My Old Kentucky Podcast

2019 Legislature Primer

This week, Jazmin and Robert explain how the Kentucky legislature works.  MOKP has done this show before -- back in 2017 -- but we've updated the content to reflect changes in leadership and extended the show based on all the stuff we've learned since doing a weekly podcast about politics in Kentucky.  Our legislature is a complex group.  Be sure to listen and learn how they do the work!

Off Topic

This week, Jazmin and Robert talk very little about politics!  Instead, they talk through other popular topics like sports, movies, music, food, and games.  You've been listening to their hot takes about public policy for two years, now hear what they have to say about everything else!

Perry Bacon Jr, Special Session/SCOKY Ruling, Edelen for Governor, & much more!

We were thrilled to welcome FiveThirtyEight Senior Political Writer (and Kentucky resident) Perry Bacon Jr. to the show!  We spoke about the connection between Kentucky politics and national politics, his career, and what the future might hold for Democrats in Kentucky.  At the end of the interview, Perry starts interviewing us, and even gets our take on the 2020 Presidential election!
Before our interview, there was SO MUCH to talk about!  We discuss the Supreme Court ruling throwing out SB 151, which led to a two day special session -- listen up to learn all the details of what went down during a wild week!  Plus, Insider Louisville published a tip that Adam Edelen might run for governor.  We discuss that possibility and what that ticket might do in the race.  Plus, Jazmin explains to us Gov. Bevin's blow-up at ProPublica, and the Kentucky GOP's FOIA requests for Kentucky teachers' emails.

Owensboro Drama, Moving Statues, a story about Dentistry, and more!

This week, Jazmin and Robert talk about five stories of interest:
Major developments in the 13th District recount
The Prentice statue in front of the Louisville Main Library has moved
A dentistry professor will receive $620,000 from UK after settling a lawsuit involving the Medicaid Waiver
Rep. Attica Scott files bills fighting the "pink tax"
The federal Farm Bill is likely to legalize industrial hemp on a national level.
Thanks for listening!

Beth Thorpe, Amy McGrath for Governor?, Kentucky Graduation Requirements, and more!

This week we welcomed Beth Thorpe, a Democratic digital strategist, to the podcast.  She told us what exactly she does and how she works with campaigns.  When it comes to campaigns, digital strategy is increasing in importance -- the conversation touched on topics that are interesting to anyone who cares about campaigns.
Before speaking with Beth, we also tackled several news topics: Jazmin took a look at a story from the Courier-Journal that addressed Amy McGrath's eligibility for the Governorship and Robert caught us up about the Kentucky Board of Education's proposal for new graduation requirements.  Plus, there were QUICK HITS!

Shameka Parrish-Wright of The Bail Project, McConnell & First Steps Act, Bevin v. Beshear, & Medicaid Waiver Update

We were elated this week to speak with Shameka Parrish-Wright of The Bail Project.  The Bail Project uses a revolving fund to bail people out of jail.  She spoke with us about what her work entails, why she does it, and some powerful stories of lives that have been changed by the group.  it's a very powerful interview, and we are glad to share it.
Before that, Jazmin brings us stories about Sen. McConnell holding up a vote on a criminal justice reform bill and about a win Governor Bevin had in court in his attempt to investigate the Beshear administration.  Robert talks about the Trump administration's reapproval of Kentucky's Medicaid waiver.  Plus this week sees the return of QUICK HITS.

Gov. Bevin and Zombies, Wayne Lewis & Emails, Major SCOKY Rulings, & Updates

Robert is all by himself this week and updates us quickly about some major topics during this holiday week.  He talks through Gov. Bevin's tussle with a comic book artist, Wayne Lewis' state of upset regarding some emails he's received from teachers, two major Supreme Court rulings, and updates to a few stories we've been tracking.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Rocky Runs For Gov, Prefiled Bills & Items to watch in the next session, and other updates!

No guest this week, but there was tons of news!  House Democratic Leader Rocky Adkins is officially running for Governor -- we talked about him and his candidacy.  We also updated several items to watch for in the next legislative session: a prefiled bill about concealed carry, the beginnings of a plan to change how constitutional challenges are heard, and a potential charter bill funding bill.  Also, we talked about a lawsuit featuring Jeff Hoover, a lawsuit featuring the D&E abortion bill passed in the last session, and challenges to leadership in the GOP Senate caucus.

Bruce Maples, Election Results, and News

This week, we welcome Forward Kentucky publisher Bruce Maples to the show!  We are going to be partnering with Forward Kentucky more closely in the coming weeks and to kick off our partnership, we welcomed Bruce to talk about his site and how it serves Kentucky.
Before that, we talked through a bit of news -- about a hate crimes bill being prefiled and an update about a Jim Justice owned mine in Eastern Kentucky -- and then we cover election results.  The results weren't quite what Democrats hoped for, and we talked through exactly what happened.

Christian Motley & Election Preview

This week we welcomed Christian Motley, write-in candidate in the 8th District LFUCG Council race to the show.  He talked to us about the legal issues his candidacy has faced and why he is persevering through them as a write-in candidate.  We also talked about his passion for cradle-to-career support for young people.  It was a great interview!
Christian also joined Jazmin and Robert during the election preview!  The group previewed races on the local level -- Louisville and Lexington's mayoral races and council races, plus the Rowan County Clerk's office.  Then, we previewed several state legislative races where Democrats have an opportunity to make grounds.  It's pretty long, but it's packed with info.  Enjoy!