Think Humanities
Kentucky Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C. The Council is supported by the National Endowment and by private contributions. We are not a state agency, and we receive no state funds, but we are proud partners with Kentucky's cultural, heritage, arts, and tourism agencies.
Why are we Telling Kentucky's Story?
More than just history, by Kentucky's story we mean Kentucky's writers, inventors, judges, musicians, architects, doctors – in short, the contributions from every walk of life to the quality of life in Kentucky. We recognize a need to build civic engagement as well as literacy, and we want to involve all ages and all places from Pine Knot to Princeton. Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone can learn from the stories of others. These stories, taken together, are the stories of our communities, our counties, our regions, and our unique Kentucky culture and heritage. They are the basis of our pride and the basic premise of community.
What are the Humanities?
Humanity in all its forms. The humanities are the values by which we live, the ideas that organize our thinking, and all of the ways we communicate with each other. The humanities include the ways of knowing found in the academic disciplines of history, literature, and philosophy, as well as anthropology, sociology and psychology. But they encompass much more: religion, culture, the origins of Bluegrass music, the archaeology of landfills, Kentuckians' love for their counties, what they teach their children, why they make burgoo. All these things are the humanities.
Latest episodes
Mar 4, 2020 • 36min
Episode 122 - Kathryn Newfont, Chair Of The 43rd Appalachian Studies Conference
Kathryn Newfont joins us for this week's episode of THINK HUMANITIES to tell us about the upcoming 43rd Appalachian Studies Conference taking place at the University of Kentucky. The conference theme is "Appalachian Understories: Growing Hope and Resilience from Commonwealth to Global Commons" and will be taking place March 12 - 15.
Feb 19, 2020 • 41min
Episode 120 - Ouita Michel, Chef & Restaurateur
Local chef and restaurateur Ouita Michel joins Bill Goodman on this week's episode of Think Humanities to talk about her background, her 10 local restaurants, and her thoughts on Kentucky's local food scene.
Feb 19, 2020 • 21min
Episode 121 - Katrina Salley, Asbury Children's Literature Conference
Join us for this week's episode of Think Humanities as host Bill Goodman talks to Katrina Salley, Education Librarian at Asbury University, about Asbury's upcoming Children's Literature Conference. The conference will be held on Asbury's campus on March 7th.
Feb 12, 2020 • 29min
Episode 119 - Mary Ann Taylor - Hall, Author & Poet
Author & Poet Mary Ann Taylor-Hall joins us for this week's episode of THINK HUMANITIES. Host Bill Goodman and Taylor-Hall discuss her inspiration and writing process as well as her future work.
Feb 5, 2020 • 35min
Episode 118 - Kevin Hardesty, Actor
Actor Kevin Hardesty sits down with host Bill Goodman for this week's episode of THINK HUMANITIES. The duo discuss Hardesty's background in acting and his work as Daniel Boone and Jefferson Davis for Kentucky Chautauqua.
Jan 29, 2020 • 36min
Episode 117 - Mike Norris, Author & Songwriter
Author & Songwriter Mike Norris joins us for this week's episode of THINK HUMANITIES. Hear about Norris' latest book, how he got into writing, and more!
Jan 22, 2020 • 31min
Episode 116 - Wayne Onkst, Author & Speaker
Wayne Onkst is an author and former librarian as well as a member of the Kentucky Humanities Speakers Bureau. Today, Onkst joins host Bill Goodman to discuss his work in Kentucky's libraries, the history of the Bookmobile in Kentucky, and his book about U.S. Presidents visiting to the Commonwealth.
Jan 15, 2020 • 47min
Episode 115 - Michael Benson, Former EKU President
Former Eastern Kentucky University President Michael Benson joins host Bill Goodman for this episode of Think Humanities. Dr. Benson discusses how he got into higher education and what is up next for him.
Jan 8, 2020 • 29min
Episode 114 - John Thelin, Author
Author John Thelin joins us for this week's episode of THINK HUMANITIES. A University Research Professor in the University of Kentucky College of Education Department of Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation, Thelin's latest book, “A History of American Higher Education," was recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the best 10 books about higher education in 2019.
Dec 18, 2019 • 34min
Episode 113 - Michael Johnathon, Host of Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour
Our podcast year is closed out by a visit with Michael Johnathon – a folk singer-songwriter, producer, author, playwright, and member of Kentucky Humanities’ Speakers Bureau. Johnathon is also the host of WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour, a live audience radio show with grassroots artists.
