Jim Engster

Credit Tim Mueller
Host

Every weekday Jim engages listeners with compelling discussions ranging from presidential and gubernatorial campaigns to LSU football and the aftermath of disasters like Hurricane Isaac.

Jim serves as president of the Louisiana Radio Network and Tiger Rag Magazine and hosted the statewide offering Louisiana Live from 1998-2003. The Jim Engster Show has been part of the WRKF schedule since March 1, 2004.

In a career spanning more than three decades, Jim has interviewed nine Louisiana governors and has reported on every gubernatorial election since 1975. He has also shared the microphone with leaders of other states including Bill Clinton of Arkansas, Jerry Brown of California and Jesse Ventura of Minnesota.

Writers Ernest Gaines, Rex Reed and Immaculee’ Ilabagiza and two actresses who spent much of their youth in the Baton Rouge area---Debbie Allen and Lynn Whitfield -- are some of Jim’s favorite interviewees.

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The Jim Engster Show
11:12 am
Tue May 21, 2013

WEDNESDAY: AARP's Joan Ruff, Hugh Buckingham On The Oklahoma Tornado Disaster, Author James Scott

AARP Board Member Joan Ruff on the future of Social Security. and Louisiana's resistance to the Medicaid Expansion in the Affordable Care Act.

Jim talks with former LSU professor Hugh Buckingham, who was very near the tornado disaster in Moore, Oklahoma.

Author James Scott on his book, "The War Below", about three submarines that battles Japanese forces during World War II.


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The Jim Engster Show
11:53 am
Fri May 17, 2013

MONDAY: WRKF's Lew Carter, The City Park Golf Course Controversy

Jim takes a look at the brewing controversy over calls to tear down the City Park golf course, in favor of new green space development. Jim gets opposing views on the subject from Fairleigh Cook Jackson and City Park area resident Millard Callicott.

A visit with WRKF's Lew Carter, as he prepares to celebrate his 90th birthday

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The Jim Engster Show
11:57 am
Fri May 10, 2013

FRIDAY: Blogger C.B. Forgotston, TV Legend Donna Douglas, Seafood Spokesman Ewell Smith And More

Government watchdog and political blogger C.B. Forgotston talks with Jim about the battle over the state budget and other going on at the Capitol.

Donna Douglas, TV's Ellie Mae, from "The Beverly Hillbillies" pays a visit to talk about her new cookbook, "Southern Favorites With A Taste Of Hollywood"

Ewell Smith, with the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board, discusses legislation that would turn oversight of his industry over to the Lt. Governor's Office.

Gwen Jones and Jodi Hanet, with the Kid's Orchestra of Baton Rouge pop in to talk about Saturday's concert at the Christian Life Fellowship.


The Jim Engster Show
12:08 pm
Wed May 8, 2013

THURSDAY: LFT President Steve Monaghan, Author Claire Manes, Reporter & Author Bob Sullivan

Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Steve Monaghan discusses the state Supreme Court ruling against Louisiana's private school vouchers program.

Author Claire Manes talks about her book, "Out Of The Shadow Of Leprosy", about her grandfather's struggle with Hanson's Disease at the Carville Hospital.

NBC investigative reporter and author Bob Sullivan on his book, "The Plateau Effect"

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The Jim Engster Show
11:34 am
Tue May 7, 2013

WEDNESDAY: LDOR's Douglas Baker, Cancer Survivor Brenda Elsagher

Comedienne, author and colorectal cancer survivor Brenda Elsagher, who'll speak tonight at the Pennington Center.

Jim talks with Douglas Baker, from the Louisiana Department of Revenue, about the schism between lawmakers and the Governor over use of one-time money to balance the state budget, and recent legislation to reduce tax breaks for businesses to make up that imbalance.

New Orleans area bankruptcy lawyer Bill Cherbonnier, who is opposed to House Bill 567, by Baton Rouge Rep. Erich Ponti. It would repeal the state's ban on for-profit debt adjusters.

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The Jim Engster Show
9:04 am
Tue May 7, 2013

TUESDAY: Former LSU Hospitals Chief Dr. Fred Cerise, Saxophonist Brad Walker

Former LSU Hospitals head Dr. Fred Cerise discusses health care challenges facing the state and the LSU hospital system...and the disagreement over accepting the federal Medicaid expansion included in the Affordable Care act.

A visit with New Orleans composer and saxophonist Brad Walker.


The Jim Engster Show
9:27 am
Mon May 6, 2013

MONDAY: Former Congressman Charlie Melancon, Forum 35's Jacquie Stalls & Eric Dexter

Jim talks with Jacquie Stalls and Eric Dexter, of Forum 35, who is hosting a panel discussion on same sex marriage (moderated by Jim) this Wednesday night.

Former U.S. Representative Charlie Melancon talks about what he's been doing since leaving Congress in 2010, and what's going on now in the nation's capital.


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The Jim Engster Show
9:37 am
Fri May 3, 2013

FRIDAY: State Senator Ben Nevers, Journalist Jeffrey Marks, Olympian Carl Lewis

Bogalusa Senator Ben Nevers (D) discusses the state's reluctance to accept the Medicaid expansion included in the federal Affordable Care Act, an his proposed legislation to accept the Medicaid money. 

Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Jeffrey Marks and his friend, Olympic track &  field Gold Medalist  Carl Lewis, talk about sports & achievement...and about their support for organ donation.

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The Jim Engster Show
12:36 pm
Wed May 1, 2013

THURSDAY: Composer Robert Kyr, State Rep. Henry Burns, The Advocate's John Wirt

A visit with noted composer Robert Kyr, who will perform his work "Waging Peace" this Sunday at the Broadmoor Baptist Church.

Jim talks with Haughton state Representative  Henry Burns about his bill allowing concealed carry gun permits holders to take their weapons into restaurants that serve liquor.

Advocate entertainment writer John Wirt drops by to discuss the passing of country music legend George Jones, and the purchase of the Advocate by John Georges.

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The Jim Engster Show
11:40 am
Tue April 30, 2013

WEDNESDAY: Pelican Institute's Kevin Kane, New EBR Libraries Head Spencer Watts

Kevin Kane, President of the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, talks about Governor's Jindal's position on Medicaid expansion.

Spencer Watts, the new head of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System.


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