Talk Louisiana

Beltway based investigative reporter Dan Moldea, the writer who broke stories to change the political futures of Louisiana politicos Bob Livingston and David Vitter, speculates on the mystery surrounding the anonymous op-ed piece about President Trump from a high-ranking member of his administration. Amputee bicyclist Niki Rellon comments on her trip from San Francisco to Key West with a stop in Baton Rouge.

Veteran LSU Professor Kevin Cope on the controversy at the state’s flagship university over changing admission standards. Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on admission standards and the politics of funding LSU at the expense of other state institutions. Author Linda Kay Klein on her book: “Pure, Inside the Evangelical Movement that Shamed a Generation of Young Women and How I Broke Free.”

Times Picayune reporter Julia O’Donoghue on the pattern of sexual misconduct from former high ranking state official Johnny Anderson. Anderson has been contacted but has not responded…one of his alleged victims Juanita Washington joins the conversation. Former Advocate columnist and NPR commentator Ed Cullen on his latest work with the Farmer’s Almanac and the state of journalism in America.

Jason Berry, the New Orleans based investigative reporter who broke the story of widespread sexual abuse by priests in his 1992 book “Lead Us Not into Temptation,” comments on the reaction of Pope Francis to recent revelations of abuse. Author Christina Dalcher on her latest work, “Vox,” and Kehl Waltman, who's helping put on a fundraiser for the Cajun Navy in honor of Sadie Thibodeaux, who was found by the Cajun Navy in New Orleans.

Jeff Holeman, former public relations specialist for Entergy, recalls Hurricane Gustav as we approach the tenth anniversary of the worst hurricane to hit Baton Rouge. The September 1, 2008 storm packed wind gusts exceeding 90 miles per hour in the Capital region. Documentary maker Glen Dunzweiler examines the challenges of large homeless populations in American cities. Dunzweiler says rage against homeless people is the last acceptable prejudice. Author Cyndi Suarez discusses her book, “The Power Manual, How to Master Complex Power Dynamics.” Suarez examines how power is deployed and transformed in society.

Baseball great Denny McLain recalls his HOF Manager Ted Williams, a great player, a lousy manager and a complex person. The 100th anniversary of the birth of Ted Williams is Thursday. Fred Hickman, anchorman for Channel 33 in Baton Rouge for the past three years and a legendary sportscaster, is leaving the Louisiana Capital for a post in the Washington D.C. area. Mark Ballard joins to discuss the impacts of banning anti-gun banks on interest rates for Louisiana infrastructure construction.

Quin Hillyer and Roy Fletcher discuss the legacy of the late Sen. John McCain. Ian MacDougall of ProPublica disscusess alleged law enforcement civil rights violations in Ville Platte.

Quin Hillyr and Roy Fletcher discuss the legacy of the late Sen. John McCain. Ian McDougal of ProPublica disscusess alleged law enforcement civil rights violations in Ville Platte.

Greg Bowser, President of the Louisiana Chemical Association and former LSU football star, reviews the state of his industry and previews LSU’s football season opener Sunday at Dallas against Miami of Florida. Stephanie Grace, columnist for the Advocate, comments on the feud and possible race for governor between Governor John Bel Edwards and Senator John Kennedy.

Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson updates his quest to improve state roads and bridges. Colonel Rob Maness, Republican, and talk show host Tony Brown talk about the legacy of John McCain and the fate of President Trump.

Rannah Gray, author of “Familiar Evil,” on the sordid legacy of Baton Rouge television Scott Rogers, personality and deputy sheriff, who died four years ago in a murder-suicide. Filmmaker Jeff Springer details his documentary, “Rodents of Unusual Size.” Fairleigh Jackson of Preserve Louisiana announces this year’s award winners. Anaite Alvarado talks about her false imprisonment in Guatemala City.

Peter Olson of the Knock Knock Children’s Museum on the one-year anniversary of the facility near City Park. Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for the Advocate, comments on the friction between the Bond Commission and Gov. John Bel Edwards. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Chris Hedges on his latest book: “America, the Farewell Tour.” Investigative journalist Craig Unger analyzes links between the Russian mafia, Vladimir Putin and the Trump Organization. Unger says 59 Russians have been long-term business associates of the President Trump.

Louisiana Pollster Bernie Pinsonat and Faye Williams, Alexandria native, on the power of President Trump in the state and the reluctance of state officials to criticize the president. Pinsonat is the state’s senior pollster. Williams is head of the National Congress of Urban Women and former Congressional candidate in Louisiana.Former President Obama’s senior adviser Dan Pffeifer on his tenure working with the 44th U.S. president and comparison between Presidents Obama and Trump.

Healthcare Economist for BlueCross BlueShield Mike Bertaut talks Obamacare, Association Health Plans, rate decreases, and more on healthcare in Louisiana.

Loyola University Law Professor Andrea Armstrong looks at 25 deaths in the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison in a five year period between 2012 and 2016. Attorneys Mike Wolf and Bill Grimley comment on the validity of non-disclosure agreements in the White House, the removal of the security clearance for former CIA Director John Brennan and the trial of former Trump Campaign Chairman Paul Manafort.New Orleans singer Phillip Manuel reflects on the rich musical legacy of Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul died Thursday in Detroit at age 76.

Louisiana Education Superintendent John White on his evaluation by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the state of education in our state.Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for the Advocate, comments on the GOP search for a challenger to Gov. John Bel Edwards.Dr. Karen Dantin (pictured) of Baton Rouge discusses the keys to managing stress.

African-American activists Darrell Glasper and Collis Temple discuss President Trump's statements directed at Black Americans. Glasper and Temple were college basketball stars at Southern and LSU, respectively. Glasper, a Republican, is a former baton Rouge Metro Councilman. Temple, a Democrat, is a prominent businessman and integrated the LSU basketball program in 1970.Ron Fein, Legal Director for Free Speech for People, analyzes the prospect of impeachment proceedings against President Trump.Musician Leesa Gentz of the Hussy Hicks on the Australian group's performance in Baton Rouge.

Mike McClanahan, president of the Louisiana NAACP, on his call for the Baton Rouge Metro Council to include only members from inside the city limits. This was the case prior to 1983.Crime writer Chuck Hustmyre of Baton Rouge on the latest of his seven books becoming a film, “Never Forgive.” Journalist Becky Aikman tells the backstory of the making of the iconic film, “Thelma and Louise.” The 1991 classic is the subject of her book, “Off the Cliff.”

Danny Heitman, editorial page editor of The Advocate, on writing editorials in the Age of Trump. Also, Danny will discuss America’s favorite novels as part of an LPB forum. LPB President Beth Courtney and LPB producer Kevin Geautreaux will also talk about the discussion panel. Jason Brown of Kean Miller on the intricacies of collecting sales taxes on internet purchases and options available in Louisiana. Movie critic John Wirt on his review of Spike Lee's new film BlacKkKlansman. Pictured: Jason Brown

WVLA anchor Jeanne Burns talks about her nearly quarter century ride on the air in Baton Rouge and looks at how the city is evolving. Lamar White of the Bayou Brief opines on the possibility of Mitch Landrieu running for president and on secret tapes revealing a schism between President Lyndon Johnson and former Louisiana U.S. Senator Russell Long. Veteran actress Nancy Litton of Baton Rouge on her current production: “Bloomsday.”

Interim Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin comments on why he had a change of heart and decided to seek the office vacated by his former boss, Tom Schedler. Journalist James Loewen discusses his latest work, “Sundown Towns, A Hidden Dimension of American Racism.” Michael Roizen, Chief Wellness Officer at the Cleveland Clinic, dispenses advise on the use of supplements.

Veteran Economist Loren Scott, former chair of the LSU Economics Department, assesses the impact of a trade war on the Louisiana economy. Columbia University Economic Historian Adam Tooze on his book, “Crashed,” detailing the tenth anniversary of the 2008 financial crisis. Alexandria media personality Tony Brown on the documentary,”Sugartown,” the story of a young black man’s suspicious death in police custody in New Iberia. Victor White III died on March 3, 2014.

Attorney Chris Whittington and Pharmacist Doug Boudreaux, owners of Hope Pharmacy, on the medicinal marijuana business in Louisiana. Former Governor Edwin Edwards celebrates his 91st birthday with our listeners. Journalist Paul Greenberg, author of “The Omega Principle,” Seafood and the Quest for a Long Life and a Healthier Planet.”

Former U.S. Congressman Bob Livingston comments on his 22-year tenure in the House, including his near miss to become speaker and controversial departure. Livingston, who is now a powerful lobbyist, has written his memoir and analyzes his ill-fated run for governor in 1987 and his associations with Governors Dave Treen and Edwin Edwards as well as Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Adam Sharp, former top aide to U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, talks about his high ranking role at Twitter from 2010 to 2016 and his current post as president of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Rev. Chris Andrews, former pastor of First United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, assesses the popularity of President Trump with white evangelicals in Louisiana and in the nation. Dr. Rickey Hill, chairman of the political science department at Jackson State University, remembers the slaying of two Southern University students, Denver Smith and Leonard Brown, in 1972. They were involved in a peaceful protest and their killings have not been solved 46 years later.

Cliff Vannoy, President, and CEO of the LSU Alumni Association, on the temperature of LSU graduates amid challenges in funding to higher education and with a month to go before the LSU football Tigers, kick off their season.Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on the prospect of Attorney General Jeff Landry running for governor.

Lobbyist Jim Nickel (pictured), former Louisiana Democratic Party Chairman, on the partisan divide in Baton Rouge and in the Beltway and his insights on state and national politics. Author, attorney and banker Stephen Maitland-Lewis on his lifelong passion for his former pen pal Louis Armstrong. Maitland-Lewis, who is a Board Trustee of the Louis Armstrong House Museum in New York, is in New Orleans for this week’s 18th annual Satchmo Summerfest.

Law Professor and former Louisiana Democratic Party Communications Director Susan Nelson and LSU Political Scientist Jeff Sadow exchange views on Gov. Edwards and President Trump as they survey the political landscape in Baton Rouge and across the nation. Celebrated Paleontologist Steve Brusatte offers new history to a lost world in his book: “The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs.”

Senior Policy Analyst Scott Lincicome on his group Republicans Fighting Tariffs. Lamar White of The Bayou Brief on Governor John Bel Edwards quest for re-election. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser offers a plan to return to old-style politics and have candidates for state office run on a ticket. Musician Kenny Bill Stinson, a north Louisiana native, on his career as an artist mixing country music with the blues.

Angus Kennedy, author of “Bitter Sweet,” on his reputation as the world’s leading chocolate taste. Quin Hillyer, conservative columnist and commentator, offers criticism of President Trump for his presidential and personal conduct. Public Service Commission Chairman Eric Skrmetta praises President Trump for his 18-month performance in office and warns utility companies not to disconnect service during a record heat wave. Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for the Advocate, assesses the race for Secretary of State and looks at the re-election prospects for Congressmen Clay Higgins and Garret Graves.

State Rep. Rick Edmonds of Baton Rouge talks about his campaign for Secretary of State. Michael Sandlin, owner of the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, discusses his new tenant, a camel, and the death of Tony the Tiger, who was a feature at his business for nearly 18 years. Louisiana author Rene Uzee (pictured) on his book; “Yellow Jack,” which details the yellow fever epidemic of 1852 in New Orleans.

Former State Senator A.G. Crowe discusses his quest to be elected Secretary of State at age 70. Celebrated Louisiana novelist David Madden on turning 85 tomorrow. Journalist Kate Davies on her book: "Intrinsic Hope.”

Renée Chatelain head of the Arts Council of Baton Rouge discusses the state of the arts in Louisiana. She is to be joined by acclaimed musician Victor Goines of New Orleans. Dr. Robert Newton (pictured) of the Pennington Biomedical Center on a study aiming to see if physical activity related to African American adults can improve brain function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Historian Katherine Graham on her provocative book, “Christian Slavery,” which examines the connection between slavery and religion in America.

Greg Meriwether, the anchor for WAFB, reflects on his 17 years in Baton Rouge. Investigative Reporter Dan Moldea recaps the death of Vince Foster, aide, and friend to Bill Clinton, who took his life 25 years ago today. Molly Buchman of the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre on acclaimed instructors joining forces with her group this summer.

Former Louisiana Democratic Executive Director Trey Ourso. Journalist Marc Ambinder reflects on a close call in 1983 as the U.S. and the Soviet Union weighed the prospect of a nuclear exchange. Ambinder’s book is “The Brink.” Advocate Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on qualifying for the Secretary of State election, controversy on the Metro Council and Gov. John Bel Edwards facing Bayou Bridge protestors.

Former Louisiana GOP Chairman Roger Villere on state and national politics with next year’s gubernatorial election slated for Oct. 12, 2019. Pepperdine University Professor Bruce Herschensohn on President Trump’s performance in the Helsinki Summit. Dr. Justin Lehmiller of the Kinsey Institute on Americans and their sex lives.

Former Cy Young and American League Most Valuable Player Denny McLain previews tonight’s MLB All-Star Game and recaps the first half of the season. LSU stars Aaron Nola and Alex Bregman are on the rosters of the National and American League teams. State Representative Pat Smith reflects on the two-year anniversary of the murder of three Baton Rouge police officers and talks about the prospect of more anti-abortion legislation in Louisiana with the likelihood of a more conservative U.S. Supreme Court.

State Senator John Milkovich, D-Shreveport, on his bill to restrict abortion access after 15 weeks of pregnancy and what happens with the prospect of a more conservative U.S. Supreme Court.Financial Analysts Andy Anderson and Fred Dent on the impact of the exploding debt on the stock market and the results of a trade war with China on Louisiana and national economy.

People Magazine Senior Editor Alicia Dennis of New Orleans discusses her work: “Crimes of Fashion.” Jeff Dorson, executive director of the Humane Society of Louisiana, talks about lenient sentences given to those who abuse animals in the state. Gary Chambers, editor of the Rouge Collection, on the battle over the successor to the late Baton Rouge Metro Councilman Buddy Amoroso. Journalist Curt Smith reflects on presidents and baseball.

Former Health South Chief Financial Officer Aaron Beam talks about his conviction, incarceration and comeback. EBR Councilwoman Tara Wicker on the controversy surrounding the choice to succeed Councilman Buddy Amoroso who died 12 days ago in a bicycle crash.

Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Stephen Handwerk on next year’s Louisiana gubernatorial election just 15 months away. Political Strategist Mary Patricia Wray (pictured) of Top Drawer Strategies on Governor John Bel Edwards’ re-election bid and President Trump’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Margalit Fox, longtime obituary writer for the New York Times, comments on her book: “Conan Doyle for the Defense: The True Story of a Sensational British Murder and a Quest for Justice, and the World’s Most Famous Detective Writer.”

Retired WAFB anchor Donna Britt celebrates her 60th birthday with us as she recaps her 37 years as a popular anchorwoman in Baton Rouge.Former State Senator and GOP activist Ben Bagert assess the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.

Former CNN Chief Political Analyst Bill Schneider (pictured) on the nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. President Trump makes his announcement tonight on his choice to succeed Anthony Kennedy on the high court. Mary Durusau of the Old State Capitol and Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist Walt Handelsman of The Advocate talks about a major exhibit opening this week.

LSU Law Professor Paul Baier, who has taught with former Supreme Court Justices Harry Blackman and Antonin Scalia, previews the announcement Monday of President Trump’s nominee to the Supreme Court to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy. Baton Rouge businessman Kevin Lyle and his wife, Renee Chatelain, discuss Kevin’s Tony Award winning production, “Once On This Island.” Lyle took the Tony Award last month as producer of the musical while Chatelain heads the Greater Baton Rouge Arts Council.

Dr. Faye Williams, Dr. Chris Warner and Mike Wolf discuss the nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court next week by President Trump with New Orleans native Amy Coney Barrett a leading contender. Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on Governor Edwards and the Legislature moving forward after a budget deal in the final hours before the fiscal cliff.

Sam Kleiner, author of "The Fighting Tigers", tells the story of American pilots who waged a secret war against Japan. John Maginnis, longtime executive with Blue Cross Blue Shield, discusses his new endeavor as a documentary filmaker. He is preparing to detail the story of a former leprosy patient at Carville, the home of the only American institution devoted to leprosy consulting, research and training. Retired state employee Leslie Tassin reflects on his recent harrowing trip to Paris. Dr. Lee Reich on "The Ever Curious Gardner, Using a Little Natural Science for a Much Better Garden."

LSU Manship School of Mass Communications Dean Martin Johnson on his new assignment and the state of journalism in America and in Louisiana. Lata Nott of the Newseum in Washington D.C. comments on attacks against the First Amendment.

East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Councilman Matt Watson on the death of his fellow councilman Buddy Amoroso Saturday in bicycling crash in St. Francisville. Law Professor and Political advisor Susan Nelson on the death of Amoroso, a former opponent, and President Trump’s nomination next week to the U.S. Supreme Court. Fairleigh Cook Jackson of Preserve Louisiana on the possibility of a significant budget cut to the Old Governor’s Mansion where her organization is based. Jim Caldwell of the Baton Rouge Airport on new options for travelers.

Veteran Political Consultant Ray Strother on the retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy from the United States Supreme Court and its implications to Louisiana. Stephen Kearney of Fair Districts Louisiana on the Supreme Court decision this week on gerrymandering. Journalist Ken Auletta of the New Yorker on his latest work: “Frenemies, The Epic Disruption of the Ad Business (And Everything Else.”

Conservative columnist and commentator Quin Hillyer, a New Orleans native, on the GOP establishment rebelling against President Trump. Author Robert Fieseler on his book about the 1973 French Quarter fire that took 32 lives: “Tinderbox, the Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge and the Rise of Gay Liberation.” Professor Jack Davis, winner of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for History, on his book, “THE GULF, The Making of the American Sea.”