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
Feb 20, 2018 • 38min
Episode 31 - David King, Part II, New York Times Best-Selling Author
Host Bill Goodman is joined by author David King for a second installment on THINK HUMANITIES. A native of Woodford County, King earned a Masters from Cambridge, was a Fulbright scholar in Sweden, and taught European History at the University of Kentucky. This week, King provides insight to his other works including “Finding Atlantis: A True Story of Genius, Madness, and the Extraordinary Quest for a Lost World” and “Death in the City of Light.”
Feb 13, 2018 • 44min
Episode 30 - David King, New York Times Best-Selling Author
Host Bill Goodman is joined by Kentucky author David King for Part I of this week's episode of THINK HUMANITIES. King is the author of four books, including the 2017 best-seller "The Trial of Adolf Hitler: The Beer Hall Putsch and the Rise of Nazi Germany." A former professor of European History at the University of Kentucky, King now writes full-time due to the success of his career as an author. King provides a thoughtful discussion of his bestselling book and the process of archival research undergone to produce such a work. Join us next week for Part II of our discussion with David King to learn more about his other works.
Feb 6, 2018 • 38min
Episode 29 - Mark Matics, Joseph-Beth Booksellers and Lexington Public Library
Host Bill Goodman is joined by Mark Matics on this week’s episode of THINK HUMANITIES. Matics leads the selection of new books at Joseph-Beth Booksellers. Beyond his sheer love of literature, he enjoys serving and connecting with readers to make his selections. Matics provides a thoughtful discussion of the bestselling books in a variety of genres.
Jan 31, 2018 • 34min
Episode 28 - Rachel Rogers, Kentucky Chautauqua Actress
Host Bill Goodman is joined by actress Rachel Rogers who portrays beloved Kentucky folk musician Jean Ritchie. Rogers discusses her background in theatre and English, her experience sharing the fascinating life of Jean Ritchie across the state, and the importance of building upon the arts community in Kentucky. Rogers also plays the dulcimer in renditions of her favorite Jean Ritchie songs.
Jan 23, 2018 • 40min
Episode 27 - Dr. Richard Taylor, Author, Poet, and Transylvania's Kenan Visiting Writer
Dr. Richard Taylor joins host Bill Goodman on this episode of THINK HUMANITIES. Dr. Taylor discusses his early life growing up in Louisville, his career as a lawyer, writer, and professor, his collection of work about Kentucky history, and his scholarship on Robert Penn Warren.
Jan 17, 2018 • 43min
Episode 26 - Gwynn Henderson, Author & UK Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Dr. Gwynn Henderson joins host Bill Goodman on this episode of THINK HUMANITIES. An archaeology educator and public archaeologist, Henderson discusses life as an archaeologist, how she became interested in old things, her love of dinosaurs, and how she has been inspired by Prime Time Family Reading Time.
Jan 10, 2018 • 31min
Episode 25 Elaine Wilson, Director of Equity and Inclusion, Somerset Community College
Bill Goodman is joined by Kentucky Humanities board chair Elaine Wilson in this episode of THINK HUMANITIES. The Director of Cultural Diversity for Somerset College, Wilson discusses the value of education, integration of schools, her work at Somerset Community College, and her love for the University of Kentucky
Jan 3, 2018 • 28min
Episode 24 - Tom Appleton, Retired EKU History Professor
Bill Goodman is joined by Kentucky Humanities board member Tom Appleton in this episode of THINK HUMANITIES. A recently retired professor of history at Eastern Kentucky University, Appleton worked at the Kentucky Historical Society for 21 years before beginning his teaching career. The two discuss the importance of teaching Kentucky history to Kentucky students, Kentucky Women, and Appleton’s relationship with Senator Mitch McConnell.
Dec 5, 2017 • 22min
Episode 23 - Carol Boggess, Author
Author Carol Boggess joins host Bill Goodman at the 36th Annual Kentucky Book Fair on this episode of THINK HUMANITIES. Boggess has written the first biography of James Still, one of the most beloved and important writers in Appalachian literature. James Still: A Life offers an important perspective on Sill’s work and art, while also celebrating his legacy.
Nov 29, 2017 • 24min
Episode 22 - Jesse Donaldson, Author
Author Jesse Donaldson joins host Bill Goodman at the 36th Annual Kentucky Book Fair on this episode of THINK HUMANITIES. Donaldson discusses his new book, On Homesickness: A Plea; his visits to all 120 Kentucky counties; why he is homesick for his native Kentucky; and meeting complete strangers throughout the Commonwealth.
