Moving Kentucky Forward

An interview w/ David Kloiber, candidate for KY-06

Forward Kentucky — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:12:26 +0000

We talk with David Kloiber, running for Congress to take over Andy Barr's seat. He shared his "Common Sense for the Commonwealth" ideas, and how he is getting out and sharing those ideas with people in the district. We also discussed his time on city council, and how that experience is shaping his run for Congress.

An interview with Zach Dembo

Forward Kentucky — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 09:48:05 +0000

We interview Zach Dembo, who is running to take Andy Barr's seat in Congress. We talk about his job of teaching in Mississippi, of working for Governor Beshear, and then being a JAG in the Navy and a federal prosecutor. Finally, we discuss how the campaign is going, and what his "front porch pitch" is going to be.

An interview with Cherlynn Stevenson

Forward Kentucky — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:23:40 +0000

We talk with Cherlynn Stevenson, who is running for Andy Barr's seat in the U.S. House. She shares why she is running, how the campaign is going, and what people are telling her when she talks with them on their front porch.

An Interview with Erin Petrey

Forward Kentucky — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 19:35:54 +0000

We talk with Erin Petrey, running for the Democratic nomination in Kentucky's 6th Congressional District. We learn of her impressive background, the top issues she is hearing on the front porches, and why she is the best candidate in the race. Watch or listen and learn more about Erin Petrey!

An interview with Amy McGrath

Forward Kentucky — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 01:07:10 +0000

Amy McGrath just announced she is running for Mitch McConnell's seat in the U.S. Senate. We talk with her about that decision, how things went in 2020, and why she entered an already crowded field. Big thanks to Lt. Col. McGrath for taking the time to speak with us!

John Whipple on Running in Rural Kentucky

Forward Kentucky — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 23:20:15 +0000

John Whipple ran for KY House District 10 in 2024, getting over 30% of the vote. (More than any other Dem in his area.) We talk with him about what he learned from that race, how the Dem party is doing in his area, and what his magic-wand wish is.

An Interview with Senate Dem Leadership

Forward Kentucky — Thu, 01 May 2025 14:05:10 +0000

We talk with Senators Gerald Neal and Reggie Thomas about the recently-concluded KY General Assembly, and what they saw as the best and worst of it. (Sen. David Yates had a conflict and wasn't available.) We looked at various bills, and we talked about working relationships and how some of the actions of the majority came across during the session.

Pam Stevenson on Running for Mitch’s Seat

Forward Kentucky — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 23:14:18 +0000

We talk with Col. Pam Stevenson about her filing to run for Senate in 2026 to fill Mitch McConnell's seat. She is one of our favorite guests on the show, and we bet she'll be one of your favorites as well.

A Democratic Socialist wins in Kentucky (!)

Forward Kentucky — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 23:57:37 +0000

A card-carrying member of Democratic Socialists of America won a seat on Louisville's Metro Council. How did he do it, and what was his message that propelled him to a decisive victory?

Morgan Eaves, the new KDP exec director

Forward Kentucky — Tue, 14 May 2024 23:13:06 +0000

We talk with Morgan Eaves, the sorta-new executive director of the Kentucky Democratic Party. She talks about the shape of the party, about her goals and plans to hit those goals, and about the upcoming special KDP dinner. At the end, we give her three wishes, and ask how she would use them.

An interview with Erin Marshall, Comer’s opponent

Forward Kentucky — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 17:47:12 +0000

A wonderful interview with Erin Marshall, who is challenging Jamie Comer in Kentucky's 1st District. We talk about why she got into the race, how people have responded, and whether she is ready to really go after Comer.

An Interview with Josh Buckman

Forward Kentucky — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 16:33:26 +0000

We talk with Josh Buckman, who is running in the Democratic primary for Kentucky House District 76. He shares his "front line" experience, which he thinks makes him the best person to serve in Frankfort. And, we get into his top issues if elected.

An interview with Cherlyn Smith

Forward Kentucky — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:37:32 +0000

We talk with Cherlyn Smith, running against Steve Bratcher for House District 25. We talk about her background working for the military, about her campaign, and about "executing the plan."

An interview with Jamie Palumbo

Forward Kentucky — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 18:42:51 +0000

We talk with Jamie Palumbo, who is running for the KY House seat currently held by his mother (who is retiring). We dig into why he's running, and what issues are top of mind for him.

An interview with Anne Donworth

Forward Kentucky — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 22:49:16 +0000

We talk with Anne Donworth, one of the Democratic candidates for House District 76. She shares why she is running, the extensive experience she brings to the table, and her passion for the lives of the people in her district.

Her website: https://www.annegaydonworth.com/

Candidate Interview: Adam Moore

Forward Kentucky — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 17:52:56 +0000

An interview with Democrat Adam Moore, running for the Kentucky House in District 45

Website: https://www.kydeservesmoore.com

An Interview with Jacqueline Coleman

Forward Kentucky — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 20:25:34 +0000

We interview the just-reelected Lt. Governor of Kentucky, Jacqueline Coleman. We talked about her accomplishments in her first term, what she wants to get done in her second term, and what, if she had a magic wand, she would stop.

An interview with Rep. Rachel Roberts

Forward Kentucky — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 02:18:44 +0000

We talk with Rachel Roberts of Northern Kentucky about issues and politics in that part of the state, about her relationships with other electeds from both parties, and about the upcoming legislative session, including both the budget and abortion. Her comments were insightful, direct, and definitely worth listening to.

An interview with Cong. Morgan McGarvey

Forward Kentucky — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 00:22:34 +0000

We talk with first-term Congressman Morgan McGarvey of Louisville, and discuss his work, his colleagues, and how DC is both different from, and similar to, his work in Frankfort.

An interview with Sierra Enlow

Forward Kentucky — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 16:21:48 +0000

One of the most impressive candidates we have ever interviewed, Sierra Enlow is perfect for the Ag Commissioner role. Listen to find out why!

Adam Edelen is putting solar on top of Kentucky mountains

Forward Kentucky — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 15:37:11 +0000

We talk with Adam Edelen about his exciting project of building out solar arrays on the tops of mountains that had been flattened by mountain-top removal. He tells us about the jobs this is creating, who is buying the power, and the difference this can make for both the climate and the economy. Listen to learn more!

Kim Reeder, an eastern KY success story running for Auditor

Forward Kentucky — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 14:35:18 +0000

We interview Kim Reeder, a native Kentuckian running for state Auditor this fall. She has both an impressive resume and an impressive backstory, and is by far the best qualified candidate for the job. Listen to learn more!

Remember, if you are a paying member of Forward Kentucky, you can read the transcript on the site.

And check out all our other media publications as well!

An interview with Dr. Jeremy Porter

Forward Kentucky — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 18:11:12 +0000

We interview Dr. Jeremy Porter, who specializes in climate risk by location. We used his data in our recent series on climate risk in Kentucky.

Climate risk series: https://ForwardKY.com/kentucky-climat...

The Risk Factor site: https://riskfactor.com

First Street Foundation: https://firststreet.org

An interview with Michael Bowman, candidate for Treasurer

Forward Kentucky — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 17:46:50 +0000

Michael Bowman is running for Kentucky Treasurer this fall, and in this interview, we learn why he is the obvious choice for the role.

An interview with Buddy Wheatley

Forward Kentucky — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 16:01:23 +0000

Buddy Wheatley is the Democratic candidate for KY Secretary of State in this fall's election. He's fairly well-known in the northern part of the state, but not as well elsewhere. So in this interview, we talk about why he's running, what he hopes to accomplish, and what sets him apart from his opponent, the current SOS Michael Adams. Listen and learn more about Buddy Wheatley!

Al Cross on why we should care about a little newspaper in Kansas

Forward Kentucky — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 19:06:39 +0000

As you may know, a small weekly newspaper in Kansas was raided last week by their local police department. You may be thinking, “I live in Kentucky. Why should I care about this?”

To answer that question, I interview Al Cross, long-time journalist in the state, and the director emeritus of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues. Al goes into not only why we should care about what happened in Kansas, but why we should all care deeply about our own local journalism.

An inspiring interview w/ AG candidate Colonel Pam Stevenson

Forward Kentucky — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 20:45:44 +0000

Stevenson is a retired colonel, a state rep, an ordained minister, and one of the most inspiring and passionate persons we’ve ever interviewed. Enjoy the interview, then plan to vote for her!

An interview with Emma Curtis

Forward Kentucky — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 19:15:14 +0000

This week we talk with Emma Curtis, who is running for the seat in the state House left vacant by the sudden death of Lamin Swann. Emma is a well-known activist who is smart, well-spoken, and passionate about both the issues she cares about and about representing the people in the 93rd district. In addition, though, she has an interesting "day job," as well as a lifelong hobby that we learn about. Come learn more about Emma Curtis!

Why we need Ranked Choice Voting

Forward Kentucky — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 01:31:00 +0000

The KY GOP has a problem – with all the people running for governor in 2023, it’s possible they will nominate someone that most Republicans won’t support. The solution is simple: Ranked Choice Voting. In this podcast, we interview Mathew Ruberg of Rank the Vote KY. He explains what RCV is, how it works, and the problems it solves. Best of all, RCV makes our elections better for everyone, no matter their party. It is a non-partisan way to improve our elections. Listen to learn more!

More analysis of the 2022 midterms with Dr. Trent Garrison

Forward Kentucky — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 20:05:00 +0000

Trent Garrison has done extensive analysis of Kentucky voters and voting over the years, and this time his question was: How much did the redistricting affect the outcome of the midterms? Join us for geeking out on data and graphs, and even some points of good news for Dems!

An interview with Buddy Wheatley

Forward Kentucky — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 20:29:00 +0000

One of the most popular and respected representatives in the KY House nevertheless lost his reelection bid a few weeks ago. Why did this happen? We talk with Buddy Wheatley to get his take on his loss, what caused it, and what comes next for him.

Robert Kahne Redux! – Mayors and judges

Forward Kentucky — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:36:00 +0000

It's a Robert Kahne Redux Show! We've got Robert on for a second episode to talk about the mayor's races in Louisville and Lexington, as well as the various judicial elections across the state. Dig in for more insights from Robert!

Cherlynn Stevenson on How She Won, and What’s Next

Forward Kentucky — Sat, 19 Nov 2022 17:42:00 +0000

Rep. Cherlynn Stevenson talks about her campaign and how she won her new district, as well as the issues facing the KY General Assembly when they gather again in January.

Robert Kahne on the Election Results

Forward Kentucky — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 01:27:00 +0000

Elections analysis guru Robert Kahne lays out what he saw in Tuesday's election in Kentucky.

Kate Turner, candidate for KY House

Forward Kentucky — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 17:56:00 +0000

We're baaaaack!! Yes, “Moving Kentucky Forward” is back after a too-long hiatus. And for our first show back, we interview Kate Turner, who is running against Jason Nemes for KY House district 33. This was a great interview, and Kate is a great candidate! You can check out her campaign at KateForKentucky.com. Enjoy!

This Year’s KYGA Justice Bills – an interview with Jazmin Smith

Forward Kentucky — Thu, 12 May 2022 17:31:00 +0000

Do you know about the justice bills passed this year in Frankfort? Jazmin Smith does, and we've got her on MKF to tell us all about them. Join us!

An interview with Pamela Stevenson

Forward Kentucky — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 17:19:00 +0000

Col. Pam Stevenson (AF-Ret.) is running for her second term in the state House. In our interview, she talked about why she ran the first time, what she has learned, and why she is running again. Her passion for democracy and her commitment to serving all people are truly inspiring. Give it a listen, and share it with others!

Millionaires who actually want us to Tax the Rich!

Forward Kentucky — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Growing inequality is “ripping the country apart” – but the Patriotic Millionaires have a solution. Learn who they are, why they say "Tax the Rich!", and what their solution is. (PS – They're right.)

Repubs attack Taylor jurors, but let buddy off the hook

Forward Kentucky — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 22:51:00 +0000

Here's a situation so partisan and so mean that it will leave you shaking your head. Attorney Anna Whites tells us why she is suing the KY legislature's leadership, what caused it, and what's next.

An Interview with Tom Fitzgerald

Forward Kentucky — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 19:52:00 +0000

There are some people in public service who have such an impact that they are iconic. One such person is Tom Fitzgerald, the long-time leader of the Kentucky Resources Council. In this interview, we asked how KRC came to be, what were the best and worst bills he saw in his time ... and about the shoes!

An Interview with Hank Linderman

Forward Kentucky — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 01:47:00 +0000

In this week's Moving Kentucky Forward, we talk with Hank Linderman, Congressional candidate in KY's 2nd district. It was a wide-ranging conversation, and one I think you will really enjoy.

Debby Lucas Angel taking on Savannah Maddox

Forward Kentucky — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 02:18:00 +0000

Debby Angel ran a write-in campaign in 2020, and got beat pretty thoroughly. So why come back and run again? “Because the people of this district are not being served by Maddox – and because I can do the job a lot better than her.” Listen and learn about this candidate and her many connections to her district.

An interview with Morgan McGarvey

Forward Kentucky — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 18:00:00 +0000

State Senator Morgan McGarvey took time out from his campaign for Kentucky's 3rd Congressional District to talk with us about reaching out to voters across the city, about what he has accomplished in Frankfort, and what he wants to be known for if elected to Congress. It was an insightful and wide-ranging interview; give it a listen to learn more. And if you follow Kentucky politics, subscribe to Moving Kentucky Forward in your podcast app of choice.

Chris Preece, candidate for KY-06

Forward Kentucky — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 20:39:00 +0000

Running for office is pretty much a full-time job. Being a teacher is definitely a full-time job. And yet Chris Preece is doing both as he takes on Andy Barr for Kentucky's 6th Congressional District. Why is Preece doing this? And how is it going?

An Interview with Rep. Joni Jenkins

Forward Kentucky — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 02:42:00 +0000

State Rep. Joni Jenkins, who has served in the Kentucky House for many years, is not running for re-election this fall. We asked why she isn't running, what her best and worst memories are of her time in Frankfort, and what Kentucky Dems need to do going forward. Give a listen to this stateswoman as she looks back over her time serving our state.

The Choice Facing the Republican Party

Forward Kentucky — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 19:55:00 +0000

Lawyer and political analyst Teri Kanefield says that Republicans have a choice: democracy or anti-democracy. Listen as she lays out the history of the Republican party that got us here, and if they choose against democracy, what we can do.

KY 120 Takes On SB 1

Forward Kentucky — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 18:52:00 +0000

We talk with Christina Trosper of KY 120 United AFT, to see what the group is up to now, AND to discuss Senate Bill 1 and what is wrong with it. If you care about education, this is an important podcast. (Just want to hear the SB1 discussion? Jump to 15:28.)

Are the Maps Legal? An interview with Josh Douglas

Forward Kentucky — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 20:32:00 +0000

The Repubs in the General Assembly have released and passed their redistricting maps, all in one week. There is already talk of suing over the maps – but, is there actually anything to sue over? Professor Josh Douglas walks us through the legal issues surrounding the new maps.

What Your Poop Is Saying About COVID

Forward Kentucky — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 23:52:00 +0000

Did you know your poop can talk? Well, it can – at least when it comes to detecting COVID. We talk with Dr. Ted Smith, the director of the Wastewater-Based Epidemiology study at the University of Louisville. What is it, how does it work – and most importantly, what are they seeing? Listen in to learn more!

Redistricting 2022 – The Law

Forward Kentucky — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 03:43:00 +0000

We talk with Ben Carter, senior counsel for the KY Equal Justice Center, about the legality of the Republican maps, and whether they can and should be challenged – and whether our message should be "slow down" or "Stop!"

Redistricting 2022 – The League

Forward Kentucky — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 03:41:00 +0000

We talk with Dee Pregliasco of the KY League of Women Voters, to hear what the League finds wrong with both the maps as drawn and with the redistricting process itself.

Redistricting 2022 – The Maps

Forward Kentucky — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 03:38:00 +0000

We talk with data scientist Robert Kahne about his work reverse-engineering the Republican PDF maps into actual map shapefiles with precincts, and what he found when he did so.

KYGA Preview with Joni Jenkins and Morgan McGarvey

Forward Kentucky — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 00:19:00 +0000

As the KY General Assembly prepares to open tomorrow, we spoke with Senator Morgan McGarvey and Representative Joni Jenkins, the two minority leaders in the legislature. We talked about redistricting, including both the process and the result. We also got into what to expect in this year's session, and what the Democratic leaders hope to accomplish.

Increasing School Funding: A KYGA task force weighs in

Forward Kentucky — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 03:10:00 +0000

A special education funding task force recently released nine recommendations for increasing funding for Kentucky's schools, including having the state be required to fund full-day kindergarten. These are exciting recommendations, so we were glad to talk with Rep. James Tipton and Rep. Tina Bojanowski, two members of the task force. They explain what some of the recommendations mean and why they were included, and weigh in on the chances of them passing the General Assembly in this session.

The recommendations can be found on the LRC website in this PDF.

And, if you want more MKF interviews, hit the Subscribe link to see all the ways and places you can subscribe!

An interview with Dr. Neal Turpin

Forward Kentucky — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:20:00 +0000

Dr. Neal Turpin is challenging Tom Burch for the Democratic nomination for House District 30. (Disclaimer: He is a contributor to ForwardKY.) We interviewed Dr. Turpin to ask him why he decided to run for this seat at this time, what his goals are, and what he is passionate about.

An interview with Attica Scott

Forward Kentucky — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 04:26:00 +0000

In this episode of Moving Kentucky Forward, we interview state Rep. Attica Scott about her campaign for Congress in Kentucky's 3rd district. We ask her why she decided to run, how her campaign is going, and what key issues she wants to address if elected. Give a listen to this progressive champion as she speaks with passion and vigor about what her campaign is about.