the Parole Project and former editor of the Angolite, discusses his story which includes 27 years in prison for the killing of his wife in 1984. Myers says he was wrongly convicted and is working on criminal justice reform in Louisiana. Rev. Donnie Wilkinson, senior pastor of Broadmoor United Methodist, details his church’s attempt to be a voice of empowerment for diversity in Baton Rouge.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain with the latest on the impact of tariffs on Louisiana farmers and the cultivation of marijuana in Louisiana. Investigative Reporter Dan Moldea on the next move by Congressional Democrats after Special Counsel Bob Mueller’s testimony last week before two U.S. House Committees.

Political Strategist Mary Patricia Wray and Pollster Bernie Pinsonat opine about the governor’s race, Robert Mueller’s testimony before Congress and the retirement of Senate President John Alario.

LSU Manship School Professor Bob Mann and Advocate Editorial Writer Lanny Keller exchange rankings of the ten Louisiana governors in their lifetime…from Earl Long to John Bel Edwards. Mann worked for Gov. Kathleen Blanco and Keller was on the team of Gov. David Treen. Keller and Mann also talk about the testimony of Special Counsel Robert Mueller before two U.S. House committees and the discussion about LSU’s new multimillion dollar football operations building.Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief of the Advocate, comments on controversy at LSU’s Lab School. Cybersecurity expert Gary Miliefsky examines the growing cryptocurrency market, the innovative technology that powers it and learning how to avoid the scammers and cybercriminals.

Jennifer Harding, President of Progressive Social Network (www.psnbr.org), and Ereene Barry, Committee Chair, discuss the tolerance ordinance under consideration by the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council. A similar measure advocating civil rights failed in 2014. Jim disscusses Robert Mueller's testimony this morning. Automotive writer Jason Torchinsky discusses his book “Robot, Take the Wheel.” Torchinsky says autonomous cars are not ready for vast public use, and the journalist laments what he calls the lost art of driving.

Famed Political Consultant Ray Strother assesses the impact of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s testimony before Congress and Louisiana’s Congressional delegation standing beside President Trump amid a House vote condemning the president’s racist tweets. New Orleans singer Phillip Manuel looks at the rich legacy of music legend Art Neville, who died yesterday at 81. Actress, dancer and director Gabrielle Stone reflects on her life depicted in her book “Eat Pray, FML.”

Aaron Bayham of the Baton Rouge Irish Film Festival discusses this week’s 11th annual event. Journalist Greg Palast comments on money and politics as Americans gear up for the 2020 presidential election. Richard Clarke, one of the world’s top cybersecurity experts who worked for Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, talks about his book “The Fifth Domain, Defending Our Country, Our Companies and Ourselves in the Age of Cyber Threats.”

Louisiana Voice Publisher Tom Aswell discusses his latest book: “Louisiana’s Rogue Sheriff’s, A Culture of Corruption.” Director of Minority Outreach for the Louisiana GOP Elbert Guillory, former Louisiana Senator, assesses damage done to his mission by President Trump’s racist tweets about four U.S. Congresswomen.Also, Congressman Garret Graves comments on why he voted against condemning the president’s remarks.

Dudley Lehew, former Louisiana public official and journalist, recalls his role in history 50 years ago today.Lehew as an Associated Press reporter in Boston was first to report the incident known as Chappaquiddick that involved a car accident in which U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy survived and passenger Mary Jo Kopechne died.Kennedy did not report the accident immediately and was dogged by the scandal for the remainder of his life.Lehew remembers what it was like covering the story then and how it would be captured today.Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for the Advocate, reflects on five Louisiana congressional members siding with President Trump on racist tweets that elicited criticism from Governor John Bel Edwards. Ballard also looks at the conviction of LSU fraternity member Matthew Naquin in the 2017 hazing and alcohol poisoning death of 18-year-old Phi Delta Theta pledge Maxwell Gruver.

Law professor and former Louisiana Democratic Party official Susan East Nelson, Republican activist Colonel Rob Maness and GOP strategist Ali Alexander of Louisiana comment on President Trump’s racist tweets and five of six members of the Louisiana U.S. House delegation voting against the measure to condemn the president’s remarks about four sitting Congresswomen. Congressmen Graves, Scalise, Johnson, Higgins and Abraham voting against the resolution which cleared the lower chamber on a 240-187 vote with Louisiana’s Cedric Richmond the lone member of our delegation to vote in the affirmative. Margee Green, candidate for agriculture commissioner, talks about her four themes of farming, tariffs, climate change and cannabis. Lawyer Stephanie Possa previews the annual Big Wigs Under the Big Top in the fight against breast cancer in Baton Rouge.

Dr. Jim Richardson, head of the Revenue Estimating Conference, talks about the fiscal state of the state and his book, “Managing Hurricane Katrina.” An encore interview with Jim Bouton, the pitcher who died last week at 80. Bouton changed the opinions of many fans with his groundbreaking book, “Ball Four.” Paige Gagliano, Arts Director of Episcopal High discusses the upcoming presentation of Sondheim at the Manship Theatre August 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.

Guest host Jim Nickel, former WRKF Board Chair, talks with Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin about the Oct. 12 statewide election and LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward about his move from Texas A&M to alma mater.

Meteorologist John Wetherbee provides the latest information on the path and expected time for landfall for Barry. Lamar White of the Bayou Brief comments on hurricanes in Louisiana, the threat to land and residents and assesses the politics winds in Washington D.C. and Louisiana. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, a New Orleans native, reflects on storms past and the imminent danger of the current one. University of Oklahoma historian Steven Gillon remembers his friend, John F. Kennedy Jr., who died 20 years ago this month in a plane crash. Gillon’s book is “The Life of John F. Kennedy Jr., America’s Reluctant Prince.”

Forecaster and Meteorologist John Wetherbee looks at the potential path of Hurricane Barry. EBR Mayor-President Sharon Weston-Broome surveys the city on the brink of a major tropical depression reaching Baton Rouge. The mayor is preparing for the arrival of what could become Hurricane Barry. Broome will also comment on bike sharing in the city. Also discussing this endeavor is Sean Flood, Gotcha CEO. Mark Ballard Capitol Bureau Chief talks about the current storm on the way to this area and previous weather developments in recent time. Ballard also looks at the governor’s race with the primary three months from tomorrow.

Well known attorney Gordon McKernan talks about his success as a lawyer-advertiser and successfully defeating a bill in the Legislature that would have curtailed billboard advertisements for injury attorneys. John Kaufman of the Manship Theatre previews this year’s line-up of performers at the treasured downtown arena that has 325 prime seats.

Best-selling author Ace Atkins, former Auburn football star, on his latest work, “The Shameless,” a Quinn Colson novel. State Representative Franklin Foil on traffic concerns that are taking center stage in the Senate race between Foil, fellow Republican Steve Carter and Democrat Beverly Brooks Thompson. Renowned artist Xavier Cortada comments on the Annual Arts Summit of Baton Rouge on July 15-16.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain comments on the state of the state’s largest industry with an update on marijuana in Louisiana. Pulitzer Prize winning reporter Tyler Bridges assesses the legacy of John Alario, who has toiled 48 years in the Louisiana Legislature. Matt and Donna Saurage of Community Coffee preview an LPB documentary about 100 years of success for the Baton Rouge company.

Democrat Dayne Sherman, author professor and blogger, and Republican Elbert Guillory, former state senator, spar over the governor’s election and the state of the nation under President Trump, who hosted a military style exhibition yesterday in the nation’s capital. Journalist Meredith May details an extraordinary story of a girl, her grandfather and one of nature’s most mysterious and beguiling creatures, the honeybee. May’s book is “The Honey Bus.”

July 4th program includes an interview originally run on June 27th with Walter Imahara. Randy Taraborrelli chronicles the lives of the Kennedy family with his new book “The Kennedy Heirs”. Karen Auvinen discusses her new work “Rough Beauty: Forty Seasons of Mountain Living”.

Lawyers Mike Wolf and E Eric Guirard exchange views on the prudence of legal advertising. Cosmopolitan Magazine resident astrologer Aliza Kelly discusses why many political leaders such as Ronald Reagan rely on astrologers to receive advice on scheduling and other decisions.

Investigative reporter Dan Moldea on the upcoming appearance before Congress of former special counsel Bob Mueller. U. S. Senator John Kennedy details his conversion on abortion and why he won’t vote to approve judges who support Roe v. Wade.

East Baton Rouge Councilwoman Tara Wicker opines about issues of crime, traffic and infrastructure in the capital region. Music Producer Chris Schwartz, CEO of Ruffhouse Records, reflects on his company’s success in the 1990s with an array of hip hop artists.

Evangelist Andrew Farley assesses the impact of prosperity theology. Farley is the author of “The Naked Gospel” and “God Without Religion.” Advocate society columnist Pam Bordelon of “Pam’s Party Line” provides a social update in Louisiana. Former Baton Rouge Constable Reggie Brown recaps his life as told in his autobiography, “My Bicycle Journey.”

Walter Imahara, who was sent to two Japanese concentration camps as a youth, recalls his formative days in California and Arkansas and relocation to Louisiana. Imahara looks at the issue of reparations. Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for The Advocate, looks at the quest for re-election for Gov. Edwards after a session in which the budget took a backseat to social issues. Congressman Cedric Richmond of New Orleans and Baton Rouge assesses the Democratic presidential candidate field ahead of tonight’s debate in Miami featuring frontrunner Joseph Biden. The former vice president has made Richmond his campaign co-chair.

Mike Bertaut, Chief Health Care Economist for Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana, assesses health care options in Louisiana nearly a decade after the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Rev. Chris Andrews notes attitudes and practices in Louisiana churches four years after the Supreme Court decision legalizing same sex marriages in America.

Maxine Crump, President and CEO of Dialogue on Race Louisiana, weighs the merits of reparations amid Congressional hearings on the issue and looks at the significance of the Baton Rouge bus boycott of 1953 which predated the more famous Montgomery bus boycott. Ernest Gaines, the world famous author who lives in Pointe Coupee Parish, reflects on his life and times with Marcia Gaudet, editor of “Ernest Gaines, Conversations”

Celebrated tailor Manuel Martinez of Baton Rouge discusses summer fashion trends and the styles of the rich, famous and infamous. Actor Louis Herthum of Baton Rouge, star of Westworld, recaps his career, the politics of Hollywood and the wisdom of film tax credits.

Democratic political strategist Mary Patricia Wray and Republican Scott Wilfong exchange views on state and national politics. Dr. Hayim Herring discusses generational conflicts detailed in his book “Connecting Generations,” which focuses on bridging the divide between Boomers, Gen Xs and Millenials.

Lamar White of the Bayou Brief on the popularity of President Trump in Louisiana and the governor's election taking a new turn with Gov. John Bel Edwards signing a restrictive abortion bill. Journalist Michael Wolff on his latest expose' about the Trump Presidency. "Siege, Trump Under Fire," follows "Fire and Fury," a number one bestseller. Journalist, professor and lawyer Roger Johns comments on his Baton Rouge based novels, "Dark River Rising" and "River of Secrets."Lamar White

Tom Rhoades, River Chaplain, and Geoffrey Davis, Bridge Officer on the USNS Arrowhead (out of Seattle), discuss the river conditions, and life on the river and blue water. Julia Bland with the Louisiana Children’s Museum discusses The new Louisiana Children’s Museum location opening August 31st in City Park New Orleans. Julie Berry, author of Lovely Wars, a WWI and WWII romance novel, talks about her sprawling epic.

Danielle Scott, five time Olympian from Baton Rouge, talks about her remarkable personal career and a personal tragedy that took the life of her sister. Kenny Kleinpeter of Historic Highland Cemetery comments on the long history of Baton Rouge’s oldest cemetery.

Harvard University Statistician Susan Murphy, a MacArthur fellow who graduated from LSU in 1980, discusses the role of mathematics in treating chronic diseases and her back story from Gonzales to Cambridge. Advocate Bureau Chief Mark Ballard provides his scorecard for the legislative session. Attorney Marjorie Esman, who led the Louisiana ACLU for a decade, sizes up the legal battle ahead for Louisiana's restrictive abortion law.

Lt. General Russel Honore’ surveys the Louisiana environmental condition after another legislative session in which the business lobby flexed its muscles at the Capitol. Sandy McDade, president of the Louisiana Eagle Forum for four decades, declares victory in her anti-abortion quest as Gov. John Bel Edwards signs one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the land. McDade is joined by State Senator John Milkovich, who authored the fetal heartbeat abortion ban.

Tim Temple, GOP candidate for insurance commissioner, details his reasons for challenging 13-year incumbent and fellow Republican Jim Donelon. Barrett Murphy, longtime local football coach turned trainer, tells how he was chosen national physical fitness instructor for 2019.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon comments on his failed bid to reduce insurance rates through legislation and the start of hurricane season. Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Brooks Claire Nader talks of going from Episcopal High grad to top New York model in four years. Retired Judge Tony Graphia discusses his move from jurist to novelist.

Chris D’Elia, dean of the LSU College of the Coast and Environment, opines about Louisiana’s alarming rate of lost land due to coast erosion. Music critic John Wirt remembers the late, great New Orleans musician Dr. John, who died yesterday at 77. Investigative Reporter Katherine Eban reflects on the pharmaceutical industry detailed in her book “Bottle of Lies.”

State Representative Ted James, Democrat from Baton Rouge, assesses the final hours of the Legislative Session and announces his endorsement for president in the 2020 election. Mark Ballard, Capital Bureau Chief for The Advocate, names the winners and losers in the 2020 session. George Morris of The Advocate relates his passion for stories of veterans and the significance of the 75th anniversary of today’s D-Day invasion at Normandy.

On the eve of the 75th anniversary of D-Day, Christina Melton of Louisiana Public Broadcasting previews an LPB documentary shedding light on a pivotal battle in WWII. Celebrated sportswriter Mark Kram talks about his definitive biography of the late, great heavyweight champion Joe Frazier, who once fought a championship bout in New Orleans. Actress Lee Purcell surveys her long and varied career which continues with a new project.

Smiley Anders, famed Advocate columnist, celebrates 40 years writting his collumn for the state’s flagship paper. Race and Social Change: A Quest, A Study, A Call to Action author Max Klau discusses our current racial challenges. LSU Prof. Marybeth Lima on birdwatching in the Bayou State.

Committee of 100 CEO Michael Olivier discusses the lack of progress on crucial issues such as infrastructure in this year’s legislative session. HOPE CEO Janet Simmons discusses her organization’s work in north Baton Rouge helping those in need of food and work.

Mike Martin, former LSU Chancellor and current President of Florida Gulf Coast University, comments on the state of higher education and the politics of the Ole War Skule. Kevin Balfe, organizer of the Third Annual CrimeCon in New Orleans discusses what is billed as the world’s biggest true crime event. Katherine Diaz of Louisiana Parents for Vaccine Rights talks about her group’s aversion to vaccines which are recommended for Measles.

Mary Durusau of the Old State Capitol and Southern University Historian Frank Ransberg, a retired professor, remember one of Louisiana’s near miss politicians, Jimmy Fitzmorris. At 97, Fitzmorris makes an appearance this weekend in Baton Rouge. Mark Ballard of the Advocate comments on state lawmakers passing one of the nation’s most stringent anti-abortion measures. Rock group Szlachetka rolls in form Nashville to the Dyson House. David Epstein comments on his lattest work.

Adam Sharp, President of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, comments on his background as an aide to former Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu, working for Twitter in its infancy and the popularity of the Daytime Emmys. Boyd Robert recaps his odyssey from Louisiana cattleman to regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy. On the 102nd anniversary of the birth of John Kennedy, the 35th American President, Christopher Fulton recalls his time in prison for refusing to turn over physical evidence in the JFK assassination.

Larry Carter, President of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, comments on teacher pay raise initiatives in the Legislature. David Folkenflik, NPR Media Correspondent, discusses media in the Age of Trump and his trip to the WWII Museum in New Orleans. Stephanie Riegel of the Business Report reviews the blight on Florida Boulevard, the cover story in the latest issue.

Conservative Advocate columnist Dan Fagan discusses recent abortion related legislation in Louisiana and across the country. National Chair of the National Congress of Black Women Faye Williams on the effects of state level abortion legislation. University of Virginia Professor of Business Administration Ed Hess on modernizing capitalism. Patricia Foreman discusses the tiny house phenomenon.

Former Secretary of State and Insurance Commissioner Jim Brown and former Louisiana Democratic Party Communications Director Susan East Nelson assess the Louisiana Legislature and legal maneuverings by Congress and the White House as President Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi question each other’s sanity.

Lafayette Advertiser Editor Brett Blackledge, Pulitzer Prize winner from LSU, comments on the newspaper war in Acadiana and the Advocate takeover of the Times-Picayune. Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard suveys the final days of the 2019 Legislative Session and Gov. John Bel Edwards revealing that President Trump tried to coax the Louisiana Chief Exeuctive into switching parties. Singer Ani DiFranco discusses her memoir “No Walls and the Recurring Dream” and her passion for New Orleans.

Paul Starr, Princeton Professor and founder of The American Prospect magazine, discusses wealth disparity in the United States and elsewhere. His book is “Entrenchment, Wealth, Power, and the Constitution of Democratic Societies.” Former LSU Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope addresses the uncertainty at LSU where President King Alexander is the subject of various rumors about his departure. Eric Peterson, Pelican Institute Director of Public Policy, analyzes the Fresh Start Act that passed the Louisiana House with no dissenting votes. It removes barriers to help formerly incarcerated individuals receive occupational licenses to reintegrate to society.