Think Humanities

Host Bill Goodman is joined by writer, filmmaker, and member of Kentucky Humanities Speakers Bureau, Jerry Deaton. A native of Long Creek, Kentucky, Deaton discusses his experience growing up in Breathitt County and the deep appreciation he developed for his eastern Kentucky roots. Deaton found himself still drawn to Breathitt County after retiring from the Legislative Research Commission where he drafted bills, wrote speeches, and served as a lobbyist. Today, he honors his hometown through books, films, and lectures centered on Appalachia.

Host Bill Goodman is joined by Dr. Michael Cairo, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Political Science at Transylvania University. Dr. Cairo discusses the relevance of Robert Penn Warren’s timeless and celebrated work, "All the King’s Men," in relation to today’s society. Dr. Cairo will serve as a moderator for a community discussion about journalism and politics during our upcoming Kentucky Reads event, Democracy and the Informed Citizen, at Transylvania University’s Carrick Theatre on Tuesday, October 16th at 6:30 PM. The evening will begin with a “cuttings” read of the play "All the King’s Men" featuring regional actors and will be followed by a panel discussion including public figure Mayor Jim Gray, journalist Linda Blackford, and scholar Maurice Manning.

Host Bill Goodman is joined by longtime educator and school administrator, Dr. Keen Babbage. Dr. Babbage reflects upon lessons learned from his 34 years working in Kentucky schools, and explains his optimism for the future of education. Dr. Babbage recently released two new books, "Four Vital Questions for High School Seniors" and "Four Vital Questions for Teachers and Principals." He is also a new member of our Kentucky Humanities Speakers Bureau. In today’s episode, Babbage previews one of his featured talks, "Life Lessons from My Grandparents: Kentucky Governor Keen Johnson and Kentucky First Lady Eunice Johnson."

Host Bill Goodman is joined by Dr. Patrick Lewis, specialist in Civil War history and Director of the Civil War Governors of Kentucky Digital Documentary Edition at the Kentucky Historical Society. Dr. Lewis is also a member of our Kentucky Humanities Speakers Bureau. On today’s episode, he discusses Ben Buckner and Helen Martin, a Kentucky couple that supported and aided opposite sides during the Civil War. Dr. Lewis emphasizes the importance of seeking out the stories of our local communities to preserve their history.

Host Bill Goodman is joined by filmmaker Tom Thurman of KET. Thurman’s latest documentary focuses on Kentucky's celebrated, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Robert Penn Warren. Thurman and KET will present a sneak preview of his documentary, "Robert Penn Warren: A Vision," on Sunday, September 9th at 2:00 PM at the Lexington Public Library's Farish Theatre. The full-length documentary will debut at Western Kentucky University's Van Meter Hall on Monday, October 22nd. These two events are part of Kentucky Humanities' statewide reading initiative, Kentucky Reads: All the King's Men.

Host Bill Goodman is joined by nationally recognized author Ada Limón. She is the author of five books of poetry, including "Bright Dead Things," which was a finalist for the 2015 National Book Award in Poetry, a finalist for the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award, and was named one of the Top Ten Poetry Books of the Year by the New York Times. Having lived all across the country in Northern California, Seattle, and New York City, Limón has resided in Lexington for seven years now with her husband, Lucas. Her latest work, "The Carrying," was released earlier this month.

Host Bill Goodman had the pleasure of attending the 41st annual Writers' Workshop at the Hindman Settlement School. The Appalachian Writers' Workshop is Kentucky's premier writers' conference where both aspiring and seasoned writers gather in a creative environment to teach and refine their skills. While in Hindman, Bill had the opportunity to speak with Brent Hutchinson, Executive Director of the Hindman Settlement School; celebrated Kentucky novelist, Silas House; the James Still Writer-In-Residence, Rebecca Gayle Howell; and a first time student at Hindman, Tanya Torp of Lexington.

Blair Thomas Hess joins host Bill Goodman to discuss all things Kentucky bourbon. Hess is an author of "The State of Bourbon," which showcases the region’s first distilleries, local restaurants, hotels, parks, and adventures that every bourbon lover needs to experience. Her new book takes you across the state in a road trip experience to explore the history and heritage of bourbon in Kentucky.

Host Bill Goodman is joined by local actor David Hurt. A native of Mercer County, David developed a passion for history and nature while exploring sites such as Shaker Village and Old Fort Harrod during his childhood. These interests led him to later portray Kentucky Chautauqua characters John C.C. Mayo, Lilley Cornett, and Grandpa Jones. Before Chautauqua, David earned a degree in theatre from Illinois and taught theatre at Morehead State University for more than a decade. David discusses his life growing up and working on the family farm, performing at numerous theaters throughout the state, and even gives us a glimpse into the time he attended Woodstock.

Host Bill Goodman is joined by Dr. Stephen McBride, an historical archaeologist who serves as the Director of Interpretation and Archaeology at the Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park in Jessamine County. In 1863, Camp Nelson began as an army supply depot, training camp, and hospital facility. By 1864, it became the state’s largest recruiting and training center for African American soldiers and was a refugee camp for their wives and children. Dr. McBride discusses his archaeological research at Camp Nelson, race relations in Kentucky during the Civil War, and what happened to soldiers and their families after the war.