Talk Louisiana

Activist and Television talk host Dianne Andrews and Lawyer and Professor Susan Nelson discuss Gov. John Bel Edwards on the brink of another special session and Donald Trump 16 months into his presidency. Advocate Reporter Tyler Bridges on the collapse of the Harrah’s deal. Former LSU Sports Information Director Bud Johnson on the death of Billy Cannon.

Chance McNeely, Executive Director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, on the plight of truck drivers in Louisiana. Mark Ballard of the Advocate comments on the final stretch of the Regular Session with lawmakers duking it out in bar rooms over legislative disputes. Tracy Fessenden, professor at Arizona State University, on her book about jazz singer Billie Holiday and her connection to religion in her music.

Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Stephen Handwerk assesses the state of the Democratic Party in Louisiana and nationally.American Gaming Association Spokesperson Kasey Clark responds to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to allow sports gaming outside of Nevada.Singer Chuck Hawthorne previews his performance tonight at the Dyson House.

Stephen Waguespack, President and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, comments on his contention that a Constitutional Convention is a necessity for resolving Louisiana’s perennial budget issues. Also Waguespack will detail the LABI position on the fiscal cliff, minimum wage and equal pay.

Baton Rougean Deborah Sternberg on her new role with the Young Entrepreneurs Academy and her former job as Dan Rather’s assistant. Economist Loren Scott on the chemical industry in Louisiana, the fiscal cliff and the Trump tax plan.

Democrat Melissa Flournoy and Republican Scott Wilfong assess the political terrain in Baton Rouge and in the Beltway. Former Grant Parish District Attorney Ed Tarpley on non-unanimous jury verdicts in Louisiana as lawmakers debate changing the state law. Advocate Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on a week at the Capitol as nursing home residents were warned of losing their homes because of budget challenges.Pictured: Melissa Flournoy

Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe on the state of the Democratic Party in the South and his appearance at the True Blue Gala for Louisiana Democrats next week. Malcolm Suber of Take ‘Em Down Nola on his quest to have more monuments removed in New Orleans. Baton Rouge gardening icon Walter Imahara on his profession and his days as a young man in a Japanese Internment Camp.Pictured: Walter Imahara

Political Consultant Roy Fletcher comments on recent news about Gov. Edwards and President Trump. U.S. Senator John Kennedy discusses the Harrah’s bill that lawmakers in Baton Rouge are considering Presidential candidate Andrew Yang on his book, “The War on Normal People.” Yang says he is offering truth about America’s disappearing jobs.

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell on move to hike payday loan rates in Louisiana.Author Rachel Slade on her book, “Into the Raging Sea.” The book details the sinking of the container ship “El Faro” in 2015 in the Bermuda Triangle.

LSU Faculty veteran Kevin Cope on peaks and valleys at the Ole War Skule with budget issues remaining prominent at Louisiana’s flagship university. Author Richard Allen on the legacy of Robert Kennedy who was assassinated nearly 50 years ago in Los Angeles.Pictured: Kevin Cope

Retired Executive Director of the Louisiana ACLU Marjorie Esman on legislation to require unanimous jury verdicts in felony trials in Louisiana. Former Advocate columnist and NPR commentator Ed Cullen on the state of journalism locally and nationally.

Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard analyzes the Regular Session as lawmakers try to finish early to convene for a special session on the budget. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat on the political trail in Baton Rouge and in the Beltway with Tom Schedler resigning as Secretary of State and President Trump paying 130-thousand dollars to Stormy Daniels. Author Catherine Reid on “The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables.”

Former State Senator Elbert Lee Guillory of Opelousas on his role as Director of Minority Outreach for the Louisiana GOP. Guillory comments on the Trump effect on minority outreach by his party and the resignation of Tom Schedler as Secretary of State amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Author and Law Professor David Wienir on one of America’s favorite international destinations, Amsterdam. Wienir’s book is “Amsterdam Exposed, An America’s Journey into the Red Light District.”

Advocate Editor Peter Kovacs on five years of new ownership of the state’s largest newspaper. Businessman John Georges began his reign as Advocate owner on May 1, 2013. Author Elizabeth Partridge discusses her book, “Boots on the Ground, America’s War in Vietnam.”

Investigative Reporter Dan Moldea on the trials and tribulations of President Trump 15 months into his term. Moldea broke stories that torpedoed the political careers of Bob Livingston, Newt Gingrich and David Vitter. Also the latest on calls for resignation of embattled Secretary of State Tom Schedler. Jim Shannon provides insight to Dawn Ross's exclusive interview. Amy Nobile and Trisha Ashworth on their book, “Just When You’re Comfortable in Your Own Skin, It Starts to Sag.”

Sidney Coffee of America’s Wetland Foundation on continuing efforts to thwart coastal erosion. Beau Dantin of the Serenity Center on challenges with opioid addiction. Singer Ivan Griffin on his remarkable career.

Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on the homestretch of the Regular Legislative Session. WAFB Capitol Reporter Kevin Frey on covering the Capitol and his move to Washington D.C. Former New Orleans Jazz President Fred Rosenfeld on the continuing legacy of Pistol Pete Maravich.

Larry Carter, President of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, comments on teachers having guns and pay raises for educators.Deanna Wallace, Director of Legal Communications of Americans United for Life, on the federal judicial appointment of Louisiana’s Kyle Duncan, who was approved on a 50-47 vote yesterday by the U.S. Senate. Pulitzer Prize winner Gilbert King on violence, race and justice lost in the Jim Crow Era. King’s latest book is about a 1957 murder in Florida: “Beneath a Ruthless Son.”

LSU-Shreveport Political Scientist Jeff Sadow and former state lawmaker Melissa Flournoy of Shreveport square off on the political turns in Baton Rouge and the Beltway. Senator Sharon Hewitt explains her support for legislation regulating Uber and Lyft in Louisiana. Writer Michael Lennon recaps the contributions to the 60s of the controversial Norman Mailer.

Baton Rouge Actor Louis Herthum on the second season for “Westworld.” Herthum is in the cast for the award winning HBO presentation. Melanie Bronfin of the Child Care Assistance Program on perilous funding for the program for working parents seeking child care and educational assistance. Max Lugavere on genius foods. The health science journalist says we can become smarter, happier and more productive by what we eat.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon on insurance issues as hurricane season approaches. Ellen Meacham, author of “Delta Epiphany,” on Robert Kennedy’s odyssey through Mississippi in 1967. Producer Carol Bidault previews tonight’s showing of “Cut Off’ at the Louisiana International Film Festival.Pictured: Jim Donelon

Michael Henderson of the LSU Public Policy Institute reviews sentiments of Louisiana residents on an array of issues. Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for The Advocate, assesses the Regular Legislative Session. Jason Allen details the offerings at the Louisiana International Film Festival.

Brain Czech, president and executive director of the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy, discusses why he believes global economic growth is contributing to biodiversity loss, climate change and resource wars. Czech is proposing an alternative economic model. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser comments on the death of legendary political consultant Gus Weill and offers his prescription for repairing Louisiana roads. Abigail Gardner of the Value of Water Campaign contends that Americans want federal spending on Water infrastructure. Clint Arthur, public speaking guru, on the importance of communication effectively before an audience.

Dr. Mark Heiman, LSU graduate, who is recognized as one the pioneering researchers about the GI microbiome. Ari Fleischer, former press secretary to President George W. Bush, on his career, his appearance at LSU tonight and his assessment of President Trump’s press secretaries. Maya Washington, filmmaker on her work “Through the Banks of the Red Cedar” about the integration of the Michigan State football team in 1963. Roy Martin, president of a major lumber firm in Alexandria, on his work with the Salvation Army and the Fourth Annual Shield of Hope Gala.

Baton Rouge Symphony Conductor Tim Muffitt on a major performance this week from BRSO. LSU President King Alexander and Director Alexander Shebanow on the film “Fail State” which is showing this week at the Louisiana International Film Festival. Kris Cangelosi on the annual Baton Rouge version of Dancing With The Stars. General Russel Honore on the Green Army’s legislative agenda.

Speaker Pro Tem of the Louisiana House Walt Leger on the regular session progress and his induction into the LSU Alumni Hall of Distinction. Chris Brooks on the Baton Rouge Blues Fest and Eliott Estelle on the Louisiana International Film Festival. Actor Billy Slaughter on his performance in two films at LIFF. Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on the week that was at the State Capitol.Pictured: Eliott Estelle

Molly Buchman of the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre on the staying power of one of the city’s cultural treasurers. Political Consultant Raymond Strother on the prospect of Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise becoming Speaker of the House, President Trump and Gov. Edwards. Colonel Brett Holdiman of the Army War College on his visit to LSU.Pictured: Colonel Brett Holdiman

Director Tiffany Bartok on her film about the life of Kevyn Aucoin, a famed make-up artist from Louisiana. Tiffany’s film will be showing at the Louisiana International Film Festival. Former LSU football great Jerry Stovall on his induction in the LSU Hall of Distinction this Friday. Health Secretary Rebekah Gee with an update on budget at the state’s largest agency. Washington Post Reporter Amy Brittain on her appearance at LSU, her alma mater, and her stories which ended the journalism career of Charlie Rose.

Political consultant Roy Fletcher on the raid of the office of lawyer Michael Cohen, attorney to President Trump and the political winds in Louisiana with a governor’s election 18 months away. University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson on ULS Day at the State Capitol tomorrow, the status of TOPS and funding issues for higher education in Louisiana.

Former State Representative Raymond Jetson on this week’s Urban Congress for African-American Males to be held in Baton Rouge. Jetson is also former pastor of Star Hill Church, located a block from where Alton Sterling died in July of 2016. We will talk with him about the aftermath of the decision to file no charges against Officer Blane Salamoni. Elizabeth Crisp of the Advocate on her revelation that a state lawmaker, Rep. Dodie Horton, was pushing “fake news” to make her point on a key piece of legislation.

Dennis Slocumb of the International Union of Police Associations reacts to the firing of BR Police Officer Blane Salamoni, who fired six shots that took the life of Alton Sterling. Baseball Legend Denny McLain on the 50th anniversary of his 31-6 season and the first week of Major League action. Author Kim Brophey on the importance of dogs in the lives of Americans.

Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on this week at the session including the Senate passing a measure to require unanimous verdicts in felony trials. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Michael Henderson on how Louisiana citizens regard government, taxes and gender equality. Clemson University Professor Gary Machlis on the disregard for conservation in America as Dr. Machlis prepares a conference at LSU next week.

Musician Eric Baskin on his youth in Memphis and recollection of April 4, 1968 when Dr. Martin Luther King was killed in his hometown. Michael McClanahan, president of the Louisiana NAACP, on the legacy of MLK. Danny Plaisance, owner of Cottonwood Books, on his most famous customer--Tom Hanks.

Missouri Law Professor Rigel Oliveri on the continuing issue of segregated neighborhoods 50 years after the Fair Housing Act. LSU Mass Communication Professor Bob Mann on what’s happening at the State Capitol, in national politics and in Baton Rouge with the aftermath of the decision in the Alton Sterling case. Marc Perrusquia, author of “A Spy in Canaan,” on a story about the FBI using a famous photographer to infiltrate the Civil Rights movement.

United States Attorney Brandon Fremin and former U.S. Attorney Don Cazayoux discuss federal law enforcement in the Middle District of Louisiana and reflect on the Alton Sterling case. Former State Lawmaker Ben Bagert remembers his childhood friend, Rusty Staub, the baseball great from New Orleans who died last week at 73. Veteran Actress Judy Norton of the Waltons talks about her resurgent career.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu on his decision to remove Confederate Era monuments from the city’s landscape and Landrieu’s view of contemporary politics. Former Tulane Professor Richard Marksbury on his reasons for leading the fight against the removal of the monuments. Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on the week at the State Capitol where bills to raise the minimum wage and ensure equal pay for men and women failed in the Louisiana Senate.

State Representative Denise Marcelle on the decision from Attorney General Jeff Landry not to indict the two officers involved in the 2016 death of Alton Sterling. Sterling Attorney John McLindon on the decision from Landry. LSU Law Professor Chris Tyson and Dialogue on Race President Maxine Crump on how Baton Rouge responds to the Sterling case.

East Baton Rouge Councilman Matt Watson on industrial tax exemptions and the Alton Sterling case. Financial analysts Andy Anderson and Fred Dent on the erratic market. Author VeeraHiranandani on her book, “The Night Diary,” which tells the story of Indian’s partition that caused the largest human migration in history.

Andrew Muhl of AARP Louisiana on issues at the Legislature pertaining to seniors. Laurinda Cologne, Chief Academic Officer for Our Lady of the Lake, on educational opportunities at OLOL. Trey Burvant, president of Louisiana Film and Entertainment, on the resurgent film industry in our state. Pastor Jackie King of First United Methodist in Denham Springs on the Storm Daniels accusations against President Trump.

GOP Political Consultant Scott Wilfong and Democratic blogger Lamar White of The Bayou Brief on the challenges of President Trump and Governor Edwards. Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on an eventful week for the regular session.

World renowned cognitive scientist World renowned cognitive scientist Steven Pinker provides his take on why we should be more optimistic about contemporary life. Margie Jenkins, a 96-year-old farmer from Amite, talks about her induction in the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction. Ian Birnie of the Louisiana International Film Festival on next month’s event in Baton Rouge. Associated Press Capitol Reporter Melinda Deslatte previews the annual Gridiron Show and reviews week two of the regular session.

Walt Handelsman, Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist for The Advocate, on the joys of his craft in the Age of President Trump.Charles Steinberg, owner of the Pawtucket Pawsox, and Public Relations strategist Len Sanderson on a summit on public funding for professional sports to be held tonight at the LSU Manship School. Local writers Mike Hinton and Sherry Melancon on their science fiction thriller, “Afflicted.”

EBR Councilwoman Donna Collins-Lewis on her attempt to have former city employees not take retirement and return to work in other capacites while receiving benefits. Author Kate Moore on her appearance at the Main EBR Library this Saturday to discuss her book, The Radium Girls. Sarah McBride, the first transgender person to speak at a national convention, talks about her life that is detailed in Tomorrow Will Be Different.Veteran actress Joyce Bulifant on her Hollywood odyssey that includes turbulent marriages to some famous men in show business.

Broderick Bagert, lead organizer for Together Baton Rouge, on the fight to curb the state's industrial tax exemptions. Steve Gillon comments on the 50 year legacy of the Kerner Commission report on race in America.

Jeremy Alford of La Politics on the legacy of Louisiana columnist and commentator John James Maginnis, who would have celebrated his 70th birthday Saturday. Mark Ballard of the Advocate on the first week of the Regular Session of the Legislature. Singer Phillip Manuel of New Orleans on the 100th birthday celebration of Nat King Cole tomorrow at Snug Harbor. Lonnie Luce of University Academy on learning in a virtual school.

State lawmaker John Milkovich on his bill to curtail abortions and the state of the Legislature in the first week of the regular session. Democrat Melissa Flournoy and Republican Ali Akbar on the fates of President Trump, Governor Edwards and Secretary of State Schedler. Fairleigh Jackson on an Irish Event featuring Preserve Louisiana and Patrice Walker and Tammy Duncan-Swope on the American Business Women’s Association in Baton Rouge.

LSU Mass Communication Professor Len Apcar on his Solve the Budget project inviting citizens to provide their input on cutting the Louisiana budget. Also Apcar will discuss a tight Congressional election in Pennsylvania and President Trump’s continuing battle with the media. Atchafalaya Basin keeper Dean Wilson, and Attorney Misha Michell on the Bayou Bridge Pipeline project and author Amy Kaufman on her book about what she terms America’s guilty pleasure, the television show “The Bachelor.”

Political Consultant Raymond Strother on the abrupt firing of Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State. Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana Chief Health Care Economist Mike Bertaut on what is left of the Affordable Care Act. Author Joseph Rodota on “The Watergate.” Rodota reports about America’s most infamous address, a landmark that endures 46 years after the break-in that brought down a president.

LSU President King Alexander on the budget, the Greek System and the economic impact of LSU on the Louisiana economy. Biographer Geoffrey Mark on the enduring legacy of singer Ella Fitzgerald.

Baton Rouge Rep. Denise Marcelle on the Capitol maneuvering as the regular session starts Monday amid much conflict remaining from the collapse of the special session; Louisiana music legend Mickey Gilley is joined by fellow singer Johnny Lee to reflect on the legacy of the film, “Urban Cowboy,” which propelled them both to stardom; Veteran journalist Mark Whitaker on his critically acclaimed book about the Black heritage in Pittsburgh, “Smoketown” and Pulitzer Prize winner Steve Coll, Dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, opines about the strained and dangerous relations the U.S. has with Pakistan.