My Old Kentucky Podcast

Session Preview and Off Topic Decade Retrospective

Ahead of the session starting on Tuesday, Robert and Jazmin did a show of Quick Hits and a short session preview before presenting their "Top Three" decade pics for best Kentucky Album, best Kentucky Actor, best Kentucky Sports Moment, and best Kentucky election.

Interview with Emilie Blanton & Don Bacon, Plus Pardons

This week we interviewed two JCPS teachers -- Emilie Blanton and Don Bacon.  They talked to us about why teachers stayed so engaged in this year's election, what they expect in the next session, and what JCPS teachers need from their leaders.  It's a revealing conversation that touches on many important topics.
Jazmin and Robert talked about Gov. Bevin's pardons, which have consumed the news media this week.  Jazmin explained how and why the pardon power is important, and what Governor Bevin's final pardons mean.  Also discussed are Wayne Lewis leaving Kentucky, Governor Beshear rescinding the Medicaid work requirement, and school systems suits against JUUL.

Rep. Derrick Graham Interview & Andy Beshear's First Week

This week we interviewed Rep. Derrick Graham, the House Democratic Caucus Chair.  He represents Frankfort in the House. We talked about why he got into politics originally, what it's like serving in leadership, his bill to change the income tax in Kentucky, and what it's like serving as the only current African American in leadership.
During the first half of the show, Jazmin and Robert talked through the very busy first week of the Andy Beshear administration.  In addition to naming plenty of new folks as part of the cabinet, Andy Beshear removed the entire Board of Education and replaced them with a new board who summarily saw the resignation of education commissioner Wayne Lewis.  Also discussed in this episode are the situation with Passport and the Medicaid system, and SNAP cuts and their impact on Kentuckians.

Rep. Josie Raymond Interview, Daniel Cameron Priorities, & Beshear Cabinet Appointments

This week, Jazmin and Robert spoke with J-town and Hikes Point Representative Josie Raymond specifically about her efforts around early childhood education in the legislature.  She told us about her partnership with Bowling Green Republican Steve Sheldon, and how they were approaching making big changes to the way that Kentucky handles pre-K education, and what she envisions as the future of how we handle this important topic in our state.
In this episode, Jazmin and Robert also discussed the potential priorities of Attorney General-elect Daniel Cameron and several high profile appointments in Governor-elect Andy Beshear's cabinet.

Charles Booker Interview, Board of Education Questions and Answers, and Michael Adam's Priorities

This week, we welcomed Rep. Charles Booker back to the show for the third time.  He spoke to us about his exploratory committee looking at running for the U.S. Senate -- why he's thinking about running, what he believes to be a path to victory, and what issues he is hearing are the most important to Kentuckians.
Jazmin and Robert also discussed Andy Beshear's promise to appoint an all-new board of education -- what is legal and not, and what might happen if he tries to completely replace the state's board of education. In addition, Jazmin details Secretary of State-elect Michael Adams' priorities, and how they are quite different from how the Secretary of State's office is run now.  Lastly, Robert explained a Republican plan to change the Governor's relationship to the Transportation Cabinet, and how this move is similar and different from attempts to change Gubernatorial powers in other states.

Sam Newton Interview + Matt Jones Opts Out & Beshear Transition (with Meredith Scalos)

We welcomed Sam Newton to the show this week!  Sam was the communications director for the Beshear/Coleman campaign, and he talked to us about his year on the campaign trail including how Andy Beshear led the team, how the campaign focused on their message, and even some stories about the bus tour with all 7 Democratic candidates plus some guests!
This week, Meredith Scalos sat in for Jazmin, who was away.  Robert and Meredith spoke about Matt Jones opting out of a run for U.S. Senate as well as the Beshear administration's transition team.  Also discussed include Louisville Metro's surplus and a report from a committee looking at public assistance in Louisville.

Election Fallout + U.S. Senate Updates

This week, Robert and Jazmin explain all the fallout from the 2019 election -- specifically how Republican legislators are reacting to the prospect of an election challenge and a press conference from Bevin supporters about unsubstantiated rumors of election fraud.
Robert and Jazmin also talked about two potential Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate seat up for election in 2020.  First, Matt Jones, who was removed from his radio show after a FEC complaint from the Republican Party of Kentucky, and Charles Booker, who formed an exploratory committee.
The show wrapped with a discussion of Kentucky's first charter school application.

2019 Election Results

Jazmin and Robert explain everything that happened on Election Day 2019.  Andy Beshear eked out a small victory -- but Matt Bevin hasn't conceded yet.  Jazmin tells us all about Bevin's options, and what might happen in the coming weeks.  Also discussed include how Beshear is building his administration, and discussion about downballot races.

Robert Haley Conway, Election Preview, + Debate 3 & 4 Recap, and Justin Walker Confirmed

This week we visited with Robert Haley Conway, the Democratic nominee for Commissioner of Agriculture.  He's an 8th generation farmer who talked to us about the past, present, and his vision of the future for agriculture policy in Kentucky.  Mr. Conway shared with us his plan, and why he is running for office.  He's a great candidate, definitely check out what he has to say!
Jazmin and Robert recapped two of the recent debates and Matt Bevin getting caught denying forcefully something which he in fact said, as well as the confirmation of Justin Walker, a conservative confirmed as a federal judge who received a "Not Qualified" rating from the American Bar Association.  Most of the time, though, Robert and Jazmin previewed the election, which is happening on Tuesday.  Go Vote!

Councilwoman Angela Evans, Marshall County, ALG catchup, & More

This week, we spoke to Lexington Councilwoman Angela Evans.  She told us about her reasons for running for office, serving as one of two African Americans on the LFUCG council, her future, and several other topics.  We were excited to speak to her, and we are excited to bring this interview to you!
Jazmin and Robert talked about two stories involving Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, the insertion of the Marshall County shooting into the Governor's race, and a few other smaller stories.