Connections with Renee Shaw

Renee Shaw speaks with Angelique Johnson, CEO/founder of MEMStim, a company that produces implantable electronics to treat neurological disorders. Johnson is also passionate about entrepreneurship and helping women reach their goals in the STEM fields.

Renee Shaw talks with Tony-nominated Lexington native Colton Ryan about his Broadway musical career and later interviews long-time educator Willie Carver about his new book of poems that lift the experience of the LGBTQ+ community and Appalachia.

For Big Blue Nation fans, the Kentucky Sports Radio franchise delivers a high-octane blend of sports, political commentary and comedy. Founder Matt Jones talks about his expansive brand and spills some tea on BBN rumors and news.

Dr. Ronald Johnson, interim president at Kentucky State University, talks about the finalists for a permanent president to lead the university that has been troubled by financial mismanagement. He also discusses his work to correct the financial misdeeds of the university.

Marcie Timmerman, executive director of Mental Health America of Kentucky, talks about why depression and anxiety and other mental health challenges are on the rise. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 800 Kentucky lives were lost to suicide last year and over 157,000 adults in the state had thoughts of suicide.

Renee Shaw talks with Leila Salisbury, founder of the Kentucky Center for Grieving Children and Families, about why she decided to start the organization and the programs and services it provides for grieving children and families.

The Louisville Orchestra has scored a big get in landing world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma for a musical experience like no other inside the world's longest-known cave system: Mammoth Cave National Park. Renee Shaw talks with some young Kentucky artists selected for this musical adventure.

Renee Shaw talks with activist and farmer Jim Embry, founder of the Sustainable Communities Network, about his work connecting people to their relationship with the earth and how he encourages environmentally sound solutions and practices that elevate the slow food movement.

Despite recent improvements in Kentucky's child maltreatment standing, the state's rate of child abuse is nearly double the national average. Jill Seyfred, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, talks about seeing beyond the numbers and learning how each citizen can help save kids from abuse and neglect.

Renee Shaw talks about the importance of kidney health and how to protect against and treat chronic kidney disease with Lexington nephrologist Dr. Kenneth Afenya; Arlene Herring, executive director of the Kidney Health Alliance of Kentucky (KHAKY); and Ashley Holt, who is on the kidney transplant waiting list.

Renee Shaw speaks with Anastasia Curwood, the director of the Commonwealth Institute for Black Studies at the University of Kentucky, about her latest book, "Shirley Chisholm: Champion of Black Feminist Power Politics," a biography about the former Congresswoman and Democratic candidate for United States president.

Renee Shaw talks with author Jayne Moore Waldrop about her new book "A Journey in Color: The Art of Ellis Wilson." Next, Toa Green, owner of Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream, talks about her new podcast (Crank and Boom Podcast with Toa Green) for entrepreneurs.

Renee Shaw talks with chefs Sam Fore, owner of Tuk Tuk Sri Lankan Bites in Lexington, Kentucky, and Isaiah Screetch of Spark Community Café in Versailles, Kentucky. Both are semifinalists for the prestigious 2023 James Beard Awards in the Best Chef, Southeast category. The awards celebrate and support the people behind America’s food culture.

Affrilachian poet Frank X Walker discusses his first children's book, "A Is for Affrilachia," and other upcoming projects.

Aaron Thompson, president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, talks about proposed legislation on college tuition before the Kentucky General Assembly, strategies to help college kids cope with mental wellness challenges, addressing food and housing insecurity and more.

Dr. Monalisa Tailor, president of the Kentucky Medical Association, talks about the state of COVID, declining immunization rates and how she is seeking to rejuvenate medical care.

While youth violence is on the rise across the nation, Lexington is experiencing a decline in deadly gun violence involving kids. Renee Shaw sits down with Devine Carama, director of the city's ONE Lexington program to learn more about the approach to keep kids and communities safer.

Renee speaks with retired Congressman John Yarmuth (D-KY3) about his accomplishments.

Former Kentucky House Minority Leader Joni Jenkins retired from the Kentucky General Assembly after serving more than 25 years. Renee Shaw talks with Jenkins about her accomplishments, political dynamics in Frankfort and her next chapter.

Renee Shaw sits down with Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton to discuss the plans she has for her second term.