Talk Louisiana

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...

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. Wie...

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...

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 l...

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 produc...

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 pre...

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 f...

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. Pi...

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 B...

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...

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 50 th  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...

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 p...

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 e...