Real Talk with Riggin
Real Talk with Riggin is where honest conversations meet unfiltered perspectives. Hosted by longtime broadcaster and straight-shooter Faune Riggin, the podcast dives deep into the issues that matter most—politics, community, culture, and the stories shaping everyday life in Southeast Missouri and beyond. Each episode brings in guests ranging from policy analysts to everyday people with extraordinary stories, offering insights you won’t hear anywhere else.
With her trademark candor and curiosity, Riggin asks the tough questions, challenges assumptions, and gives her audience the context they need to think critically. Whether it’s national policy, local events, or personal experiences, nothing is off the table.
If you’re ready for a podcast that cuts through the noise and gets to the heart of the matter, this is Real Talk with Riggin.
Episodes

Monday Mar 09, 2026
Monday Mar 09, 2026
A pro-life advocate has reached a legal settlement restoring his ability to share his message in public after a dispute over free speech rights. Senior Counsel at First Liberty Institute, Nate Kellum, explains that the agreement affirms the individual’s constitutional right to peacefully express pro-life views without being silenced by government restrictions. Kellum says the outcome is an important victory for free speech and religious liberty, ensuring that Americans can voice their beliefs in public spaces while setting a precedent to protect similar rights for others in the future.

Monday Mar 09, 2026
Monday Mar 09, 2026
March is National Nutrition Month, a time dedicated to encouraging healthy eating habits and making informed food choices. St. Louis District Dairy Council Educator Maggie Nosic says the month is a great reminder to focus on balanced meals that include a variety of nutrient-rich foods. She highlights the importance of incorporating dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese as part of a healthy diet because they provide key nutrients such as calcium, protein, and vitamin D. Throughout the month, Nosic encourages families to try new recipes, plan meals ahead, and make small changes that can lead to long-term improvements in overall nutrition and wellness. 🥛🥗🍎

Friday Mar 06, 2026
Friday Mar 06, 2026
Success story! Inland Cape Rice Company is making waves in the local agriculture and food scene as owners Meagan and Sam Schneider turn their vision into a thriving business. Built on a commitment to quality, sustainability, and supporting regional farmers, Inland Cape Rice Company is bringing locally grown rice to tables across Southeast Missouri and around the world. Meagan and Sam have worked to create a brand that highlights the value of locally sourced food while strengthening the connection between consumers and the farmers who grow it. Their dedication and entrepreneurial spirit are helping prove that innovative agriculture and small business success can flourish right here in our region. The rice is sold at Schnucks!

Friday Mar 06, 2026
Friday Mar 06, 2026
The largest school district in Maryland is under scrutiny for promoting “anti-racism” training aimed at students, raising questions from parents and education advocates about political ideology in the classroom. According to Sarah Parshall Perry, Vice President and Legal Fellow at Defending Education, the training materials encourage children to view social interactions primarily through the lens of race and systemic bias. Critics argue the lessons may pressure students to adopt specific viewpoints on race and identity rather than fostering open discussion. Perry says families deserve transparency about what is being taught and how such programs may shape students’ understanding of history, culture, and personal responsibility in the classroom.

Friday Mar 06, 2026
Friday Mar 06, 2026
As tensions with Iran continue to dominate headlines, critics say some major news outlets are shaping the narrative in ways that reflect elitist bias rather than balanced reporting. Nicholas Fondacaro, associate editor at Media Research Center’s NewsBusters, joins us to break down what he calls the “worst of the elitist media” in their coverage of Iran. Fondacaro points to examples where major networks have downplayed Iranian protests, echoed regime talking points, or framed U.S. and Israeli actions as the primary source of instability while minimizing Iran’s role in regional aggression. He argues these narratives often leave out key context and fail to highlight the voices of Iranians opposing the regime, raising concerns about how Americans are being informed about a critical foreign policy issue

Friday Mar 06, 2026
Friday Mar 06, 2026
Regional Director Penny Williams joins us to highlight the exciting lineup of March events for Special Olympics Missouri. As the spring season gets underway, athletes across the region are preparing for competitions, training opportunities, and community gatherings that celebrate inclusion, teamwork, and achievement. Williams shares how these events support athletes of all abilities, the role volunteers and local supporters play in making them possible, and how the community can get involved to cheer on and encourage these inspiring competitors throughout the month.

Thursday Mar 05, 2026
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel William Dunn has been offering candid commentary on the growing tensions with Iran and what they mean for U.S. troop safety and homeland security. Drawing on his decades of Marine Corps experience, Dunn has warned that a military buildup and potential escalation in the region could heighten risks to service members stationed in the Middle East by exposing them to missile, drone, and asymmetrical threats from Iranian forces and their proxies — considerations that underscore the importance of strategic planning and force protection. At the same time, analysts highlight that prolonged conflict with Iran could also expand risks to the U.S. homeland through cyberattacks, terrorism-inspired lone actors, and other asymmetric retaliation, challenging domestic security agencies to guard against unconventional threats even far from the battlefield.

Thursday Mar 05, 2026
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
Radiant Mobile is partnering with T-Mobile to launch what it says is the nation’s first Christian wireless service, designed to give faith-focused consumers a mobile option aligned with their values. Co-Founder Paul Fisher says the service will operate on T-Mobile’s nationwide network while offering customers an alternative that supports Christian ministries and promotes faith-centered content. Fisher explains that the goal is to provide reliable coverage and competitive pricing while also creating a wireless service that reflects the beliefs and priorities of many Christian families across the country.

Thursday Mar 05, 2026
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department is inviting families to a fun and memorable evening during its upcoming Mother/Son Game Night. Coordinator Dylan Koyer joins us to talk about this special event designed to give moms and their sons a chance to spend quality time together enjoying a variety of games, activities, and friendly competition in a relaxed setting. From classic board games to interactive challenges, the night is all about building connections, sharing laughs, and creating lasting memories for families in the community. Dylan will share details on what participants can expect, how to register, and why events like this are a great way for families to unplug and enjoy time together

Thursday Mar 05, 2026
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
March brings a variety of family-friendly and educational programs to the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, and Manager Laci Prucinsky says it’s a perfect time to reconnect with nature as spring begins to arrive. The Missouri Department of Conservation facility will host hands-on programs focused on early spring wildlife activity, hiking opportunities, and educational workshops designed for all ages. Visitors can learn about migrating birds, emerging plants, and the changing ecosystems of southeast Missouri while enjoying the center’s trails and exhibits. Prucinsky encourages families, students, and outdoor enthusiasts to check the March schedule and take advantage of the free programs that highlight the natural beauty and wildlife of the region. 🌿🐦🌼








