BlueGrassRoots

Podcasts: Bike Lexington on May 20th!

On the final installment of the BlueGrassRoots Radio Review, Brad Flowers rode into the WRFL studios to give us the lowdown on the coolest thing happening downtown since the Bombay Brazier opened up to rock our curry-loving 'buds: Bike Lexington. 

Bike Lexington on May 20th will be, in a word, awesome.  Bike museum, crit racing, 10-mile police-escorted fun ride, a band, bike giveaways, a bike rodeo, and the sexiest shaved legs in all of the Bluegrass. 

In the interview, Brad answered some tough questions like, "Bicycling: Great mode of transportation or the greatest mode of transportation?"  (Greatest.)  It was a lot of fun and we'd like to thank him for helping us go out of the radio business in style. 

Thanks to all the organizers for helping to create a more bike-friendly Bluegrass.  Bicycling is such an obviously good idea that only people with gravel for gray matter don't get it.  But, we do have a lot of limestone in Kentucky. 

Listen to the entire interview with Brad and get all the juicy deets on Bike Lexington here.

Podcasts: Tom Blues--Asprin for the 2nd District's Headache

Former UK English Professor and current 2nd District County Council Candidate Tom Blues graced the rarified air of WRFL studios two Thursdays ago and set us straight on what needed to happen in the 2nd District and the greater-Lexington area. 

Tom is a forward-thinking man with great ideas and a collaborative approach to getting things done.  As he states in the interview, the 2nd District has a lot of potential, but it faces a number of challenges, as well.  Tom is just the kind of guy to tackle those challenges with his pragmatic, consensus-building style and hopeful vision for Lexington's future.

Listen to the full interview with Tom Blues here.

Podcasts: Ernesto Scorsone Spreads the Gospel

To the great credit of the citizens of the Lucky 13th Senate District, Ernesto Scorsone is one of those rare politicians that gets elected again and again by standing for what's right.  Yesterday, he spoke in Williamsburg against the disgraceful decision by administrators at the University of the Cumberlands to expel Jason Johnson.

Today, Senator Scorsone spoke with us in the WRFL studio about the legal landscape surrounding that situation.  Further, we discussed this past legislative session and prospects for the future.  Sen. Scorsone, always eloquent, was really on his game today, so check it out!

Many thanks to Senator Scorsone for talking with us today and for continually setting high ethical and ideological standards for other Kentucky legislators.

Podcasts: When Steve Kay Talks, We Listen

It's simple: the entirity of Steve Kay's personal and professional life has prepared him perfectly to serve on the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government's Council.  A quick stroll through his "Issues" page will convince you that Steve is undeniably a poster child for civic activity.  I mean, the list of organizations with which he's involved is just unbelievable.

Reasonable, even-keeled, and humble, Steve Kay is just the sort of individual the LFUCG Council needs.  He believes in the positive role government can play in people's lives and will make you hopeful that Lexington indeed has a very bright future. 

His love and vision for the area and the community informs everything he does and Lexington is damn lucky to have him.

Listen to Steve's great ideas and his Boston accent.

Podcasts: Judge Jim Keller Legislatates from WRFL's Bench

Former Kentucky Supreme Court Justice and 12th District State Senate Candidate Jim Keller (it's a long title, but he's a busy guy) came into the studio last week to talk with us about his 30 years of judicial experience and why he's running for a seat on Kentucky's Senate. 

Clearly qualified, Judge Keller (like many of us) is concerned about the direction Kentucky is headed.  As a great American, he's decided to try and do something about it.  His ideas are keen and overdue.  Obviously, his three decades of experience on the bench make him uniquely suited to help craft public policy because he's seen the ramifications of past policy decisions in his courtroom.

Podcasts: Ben Chandler's Contagious Enthusiasm

U.S. Representative Ben Chandler joined us in the studio last week and, damn, that guy is just about the most fun politician I've ever been around.  He's always smiling, except when discussing Republican cuts in student loans, and gives you the sense that he's having the time of his life. 

This enthusiasm's contagious and we had a wonderful time talking with Ben Chandler about what's happening in Washington, responsible stewardship of the environment, and Democrats' prospects in Kentucky this fall.  Among other things, of course. 

Podcasts: UK Greenthumb Boogies When It's Earth Days in the Bluegrass!

Man, oh, man did we have a treat today on the radio show!  State Senate candidate and former Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Jim Keller had to reschedule his appearance on the show (don't worry, he's on for next week), so we were staring at the possibility of two hours of music for the first time since the beginning of the semester.  Which would have been fine considering I had prepared a raucous mix of music from SXSW to play for my radio peeps. 

But, I ran into Shane Tedder on his sweet tricycle outside WRFL.  While he was a student, Shane started the Wildcat Wheels program at UK and is now the Environmental Coordinator for UK's Residence Life Office.  I asked him if he was interested in coming on the show sometime and an hour later he and Tiffany Thompson, president of Greenthumb, were in the studio.

We talked about the recent referendum victory in which 66% of UK's students voted in favor of supporting sustainable energy.  We talked about Holmes Hall and its conversion into a sustainable living dormitory.  But, mostly we talked about the awesomeness that is "Earth Days in the Bluegrass"--their month-long promotion and celebration of responsible global citizenship.  With bike rides, wildflower walks, service projects, scavenger hunts, concerts, and much, much more, Earth Days in the Bluegrass is, quite simply, an amazing happening.  Ooh, and workshops on bike maintenance and nature writing!  There's something for everyone and you can find the "thing" for you on their calender.

It is obvious to those of us paying attention that our current way of life is not sustainable.  We have, therefore, two options: 1) get while the gettin's good or 2) attempt to cultivate a more healthful relationship to the non-human world.  Shane, Tiffany, and their band of jolly coordinators have chosen the latter option.  As Shane noted, part of the solution is the recognition that hundreds of decisions (where to shop, what to eat, how to get to work, where to live, whether to watch TV, etc.) made by millions of people daily have gotten us where we are today. 

How do we create a more sustainable economy?  By showing people their options and celebrating the healthy ones.  Hopefully, people will begin to evaluate their daily decisions more rigorously.  I believe that people will begin to enjoy and choose local food, human-powered transportation, and a more humble lifestyle.  That's what's gotten me so excited about Earth Days in the Bluegrass.  The whole month showcases the many opportunities we have to live in a saner, freer world. 

Today's conversation was really, really inspiring to me.

Much thanks to Tiffany and Shane for coming into the studio on such short notice and much more thanks for helping to coordinate such an enlightened and enlightening month!

You can listen to our conversation with Tiffany and Shane to find out more about Earth Days in the Bluegrass.

Podcasts: Rev. Albert Pennybacker of the Clergy and Laity Network Spreads the Good News

If you live in Lexington, you know it's full of jewels.  Here at the BlueGrassRoots Radio Review, we try to unearth the jewels, knock the dirt off of them, and share them with our audience. 

Well, two weeks ago we got to talk with a real gem of a man--the Rev. Albert Pennybacker.  Leader of the Clergy and Laiety Network (a nationwide group whose faith calls them to engage their communities and enact a progressive political vision), Rev. Pennybacker is at once passionate and humorous, earnest and insightful 

He sat down and talked with us for an hour and topics ranged from Biblical hermenutics, what to do about wedge issues, war, poor people, lobbying vs. advocacy, and much, much more.   Plus, Rev. Pennybacker's taste in music is impeccable, so we listened to some 60s protest songs from Phil Ochs and Peter, Paul and Mary. 

My favorite quote from the interview: "Neighbor is not a geographical term, it's a moral term."

Thanks to Rev. Pennybacker for coming in and wisdomizing us.  We wish him continued good fortune in his efforts to organize the religious center and left. 

Part one of our conversation: here.
Part two of our conversation: here.

Podcasts: Skippy the Bush Kangaroo Hops Onto Our Program

Yesterday, Skippy the Bush Kangaroo joined us for a second time on the BlueGrassRoots Radio Review.  Skippy, an always-gracious guest, spent an hour talking with us (this is the audio file) about 2006 prospects, Governor Ahnold, the Yearly Kos convention (at which Skippy plans to come out of his anonymous closet), and the recent FEC ruling affecting bloggers.  In the course of our conversation, Skippy referenced Will Rogers and also said (and I believe this is a direct quote), "What Republicans do in church, Democrats do in bars."  Awesome.  Not to mention that the interview is peppered with sexual innuendo. 

Thanks a million to Skippy for humoring us and for his diligent support of the smallest blades of grass in the Democratic Party's (blue)grassroots.

A paparazzo recently caught a nude Skippy on a remote shore of blogtopia (yes, he coined that phrase):

Podcasts: Coucil Candidate Andrea James Knocks On Our Door

Candidate for the LFUCG's 1st District Council seat Andrea James came by the studio yesterday to tell us about her campaign and platform.  It was a great conversation with one of Lexington's truly inspiring and insightful citizens. 

If you live in the 1st District, chances are you'll have the chance to talk with her, too, because she'll likely be knocking on your door in the coming months.  Andrea is walking the neighborhoods of the 1st District nearly every day and knocking on every single door.  Experts will tell you that knocking on every door is no way to get elected--that you've got to target the likely voters.  But, in a district that suffers from perenially low voter turnout, Andrea is out to do more than just win an election.  She's trying to engage an entire community.  It's awesome, the work she's doing.  And we wish her all the best as we head toward a five-person primary on May 16th (her birthday). 

If you want to get in touch with Andrea, her email address is chooseandrea1st (at) aol (dot) com. 

(The link to the interview is at the beginning of the post, in case you were wondering.)

Podcasts: KFTC Fights to Restore Voting Rights for Former Felons

Did you know that Kentucky is one of three states that do not automatically restore the voting rights for former felons who have served their sentence and completed their parole?  It's true.  And our good governor has made it even more difficult for former felons to regain this basic American right.  This affects an estimated 109,000 Kentuckians.  That's right, one-hundred and nine thousand.

This is where Kentuckians for the Commonwealth comes in.  Alerted to the difficulty former felons had in regaining the right to vote during their voter registration efforts in 2004, they began a push to change the process.  All session long, they've been lobbying legislators in Frankfort to get a bill passed that will begin the processs of amending Kentucky's constitution to automatically restore voting rights of former felons after they've paid their debt to society.  It's not going to pass this session, but KFTC has given this measure significant momentum that will hopefully carry into future legislative sessions. 

We were honored to have KFTC members Matt Heil and Robert Jones on the show last week to talk about restoring voting rights (this is the audio interview) to felons who have paid their debt to society.  Listen up to an eye-opening and thought-provoking discussion, if I do say so myself.  Plus, some gratuitous slams on Ernie Fletcher's popularity. 

Restoring voting rights is just the right thing to do and I applaud KFTC for working so hard on this important issue.

Podcasts: Gatewood's Running For Governor. Is 2007 The Year of the (Dark) Horse?

Two weeks ago, Gatewood Galbraith came back into the WRFL studios for a second visit on The BlueGrassRoots Radio Review.  (His visit last year is archived on the left sidebar.) 

Talking with Gatewood is always a pleasure--he is the most earnest politician I've ever met.  There is never the moment where you ask yourself, "That all sounds good, but what does he really stand for?  With Gatewood, you feel immediately that he respects people too much to lie to them and believes too powerfully in the importance of his message to refrain from politically damaging stances.  Perhaps that's akin to lying to people in his mind.  Gatewood remains true to himself, politics be damned.  And I love him for that. 

It's that earnest quality of his personhood that resonates with people who meet Gatewood.  I've seen him in the courtroom, on the streets of Lexington, at a Bob Dylan/Willie Nelson show, and in the WRFL studio.  Funny, smart, and sincere, Gatewood is a well-liked figure in all these settings.   

So, now Gatewood is running for Governor, his lifelong ambition, under the Democratic Party's banner.  In his interview with us, he articulated the two planks in his platform: education and anti-corruption.    And the question is: after two decades of valient yet failed political efforts, is 2007 Gatewood's year? 

While his stances on some issues (pot and guns, immediately) place him outside the party's conventional wisdom, Gatewood's grassroots popularity virtually guarantees him at least 15% of the primary vote.  Certainly, it's too early to know who exactly will enter the race, but if it's a crowded primary, 15% suddenly becomes competitive.  Mark Nickolas has noted this.  (And more explicitly here.)  If Gatewood is able to turn his 15% into 20-30%, things get really, really interesting. 

Though, as the interview demonstrates, things are generally interersting when Gatewood gets involved. 

Thanks to Gatewood for joining us again for another great hour in the WRFL studio.

Podcasts: Jim Gray Talks Lexington's Future

On March 9th, businessman and candidate for LFUCG's council-at-large Jim Gray spoke with Alex and me about his vision for Lexington and why he's running.  He offered some compelling reasons for why he's the man to be the future vice-mayor of our fair city.  I won't tell you what they are, you'll have to listen to the interview to find out.  Much thanks to Jim for taking time out of his day to talk with us.

Podcasts: If Wisdom, Integrity, and Experience Were Horses, Judge Noble Would Be a Thoroughbred

Bluegrass Report.org just named Judge Mary Noble's campaign to replace the inexperienced, partisan, and Fletcher-appointed John Roach on the Kentucky Supreme Court as one of the Top Ten Races of 2006.  I couldn't agree more. 

To me, the advantages of populating the Kentucky Supreme Court with experienced and impartial judges with a record of respect for the rule of law are obvious.  Electing good judges ensures  Kentuckians are treated equally and fairly under our laws and constitution.

During our conversation with Judge Noble (this is the audio link) on The BlueGrassRoots Radio Review, she made a powerful case for why she was the best candidate for one of the most important jobs in Kentucky.  Also, she has one of the best radio voices we've hosted.

Mary Noble has over a dozen years of experience as a trial judge (she's ruled in over 14,000 cases).  She helped start Drug Court here in Kentucky--a system that has saved the state thousands, if not millions, of dollars, helped rehabilitate countless citizens, and prevented future crimes.  She is not beholden to any political party or politician.

By all accounts, John Roach is an affable guy.  I have no doubt this is true.  You don't get appointed at the age of 40 to serve on the Kentucky Supreme Court by a corrupt Republican governor without having a certain charm about you. 

But, when I'm going to have a kidney removed, I don't want the doctor with the whitest teeth.  I want the  doctor who's removed the most kidneys.  When I'm rafting down a dangerous river, I don't want the guide who's going to look best in the L.L. Bean catalog or the one who's going to tell me funny jokes, I want the one who knows every boulder, eddie, and current along the way.

Judge Noble will be a great Justice Noble--a jurist of which all Kentuckians can be proud.

Podcasts: Scott White Rocks WRFL with Music and Ideas

Last Thursday, we had the distinct pleasure to talk with Scott White, candidate for the 10th District seat on LFUCG's council.  Scott is a great conversationalist and a very forward-thinking guy who has spent his childhood and part of his adult life in the 10th District.  He spent years in Frankfort working with Ben Chandler in the Attorney General's office.  And, he rocked the house with excellent musical selections.  Listen to the interview and you'll know what I mean. 

Scott is having a fundraiser at Winchell's Restaurant on March 13th at 6:00 p.m.

Podcasts: Jeff Key--Patriot, Poet, Prophet

We had two great guests today on the BlueGrassRoots Radio Review: UK Law Professor Chris Frost (see below) and Marine-turned-playwright Jeff Key (see here).

Jeff Key served in the Iraq War.  After being discharged, he came home and wrote a one-man play, The Eyes of Babylon, about his experience.  He is in Kentucky doing a few shows before returning to L.A. Sodom. 

His non-profit, the Mehadi Foundation, helps returning soldiers cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and assists Iraqis rebuilding their war-torn land.

Today, he spoke of his time in Iraq, the misguided (at best) leadership that sent America there, his struggle with depression upon returning home, his decison to come out, and how The Eyes of Babylon came to be.  He also told some funny (and sad) stories about his time in Casey County earlier this week when nearly 400 protesters showed up to support the troops encourage him to leave town.  Before we let him leave, we made him give us a taste of The Eyes of Babylon and it was, um, awesome.  A little two-minute shred of cosmic wisdom ripped from the fabric of the Iraq War.  Really, Jeff describes The Eyes of Babylon as a spiritual play, and after hearing just a bit, I can see what he means.

Jeff will be performing at the Kentucky Theatre in Lexington this Saturday at 10 a.m.  I highly recommend you check it out.  (Especially if you've got a "Support Our Troops" magnetic ribbon on the back of your car that (hearts) Iraqi Oil.)

Jeff's message is inspiring, thoughtful, timely, and, best of all, genuine.  If you're like me, you can sometimes feel as though you're taking crazy pills when you hear Republicans' doublespeak, watch them trade American ideals for corporate profits, and see them sully the name of their fellow citizens who dare to disagree.  Jeff Key will remind you that you're not crazy, far from it.  In fact, your country needs you now more than ever.  Jeff Key is a great soldier (I guess he's about 6'5" and about 2-able-to-kick-my-ass), but he can't fight this one alone.  Though, by bringing The Eyes of Babylon to Kentucky and, later this year, his home state Alabama, he sure is trying.

Marine Jeff Key Spreads the Good (and Bad) News on the BlueGrassRoots Radio Review

(Thanks to David Fitts and Ken Kleffman for helping to arrange Jeff's visit with us!)

Podcasts: Professor Chris Frost Educates Our Listenership

University of Kentucky Law Professor Chris Frost came into the studio this afternoon to tell us about why he's running for Kentucky's House of Representatives.  His district is the 88th district--out in south Lexington--but his vision includes all Kentuckians.  Professor Frost drops good ideas like George W drops bombs, so listen up.  He's a scholar, so you'd probably guess he has a firm commitment to all levels of education.  But, as a business law professor, he's also keen on creating the right conditions for economic development in Kentucky.  Listen to the interview and you'll discover an imminently qualified, reasonable candidate that wants a limited government to act in the best interests of all its citizens.   Not to mention his great taste in music...

Law Professor/House Candidate Chris Frost on the BlueGrassRoots Radio Review

Podcasts: Mark Nickolas Spreads Holiday Cheer and Political Insights

On Monday, Mark Nickolas stopped by the WRFL studio for an extended conversation on the BlueGrassRoots Radio Review.  We left practically no stone unturned, discussing over the course of two  and a half hours the 2006 legislative session, Ernie's political future, Chief Justice Lambert's own legal troubles, the prospects for Kentucky's 2006 Congressional races, and the race for Lexington's mayorship.  And that's just for starters. 

If you've got a drive to take and want to get up to date on the behind the scenes political happenings from the guy who knows, download these files and burn them to a CD. 

Thanks to Mark for fielding all of my questions and for doing fantastic, full-time work on Bluegrass Report.  Here is Part I of our interview with Mark Nickolas.  Part II is posted below.

Stay tuned for this semester's WRFL schedule and the BlueGrassRoots Radio Review's new time slot.  If you have any suggestions for guests, leave them in the comment box.

UPDATE:  The link to part two of the interview has been fixed (thanks, Michael), as well as the spelling of Mark's last name (thanks, David).  I must be slipping.

Podcasts: Mark Nickolas (Part 2 of 2)

Here's part two of our interview with Mark Nickolas of Bluegrass Report.

Podcasts: Steve Kay Says All The Right Things

What to do when your city government seems so adversarial, so bitter?  Aren't we all in this together?  What to do for Lexington when so many issues are so contentious? 

How about we hire a mediator, someone who's built a career around thinking about organizational communications and dispute resolution. 

No, I know.  We should get someone who wrote his (or her) doctoral thesis on community-school (town-gown, if you will) relations. 

You know what?  It would be great if this person were already thinking about development issues for Lexington.  Like he (or she) were already serving on some sort of board that plans Lexington's evolution. 

It would also be great if this person appreciated Dr. John's groove, had a blog and a salt-n-pepper beard, supported local ownership of water, talked of a "creative class," and had been a 30-year resident of Lex-Vegas.  (30 years ago, there was a cornfield on the corner of Alumni and Tates Creek.)

Find out all this and more about Steve Kay, the most recent guest on The BlueGrassRoots Radio Review.  (Full interview here.) 

Really, Steve is a perfectly qualified candidate for at-large city councilman.  I've encouraged Steve to just post a resume on his campaign site considering how Lexington citizens couldn't hope for a more perfect candidate.  Listen to this interview and you will appreciate what a thoughful individual Steve is.  Just the kind of person who might be able to dissovle some of the rancor that currently permeates Lexington politics.

Plus, if you listen to this interview, you get to hear my "30-Second Rush."  It's his perspective on the water-company issue.  (I listen to Rush nearly every day and love that guy.  Very funny, that Rush.  But often in that "Oh, Rush, you so silly!" kind of funny.)

Anyway, much thanks to Steve Kay for coming onto the show.  We'll get him back in the spring to tell us how things are going

Did you see that Ernie Fletcher was in The Onion?

Podcasts: Local Music Rules (as demonstrated by Chris Campbell)

The BlueGrassRoots Radio Review took a break from its usual partisaning and rocked out in the studio yesterday.  Lexington-native Chris Campbell joined us for the last hour and played originals for us and we also spun his band's new demo.  Chris is a fantastic musician and a funny guy, so you should listen.  If you like what you hear, his demo is available for download at his website.  Free music: you can't beat that.  And, what's more, it's good free music.

Godcasts: What Would Jesus Do?

Last Friday, theology professor Clint Baldwin joined us in the studio to give us a sense of how Jesus might approach the political climate of the early 21st century.   A great communicator with great energy, Clint will be joining us again from time to time via telephone from his new home in Oregon.   

Podcasts: Mark Nicholas of Bluegrass Report

Sorry for the delay in posting these interviews, but here is last Friday's interview with blogger/politico Mark Nicholas of the excellent Bluegrass Report.

Podcasts: Share the Road, Kentucky!

Flatwoods-native, Allison Smith, came into the studio yesterday and spread the gospel of Bike-Car love.  Allison is spearheading the effort to get a "Share The Road" license plate created here in Kentucky.  She needs 900 people to apply for the specialty plate by September 1st.  The plate costs the same as the "Mr. Smiley" plates, so you've got nothing to lose except Mr. Smiley.  Go ahead, apply today. 

Plus, Erin Back is designing the plates.  (Here's where I effortlessly refrain putting up a Homecoming picture from high school...)

Thanks to Allison for talking with us and heading up a very worthwhile cause.

Our Interview With Allison of ShareTheRoadKY.com.

Podcasts: Lawrence Cann Talks Homeless Soccer

Lawrence Cann, head coach of Art Works Football Club, the U.S. representatives to the 2005 Homeless World Cup, talked with us about his team, their chances in Scotland later this summer, and the homeless community in Charlotte.  Find out more about the team and their efforts by going to their website, homelesssoccer.org.  Keep posted on the tournament at the organizer's website, streetsoccer.org.

BlueGrassRoots wishes the team the best of luck both on the field and off.

Our interview with Lawrence.

Podcasts: Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, Part I

The BlueGrassRoots Radio Review had a special treat this Friday.  If we were cats, this show would have been Fancy Feast, Beef in Gravy-style.  Skippy the Bush Kangaroo joined us for an hour-and-forty-five minute conversation.  As you might expect, the conversation ranged over a number of delicious topics including black box voting, Iraq, journalism's economic interests in war, living in Ahnold's California, religious fundamentalism and its incompatibility with an Ayn Randian economic policy, the Downing Street Memo, and all sorts of other craziness.  Here are some websites to check out that are mentioned in the interview: AfterDowningStreet, Big Brass Blog, and Shakespeare's Sister.

It's definitely worth a listen.  Skippy is a very funny guy with a unique perspective.  Plus, it contains observations from Mr. Alex DeGrand who will be joining us in the studio with some regularity in the future. 

Thanks to Skippy for coming on the show and being such a great guest.

Here's the first part of our interview with Skippy the Bush Kangaroo.  See below to finish up the interview.

Podcasts: Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, Part II

Here's the second part of our interview with Skippy the Bush Kangaroo.  You should definitely listen to the end of this interview.  Though I messed up some of our transitions from songs to talking throughout the interview, Skippy and I nail the exit.  Enjoy!

Politics/Podcasts: Janet Stumbo Talks Law and Order For Judicial Campaigns

Former Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Janet Stumbo sat down with BlueGrassRoots Radio last night for an hour to talk about the future of rules governing judicial elections in our fair state.  Predicting the dawn of a new partisanship in judicial campaigns, the outlook is not hopeless, she says.  The solution to races appealing to the lowest common denominator is voter education, grassroots watchdog organizations, and PACs supporting judges who abide by principles of judicial restraint and the old practice of not commenting on cases or controversies that might come before the court.

We would like to thank Ms. Stumbo for coming on the show AND for bringing great music.  Loretta Lynn, The New Pornographers, Bright Eyes, and O-Zone--she and her kids have excellent taste in music.

You can hear our entire interview here or in the Radio Archives to your left. 

Isn't this fun?

Podcast: David O'Neill, The Fayette County Democratic Party's New Intrepid Leader

Here is our interview with David O'Neill.  In it, he talks about his vision for Democrats in Fayette County and rocks our socks off with some Santana and 80's mullet rock.  Look for a new online look for Fayette County Democrats real soon.

Podcasts: Oliver From The Liquid List

The BlueGrassRoots Radio Review did right by our new timeslot (6-8 on Fridays on WRFL, live stream here).  Oliver, founder of and blogger at The Liquid List, joined us in the 7 o'clock hour.  Oliver is one of my favorite bloggers around.  The Liquid List was the first blog I ever heard of and I read it all the time.  It is the figurative wind beneath our BlueGrassRoots wings.

Oliver talked with us (click this link for the audio) about blogging, Democrats' role as obstructionists, and IOKIYAR. Not to mention rocking our socks off with Lucinda Williams, The Fruit Bats, and Old Crow Medicine Show. We had such a good time, Oliver will be back with us soon talking more politics on the BlueGrassRoots Radio Review.

Podcasts: Lexicon Project--To Haiti in a Handbasket

Two Wednesdays ago, the good-looking boys of the Lexicon Project (they left the brains, Marcie Crim, at home) spent an hour in the studio spinning tunes and narratives.  Great Radio

Rep. Kathy Stein Speaks Truth to Power

Kathy Stein is one smart lady.  A lawyer, mother of three, and State Representative, she works tirelessly here in Lexington and in Frankfort to lead Kentuckians toward a more just, compassionate, and healthful future.  She advocates for the downtrodden, marginalized, and everyday Kentuckian.  She speaks truth to power.  She knows exactly what Republicans are up to and isn't afraid to call arrogance "arrogance" and power-crazed men "power-crazed men."

The BlueGrassRoots Radio Review was fortunate to have Rep. Stein on the show today.  We talked about her past, both personal and professional, this year's legislative session, Republican's dirty tricks (and how their political games are endangering the lives of Kentucky's children everyday), and reasons to hope.  Okay, we didn't talk about reasons to hope, but knowing that Rep. Stein and her allies are in the State House gives me reason to hope.  We also listened to some Loretta Lynn, George Jones, and Jackie Wilson. 

Good times in the WRFL studio this morning.  We got a few calls from folks saying the show sounded great.  Thank you for saying so.

Here's Represenative Stein's website at the LRC.  And here's the LRC's homepage.  And here's our Interview with Rep. Stein.

Jeremy Horton of Change For Kentucky

Here it is, our much-anticipated and highly-envied interview with Jeremy Horton, director of Change For Kentucky and member of the state central committee of the Kentucky Democratic Party.  In it, we talk politics, God, punk music, moviemaking, and worldchanging.

BGR Talks With Jeremy Horton

Jim Newberry, Lexington Mayoral Candidate Talks with BlueGrassRoots

Here's the interview with Lexington mayoral candidate, Jim Newberry.  We talk bikes, horses, economic development, community-building, and other topics of great import.

It was great talking with Mr. Newberry today and we hope to have him back in a few months to talk about improving the town-gown relationship in Lexington, KY.

Politics/Religion: Talking God and Politics on Talk Radio

I told you yesterday that I couldn't find the audio file from our interview with Nathan Wilson, minister of Clintonville Christian Church.  Well, last night, call it an epiphany or grace, I figured it out and found the file.

Interview: BlueGrassRoots Radio talks God and politics with Nathan Wilson.

BlueGrassRoots Sits Down with Kentucky State Auditor, Crit Luallen

A few weeks ago, State Auditor Crit Luallen came on the BlueGrassRoots Radio Review to talk with us.  Here's what she had to say.

Podcasts: Jessica Valenti of Feministing.com on The BlueGrassRoots Radio Review

From The BlueGrassRoots Radio Review: here is our excellent interview with the excessively entertaining Jessica Valenti of Feministing.com.  You can check out her website at feministing.com.

We hope to have our interview with Fayette County Democratic Party Chair, Randy Ratliff up soon, but are encountering some software issues.  We're new to this, cut us some slack.  In the meanwhile, for delicious tunes, you can check out our archived interviews.

Radio: BlueGrassRoots Radio Review

The BlueGrassRoots Radio Review airs each Wednesday morning from 6-9 a.m. on WRFL, Radio Free Lexington.   1/3 music, 1/3 news and commentary, and 1/3 guests from across Kentucky and the blogosphere, the BGR Radio Review is 100% informative and entertaining.

In this segment, artist and musician Bill Santen is live in the studio.  He plays songs from his new album, In the Night Kitchen, and talks about his art, muses, and two years touring with and opening for Elliot Smith.