Eastern Standard

(Image: Shutterstock) A special Christmas gift from WEKU and Eastern Standard: Tom Eblen joins Tom Martin in conversations with Kentucky Poet Laureate Crystal Wilkinson, acclaimed Kentucky novelist Silas House and former Kentucky Poet Laureate Richard Taylor about their contributions to “A Kentucky Christmas”, an anthology edited by George Ella Lyon and published by the University Press of Kentucky. Plus, a reading by Georgia Green Stamper of "Shepherds in Bathrobes," her contribution to the Kentucky Monthly anthology, “The Twelve Days of a Kentucky Christmas.” Find out why Louisville children's author Dee Dee Cummings published a Christmas book featuring African American characters, and what motivated historian Thomas Weyant to explore how the modern Christmas was influenced by the cold war between the US and USSR.   Interviews in order of appearance   Silas House  Crystal WIlkinson  Dee Dee Cummings  Thomas Weyant  Richard Taylor  Georgia Green Stamper

(Image: Kentucky Tourism)  A look at the 600 mile Kentucky leg of the Trans America Bike Trail running west to east from Crittenden County to Pike County. | The Kentucky “Staycation” gets a pandemic boost | Former Cats coach Tubby Smith on racial justice and equality.  | After years of clamoring for improved child care in Kentucky and the U.S., the pandemic has provided a boost. But, even as Child Care Advocates of Kentucky executive director Steve Magre applauds a fresh influx of federal dollars, he acknowledges that there remains much to be done to close this crucial gap of support for working parents. | Jay Miller, dean of the College of Social Work at UK knows the adoption landscape firsthand. He was adopted. Now, he leads an award winning program to help newly minted adoptive and foster parents.   Interviews in order of appearance:  Steve Magre - Weak link in the workforce: child care  Dr. Jay Miller - Having the backs of adoptive and foster parents  Cynthia Resor with Dr. Dana Bush - The Kentucky "staycation"  Daily Yonder Contributor Kim Kobersmith - The TransAmerica Bike Trail  Dr. Gerald Smith with Tubby Smith - Views on racial justice and equality

(Image: Shutterstock) Apocalypse. As awful as it is to think about, in these times of Covid, international saber rattling and severe domestic political division the thought of a collapse of civilization may seem more plausible. It's what motivated archeologist Chris Begley, host of the Eastern Standard series “Future Tense” to publish The Next Apocalypse: The Art and Science of Survival. Dr. Begley is interviewed by Tom Eblen | The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce takes on racial inequality in business | New leadership for the Kentucky Resources Council | The debut of our new series on theatre production in Kentucky hosted by Bill McCann features Richmond playwright Richard Rechenbach | An interview with WoodSongs creator and host Michael Johnathon about his new book  Interviews in order of appearance:  Tom Eblen with Chris Begley - "The Next Apocalypse"  Ashli Watts - Kentucky Chamber focuses on racial equality in business  Ashley Wilmes - New leadership for Kentucky environmental justice warriors  Bill McCann with playwright Richard Rechenbach - "The Releasement"  Michael Johnathon -  New book from the WoodSongs creator and host

(Image: Shutterstock) Finding quality, affordable, accessible child care was already challenging working parents in Kentucky and across the nation. Then came the pandemic. Day care centers were closed and many have struggled to recover. Finding people qualified and willing to do the work for low pay has become more difficult than ever. In this edition: Dustin Pugel, Senior Policy Analyst, Kentucky Center for Economic Policy; Patricia Tennen, Chief Operating Officer, Kentucky Youth Advocates; Brigitte Blom, President & CEO of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence; Dr. Sarah Vanover,  Director of the Division of Child Care, Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services   Interviews in order of appearance. Click name to listen:  Dustin Pugel  Brigitte Blom  Patricia Tennen  Sarah Vanover

  (Image: Shutterstock) On this week's edition of Eastern Standard: Wall Street Journal reporter Kris Maher on his book “Desperate: An Epic Battle for Clean Water and Justice in Appalachia.” | Outdated drinking water standards documented across the Ohio Valley | Why dairy farmers are gladly burning manure and how it works to fight climate change | New census numbers show continued loss of population in Eastern Kentucky | What oral history teaches us about the realities of the past  Interviews in order of appearance (Click on name to listen):  WSJ reporter Kris Maher  Ohio Valley ReSource reporter Corinne Boyer  Ohio Valley ReSource reporter Katie Myers  Alltech Sustainability officer David Butler  Daily Yonder Editor Tim Marema  Capitol reporter Ryland Barton  Neil Kasiak, Director of EKU's Berge Oral History Center

(Image: Shutterstock)    On this week's edition: How the pandemic has accelerated teacher and student burnout | There for the children: Court Appointed Special Advocates. Their vital work is described by Fayette County Family Court judge Lucinda Masterton | Lexington poet Ada Limon on hosting "The Slowdown" podcast series | Green Room Exchange showcases international artists now calling Kentucky home | A new series focusing on theatre production across the Commonwealth  Interviews in order of appearance:  Teacher/Student burnout - Cynthia Resor with James McGinn - Listen  Why a CASA can be vital - Fayette Co. Family Court judge Lucinda Masterton - Listen   From Lexington to the world: Poet Ada Limon on hosting "The Slowdown" - Listen  From the world to Lexington: Green Room Exchange highlights international artists - Listen  New series: All about theatre in Kentucky with Bill McCann - Listen

(Image: Shutterstock) This week on Eastern Standard: Music made in Kentucky, played in Kentucky. Touching bases with artists from across the state with recent or new releases. In this hour:  the debut of a new Kentucky Music series by Crystal Jones and samplings from the works of nine artists including: Eric Bolander, Logan Halstead, Cole Chaney, Cody Lee Meece, Kiana & The Sun Kings, Don Rogers, Scott Whiddon, Kevin Holm Hudson and Joslyn & the Sweet Compression,. How did they come up with that band name, “Sweet Compression”? You're about to find out.  In order of appearance:  Eric Bolander - Listen  Cole Chaney - Listen  Logan Halstead - Listen  Kiana Del  (Kiana & The Sun Kings) - Listen  Crystal Jones with Cody Lee Meece - Listen  Joslyn Hampton (Joslyn & The Sweet Compression) - Listen  Don Rogers - Listen  Kevin Holm-Hudson - Listen  Scott Whiddon - Listen   Matthew Wickstrom article

(Image: Shutterstock) Questions raised, questions answered: Why are things in short supply with prices rising? It's due mostly to an overwhelmed supply chain | Why are so many adult Kentuckians not being counted as working? We dig into an in-depth analysis from the KY Chamber of Commerce | Why is chemotherapy on the way out, precision medicine on the way in and CRISPR technology waiting in the wings to treat cancer? | And what iconic American musician gets tribute treatment at the latest Music for Mission concert?  Interviews in order of appearance  University of Tennessee Logistics Chair, Thomas Goldsby - Why the supply chain is strained - LISTEN   Charles Aull, Senior Policy Analyst, KY Chamber of Commerce - KY's Dropout Workforce - LISTEN / VIEW REPORT  Jill Kolesar, UK Professor of Pharmacy - Cancer treatment: less chemo, more precision - LISTEN  Marlon Hurst, Music for Mission - Stevie Wonder Tribute Concert - LISTEN

(Image: Shutterstock)   October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This week's edition focuses entirely on one of the ugliest of “Kentucky Uglies” - our state's ranking among the worst in the nation for rates of intimate partner violence. We hear from domestic violence shelter directors, legal aid attorneys, a police detective, a 9-1-1 dispatcher and staff at the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence - all devoted to extending an often life-saving hand, shelter and a range of services and support to women, men and children who manage to escape the horror of a violent home.  Interviews in order of appearance:  WEKU Reporter Stu Johnson  Hope's Wings Executive Director Jennifer Lainhart  Richmond Police Detective Tim Craft  Greenhouse 17 Executive Director Darlene Thomas  AppalReD attorney Leigh Ann Moore  Katie Mooney, Hunter Hickman - The Nest  DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELP-LINES AND INFORMATION 

(Image: Shutterstock) Kentucky's teacher shortage: already there and then came the pandemic | Bryan Station H.S. grad becomes a Senior Editor at the Atlantic | A chat with Louisville film and music producer Gil Holland | New book by Jayne Moore Waldrop, reveals what's on the bottom of Kentucky's man-made lakes | Big changes for Eastern Standard arts partner Undermain.art  Interviews:  Teacher shortage - Cynthia Resor with Amanda Ellis of the KY Council on Postsecondary Education - LISTEN  Creative Kentucky - Louisville music and arts entrepreneur Gill Holland, Duane Lundy's guest on "Depth of Field" - LISTEN  Gerald Smith with Lexington native Janisha Watts on her role as Senior Editor at The Atlantic - LISTEN  Tom Eblen with author Jayne Moore Waldrop on her book, "Drowned Towns" - LISTEN  Tom Martin with Christine Huskisson on big changes for the non-profit regional online arts magazine Undermain.art - LISTEN

Tom Martin with John Rosenberg, Snug Hollow Farm, Estill County, KY (Credit: Barbara Napier) As the legal aid service AppalReD turns 50, its founder turns 90. John Rosenberg on escaping Nazi terror, immigrating to the United States, and a lifetime spent giving legal voice to the people of the Eastern Kentucky coalfields. | What tops the agenda at this year's SOAR Summit in Corbin? | What is cryptocurrency and how does it work? Answers from EKU finance professor Ben Woodruff | A little-known achievement of and a KET/PBS documentary about the Frontier Nursing Service  In order of appearance:  As he celebrates his 90th birthday, AppalReD founder John Rosenberg discusses the legacy of the E. Ky. legal aid service - LISTEN  What tops the agenda of this year's SOAR Summit? Details from executive director Colby Hall - LISTEN  What is cryptocurrency and how does it work? Answers from EKU finance professor Ben Woodruff - LISTEN Stephanie Lang and Anne Cockerham on a remarkable, little-known achievement of the Frontier Nursing Service - LISTEN  Chelsea Gorham, co-producer of a new KET/PBS documentary on the Frontier Nursing Service - LISTEN

Warbler Ridge Preserve (Photo: KNLT) Essential to life on planet earth, trees are the center of attention for  a week of celebration in numerous Kentucky communities. "Tree Week" is coming in October. We hear of plans in Lexington, Hazard and Berea | More forestland on Pine Mountain come under the protection of the Kentucky Natural Lands Trust | Lexington author Margaret Verble details her latest historical fiction, "When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky" | Why the letter "X" has become controversial in many Latin communities | Storytelling season is here. Details of the latest festival in Paris, KY  Tree Week -  Heather Wilson, Lexington; Jenny Williams, Hazard; Wendy Warren, Berea - LISTEN  Warbler Ridge Preserve expansion; climate change in Kentucky forests - Greg Abernathy - LISTEN  Tom Eblen, Margaret Verble on her new book, "When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky" - LISTEN  Why some want to nix the "x" in "Latinx" - Cristobal Salinas - LISTEN  Kentucky "story telling season" comes to Paris - LISTEN 

Rebecca Gayle Howell & Brett Ratliff (Photo by Howell-Ratliff)   As a finale to our fall pledge drive (thank you!), Eastern Standard presents the staff of WEKU with reports and interviews: Corinne Boyer on a hospital in covid crisis - Cheri Lawson visits with a couple who embody a marriage of arts - Stu Johnson on the latest efforts to bring down Kentucky's high rate of heart disease - Tom Martin gets season details on the Origins Jazz Series - Samantha Morrill on preparations to receive Afghan refugees - Wendy Barnett chats with the founder of Red Barn Radio, now entering its third decade. Your support in action. 1-800-621-8890 or online at WEKU.org  In Order of Appearance:  Corinne Boyer visits an Eastern Kentucky hospital that has been overwhelmed by cases of Covid-19 LISTEN  Cheri Lawson chats with husband and wife arts collaborators Rebecca Gayle Howell and Brett Ratliff LISTEN  Stu Johnson reports on efforts to reduce Kentucky's high rate of heart disease LISTEN  Samantha Morrill gets the latest on preparations to receive Afghan refugees from Derek Feldman of Kentucky Refugee Ministries LISTEN  Tom Martin talks with Eli Uttal-Veroff about the new season of Lexington's Origins Jazz Series LISTEN  Wendy Barnett visits with Ed Commons, founder and producer of Red Barn Radio, as the locally-produced program begins a 3rd decade LISTEN

(Image: West Virginia University Press) On this week's Eastern Standard: Appalachian life as recalled by Lynch, Kentucky native William H. Turner in his new book “Harlan Renaissance” | Nikki Finney on the 25th anniversary release of “Heartwood,” her acclaimed story of life in a rural community | EKU social psychology professor Matthew Winslow on ungrading education | Renowned psychiatrist and EKU Chautauqua speaker Randolph Nesse on his book “Good Reasons for Bad Feelings”  Interviews in order of appearance:  Racial Justice & Equality Series: Gerald Smith with William H. Turner LISTEN  Kentucky Humanities Executive Director Bill Goodman with Nikki Finney LISTEN  Tom Martin with EKU Social Psychology Professor Matthew Winslow LISTEN  Tom Martin with Psychiatrist, EKU Chautauqua speaker Randolph Nesse LISTEN  Tom Martin with Chautauqua series coordinator, Erik Liddell LISTEN

(Image: Shutterstock) Hopes of a return to normal in schools have been dashed by the Delta variant. A Kentucky high school teacher shares the consequences | Collecting the voices of Eastern Kentucky activism |  Tell me a story: details of The Wilmore Storytelling Festival |  Untangling, unsticking local government issues by getting an artist's take | Lexington singer-songwriter Chris Weiss has new music | Hanging out with a National Geographic Explorer  Interviews in order of appearance:  Cynthia Resor with Rockcastle Co. H.S. teacher Holly Robinson - Smooth start of school year complicated by Delta  Stephanie Lang with Tammy Clemons - Oral histories of E. Ky. Activism  Tom Martin with Ed Bryson - Telling tall tales in Wilmore  Tom Martin with Megan Gulla - The Civic Lex "Civic Artist in Residence" at city hall  Tom Martin with Chris Weiss - Lexington singer-songwriter releases new music

(Image: Shutterstock) A half-century of having the backs of Eastern Kentucky's vulnerable: AppalReD prepares to celebrate its 50 year legacy | A new book about the sport, culture and economics of rock climbing in the Red River Gorge | Kentucky Poet Laureate Crystal Wilkinson on how her Casey County upbringing influences her art | Eastern Standard welcomes a new content partner: The Daily Yonder. Editor Tim Marema spells out what you'll soon be hearing  Interviews in order of appearance:   Robert Johns - AppalReD Legacy - LISTEN  James Maples - New book on climbing in the Red River Gorge - LISTEN  Tom Eblen with Crystal Wilkinson on her book "Perfect Black" - LISTEN  Tim Marema - Daily Yonder editor on new content partnership with ES - LISTEN

(Image: Shutterstock) What's at stake, what's possible as redistricting changes Kentucky's political landscape | The implications of a completed Appalachian Highway System | A visit to Lexington-based Space Tango | Depth of Field: Duane Lundy explores a writer's mind with Silas House  Interviews in order of appearance:  Joshua Douglas with Dee Pregliasco on redrawing Kentucky's political map - LISTEN  ARC Executive Director Brandon McBride: Congress considers funding the final miles of the Appalachian Highway System - LISTEN  From downtown Lexington, a direct connection with the orbiting space station. The Middle Tech podcast folks visit Space Tango - LISTEN   In our Depth of Field series with Duane Lundy: the workings of a writerly mind with celebrated Kentucky author Silas House - LISTEN

(Photo: Shutterstock) Child care and the people who depend on it | As legislators propose banning its teaching, what is Critical Race Theory? | Waking up and finding yourself  the state's sole PPP lender | Finding in the music of Loretta Lynn maladies that have haunted the region  Interviews in order of appearance:  Terry Brooks, Executive Director, Kentucky Youth Advocates - Child care shortage - LISTEN  Eric Friedlander, Secretary, Ky Cabinet for Health & Family Services - Child care shortage - LISTEN  Racial Justice & Equality series host Gerald Smith with UK Education dean Julian Vasquez Heilig - Critical Race Theory - LISTEN  Amanda Brewington, loan officer, Mountain Association - PPP loans - LISTEN  Kentucky History series host Stephanie Lang with American Studies professor Brian Ward - Finding clues to health conditions in Eastern Kentucky in the music of Loretta Lynn - LISTEN

Snug Hollow Farm, Estill Co., Kentucky (Photo by Barbara Napier) Alan Maimon returns with guest interviewer Al Cross. Maimon is author of "Twilight In Hazard: An Appalachian Reckoning." Al has questions. | How is climate change being felt on traditional farms? | We look into the Wendell Berry Farming Program | Farm Dinner Theater delivers fun, eats and messages about health and safety  Interviews in order of appearance:  Al Cross with Alan Maimon, author of "Twilight in Hazard: An Appalachian Reckoning" - LISTEN  UK soil scientist Rebecca McCulley on how climate change is impacting traditional farming - LISTEN  Leah Bayens, dean of the Wendell Berry Farm Program - LISTEN  UK nursing professor (ret) Deborah Reed on the creation of Farm Dinner Theater - LISTEN

(Photo courtesy University Press of Kentucky) Now and then along comes a memoir that is about so much more than the person. “Changing the Game: My Career in Sports Marketing” chronicles not only the life, aspirations and entrepreneurial accomplishments of Jim Host, but also the origins or such Blue Grass icons as Rupp Arena and the Kentucky Horse Park. Host is credited with creating college sports marketing. But this man who says he “can't sleep fast enough” has also been a key player in Kentucky politics and government. We spend the hour with Jim Host. Hang on. It's quite a ride.   

Mine runoff in E. Kentucky stream (Image: Shutterstock)  Floods continue to upset life in Eastern Kentucky | “Repairing the Damage”, an analysis of surface mining's aftermath | The stories of a sheriff's murder; how a city's signature dish says something powerful about race relations in Nashville; and how a Kentuckian's novel made it from page to screen  Interviews in order of appearance:  WEKU's Corinne Boyer on the flash flooding that continues to plague Eastern Kentucky communities  Appalachian Voices' Erin Savage discusses an analysis of damage left by "modern era" strip mining  Bill Carman and Jean Burchell on "Saving Noah", an account of the murder of an E. Ky. Sheriff  Rachel Martin on her book "Hot, Hot Chicken" and how the city's signature dish says something powerful about race relations in Nashville  Carter Sickels on the premiere of the film adaptation of his novel "The Evening Hour"

(Image: Shutterstock) Life in the Peace Corps: a new book based on oral history interviews with scores of Kentuckians who have served | A Kentuckian once headed NBC. You're probably familiar with his cousin |  The business of raising sheep and goats on abandoned mine sites | Singer-songwriter Joe Pug, Duane Lundy's guest in series, "Depth of Field"   Interviews in order of appearance:  Jack Wilson: Peace Corps Kentuckians  Stephanie Lang, Anthony Harkins: The Kentuckian who once headed NBC (and his cousin Bill)  Kelley Yates: The business of raising goats and sheep on abandoned mine sites  Duane Lundy's "Depth of Field" series: Singer-songwriter Joe Pug

Jonathan Hibbard as Nick Bottom. (Photo by Adam Holhubner) If Eastern Kentucky wants control of how the region is portrayed to the world, what should that new narrative say? We get the perspectives of a folklorist and a branding and messaging professional who lives and works in the region | Bouncing back after the downtime of the pandemic with fresh ideas in tow: LexPhil, The Lexington Theater Company, and EKU's Shakespeare in the Ravine  Interviews in order of appearance:   Folklorist Mary Hufford  Creative professional Jessica Robinson  LexPhil's Allison Kaiser and Kelly Corcoran  The Lexington Theater Company's Lyndy Franklin and Joseph Wrightson  Matthew Johnson, director of the EKU-based Appalachian Shakespeare Center  

(Image: Shutterstock)   Affordable housing and housing affordability: the perspectives of a fair housing advocate, an urban homebuilder and a rural housing developer | "Everyday places" with dark histories as sites of mob lynchings | Kentucky's efforts to open classroom teaching to non-education career professionals   Interviews in order of appearance:  Future Tense with Chris Begley - Drew Boling, Lexington Fair Housing Council  Lexington homebuilder Dennis Anderson  Scott McReynolds, Housing Development Alliance  Micah Lynn - Everyday places with histories as sites of mob lynchings  Public Education with Cynthia Resor - Rob Akers - The drive to recruit teachers  

Kentucky Theater (Photo courtesy of The Kentucky Theater) What's in store for the century-old Kentucky Theater? Competing management proposals are on the table | The red hot demand for short term certificates | Adam Edelen's solar power vision in E. KY | The US Forest Service has a new management plan for the beloved Red River Gorge  Interviews in order of appearance:  Council for Postsecondary Education president Aaron Thompson - Study finds strong demand for short term academic credentials  LISTEN  (Read study)   Middle Tech podcast co-host Logan Jones with Adam Edelen - Solar Power project in Martin County  LISTEN US Forest Ranger Jon Kazmierski - New management plan for the Red River Gorge  LISTEN Ian Corbin, Loyal Doyle Productions - Proposed management plan for Kentucky Theater  LISTEN Lisa Meek, Friends of the Kentucky Theater - Proposed management plan for the Kentucky Theater  LISTEN Hear the full segment about future management of the Kentucky Theater  LISTEN

Minnie Adkins carvings (Photo by Cheri Lawson) This week: an Eastern Standard special edition. In a time when local news media is shrinking, WEKU has been expanding its news team to keep you informed of what's happening around central and eastern Kentucky. With one final pledge drive for this fiscal year on tap for this week, this special edition features contributions from WEKU's Wendy Barnett, Samantha Morrill, Stu Johnson, Cheri Lawson, Corinne Boyer,  as well as one of our many content partners in the region, Rae Garringer. Spend the hour with us and discover what is supported by your membership in this vital regional asset, 88.9 WEKU.   Reports and features in order of appearance:  Stu Johnson - The latest round of weapons destruction at Blue Grass Army Depot and local concerns about the loss of federal dollars once the weapons disposal operation is completed. LISTEN   Samantha Morrill - A summer program designed to get kids who have been pent up at home by the pandemic out into nature. LISTEN  Cheri Lawson - A visit with Minnie Atkins to find out how the renowned Kentucky folk artist has whittled her way through the pandemic. Cheri also visits with Mike Norris, the Lexington-based children's book author who illustrates his books with photographs of Adkins' whimsical whittlings. LISTEN  Rae Garringer - A federal bonding program that helps employers build trust with at-risk and hard-to-place employees. LISTEN  Corinne Boyer - Native American communities in Kentucky have been reluctant to get covid vaccinations. Corinne Boyer looks into the reasons and consequences. LISTEN  Wendy Barnett - Our dogs and cats were happy campers during the pandemic - their humans were home! All the time! But now that many people are returning to their offices separation anxiety is gripping many of our canine and feline pals. LISTEN

Craft Moonshine Still (Image: Shutterstock) In retrospect: how the state legislature performed on social, criminal justice issues | Country music and people of color | UK's new course on moonshine and the elixir's role in Appalachian economic development |  The Appalachian Plays of Maryat Lee  Interviews in order of appearance:  Series on Racial Justice & Equality - Host Gerald Smith with KY State Senator Gerald Neal  Series "Depth of Field" - Host Duane Lundy with singer-songwriter Rissi Palmer on people of color in country music  Moonshine gains new respectability: interviews with Carson Benn and Cameron Lippard  The Appalachian Plays of Maryat Lee - Interview with author David Miller  

(Image: Shutterstock) Rent relief for tenants and landlords | Pondering a new career- track? The Kentucky sign-language profession has openings | The aims of the Appalachian Renewal Project | A new book about a 1901 mob-lynching in Paris, Ky | Another vintage locomotive acquired for the railroad museum being developed in Ravenna, Ky  Interviews in order of appearance  Wendy Smith,  KY Housing Corp, on accessing tenant/landlord relief funds  Cynthia Resor with interpreter Virginia Moore on heavy demand for American Sign Language professionals  Clifford Smith, Appalachian Renewal Project on reclaiming and repurposing abandoned mine sites  Tessa Hoggard, author of book about a 1901 mob lynching in Paris, Ky  (Conversation between descendants of accuser and accused)  Chris Campbell, KY Steam Heritage, another vintage locomotive added to collection

(Image: Shutterstock)  Alan Maimon was a foreign correspondent for the NYTimes before joining the Louisville Courier-Journal with the assignment to “cover Eastern Kentucky like a foreign correspondent would.” How did that go? He's written a book about it. We talk. |  Veteran KY journalist Al Cross on the meaning of losing local newspapers | OneEastKentucky chief Chuck Sexton on the new technology he's using to attract business to sites in nine E. Ky. counties | UK energy researcher Rodney Andrews on converting coal to carbon fiber | Railbird Festival founder David Helmers with details of this summer's return to live music at Keeneland.  Interviews in order of appearance:  Alan Maimon, author of "Twilight in Hazard: An Appalachian Reckoning"  (Want to comment? Leave voicemail at 859-622-9358 or email es@eku.edu. Indicate permission to air your remarks)  Jim Trimble, host of the ES series Virtues of a Democratic Society with veteran Ky journalist Al Cross  Chuck Sexton, President/CEO of One East Kentucky  Rodney Andrews, director of the UK Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER)  Undermain.art's Art Shechet with Railbird Festival organizer David Helmers  

Daniel Boone National Forest (Image: Shutterstock)   The connection between deforestation and flash flooding in E. Kentucky | What's in the water? Results of sampling E. Ky. creeks and streams | State Senator Reginald Thomas on race relations in Lexington, circa 2021 | LexPhil and Hip Hop artist Devine Carama to blend genres in Loudoun House concert  Interviews in order of appearance:  UK professor of forestry and hydrology Chris Barton on deforestation and flash flooding, water quality  EKU geosciences professor Alice Jones on water quality in eastern and central  Ky rivers and streams  Series: racial justice and equality - Gerald Smith hosts State Senator Reginald Thomas  "Clip Clop?" LexPhil and Devine Carama to blend classical and hip hop in June concert

(Image: Shutterstock) Why the price of lumber is so high | The Hindman Settlement School's new director | What was a Rosenwald School and why is one in Adair County being restored? | Duane Lundy's new series on the creative process in music production | Details of the upcoming Mountain Heritage Literary Festival  Interviews in order of appearance:  Bob Bauer - Lumber supply and pricing  Will Anderson - New Director, Hindman Settlement School  Rodney White - Restoring a Rosenwald School in Adair County  New series! Duane Lundy - Depth of Field - Exploring the creative process in music  Patrick Wensink - 2021 Mountain Heritage Literary Festival 

Appalachian Conservation Corps Crew Forest Farming: Can it work for Eastern Kentucky? | In service to the public and the environment: the Appalachian Conservation Corps | Solar advocates see power balance between customers, utilities | A history of activism in the coalfields | A "go to" for small businesses in need of pandemic survival advice  Interviews in order of appearance:  Betsy Taylor - Forest Farming, Heir Properties and community-driven development in E. Kentucky  Zach Foster - The role of the Appalachian Conservation Corps in reforesting abandoned mine sites  Katie Myers - Solar advocates are out to change the balance of power between customers and utilities  Stephanie Lang with Chad Montrie - A history of opposition to surface coal mining in Appalachia  Kristina Joyce - The pandemic experiences of the Small Business Development Center

(Image: Shutterstock) Cheating apps and learning | What forgiven student loans would mean to Kentuckians and Kentucky | State of Justice Series: Police, violence and accountability | Type 2 diabetes patients urged to get covid vaccine | Helping communities draw up strategies to deal with climate change  Interviews/Features in order of Appearance:  Cynthia Resor with Jamie Shaffer - Cheating Apps  Ashley Spalding - Student loan forgiveness  Rae Garringer - Police accountability in rural communities  Parker Hobson - Why Type 2 Diabetes patients should get their Covid-19 vaccinations  Dan Kahl - Helping communities develop climate change strategies

(Image: Shutterstock) For a 3rd consecutive year Kentucky ranks number one in the nation for child maltreatment, and has one of the nation’s highest rates of these children who are now being raised by relatives or family friends. |  Matilda, a therapy dog trained to comfort traumatized children, is up for national recognition | Kentucky’s outgoing and incoming Poet Laureates join us | How to grow your own tomatoes and proper tomato purchasing technique at the farmers market | Everything you need to know about one of summer’s most fascinating creatures: the hummingbird  Interviews in order of appearance:  Dr. Christina Howard - Kentucky's worst-in-nation ranking for child maltreatment   Graham Ambrose - State's kinship care support program falls short of need  Melynda Jamison - CASA therapy dog Matilda is up for national honors  Tom Eblen with Kentucky's immediate past and  new poet laureates Jeff Worley and Crystal Wilkinson  Mac Stone - How to grow great tomatoes and shop for them at the farmers market Those amazing creatures: Hummingbirds  

(Credit: Vivian Stockman and Southwings) A brief history of the deforestation of Appalachia and efforts now underway to return abandoned mine lands to something approximating their original state. Surface mining in Appalachia has replaced approximately one million acres of eastern deciduous forest, one of the most diverse and valuable forests in the world, with primarily non-native grasses and shrubs. We get the details of legislation now before Congress to renew the Abandoned Mine Lands trust fund to continue financing reforestation. And, there was a time when Kentucky Spring Lamb was sought nationwide. Now, a vision to revive this once thriving mountain industry in concert with the return of forests.   Interviews in order of appearance. Click on name to listen:   Kathryn Newfont - We asked the near-impossible of Dr. Newfont, a professor of Appalachian and Environmental History at the University of Kentucky: begin the hour by giving us the history of the deforestation of Appalachian Kentucky in no more than 12-minutes. She did it!   Rebecca Shelton - Director of Policy & Organizing at Appalachian Citizens Law Center in Whitesburg, Ky. discusses the bi-partisan legislation before Congress that would renew the Abandoned Mine Lands trust fund, and the associated RECLAIM Act.   Michael French - Director of Operations, Green Forests Work, a non-profit establish to reforest Appalachia. More than 187 million trees have been planted on about 275,000 acres of former mines, an area more than six times the size of the District of Columbia.   Patrick Angel - Retired from a lengthy career as a soil scientist in the Interior Department’s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Dr. Angel now leads the South East Kentucky Sheep Producers Association. He discusses a vision of reviving a once-thriving sheep industry in Eastern Kentucky.   Kathryn Newfont and Patrick Angel figure prominently in a February 13, 2020 Washington Post article by Lexington native Gabriel Popkin about the deforestation and efforts to reforest the surface mine sites in Eastern Kentucky. Popkin made an appearance on Eastern Standard soon after the article was published.

The memorabilia of racism. A conversation with a collector of Mammy and Uncle Mose salt & pepper shakers | So, what happens now? An all effort to get the workforce vaccinated and back to work leaves managers wondering how many employees have decided they really like working from home. Interviews with three who are tracking the trends of a tentative return to work.  Interviews in order of appearance:  Gerald Smith with Kenneth Goings  Black collectibles - objects made in or with the image of a black person - were items of material culture  that helped reinforce the racist ideology that began emerging after Reconstruction. Ohio State University professor Kenneth Goings has examined how the images created of black people by white people changed as the nation changed.  By contextualizing "black collectibles" within America's complex social history, Dr. Goings has opened a fascinating perspective on the American story.  Tom Martin with Beth Davisson  Tom Martin with Joe Labianca and Brad Patrick  As the nation is vaccinated businesses prepare for a changed workplace. Beth Davisson, VP for Workforce Development at the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce shares her observations as she works with employers considering a range of options. Professor Joe Labianca and Executive-in-Residence Brad Patrick at the University of Kentucky's Gatton College of Business and Economics discuss the findings of ongoing research focused on a changed office environment.

(Image: Shutterstock) A report card on America's crumbling infrastructure. Hint: our GPA is in the "remedial" range | An example of infrastructure investment rises on the Coldstream Research Campus | Identifying weak links in the "critical items" supply chain | The Bourbon Industry opens to diversity, inclusion and equity | Appalachia's important role in the origins of distance learning.  Interviews in order of appearance:    Infrastructure Report Card - Tom Smith, Executive Director, American Society of Civil Engineers  New home for high tech startups - George Ward, Executive Director, Coldstream Research Campus  Weak links in critical supply chains - Dr. Yunke Mai, Gatton College of Business and Economics  The bourbon industry's racist past and inclusive future - Gathan Borden, VP Marketing, VisitLex  Appalachia's key role in distance learning - Stephanie Lang with UK doctoral candidate Carson Benn

 Ben Sollee (Photo by Jessica Ebelhar)  Tracking legislation to eliminate some hurdles  residential child care | Our series Virtues of a Democratic Society focuses on "Courage" | Kentucky cellist, singer, composer Ben Sollee on life as a Covid-19 "long hauler" and how Robin Wright chose him to score her film "Land." | Lexington cellist Cecilia Wright on what went into the making of her debut album "Another Human."  Interviews in order of appearance:  Becky Stacy, Administration and Advocacy Director at the Appalachian Early Childhood Network  Jim Trimble with Cathy Lassiter, author of "Everyday Courage for School Leaders"  Ben Sollee  Cecilia Wright

Big Sandy Federal Penitentiary near Inez, KY (Photo: Federal Bureau of Prisons) Do prisons bring economic prosperity to struggling rural counties? The question raised in the latest in our “State of Justice” series | On being a volunteer prisoner visitor: Jean Rosenberg on the experience and the purpose | Part III in Corinne Boyer’s series on treating addiction under pandemic conditions | Robert Gipe on “Pop”, the 3rd in his trilogy of uniquely illustrated novels | Our “Future Tense” series focuses on African American agriculture in Kentucky   Interviews in order of Appearance:  Rae Garringer - Prisons as boosters of struggling local economies  Jean Rosenberg - On serving in the Prisoner Visitation Program  Corinne Boyer - Part III in series on addiction treatment during the pandemic  Robert Gipe - Discusses "Pop", the third in his trilogy of illustrated novels  Future Tense series - A conversation with Black Soil's Ashley Smith about the heritage of Black farmers in Kentucky  Tribute to a Trio of Kentucky Music Legends

Unemployment line Frankfort ​​​(Photo: Lexington Herald-Leader) What's wrong with the state's Unemployment Insurance system? How much time do you have? Kentucky Auditor Mike Harmon has looked under the hood | Covid, schools, and reopening. It's not simple says EKU Psychologist Melinda Moore | Corrine Boyer on addiction, a pandemic and treatment | AppHarvest goes public, harvests its first crop (tomatoes) and reassures local farmers about competition | Tom Eblen's guest Kentucky author: Louisville's Leesa Cross-Smith on her latest novel, "This Close to Okay"  Interviews in order of appearance:  Kentucky State Auditor Mike Harmon  EKU Clinical Psychologist Melinda Moore  WEKU/Ohio Valley Resource reporter Corrine Boyer  AppHarvest Founder and CEO Jonathan Webb  Tom Eblen with author Leesa Cross-Smith

 (Image: Shutterstock) “The talk.” Berea College professor Dwayne Mack discusses the day-to-day of parenting and growing up Black in an inhospitable world. |  Corinne Boyer with Part One of a series on addiction in a pandemic | “Too many not reading at grade level by 3rd grade.” Dreama Gentry and Leslie Graham discuss a solution: rural libraries | EKU Chemistry Prof Judy Jenkins on transitioning a university campus to solar power | Author Leah Hampton talks about the familiar small town characters of her book, “F#*kface.”  Interviews in order of appearance:  Corinne Boyer - Opioid epidemic during a coronavirus pandemic, part II  Gerald Smith - Racial Justice and Equality Series   Dreama Gentry, Leslie Graham - Why 3rd grade reading is so critical and how rural libraries can make a difference  Judy Jenkins - Big new solar farm at EKU and what it portends for the future of powering a university campus  Leah Hampton - The vivid, familiar characters of her book, “F#*kface.”

(NPR TV Critic Eric Deggans)  NPR TV Critic Eric Deggans offers a preview of his upcoming lecture in the EKU Chautauqua Series. Hint: he has a lot to say about the state of media, both news and entertainment, and how it shapes society. | Author Bobi Conn on her essay: “A Day of Reckoning for Big Pharma: the Elegy that Appalachia Really Needs” | CEDIK’s Shane Barton and “One Harlan County’s” Colby Kirk on efforts to support Eastern Kentucky downtowns during the pandemic - and beyond | Hopewell Museum's Cheryl Caskey: Paris, Ky. hosts a courageous conversation around racial equality and justice.  Interviews in order of appearance  Bobi Conn  (Read Bobi's Salon.com essay)  Shane Barton  Colby Kirk  Eric Deggans  Cheryl Caskey

(Photograph by Tasha Thomas) The works of one of Kentucky’s leading literary figures is put to the ultimate test: critical reviews by peers. We talk with the editor of the forthcoming University Press of Kentucky release:  Silas House: Exploring an Appalachian Writer's Work. Silas House has also been in the studio to record a duet with Nashville singer-songwriter Tiffany Williams, who joins us. And we hear about all of this from Silas House himself. Plus, another well-known Kentucky writer: Frank X Walker, talks with Tom Eblen about the times and how the forces in play in 2020 have influenced his work.  Interviews in order of appearance:  Sylvia Shurbutt  Tiffany Williams  Silas House  Frank X Walker

(Image: Shutterstock) Part Two of a series about renter-landlord distress due to the economic impact of the pandemic. The series looks into the CDC eviction moratorium which directs landlords not to put people out in the street for nonpayment of rent and into living situations where they can catch and spread the coronavirus. In this episode, we hear from: Ginny Ramsey, Catholic Action Center; Art Crosby, Fair Housing Council; Tyler Scott, Chief of Staff in the Office of Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton; Lexington Social Services Commissioner Chris Ford; Karen Atkins, Kentucky River Foothills Development Council; Lexington Human Rights Commissioner Ray Sexton. UPDATE: President Biden has called for an extension of the eviction moratorium to at least March 31st.  Interviews in order of appearance:  Ginny Ramsey - Catholic Action Center  Art Crosby - Lexington Fair Housing Council  Tyler Scott - Chief of Staff, Office of Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton  Chris Ford - Lexington Social Services Commissioner  Karen Atkins - Kentucky River Foothills Development Council  Ray Sexton - Lexington Human Rights Commission

(Image: Shutterstock) Part One of a special two-part series on renter-landlord distress in a pandemic economy. Many Kentucky rental households have fallen behind on monthly payments and are at risk of eviction. Many landlords who remain responsible for mortgage payments and the costs of maintenance and repairs have gone months without receiving crucial monthly rental payments. Guests: Adrienne Bush, Executive Director of the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky; James Pennington, a professor in the EKU Government Department and a Lexington attorney with a landlord-tenant practice; Fred Schaeffer, president of the Central Kentucky Landlord Association   Interviews in order of appearance:  Adrienne Bush, Executive Director, Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky  James Pennington, a professor in the EKY Department of Government and attorney with a landlord-tenant practice

(Photo: Fire Island Pines Historical Preservation Society) Tom Martin with UK Pharmacist, researcher Sarah Blevins: How the Ryan White Act and its approach to HIV now treats opioid addiction | Stephanie Lang, editor of The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society with Jon Coleman: Elijah "Lige" Clarke and LGBTQ history in Eastern, Kentucky |  UK history professor Gerald Smith with PG Peeples in his 51st year leading the Urban League of Lexington. | Tom Martin with Lindsay Kampfer,  Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified for Advanced Palliative and Hospice Social Work and a Counseling Resource Officer for Bluegrass Care Navigators: the profound experience of hospice.  Interviews in order of appearance:  Tom Martin with Sarah Blevins  Stephanie Lang with Jon Coleman  Gerald Smith with PG Peeples  Tom Martin with Lindsay Kampfer  BJ Miller: "What is Death?"  

(Image: Shutterstock) Tracking food consumer online shopping trends through the year of covid-19 | Hidden political scandals in Kentucky history | KET’s education factory responds to in-home learning | Kentucky author interview: Berea’s Alix Harrow   Interviews in order of appearance  Jack Bobo - Pandemic consumer trends  John Schaaf - Kentucky's past political scoundrels  Cynthia Resor with Tonys Crum - Demand for KET at-home learning content through the roof  Alix Harrow - Berea fiction writer on her latest, The Once and Future Witches  

(Photo by WSAZ) Neighbors helping neighbors keep their businesses afloat | A for-profit and a non-profit partner to bring change to the nutrition of a next generation of Eastern Kentuckians |How one who has made his fortunes in coal is now giving back | The late Ruth Bader Ginsburg is celebrated in the latest offering in our series on the 19th Amendment | And how suitcases and hair are making differences in the lives of foster children and kids battling cancer.  Interviews in order of appearance:  Lora Smith - Downtown Stimulus Fund  Amy Samples, Alissa Taylor - A powerful partnership to improve rural nutrition  Lee Todd, Jennifer Carter - All about MSU's Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Math  Kathi Kern, Jennifer Bird-Pollan - Celebrating the legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg  WEKU's Stu Johnson - Suitcases and hair for kids in need   If you appreciate access to this important content during this global pandemic, please help us continue to provide public service journalism and information to Central and Eastern Kentucky communities. Please make your contribution to WEKU today.

(Image: Shutterstock) Vaccines are on the way. How should we calibrate our expectations about when we will roll up our sleeves? We offer the perspectives of two Kentucky experts | How is the pandemic messing with our minds? We hear from a clinical psychologist who is especially concerned about Generation Z | Covid 19 is disrupting the homebuilding industry. Find out how, as well as why skilled labor is in such high demand  Interviews in order of appearance:  Brooke Hudspeth, UK College of Pharmacy - Vaccines  Bryan Makinen - EKU Covid 19 Task Force Chair - Vaccines  MaryBeth Bundy - EKU Psychologist - Pandemic mindset  Todd Johnson - Homebuilding materials in short supply   Contact: Tom Martin at es@eku.edu or leave voicemail at 859-622-9358  If you appreciate access to this important content during this global pandemic, please help us continue to provide public service journalism and information to Central and Eastern Kentucky communities. Please make your contribution to WEKU today.  

Dan Gellert and Ma Crow in a scene from The Mountain Minor. (Courtesy of Al452 Productions) The film adaptation of Hillbilly Elegy has renewed spirited conversations about the JD Vance memoir. Tom Eblen discusses it with Cassie Chambers Armstrong, author of an Atlantic critique of the film, as well as a new book detailing her perspective on growing up in Appalachian Kentucky. And we hear from the director and two cast members of the film “The Mountain Minor,” something of an antidote to Hillbilly Elegy, driven by the music of the mountains. | A future history teacher takes cues from 2020, a year like no other. | Poet Carrie Green discusses and offers a reading from her new release, “Studies of Familiar Birds”, a meditation on grief and the loss of a father | Scott Whiddon details the two-volume album of instrumentals, “Songs from Quarantine” by Archipelago | WEKU’s Cheri Lawson visits Kentucky’s “Kindness Capitol.”  Interviews in order of appearance  Tom Eblen with Cassie Chambers Armstrong  The Mountain Minor  Cynthia Resor with Trent Catlett  Tom Martin with Carrie Green  Tom Martin with Scott Whiddon

(Image: Shutterstock) An update from the co-chairs of the Lexington Commission for Racial Justice and Equality | The rise of Black philanthropy in Lexington | The University Press of Kentucky, under new leadership in a changing media landscape | Series debut: The Ethics and Virtues of a Democratic Society  Interviews in order of appearance:  Tom Martin with Commission for Racial Justice & Equality co-chairs Gerald Smith and Roszalyn Akins - LISTEN  Tom Martin with Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative co-chair, Lisa Higgins-Hord - LISTEN  Tom Eblen with University Press of Kentucky Director Ashley Runyon - LISTEN  NEW SERIES: Ethics and Virtues of Democracy host Jim Trimble with Asbury University Assoc. Professor of Philosophy, Claire Peterson - LISTEN