Talk Louisiana

40 Episodes
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By: Jim Engster

Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster airs weekdays at 9am and 9pm on WRKF.

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Kai Ryssdal, Greg Meriwether
Kai Ryssdal, Greg Meriwether episode artwork
Today at 4:32 PM

Radio journalist and host of "Marketplace" Kai Ryssdal gives insight into his career throughout the years and also speaks on WRKF's 10th Annual Founders Day Luncheon. WAFB anchor Greg Meriwether reflects on his life and career amid his 25th anniversary at WAFB.


Jan Moller, Ted James, Troy Hebert, Eric Schlosser
Jan Moller, Ted James, Troy Hebert, Eric Schlosser episode artwork
Last Friday at 3:22 PM

Head of Invest in Louisiana Jan Moller is joined by former state representatives Ted James and Troy Hebert to discuss the upcoming midterm elections and the candidates. Journalist and writer Eric Schlosser talks the 25th-anniversary milestone of his landmark book, "Fast Food Nation".


Nora Ahmed, Mark Ballard
Nora Ahmed, Mark Ballard episode artwork
Last Thursday at 3:57 PM

Legal Director for the ACLU of Louisiana Nora Ahmed comments on the issue of mail-in abortion drugs and also the latest on ICE throughout the country. The Advocate's Mark Ballard talks the latest in the political world including Mike Johnson, Edmonds vs Miguez, and the upcoming midterm elections.


Sid Edwards, Quin Hillyer
Sid Edwards, Quin Hillyer episode artwork
Last Wednesday at 5:00 PM

Mayor President for the city of Baton Rouge Sid Edwards discusses what's happening in and around Baton Rouge including his mission to clean up blight in Baton Rouge.Columnist Quin Hillyer talks his article in opposition to the recent opening of a cannabis dispensary in New Orleans as well as various political topics.


John Talty, Mike Wolf
John Talty, Mike Wolf episode artwork
Last Tuesday at 3:18 PM

National college sports reporter and author John Talty talks his latest work on LSU head coach Lane Kiffin, "Lane Being Lane".Libertarian lawyer Mike Wolf comments on the latest in local news including the latest column written by Quin Hillyer regarding a new marijuana dispensary in the French Quarter and Pres. Trump and mail-in voting.


Darrell Glasper, Bob Mann
Darrell Glasper, Bob Mann episode artwork
09/14/2026

Former metro councilman and Republican Darrell Glasper talks his ongoing lawsuit against the LSU EDD and LSU EDD Athletic Subdistrict. Former LSU Manship School professor Bob Mann comments on the latest in the politics and beyond including the upcoming midterm elections and the world of football.


Jay Dardenne, Dan Moldea
Jay Dardenne, Dan Moldea episode artwork
09/11/2026

Lawyer and former Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana Jay Dardenne remembers the tragedy of 9/11 on its 25th anniversary, comments on LSU vs the SEC, and also talks the life and legacy of football star Billy Cannon by referencing his upcoming documentary, "Circles: The Life of Billy Cannon". Author and investigative journalist Dan Moldea comments on the latest in the political world including Pres. Trump and the upcoming midterm elections.


Melissa Flournoy, Mike Chittom, Mark Ballard, Paul Groves
Melissa Flournoy, Mike Chittom, Mark Ballard, Paul Groves episode artwork
09/10/2026

Former state lawmaker and cofounder of 10000 Women Louisiana Melissa Flournoy is joined by member of the Republican Central Committee Michael Chittom to discuss various political topics including the latest with Pres. Trump and the upcoming midterm elections. The Advocate's Mark Ballard comments on the latest in national and local news including the Louisiana delegation and LSU vs. the SEC. Grammy-award winning operatic tenor and general director of Opera Louisiane Paul Groves talks the upcoming show "Life, Liberty, and Laughs", and the upcoming "Young Artist Residency Auditions". For more information, visit https://www.operalouisiane.com/.


Roy Fletcher, Jere Longman
Roy Fletcher, Jere Longman episode artwork
09/09/2026

Republican political consultant Roy Fletcher comments on the recent endeavors to remove LSU from the SEC, and talks the upcoming republican midterm convention. Reporter for the New York Times Jere Longman also speaks on the recent news involving LSU, as well as his perspective of the 9/11 tragedy after writing his book "Among the Heroes: United Flight 93 & the Passengers & Crew".


JR Ball, Elbert Guillory
JR Ball, Elbert Guillory episode artwork
09/08/2026

Veteran journalist and co-founder of Red Eye JR Ball talks the latest in local news including LSU's win against Clemson, moving Baton Rouge out of the parish government, and City Park. Republican and former Louisiana State Senator Elbert Guillory comments on the latest in politics including his candidacy and campaign for Mayor of Opelousas, upcoming midterm elections, and the Republican party.


Rusty Domingue, Dr. Eric Ravussin, Dr. Beth Ricanati
Rusty Domingue, Dr. Eric Ravussin, Dr. Beth Ricanati episode artwork
09/07/2026

Former LSU football player and current Pastor/Missionary Rusty Domingue speaks on his life and journey to this point. Douglas L. Gordon Chair in Diabetes and Metabolism and Boyd Professor Dr. Eric Ravussin speaks on breakthroughs in diabetes with GLP-1 drugs. Author and internal medicine doctor Dr. Beth Ricanati talks her latest work, "The Braided Prescription".


Cleo Fields, Phil Preis
Cleo Fields, Phil Preis episode artwork
09/04/2026

Former congressman for Louisiana's 6th district Cleo Fields talks various political topics including upcoming elections, the war in Iran, and Pres. Trump. Attorney and former Louisiana politician Phil Preis speaks on LSU's recent victory against the SEC regarding athletes with NFL ties to play college football.


Tim Temple, Jim Engster, Mark Ballard
Tim Temple, Jim Engster, Mark Ballard episode artwork
09/03/2026

Louisiana Commissioner of Insurance Tim Temple talks this year's hurricane season and also comments on the insurance crisis in the state. Talk LA host Jim Engster talks the latest news including Ella Langley's Top Billboard No.1 and the recent deaths of jazz artist Cassandra Wilson and activist Gloria Steinem. The Advocate's Mark Ballard speaks on various political topics including the upcoming midterm elections and the candidates.


Fred Dent, Andy Anderson, Marty Elcan, Alan Risher
Fred Dent, Andy Anderson, Marty Elcan, Alan Risher episode artwork
09/02/2026

Financial advisors Fred Dent and Andy Anderson give their take on the markets during their monthly visit. Hollywood professional Marty Elcan speaks on her time serving as AD on the film 'Steel Magnolias" featuring the late Dolly Parton. Former LSU quarterback Alan Risher remembers his time playing under head coach Jerry Stovall, and also talks the upcoming LSU football season.


Mary Stein, Jim Brown, Paul Arrigo
Mary Stein, Jim Brown, Paul Arrigo episode artwork
09/01/2026

Assistant Director for the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Mary Stein talks the latest at the library for this month. For more information on upcoming event, visit https://www.ebrpl.com/events-classes/#/events/. Veteran Louisiana politico Jim Brown comments on various political topics including the latest in lawsuits and the media. Former president of Visit Baton Rouge Paul Arrigo remembers LSU star Jerry Stovall amid his recent death.


Mary- Patricia Wray, Troy Hebert, Jim Engster
Mary- Patricia Wray, Troy Hebert, Jim Engster episode artwork
08/31/2026

Political consultant Mary Patricia Wray is joined by former State Representative Troy Hebert to discuss various political topics including the upcoming Senate race and its candidates, congressional elections, and the war in Iran. Talk Louisiana host Jim Engster talks various topics including LSU vs SEC, the age of politicians, and the latest with Pres. Trump.


General Russel Honore, James Carville
General Russel Honore, James Carville episode artwork
08/28/2026

Retired lieutenant general and founder of the GreenARMY General Russel Honore comments on various topics locally and nationally including the 21st anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the ongoing war in Iran. Longtime politico James Carville talks the latest in politics including the upcoming midterm elections and its candidates.


Manuel Martinez, Mark Ballard
Manuel Martinez, Mark Ballard episode artwork
08/27/2026

World renowned tailor and men's fashion influencer Manuel Martinez talks the latest on style and fashion. The Advocate's Mark Ballard comments on various local and national political topics including the upcoming House elections, the latest on Pres. Trump, and the SEC v. LSU.


Sid Edwards, Glenn Guilbeau, Lee Brecheen
Sid Edwards, Glenn Guilbeau, Lee Brecheen episode artwork
08/26/2026

Mayor President for the city of Baton Rouge Sid Edwards discusses all that's happening in the city including recruitment to BRPD and the fight against blight and litter around Baton Rouge. Host Jim Engster pays tribute to legendary entertainer Dolly Parton after the news of her death on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026. Editor of Tiger Rag Magazine Glenn Guilbeau is joined by owner of Louisiana Football Magazine Lee Brecheen to discuss the late Skip Bertman as well as NIL and the transfer portal in regards to LSU.


Dinero Washington, Dayne Sherman, Garey Forster
Dinero Washington, Dayne Sherman, Garey Forster episode artwork
08/25/2026

Chief executive officer of SporTran Transit Dinero' Washington gives insight into SporTran EVOLVE, the first self-driving transit vehicles in Louisiana.Former Southeastern professor Dayne Sherman and activist Dayne Sherman is joined by former state lawmaker Garey Forster to discuss the latest in politics including the state of the Republican party, upcoming senate elections and the candidates, and Ten Commandments in LA schools.


Nanette McCann, Scott Wilfong, Dr. Angelle Bradford
Nanette McCann, Scott Wilfong, Dr. Angelle Bradford episode artwork
08/24/2026

Baton Rouge Magnet High Principal Nanette McCann talks the success of the school and also the honor of being selected Magnet Schools of America Region V Principal of the Year. Republican political consultant Scott Wilfong is joined by Democratic community activist, medical researcher and scientist Angelle Bradford to discuss the latest in the political world including the upcoming senate election and its candidates and Pres. Trump.


Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, Dadrius Lanus
Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, Dadrius Lanus episode artwork
08/21/2026

Lieutenant governor of Louisiana Billy Nungesser talks the latest in tourism through the state, ongoing state plans and projects, and also the idea of the closed primary upcoming election. Member of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System and executive director of the LA Democratic Party Dadrius Lanus talks the latest in local politics including the upcoming senate election and its candidates.


Mark Ballard, Ron Maestri
Mark Ballard, Ron Maestri episode artwork
08/20/2026

The Advocate's Mark Ballard comments on the latest in politics including the national deficit, the upcoming midterm elections, and the Florida governor election. Former UNO baseball coach Ron Maestri reflects on his career over the years and also remembers legendary LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman and legendary MLB pitcher Tommy John.


Buddy Guy, David Holt, John Mese
Buddy Guy, David Holt, John Mese episode artwork
08/19/2026

In an encore interview, legendary blues singer and guitarist Buddy Guy reflects on his life and career over the years and also his upcoming performance at the Saenger Theatre. For tickets, visit https://us.atgtickets.com/events/buddy-guy/saenger-theatre/. President of Consumer Energy Alliance David Holt addresses concerns regarding carbon capture, data centers, and green energy. Actor John Mese talks his upcoming presentation at the Manship Theatre, "Me and My Dad". For more information, visit https://manshiptheatre.org/comingsoon/thestoryofmeandmydad-pptxj-a7mhr.


Kelly Swift, Billy Tauzin, Darryl Hurst
Kelly Swift, Billy Tauzin, Darryl Hurst episode artwork
08/18/2026

Programming Director and Social Media Curator at The Manship Kelly Swift talks the upcoming Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival. For more information, visit https://www.batonrougeunderground.com/. Former United States Representative Billy Tauzin discusses the latest in politics including stock trading and members of the US House. District 5 Metro Councilman Darryl Hurst talks the latest in local news including taxing districts.


Dennis Kucinich, Ron Faucheux, Monique Appeaning
Dennis Kucinich, Ron Faucheux, Monique Appeaning episode artwork
08/17/2026

Former mayor of Cleveland Dennis Kucinich gives his thoughts on the Democratic party. Polling analyst Ron Faucheux speaks on various local political topics including Gov. Landry's recent statements regarding the city of New Orleans and the upcoming senate race. Republican candidate for Louisiana's 6th Congressional District Monique Appeaning speaks on her campaign and candidacy.


Jay Dardenne, Gov. Jeff Landry
Jay Dardenne, Gov. Jeff Landry episode artwork
08/14/2026

Lawyer and former Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana Jay Dardenne remembers legendary LSU baseball coach, Skip Bertman amid his recent death and also talks the life and legacy of football star Billy Cannon by referencing his upcoming documentary, "Circles: The Life of Billy Cannon. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry speaks on various local topics including Meta centers throughout the state, NDAs, SpaceX, and AG Liz Murrill.


Humberto Fontova, Mark Ballard, David Hill
Humberto Fontova, Mark Ballard, David Hill episode artwork
08/13/2026

Author and columnist Humberto Fontova speaks on the impact and effect of leadership of former Cuban President Fidel Castro on the 100th anniversary of his birth. The Advocate's Mark Ballard comments on various political topics including the upcoming November election and Pres. Trump and mail-in voting. Author David Hill talks his hometown of Hot Spring, Arkansas on its 150th anniversary.


Pat Forbes, Bob Jacobsen, Jeff Sadow, Melissa Flournoy
Pat Forbes, Bob Jacobsen, Jeff Sadow, Melissa Flournoy episode artwork
08/12/2026

Candidate for Louisiana's 6th District Pat Forbes gives insight into his campaign and candidacy for senate. Environmental engineer Bob Jacobsen talks the impact and effect the 2016 flood had on the city ten years later. Associate professor of political science at Louisiana State University Shreveport Jeff Sadow is joined by former state lawmaker and cofounder of 10000 Women Louisiana Melissa Flournoy to discuss various political topics including the latest with Pres. Trump and the upcoming midterm elections.


Jason Langlois, Warwick Sabin, Pearson Cross
Jason Langlois, Warwick Sabin, Pearson Cross episode artwork
08/11/2026

Executive Director at the Manship Theatre Jason Langlois discusses upcoming events at the Manship Theatre including two events to celebrate Barbra Streisand. For more information visit: https://manshiptheatre.org/ President and CEO of Deep South Today Warwick Sabin speaks on the current state of journalism and the pursuit of keeping people living in news deserts informed. Political analyst Pearson Cross comments on Louisiana politics including the 5th and 6th districts, and Bill Cassidy.


Tyler Bridges, Patrick Sloan Turner, William Most
Tyler Bridges, Patrick Sloan Turner, William Most episode artwork
08/10/2026

The Advocate and Times Picayune reporter Tyler Bridges comments on the catalyst leading to the confirmation of Todd Blanche as the new United States Attorney General. The Advocate's Patrick Sloan Turner discusses the indictment of the East Baton Rouge Parish super intendent Lamont Cole for alleged malfeasance. Attorney William Most speaks on the lawsuit to halt the taxation for the potential LSU arena.


Cleo Fields, Mandie Landry, Deborah Willis, Happy Birthday, Edwin Edwards!
Cleo Fields, Mandie Landry, Deborah Willis, Happy Birthday, Edwin Edwards! episode artwork
08/07/2026

Congressman Cleo Fields gives insight into his upcoming endeavors including his running for LA State Senate and also comments on various topics including AI data centers in the state. Attorney and member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from the 91st district Mandie Landry speaks on various political topics including AI and political campaigns. Contemporary African-American artist, photographer, and educator Dr. Deborah Willis talks her upcoming exhibition at the BR Gallery, "Free As They Want to Be". For tickets and more information, visit https://www.batonrougegallery.org/upcoming-events/2026/willis-talk.


Amanda Litman, Mark Ballard
Amanda Litman, Mark Ballard episode artwork
08/06/2026

Author, political organizer, and co-founder/president of Run for Something Amanda Litman talks the impact and importance of young people in politics by referencing her latest work, "When We're In Charge". The Advocate's Mark Ballard comments on the latest in local and national politics including candidate qualifying in Louisiana, the upcoming US Senate election, and the latest on Pres. Trump.






Fred Dent, Andy Anderson, Scott Wilfong, Dayne Sherman
Fred Dent, Andy Anderson, Scott Wilfong, Dayne Sherman episode artwork
08/05/2026

Financial advisors Fred Dent and Andy Anderson join for their monthly visit and speak on current market trends. Republican political consultant Scott Wilfong is joined by former Southeastern professor Dayne Sherman to discuss various political topics such as the results of the Michigan senate primary.


Mary Stein, Charlie Melancon, Jonathan Earle
Mary Stein, Charlie Melancon, Jonathan Earle episode artwork
08/04/2026

Assistant Director for the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Mary Stein gives insight into what's new at the library in the month of August. For more information, visit https://www.ebrpl.com/events-classes/#/events/. Former Louisiana Congressman Charlie Melancon comments on various political topics including the announcement by John Cornyn of and Thom Tillis to confirm Todd Blanche as AG and also division within the Democratic Party. Author, historian, professor, and dean Jonathan Earle talks his latest work, "He Has the People".


Chauna Banks, JR Ball, Judge Don Johnson
Chauna Banks, JR Ball, Judge Don Johnson episode artwork
08/03/2026

Former councilwoman Chauna Banks speaks on various local issues including the new arena, her time on the council, and also talks her upcoming event, The Black Business Insiders Expo and Convention. For more information, visit https://conventioncenter.raisingcanesrivercenter.com/event/black-business-insiders-expo-and-convention-2026/69/. Veteran journalist and co-founder of Red Eye JR Ball comments on the latest in local news including LSU funding and the athletic department. Section 1, Division B of the Louisiana 19th Judicial District Court Judge Don Johnson speaks on his career throughout the years and also upcoming political endeavors.


Billy Nungesser, Garret Graves
Billy Nungesser, Garret Graves episode artwork
07/31/2026

Lieutenant governor of Louisiana Billy Nungesser talks the latest in tourism through the state and the effects tariffs on Canadian goods will have on tourism. Former US Representative Garret Graves comments on various political topics including upcoming elections, the cancellation of The Mid-Barataria sediment diversion project, and other local concerns.


Dan Moldea, Mark Ballard
Dan Moldea, Mark Ballard episode artwork
07/30/2026

Author and investigative journalist Dan Moldea comments on latest in national news including the recent Senate hearing between Rand Paul and Anthony Fauci and also talks his work regarding the disappearance of James Hoffa. The Advocate's Mark Ballard talks various politics topics including the conflict between Rand Paul and Anthony Fauci during the Senate hearing, Pres. Trump, AG nominations, and the war in Iran.


Ted James, Troy Hebert
Ted James, Troy Hebert episode artwork
07/29/2026

Politicians from differing political spectrums Ted James and Troy Hebert converse about voter temperament amidst the upcoming fall midterm elections, and talk various other political topics.


Quin Hillyer, Bob Mann
Quin Hillyer, Bob Mann episode artwork
07/28/2026

Conservative commentator Quin Hillyer talks the latest in local news including the city of New Orleans, Gov. Landry, and Liz Murrill. Former LSU Manship School professor Bob Mann comments on various political topics including the war in Iran, the recent Correspondent's Dinner, and Pres. Trump.