Talk Louisiana

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.

EBR Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome on the prospect of the Village of St. George, crime and other issues in her third year in office. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser on Bayou Country Superfest, tourism numbers and his personal travel. Cindy Hardy, Mother of Laine Hardy, the Livingston Parish singer who is this year’s American Idol winner.

Advocate columnist Ed Pratt opines about life in Baton Rouge north of Florida Blvd. Councilman Matt Watson comments on the prospect of the Village of St. George. Washington Post investigative political reporter Michael Kranish discusses his book about the little known story of cyclist Major Taylor.

Benjamin Clapper, Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life, and onetime lawmaker Melissa Flournoy, also former head of Planned Parenthood in Louisiana, exchange views on the 2019 Louisiana Legislative session with issues of abortion, the death penalty and the Equal Rights Amendment have taken center stage. Sports Illustrated former editor Kevin Cook unveils his new book, “Ten Innings at Wrigley, the Wildest Game Ever” about the Phillies 23-22 win over the Cubs on May 17, 1979, 40 years ago today.

Conservative Commentator Michael Medved, who is renowned as a radio host, author, columnist and film critic, comments on America in the Age of Trump. Mark Ballard, Capital Bureau Chief for The Advocate, recaps legislative action this week on hot button issues of abortion and the death penalty.

Alex Martin, Global Writing Chief of the Wall Street Journal and New Orleans native, recalls his years at the Times-Picayune and reflects on the acquisition of the newspaper by the Advocate. Father Don Kirchner and coordinator of the Spanish Apostalate in Baton Rouge, Julia Scarnato, discuss the rising number of Hispanics in the community. John Steinman, host of Deconstructing Dinner, the internationally syndicated radio show, talks about the power of food co-ops. Fred Rosenfeld, first team president of the New Orleans Jazz, compares his acquisition of Pete Maravich in 1974 to the New Orleans Pelicans receiving the first pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, destined to be Duke superstar Zion Williamson.

LSU Political Science Professor Wayne Parent joins us on his last day at the Ole War Skule after 37 years as a professor and former chair of the department. Parent is considered one of the most prominent observers and analysts of Louisiana politics and is the author of “Inside the Carnival". Former NASA historian Roger Launius remembers the first Astronauts to land on the Moon with the anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission two months away. Launius’ book is “Apollo’s Legacy.”

Congressman Mike Johnson, Republican from Shreveport and member of the House Judiciary Committee, says his Democratic colleagues are off base in seeking to question witnesses detailed in the Mueller Report. Barry Weinstein, Rabbi Emeritus in Baton Rouge, recaps his dramatic recovery from an aortic aneurysm three years ago and examines lack of religious tolerance in the current age. Author and former NYPD police officer Joe Ested recaps a criminal attack against an inmate in the Ascension Parish Jail, resulting in the firing of a corrections officer and resignation of the warden. Laura Schroff discusses the unlikely friendship between a New York sales executive and a homeless eleven year old boy.

Rev. Jacqueline King of Haughton, formerly pastor of First United Methodist Denham Springs, comments on Millennial love for Harry Potter. Loyola University Law Professor Bill Quigley on the failed effort to stop the death penalty in Louisiana. Deborah Sternberg updates the Young Entrepreneur’s Academy.

Daniel Okrent, one of America’s most celebrated journalists with top positions at the New York Times and Time Magazine in his varied career, reviews America’s history of immigration in “The Guarded Gate.” Okrent says Adolph Hitler was inspired by junk science in the U.S. during the 1920s which produced a harsh national anti-immigration law and caused some to espouse a flawed theory of eugenics. Okrent is also the inventor of Rotisserie League Baseball and discovered the game’s best known sabermetrician Bill James. Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard looks at a week at the Legislature which saw trial lawyers win a round over insurance interests and much buzz about the Advocate purchasing the Times-Picayune. Kevin Glass, Vice President of Communications for the National Taxpayers Union, analyzes the issue of net neutrality and the Save the Internet Act.

Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Stephen Handwerk on the election of 2019 with Gov. John Bel Edwards seeking re-election but other statewide races seeing few Democrats challenging GOP incumbents.

National Federation of Business State Director Dawn Starns reviews measures to raise minimum wage and provide equal pay under debate at the Louisiana Legislature. Former Louisiana Senator and Representative Ben Bagert, a New Orleans lawyer, defends Attorney General William Barr’s handling of the Mueller Report. Actor David A.R. White on his appearance in Baton Rouge for the Salvation Army.

Darryl Gissel, Chief Administrative Officer for Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, comments on issues that are permeating in the mayor’s third year at City Hall, including city finances, traffic, crime, police pay and the prospect of the Village of St. George. Robin McCullough-Bade, Executive Director of the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge, and Baton Rouge Islamic Center leader Emad Nofal discuss attacks on religious congregations in America.

State Representative Pat Smith of Baton Rouge on a busy docket at the Legislature and her quest to become a state Senator. Lamar White of the Bayou Brief comments on the acquisition of the Times-Picayune by John Georges, the Louisiana governor’s election and a collision in the Beltway over the Mueller Report.

State Representative Royce Duplessis and Peter Robins-Brown, Communications Director for the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice on House Bill 422, which would repeal the state preemption of local control of minimum wage and family and sick leave policies. Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for the Advocate, notes that social issues remain vibrant in the Legislature and Ballard assesses the Louisiana Senate reaction to Attorney General Bill Barr’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee of which John Kennedy is a member. Jason Baumann of the New York Public Library reflects on the 50 year anniversary of the historic Stonewall uprising.

Advocate Editor Peter Kovacs comments on the Pulitzer Prize won by the newspaper last month on the sixth anniversary of the change of ownership of the state’s largest newspaper. Conservative Activist, Colonel Rob Maness, surveys the national and local political landscape with Attorney General William Barr testifying before Congress and the Louisiana Legislature weighing the merits of capital punishment.

Businesswoman Beverly Brooks Thompson talks about her quest to succeed Dan Claitor in the Louisiana Senate. Claitor is term limited with two GOP House members, Steve Carter and Franklin Foil, vying for the post in the October 12 primary. Thompson is a Democrat who helped spearhead the Forever LSU Campaign which raised almost 800 million dollars for the university. Glenn Guilbeau, LSU beat writer who works for the USA Today Network, surveys new allegations of wrongdoing against embattled LSU Basketball Coach Will Wade. Author Thomas Lockley discusses his book, “African Samurai,” a true story of a legendary black warrior in feudal Japan.

Political strategist Mary Patricia Wray and LSU-Shreveport Political Scientist Jeff Sadow examine the politics of the Equal Rights Amendment in the Louisiana Legislature. Last week, a Senate panel advanced the measure on a party line vote 47 years after the Louisiana Senate approved ERA on a 25-13 vote. The Louisiana House killed the measure in 1972. Dr. Fiona Citkin, a Fulbright scholar from Ukraine, reflects on immigration in America. Her book “How They Made it in America” focuses on women who immigrated from 16 different countries, including Ivana Trump from the Czech Republic

Veteran Associated Press Reporter Beth Gardiner comments on her book “Choked: Life and Breath in the Age of Air Pollution.” Gardiner says research shows that air pollution prematurely kills seven million people every year. Jan Moller, President of the Louisiana Budget Project, discusses issues of importance at the State Capitol: Medicaid Reform, Minimum Wage, Equal Pay and the Equal Rights Amendment. We go to the vault for an interview with Jazz legend Pete Fountain and Public Relations giant Gus Weill on the day that New Orleans trumpeter Al Hirt died. Hirt’s death was on April 27, 1999 at 76. He and Fountain played at the original New Orleans Jazz Fest in 1970.

Fabled Political Consultant Raymond Strother chimes in on the announcement that Joe Biden will run for president, the fallout from the release of the Mueller Report a week ago today and 20 years since the death of New Orleans trumpet legend Al Hirt. Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for The Advocate, reflects on sports betting prospects in the Legislature, the admission by Senator Karen Carter Peterson of her gambling addiction and budget maneuvering during the session.

Louisiana Family Forum Executive Director Gene Mills reviews legislation to allow sports betting in Louisiana. University of Kentucky Law Professor Joshua A. Douglas makes the case for more access to voting in America and the stopping of gerrymandering.

Louisiana Parole Project Executive Director Andrew Hundley comments on criminal justice reform in the state. Conservative Commentator Quin Hillyer, former top aide to Congressman Bob Livingston, sounds off about the Mueller Report. Washington Post Editorial Board member Charles Lane discusses his book “Freedom’s Detective, the Secret Service, the Ku Klux Klan and the Man Who Masterminded America’s First War on Terror.” The work focuses on Hiram Whitley, who as head of the Secret Service chased down the KKK.

LSU Professors Nancy Isenberg and Andrew Burstein on the cult of personality and U.S. Presidents dating to John and John Quincy Adams. Their book is “The Problem with Democracy.” Dr. Steven Gundry, Director of the International Heart and Lung Institute in California, discusses his book “The Longevity of Paradox, How to Die Young at a Ripe Old Age." Alexandria native Faye Williams, head of the National Congress of Black Women, assesses calls for impeachment of the president and the impact of music depicting women with vulgarity.

Investigative Reporter Dan Moldea, the journalist who exposed the sex scandals of Newt Gingrich, Bob Livingston and David Vitter, comments on the release of the redacted 448-page Mueller Report. Board members Greg Davis and Linda Johnson of the T.M. Landry College Preparatory School in Breaux Bridge assess the investigation into the small private school that gained national attention for sending underserved black students to elite colleges nationwide.

Stephanie Riegel of the Baton Rouge Business Report on the hiring of Scott Woodward to replace Joe Alleva as Athletic Director at LSU. Riegel and Fairleigh Jackson of Preserve Louisiana comment on the fate of the iconic Crawford House in Baton Rouge. Mark Ballard of the Advocate comments on Louisiana reaction to the release of the Mueller Report and the Advocate winning its first Pulitzer Prize.