Talk Louisiana

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.

Chris Tyson, President and CEO of the Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority, comments on rapid transit in the community, efforts to gentrify Plank Road and the prospect of the Village of St. George. Sarah Procopio, Director of Governmental Relations for LSU Student Government and Stewart Lockett, Study Body President, talk about a Youth Civic Engagement Forum at LSU tomorrow. Producer Victoria Greene previews her film “Forgotten Bayou.” The production, premiering at the Manship Theatre, is about the environmental disaster at Bayou Corne.

Journalist and activist Maxine Crump and musician Chris Thomas King discuss the rich blues legacy in Baton Rouge. Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for The Advocate, on LSU admissions controversies and George Soros in Louisiana. Author Sue Ingalls Finan on the literary contributions of New Orleans and Louisiana.

Chris Meyer, CEO of New Schools Baton Rouge, assesses the current state of educational opportunities in our community and around the state as well as the evolving education ecosystem. LSU President King Alexander and VP of Enrollment Jose Aviles discuss the controversary over admission standards at the Ole War Skule. Journalist Rafe Bartholomew comments on his latest work: “Basketball, A Love Story.” The book includes interviews with more than 200 of the game’s greatest players.

Sybil Haydel Morial, widow to former New Orleans Mayor Ernest Morial, and mother to former New Orleans mayor Marc Morial disscusses her rich life, and autobiography "Witness to Change, From Jim Crow to Political Empowerment." Attorney Mike Wolf, veteran Libertarian Party activist, analyzes the fallout from the contentious confirmation provess of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

State Senator John Milkovich of Shreveport comments on the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller, former FBI director and decorated Vietnam veteran. Milkovich has recently published “Robert Mueller, Errand Boy for the New World Order.” The lawmaker and attorney, who is a Democrat, is often at odds with positions of his political party. Also, Lamar White of the Bayou Brief on the votes by Senators Cassidy and Kennedy of Louisiana in favor of Brett Kavanaugh for the U.S. Supreme Court. Ian Birnie of the Louisiana International Film Festival on tomorrow night’s debut of THE HATE U GIVE at Perkins Rowe Baseball writer and sabermetric pioneer Rob Neyer talks about his new book “Power Ball, Anatomy of a Modern Baseball Game.”

Yale Law Professor Stephen L. Carter recalls his grandmother, Eunice Carter, who helped bring down Mafia kingpin Lucky Luciano. Carter was an African-American female who was part of a team of 20 lawyers, the others were white males. It was Carter who recommended prosecuting Luciano successfully on prostitution charges. Eunice Carter began her career as a professor at Southern University. LSU Manship School Professor Bob Mann comments on the tortured confirmation process which ended with a 50-48 U.S. Senate vote in favor of Brett Kavanaugh, who is the 114th member of the Supreme Court. Mann is a former aide to three Louisiana U.S. Senators and reflects on the political swing by Louisiana’s Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, both of who were lifelong Democrats 15 years ago when Cassidy was 46 and Kennedy was 52.

Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for The Advocate, surveys the local and national political landscape. Conservative columnist and commentator Quin Hillyer of New Orleans on the nomination to the Supreme Court of Brett Kavanaugh and the New York Times report of shaky financial dealings by the Trump family. Katherine Marsh, author of “Nowhere Boy,” on here move to Belgium for three years to excape the politicizations of American life. Chair Prescott Bailey on the LASM Gala tomorrow night.

Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Chuck Carr Brown discusses the state of the environment two years and nine months into the term of Governor John Bel Edwards. Dr. Brown says wastewater is Louisiana’s top environmental challenge. WRKF President and General Manager Paul Maassen provides an update on Public Radio in Baton Rouge as WRKF starts its Fall Member Fest. Dr. Justin Frank, clinical professor of psychiatry at the George Washington Medical Center and New York Times bestselling author, discusses his latest book: “Trump on the Couch, Inside the Mind of the President.” Dr. Frank is the author of the bestseller “Bush on the Couch.”

Welsh singer Deborah Rose. Financial analysts Brian Low and Andy Anderson exchange views on record territory for the Dow and strategy for investing. Reverend Raymond Jetson, former state lawmaker, reflects on the community reaction to the death of LSU basketball player Wayde Sims.

LSU Law Professor Paul Baier comments on the nomination and controveries of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Adam St. Pierre and Andrew Tadman of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library preview October’s 5th Annual Mini Maiker Faire scheduled for Oct. 6 at the Main Library at Goodwood. National Review Executive Editor Reihan Salam discusses his book: “Melting Pot or Civil War? A Son of Immigrants Makes the Case Against Open Borders.”

Veteran Political Strategist Mary Matalin comments on the contentious U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Thursday featuring Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and his accuser, Christine Blasey Ford. Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on the likely votes for conformation for Judge Kavanaugh from Louisiana Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy. Former LSU Sports Information specialist Bud Johnson on the 60th anniversary of the 1958 LSU national champions and the unveiling of the statue of Billy Cannon at Tiger Stadium on the eve of Saturday’s game against Ole Miss. Bridget Gardner, RN, on the importance of child safety seats

President of the Louisiana Family Forum Gene Mills comments on support and opposition of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Doug Daigle, Coordinator of the Louisiana Hypoxia Working Group, discusses the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is due to expire at the end of the month if Congress doesn’t reimburse it. Grammy-award winning artist and breast cancer survivor Sheryl Crow and Dr. DaCarla Albright discuss the factors that cause women to develop breast cancer.

Investigative Reporter Dan Moldea assesses the embattled nomination of U.S. Supreme Court aspirant Brett Kavanaugh. Moldea says he met secretly with Kavanaugh when the then 33-year-old lawyer was top assistant to Ken Starr in the investigation into President Clinton’s relationship with Monica Lewinsky. Author Lawrence Goldstone discusses his book “Unpunished Murder, Massacre at Colfax and the Quest for Justice.” This is the account about the death of more than 100 unarmed African-Americans in Grant Parish. Author Tammy Lynn Stoner talks about her book, “Sugarland.” This is the story of a female prison cook at a penitentiary in 1923.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Joey Strickland comments on a new memorial for Gold Star Families. Beth Carter and Zoe Williams of LSU Student Government on an initiative to get students to vote. Former Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders assesses the status of the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. Vastine Stabler and Erica Fox discuss their work on LSU Theatre's "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time".

Jim Bernhard, former president of the Shaw Group and former chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party, will discuss the political landscape in Baton Rouge and the Beltway and assess business opportunities in Louisiana in the Age of Trump. The guest is now head of Bernhard Capital with 18,000 employees.

Former LSU All American and current color analyst for Tiger football broadcasts, Doug Moreau, reflects on his career and the fast start of No. 6 ranked LSU. Public Service Commisioner Foster Campbell discusses excessive expenses at rural co-ops. Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard assesses U.S. Sen. John Kennedy’s role in the confirmation process for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and looks at possible stumbling blocks in the state’s push to collect taxes from the internet. Author Sarah Smarsh discusses her book, “Heartland, A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth.”

Karen Roy, Miss Wheelchair America, on her role as an national ambassador. Roy, a Baton Rouge native, was paralyzed in a shooting 31 years ago. Former East Baton Rouge Parish Prosecutor Prem Burns and Southern University Law Professor Susan Nelson discuss the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court amid allegations of sexucal misconduct 36 years ago.

Attorney Lewis Unglesby on the controversies surrounding U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Fairleigh Cook Jackson and Peggy Sweeney McDonald on the Back at Café du’ Monde show.

Matthew Rachleff discusses the Baton Rouge chapter of Aging 2.0. Sandra Spears talks about the WASP museum in texas, that highlights women piliots in WWII. Michelle LeClair recounts her story of how she escaped abusive behavior at the hands of the Church of Scientology, and found a new life with her new sexual identity. Guest host Julie Baxter Payer.

Celebrated tailor Manuel Martinez details fall fashion choices and assess the sartorial styles of the rich, famous and infamous. The Baton Rouge clothier has three times won the competition at the International Congress of Tailors. Former LSU football great Tommy Casanova on the Tigers’ game Saturday at Auburn and his experiences in football, medicine and government. The College Football Hall of Famer from Crowley was a three-time All-American, an NFL standout, a successful ophthalmologist and state senator. Ginny Stibolt on climate friendly gardening.

Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief of the Advocate, comments on the continuing friction between Attorney General Jeff Landry and Governor John Bel Edwards. Secretary of State candidate Renee Free on her quest to succeed the departed Tom Schedler with a special election in less than two months.

Fox News commentator Dr. Gina Loudon on her new boook. Rouge Symphony Orchestra Conductor Tim Muffitt on the new season. Celebrated author Brad Meltzer on his children's book about Neil Armstrong.

Former Louisiana Congressman Henson Moore, who also served as President George H.W. Bush’s deputy chief of staff, comments on the tenor of politics in the Age of Trump and assesses the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Mary Ann Sternberg, author of “River Road Rambler Returns,” extols the virtues of Louisiana’s historic byway.

Louisiana Democratic Party Staff Attorney Marjorie Esman and Libertarian Attorney Mike Wolf weigh on the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh. University of South Florida Professor Raymond Arsenault comments on the rich legacy of the late tennis great Arthur Ashe. Denise Botcher of the Louisiana AARP on efforts to help seniors in the area.