Talk Louisiana

Len Apcar, professor at the Manship School and fellow at the Reilly Center for Media and Public Affairs, comments on the threat of fake news to democracy. Maxine Crump, president of Dialogue on Race, talks about the controversy enveloping the governor of Virginia and continuing issues of race in America and Louisiana.

University of Oklahoma Journalism Professor Jensen Moore on Super Bowl 53 and the commercials that ran in the Patriots 13-3 win over the Rams. Doctor Joseph Abraham of Church Point discusses the appeal of authoritarian rule and demagogues detailed in his book ‘”Kings, Conquerors, Psychopaths.” Wetland Ecologist Scott Nesbit comments on soil and groundwater contamination in the St. Gabriel Oil Field.

Former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders assesses Louisiana’s abortion law requiring hospital admitting privileges for doctors who perform abortions. The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to rule on the validity of the Louisiana law. Sportswriters Glenn Guilbeau of Gannett News and James Moran of Tiger Rag (I will note that I am the proprietor) comment on Super Bowl 53 between the Rams and Patriots. Richard Pryor Jr. remembers the extraordinary life of his famous father.

Matt Saurage, President of Community Coffee, comments on the 100th anniversary of the family business he has headed since 2012. Saurage will assess the international coffee industry which offers a plethora of competitors. Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for the Advocate, looks at the politics of the Super Bowl and of the ITEP program that was revamped and is now under fire after removal of tax exemptions of a major corporate player in the state. Paul Maassen, the fourth President and General Manager of WRKF, takes inquiries from listeners as the station celebrates its 39th anniversary.

General Russel Honore,’ head of the Green Army, responds to the decision by the EBR School Board to remove tax exemptions from ExxonMobil.

State Representative Steve Carter on the controversy about the EBR School Board denying a $290,000 per year tax incentive for Exxon Mobil. LSU Manship School Dean Martin Johnson on the contemporary media environment with charges of fake news and media bias and more options for listeners, readers and viewers. Filmmaker Ann de Mare on “The Homestretch,” her production showing at LSU. Radio owner and host Chuck Redden on his parody song about NFL officiating as the Super Bowl looms between the Patriots and Rams.

Bob Crowley, former Executive Director of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, comments on the prospect of teacher walkout. Film Critic Richard Roeper on this year’s Oscar derby.

Celebrated author James Lee Burke talks about his rich Louisiana laden career with his Dave Robicheaux character back for another turn in “New Iberia Blues. Burt Ward, the original Robin on Batman, recalls the highly popular series and its 120 episodes from 1966-68 and his conversion at 72 from caped crusader to canine crusader. John Kaufman, marketing director for the Manship Theatre from its beginning on March 5, 2004, reflects on 15 years of performances of the arena in the Shaw Center for the Arts.

Baton Rouge Symphony Conductor Timothy Muffitt discusses his decision to retire as BRSO leader after two decades. Muffitt, the longest serving conductor and music director in the history of the BRSO, will leave his post in 2020. Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard of the Advocate on a week in which Exxon-Mobil made a startling announcement and Gov. John Bel Edwards made his long awaited official announcement. Best-selling author James Rollins on his long career and his latest work, “Crucible.” NYU School of Medicine Physician Leonardo Trasande talks about environmental risks to good health detailed in his book, “Sicker, Fatter, Poorer.”

Pollster Bernie Pinsonat on Governor John Bel Edwards’ official announcement as a gubernatorial candidate and the election of October 19. Pinsonat will also assess the politics in Louisiana of the border wall demanded by President Trump. Veteran Actor Demond Wilson on his days as Lamont Sanford on Sanford and Son and his current work nearly a half-century later.

Governor John Bel Edwards joins us for a campaign announcement. Edwards announced his candidacy for governor on this program six years ago and is making his official announcement for re-election today. The election is October 12. Secretary of Health Rebecca Gee reflects on her three years heading the state’s largest agency with a budget of more than $14 billion annually. Ernest Gaines 2019 Literary Award winner Jamel Brinkley talks about his book, “A Lucky Man,” and his appearance Thursday to accept his honor at the Manship Theatre. Dr. Joel Nitzkin, Public Health Physician in New Orleans and Senior Fellow for Tobacco Policy, compares regulation of e-cigarettes to the old fashioned kind of cigarettes.

Steven Pinker, best selling author and professor of psychology at Harvard, on his latest work: “Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism and Progress.” Former Louisiana GOP Chairman Roger Villere and conservative commentator Quin Hillyer on differences regarding President Trump in GOP circles.

Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for the Advocate, assesses a major vote against Exxon-Mobil last night by the EBR Parish School Board and the latest on the 2019 governor’s election. Dr. Loren Scott, longtime LSU economist, looks at how the Trump tariffs are affecting Louisiana and defends the state’s decision to not raise its minimum wage.

Advocate Editor Peter Kovacs, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, surveys the state of media in America with the mantra of fake news, accusations of bias and a host of options for consumers. Kovacs has led the state’s daily newspaper of record for nearly six years. University of North Carolina Professor Melinda Maynor Lowery discusses her book “The Lumbee Indians: An American Struggle. Lowery is director of the Center for the Study of the American South.

Bicycling activist Mark Martin on the light sentence received by the driver who killed Baton Rouge Councilman Buddy Amoroso last year as Amoroso was riding his bicycle in West Feliciana Parish. CNN Political Analyst Julian Zelizer, a Princeton professor, on the reasons for polarization in America. Racheal Hebert, CEO of Sexual Trauma Awareness and Assault comments on the impact of the government shutdown on services provided by STAR.

Ara Rubyan previews the 13th annual Jewish Film Festival in Baton Rouge. Democratic activist Faye Williams and Republican Darrell Glasper share views about the president’s trip to New Orleans, the partial government shutdown and possible collusion with Russia.

Attorney Morgan Lamandre, who lost an Ethics Board ruling for child care expenses, comments on the decision. Lamandre is a legislative candidate and was seeking to defray costs historically covered by campaign accounts. Sportswriter Mark Kram looks at the playoff clash between the Eagles and Saints, the 50th anniversary of Joe Namath and the New York Jets beating Baltimore 16-7 in Super III and the 75th anniversary of the birth of former Heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier, a biographical subject of Kram.

University of Florida Professor Jack Davis, author of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize winning book, “The Gulf, Making of the American Sea,” talks about the Earth’s tenth largest body of water, one of the planet’s most productive marine ecosystems. His work covers the history of the Gulf of Mexico from geological formation to the present. Former State Senator Elbert Guillory of Opelousas, Director of Minority Outreach for the Louisiana GOP, analyzes President Trump’s speech from the White House in favor of a border wall with Mexico. Democratic activist Susan Nelson assesses the partial government shutdown in its 19th day.

Mary Patricia Wray, the strategist who helped Gov. John Bel Edwards win the governor’s election four years ago joins Republican activist Scott Wilfong to weigh in on the 2019 governor’s election and the federal government shutdown as President Trump addresses the nation tonight. Wilfong was a Louisiana elector for Trump. Libertarian Mike Wolf, a prominent Baton Rouge lawyer, comments about the government shutdown and assesses a controversial case involving Louisiana Judge Wayne Ray Chutz. The Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal Judge has sued an ex-girlfriend, seeking the return of a $62.000 diamond ring and reimbursement of more than $30,000 in expenses. Talk Louisiana remembers Elvis Presley on the 84th anniversary of his birth.

Debbie Meaux, President of the Louisiana Association of Educators, makes her case for a teacher pay increase in the state. Governor John Bel Edwards is an advocate. Some lawmakers have expressed concern about the budget implications of a salary hike for those in the classroom. Veteran trial attorney Mike Fawer of New Orleans recaps five decades in the courtroom in Lousiana. Fawer’s book is “From The Bronx to the Bayou, A Defense Attorney’s Odyssey From Charles Evers to Edwin Edwards and Beyond.”

Ellen Keith discusses her first work of fiction, “The Dutch Wife”. Eric Dawson on the importance of youth leadership, and “Putting Peace First”. Mary Jo McConahay talks WWII and South/Central America in “The Tango War”. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran previews the Fiesta Bowl.

LSU Chancellor Emeritus Jim Wharton sounds off about the prospect of holistic admission standards at the Ole War Skule. Wharton led the change from open to selective admissions at LSU 35 years ago. LSU President King Alexander is a strong advocate of a move to holistic admissions. Celebrated writer Brad Meltzer on his latest work, “The First Conspiracy the Secret Plot to Kill George Washington.”

Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for the Advocate, comments on the election year of 2019. Michael Roizen, Chief Wellness Officer for the Cleveland Clinic, discusses the link between diet and healthy hearts. Roizen’s latest book is “What to Eat, When.” Dr. Steven Masley surveys the link between dementia and nutrition.

Laura Vinsant, Executive Director for Teach for America South Louisiana, on the role her organization plays in the region. Teach for America, which started in 1989, has a mission to enlist, develop and mobilize young leaders who start their careers in the classroom. LSU Assistant Professor of Communication at the Manship School Nichole Bauer comments on the new Congress convening tomorrow in Washington. There is a record number of female representatives on Capitol Hill, but Louisiana has no female members in its delegation. Dr. Jonahan Bailor on his book, “The Setpoint Diet,” The 21-Day Program to Permane ntly Change What Your Body Wants to Weigh. Dr. Bailor pioneered the field of wellness engineering.

Guest host Julie Baxter-Payer. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser talks New Year's Eve celebrations. Writter Ed Cullen on a year of stories. LSU superfan and videographer Steve Miley on the Fiesta Bowl.

Political Consultant Roy Fletcher looks at the biggest political stories of 2018 and forecasts Louisiana elections in 2019 as voters anticipate an October 12 gubernatorial primary. Longtime minister Chris Andrews, former pastor of First United Methodist in Baton Rouge for more than two decades, reflects on what happened in the Capital City this year and the prospect of a vote on the Village of St. George in the year to come. Andrews also offers advice on peace during turbulent times.

Conservative columnist and commentator Quin Hillyer, native of New Orleans and resident of Mobile, opines on the Republican reaction to President Trump. Dr. Joseph Abraham of Lafayette talks about his book, “Kings, Conquerors, Psychopaths: From Alexander to Hitler to the Corporation.”

University of Vermont Professor Felicia Kornbluh discusses her book, “Ensuring Poverty.” Kornbluh addresses welfare reform in a feminist perspective. Father Fred Kammer, Executive Director of the Jesuit Social Research Institute at Loyola University New Orleans explore causes and cures for food insecurity and food deserts. Kammer provides recommendations focusing on issues of race, immigration and poverty. Baton Rouge businessman and activist Jim Mayer reflects on the events of 2018 and what to anticipate in 2019, a statewide election year in Louisiana.

Investigative Reporter Jason Berry on his work about his city of New Orleans, tracing the 300-year history of the Crescent City. Law360 Senior Congress Reporter Michael Macagnone on the government shutdown possibility and the passage this week of criminal justice reform legislation. A.W. Barnes on his remarkable book about his brother’s suicide, “The Dark Eclipse.”

Former Vermont Governor Madeleine May Kunin on America’s aging population reflected in the latest U.S. Census numbers. Louisiana was one of nine states losing population. Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for the Advocate, comments on continuing friction between Governor John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry and the governor’s push to keep Louisiana’s open primary law.

Jerome Corsi, conservative political operative and associate of Roger Stone, comments on the Mueller investigation. Corsi says he is likely to be indicted as part of the probe of the special counsel. Tom Aswell, publisher of Louisiana Voice, assesses the friction between the governor and the attorney general and John Bel Edwards’ clash with GOP leaders in the Legislature.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon surveys the state of health care insurance in the aftermath of a federal judge in Texas ruling the Affordable Care Act is invalid. Noted writer, All Things Considered commentator and LSU Professor Andrei Codrescu reflects on his ten years since leaving the Ole War Skule. Codrescu moved to Yellville, Arkansas for seven years, but is now in New York City and primed to publish another book.

Jeremy Alford, Publisher of LaPolitics comments on the 2019 gubernatorial race and assesses the impact of a federal judge’s ruling in Texas striking down the Affordable Care Act. Financial analysts Andy Anderson and Fred Dent assess the stock market after Friday’s two-percent fall in the Dow-Jones Industrial Average. Journalist Matt Geiger on his unconventional portrayal of Americans that he showcases in his book “Astonishing Tales.”

Jessie Nieblas, co-founder of the New Orleans Abortion Fund, comments on Louisiana being on the frontlines of the fight over abortion in America with only three working clinics and legal battles overs a 15-week abortion ban passed by the Louisiana Legislature. Dr. Paul Zietz, who worked in the Obama and Trump Administrations, shares his journey in his memoir “Waging Justice.” Zeitz says the issues of climate change and the spread of AIDS are global threats. Louisiana sportswriter Sam Muffoletto assesses LSU and the Saints and discusses his book about Sam Montalbano, a legendary music producer from Baton Rouge.

Legal analyst Mike Wolf discusses the implications of a three year federal prison sentence for former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, who admitted paying hush money in 2016 to two women to buy their silence about alleged affairs with the future president. Wolf is a Libertarian and prominent Baton Rouge lawyer, who also assesses a surprise vote against hearing a case involving defunding of Planned Parenthood from new Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Clinical psychologist Bryan Welch talks about his book “State of Confusion.” Welch examines why millions of Americans create their own reality divorced from the complex reality of the world. Brian Scudamore, who at the age of 19 pioneered the industry of professional junk removal with 1-800-GOT-JUNK, opines about his book “WTF, Willing to Fail.” Scudamore contends failure is a key to success.

Host Stephanie Riegel. Drew Murrell talks about the City of St. George petition. Executive Director of ARC Baton Rouge Susanne Romig discusses non-profit work.

S.J. Montalbano talks about his new book “I’m Leaving It Up to Me”. LSU Department of Physics and Astronomy Assistant Professor Tabetha Boyajian discusses “Tabby’s Star”. Guest Host Julie Baxter Payer.

Author Mike Lupica on his new book “Robert B. Parker’s Blood Feud”. Lawyer Darrel Papillion on the Mueller investigation. LSU Jazz Ensemble leader Brian Shaw on Cool Winter Nights.

Political Consultant Michael Beychok comments on Saturday’s vote on a half-cent sales tax for roads in East Baton Rouge Parish. Louisiana AFL-CIO Chief Louis Reine assesses another push to raise Louisiana’s minimum wage in light of Arkansas raising its rate to eleven dollars per hour. Louisiana is one of a handful of states remaining at the federal level of seven dollars 25 cents per hour. Actor John Schneider of the Dukes of Hazard on why he remains a resident of Holden and his holiday celebration in Livingston Parish.

Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief of The Advocate, comments on the surprise decision from U.S. Senator John Kennedy to stay out of the 2019 governor’s race. Lamar White, Publisher of the Bayou Brief, assesses the potential field of candidates to challenge Gov. John Bel Edwards and assesses the future prospects of Senator Kennedy. Molly Buchmann, Executive Director of the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre, previews this year’s Nutcracker presentation.

Former Congressman Henson Moore of Baton Rouge, who served as deputy chief of staff for President George H.W. Bush, reflects on the life of the 41st president as America pays tribute Bush, who died last week at 94. Funeral services are being held today at the National Cathedral for Bush. Former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards comments on his former Congressional colleague. Edwards represented southwest Louisiana while Bush was a House member from Houston in the late 60s. Architect Coleman Brown surveys the merits of a half-cent sales tax for roads. The 30-year levy is on the ballot this Saturday in East Baton Rouge Parish.

Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and former president of the Shaw Group Jim Bernhard assesses the half-cent sales tax proposed for local transportation projects. The measure is on the ballot this Saturday in East Baton Rouge Parish. Reformed drug addicts Nicholas Bush talks about his book; “One by One, A Memoir of Love and Loss in the Shadows of Opioid America.”

Bike Baton Rouge founder Mark Martin assesses safety for cyclists in the Baton Rouge area. The topic has gained more attention since the death of EBR Councilman Buddy Amoroso earlier this year on road in West Feliciana Parish. Hospice Baton Rouge CEO Katharine Schendel and Denise Domingue, director of Camp Conquer, will talk about recent developments for the nonprofit which assists people in the last stages of life. Mary Patricia Wray of Top Drawer Strategies, and Chief Advisor to Governor Edwards' in 2015 comments on Sen. John Kennedy's decision to stay out of the governor's race.

John Barry, author of “Rising Tide, the epic story of the 1927 flood that changed Louisiana and America, tells how he became one of the nation’s foremost authorities on influenza and recalls the night of Dec. 1, 1973 when Tulane ended LSU’s 25-year reign in one of college football’s most storied rivalries of the 20th Century. Barry was an assistant coach with the Greenies 45 years ago. EBR District Attorney Hillar Moore assesses the Dec. 8 vote on funding for a mental health center in East Baton Rouge Parish. Baton Rouge Symphony Conductor Tim Muffitt on holiday performances by his orchestra.

Mark Ballard, Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief, comments on a week in which a new battle over the state budget started. Dan Moldea, veteran investigative reporter in Washington D.C., updates what is happening with the Mueller probe of President Trump and a bipartisan call from lawmakers to take action against Saudi Arabia.

Hall of Fame Political Consultant Raymond Strother assesses the victory by Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith over Democrat Mike Espy in yesterday’s U.S. Senate election in Mississippi. KATC-Lafayette Reporter Josh Meny updates the continuing legal dispute over the Bayou Bridge pipeline.

Attorney Lewis Unglesby, an avid hunter, discusses the proliferation of gun violence in American and we update today’s U.S. Senate election in Mississippi.

LSU Economist and Director of the Public Administration Institute James A. Richardson on budget solutions for the state. Richardson has served as the State Revenue Conference economist since 1987. USA Today Network LSU writer Glenn Guilbeau and former LSU offensive stalwart Roman Starns on the Tigers 74-72 seven overtime loss at Texas A&M. LSU team chiropractor Jonathan Hymel on advances in sports medicine and treatment.

Louisiana GOP Executive Committee member Vincent Bruno and Democratic blogger, Professor Dayne Sherman of Southeastern Louisiana University, offer their views on next year’s governor’s race and the state of the Trump presidency. LSU Sport Management Professor Chad Seifried on the history of Tiger Stadium, which first opened in 1924.

Author, actor and JFK assassination authority Joseph McBride on the 55th anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy and the recently released film, “The Other Side of the Wind,” which stars Orson Welles 33 years after his death. Actor Thom Bierdz on his career as a soap star as a gay man. His autobiography is “Young Gay and Restless.”