Discussion of the local Louisville economy, gambling trends over the decades, and the recent legalization of sports gambling in Kentucky.

Economic Impact | Episode 10 | Gambling At The Local Level

Researchers have identified seven lifestyle factors that are most correlated with depression.  We review them on this show!  And did you know that the official state 'mineral' in Kentucky (coal) is actually a 'rock', and the official state 'rock' (agate) is actually a 'mineral'?  Hear about the move in the KY Legislature to fix this geological error.  Finally, hear about the 2023 Ig Nobel Prize ceremony which humorously celebrates out-of-the-ordinary research.

‘Bench Talk: The Week in Science’ is a weekly program that airs on WFMP Louisville FORward Radio 106.5 FM (forwardradio.org) every Monday at 7:30 pm, Tuesday at 11:30 am, and Wednesday at 7:30 am. 

Visit our Facebook page for links to the articles discussed in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/pg/BenchTalkRadio/posts/?ref=page_internal 

Many thanks to Kentucky Educational Television for permission to rebroadcast a portion of their Feb. 22, 2024 episode of 'Kentucky Edition' with Renee Shaw:  https://ket.org/program/kentucky-edition/state-rock/

Many thanks to the Ig Nobel Prize folks for permission to rebroadcast part of their 2023 ceremony:  https://improbable.com/ig/2023-ceremony/#Ig-Ceremony-2023

Bench Talk | Depression & Lifestyle - State Rock & Mineral - Ig Nobel Awards | March 11, 2024

A talk with David Melton who is an advocate for Kentucky state employee pension reform.  He discusses what has gone wrong with the pension system this century and how chronically underfunded it is.  Please listen to this interesting and informative discussion.
NOTE: In this audio, a PowerPoint Presentation is discussed.  Unfortunately I am unable to post it here on SoundCloud.com, but please write me at lambertthomas@hotmail.com, and I can send you a copy.  Thanks!

Economic Impact | Episode 28 | David Melton | Ky State Pension Problems | 4-15-24

A discussion of the economic impact of Derby Week on the Louisville Metro Area and what it means for jobs, payroll, sales revenues, and tax revenues.

Economic Impact | Special Episode: The Economic Impact Of Derby Week

This week's program is truly unique - an act of street theater followed by community conversation about the greatest crisis facing humanity - global climate chaos. This week, we bring you edited highlights from "An Enemy of The People: Extinction Rebellion," a performance and dialogue that took over Times Square in New York City on a bustling Wednesday afternoon, June 12th, 2024. Listen in as Bill Murray and many other great actors perform a reading of portions of the great 1882 play by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, followed by community conversation. This event was organized by Theater of War Productions; Extinction Rebellion; Scientists Rebellion; Green Faith; The People's Senate; Climate Café; and Billion Oyster Project!

Watch a full recording of the event at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB-aoMuTDVQ

On Truth to Power each week, we gather people from around the community to discuss the state of the world, the nation, the state, and the city! It's a community conversation like you won't hear anywhere else!

Truth to Power airs every Friday at 9pm, Saturday at 11am, and Sunday at 4pm on Louisville's grassroots, community radio station, Forward Radio 106.5fm WFMP and live streams at https://forwardradio.org

Truth To Power | An Enemy of The People: Extinction Rebellion | Bill Murray et al | 6-14-24

A discussion with Dr. Karl Besel of St. Joseph University on his paper "Racial Justice in the Nonprofit Sector: Addressing Nonprofit Sustainability in Diverse Communities."  Interesting findings for nonprofits at the local level.

Economic Impact | Episode 37 | Dr. Karl Besel | Racial Justice in the Nonprofit Sector | 8-12-24

In this interview, Dr. Cynthia Ganote, Founder and CEO of Ganote Consulting, offers tips on small steps we can all take to bring more kindness and inclusion into our personal and work lives, especially as it relates to the troubled times we are living in.

Election Connection | Dr. Cynthia Ganote | Creating more inclusive spaces | 12-3-24

A conversation with Dr. John Komlos, Professor Emeritus of the University of Munich, who has edited and contributed to the book, Neoliberal Economic Policy and The Rise of Right-Wing Populism in which I have written a chapter.  Dr. Komlos discusses how past economic policies have given rise to working class discontent and the rise of far-right ideas and policies.  This book has a message and warning about the future of US democracy.  It has recently been published, and for more information on it, here is the publisher's site for the book:
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-74979-7

Economic Impact | Episode 46 | Neoliberal Economic Policy And The Rise Of Right - Wing Populism

A discourse on horse racing's current state, its competition, and how gambling is currently doing nationally and locally.  Comparisons are made between what is happening in Kentucky and Indiana on the gambling scene.

Economic Impact | Episode 52 | Horse Racing and Its Competition

An interview with Dr. Ken Chilton of Tennessee State University on his research into how large real estate firms and financial corporations, sometimes known as private equity firms, are buying up residential housing in different metro area markets throughout the US.  Many of these homes are being resold to upscale buyers or rented out to those of a middle income class.  Louisville falls into a category where most are rented due to certain characteristics that make Louisville different from cities such as Nashville or Atlanta.  In many cities, large corporations can own a substantial portion of the local housing stock.

Economic Impact | Episode 54 | Interview with Dr. Ken Chilton on Big Corporations and Housing

Solutions to Violence features James Orlick. James Orlick is a higher education leader with more than 18 years' experience advancing inclusive excellence, social justice, and institutional change. He currently serves as Director of Grant Writing & Innovation for Inclusive Excellence at the University of Louisville, where he has helped secure millions in external funding to expand college and career pathways for historically underserved students.
A first-generation college graduate from McDowell County, West Virginia, James is a Pell Grant recipient and a proud member of the LGBTQ community. His lived experience fuels his lifelong commitment to educational equity, social mobility, and systemic change.
James has been a visible voice in Kentucky’s higher education policy debates, with his public advocacy against anti-DEI legislation featured in major news outlets. He successfully challenged the Kentucky Legislature’s violation of the state’s Open Meetings Act, resulting in a formal opinion from the Attorney General confirming the law had been broken.
His leadership spans cross-sector initiatives in diversity, equity, inclusion, workforce development, and place-based education. He has built partnerships with national legal, policy, education, and social justice organizations and helped organize a statewide higher education union uniting faculty, staff, and students.
James is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development at the University of Louisville


Solutions to Violence | James Orlick | Equitable Higher Education | Aug. 17, 2025

Forward Radio is independent, listener-sponsored, volunteer-powered, grassroots community radio WFMP-LP Louisville, Kentucky. We have been broadcasting at 106.5fm and live-streaming at forwardradio.org since April 9, 2017. Please donate at forwardradio.org to keep us on-air. It costs $20/day to keep this programming coming your way.

Solutions to Violence | James Orlick | Equitable Higher Education | Aug. 17, 2025

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