Talk Louisiana

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.”

Alan Graham, CEO of Mobile Loaves and Fishes, details his ministry that provides food and clothing to homeless people. Former Congressional candidate Justin Dewitt talks about losing a race for the U.S. House this month, then losing his job. Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard assesses the political climate in Louisiana ten and one half months ahead of an election for governor.

Advocate Columnist Smiley Anders celebrates his 81st birthday with us and reflects on his 45 year career at the newspaper. Congressman Mike Johnson, R-Shreveport, talks about the change of leadership in the U.S. House and his rising status in the GOP Caucus.

Kimberly Eckert, Louisiana Teacher of the Year, on her career at Brusly High School and conditions for educators in the state.Education analyst and author Joe Feldman on problems with grading children in American schools. Attorney Preston Castille on his role as chairman of the Board for New Schools for Baton Rouge and challenges with minority youth and education.

LSU Shreveport Political Scientist Jeff Sadow and former state lawmaker Melissa Flournoy, President of Louisiana Progress, exchange views on the state and national political scene with Sen. John Kennedy possibly ramping up for a challenge to Gov. John Bel Edwards and President Trump absorbing substantial losses in the midterm elections. Bayou Brief Publisher Lamar White on why the Mississippi U.S. Senate Race between Cindy Hyde-Smith and Mike Espy has implications in Louisiana.

Lawrence O'Donnell, host of The Last Word on MSNBC, discusses his book "Playing with Fire: The 1968 Election and the Transformation of American Politics", and compares the crises of 68' to 2018. The Advocate’s Mark Ballard on AG Jeff Landry’s decision to run for re-election. Louisiana Division of Administration Office of Community Executive Director Pat Forbes on his cross-state trip to talk to Louisianans about their infrastructure and recreational needs.

Former WAFB anchorman George Sells, who graced the small screen from 1988 to 2012 as the top rated newsman in Baton Rouge, reflects on the Trump administration banning CNN’s Jim Acosta from news conferences and how the media have reacted to the action by the White House. Best-selling author Ellen Hopkins on her latest work, “People Kill People.” Hopkins addresses accessibility to guns in America in the aftermath of tragedies in the last month in Pennsylvania and California. Renowned historian Antony Beevor, the international number one bestselling author of “D-Day,” discusses the Battle of Arnhem, the deadliest airborne operation of World War II.

Blue Cross/Blue Shield Chief Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut surveys the midterm impact on "Obamacare", and a governor's race that could heavily feature split opinions on the Medicaid expansion. Andrew Roberts discusses the legacy of Winston Churchill, and new biography "Churchill: Walking with Destiny".

Dr. Michael Roizen, Chief Wellness Officer at the Cleveland Clinic, opines about advances in diet and exercise and his belief that some living Americans could live to be 150 years old. Author Jason Berry comments on his latest work “City of a Million Dreams” about 300 amazing years of New Orleans. Berry will be featured at Saturday’s Louisiana Book Festival. LSU student Lauryn Honore on her involvement in Camp Kesem, which offers assistance to children whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer.

Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for The Advocate, comments on the remarkable turnout for a midterm election in Louisiana, the runoff for Secretary of State, and voters embracing six Constitutional changes. Conservative Columnist and Commentator Quin Hillyer weighs the changes brought by the midterm results. What happens with Republicans gaining seats in the U.S. Senate, losing control of the U.S. House and Jeff Sessions resigning as attorney general at the request of President Trump. Jason Andreason and Heather Day of the Baton Rouge Gallery on one of Louisiana’s most historic entities and a significant event this weekend.

Democratic Political Consultant Trey Ourso and GOP Activist Darrell Glasper assess the midterm elections. Turnout was high nationally, and more than 300,000 votes were cast in yesterday’s Secretary of State election than in the 2015 gubernatorial election.

Jim Nickel, lobbyist and former Louisiana Democratic Party Chairman, looks at the national and local scene on election day. Elbert Guillory, former Louisiana Senator and head of minority outreach for the state GOP, forecasts the midterm elections.

America's Wetland Foundation President Val Marmillion assesses costal challenges threatening Louisiana and previews a major summit on Wednesday at LSU featuring leaders from politics, industry, and the environment. Manship School Professor Bob Mann surveys the midterm elections and remembers his former boss, Russell Long, who was born 100 years ago this month. Congressional candidate Larry Rader who finished fourth in the 2016 Congressional election for the 3rd district, discusses his candidacy. Writer and historian Gary Pomerantz talks about his new book “The Last Pass: Cousey, Russell, the Celtics, and What Matters in the End.” a tome detailing the transformative Celtics dynasty and the relationship between Bob Cousey and Bill Russell amid racial tensions nationwide.

Legendary Louisiana political consultant Ray Strother on new information about his candidate for president, Gary Hart, and the scandal that engulfed Hart’s campaign. Strother will also discuss the midterm elections. Candidate for Congress in the 3rd District, Republican Josh Guillory, talks about his challenge to Clay Higgins and the endorsement for Guillory from Trump lawyer and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Former Democratic Louisiana lawmaker Melissa Flournoy of Shreveport and GOP activist and former U.S. Senate candidate Rob Maness exchange views about the forecast and impact of the midterm Congressional elections. We also hear from Jessica Rosgaard of WWNO with her feature on Amendment No. 2, which would eliminate non-unanimous jury verdicts in Louisiana.

Mimi Methvin, Democratic endorsed candidate for the 3rd Congressional District, discusses her challenge of GOP incumbent U.S. House Rep. Clay Higgins. Robert Travis Scott, President of the Public Affairs Research Council, surveys six amendments on the ballot statewide next Tuesday.

Baton Rouge Rep. Steve Carter on his final year coming in 2019 as a member of the Louisiana House and how lawmaker will address issues such as transportation during an election year. Congressional candidate Justin DeWitt, the endorsed Democrat in the 6th District, weighs in on his longshot bid to unseat two-term U.S. House member Garret Graves.

Felicia Harry, Member of the A.P. Tureaud Black Alumni Chapter at LSU, comments on the state of black students at LSU six decades after integration of the campus. Tyler Bridges, Pulitzer Prize winning reporter, opines about the legacy of David Duke as Bridges releases an updated biography of the infamous politician and Klan leader. Rabbi Barry Weinstein of Baton Rouge discusses the worst attack on Jews in American history as nine people died at a temple in Pittsburgh Saturday morning.

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser previews the Louisiana Book Festival and updates tourism numbers for 2018. Fox News personality Brian Kilmeade on the legacy of President Andrew Jackson and the seventh president’s impact on Louisiana. LSU Manship School Dean Martin Johnson and Director of the Public Policy Research Lab Michael Henderson comment on a national poll conducted by the school for the midterm elections. Ken Perrett, President of Louisiana Good Roads and Transportation Association, on Constitutional Amendment 4 to prevent state police from using transportation funding.

LSU Geology Department Chair Brooks Elwood and Alumni Professor of Physics Ravi Rau on the state of higher education in America. Father John Foley, leader of Christo Rey, on 35 Catholic work-study preparatory schools in the United States, including one in Baton Rouge. Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for The Advocate, on the midterm elections 12 days before election day. Madeline Bernstein, president of the Society of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles, on her book: “Designer Dogs, Inside the Criminal Underworld of Crossbreeding.”

Former aide to President Trump, Sebastian Gorka, on immigration and foreign policy issues and their effect on the midterm elections. Baseball legend Denny McLain on the 2018 World Series and Boston's opening win at Fenway Park over the Dodgers. Washington Post National Security Correstpondent Greg Miller, winner of the Pulitzer Prize, on the Trump Administration and its handling of Russia.

Biographer and celebrated sportswriter Jane Leavy on her latest subject, Babe Ruth. Leavy, who previously penned best-selling books about Sandy Koufax and Mickey Mantle, focuses on “The Sultan of Swat” in her opus, “The Big Fella.” Writter and Ole Miss Professor Kiese Laymon on his new book "Heavy: An American Memoir", where he takes a look at his struggles dealing with weight and other topics as an African-American man in America.

Stephen Handwerk, Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party, assesses the midterm elections and the re-election quest of Gov. John Bel Edwards. Ashley Berthelot-Arceneaux, LSU Director of Presidential and Policy Communications, and Zoe Williamson, President of Geaux Vote LSU, preview the Behind the Ballot Symposium at the university.

Congressman Garret Graves on flood protection, midterm elections and Go Fund Me account for LSU. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat on forecast for Nov. 6 election. Louisiana Radio Network reporter Kevin Barnhart on the devastation from Hurricane Michael to his hometown of Panama City.

LSU Alumni Association President Cliff Vannoy on Homecoming week in TigerTown. Baton Rouge Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on the political winds fewer than three weeks from election day. Author Bob Spitz on his comprehensive biography of President Reagan.

Republican Party Activist Darrell Glasper and Democrat Susan Nelson square off on the midterm elections and the Go Fund Me account started by Congressman Garret Graves for LSU football. Veteran sportscaster Verne Lundquist comments on his long career and being the voice of SEC television broadcasts for a generation. Film critic John Wirt on the New Orleans Film Festival and “Cane River,” a 1982 film that will screen after being lost for 36 years.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon assesses rates for car, home and health insurance. Businessman Scott Berg reflects on the family business, Lee Michaels Jewelry, which Is headquartered in Baton Rouge and is now operating in nine states. Sayu Bhojwani, president of New American Leaders, the only organization focused on preparing immigrant leaders to run for public office.