If you live in Kentucky, you've probably heard an earful about Amendment 2, certainly over the last month or so. This week I'm joined by returning friend of the podcast, Jason Bailey, Executive Director of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, and we discuss what Amendment 2 is, why it's bad for almost *every* student, teacher, parent, and taxpayer across the state, and that the decision about Amendment 2 is ultimately in the voters' hands. Make sure to check out the information on the Center's website, as well as Protect Our Schools Kentucky, both of which are in the show notes. I hope you all enjoy!

KY Center for Economic Policy: https://kypolicy.org/

Protect Our Schools Kentucky: https://protectourschoolsky.com/

The title says it all. It was such a treat and a honor to be joined by Chuck Corra and "Big" John Isner, co-hosts of the Appodlachia Podcast--we don't believe in monarchy in this holler, but these guys are royalty in my book. Although we are forced to discuss JD Vance, we do so with all of the criticism and humor that makes talking about JD Vance worthwhile. This was such a fun conversation, and I hope you all enjoy!

**Please check the resources below on resources for Hurricane Helene relief in your area**

Appodlachia: https://www.appodlachia.com/

Resources for Appalachian Hurricane Helene Relief: https://appvoices.org/helene-relief/

It was a treat having Jason Bailey on the show. Jason is the Executive Director of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, a nonpartisan, nonprofit group that analyzes and reports on economic conditions in Kentucky. This week we discuss the Kentucky legislature and the Republican efforts to implement what Jason and I call Prince John economics, not nearly as fun as Robin Hood economics, singing animals and all. I hope you all enjoy this episode, and check out the resources below to voice your opinions and concerns to your legislator here in Kentucky!

KY Center for Economic Policy website: https://kypolicy.org/

KYCEP 2024-26 Budget Report: https://kypolicy.org/the-money-is-there-kentucky-budget-preview-2024-2026/

Contact Your Legislator in KY

- State Senate: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/senate

- State House: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/house-of-representatives

I was glad to be joined this week by Austyn Gaffney, who is an independent journalist based in Louisville. Austyn and I discuss their recent article on the downfall of AppHarvest—a name I'm sure many in Kentucky are familiar with—a green agriculture startup that promised good jobs to folks who needed them, but who didn't deliver on those promises. At the center of Austyn's article, and our conversation, is the worker and their family, and how a good economy and a good green economy are not as separated as some may wish us to believe. I had a great time talking with Austyn, and I hope you all enjoy as well!

Austyn's Article on AppHarvest: https://grist.org/agriculture/appharvest-indoor-farming-morehead-kentucky/

Austyn's Website: https://www.austyngaffney.com/

For the season six leadoff, I'm honored to be joined by Zach Shrewsbury. Zach is a Marine Corps veteran who (as of November 9th) is the presumptive Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in West Virginia. Now that Joe Manchin is finally bowing out, now is the time for working folks in West Virginia to send someone to D.C. who will *actually* fight for them. Zach and I had a great discussion about his campaign and how he will advocate for workers across West Virginia. If you all are interested in learning more about Zach's campaign, be sure to check out his website and social media accounts that I've included below. I hope you all enjoy!

Zach's Campaign Website: https://www.shrewsburyforsenate.com/

Zach's X : @zachshrewsbury

Zach's Instagram: @zachs4senate

Zach's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shrewsburyforsenate

Zach's. TikTok: @shrewsbury.for.senate

For this season five finale, it was joy to have Matthew Algeo on the show. Matthew is a journalist and author of several books, including "All This Marvelous Potential: Robert Kennedy's 1968 Tour of Appalachia". Matthew and I discussed the inspiration behind his book, the details and motivation of RFK's trip to the mountains, and how the challenges which face Appalachia and other communities (both now and then) can be addressed through empathy, solidarity, and compassion. I hope you all enjoy, and stay tuned for season six, coming soon!

Matthew's website: https://www.malgeo.net/

Today's episode is not just a tribute to the wonderful Disney movie "Let It Shine" (which everyone should see at least once in their life), but it's a tribute my guest today, to the wonderful Kim Reeder. Kim is the Democratic nominee for Kentucky State Auditor (if you didn't know that was even an office, don't worry, I first learned about it a year ago). Kim is a friend and mentor of mine, she's a former tax lawyer and high school teacher, and I had a great discussion with her about her life, her experience as an attorney, and what she would want to accomplish as Kentucky Auditor. I hope you all enjoy this episode, and be sure to check out the links below to learn more about Kim and her campaign.

Kim's Campaign Website: https://kimforkentucky.com/

Kim's Campaign TikTok page: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimforkentucky

Kim's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/kimreederky/?hl=en

Kim's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KimforKentucky