Talk Louisiana

Author John Barry reflects on his research about the flu pandemic a century ago and how it compares to Coronavirus. Dietmar Rietschier, Executive Director of the Amite River Basin Commission, recalls the bombing of Dresden 75 years ago this month in the final days of WWII.

Outgoing Superintendent of Education John White looks back at his tenure. Jim discusses the 2020 election, and the change of heart regarding the President experienced by many of his former GOP rivals.

Advocate Reporter Bryn Stole comments on a story about business dealings of Attorney General Jeff Landry. Psychologist Juko Holiday recalls her appearance 20 years ago on “Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire?” John Dennis talks about his electoral challenge of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

David Rubenstein on his new book “The American Story”. Quin Hillyer on the Louisiana GOP’s censure of Mitt Romney. Mark Ballard on tort reform efforts.  

Former gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone comments on the close race he lost to Gov. John Bel Edwards, sizes up the national and state political landscape and tells his backstory as a son of North Baton Rouge. Historian Alexis Coe on her book about George Washington.

Former LSU Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope and Stephanie Riegel comment in the search for a new leader at LSU. Riegel reveals the top home sales in Baton Rouge. Dr. Neal Barnard talks about his book, “Your Body in Balance.”

Lamar White of the Bayou Brief and Elbert Guillory, State GOP minority outreach director, discuss the 2020 President Race and upcoming Democratic primary in New Hampshire. Remembering Robert Conrad. 

Dayne Sherman and Jeff Sadow discuss the state of the presidential race. John Schneider talks Kirk Douglas. Cast and producers behind Baton Rouge indie film Daisy and Smiling Jack talk about their planned South by Southwest release.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne opines about quarrels over Louisiana estimates and the opening at LSU for the president-chancellor post vacated by King Alexander. Veteran journalist Megan Angelo discussed her debut novel “Followers.” c of The Advocate talks about impeachment nationally and the conservative wave that has overtaken the Louisiana Legislature.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser on his trip to Canada. Mary Patricia Wray and Scott Wilfong discuss the State of the Union and more.

Professor Bob Mann of the LSU Manship School comments on the debacle for Democrats in Iowa as vote counting is delayed. Mann and his students visited the Hawkeye State. Renowned brain scientist Stanislaus Dehaune of France on his book “How We Learn.” Dehaune makes the cases that humans still outperform machines.

Republican Political Consultant Roy Fletcher looks at the changing electoral landscape of the American South and predicts Bernie Sanders will win the Iowa Caucuses and the Democratic presidential nomination. University of Oklahoma Mass Communications Professor Jensen Moore sizes up winners and losers in the Super Bowl commercial battle. Vastine Stabler of Swine Palace Theatre previews the producti...

Veteran investigative reporter Dan Moldea discusses impeachment. America my Oyster founder Bea Gyimah on their upcoming event. Dr. Donald Green on Dale Brown Day.

Political consultant Ray Strother opines about the U. S. Senate vote on witnesses at the Trump impeachment trial. Mark Ballard of The Advocate comments in the continuing feud between Attorney General Jeff Landry and Governor John Bel Edwards. Accomplished artist Christopher Janney previews his appearance with LASM.

Baton Rouge Coroner Beau Clark and Troy Prevot of Stonetrust Insurance assess the opioid epidemic which resulted in 126 deaths in East Baton Rouge in 2019. Tia Mills, President of the Louisiana Association of Educators, looks at the quality of public schools, teacher pay and the 2020 Legislative session.

  Author Bryan Washington, the 2019 recipient of the Ernest Gaines writing award, talks about his debut novel, “Lot,” which focuses on characters and places from his native Houston.   Bryan Smith, an adventure journalist from the National Geographic, reflects on danger zones across the globe and previews his appearance next week at the Manship Theatre.   Conservative Columnist and Commentator Quin...

LSU History Professor Nancy Isenberg on the Centennial celebration of women gaining the right to vote in America and continuing challenges with equality. Noelle Straub of Stateline on major issues facing State Legislatures this year, including voting access, vaping, sports betting and aid for disasters. Kathy Kliebert, Board Chair of the Bridge Center, on the opening of a 25,000 square foot facili...

Recap of impeachment trial of President Trump and new contract for Ed Orgeron. Johnny Carson attorney and biographer Henry Bushkin on the popularity and troubled life of the late night television personality who died 15 years ago. Professor James Alexander of Nicholls State University preview Sunday’s Chamber Music performance in New Roads.

Guest Host Julie Baxter-Payer sits in for Jim today and talks with Susanne Romig of ARC of Baton Rouge about their new facility, Mark Ballard of the Advocate about the odds of TORT reform, and author Eitan Hersch about  Politics is for Power:  How to Move Beyond Political Hobbyism, Take Action, and Make Real Change .

Attorney Mike Wolf comments on the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump. Baseball great Denny McLain assesses the Baseball HOF voting and the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal.

Former U.S. Attorney and onetime Congressman Don Cazayoux assesses the opening of the impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate of President Trump. Developer John Miller recalls building the Country Club of Louisiana with Jack Nicklaus, the world’s greatest golfer who turns 80 years old today.

Activists Faye Williams and Darryl Glasper from different political perspective offer views of the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and predictions on the impeachment trial of President Trump. Author Brad Schreiber comments on the contributions to music of James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, Jimi Hendrix and Marvin Gaye. Schreiber’s book is “Music is Power.”

Jordan Dunlap showcases LSU’s championship trophy.

WRKF founder Eric Deweese and current station manager Paul Maassen comments on the 40th anniversary of the station. Ed Orgeron’s college coach Sam Goodwin recalls Coach O in his formative years at Northwestern State. Lecco Morris of Ragtime Poetry pays tribute to Muhammad Ali on the 78th anniversary of the birth of the Louisville Lip.

Dan Borne, the Voice of the Valley for 34 seasons, comments on LSU’s national championship football season and hosting the governor’s inaugural at the State Capitol on Monday. Mark Ballard of the Advocate discusses a big win for Governor Edwards with Clay Schexnayder of Gonzales named House Speaker. Veteran actor Michael O’Neill of Auburn joins us to comment on his latest projects.