Eastern Standard

Why Misdee Wrigley Miller is investing in Kentucky film production and talent - and her call on Frankfort to get organized as the best film production incentives in the country attract interest. Also this week: eastern Kentucky storyteller Katherine Stringfield; and a monologue about the story of the Pikeville “Cut Through” project as the city celebrates its bicentennial.

Tangle News founder Isaac Saul on his method of maintaining a balanced diet - of news. The co-authors of Kentucky, Y’all on the state's favorite oddities, cultural quirks, traditions, and rites of passage. Booneville native and emerging country music artist Taylor Austin Dye.

Accounts of fear and anxiety among LGBTQ youth in the wake of the General Election and vows by President-elect Trump and other politicians to reverse gains in LGBTQ rights. Leadership succession at the Mountain Association: outgoing president Peter Hille with his successor, Robin Gabbard. UK hydrologist Chris Barton on the 4-year study he is leading into the root causes of catastrophic flooding in eastern Kentucky. And, plans to develop a natural disaster recovery and home rebuilding network in the region.

In today’s atmosphere, is it still possible for a Republican and a Democrat to sit down in a room together and have a civil, respectful conversation about the issues? We tried, tape rolling. Also this week: the state legislature authorized support for relatives raising loved ones children, but failed to fund it. How teacher pay raises made a difference in one Kentucky district. And what do you know about the Hawk’s Nest Tunnel Disaster?

What is it like to learn you won the MacArthur Genius Award? Our first of many questions for Loka Ashwood, a sociologist at the University of Kentucky who concentrates on rural identity, environmental injustice, and corporate power. We hear about an effort to help rural communities change how they impact the environment and of a non-profit’s work to build a strong food economy in Kentucky. Plus, what’s a semi quincentennial? Lexington’s about to have one and there will be a lot of art happening around town.

The “Read to Succeed Act” was intended to raise reading proficiency among Kentucky’s children from 29th in the nation. We get a report card. We have information about a symposium on racial violence in Kentucky; a report on protecting the arts when natural disaster strikes; the first installment of a new arts series; and a primer on the Flamenco music heading Lexington’s way.

Taped live before a student audience at the University of Kentucky Rosenberg College of Law, the final installment in this 17-part election year series focuses on key interviews about election integrity and security, voting access and voter rights. And host Josh Douglas, a research professor of election law and voting rights at UK, fields questions about voting and elections from students in the audience.

Should the Kentucky legislature be authorized by an amendment to the state Constitution to fund private school education? It’s a divisive subject that is at the center of a pro/con discussion on “Amendment 2” hosted by Carolyn Dupont with John Schaaf speaking in opposition and David Walls in favor. Also in this edition, an interview with Erin Chandler about her latest memoir: Blue Grass Sons. And we’ll tell you about some new additions to the Eastern Standard roster of series, coming in 2025.

What is it like to serve in a state legislature, be the Missouri secretary of state, run for U.S. Senate, create a voting rights organization, and flirt with running for president? Our guest, Jason Kander, has seemingly done it all, with a particular focus on improving our election system and expanding the right to vote.

Since enactment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the law has been steadily diluted by a series of Supreme Court decisions. We take you back to President Lyndon Johnson’s speech before a joint session of Congress appealing for passage of the Act. We look at the subsequent actions of the Supreme Court, and some of our series' guests offer perspectives on why it's important to vote.

Why is multi-Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Janis Ian donating her entire personal archive — including those Grammys — to Berea College? We ask and the resulting conversation is delightful.

Why are filmmakers showing interest in Kentucky? Lexington, in particular? Filmmaker Tim Kirkman interviews Tim Sabo, studio manager at LEX Studios.

What can you read between the lines of Mommy Goose’s Appalachian Melodies? Find out when we talk with — and listen to — Mike Norris, author of this latest in a series of collaborations with famed Kentucky folk artist Minnie Adkins.