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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: 2019
Jul 8, 2019

On the seventh day of a ten-day retreat at a Vipassana meditation center outside the historic Indian city of Kolhapur, Phoebe Hunt intrinsically felt the life leave her namesake’s body on the other side of the world.

The story of how she came to be known as Phoebe — a tale woven subtly into the whimsical threads and spiritual contradictions of Shanti’s Shadow, her new record — has the humor and richness of a Vedic myth. Her parents met at a yoga ashram in the Lower West Side of Manhattan in the Seventies, where they spent seven years as disciples of Guru Swami Satchidananda, famous in America for having been the opening speaker at the 1969 Woodstock Festival. Years later, near the end of her pregnancy with Phoebe, her mother felt a strong compulsion to name her child Shanti,    a Hindi word meaning peace. There was only one minor complication — she had already promised the child’s paternal grandmother, Phoebe, that she would be named after her. In a compromise, Hunt’s parents named their child Shanti Phoebe Hunt, but out of deference to the grandmother, she would grow up being called Phoebe.

Years later, on the 2016 trip that would inspire the creation of Shanti’s Shadow, Hunt and her husband (and mandolin-playing bandmate) Dominick Leslie entered the meditation retreat in India, surrendered their possessions, and, with only a wool blanket given to them upon arrival, committed to a sequestered ten-day vow of silence. It was during that stint at the retreat that Grandma Phoebe passed away. Hunt remained in India with Leslie and a team of musicians who had joined the couple to study with master violinist and vocalist Kala Ramnath at an ashram outside the city of Pune. While there they found themselves spending as many as ten hours a day honing ragas, melodic structures that, in the Indian classical tradition, are believed to have the capacity to color the mind of an audience. The entire experience, ripe with creative efflorescence, formed the core of a bittersweet irony for Hunt. While in pursuit of her spiritual namesake — the Shanti of peace, tranquility, creativity, and bliss — her familial namesake passed away.

Jul 1, 2019
The 4 band members of Swimming with Bears-( Joe Perry- Lead Vocals / Bass, Alec Conte- Lead Guitar, Jonny Boy Kerr- Rhythm Guitar, Ryan Hannasch- Drums)-favor a musical genre of Alternative / Soul.
 
Swimming with Bears hail from the great musical city of Austin, Texas!
Jun 24, 2019

The world tends to look at accomplishments in the form of accolades and although only in his mid-30’s, Michael Cleveland has plenty to his credit. After picking up the fiddle at age 4, Michael’s musical momentum began to propel him forward towards early success. “When I started taking lessons at age 4,” he remembers, “I told the teacher right up front that I wanted to learn how to play bluegrass and I wanted to play ‘Orange Blossom Special.'” Reluctant as they were, his teachers quickly found a reason to his rhyme, helping him progress to the point when, at age 9, Michael was invited to sit in with the legendary Bill Monroe at the Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival. Soon after, he was hand-picked for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Bluegrass Youth Allstars which led to an invitation by Alison Krauss to bring his virtuosic style to the Grand Ole Opry, all before he was 14 years old. His blistering prowess and technical fluency have since marked him as a sought-after musician, leading to performances with Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Tim O’Brien, J.D. Crowe and the New South, Andy Statman, and The Kruger Brothers in recent years. However, it wasn’t until 2006, when Michael formed his own band Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, that he found the right vehicle for his musical vision, and he hasn’t rested since constantly looking for new ways to push himself and his music forward.

“He plays fearless and it’s intoxicating to play with him because he makes you play fearless,” says Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill. “He takes no prisoners but he plays with a restraint and a soul. He plays without abandon.” Clearly, the IBMA agrees as he’s their most awarded Fiddle Player of the Year with 10 wins, has won Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year six times, and fronts their 5-Time Instrumental Group of the Year. Together with Flamekeeper members Josh Richards (guitar), Nathan Livers (mandolin), Jasiah Shrode (banjo) and Tyler Griffith (bass), Cleveland makes his way around the country performing festivals, clubs, and performing arts centers, delighting audiences, leaving them with jaws dropped in complete amazement.“It’s wicked to see how much music he pulls out of a bow,” continues Vince. “He’s untouchable.”

Michael Cleveland was inducted into the National Fiddler Hall of Fame in 2018.

Jun 17, 2019

My name is Fawn and I “love my life as K. Weaver’s wife” (exactly what is written on my car license plate frame).  My husband, Keith, and I were married in 2003 and like fine wine, our relationship just gets better with time.  I’ve loved being a wife from the moment I said: “I do.”  I’m not a stay-at-home wife. I’m an investor in real estate, the tech sector, and lifestyle brands, currently operating as the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) in two of the companies in which I invest.  And because my personality style is “driver,” I’ve never quite grasped the concept of “free time,” so I’m also a former business manager-turned hotel general manager-turned USA Today and New York Times bestselling author and TED speaker.  I’ve always worked long hours, as does Keith, but we continue to keep the fire lit in our marriage.  I absolutely love being married and began wondering how many other wives there are like me. I am a Proud Wife.  I am a Happy Wife.  But if I actually believed the television shows, magazine articles or books out at the moment, I’d think the term “Happy Wife” is an oxymoron and the enjoyment I’ve experienced throughout these years together is an anomaly. Decades of the media bombarding us with visions of unhappy wives (Stepford Wives, Desperate Housewives, The Real Housewives of [fill in your town]) and daunting divorce statistics made me think about the rarity of my marriage and the joy I feel as a wife. Then it hit me!  I can’t be the only one.  There must be others out there who view marriage and spending time with their husband as one of the absolute greatest blessings in their lives. With this thought in mind, I set out on a mission.  I believed there were millions of wives all over the world just like me and I was determined to find them and give a voice to this seemingly rare woman conveniently missing from all forms of media and entertainment. Had ‘Happy Wives’ somehow resorted to hiding?  Not wanting to seem too enthused about marriage because some of our friends and family members have had or are having challenges in their relationships?   Whatever the reason, I longed, I desired, I was challenged to find other women who love being married just as much as me and shine a bright light on the positive side of this beautiful union created to last a lifetime.  So, in 2010, I began a journey to prove love and marriage still go hand-in-hand and the ‘Happy Wife’ really does exist. Last year, our community grew to over 1,000,000 happy wives and I can’t help but think, as the song goes, we’ve only just begun.

Until tomorrow…make it a great day!

Jun 10, 2019

Trained as a mechanical engineer, Shawn, and in turn, IQS Research, bring precision & scientific rigor to the process of conducting social science research. During his tenure, he has overseen 100’s of projects, ranging from qualitative studies involving select high-value respondents to projects interviewing several thousand respondents, conducted in multiple languages, & across multiple continents. He particularly enjoys managing the quantitative analysis. In this role, he blends his love of research with his ability to coach intelligent analysts, all to support data-driven clients.  Shawn has co-authored the book Frequency Matters: Be a Contributor, Not an Employee! to help leaders build amazing company cultures. He is a frequent speaker about the book, engagement, & other topics. He is as comfortable presenting in the boardroom as he is to groups of several hundred professionals. In addition to his role at the co., Shawn has taught Quantitative Research Methods in Bellarmine Univ.’s Masters of Data Analytics program & is a frequent guest lecturer at the Univ. of Louisville & Spalding Univ. Shawn has received several accolades for his work including Business First’s 40 Under 40 Award, the Technology Network’s Entrepreneur Award, & the Medistar Innovation Award. In 2008-2011, Herbig was also recognized as a Business 1st Partner in Healthcare & has overseen projects recognized as national best practices by the Ntnl. Academies of Science, Engineering & Medicine. Shawn’s research on several high-profile projects has withstood the test of courts of law & the court of public opinion.

Before founding IQS Research, Shawn served as the Lead Quality Analyst for the Ford Explorer vehicle line & was regarded as a national expert on automotive warranty analysis.

Inside & outside of work, Shawn is guided by his passion for honest, authentic, data-driven conversations that improve the world around him. Shawns resides in Louisville, has been married for 24 years to his beautiful wife Kathy & has 2 grown step-sons, Shawn & Michael. 

Jun 3, 2019

Born in 1957 as 1 of 14 children to the late Mel & Norma Meiners, Terry attributes his success to a strong German Catholic work ethic-oriented childhood, which laid the foundation to his now legendary 1985 move to WHAS-Radio. Prior to WHAS, Meiners worked with Ron Clay as the co-host of “The Show With No Name,” a morning drive-time program on Louisville rock station WQMF-FM. These 2 provided edgy humor to Louisville’s airwaves,  in fact, WQMF hired Clay & Meiners away from rival station WLRS-FM, where the duo hosted the risque “Morning Sickness” show from 1981 to 1983. At WHAS-Radio, The Terry Meiners Show has aired weekday afternoons since 1985 to present. Meiners is known for broadcasting impersonations of prominent local citizens & satirical interviews of eclectic news figures, comedians, film/TV stars, & politicians. Plus, the lampooning of (U of L) Cardinals fans & of (UK) Wildcats fans is never far away! Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence (yes that one) refers to Meiners as “my 1st celebrity” friend & claims he “still makes me starstruck.” OH MY!  Meiners has received numerous awards such as:

  • Mag.’s “Best Radio Personality” award 20 times!
  • KY Monthly mag.’s & the Leo Weekly’s “Best Radio Personality”

Along with television news anchor Rachel Platt, Meiners co-hosts the WHAS Crusade for Children, the long-running annual local telethon benefiting children’s charities, as well as, emcee duties &/or promotional work for Metro United Way, the Homeless Coalition, Dare to Care Food Bank, Louisville Metro Police Fdtn., & the Yum! Brands fundraisers for World Food Program. Today, Meiners is a co-host of weekday mornings’ “Great Day Live” (news, knowledge, & nonsense) with WHAS-TV news anchor Rachel Platt.Terry has described his job as interviewing people from all walks of life and let them tell their stories. Funny I can relate to that & we are about to do just that! 

Terry has an abundantly happy life as a blended family with 2 sons named Max & Simon Meiners, both morally & ethically strong young men, he proclaims, & stepfather to his beautiful wife Mary George Meiners’ children Aidan & Grace, & if he has nothing else to do, Terry is an avid golfer, marathon runner & private pilot!

May 27, 2019

He is a licensed marriage & family therapist (LMFT) & COO & Co-Founder of The InnerView Counseling & Consultation Services. He has spent much of his career counseling children, adolescents, couples, & their families & has spoken regionally & nationally on marriage, parenting, & adolescent issues. His areas of focus center on addiction, marriage & family struggles, infidelity, parenting, & assisting teenagers through the adolescent passage of the high school & college years. He partners with area schools to offer comprehensive drug & alcohol & character education as well as parenting & marriage assistance to their families. He is working on a book about the unwritten rules of the unhealthy family called Transformative Pain. He is married, to who he defines as his soulmate, Kelly & they have 2 daughters at home & one daughter in heaven. He is a member of Northeast Christian Church where he has been for over 20 years.

May 13, 2019

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.

In 2005, Kirt Jacobs conceived an interview talk show to showcase the vision and influence of local leaders and launched Leadership Landscape in partnership with MetroTV.

Over 250 guests have been featured on this unique TV forum including leaders from the world of politics, business, sports, entertainment, art, community activism, and philanthropy.

Today, MoxieTalk is a multimedia platform that continues this unique and intimate format on a national scale.

Kirt previously served as an Associate Director of Development for the Sigma Chi Foundation. Based in Louisville, Kirt oversaw the states of AL, KY, MS, NC, TN, WV, and VA.

Kirt has extensive experience in both the private and public sector. He has over 25+ years of experience in the real estate industry and has closed over $20 million dollars in transactions during his career. Kirt also served as an economic development officer for Louisville Metro Government from 2003-2011 where he worked on a multitude of local economic development projects.

Kirt is the recipient of numerous awards including the Young Professional Association of Louisville’s Most Valuable Young Professional, Business First’s 40 Under 40, Leadership Louisville and Bingham Fellows. He was also named a Louisville Connector.

Kirt received his BS in Finance, minor in theater both in 1994 from the University of Kentucky. In 2002, he received a certificate in business and management of entertainment with a specialization in marketing and distribution of feature films from UCLA extension.

Kirt is an active supporter of various community organizations including the American Red Cross, Metro United Way, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Louisville Downtown Rotary Chapter and The Olmsted Parks Conservatory.

May 13, 2019

Jack Hughes Jacobs was born on March 31st, 1935 in Grayson, KY. to Ira Gee “Big Jack” Jacobs and Elizabeth Pryor Hughes. He became a lifelong Louisvillian and was a life-long member of Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral where he began singing in the choir during the mid-1940’s and becoming an altar boy. Jack was a 1953 graduate of Manual High School and went on to serve in active duty with the U.S. Coast Guard. Upon his return, he became a 1962 graduate of the University of Kentucky. While at the University of Kentucky, he became a fraternal member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and a “Life-Loyal” Sig” in 2003 and receiving a 2009 Military Recognition Sigma Chi pin. Jack also dabbled in commercial enterprises where he conceived & developed one of the first parcels of land along the Westport Road corridor in Eastern Jefferson County, Kentucky. A small strip shopping center known as “Jacobs Plaza” in 1969 that remained in the family until 2012. During the “Jacobs Plaza” venture he opened “Jacobs’ Liquors”-the first major liquor in Eastern Jefferson County in 1970. This liquor store served many of the workers from the Kentucky Ford Plant on Chamberlain Lane.

Apr 22, 2019

As Pres. of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, (the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention) & 1 of the largest seminaries in the world, Dr. Mohler has been recognized by such influential publications as Time Magazine & Christianity Today as an American evangelical leader.

In fact, Time.com called him the “reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S.”

In addition to his presidential duties, Dr. Mohler hosts 2 programs: “The Briefing” a daily analysis of news & events from a Christian worldview; & “Thinking in Public” a series of conversations with leading thinkers. He also writes a popular blog & a regular commentary on moral, cultural & theological issues coined “an articulate voice for conservative Christianity at large” by The Chicago Tribune. Dr. Mohler’s mission is to address contemporary issues from a consistent & explicit Christian worldview. Dr. Mohler has been quoted in multiple leading. Newspapers such as: The NYTimes, The WSJournal, USA Today, The Wash. Post, The Atlanta Journal/Constitution & Dallas Morning News. He has also appeared on such national. news programs as CNN’s “Larry King Live” & “AC360,” NBC’s “Today Show” & “Dateline NBC,” ABC’s “Good Morning America,” “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer” on PBS, MSNBC’s “Scarborough Country” & Fox’s “The O’Reilly Factor.” Not too shabby! As a theologian & an ordained minister, Dr. Mohler has served as pastor & staff minister of several So. Baptist churches. BTW-he came to the presidency of So. Seminary from service as editor of The Christian Index, the oldest of the state papers serving the So. Baptist Conv. A native of Lakeland, FL., Mohler was a Faculty Scholar at FL. Atlantic Univ. before receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from Samford Univ. in Birmingham, AL. He holds a master of divinity degree & Dr. of philosophy (in systematic & historical theology) from So. Seminary. He has pursued additional study at the St. Meinrad School of Theology & has done research at Univ. of Oxford (England).

His writings have been published throughout the U.S. & Europe, & he has received numerous awards & recognition such as:
the Edwin Meese III Originalism & Religious Liberty Award from the Alliance Defending Freedom (2015),
Christian Standard Bible award from Lifeway Christian Resources (2017),
Award for Biblical Counseling Achievement from The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (2015)
M.E. Dodd Denominational Service Award from Union Univ. (2009),
and a Doctor of Laws degree from Bryan College (2016).

He is an author of several books, including:

We Cannot Be Silent: Speaking truth to a culture redefining sex, marriage, & the very meaning of right & wrong (Thomas Nelson);
Conviction to Lead: 25 Principles for Leadership That Matters (Bethany House);
Culture Shift: Engaging Current Issues with Timeless Truth(Multnomah);
and Words From the Fire: Hearing the Voice of God in the Ten Commandments (Moody).
From 1985 to 1993, he served as Associate Editor of Preaching, a journal for evangelical preachers, and is currently editor-in-chief of The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology. He has contributed to over 100 other published works. A leader within the So. Baptist Convention, In 2000, Dr. Mohler served on a blue-ribbon panel that made recommendations to the So. Baptist Conv. for revisions to the Baptist Faith & Message, the statement of faith most widely held among So. Baptists. He currently serves as chairman of the So. Baptist Conv.’s Council of Seminary Pres.’s.

If all that was NOT enough, Mohler has lectured or given addresses at institutions such as:

Columbia University-
the University of Virginia-
Wheaton College
Samford University
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Univ. of Richmond
Mercer Univ.-
Cedarville Univ.
Beeson Divinity School-
London School of Theology
Reformed Theological Seminary
The Master’s Seminary-
Geneva College-
Biola University-
Covenant Theological Seminary
Cumberland School of Law-
Regent Univ. School of Law-
Colorado Christian Univ.
Grove City College-
Vanderbilt Univ.
and the historic Chautauqua Institution, among many others.

Dr. Mohler is listed in Who’s Who in America & serves on the bds. of several organizations including World News Group, & previously served on the bd. of Focus on the Family. He is a member of the Council for Biblical Manhood & Womanhood, serves as a council member for The Gospel Coalition, & is a teaching fellow for Ligonier Ministries. In addition, he is a co-founder of Together for the Gospel.

He is married to Mary, & they have 2 children, Katie and Christopher. In 2015 Dr. and Mrs. Mohler welcomed their first grandchild, Benjamin, born to Katie & her husband Riley.

Apr 15, 2019

Born in 1943 in Kingsport, TN., he graduated from Kingsport-Dobyns-Bennet HS & was on the Honors Society & lettered in track. In 1965, Parsley graduated from Wake Forest Univ. having lettered again in track & being on the Dean’s list. He then interned in 1969-70 at the Univ. of Southern CA. & completed his residency @ the Univ. of Lou’s School of Medicine from 1972-1975-becoming Chief Resident in Dermatology in 1975. Today he holds Bd. Certifications from the American Bds. of Dermatology, Dermatopathology, of Hair Restoration Surgery. Parsley holds his ACLA certification as well and belongs to MANY medical professional organizations such as:

  • Being a fellow with American Academy of Dermatology
  • The American Society of Dermatologic Surgery
  • Medical Association-
  • Dermatologic Society
  • Jefferson Co. Medical Society
  • & Masters Dermatologic Association
  • Dermatology Foundation
  • Southern Medical Association
  • American Medical Athletic Association
  • North American Society of Phleboloby
  • Soc. of Hair Restoration Surgery
  • American Soc. of Hair Restoration Surgery
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
  • European Society of Hair Restoration Surgery

Parsley has also held elective offices too within many prestigious medical organizations such as Pres. of the KY. Dermatological Soc., the American Bd. of Hair Restoration Surgery-Bd. of Govs. American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery-Bd. of Trustees & Chairman of American Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.

Dr. Parsley and his lovely wife Mary Ann reside in Louisville and Dr. Parsley has 2 daughters named Jessica Leigh and Molly Kristine.

Apr 8, 2019

Dr. Tad Seifert is a neurologist in Louisville, Kentucky and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Norton Children’s Hospital and Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital. He received his medical degree from University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and has been in practice for 20 years. He is one of 30 doctors at Norton Children’s Hospital and one of 7 at Norton Women’s and Kosair Children’s Hospital who specialize in Neurology.

Apr 1, 2019

Prior to serving as KY.’s 61st Gov. overseeing basically a $10 billion enterprise with over 30,000 employees, Steve served as Attny. Genl. from 1979 to 1983 & LT. Gov. from 1983 to 1987, as well as a KY. House of Reps from 1973 to 1979.  In, 1987, prior to his 1st  term as Governor in 2007, he joined the Stites & Harbison law firm & supervised the firm’s Lexington office.

As Governor, Steve successfully brought KY. through the historic 2008 recession by making KY. a leader in job creation.  Not to mention weathering an apocalyptic Jan. 2009 Ice Storm that crippled almost a million Kentuckians in total darkness for days & in some cases weeks! However, under his leadership, KY’s. the unemployment rate dropped from 10.7% to 4.9%, & set export records for 4 years in a row.  In all, Beshear’s administration announced almost 2,300 new expansion projects-creating some $19.3 billion in investment & more than 87,000 jobs.  The economic turnaround culminated in 2014 by KY. winning Site Selection magazine’s coveted Gov.’s Cup, meaning KY. finished 1st in the nation for Econ. Dev. per capita. Not too shabby!

In 2013, Steve announced the expansion of the Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act & launched the KY. Health Benefit Exchange, benefiting over 500,000 Kentuckians.  These actions together reduced the state’s uninsured rate from over 20% to 8% & ensured for the 1st time in history every Kentuckian would have access to affordable health insurance.

Gov. Beshear is married to former First lady Jane Beshear & their son Andy Beshear became KY’s 50th  Attorney General.

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.

Feb 16, 2019

Lukas Dwelly is a social entrepreneur who has worked with some of the largest organizations in our community.

Currently, a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual, Lukas concentrates practice on helping businesses grow, financial planning for families and creating opportunities for individuals to make transformational investments in charitable organizations.

Prior to joining the Northwestern Mutual team, he was the Principal of AddMor, a nonprofit consulting firm. There he led the fundraising operations for over 30 different nonprofits & community initiatives, raising tens of millions of dollars throughout the region.

As a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserves, Lukas was recalled to active duty & deployed to Djibouti, Africa from March 2016 to February 2017. He served as the Officer-In-Charge for Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance (ISR) multi-platform missions directly supporting the Combined Joint Task Force in East Africa. Beginning his military career in 1995 in the U.S. Marine Corps, he earned the rank of Sergeant, deploying as an Infantry Squad Leader aboard the USS Guam, supporting military operations in Bosnia & Herzegovina & in the Arabian Gulf.

Lukas has been recognized as a rising leader in the Louisville area by being named a Business ‘First Forty Under 40’. He was also a member of the inaugural class of Business First’s Salute to Veterans, & awarded the Pres.’s Volunteer Service Award by President George W. Bush for his volunteer work with the James Graham Brown Cancer Center.

He is a graduate of Leadership KY & a 2-time graduate of Leadership Louisville’s Bingham Fellows program. In 2013, the Rotary Club of Louisville honored Lukas as a Paul Harris Fellow. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Louisville & a Master of Arts in Communication from Bellarmine University.

Above all, he is a father to twin girls, Addison and Morgan.

Feb 9, 2019

Since 1990, she has served as Pres. & CEO of Maryhurst, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the cycle of abuse for kids & families in KY.

Having worked with Maryhurst for more than 43 years, Judy is nationally recognized for her work with children who are survivors of abuse & neglect.

She has held leadership positions in the field of children’s behavioral health at a variety of national, state, & local organizations.

In her work at Maryhurst, she oversees the many facets of the organization including residential treatment, community-based programs, foster care & adoption services, & outpatient & in-home counseling services.

Recognizing her nonprofit’s exemplary work, ABC News & Diane Sawyer have twice featured Maryhurst in interviews with Judy as part of the station’s in-depth reporting on the American foster care system.

Judy’s leadership has also been recognized with honors such as Presentation Academy’s Tower Award for Service & Advocacy, the Center for Women & Families Women of Distinction, Today’s Woman Most Admired Woman, & Leadership Louisville’s 100 Wise Women.

Judy holds a B.A. in psychology from Samford University, an M.R.E-SW from the Southern Baptist Seminary, & an M.S.S.W. from the Univ. of Louisville.

Feb 8, 2019

Summer was a victim of child abuse & sexual abuse & a victim of human trafficking which led to pain, gang violence, sexual torture, drug addiction, mental health illness including PTSD & she was even buried alive & pistol-whipped. While living with & in constant fear for her life, not to mention unrelenting anxiety, Summer was, in her words, delivered through a relationship with Christ.

Now it is her calling to work with women that are in similar situations & lifestyles. So much so, she has now founded a Ministry called Women of the Well Ministries which has a Residential Program to help women change their lives so they can walk in the destiny God created for them.

She is also the business owner of a Soap Co. called Esther’s Soap Company.

Where women in her Ministry learn a new trade on how to make all natural goat milk soap & all proceeds go back to the ministry.

She has a documentary out & is working on a book.

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