Connections with Renee Shaw

Renee Shaw interviews two authors and speakers from Lexington about their work in empowering women. First, Colene Elridge talks about leadership, workplace dynamics and the future of work. In the next segment, activist and author LeTonia Jones talks about her new book "Black Girl at the Intersection" focusing on race, family, struggle and reconciliation.

Renee speaks with social entrepreneur and civic engagement leader Mae Suramek about the personal significance of Asian American Pacific Islander month and her work engaging immigrant and refugee communities into civic life.

Sarah Vanover, early childhood education expert, author and Policy and Research Director for the Kentucky Youth Advocates, discusses her book Bridging Gaps: Implementing Public-Private Partnerships to Strengthen Early Education.

There are close to one thousand Kentuckians awaiting lifesaving organs. One organ donor can save up to 8 lives. Renee Shaw talks with Meera Gupta, MD, a transplant surgeon at University of Kentucky HealthCare, and kidney transplant recipient Ashley Holt, who has regained a higher quality of life because of a donor.

Renee Shaw talks with up-and-coming digital content creator Mario Maitland, who is working with Kentucky Sports Radio, about hosting his own podcast. Next, photographer Carol Peachee talks about her book "Shaker Made," which captures the cultural artifacts of Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill.

The regular session of the Kentucky General Assembly for 2024 has ended, and Senator Damon Thayer, who served for 22 years, including 12 as majority floor leader, will not be returning, the Georgetown senator is moving on. Renee Shaw and Sen. Thayer discuss some of the new laws passed this session and his activism on the campaign trail this spring.

Devine Carama, a 20-year Hip Hop recording artist, activist and inspirational force in central Kentucky, talks about his recently released book "Pages Full of Rhymes" which chronicles his joys and challenges as an independent artist. He also discusses how his anti-violence efforts, housed within the Lexington Mayor's office, are helping youth stay on the right side of the law.

As the state's population grows older, more Kentuckians will face the challenges of caring for an aging loved one. There are over 600-thousand caregiving Kentuckians. What resources are available to help those helping others, and how can caregivers address burnout and isolation? Renee Shaw talks with national caregiving expert Amy Goyer to learn more.

Renee Shaw talks with poet and author Crystal Wilkinson, former poet laureate of Kentucky, about her book "Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts" which explores the hidden legacy of Black Appalachians through powerful storytelling alongside family recipes rooted in the past.

Each week, host Renee Shaw and a variety of interesting and engaging people - including business leaders, entertainers, authors, celebrities, and more - explore a broad array of topics impacting Kentucky and the world.

Host Renee Shaw talks with Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Marty Pollio about state lawmaker efforts that could restructure or split up the district, concerns about school transportation, student discipline, rebounding from learning loss, budget and administration costs and more.

Former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner and gubernatorial candidate Ryan Quarles was named the fourth president and CEO of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System in 2023. He talks about his priorities for the system, legislation that could impact KCTCS and a recent audit that found substantial missteps in financial handlings and nepotism violations.

Kentucky State Auditor Allison Ball discusses the programs she intends to continue from her previous position as Kentucky State Treasurer, as well as the results of a recent audit of Kentucky's juvenile justice system and an upcoming audit of the Jefferson County Public School system.

Michael Adams, two-term Kentucky Secretary of State, talks about the importance of civics education, expectations for voter turnout for this year's presidential election and state legislation he's watching that could potentially affect the electoral process.

Russell Coleman handily won the election as the state's top cop in November of 2023 and is committed to tackling violent crime and drug addiction. Renee Shaw talks with Coleman about his priorities as attorney general and whether he can find common ground with Democratic governor Andy Beshear, among other subjects.

Kentucky is making significant gains in higher education. But, the president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, Aaron Thompson, worries that legislation restricting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts at Kentucky's public colleges could lead to academic setbacks. Renee Shaw talks to Thompson about the CPE's budget priorities, recent degree attainment gains and more.

Renee Shaw talks with Nick Rowe, who retired after 35 years as senior vice president of American Water Works Company, Inc., about his first book, "The Goodwill Jar: Reflections on Leadership and Legacy."

The longest-serving Republican Senate Majority Floor Leader in Kentucky history announced he will not seek reelection. Damon Thayer, a Senator from Georgetown, is calling it quits in Frankfort for now. He shares reasons why and what political ambitions might lie ahead for him.

Renee Shaw interviews Jacqueline Coleman, Kentucky's Lieutenant Governor. Lt. Gov. Coleman discusses her plans for a second term in office after she and Gov. Andy Beshear were re-elected in November 2023.

Paying tribute to our nation's heroes, particularly the women veterans in Kentucky, of which there are more than twenty-four thousand. Renee Shaw speaks with founder Phyllis Abbott and board member Addie Mattox of Lady Veterans Connect, a service organization in central Kentucky assisting female veterans in transitional support to prevent homelessness.

Renee Shaw talks with Rob Beatty, founder of the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild, about the contributions of Blacks in the bourbon industry and the need to broaden its diversity. Kayla Bush, awarded an academic scholarship to further her studies in the industry, talks about her research. Brett Connors, master blender at Castle and Key, discusses the partnership between the distillery and the Guild.

In separate segments, Renee Shaw talks with the candidates running for Commissioner of Agriculture in the 2023 general election: Democrat candidate Sierra Enlow and Republican candidate Jonathan Shell.

Meet the candidates who want to be the state's top election official. One already has the job. The other, a former state lawmaker, wants to replace him. In separate interviews, Renee Shaw talks with Republican incumbent Secretary of State Michael Adams and Democratic nominee Charles "Buddy" Wheatley.

Daniel Cameron, Attorney General of Kentucky and the Republican candidate running for Kentucky governor in the 2023 general election, talks about his family background, why he wants to be governor, his messages on the campaign trail and if race is a factor in his effort to take up residency in the governor's mansion.

Among the statewide contests voters will cast ballots for in Kentucky's 2023 general election is the office of state auditor. Republican Allison Ball is the current state treasurer and GOP nominee, and the Democratic nominee is Kimberley Reeder. In separate segments, Renee Shaw speaks with each candidate to discuss their background, experience and why they want the job.

The Kentucky State Treasurer is among the constitutional offices that Kentuckians will decide in the 2023 general election in November. The current office holder, Republican Allison Ball, is term limited. Democrat Michael Bowman and Republican Mark Metcalf are each hoping to replace her. In separate segments, Renee Shaw speaks with each candidate.

Renee Shaw talks with David Cozart of the Commonwealth Center for Fathers and Families, a long-time advocate for fostering fatherhood engagement, about an upcoming summit designed to help strengthen families as well as his efforts to expand his organization's reach statewide. Next, meet the first Black woman to lead the ACLU of Kentucky, Amber Duke. A 2023 KET production.

Renee Shaw talks with Cheryl Nixon, the first woman to serve as Berea College president in the institution's 167-year history, about her position as the 10th president at Berea and her pledge to uphold its Great Commitments. Dr. Nixon has worked in rural and urban settings and takes pride in providing opportunities to students who often think higher education is not for them.

Renee Shaw talks with Jon Akers, executive director of the Kentucky Center for School Safety and Ben Wilcox, the State School Security Marshal, about the progress school districts are making in school security. Then, Rhonda Caldwell, head of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators, talks about the group's push to increase teacher pay to attract and retain the workforce.

Renee Shaw talks with Dr. Lyle Roelofs, the ninth president of Berea College, who is retiring at the end of June, about his eleven-year tenure at the storied higher education institution, his greatest accomplishments and what's next.

Renee Shaw speaks with Angelique Johnson, CEO/founder of MEMStim, a company that produces implantable electronics to treat neurological disorders. Johnson is also passionate about entrepreneurship and helping women reach their goals in the STEM fields.

Renee Shaw talks with Tony-nominated Lexington native Colton Ryan about his Broadway musical career and later interviews long-time educator Willie Carver about his new book of poems that lift the experience of the LGBTQ+ community and Appalachia.

For Big Blue Nation fans, the Kentucky Sports Radio franchise delivers a high-octane blend of sports, political commentary and comedy. Founder Matt Jones talks about his expansive brand and spills some tea on BBN rumors and news.

Dr. Ronald Johnson, interim president at Kentucky State University, talks about the finalists for a permanent president to lead the university that has been troubled by financial mismanagement. He also discusses his work to correct the financial misdeeds of the university.

Marcie Timmerman, executive director of Mental Health America of Kentucky, talks about why depression and anxiety and other mental health challenges are on the rise. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 800 Kentucky lives were lost to suicide last year and over 157,000 adults in the state had thoughts of suicide.

Renee Shaw talks with Leila Salisbury, founder of the Kentucky Center for Grieving Children and Families, about why she decided to start the organization and the programs and services it provides for grieving children and families.

The Louisville Orchestra has scored a big get in landing world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma for a musical experience like no other inside the world's longest-known cave system: Mammoth Cave National Park. Renee Shaw talks with some young Kentucky artists selected for this musical adventure.

Renee Shaw talks with activist and farmer Jim Embry, founder of the Sustainable Communities Network, about his work connecting people to their relationship with the earth and how he encourages environmentally sound solutions and practices that elevate the slow food movement.

Despite recent improvements in Kentucky's child maltreatment standing, the state's rate of child abuse is nearly double the national average. Jill Seyfred, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, talks about seeing beyond the numbers and learning how each citizen can help save kids from abuse and neglect.

Renee Shaw talks about the importance of kidney health and how to protect against and treat chronic kidney disease with Lexington nephrologist Dr. Kenneth Afenya; Arlene Herring, executive director of the Kidney Health Alliance of Kentucky (KHAKY); and Ashley Holt, who is on the kidney transplant waiting list.

Renee Shaw speaks with Anastasia Curwood, the director of the Commonwealth Institute for Black Studies at the University of Kentucky, about her latest book, "Shirley Chisholm: Champion of Black Feminist Power Politics," a biography about the former Congresswoman and Democratic candidate for United States president.

Renee Shaw talks with author Jayne Moore Waldrop about her new book "A Journey in Color: The Art of Ellis Wilson." Next, Toa Green, owner of Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream, talks about her new podcast (Crank and Boom Podcast with Toa Green) for entrepreneurs.

Renee Shaw talks with chefs Sam Fore, owner of Tuk Tuk Sri Lankan Bites in Lexington, Kentucky, and Isaiah Screetch of Spark Community Café in Versailles, Kentucky. Both are semifinalists for the prestigious 2023 James Beard Awards in the Best Chef, Southeast category. The awards celebrate and support the people behind America's food culture.

Affrilachian poet Frank X Walker discusses his first children's book, "A Is for Affrilachia," and other upcoming projects.

Aaron Thompson, president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, talks about proposed legislation on college tuition before the Kentucky General Assembly, strategies to help college kids cope with mental wellness challenges, addressing food and housing insecurity and more.