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 23, 2022 • 36min
Episode 221 - Alicestyne Turley, African-American History Scholar
We continue to celebrate African-American History Month on this week's episode of THINK HUMANITIES. Bill Goodman talks to Alicestyne Turley, who talks about the story of the Underground Railroad in Kentucky.
Alicestyne Turley is available to give talks about the underground railroad across the Commonwealth through the Kentucky Humanities Speakers Bureau. For more information and to book a program, visit kyhumanities.org.
THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from Spalding University's Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.
Feb 16, 2022 • 38min
Episode 220 - The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
This week on the THINK HUMANITIES podcast Bill Goodman talks with Katie Bramell and Amy Bottomley from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center about their museum and about how to learn more about African American history this February.
THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from Spalding University's Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.
Feb 9, 2022 • 32min
Episode 219 - Penny Peavler, Kentucky Humanities Board Member
On this episode of the THINK HUMANITIES podcast, host Bill Goodman sits down with Kentucky Humanities board member, Penelope Peavler. She shares her experiences with the arts and humanities throughout our Commonwealth.
THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.
Feb 2, 2022 • 52min
Episode 218 - The Berry Center & Our Home Place Meat
This week's episode of the THINK HUMANITES podcast features a collaboration between The Berry Center, Sterling College, and Our Home Place Meat. Bill Goodman sits down to talk to Mary Berry, Leah Bayens, and Beth Douglas about local agriculture and farming and how they're all working together to support small farmers in Kentucky.
THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous funding from Spalding University's Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.
Jan 19, 2022 • 47min
Episode 216 - Burton Webb, President of the University of Pikeville
Today on the THINK HUMANITIES podcast, Bill Goodman talks to Burton Webb, president of the University of Pikeville about the city, the university, and a very special upcoming event. Kentucky Humanities is partnering with the University of Pikeville to host its first 50th Anniversary celebration event on February 8 featuring journalist David Brooks. Brooks will discuss the role of the humanities and journalism in fostering an informed citizenry and how to unite during these turbulent times. For more information about the upcoming event, visit kyhumanities.org
THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from Spalding University's Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.
Jan 19, 2022 • 36min
Episode 217 - Jayne Moore Waldrop, Novelist And Poet
Today on the THINK HUMANITIES podcast, Bill Goodman talks to Jayne Moore Waldrop, an attorney, novelist, and poet. They talk about Jayne's newest works.
THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous funding from Spalding University's Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.
Jan 12, 2022 • 51min
Episode 215 - Edward Stanton, Author
On this episode of the THINK HUMANITIES podcast, host Bill Goodman talks to humanist Edward Stanton. Stanton is Professor Emeritus of Spanish at the University of Kentucky.
THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous funding from Spalding University's Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.
Jan 5, 2022 • 34min
Episode 214 - Kentucky Reads Dear Ann by Bobbie Ann Mason
Dear Ann by Bobbie Ann Mason was selected to be the 2022 Kentucky Reads selection. Listen to this 2020 THINK HUMANITIES interview with Bobbie Ann where she talks about writing Dear Ann.
To join or host a book discussion, visit kyhumanities.org
THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding University Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.
Dec 22, 2021 • 36min
Episode 213 - John David Myles, Author
On this episode of THINK HUMANITIES, Bill sits down to talk with John David Myles, attorney and author. They talk about Myles' books about artist Walter Keiser and politician John Pope and architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe.
John David Myles is available to give presentations around the state through the Kentucky Humanities Speakers Bureau. For more information and to book, visit kyhumanities.org.
THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous support from the Spalding School of Creative and Professional Writing.
Dec 15, 2021 • 57min
Episode 212 - Matthew Barzun, Ambassador to Britain and Sweden & Author
Matthew Barzun is our special guest on this week's episode of THINK HUMANITIES. Barzun talks about his book, "The Power of Giving Away Power," and about his time as ambassador to Britain and Sweden during the Obama administration.
THINK HUMANITIES is made possible with generous support from the Spalding University School of Creative and Professional Writing.
