Renee speaks with Linda Hampton, executive director of the Governor's Office of Early Childhood. They discuss a more than $10.5 million grant that Kentucky recently received to address early learning needs of the state's children. Hampton also offers advice for parents seeking a daycare that provides quality early learning curriculum.

Renee Shaw speaks with Donald Mason, executive director of Lexington's Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center. Mason discusses the Lyric's rich history and importance to the city's African American community and how its mission has evolved since it reopened in 2010.

Renee Shaw speaks with Sharon Price and Melissa Tibbs from the Community Action Council in central Kentucky about early childhood development. They discuss the Community Action Council's role in helping low-income families and their plans to use a multi-million dollar grant to expand their Head Start programs as well as other offerings, such as family literacy. Next, Renee speaks with Alice Nelson with First 5 Lex - Read, Talk and Play from Cradle to Kindergarten, that was developed by Fayette County Public Schools in partnership with early childhood professionals in response to concerns about school readiness.

Renee speaks with Dr. Seamus Carey, president of Transylvania University, about the school's history and mission and the value of a liberal arts education.

Dr. Michael Benson, president of Eastern Kentucky University, discusses the budgetary challenges the university has faced and his new book "College for the Commonwealth: A Case for Higher Education in American Democracy."

Dr. Aaron Thompson, president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, discusses the challenges facing higher education, his priorities for the agency that include closing achievement gaps, collaborating with business groups to attract and retain skilled workers, communicating the value of higher education, and engaging adults in earning a credential or certificate.

On this episode, celebrate the bicentennial birthday of Mary Todd Lincoln. Recorded at her childhood home in downtown Lexington, Kentucky, Renee speaks with Gwen Thompson, executive director the Mary Todd Lincoln House and history advocate Stuart Sanders with the Kentucky Historical Society. They discuss the Lincoln Lexington Walking Tour that spotlights 14 historic sites from Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln's time in the city.

Renee Shaw and her guests discuss education and prevention of youth suicide which is the second leading cause of death for youth age 10-24. Guests include Dr. Hatim Omar, M.D., chief of the Division of Adolescent Medicine at the University of Kentucky; Melinda Moore, an Eastern Kentucky University psychology professor; and Molly and Michelle Jones who lost a loved one to suicide.

Renee speaks with Jean Schumm and Amanda Gale about Operation Parent, a parent-driven organization providing comprehensive resources and services that address today's toughest youth issues. The group helps parents address nearly 40 issues including mental health and wellness, relationships, and high-risk behaviors like drugs and alcohol.

Dr. M. Christopher Brown II, president of Kentucky State University, discusses his vision for the historically black college and improving retention and graduation rates.