Skip to Main Content

Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Keith Jackson

Renee speaks with retired Lt. Col. Keith Jackson, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs about how the impact of COVID-19 on VA facilities, the posthumous promotion of African American soldier Col. Charles Young to Brigadier General, and other topics.
Season 16 Episode 17 Length 28:02 Premiere: 01/31/21

ARTICLE

New Veterans Commissioner Addresses COVID-19 and PTSD

Retired Lt. Col. Keith Jackson is used to big responsibilities. In addition to a 27-year career in the United States Army Reserves, he also served as chief of the Lexington Division of Fire and Emergency Services, managing a $56 million budget and more than 500 firefighters.

In December 2019, Jackson took on a new challenge when Gov. Andy Beshear appointed him commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, the state agency that ensures retired service members get all the benefits and support services they’ve earned.

“It’s far bigger than I thought it was when I took the position,” says Jackson. “I didn’t know that we had four nursing-care centers, and five cemeteries, and the 300,000 veterans that we represent.”

Jackson served in Iraq and his father served in Vietnam, so the commissioner says he understands the challenges and sacrifices facing those stationed overseas. He also knows the toll post-traumatic stress syndrome can take on service members.

“Helping veterans get through those situations is at the top of my priority list,” says the commissioner.

Between 11 and 15 percent of veterans who served in the War On Terror, the first Gulf War, and the Vietnam War have PTSD, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Jackson says vets of his father’s generation are reluctant to talk about their traumatic experiences, thinking it’s not macho to reveal their feelings. But the commissioner says that from a mental health standpoint, it is important for veterans to be able to discuss what they endured.

“My first day in combat I dealt with a young soldier getting killed,” says Jackson. “When you think about things like that and some of the things that these young men and women deal with, you have to be supportive.”

PTSD also contributes to the high rates of suicide among former service members. About 17 veterans a day commit suicide, according to 2018 data from the VA. Kentucky is among 27 states participating in the Governor’s Challenge to develop and implement suicide prevention practices among vets. Jackson credits Beshear for making Kentucky a part of that national program.

Like other government officials, Jackson has had to navigate the unexpected challenges brought on by COVID-19. The commissioner says his agency quickly implemented measures to prevent the spread of the virus in long-term care facilities for veterans. Those actions were successful during the initial months of the pandemic, but in the late summer COVID infiltrated the Thomson-Hood Veterans Center in Wilmore. Since then more than 30 vets there have died from the virus. There have been additional deaths at veterans nursing homes in Hazard and near Madisonville. Jackson says that losses have been “heartbreaking.”

“But from it, operationally and administratively we grew,” says the commissioner. “I have to give kudos to the staff across the board on following the procedures and ensuring that the families and the veterans themselves were taken care of.”

A Legacy of Service and Giving

Service to country and community is in Jackson’s family history. His great-great grandfather joined the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. Jackson’s father was still a teenager when he went into the Army during the Vietnam War. The commissioner entered the Army Reserves in 1987 following his graduation from the University of Kentucky. During his military career he rose from platoon leader up to battalion command, and did a tour in Iraq in 2006. In 2008 Jackson was promoted to lieutenant colonel.

At the same time, Jackson was rising through the ranks of the Lexington fire department, where he became the first Black man to be named chief of the Division of Fire and Emergency Services in 2012.

“I’ve been a lot of firsts in my life,” he says.

In addition to his reserve duty and time as a fireman, Jackson also worked as a paramedic and as a referee at high school and college football games. Jackson says he’s always been attracted to professions that are giving in nature. Whatever job he did and whatever obstacles he might have encountered because of his race, Jackson says he wanted to treat everyone the same.

“Do I ever go into situations with rose-colored glasses?” says the commissioner. “No, I go into it understanding that we have an uphill battle.”

When he started in the military, Jackson chose the Army Reserves over the National Guard because he says the reserves had a better reputation and provided better opportunities for advancement for minorities. Although racism still exists, he says the situation has improved for men and women of color who serve in the military.

“There is a significant change,” says Jackson. “The change is because... it affects people’s careers, it affects their ability to do their advance, it affects their ability to do their jobs.”

During his tenure, Jackson says he focused on achieving the next highest rank based on his job performance not on the color of his skin.

“If you give me a fair chance and you give me the opportunity, then that’s all I need,” he says. “I think that is the direction of America in the future.”

Honoring Another Black Soldier from Kentucky

The commissioner is spearheading an effort to bring more attention to another Black soldier with Kentucky roots. Charles Young was born in Mason County to a slave who would later escape and enlist with a segregated unit of the Union Army in the Civil War. The family relocated to Ohio, where Charles excelled in school and later gained admission to West Point. He was only the ninth Black man to attend the famed military academy, and he would become only the third Black cadet to graduate despite enduring terrible racial indignities from faculty and classmates.

Young served as a cavalry officer in the American west, and had duty in the Philippines and in Mexico. He was also posted to teach at Wilberforce University in Ohio. Later in life, Young, who spoke multiple languages, would become the first Black national park superintendent, and he served as a diplomat to the Dominican Republic and Liberia. Young died in 1922 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

“He was more than just a soldier,” says Jackson, “and what I’m hoping to do as we pay him homage to him is to tell his story.”

The commissioner is organizing virtual tribute event to Young on Feb. 11, which he hopes will evolve into an annual commemoration of the soldier and his historic role in the military.

Last year Gov. Beshear posthumously promoted Col. Young to the honorary rank of brigadier general in the commonwealth. Now, the governor is requesting President Joe Biden make Young an honorary Major General in the U.S. Army.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a Kentuckian, not just because he’s an African American but because he’s a Kentuckian,” says Jackson.

By: John Gregory

Recent Episodes

Sponsored by:

Connections host Renee Shaw smiling in a gray suit along with the show logo and a "Check Schedule" button.Connections host Renee Shaw smiling in a gray suit along with the show logo and a "Check Schedule" button.

Season 16 Episodes

Filmmaker Elizabeth Helm-Frazier
S16 E37 Length 28:02 Premiere Date 08/01/21

Early Childhood Development Initiatives in Louisville
S16 E36 Length 28:01 Premiere Date 07/25/21

Kathy Werking and Jim Embry
S16 E35 Length 28:01 Premiere Date 07/17/21

Kentucky Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack
S16 E34 Length 27:41 Premiere Date 07/11/21

Boone Co. Judge Executive Gary Moore
S16 E33 Length 28:03 Premiere Date 06/26/21

The Demands and Rewards of Fatherhood
S16 E32 Length 26:31 Premiere Date 06/20/21

Psychologist Julie Cerel
S16 E31 Length 28:02 Premiere Date 06/13/21

Restaurateur and Chef Ouita Michel
S16 E30 Length 27:56 Premiere Date 06/06/21

Sarah Taylor Vanover - Early Childhood Education
S16 E29 Length 27:32 Premiere Date 05/16/21

A Conversation with U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell
S16 E28 Length 28:21 Premiere Date 05/09/21

Cynthia Knapek of Louisville Leadership Center
S16 E27 Length 27:35 Premiere Date 05/01/21

Vaccine Equity and Hesitancy
S16 E26 Length 28:22 Premiere Date 04/24/21

State Treasurer Allison Ball and Sharon Price
S16 E25 Length 28:31 Premiere Date 04/18/21

Chef and Activist Dan Wu
S16 E24 Length 27:52 Premiere Date 04/11/21

EKU Criminal Justice Professor Pete Kraska
S16 E23 Length 28:00 Premiere Date 04/03/21

The Rise of Anti-Asian Violence
S16 E22 Length 27:32 Premiere Date 03/28/21

Authors Prisha Hedau, Carly Muetterties and Maddie Shepard
S16 E21 Length 28:21 Premiere Date 03/21/21

Charles Booker
S16 E20 Length 28:27 Premiere Date 03/14/21

Mental Health and COVID-19
S16 E19 Length 28:39 Premiere Date 02/14/21

Community Activist Christopher 2X
S16 E18 Length 28:02 Premiere Date 02/07/21

Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Keith Jackson
S16 E17 Length 28:02 Premiere Date 01/31/21

A Mission to End Institutional Racism in Kentucky
S16 E16 Length 28:02 Premiere Date 01/24/21

Celebrating the Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County
S16 E15 Length 28:33 Premiere Date 01/17/21

Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman
S16 E14 Length 27:06 Premiere Date 01/10/21

Caroline Randall Williams
S16 E13 Length 28:01 Premiere Date 12/20/20

Amy Luttrell and Adria Johnson
S16 E12 Length 28:12 Premiere Date 12/13/20

Kentucky Education Commissioner Jason Glass
S16 E11 Length 28:01 Premiere Date 11/22/20

Louisville Metro Police Interim Chief Yvette Gentry
S16 E10 Length 28:11 Premiere Date 11/15/20

Jecorey Arthur and Quintez Brown
S16 E9 Length 27:31 Premiere Date 11/08/20

Terrance Sullivan
S16 E8 Length 28:01 Premiere Date 11/01/20

2020 Election Preview with Colmon Elridge and Tres Watson
S16 E7 Length 28:02 Premiere Date 10/25/20

Beth Howard and Michael Harrington; Devine Carama
S16 E6 Length 28:01 Premiere Date 10/18/20

Nana Ama Aya Bullock and Muriel Harris
S16 E5 Length 28:26 Premiere Date 10/11/20

Betsy Johnson, Saundra Ardrey
S16 E4 Length 28:41 Premiere Date 10/04/20

Fabian Alvarez, Leyda Becker and Mercedes Harn
S16 E3 Length 28:06 Premiere Date 09/27/20

Devine Carama; Marjorie Guyon and Barry Darnell Burton
S16 E2 Length 28:46 Premiere Date 09/20/20

Marsha Weinstein
S16 E1 Length 28:01 Premiere Date 09/11/20

See All Episodes

caret down

TV Schedules

Jump to Recent Airdates

Upcoming

Kayla Rae Whitaker

Premiered On: 07/14/2017

Renee's guest is Mt. Sterling native and author Kayla Rae Whitaker, one of the writers featured at the 2017 Kentucky Women Writers Conference at the University of Kentucky. Whitaker's debut novel, "The Animators", explores the complexities of female friendships, self-identity, and success in the male-dominated field of animation.

  • Friday December 9, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Friday December 9, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Friday December 9, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Friday December 9, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Restaurateur and Chef Ouita Michel

Premiered On: 06/06/2021

Renee Shaw talks with restaurateur and culinary artist Ouita Michel about her first cookbook, Just a Few Miles South: Timeless Recipes from Our Favorite Places, which features some favorite recipes of her restaurant patrons.

  • Saturday December 10, 2022 4:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Saturday December 10, 2022 3:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Sunday December 11, 2022 8:00 am ET on KETKY
  • Sunday December 11, 2022 7:00 am CT on KETKY

Connections

  • Sunday December 11, 2022 12:00 pm ET on KET
  • Sunday December 11, 2022 11:00 am CT on KET
  • Sunday December 11, 2022 4:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Sunday December 11, 2022 3:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Sunday December 11, 2022 6:00 pm ET on KET2
  • Sunday December 11, 2022 5:00 pm CT on KET2
  • Wednesday December 14, 2022 4:30 am ET on KET
  • Wednesday December 14, 2022 3:30 am CT on KET
  • Saturday December 17, 2022 4:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Saturday December 17, 2022 3:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Sunday December 18, 2022 8:00 am ET on KETKY
  • Sunday December 18, 2022 7:00 am CT on KETKY

Sec. Vickie Yates Brown Glisson

Premiered On: 08/04/2017

Vickie Yates Brown Glisson, secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, talks about Governor Bevin's plan to overhaul the state's Medicaid program, how the cabinet is responding to the opioid addiction crisis, and recruiting and retaining social workers.

  • Monday December 12, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Monday December 12, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Monday December 12, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday December 12, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Monday December 12, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday December 12, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Jeff Hawkins and Robert Brown

Premiered On: 08/11/2017

The Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative (KVEC) serves 21 school districts in southeast Kentucky. Renee speaks with Jeff Hawkins, executive director, and Robert Brown, professional learning lead, of KVEC.

  • Tuesday December 13, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 13, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 13, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 13, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 13, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 13, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Carol Peachee

Premiered On: 08/18/2017

Photographer Carol Peachee discusses her books, including "The Birth of Bourbon: A Photographic Tour of Early Distilleries" that captures lost distilleries and those undergoing renewal. Peachee is also a pioneer in the integrative health field with decades of clinical experience in counseling, mindfulness practices, and internal arts. She is the founder of the Center for Mindful Living Practices.

  • Wednesday December 14, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 14, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 14, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 14, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 14, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 14, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Sam Quinones

Premiered On: 09/01/2017

Renee speaks with journalist Sam Quinones, author of Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic and other books. A reporter for almost 30 years, Quinones lived and worked as a freelance writer in Mexico and is a former reporter for the LA Times.

  • Thursday December 15, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Thursday December 15, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Thursday December 15, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Thursday December 15, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Thursday December 15, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Thursday December 15, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Kristin Ashford - Smoking Cessation and Pregnancy

Premiered On: 09/08/2017

Renee speaks with Kristin Ashford, Ph.D., a professor in the University of Kentucky College of Nursing whose research focuses on prenatal care and interventions aimed at preventing/ending tobacco use and illicit drugs. The program features a young woman who's participating in "Get Fit and Quit" recovery/smoking cessation program that is a partnership between the UK College of Nursing, Chrysalis House (a treatment center for women), and the YMCA. Part of KET's on-going initiative "Smoking and Health" funded in part by a grant from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.

  • Friday December 16, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Friday December 16, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Friday December 16, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Friday December 16, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Friday December 16, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Friday December 16, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Connections

  • Sunday December 18, 2022 12:00 pm ET on KET
  • Sunday December 18, 2022 11:00 am CT on KET
  • Sunday December 18, 2022 4:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Sunday December 18, 2022 3:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Sunday December 18, 2022 6:00 pm ET on KET2
  • Sunday December 18, 2022 5:00 pm CT on KET2
  • Saturday December 24, 2022 4:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Saturday December 24, 2022 3:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Sunday December 25, 2022 8:00 am ET on KETKY
  • Sunday December 25, 2022 7:00 am CT on KETKY

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao

Premiered On: 09/22/2017

Renee sits down with U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao for a wide-ranging, one-on-one interview. Filmed at the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, Chao discusses the U.S. Department of Transportation's involvement in emergency response and rebuilding efforts following Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, plans to address the nation's transportation infrastructure, and other issues.

  • Monday December 19, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Monday December 19, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Monday December 19, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday December 19, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Monday December 19, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday December 19, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Steve Beshear

Premiered On: 09/29/2017

Former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear discusses his new book, "People Over Politics", that covers the tests and triumphs of his administration from 2007-2015. He talks about embracing the Affordable Care Act and expanding Medicaid in Kentucky, his philosophical evolution on same-sex marriage, his unsuccessful struggle with advancing expanded gambling, the persistent plight of funding public employee pensions, among other issues.

  • Tuesday December 20, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 20, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 20, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 20, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 20, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 20, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Gordon Hamlin

Premiered On: 10/13/2017

Renee's guest Gordon Hamlin, president of Pro Bono Public Pensions and a retired attorney, offers ideas about how to fix Kentucky's ailing public pension systems. Hamlin recommends that Kentucky transition to a shared risk pension plan: longer working careers, elimination of cost of living adjustments, and transition to career average formula.

  • Wednesday December 21, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 21, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 21, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 21, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 21, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 21, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Premiered On: 10/20/2017

Renee Shaw discusses youth suicide prevention with Julie Cerel, a professor, licensed clinical psychologist, and president of the American Association of Suicidology. She also talks with Courtney Parr, who shares her powerful and inspiring journey to better mental health.

  • Thursday December 22, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Thursday December 22, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Thursday December 22, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Thursday December 22, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Thursday December 22, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Thursday December 22, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Health Issues - Sen. Julie Raque Adams and Rep. Addia Wuchner

Premiered On: 11/03/2017

State Sen. Julie Raque Adams and State Rep. Addia Wuchner, chairs of the Senate Health and Welfare and House Health and Family Services committees, respectively, discuss upcoming health care issues that will be addressed during the 2018 Kentucky General Assembly.

  • Friday December 23, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Friday December 23, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Friday December 23, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Friday December 23, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Friday December 23, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Friday December 23, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Melynda Jamison - CASA of Lexington

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) can help change the story of a child who has suffered abuse and neglect. Renee Shaw talks with the executive director of CASA of Lexington, Melynda Jamison, about what CASAs do, the training they need, and why their work is so vital.

  • Sunday December 25, 2022 12:00 pm ET on KET
  • Sunday December 25, 2022 11:00 am CT on KET
  • Sunday December 25, 2022 4:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Sunday December 25, 2022 3:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Sunday December 25, 2022 6:00 pm ET on KET2
  • Sunday December 25, 2022 5:00 pm CT on KET2
  • Saturday December 31, 2022 4:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Saturday December 31, 2022 3:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Sunday January 1, 2023 8:00 am ET on KETKY
  • Sunday January 1, 2023 7:00 am CT on KETKY

Good Samaritans - Surgery on Sunday; Bluegrass Families First and One Parent Scholar House

Premiered On: 11/17/2017

Lexington plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Moore talks about Surgery on Sunday, providing outpatient essential surgical services at no cost to income-eligible, uninsured or underinsured individuals. Then, Kelly Duffy talks about Bluegrass Families First (BFF), a non-profit that provides opportunities for early childhood development, adult education, and other services helping Lexington families move toward self-sufficiency. BFF supports three organizations: The Family Care Center; The Nest Center for Women, Children, and Families; and One Parent Scholar House. Mirsada Simic talks about One Parent Scholar House and its Child Development Center with a 5-star curriculum program.

  • Monday December 26, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Monday December 26, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Monday December 26, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday December 26, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Monday December 26, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday December 26, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Sexual Harassment Issues - Consultant Rus Funk

Premiered On: 12/15/2017

Renee's guest is Rus Funk, a consultant on gender equity, anti-racism, and violence prevention. He serves on the board of the National Center on Sexual and Domestic Violence. Funk talks about the spate of sexual harassment charges that have dominated news headlines and offers advice on helping men learn how to modify their behavior to create a professional and respectful work environment.

  • Tuesday December 27, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 27, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 27, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 27, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 27, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 27, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Silas House

Premiered On: 01/12/2018

Novelist, activist, and educator Silas House discusses his book to be released later this year that focuses on parenthood, his work as an advocate for environmental and gender equity causes, and other topics.

  • Wednesday December 28, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 28, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 28, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 28, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 28, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 28, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

DV8 Kitchen

Premiered On: 01/19/2018

Renee visits DV8 Kitchen, a restaurant and bakery in Lexington that provides second chance employment opportunities for people in substance recovery who are trying to redirect their lives. She speaks with Rob and Diane Perez about their vision for the restaurant and its support from the community. Renee also talks with employees at the eatery to hear their stories of recovery and how DV8 Kitchen helps them.

  • Thursday December 29, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Thursday December 29, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Thursday December 29, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Thursday December 29, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Thursday December 29, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Thursday December 29, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Gerald Smith

Premiered On: 02/09/2018

Dr. Gerald Smith, a history professor at the University of Kentucky and co-editor of "The Kentucky African American Encyclopedia", joins Renee to discuss race relations in honor of Black History Month. Topics include activism around removing Confederate statues, the status of black leadership in Kentucky, and Dr. Smith's thoughts on the needed response from the faith-based community in eradicating racism.

  • Friday December 30, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Friday December 30, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Friday December 30, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Friday December 30, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Friday December 30, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Friday December 30, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Bob Jackson - Murray State University

Murray State University is celebrating its centennial birthday this year. Renee Shaw talks to the president of MSU, Bob Jackson, about his presidency, career, and a new book he has co-authored, entitled "The Finest Place We Know: A Centennial History of Murray State University, 1922-2022."

  • Sunday January 1, 2023 12:00 pm ET on KET
  • Sunday January 1, 2023 11:00 am CT on KET
  • Sunday January 1, 2023 4:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Sunday January 1, 2023 3:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Sunday January 1, 2023 6:00 pm ET on KET2
  • Sunday January 1, 2023 5:00 pm CT on KET2
  • Monday January 2, 2023 4:30 am ET on KET
  • Monday January 2, 2023 3:30 am CT on KET
  • Wednesday January 4, 2023 4:30 am ET on KET
  • Wednesday January 4, 2023 3:30 am CT on KET
  • Saturday January 7, 2023 4:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Saturday January 7, 2023 3:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Sunday January 8, 2023 8:00 am ET on KETKY
  • Sunday January 8, 2023 7:00 am CT on KETKY

Educational Innovation

Premiered On: 02/16/2018

Educational innovation in the mountains is leading to a teaching and learning renaissance in southeast Kentucky. Renee and her guests, Dr. Dessie Bowling, associate director of the Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative and Rose Shields, rural project manager for the Center for Excellence in Rural Health at the University of Kentucky, discuss recent innovative education practices in the region.

  • Monday January 2, 2023 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Monday January 2, 2023 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Monday January 2, 2023 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday January 2, 2023 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Monday January 2, 2023 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday January 2, 2023 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Premiered On: 04/06/2018

"Connections" remembers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the 50th anniversary of his assassination. Renee speaks with organizers of a commemorative event in Frankfort and shares highlights from speeches at the MLK Memorial March to Move.

  • Tuesday January 3, 2023 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday January 3, 2023 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Tuesday January 3, 2023 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday January 3, 2023 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Tuesday January 3, 2023 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday January 3, 2023 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Child Marriage Laws in Kentucky - Donna Pollard

Premiered On: 04/13/2018

Renee speaks with Donna Pollard, a child marriage survivor and founder of Survivors' Corner, who has become the ambassador for changing child marriage laws in Kentucky with the passage of Senate Bill 48 that was signed into law by Gov. Matt Bevin on March 29, 2018. SB 48 raises the legal age to marry to 18 in Kentucky with some exceptions.

  • Wednesday January 4, 2023 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday January 4, 2023 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Wednesday January 4, 2023 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday January 4, 2023 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Wednesday January 4, 2023 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday January 4, 2023 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Kosair Charities Face It Movement; Terry Brooks

Premiered On: 04/20/2018

In part one, Renee speaks with Keith Inman with Kosair Charities and Dr. Jennifer Green, University of Louisville Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellow about Kosair Charities Face It Movement that provides resources for parents and caregivers on child abuse. In part two, Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates, talks about legislation passed in the 2018 Kentucky General Assembly that benefits children and families.

  • Thursday January 5, 2023 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Thursday January 5, 2023 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Thursday January 5, 2023 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Thursday January 5, 2023 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Thursday January 5, 2023 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Thursday January 5, 2023 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Dr. Donna Grigsby

Premiered On: 05/11/2018

Renee speaks with Lexington pediatrician Dr. Donna Grigsby about early childhood brain development and the impact of adverse childhood experiences on cognitive and physical health. Dr. Grigsby discusses how to develop literacy skills in young children.

  • Friday January 6, 2023 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Friday January 6, 2023 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Friday January 6, 2023 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Friday January 6, 2023 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Friday January 6, 2023 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Friday January 6, 2023 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Connections

  • Sunday January 8, 2023 12:00 pm ET on KET
  • Sunday January 8, 2023 11:00 am CT on KET
  • Sunday January 8, 2023 4:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Sunday January 8, 2023 3:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Sunday January 8, 2023 6:00 pm ET on KET2
  • Sunday January 8, 2023 5:00 pm CT on KET2

Criminal Justice Reform - Cherise Fanno Burdeen

Premiered On: 06/22/2018

Cherise Fanno Burdeen, CEO of the Pretrial Justice Institute (PJI), talks about her organization's mission to reduce incarceration rates and their efforts to reform the bail system.

  • Monday January 9, 2023 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Monday January 9, 2023 4:30 am CT on KETKY
  • Monday January 9, 2023 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday January 9, 2023 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Monday January 9, 2023 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday January 9, 2023 9:30 pm CT on KETKY

Shining a Spotlight on Epilepsy

Premiered On: 06/29/2018

Renee speaks with filmmaker Tiffany Webb, whose documentary, Voice of the Epilepsies, chronicles the story of a young girl living with epilepsy and her family's determination to treat the seizure disorder. Webb also discusses her own experience of being diagnosed with epilepsy.

  • Tuesday January 10, 2023 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday January 10, 2023 4:30 am CT on KETKY
Jump to Upcoming Airdates

Recent

Kayla Rae Whitaker - S12 E41

  • Friday December 9, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Friday December 9, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Walter Gilliam - S12 E40

  • Thursday December 8, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Thursday December 8, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Thursday December 8, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Thursday December 8, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Thursday December 8, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Thursday December 8, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Leadership - Marian Guinn and Lisa Williams; Colene Elridge - S12 E38

  • Wednesday December 7, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 7, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 7, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 7, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 7, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday December 7, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Patricia Peacock - S12 E30

  • Tuesday December 6, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 6, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 6, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 6, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 6, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday December 6, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Cory Jewell Jensen - S12 E18

  • Monday December 5, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday December 5, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Monday December 5, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday December 5, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Monday December 5, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Monday December 5, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Restaurateur and Chef Ouita Michel - S16 E31

  • Sunday December 4, 2022 4:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Sunday December 4, 2022 3:30 pm CT on KETKY

David Thompson - S12 E11

  • Friday December 2, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Friday December 2, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Friday December 2, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Friday December 2, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Friday December 2, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Friday December 2, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Mitzi Sinnott - S12 E3

  • Thursday December 1, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Thursday December 1, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Thursday December 1, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Thursday December 1, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Thursday December 1, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Thursday December 1, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf - S12 E2

  • Wednesday November 30, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday November 30, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Wednesday November 30, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday November 30, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Wednesday November 30, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday November 30, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Phil Wilkins - S11 E43

  • Tuesday November 29, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 29, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 29, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 29, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 29, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 29, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Tameka Montgomery - S11 E42

  • Monday November 28, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday November 28, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Monday November 28, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday November 28, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Monday November 28, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Monday November 28, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Dayna Seelig - S15 E12

  • Sunday December 4, 2022 8:00 am ET on KETKY
  • Sunday December 4, 2022 7:00 am CT on KETKY
  • Saturday December 3, 2022 4:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Saturday December 3, 2022 3:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Sunday November 27, 2022 4:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Sunday November 27, 2022 3:30 pm CT on KETKY

Dominique Wilkins - S11 E41

  • Friday November 25, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Friday November 25, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Friday November 25, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Friday November 25, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Friday November 25, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Friday November 25, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

UK President Eli Capilouto - S18 E6

  • Thursday November 24, 2022 11:30 pm ET on KET
  • Thursday November 24, 2022 10:30 pm CT on KET
  • Thursday November 24, 2022 11:00 pm ET on KET2
  • Thursday November 24, 2022 10:00 pm CT on KET2
  • Thursday November 24, 2022 10:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Thursday November 24, 2022 9:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Thursday November 24, 2022 6:30 pm ET on KET
  • Thursday November 24, 2022 5:30 pm CT on KET

Gary Tuggle - S11 E40

  • Thursday November 24, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Thursday November 24, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Thursday November 24, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Thursday November 24, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Thursday November 24, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Thursday November 24, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Dr. Leana Wen - S11 E39

  • Wednesday November 23, 2022 10:29 pm ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday November 23, 2022 9:29 pm CT on KETKY
  • Wednesday November 23, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday November 23, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Wednesday November 23, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday November 23, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Terrence Walton - S11 E38

  • Tuesday November 22, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 22, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 22, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 22, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 22, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 22, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack - S11 E37

  • Monday November 21, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday November 21, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Monday November 21, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday November 21, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Monday November 21, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Monday November 21, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Author Emily Bingham - S18 E11

  • Sunday November 27, 2022 8:00 am ET on KETKY
  • Sunday November 27, 2022 7:00 am CT on KETKY
  • Saturday November 26, 2022 4:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Saturday November 26, 2022 3:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Sunday November 20, 2022 6:00 pm ET on KET2
  • Sunday November 20, 2022 5:00 pm CT on KET2
  • Sunday November 20, 2022 4:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Sunday November 20, 2022 3:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Sunday November 20, 2022 12:00 pm ET on KET
  • Sunday November 20, 2022 11:00 am CT on KET

Kimberly Johnson - S11 E36

  • Friday November 18, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Friday November 18, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Friday November 18, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Friday November 18, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Friday November 18, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Friday November 18, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Jason Merrick - S11 E35

  • Thursday November 17, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Thursday November 17, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Thursday November 17, 2022 2:10 pm ET on KETKY
  • Thursday November 17, 2022 1:10 pm CT on KETKY
  • Thursday November 17, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Thursday November 17, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Fayette County Veterans Treatment Court - S11 E34

  • Wednesday November 16, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday November 16, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Wednesday November 16, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday November 16, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Wednesday November 16, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday November 16, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Dr. Lynne Saddler - S11 E33

  • Tuesday November 15, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 15, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 15, 2022 2:25 pm ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 15, 2022 1:25 pm CT on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 15, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 15, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Scott Hesseltine - S11 E32

  • Monday November 14, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday November 14, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Monday November 14, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday November 14, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Monday November 14, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Monday November 14, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Bill Goodman - Kentucky Humanities - S18 E10

  • Sunday November 20, 2022 8:00 am ET on KETKY
  • Sunday November 20, 2022 7:00 am CT on KETKY
  • Saturday November 19, 2022 4:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Saturday November 19, 2022 3:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Sunday November 13, 2022 6:00 pm ET on KET2
  • Sunday November 13, 2022 5:00 pm CT on KET2
  • Sunday November 13, 2022 4:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Sunday November 13, 2022 3:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Sunday November 13, 2022 12:00 pm ET on KET
  • Sunday November 13, 2022 11:00 am CT on KET

Restoring American Democracy - S18 E9

  • Friday November 25, 2022 11:00 pm ET on KET2
  • Friday November 25, 2022 10:00 pm CT on KET2
  • Friday November 25, 2022 10:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Friday November 25, 2022 9:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Friday November 25, 2022 6:30 pm ET on KET
  • Friday November 25, 2022 5:30 pm CT on KET
  • Sunday November 13, 2022 8:00 am ET on KETKY
  • Sunday November 13, 2022 7:00 am CT on KETKY
  • Saturday November 12, 2022 4:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Saturday November 12, 2022 3:30 pm CT on KETKY

Jessie Laine Powell - S11 E31

  • Friday November 11, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Friday November 11, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Oral Health Care In Kentucky - S11 E30

  • Thursday November 10, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Thursday November 10, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Thursday November 10, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Thursday November 10, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Kishonna Gray - S11 E29

  • Wednesday November 9, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday November 9, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Wednesday November 9, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Wednesday November 9, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Gretchen Hunt - S11 E28

  • Tuesday November 8, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 8, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 8, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 8, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 8, 2022 5:30 am ET on KETKY
  • Tuesday November 8, 2022 4:30 am CT on KETKY

Dr. Erin Frazier - S11 E27

  • Monday November 7, 2022 10:30 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday November 7, 2022 9:30 pm CT on KETKY
  • Monday November 7, 2022 2:00 pm ET on KETKY
  • Monday November 7, 2022 1:00 pm CT on KETKY
Top

Explore KET