Connections With Renee Shaw

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.