Think Humanities

Today on the final episode of THINK HUMANITIES, host Bill Goodman talks with Libby Falk Jones about her life and work as a poet, writer, photographer, teacher, and more. Listen through the end for a special farewell from Bill Goodman as we wrap up 7 years of podcasts together. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Former Kentucky Poet Laureate Crystal Wilkinson joins guest host Lynnell Edwards from Spalding University for today's episode of THINK HUMANITIES to talk about her new culinary memoir "Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts," which is out now from Clarkson Potter/Penguin Random House. Crystal talks about the relationship between food and family as recipes are passed down over the generations, how they celebrated holidays during the pandemic, and much more. THINK HUMANTIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Climate change is one of the most controversial and polarizing scientific topics in the public sphere. Today on THINK HUMANITES, Dr. Lauren E. Cagle shares how to have a civil and productive conversation about this tricky topic. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Derrick Ramsey is perhaps best known as as a star University of Kentucky and Oakland Las Vegas Raiders quarterback, but he also served in two Kentucky administrations under Governors Ernie Fletcher and Matt Bevin. And now he's written a memoir with Dr. John Huang entitled "They Call Me Mr. Secretary: Through the Lens of a Winner." Derrick joins Bill Goodman for THINK HUMANITIES to share a bit about his life as a football star and his work as Kentucky Secretary of Education and Workforce Development. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support form the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

With hate-motivated violence seemingly all around us, Kentucky Humanities is working to help educators combat hate-motivated violence promote civic engagement, social cohesion, and cross-cultural understanding in their classrooms. Today on the podcast, Mariama J. Lockington joins Kathleen Pool and host Bill Goodman to preview the the "Safe Students, Empowered Educators" workshop, which is coming up on February 3rd in Lexington and tell you how you can get involved! This day-long workshop offers the opportunity to reflect on the diversity of experiences and perspectives and explore the history of prejudice and efforts to create a more just society. New York Times Best Selling author Nic Stone will be offering the keynote address on Saturday, and the public is invited to register to attend this keynote. For a full schedule and to register for the conference, visit https://www.kyhumanities.org/programs/educators-conference. "Safe Students, Empowered Educators" is presented by Kentucky Humanities and the University oF Kentucky UK College of Education Center for Professional Development as part of the National Endowment for the Humanities’ United We Stand initiative.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Cara Fitzpatrick recently sat down to talk with Dr. Terry Brooks of Kentucky Youth Advocates and Bill Goodman of Kentucky Humanities for the THINK HUMANITIES podcast. Cara talks about her new book, "The Death of Public School," and what the future of education looks like in America on this week's episode. "The Death of Public School: How Conservatives Won the War Over Education in America" is out now from Basic Books. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

It often feels like the news and media is full of violence and hate. How do we combat hate to prevent tragedies in the communities around us? Bill Goodman, host of THINK HUMANITIES talks with Raleigh Kincaid, a LMFT, about the role of therapy, listening, and empathy in healing hate. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Richard Taylor, former Kentucky Poet Laureate, is back in the THINK HUMANITIES studio to talk about his new memoir, "Fathers." Richard talks to host Bill Goodman about interconnections between fathers and father figures in his life and his family, from the Civil War through the present. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Today on THINK HUMANITIES, we're getting excited for Gurney Fest, a celebration of Kentucky Writer Gurney Norman in Lexington! Listen to Bill Goodman talk to Dr. Morris Grubbs who will be talking about Gurney as a master of short story writing. In the second half of the episode hear a 2021 conversation between Bill and Gurney. Gurney Fest is hosted by the UK College of Arts & Sciences and the University of Kentucky English Department and will take place November 17 & 18 on the University of Kentucky's campus. It is free to attend, but registration is required. For a full schedule of events and to register, visit: https://www.as.uky.edu/gurney-fest THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Many Kentuckians are unaware of the history of Simmons College in Louisville or that Simmons is one of only two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Kentucky. Rev. Chris Caldwell, a member of the Kentucky Humanities Speakers Bureau, joins Bill Goodman on THINK HUMANITIES to tell us more about Simmons College. For more information about bringing Rev. Caldwell to your community through the Speakers Bureau, visit kyhumanities.org/programs/speakers-bureau THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Book banning has reached new heights in recent months and years. Join the THINK HUMANITIES podcast to hear a discussion about how book bans have been affecting Kentuckians with Wayne Onkst and Tammy Blackwell, both long-time Kentucky librarians. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

THINK HUMANITIES is back with a special episode hosted by Spalding's Lynnell Edwards. Today, she talks to poet, author, and editor Lesléa Newman about "October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard" and how poetry is needed in our current time. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by Spalding University's Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

It's Kentucky Book Festival Week. Come on our to meet lots of fantastic authors and find a new favorite book! Get excited by listening to this short interview by EKU's Tom Martin with author J.R. Ward who will be at the Kentucky Book Festival on Saturday, October 21st. For more information, visit kybookfestival.org. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

It's almost Kentucky Book Festival time! Get excited by listening to THINK HUMANITIES' Bill Goodman talk to KBF Director Katerina Stoykova and KBF Event Producer Julie Klier about the fantastic lineup and events planned for October 21st. For a full schedule of Kentucky Book Festival events, visit kybookfestival.org THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Former Kentucky Governor Paul E. Patton joins Bill Goodman on THINK HUMANITIES to discuss his upcoming book coauthored with Jeffrey S. Suchanek entitled "The Coal Miner Who Became Governor." Patton will be at this year's Kentucky Book Festival on October 21st at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington, Kentucky. For more information, visit kybookfestival.org THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

John Winn Miller, award winning investigative journalist and novelist, joins Bill Goodman on THINK HUMANITIES to talk about his latest book, "The Hunt for the Peggy C," a World War II maritime thriller. Miller will be at the 42nd Kentucky Book Festival on October 21st at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington. For more information, visit kybookfestival.org. THINK HUMANITIES is made possibly by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

This week on THINK HUMANITIES we're discussing African American history. First up is Dr. Eric Jackson, Professor of History at Northern Kentucky University, who talks about the impact of African American Studies programs around the nation. On the back half of the program, Bill Goodman talks to Amrita Chakrabarti Myers, Professor of History at Indiana University Bloomington about her new book "The Vice President’s Black Wife." Dr. Myers will be at the Kentucky Book Festival on October 21, 2023 in Lexington, KY. For more information, visit kybookfestival.org THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

The Kentucky Book Festival is just over a month away, and we're very excited to introduce you to some authors you can meet there on October 21st! Today's special guest on THINK HUMANITIES is Patricia Hudson, the author of a new historical fiction entitled "Traces," which tells the story of the Boone women. Patricia talks about her research process and how she has brought the Boone women to life in her novel. The Kentucky Book Festival will be held on October 21st at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington, KY. For more information, visit kybookfestival.org. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

The past few years have been hard on museums in Kentucky. Today on THINK HUMANITIES, we hear from Wathetta Buford with the African American Museum of Bowling Green and Mandy Higgins of the Lexington History Museum to hear about their renovations and new exhibits. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution is one of the oldest lineage societies in the US, and is headquartered in Louisville. Director Todd Bale joins THINK HUMANITIES to talk about the important work that NSSAR does. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Sarah McCartt-Jackson is a poet, writer, folklorist, educator, and more. She joins Bill Goodman on THINK HUMANITIES to talk about some of her poetry and writing, how she introduces poetry to people, and the role of folklore and place in her writing. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Kentucky is home to two historic Shaker villages. Today, Tommy Hines, director of the South Union Shaker Village joins Bill Goodman on THINK HUMANITIES to share some of the fascinating history of the South Union community which maintained a folklife that was unique among Shaker villages. Tommy Hines is also available through our Speakers Bureau. To see his talks, visit kyhumanities.org. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Did you know that 11 U.S. Supreme Court Justices have been from Kentucky? David Miller joins Bill Goodman on THINK HUMANITIES to talk about Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, how he went from a humble beginnings in Louisville to the Supreme Court, and the impact of his legacy on the Supreme Court. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

On this episode of THINK HUMANITIES, special guest host and poet Lynnell Edwards speaks with award-winning poet Maggie Smith about her new memoir "You Could Make This Place Beautiful." THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Kim Wickens' new book, 'Lexington: The Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America's Legendary Racehorse' is full of fabulous history and stories about one of Kentucky's most famous racehorses and is sure to delight both equine enthusiasts and laypeople alike. Bill Goodman, host of THINK HUMANITIES, recently spoke with Kim at her book launch in Lexington, KY. Listen to their conversation here! THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

We talk about Appalachia a lot on THINK HUMANITIES, and today we're going to be talking about ballet in Appalachia with Dr. Edwina Pendarvis, who shares stories from her childhood and her research about the impact of ballet on girls in Appalachian communities. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Our guest on THINK HUMANITIES is Christian Marnon. Marnon is a journalist with an interest in the traditional, spiritual, and eclectic music of the Appalachian region. An avid record collector, Marnon has spent years documenting the small-town record studios and the artists who cut records there, many of whom existed in relative obscurity as coal miners, circuit preachers, and more. THINK HUMANITES is made possibly by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

How much do you know about Kentucky's first senator? Historian Steven Walker joins THINK HUMANITIES to share about John Brown and how he came to be Kentucky first senator. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Our guest on the podcast today is Sarah Hoskins. Sarah is a documentary photographer who is known for her photography project at The Homeplace where she has spent over twenty years photographing historic African American communities in Kentucky’s Inner Bluegrass Region. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

How much do you know about Juneteeth? Dr. Alicestyne Turley joins the podcast to talk about the history of Juneteenth and the less-known Emancipation Saturday, celebrated on August 8th. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Did you know that the first African-American to win a Pulitzer Prize was born in Owensboro, Kentucky? Moneta Sleet, Jr, was the photographer and close friend of Martin Luther King, Jr, and won the Pulitzer for a photo of Coretta from King's funeral. Today on THINK HUMANITIES you'll hear from Drew Hardesty and Emmy Woosley about their work to produce the documentary "A Fine Remembrance" that recognizes and celebrates Sleet's life. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Lou Anna Red Corn recently retired from a pretigious career in law. Since 2016 she served as Commonwealth's Attorney for Fayette County. She is also a member of the Osage nation and a Kentucky Humanities board member. Tune in to hear from Lou Anna about her background, advocacy work, and her plans going forward. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Dr. Keith McCutchen is a composer, conductor, pianist and an associate professor of music at Kentucky State University. He also happens to be one of our newest board members! Dr. McCutchen joins THINK HUMANITIES to share about his background, how he got into music, and what music tells us about African American history. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

It's been almost a year since historic floods devastated Eastern Kentucky. Joining Bill Goodman on THINK HUMANITIES today are Tom Martin, of Eastern Standard, and Dee Davis, president of the Center for Rural Strategies. Tom and Dee discuss the ongoing recovery efforts and the challenges being faced in the area. Think Humanities is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

"Gay Poems for Red States" is the title of a new collection of verse from Willie Edward Taylor Carver, Jr. Willie joins the THINK HUMANITIES podcast to talk about the challenges he's faced as a gay teacher in Appalachia and how he hopes this new collection of verse will show that a life full of beauty and pride is possible for everyone. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Sometimes it's hard to find the right words to describe the importance of the humanities in everyday life. But one person who knows has no problem with this is Dr. Brian Clardy. Clardy joins Bill on the podcast to talk about his humanities background and how the humanities help us make sense of history and the world around us. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

To wrap up our Poetry Month celebrations on the THINK HUMANTIES podcast you get to hear from two astounding poets today. Doug Manuel is the author of a new collection entitled "Trouble Funk," and he is interviewed by special guest host Lynnell Edwards, who is Associate Director of Programs at Spalding University's School of Writing. Lynnell talks to Doug about the concept behind "Trouble Funk" and how, for him, music and family are always connected to poetry. Think Humanities is made possible by generous support from the Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing

Next up in our poetry lineup is Katerina Stoykova. Katerina joins us on the THINK HUMANITIES podcast to talk about writing short poems and the editing and publishing side of poetry. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Welcome to Poetry Month! Do you ever find yourself wondering how to find poetry that speaks to you? Or find yourself wondering how much you need to analyze the poetry you read? Richard Taylor is on the podcast today to talk to us all about poetry: how to find it and how to learn to appreciate it. Stay tuned for more poet interviews coming up this month! THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Are you looking forward to getting out in nature as the weather gets warmer? Join Valerie Askren, author, hiker, and flyfisher, to learn more about Kentucky scenic arches and waterfalls, as well as other must-see local flora and fauna. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Have you ever heard of "that Muhlenberg sound?" Nancy Richey, Professor and Librarian at Western Kentucky University joins the podcast to tell us about Mose Rager, a Muhlenberg county native who developed a unique thumb-picking style of playing the guitar. Learn more about Mose and his legacy by listening now. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Spring is finally on the way! What better way to celebrate than by listening to Master Gardener and author Doris Settles talk about gardening in Kentucky. THINK HUMANTIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University School of Creative Writing.

Have you heard of Elisha Green? Green was born a slave in Bourbon County circa 1818, became a popular preacher, bought his freedom, and won a legal case against the people who tried to get him to give up his seat on a train. Dr. Randolph Runyon is our guest on the THINK HUMANITIES podcast to talk about his two books, one that tells the story of Elisha Green and one about Madame Mentelle, who was Mary Todd Lincoln's teacher. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

How much do you know about the Underground Railroad in Kentucky? In her new book, "The Gospel of Freedom: Black Evangelicals and the Underground Railroad," Dr. Alicestyne Turley examines the important role Kentucky played as a "pass through" territory. Alicstyne joins us on the THINK HUMANITIES podcast to talk about her new book today. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Marta Miranda-Straub joined us on the THINK HUMANITIES podcast two years ago just as she was starting a new position as Commissioner of the Cabinet’s Department for Community Based Services. Now that her term is done, she's joined us again to talk about how her work and activism inspired her to write a bilingual children's book "Lullaby for Maddie." THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

The College Board has been at the center of many recent discussions about requirements for Advanced Placement classes and African American Studies classes in high schools. Dr. Teresa Reed of the University of Louisville joins Bill Goodman on the THINK HUMANITIES podcast to talk about the College Board, the process of creating AP classes, and the content of the proposed African American Studies AP course. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

During the recent KY Governor's Awards in the Arts, each award recipient was each presented with a hand crafted Navajo flute made by Anderson County artist Fred Nez-Keams. Today on the podcast, Fred joined us to talk about how he came to be a flute maker and the process of making these beautiful instruments, and he even played a Navajo love song on the flute for us. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

How much do you know about African American history? Tune in to this week's episode of the podcast to hear about the newly formed Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky and how they're working on bringing forgotten stories to KY classrooms. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Looking for a new book recommendation? Bestselling author Margaret Verble's newest historical fiction, "Stealing," is one you won't want to miss! Check out this interview with Margaret for the THINK HUMANITIES podcast to hear more about the book and her inspirations. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Did you know that banned books lists have existed since at least 1529? Today the THINK HUMANITIES podcast explores the topic of banning books. Andrew Adler, the president of the Kentucky Library Association, and Mary Taylor Huntsman, a long-time academic librarian, discuss the history of book banning, current efforts to ban books, and what can be done to fight bans. THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Man Graduate School of Writing