The State of Kentucky

I talk with Robert Kahne and Jazmin Smith, the founders and co-hosts of “My Old Kentucky Podcast,” the leading political podcast in Kentucky. We look back over their ten years of doing the show, including favorite guests and memorable episodes. Then, we get into why they are going on a temporary hiatus, and what each of them having coming up in the very near future. Enjoy!

We talk with Aaron Viles of Progress Kentucky about the upcoming No Kings events and ProgressKY's involvement in it. We also look at all the other things ProgressKY is doing, and how people can get involved. Web site: https://ProgressKY.org ============================== Theme music written specifically for Forward Kentucky by Fred Bogert. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredbogert/)

We talk with Dr. Craig Blair, founder of the Lexington protest group Peaceful Bluegrass Resistance. We learn how the group got started, how big it has already gotten (3,000 members!), and what the future may hold. Plus, we hear from one of Dr. Blair's dogs.

We talk with Annabel Nagel of Woodford County about her new super-PAC, the Henry Project, and about her own plans to run for office. And, she gives a unique answer to the "magic wand" question.

We talk with Cory Doctorow , who came up with the term “enshittification” to describe what happens when power is consolidated into unaccountable corporate hands. We go from social media, to climate change, to captured regulators, to anti-trust laws and the lack of enforcement of them. An insightful and thought-provoking interview. ================================================== Website: https:/...

We talk with John Peace, a farmer, sales person, and now a political consultant, on how to win in rural areas. John and his partner are helping candiates all across the country, and he shared some valuable insights into what it takes to connect with and win over rural voters. The UR Topix website: https://www.urtopixllc.com/ John Peace on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CPCB7YK6?ccs...

We interview Toby Buckle, the author of "Why the Democratic Tea Party Failed (and How It Could Succeed)." He spoke with us about political "agency" and putting it where it belonged when it comes to Trump and the Right. He also outlined how Democrats could win both in a primary and in a general. Good stuff! His podcast: https://www.politicalphilosophypodcas... The episode he mentions: Mapping the A...

We're joined by bill-tracker-extraordinaire Joannie Prentice, to get her take on the good, the bad, and the ugly in this year's session of the Kentucky General Assembly. Which bills are moving, and are they good or bad? And WHY are those particular bills moving? Join us to find out!

An interview with Logan Gatti, chair of the Louisville Democratic Party. We talk about what he and the party have accomplished in the eight months he's been the chair, and what his goals and dreams are for the future.

We talk with Jason Bailey of Kentucky Policy about both the Trump funding freeze and the ongoing efforts of Repubs in Frankfort to eliminate the state income tax. (As you might have guessed, neither of us is a fan.)

We interview Dr. Allan Lichtman, professor of history at American University and author of the 13 Keys – a model for predicting who will win the presidential election. Dr. Lichtman's model has correctly predicted the winner of the presidency since 1984. What is he saying about this year’s race? The 13 Keys Party mandate: After the midterm elections, the incumbent party holds more seats in the U.S....

We interview Tom Lewis, author of "Brace for Impact," on why he thinks a climate crash is inevitable, and why he has stopped writing about it. ========================== Some top sources of more info on climate change/collapse: https://guymcpherson.com/ https://www.dailyclimate.org/ https://insideclimatenews.org/ https://www.ecowatch.com/

We interview Josh Douglas about his new book, "The Court v. The Voters" – and about voting in Kentucky and what he would change. The Four Parts of The Great Voting Compromise Voters should have easy access to the ballot. The election system should deter fraud. Voters should be well-educated. The losing candidate should graciously accept defeat. :: You can buy his book at Carmichael's Bookstore and...

A former reporter and political consultant shares his spot-on analysis of why Trump cannot win this fall. :: The article series Part One: The playing field Part Two: The rules of the game Part Three: The third decision Part Four: The great poll faults

What do Dems need to do to win this fall? We talk with Dr. Rachel Bitecofer, author and strategist, on why Dems have to change their strategy in order to save democracy. Buy the book at Carmichael’s: https://www.carmichaelsbookstore.com/... Buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hit-Where-Hurt...

A group has formed in Danville with the specific goal of making their county more resilient in the face of the climate crisis and all the changes it will bring. We speak with Kathy Miles and Dan Nolet about the impressive start this group has made. Related article: “ Are we ready for climate change? ”

We talk with Dr. Josh Cowen, author of the upcoming book "The Privateers," about what he has learned in his extensive research into school voucher programs and charter schools.   To pre-order his book, go here .

Jason Bailey of the KY Center for Economic Policy explains why our legislators putting even MORE money in the rainy-day fund is a really bad idea – especially when you consider where the money COULD be used. “It’s like putting money in your mattress when your roof is leaking.”

We're joined by Chris Otts, whom Payday Report has called "the best labor reporter in Louisville, to talk with him about the expanding UAW strike, including now at the Kentucky Truck Plan in Louisville. If you are a paying member of Forward Kentucky, you can read the transcript of the interview on the site. Home: ForwardKY.com All our media: ForwardKY.com/media-home/

HB 470, the "let's cause more teen suicides" bill, is an example of performative hatred by the 36 Republican sponsors. It must be called out.

Politicians on the Right from Ron DeSantis to Kelly Craft (and her running make, Max Wise) are constantly using the word “woke,” as in “I am running against the Woke agenda!” So when they use that word, what do they mean? And, what do their followers actually hear? Bruce Maples has some thoughts about the word and its use by the Right.

The Repubs drew our state House districts to rig them for Republicans and to get rid of as many Dems as possible. And it worked.

Are those Republicans who want a total abortion ban “extremists”? Bruce Maples weighs in.