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MoxieTalk with Kirt Jacobs

Kirt Jacobs is the host and producer of MoxieTalk, a talk show that gives an intimate look into the courage, character and defining moments of today’s most inspiring individuals.
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Now displaying: March, 2019
Mar 25, 2019

Since 2001, when Ouita & her husband, Chris, opened the Holly Hill Inn in Midway, KY., she has made locally grown ingredients a priority in her world-class cuisine within her family of rests. where many a bourbon aficionado will find her restaurants along the KY. Bourbon Trail-such as Holly Hill Inn or Wallace Station Deli & the Midway Bakery ALL in Midway, KY. or the Windy Corner Mkt. & Rest. or Smithtown Seafood or Smithtown at the Summit & HoneyWood all in Midway, KY. Michel’s restaurants since inception have collectively purchased over $2 million of KY-grown meats, dairy & produce-not too shabby! She has been a James Beard Fdtn. Award nominee as Outstanding Restaurateur, & Best Chef in the Southeast. Ouita & Chris are graduates of the Culinary Institute of America in NY., is a member of Slow Food USA; deacon & free community supper coordinator for Midway Christian Church; Bd. member of FoodChain, a non-profit food incubator in Lexington, Ky., & Woodford Forward, a land-use group; Hindman Settlement School, which is dedicated to enriching Central. Appalachian culture; a member of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence. Other honors include the Fayette Alliance Agricultural Excellence Award & Bluegrass Tomorrow’s most prestigious honor, the Josephine Abercrombie Award, given to a person who contributes tirelessly to improve quality of life in the Bluegrass, not to mention she is also the Chef-in-residence, Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, Ky. & Michel & her restaurants are regularly featured in local & national media, such as CBS This Morning, USA Today, Southern Living & Garden & Gun-not too shabby! She, Chris & their lovely daughter, Willa, live in Midway in a 200-year-old cabin with an expansive garden adjacent to where else? The Holly Hill Inn.

Mar 18, 2019

Flynn had plans to go into medicine. Not to mention his 15 years of military service in the U.S. Army, as well as being based out of Landstuhl, Germany from 2002-2007. but let’s back up, Flynn decided to go into medical equipment & pharmaceutical sales instead. In 2015 after serving at Ohio St Univ., Columbus, where he held several positions, he joined the Norton Cancer Institute. However, his prior history & accomplishments in medicine is quite lengthy. 1st earning his biology & psychology undergraduate degrees at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., then a masters of public health degree from Uniformed Services Univ. of the Health Sciences, in Bethesda, MD.

Not to be outdone, he then earned his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA, completing his fellowship at the Walter Reed Army Medical Ctr.

Today he is board certified in medical oncology & is a fellow of the American College of Physicians. He has been active in community education on a wide variety of cancer-related topics & has contributed to more than 50 medical publications!

Mar 5, 2019

Fred Minnick is a national bestselling author & nationally recognized bourbon & spirits connoisseur, as well a U.S. Army veteran. While growing up in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma County News published his 1st story at the age of 15. Fred states he will never forget the feeling of seeing his name in print-he was hooked. In 1996, Minnick, joined the National Guard to help pay for college. After Fred graduated in 2001 from Oklahoma State University with a B.S. degree in Agricultural Comm./Journalism, he joined the Army as an infantryman, but once he learned the Army had jobs for Army journalists-he reclassified. By the time he graduated & started his career with a marketing firm in Wisconsin, he found himself serving in a mobile public affairs detachment, the week before 9/11, becoming an Army staff sergeant & ultimately a public affairs photojournalist who in 2003 served a 1-year tour of duty deployment to Mosul, Iraq with the 139 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment ending in 2004.

During this time, Minnick suffered from various physical wounds & PTSD during the time-frame of roughly 2004-2009, sparing you the details, the “day-to-day” became a real challenge for him after Iraq, & while working for Networld Alliance as a restaurant trade editor, until fall 2006, Fred took the giant leap to go out on my own, & 1 of the 1st things he did as a new freelancer was write a list of categories he could write about. BOURBON was on that list.  From a technique he learned called Mindfulness on how to deal with his PTSD, it, in turn, became a GREAT technique for learning how to taste bourbon. Which is how he has become the industry’s leading spirits taster, traveling all over the world there was no one specializing in bourbon & spirit tasting at that time, YET publications wanted the information. There was a broad audience & the market could handle it.

Before he knew it, a new career was born! His 1st bourbon story was published shortly thereafter, & never looked back as they say! In 2009 he penned his 1st book about his tour of Duty in Iraq called Camera Boy: An Army Journalist’s War in Iraq. The success of that book led Fred to author 6 different books & become a Wall Street Journal-bestselling author from 2009 until this interview with such titles as: 2016’s Bourbon-The Rise & Fall & Rebirth of an American Whiskey or 2015’s Bourbon Curious: A Simple Guide for the Savvy Drinker, or 2013’s Whiskey Women: The Untold Story of How Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch & Irish Whiskey or total diversionary topics away from distilled spirits such as 2010’s Certified Angus Beef History Book. Today he serves as a judge on the San Francisco World Spirits Competition & the World Whiskies Awards.

He’s also judged multiple cocktail contests, including the national competitions for Old Forester, Four Roses & Citadelle Gin. Is the official “Bourbon Authority” for the KY. Derby Museum, has been the Chairman of the Brain Injury Alliance of KY.’s Brain Ball. Not to mention a spirits writer for multiple national & international periodicals such as USA Today/Scientific American/Parade Magazine/Caviar Affair /Whisky Advocate/Whisky Magazine/Tasting Panel/Wine Spectator/Sommelier Journal/Wine Enthusiast/Bourbon Review-a Hunting Magazine named Covey Rise & yes even the Costco Connection!

As you have heard it wasn’t an easy road to where he sits atop the bourbon world, waiting on a new batch to write about and taste. But looking back at Iraq as a father, husband, successful author, and a sought-after spirits expert–he said he is in a good place now.

Minnick resides with his lovely wife Jaclyn and in Louisville, Ky.

Mar 5, 2019

Fred Minnick is a national bestselling author & nationally recognized bourbon & spirits connoisseur, as well a U.S. Army veteran. While growing up in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma County News published his 1st story at the age of 15. Fred states he will never forget the feeling of seeing his name in print-he was hooked. In 1996, Minnick, joined the National Guard to help pay for college. After Fred graduated in 2001 from Oklahoma State University with a B.S. degree in Agricultural Comm./Journalism, he joined the Army as an infantryman, but once he learned the Army had jobs for Army journalists-he reclassified. By the time he graduated & started his career with a marketing firm in Wisconsin, he found himself serving in a mobile public affairs detachment, the week before 9/11, becoming an Army staff sergeant & ultimately a public affairs photojournalist who in 2003 served a 1-year tour of duty deployment to Mosul, Iraq with the 139 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment ending in 2004.

During this time, Minnick suffered from various physical wounds & PTSD during the time-frame of roughly 2004-2009, sparing you the details, the “day-to-day” became a real challenge for him after Iraq, & while working for Networld Alliance as a restaurant trade editor, until fall 2006, Fred took the giant leap to go out on my own, & 1 of the 1st things he did as a new freelancer was write a list of categories he could write about. BOURBON was on that list.  From a technique he learned called Mindfulness on how to deal with his PTSD, it, in turn, became a GREAT technique for learning how to taste bourbon. Which is how he has become the industry’s leading spirits taster, traveling all over the world there was no one specializing in bourbon & spirit tasting at that time, YET publications wanted the information. There was a broad audience & the market could handle it.

Before he knew it, a new career was born! His 1st bourbon story was published shortly thereafter, & never looked back as they say! In 2009 he penned his 1st book about his tour of Duty in Iraq called Camera Boy: An Army Journalist’s War in Iraq. The success of that book led Fred to author 6 different books & become a Wall Street Journal-bestselling author from 2009 until this interview with such titles as: 2016’s Bourbon-The Rise & Fall & Rebirth of an American Whiskey or 2015’s Bourbon Curious: A Simple Guide for the Savvy Drinker, or 2013’s Whiskey Women: The Untold Story of How Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch & Irish Whiskey or total diversionary topics away from distilled spirits such as 2010’s Certified Angus Beef History Book. Today he serves as a judge on the San Francisco World Spirits Competition & the World Whiskies Awards.

He’s also judged multiple cocktail contests, including the national competitions for Old Forester, Four Roses & Citadelle Gin. Is the official “Bourbon Authority” for the KY. Derby Museum, has been the Chairman of the Brain Injury Alliance of KY.’s Brain Ball. Not to mention a spirits writer for multiple national & international periodicals such as USA Today/Scientific American/Parade Magazine/Caviar Affair /Whisky Advocate/Whisky Magazine/Tasting Panel/Wine Spectator/Sommelier Journal/Wine Enthusiast/Bourbon Review-a Hunting Magazine named Covey Rise & yes even the Costco Connection!

As you have heard it wasn’t an easy road to where he sits atop the bourbon world, waiting on a new batch to write about and taste. But looking back at Iraq as a father, husband, successful author, and a sought-after spirits expert–he said he is in a good place now.

Minnick resides with his lovely wife Jaclyn and in Louisville, Ky.

Mar 4, 2019

Angela has been a devoted teacher of writing to adults for more than 20 years, & even briefly taught rambunctious 5th graders for three years! She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts & excels at providing expert facilitation, energetic encouragement, an infectious laugh & a love of words.

So much so, in 2014, she founded Feet to the Fire Writers’ Workshops, & in 2015, launched a specially-designed workshop-called Feet to the Fire Writers’ Workshops for Seniors, which engages elders in a stimulating writing/reminiscing workshop for those 65 & up! So far, her oldest student was-wait for it-104-not too shabby!

To date, she has really grown the program, offering more than 80 workshops to 450 elders in Louisville alone! Going forward she has plans to launch a workshop trainer program so others-as she puts it can spread the fire even more throughout the USA! But let‘s back up to the beginning when she was only ten yrs. old, & knew she wanted to be a writer & remembers well lying underneath a pink Dogwood tree in her front yard, scribbling & making up stories & her large family of brothers & sisters were willing to listen & encourage her to write even more!

Later, in the 8th grade, she had a story of hers published & with the help of her teacher, was paid the modest sum of $25-she was hooked! It had nothing to do with the $$, or publishing, BUT everything to do with the magic of words!

Today, a childhood talent has continued well into her adult life as she continues to write fiction, poetry, memoirs & has studied with some of the greats, including Abigail Thomas, Ellen Lesser, Sena Jeter Naslund, & Antonya Nelson. Not to mention she reads like a mad woman & after prompting 100’s of people to write their life stories, she believes firsthand in the benefits of engaging the memory & the connection it provides with others, all the while savoring life’s moments in a very permanent way!

As she puts it, “The Spark” @ age ten has grown into a glowing fire that promises to never die!

Mar 3, 2019

In 2015, Patrick was chosen to lead the esteemed KY. Derby Museum, replacing Lynn Ashton who previously served 20 years in that role.

Since taking the lead at the museum, Armstrong & his “KDM” staff have increased revenue by 22%, along with an annual attendance increase of over 12.6% in the 2016 fiscal year & 5.6% in the 2017 fiscal year.

Not too shabby, & not to be outdone Patrick & his team are now overseeing a $6.5 million/11,000 sq. ft. expansion of “KDM” to be unveiled prior to the 2018 Breeder’s Cup.

More than doubling the existing space of 5,000 sq. ft. Prior to joining “KDM” Patrick served 10 yrs. as SR. VP of Mktg. & Dev. for KY. Derby Festival, Inc.-having worked for the KY. Derby Festival for a collective 20 years & in the Lou. community for the last 27 yrs. with past stints as Mrktg. Dir. for Lou. CBS affiliate-WLKY TV,  & as Mrktg. Services Mgr. for Clear Channel Radio in Lou. Patrick is a graduate of Eastern KY. Univ. with a B. S. degree in Marketing & Management.

Patrick is a 2015 graduate of Leadership Louisville, a 2013 graduate of Focus Louisville, & a 2002 recipient of Business First’s “Forty Under 40”.

He currently serves on the Bd. of Directors for Louisville’s American Advertising Fed., & is the Vice Chairman of the Bd. of Dir for Assumption HS.

He is married to his lovely wife Renee & has two daughters named Devin & Becca

Mar 2, 2019

Angela Leet is an engineer, community leader, mom, and Metro Council member.

Angela grew up in Louisville’s Hikes Pt. area as the adopted daughter of 2 working class parents. Her parents modeled hard-work & determination,  & at a young age, Angela understood the importance of her own hard work & determination to create opportunities.

During the late 1970’s, Angela’s father,a United Auto Wkr., was impacted by layoffs, forcing the family to make sacrifices in order to keep their family home. Angela’s father impressed upon her the importance of education as the gateway to success & Angela became determined to be the 1st in her family to graduate college. Working 3 min. wage jobs to pay for her education, Angela saw that dream come to fruition in 1991 when she earned a Bach. of Sci. from the J.B. Spd. School of Engineering at the Univ. of Lou. She went on to earn a Master of Engineering degree in 1992 & in 1997 earned her MBA from the Univ. of Houston. After graduation, Angela left Lou. to pursue career interests in TX. & later in IN. In addition to her work as an environmental engineer, Angela trained as an industrial firefighter at TX. A&M & was previously certified as an Emerg. Medical Technician “EMT” in TX.  Angela met her husband, Lee, at the age of 18 while they were members in the Air Force ROTC at the Univ. of Lou. Lee, who grew up in South Louisville, is an engineer, entrepreneur & Air Force veteran. They have been married for 15 years and have 2 sons – Zak & Brennan.

After many yrs. of hard work & dedication, Angela & Lee built QSR Automations Inc., a rest. technology co., & Chamberlin Enterprises. Today, these businesses employ over 100 local men & women. Having achieved her American dream, Angela is dedicated to helping others achieve theirs. She has used her engineering background as a const. volunteer, funding & building Habit for Humanity homes. She also served as a Habitat Bd. member & Chair of Women for Habitat. Angela currently serves as a Bd. Mbr.of the Fund for the Arts, a Spalding Univ. trustee, & a member of the WaterStep Advis. Comm. In 2014, Angela became a Metro Council member for District 7. Since her election, she has utilized her engineering & problem-solving skills, to push for more innovation in reducing crime & increasing the city’s budgeted resources for addiction services. Angela believes in an accountable govt. & has negotiated changes to state law to create more transparency in local govt.

Mar 1, 2019

Cynthia’s love of storytelling coupled with her mastery of design/fabrication have helped her make an indelible mark on the museum & cultural world.

A design professional with over 35 yrs. of experience, Cynthia has supervised the creation of unforgettable, inspired visitor experiences for museums, corporations, non-profits, universities, & visitor centers. Her love of storytelling coupled with her mastery of design /fabrication have helped her make an indelible mark on the museum & cultural world-1 that has given institutions new & exciting ways to engage their visitors. Under Cynthia’s focused direction & guidance, Solid Light & its team of content, multimedia, design, & build experts have consistently produced premier, award-winning exhibit & media experiences that educate, enliven, & inspire.

Cynthia oversaw the completion of the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on historic “Whiskey Row”-the 1st-ever bourbon attraction on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail within the city of Louisville. She presided over the completion of a new experience at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage in Nashville & the Falls of the Ohio State Park Interpretive Center in Clarksville, IN. Her team has opened Sagamore Spirit, a new distillery experience in Baltimore, MD for UnderArmour owner, Kevin Plank.

In the works is the new American Civil War Museum in Richmond, VA, a re-envisioned Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, MS, & the American Saddlebred Museum in Lexington, KY.

Solid Light is certified as a WBE by the National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC). In 2010, Cynthia received the Epic Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), recognizing her as Woman Business Owner of the Year. Most recently she was named the 2015 Distinguished Contributor by the Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC) in recognition of her outstanding service, leadership, & innovation in shaping the world of museums.

Throughout the years, Cynthia has generously volunteered countless hours of her time/talent for organizations like the AASLH, the Louisville Visual Arts Association, the Carnegie Center for Art & History, the Falls of the Ohio State Park, and Women 4 Women. In recognition of her service to the community, Indiana University Southeast awarded Cynthia its 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award. She serves on the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana board, the National Association for Museum Exhibition (NAME), the KY. Historical Society, & as a founding center member of Bourbon Women, an association of professional women in the Bourbon industry.

Cynthia is the daughter of Betty & George Wolverton & grew up with 8 other siblings in Clarksville, IN. She is married to retired IUS professor of art, Brian Jones. Her daughter, Heather, is a veterinarian & serving as a captain in the Army, stationed in Germany with her husband & 10-year old daughter Haiden.

Mar 1, 2019

One of Kentuckiana’s most respected business leaders, and an Adair County native, Mr. Parnell was a member of the first class to graduate from Adair County High School. He then moved to Louisville, KY where he spent more than 20 years working at General Electric Co.’s Appliance Park, which included graduating from GE’s legendary 3-year management training program. Allan attended a variety of colleges at night & also received an honorary Doctorate from Lindsey Wilson College.

After leaving GE, Mr. Parnell embarked on a successful business career in the trucking industry. After spending almost 5 years working for other people, Mr. Parnell founded Mister “P” Express in 1987. What started with 3 leased trucks has evolved into a multimillion-dollar business with hundreds of trucks. For 6 of the last 8 years, Business First of Louisville has named Mister “P” Express as one of the Greater Louisville’s fastest-growing, privately held companies. Mr. Parnell serves as the company’s Chairman of the Bd. & has used his entrepreneurial skills to grow the company.

He is described by friends & business associates as a person of faith, who lives by his Christian beliefs by practicing the “Golden Rule.” Mr. Parnell is extremely active with a number of non-profit organizations in KY. As a Rotarian, Mr. Parnell has 22 years of perfect weekly attendance & was voted Rotarian of the Year in 2009. He also sits on a number of other boards in the Louisville area. For the past decade, Mr. Parnell has been a member of the Lindsey Wilson Board of trustees & now is Chairman of the Board. For the past 40 years, Allan has played the piano & lead singing at several nursing homes. As a licensed auctioneer, Allan is involved in several fundraising events in Louisville each year.

He donates his time & skills to the U of L department for Autism, the DePaul School, Kleinert & Kutz, U of K, Rotary International & the Louisville Art Center & several others who are benefactors of his giving. Mr. Parnell is a huge basketball fan, loves all animals & recently built a shuffleboard court in his backyard for his community to use.

Learn how Dr. Allan Parnell rose from a rural one-room schoolhouse to create a trucking empire.

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