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
Dec 11, 2019 • 35min
Episode 112 - Ashley Smith, Black Soil
Host Bill Goodman is joined by Black Soil's Ashley Smith. Representing 1.4% of the primary farm operators in the state, black farmers account for less than 600 of the more than 76,000 agricultural operations in Kentucky. Black Soil's mission is to reconnect black Kentuckians to their legacy and heritage in agriculture. By bringing together urban families with rural and urban based black farmers/growers/producers across the state, Black Soil helps introduce opportunities in agriculture that promote self-sufficiency, encourage healthy living, and activate cooperative economics. Black Soil seeks to help foster a greater market share for black farmers and producers as they provide healthy food options to a larger consumer base. Learn more about Black Soil and upcoming events at www.blacksoil.life.
Dec 4, 2019 • 36min
Episode 111 - Jim Clark & Cameron Walpole, Ashland
Ashland's Executive Director Jim Clark and Manager of Tours Cameron Walpole join host Bill Goodman for this week's episode of THINK HUMANITIES. The trio discuss a new initiative at Henry Clay's Ashland to learn more about its African American history.
Nov 27, 2019 • 30min
Episode 110 - Jack & Angene Wilson, Authors
Host Bill Goodman is joined by authors Jack & Angene Wilson on this week's episode of THINK HUMANITIES. The Wilsons are co-authors (along with Francis Musoni, Iddah Otieno)of the book Voices of African Immigrants in Kentucky: Migration, Identity, and Transnationality published by the University Press of Kentucky. The trio discuss the oral histories collected for the book.
Nov 13, 2019 • 39min
Episode 108 - Shawn Pryor, Author
Shawn Pryor is the creator and co-writer of the all-ages graphic novel mystery series CASH & CARRIE, writer of KENTUCKY KAIJU, and has written for Tor.com. He is one of the co-founders of Action Lab Entertainment and currently serves as their President of Creative Relations.
Shawn will be joined by more than 200 authors at the Kentucky Book Fair on Saturday, November 16th at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. Join us from 9 a.m.-4p.m. Admission & parking are free.
Nov 7, 2019 • 31min
Episode 107 - Marvin Bartlett, Author & News Anchor
Fox 56 News Anchor Marvin Bartlett is our guest on this week's episode of THINK HUMANITIES. Bartlett's book, The Boy Who Delivered Joy, tells the true story of Jarrett Mynear and the creation of Jarrett's Joy Cart. Marvin Bartlett will be at the Kentucky Book Festival Kickoff on Sunday, November 10th and at the Kentucky Book Fair on Saturday, November 16th.
Oct 30, 2019 • 25min
Episode 106 - Ed McClanahan, Author
Kentucky author Ed McClanahan takes host Bill Goodman on a trip down memory lane, sharing some of the places and moments that inspired his writing. McClanahan will be part of the Kentucky Book Festival's Literary Luncheon on Tuesday, November 12, 2019.
Oct 23, 2019 • 45min
Episode 105 - Kentucky Book Festival Preview
Get an overview of the 2019 Kentucky Book Festival on this week's episode of THINK HUMANITIES. Host Bill Goodman is joined by Special Events Director Julie Klier and Kentucky Book Festival Director Sara Volpi for an in-depth look at the literary activities taking place November 10-16, and how you can participate.
Oct 16, 2019 • 38min
Episode 104 - Kentucky Book Fair Volunteer Committee
Now in its 38th year, the Kentucky Book Fair is among the longest running events of its kind in the nation. Find out how it all began as host Bill Goodman visits with members of the volunteer committee responsible for the fair in its early days.
Oct 9, 2019 • 27min
Episode 103 - Steve Flairty, Author
Author Steve Flairty joins us for this week's episode of THINK HUMANITIES. Flairty discusses his series of books, "Kentucky's Everyday Heroes" with host Bill Goodman.
Oct 2, 2019 • 35min
Episode 102 - Kris Kimel, Space and Humanity Seminar
Space Tango's Kris Kimel joins us to discuss the upcoming Space and Humanity Seminar taking place on Thursday, October 3rd at the University of Kentucky. The Space and Humanity Seminar is part of the emerging initiative involving an interdisciplinary group of creative thinkers in the humanities, biology, philosophy, economics, space business, and exploration, dedicated to addressing and better preparing for the continued expansion of human civilization into space.
