Connections with Renee Shaw KET

There are close to one thousand Kentuckians awaiting lifesaving organs. One organ donor can save up to 8 lives. Renee Shaw talks with Meera Gupta, MD, a transplant surgeon at University of Kentucky HealthCare, and kidney transplant recipient Ashley Holt, who has regained a higher quality of life because of a donor.

Renee Shaw talks with up-and-coming digital content creator Mario Maitland, who is working with Kentucky Sports Radio, about hosting his own podcast. Next, photographer Carol Peachee talks about her book "Shaker Made," which captures the cultural artifacts of Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill.

The regular session of the Kentucky General Assembly for 2024 has ended, and Senator Damon Thayer, who served for 22 years, including 12 as majority floor leader, will not be returning, the Georgetown senator is moving on. Renee Shaw and Sen. Thayer discuss some of the new laws passed this session and his activism on the campaign trail this spring.

Devine Carama, a 20-year Hip Hop recording artist, activist and inspirational force in central Kentucky, talks about his recently released book "Pages Full of Rhymes" which chronicles his joys and challenges as an independent artist. He also discusses how his anti-violence efforts, housed within the Lexington Mayor's office, are helping youth stay on the right side of the law.

As the state's population grows older, more Kentuckians will face the challenges of caring for an aging loved one. There are over 600-thousand caregiving Kentuckians. What resources are available to help those helping others, and how can caregivers address burnout and isolation? Renee Shaw talks with national caregiving expert Amy Goyer to learn more.

Renee Shaw talks with poet and author Crystal Wilkinson, former poet laureate of Kentucky, about her book "Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts" which explores the hidden legacy of Black Appalachians through powerful storytelling alongside family recipes rooted in the past.