My Old Kentucky Podcast

Rep. McKenzie Cantrell on Unemployment, Robert Stivers and West Louisville, and the End of Impeachment

This week on the show, Rep. McKenzie Cantrell joins us to talk about her work to reform Kentucky's Unemployment Insurance system in the wake of the pandemic.  She walks us through the changes she's seeking to make, and her attempts to get the Republican majority to take up this issue.
Robert and Jazmin also discuss two bills from Robert Stivers which specifically impact Black people in Louisville -- his no-knock warrant ban, and a TIF district he wants to establish in west Louisville.  Other segments include the End of Impeachment, an update on the COVID-19 lawsuits, and the state of COVID in Kentucky.

Healthcare with Cara Stewart, Historic Horse Racing, and Mitch McConnell's role in impeachment acquital

This week, Cara Stewart joined us to talk about healthcare policy in Kentucky.  The conversation ranged from the extraordinary open enrollment period to the situation with Kentucky's *6* MCOs.  If you care about healthcare policy, don't miss it!
Jazmin and Robert also talked about the passage of the Historic Horse Racing bill, Mitch McConnell's role in the second impeachment of Donald Trump, the situation around reopening JCPS schools in Louisville, and a COVID update.

What's Next for the Kentucky Legislature and Interview with Josie Raymond

This week, Robert took a look at the bills making their way through the legislature in the second part of the 2021 session.  There are a few good ones, and a lot of bad bills.  Jazmin examined the lawsuit which Gov. Beshear brought against the bills passed by the Kentucky legislature which reduce his power, and also explained what had been done so far in the impeachment committee.  Robert did a COVID-19 update.
Josie Raymond was our guest this week.  Josie told us about the bills she's been working on, including her pre-K efforts.  She also talked about serving in the legislature as a parent of young children, and some steps the legislature might take to make serving easier for different kinds of people.

Overridden Vetoes, Impeachment Hearings, and More

Jazmin and Robert discussed the legislature coming back into session and immediately overriding Andy Beshear's vetoes, the impeachment committee's meetings, a huge report on the Louisville Metro Police Department commissioned by Metro Louisville, and a COVID-19 update.

Jim Higdon on Marijuana Legalization, Plus Daniel Cameron's Task Force and Kentucky's UI System

This week, Jim Higdon joined us to talk about the prospect of marijuana legalization in Kentucky, and all the different branching paths it might take.  Marijuana policy is a mixture of criminal law, agriculture policy, and touches every level of government.  Jim is one of the people who knows the issue best and we were glad to have him on.
During the show, Jazmin talked about Daniel Cameron's search warrant task force and the attempts by some in the Kentucky GOP to censure Mitch McConnell, and Robert brought forth an update on Kentucky's Unemployment System and a COVID update.
If you are so inclined, check out Jim Higdon's CBD company, Cornbread Hemp at this link.

Reproductive Freedom with the ACLU, Kentuckians Face Federal Changes, and the Democratic Agenda

This week Mashayla Hays and Jackie McGranahan of the ACLU joined us to talk about the past, present, and future of abortion rights in Kentucky, and how the ACLU is working to protect the rights of people who might need abortion care.
In addition, Robert and Jazmin talked about the Kentuckians who participated in the insurrection at the Capitol and what charges they will face.  Robert also spoke about the bills with the highest level of Democratic sponsorship and what the legislative session would look like if Democrats were in charge.

Gov. Andy Beshear Interview and Bruce Maples on the Legislative Session

This week our guest was Governor Andy Beshear, who just wrapped up the first year of his Governorship.  He talked to us about deciding to run for office, both for Attorney General and later for Governor, he looked back on his approach to COVID-19, he spoke to us about the investigation into Breonna Taylor's killing, and we touched out his relationship to the legislature.  That's a lot of topics, and we were thrilled to have the chance to speak with him.
Joining us for the bulk of the show prior to the interview is Forward Kentucky publisher Bruce Maples, who discussed the legislative session with Robert and Jazmin.  We spoke about the bills that have already passed, the bills making their way through the legislature, the 2021 budget, and the GOP's impeachment committee.
Also addressed in this episode are COVID-19 and the "Patriot Rally" at the Capitol.

The 2021 Session Has Begun and Louisville Has A New Police Chief

This week Jazmin and Robert talk about the first two days of the shorter 2021 legislative session.  The new GOP super-duper majority has several bills they will try to pass in the first week, many of which involve either abortion or reducing the powers of Governor Beshear.
Since we last recorded, Louisville Metro Police fired two officers involved in the killing of Breonna Taylor, including the man who shot and killed her.  We react to this, and also to the late breaking news that Louisville has hired Erika Shields as chief of police -- the former Atlanta chief of police who resigned after her police department shot and killed a Black man at a Wendy's.
We finish with a COVID-19 update.

Patti Minter Interview + Pension Bill, "Racinos", and Federal COVID Relief Discussion

This week, Jazmin and Robert discussed the state of COVID-19 in Kentucky, as well as the impact of Mitch McConnell's actions on the federal response to the coronavirus.  Robert talked about two issues looming over the legislative session: the 2021 pension bill and "racinos" or historical horse racing slot machines.
Our interview this week was with Rep. Patti Minter of Bowling Green, who talked to us about how Democrats can compete in small cities across the state, as well as how she is approaching the upcoming legislative session.

COVID-19 Vaccines Arrive, KY Policy on the KY Budget, and An Interview With Democratic House Whip Angie Hatton

This week, Jazmin and Robert talk about the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, which might be nearing its end as vaccines are now being distributed to some people across the state.  Robert also went through a report by KY Policy about the one-year budget the legislature must pass, and Jazmin updated the policing and protests situation in Louisville.
Our guest this week was Democratic House Whip Angie Hatton, who talked about Democrats in Appalachia and the difficulties faced by Democrats running outside of urban areas.  She also talked about the upcoming legislative session, especially about issues facing coal miners with black lung.