Talk Louisiana

Austin sportswriter Asher Price on his book about UT Heisman winner Earl Campbell, LSU’s game vs Texas on Saturday and a revelation about former LSU President Troy Middleton. Former LSU Quarterback Jimmy Field comments on being the last quarterback to beat Texas. LSU defeated the Longhorns 13-0 in the 1963 Cotton Bowl as Field ran for the only touchdown in the clash in Dallas. We will also review former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal’s conversation from foe of President Trump to supporter of the president.

Zach Williams tells the back story of his book about former LSU football coach Bo Rein. Williams’ book is “Forty Minutes to Baton Rouge.” It details the rapid rise to stardom for Rein, who was named LSU coach at age 34 and died in a plane crash 42 days later. Rein’s legacy is immense almost four decades after his death. Advocate Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on the governor’s election in five weeks and President Trump’s influence on Louisiana politics.

Pollster Bernie Pinsonat and Political Consultant Mary Patricia Wray look at the Louisiana gubernatorial primary slated five weeks from Saturday. Former MVP and two-time Cy Young winner Denny McLain reviews the world of pitching in the Major League with hurlers no longer completing games and two former Tigers dominating the mound for other teams, Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell looks back on more than 40 years of office holding, starting with his election to the Louisiana Senate in 1975. Campbell also previews a debate coming this month before the PSC on solar energy. Darlene Adams Rowland comments on the enduring popularity of the Farmer’s Market in Baton Rouge.

Lamar White, publisher of The Bayou Brief, previews Louisiana’s gubernatorial primary just 40 days away.Former LSU standout and onetime head football coach of McNeese State John McCann assesses Saturday’s showdown at Austin between LSU and Texas.

Dan Borne, former president of the Louisiana Chemical Association, starts his 34th year as the Voice of the Valley. Borne looks at his tenure as the voice on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium as LSU opens its season Saturday against Georgia Southern. Former LSU student body president Ted Schirmer reflects on campus life in the 1970s and how some things remain the same while others have vastly changed at the Ole War Skule. Schirmer was the first non-Greek SGA president at LSU. A Vietnam veteran, he had a controversial tenure leading the students of his time.

WAFB anchorman Greg Meriwether looks back on 18 years in Baton Rouge, the 14th anniversary of Katrina and the state of broadcast news. Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on a new poll in the governor’s election, controversy over Medicaid providers and the state changing its education formula.

Louisiana Blue Cross Blue Shield Economist Mike Bertaut surveys the future of the Affordable Care Act and reflects on court action against Johnson and Johnson and controversy over the state’s choices for providing Medicaid. National Economist Chris Macke predicts whether the nation is falling into a recession. Author Carla Rachel Sameth talks about her book “One Day on the Gold Line,” her story that features candor on the issues of race, class, drugs and sexuality.

LSU Professor and Researcher Brooks Elwood on the significance of LSU’s Indian Mounds, which are the oldest structures in the Western Hemisphere at an estimated 9,000 years. Former Louisiana Lawmakers Troy Hebert and Melissa Flournoy remember their mutual friend Kathleen Blanco and differ on the performance of President Trump. Dr. Benjamin Runkle, who was awarded a Bronze Star in Operation Iraqi Freedom, assesses the impact of America’s WWII leaders. His book is “Generals in the Making, How Marshall, Eisenhower and Their Peers Became the Commanders Who Won World War II.”

Hall of Fame political consultant Ray Strother, the Louisiana legend who worked for Bill Clinton, Albert Gore and Gary Hart, assesses the political commercials in the Louisiana governor’s election and the legacy of former Alabama Governor George Wallace, whose 100th birthday was yesterday. Strother also opines about the reelection quest of President Trump.

Advocate Reporter Andrea Gallo reflects on her series about abuse in the LSU Greek System and former LSU Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope provides the view on fraternities from the campus. Author E.R. Ramzipoor previews her book “The Ventriloquists,” which provides new context to fake news based on what happened in Nazi Germany.

Michael Pasquier, Associate Professor of Religious Studies and History at LSU, comments on his coastal voices podcast. Former local synagogue president Victor Sachse, also a former political scientist at the University of Louisiana Lafayette, responds to President Trump saying Jews are disloyal if they vote for Democrats. Advocate Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on the passing and tribute to former Governor Kathleen Blanco, who will lie in state today at the Capitol.

Author Rannah Gray on the sordid life of Baton Rouge media star Scott Rogers, who died five years ago this month. Rogers, who was also chaplain for the Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office, was exposed as a serial pedophile before a murder-suicide in August of 2014. Former Baton Rouge Coroner Hypolite Landry remembers being one of the last physicians to examine Elvis Presley and traveling around the world in his private plane in 1969.

GOP Political Consultant Scott Wilfong and former Democratic Party Communications Director Susan Nelson exchange views on state and national politics. Investigative Reporter Nick Bryant, who placed the unredacted black book of Jeffrey Epstein, surveys the landscape following Epstein’s suicide in prison.

Former Communications Director for Gov. Kathleen Blanco Bob Mann, remembers Louisiana’s chief executive, who died Sunday at 76 after a long battle with cancer. Blanco was governor from 2004 to 2008 and is recalled for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Producer John Hardy and veteran actor David Jensen note the 30th anniversary of the premiere of “Sex lies and videotape,” which debuted in August of 1989 and won top prize at the Cannes Film Festival, spawning careers for Steven Soderbergh, Andie MacDowell and James Spader.

Financial analysts Fred Dent and Andy Anderson assess the markets after an 800 point drop of the Dow Jones average on Wednesday. Veteran journalist and anchorman George Sells talks about CNN’s Chris Cuomo getting into a shouting match with men who called Cuomo “Fredo.” Megan Foster Kelly discusses her group “Mompreneurs,” combing business and family.

Sister Helen Prejean, the celebrated death penalty activist, comments on her memoir “River of Fire". Journalist Zahra Hankir discusses the preponderance of women from the Middle East reporting from hot spots in their home region.

Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome on police and crime and the appearances in Baton Rouge this week by activist Christena Cleveland. Historian Ryan Swanson the physical life of President Teddy Roosevelt.

Camille Manning Broome, CEO of the Center for Planning Excellence addresses climate change and environmental challenges the state is facing. Manning notes that land loss and climate change affect nearly every aspect of Louisiana life from public health to the economy to the housing sector. Amherst University Professor Ronald Rosbottom reveals how French youth responded to the threat of Hitler. Rosbottom’s book is “Sudden Courage: Youth in France Confront the Germans 1940-45.”

Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana President Robert Travis Scott discusses the need for substantial revisions in Louisiana's constitution. Photographer Randy Roussel on documenting the River Parishes.

Rose Hudson, President of the Louisiana Lottery for 13 of its 28 years, assesses a record year in which the lottery returned 184 million dollars to education. Vincent Bugliosi, prosecutor of Charles Manson, in an interview five years ago recalls the horrific murder spree of the Manson family. Taking the lives of Sharon Tate and four others on this date 50 years ago. Bugliosi, the author of “Helter Skelter” died in 2015 shortly after this interviewed aired on the 45th anniversary of the murders in Los Angeles.

State Representative Denise Marcelle comments on crime in Baton Rouge and the continuing residual effect of the Alton Sterling shooting in 2016. Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for the Advocate, updates us on qualifying for statewide offices and legislative races. The deadline is 5 o’clock today. Former Time and Newsweek Correspondent Douglas Waller discusses his latest book, “Lincoln’s Spies, Their Secret War to Save a Nation.”

Mark Walters, Spokesman for the Second Amendment Foundation, surveys the landscape on the issue of gun regulation after mass shootings in Dayton and El Paso. Edwin Edwards biographer Leo Honeycutt reflects on the 92nd birthday of Louisiana’s only four term Governor. Writer Caroline Myss discusses the nature of God and sacred power.

Former Louisiana Congressman Charles Boustany, R-Lafayette, is calling for an end to tariffs ordered by President Trump. Boustany says the tariffs are costing hundreds of millions of dollars in damages to Louisiana businesses. Investigative Reporter Nick Bryant comments on the implications of a wide-ranging scandal involving New York billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. Highlights from Congressman Garret Graves, who appeared before the Press Club of Baton Rouge Monday and defended his vote in favor of no background checks for sales of weapons at gun shows between private individuals.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser discusses plans for a civil rights trail and assesses the impact of mass shootings in the United States on tourism. Independence native and former LSU student Robert Crais talks about his Louisiana roots and how they contributed to him becoming one of the nation’s top crime novelists. His latest work is “A Dangerous Man,” the 18th installment of his acclaimed Elvis Cole and Joe Pike series.

Professors Dayne Sherman, SLU, and Jeff Sadow, LSU-Shreveport, square off on state and national politics as Louisiana candidates qualify for the Oct. 12 primary next week and Democrats survey the impact of two contentious presidential debates this week. Dr. Faye Williams, Alexandria native and National President of the National Congress of Black Women, questions the legacy of President Reagan after a tape surfaces with Reagan in 1971 as California Governor referring to black people as apes in a conversation with then President Richard Nixon.

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.