Debbie Meaux, President of the Louisiana Association of Educators, makes her case for a teacher pay increase in the state. Governor John Bel Edwards is an advocate. Some lawmakers have expressed concern about the budget implications of a salary hike for those in the classroom. Veteran trial attorney Mike Fawer of New Orleans recaps five decades in the courtroom in Lousiana. Fawer’s book is “From The Bronx to the Bayou, A Defense Attorney’s Odyssey From Charles Evers to Edwin Edwards and Beyond.”

Ellen Keith discusses her first work of fiction, “The Dutch Wife”. Eric Dawson on the importance of youth leadership, and “Putting Peace First”. Mary Jo McConahay talks WWII and South/Central America in “The Tango War”. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran previews the Fiesta Bowl.

LSU Chancellor Emeritus Jim Wharton sounds off about the prospect of holistic admission standards at the Ole War Skule. Wharton led the change from open to selective admissions at LSU 35 years ago. LSU President King Alexander is a strong advocate of a move to holistic admissions. Celebrated writer Brad Meltzer on his latest work, “The First Conspiracy the Secret Plot to Kill George Washington.”

Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for the Advocate, comments on the election year of 2019. Michael Roizen, Chief Wellness Officer for the Cleveland Clinic, discusses the link between diet and healthy hearts. Roizen’s latest book is “What to Eat, When.” Dr. Steven Masley surveys the link between dementia and nutrition.

Laura Vinsant, Executive Director for Teach for America South Louisiana, on the role her organization plays in the region. Teach for America, which started in 1989, has a mission to enlist, develop and mobilize young leaders who start their careers in the classroom. LSU Assistant Professor of Communication at the Manship School Nichole Bauer comments on the new Congress convening tomorrow in Washington. There is a record number of female representatives on Capitol Hill, but Louisiana has no female members in its delegation. Dr. Jonahan Bailor on his book, “The Setpoint Diet,” The 21-Day Program to Permane ntly Change What Your Body Wants to Weigh. Dr. Bailor pioneered the field of wellness engineering.

Guest host Julie Baxter-Payer. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser talks New Year's Eve celebrations. Writter Ed Cullen on a year of stories. LSU superfan and videographer Steve Miley on the Fiesta Bowl. 

Political Consultant Roy Fletcher looks at the biggest political stories of 2018 and forecasts Louisiana elections in 2019 as voters anticipate an October 12 gubernatorial primary. Longtime minister Chris Andrews,  former pastor of First United Methodist in Baton Rouge for more than two decades, reflects on what happened in the Capital City this year and the prospect of a vote on the Village of St. George in the year to come. Andrews also offers advice on peace during turbulent times.

Conservative columnist and commentator Quin Hillyer, native of New Orleans and resident of Mobile, opines on the Republican reaction to President Trump. Dr. Joseph Abraham of Lafayette talks about his book, “Kings, Conquerors, Psychopaths: From Alexander to Hitler to the Corporation.”

University of Vermont Professor Felicia Kornbluh discusses her book, “Ensuring Poverty.” Kornbluh addresses welfare reform in a feminist perspective. Father Fred Kammer, Executive Director of the Jesuit Social Research Institute at Loyola University New Orleans explore causes and cures for food insecurity and food deserts. Kammer provides recommendations focusing on issues of race, immigration and poverty. Baton Rouge businessman and activist Jim Mayer reflects on the events of 2018 and what to anticipate in 2019, a statewide election year in Louisiana.

Investigative Reporter Jason Berry on his work about his city of New Orleans, tracing the 300-year history of the Crescent City. Law360 Senior Congress Reporter Michael Macagnone on the government shutdown possibility and the passage this week of criminal justice reform legislation. A.W. Barnes on his remarkable book about his brother’s suicide, “The Dark Eclipse.”