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Kentucky Derby
Steve is a prominent American entrepreneur & art collector, best known as co-founder of 21c Museum Hotels-a unique boutique hotel chain that seamlessly integrates contemporary art into their design & visitor experience.
Steve Wilson
American Entrepreneur & Art Collector & Co-Founder of 21c Museum Hotels
Interviewed: 05-06-2024
Elizabeth is Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve-a premium bourbon brand under the Brown-Forman Corporation. In February 2023, she became the 3rd person & the 1st woman to hold this position in the brand's 25+year history.
Randall was influenced by classic country artists such as George Strait & Keith Whitley. King pursued higher education at Texas Tech Univ. & later at South Plains College, where he studied music production.
Born in Chester, England, Gemma is a British reality TV Personality, Model, and Accomplished Equestrian. She is the daughter of former England footballer Michael Owen & Louise Bonsall.
Gemma Rose Owen
British Reality TV Personality, ModelAccomplished Equestrian
Interviewed: 05-06-2024
Reed is an American professional basketball player currently serving as a guard for the Houston Rockets in the National Basketball Association (NBA), subsequent to his time as a Univ. of Ky. Wildcat!
Mallory is an American singer, beauty queen, & model who gained prominence after being crowned Miss KY. 2023.
Nick is widely recognized by his moniker "Fat Perez" as an American golf personality & social media influencer due to his engaging presence on YouTube's "Bob Does Sports."
In 2019, she was selected as the running mate for gubernatorial candidate Andy Beshear. The Beshear-Coleman ticket won the election, & she was inaugurated as LT. GOV, on Dec. 10, 2019. She was re-elected alongside Governor Beshear in November 2023, and their current term will end on December 7, 2027.
Dan Oliver founded Dan-O's Seasoning, a famous seasoning brand known for its unique blend of herbs and spices.
Lisa is a highly regarded & respected figure in professional women's basketball around the world.
Rogers manages communications & media relations for the iconic racetrack Churchill Downs & its events, including the KY. Derby-known as "the most exciting 2 minutes in sports!"
Lukas has trained 20+ champions with over 4,800 career wins, making him 1 of THE most successful & influential horse trainers in American Thoroughbred racing history!
an accomplished sports journalist, TV host, & media personality-recognized for her expertise in sports broadcasting. With her skills she developed a passion for sports early on & cultivated her love for football=mainly NFL!
Tricia is a Canadian actress/former model, starring on the TV Series of Battlestar Gallactica & Lucifer
Tosca is a South African-Canadian filmmaker, producer, & director. She is the younger sister of entrepreneurs Elon & Kimbal Musk
He has been at the helm of Leading for Diageo Investments within the Black community to achieve the goal of generating $2.4 billion in economic value!
An American singer-songwriter gaining widespread popularity & commercial success for her empowering pop anthem "Fight Song."
an American model/beauty queen from Lexington, KY, a long-standing aspiration to participate in beauty pageants, having dreamt of being on the Miss USA stage from a young age.
During the Miss USA competition, Romano promoted women in STEM fields & has worked with nonprofits Project Scientist & Smile Train during her reign as Miss USA.
As Gallery Education Manager at the Speed Art Museum, oversees educational initiatives & programs related to the museum & is husband to Celebrity Chef Damaris Phillips
Chef Damaris Phillips is a "Southern-Style" American Chef & TV Personality known for her Southern-style cooking & charming, warm personality!
Robert Pine is an American actor known for his extensive work in TV/Film. Notably he is father to famed movie actor Chris Pine
Amber is an American Actress & TV Host starring in The Surfside Girls, N.C.I.S., & WandaVision
American TV News Anchor/Political Commentator-best known for his work with Fox News' Channel & their political coverage & authoring several books
American actress, model, philanthropist/socialite. Best known with twin Priscilla as 1 of 1970's Doublemint Twins. Co-hosts annual Barnstable Brown Gala-high-profile charity event in Louisville, during KY. Derby weekend-renowned for its celebrity guests raising millions in diabetes research.
Richie is an American rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, & producer best known for his work as the lead guitarist of the rock band Bon Jovi.
Edelen is no stranger to being on stage. While juggling teaching & competing in several local & regional pageants, she earned her ticket to the Miss Kentucky competition.
Randy has released over 20 studio albums & charted over 50 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including 16 that reached the No. 1 spot. Songs like "Forever & Ever, Amen," "I Told You So," & "Three Wooden Crosses" are considered staples in the country music genre.
an American singer known for his country/pop music career. He gained ntnl. attn. at age 11 with release of his debut album "One Voice," which was certified double Platinum in USA.
Grace studies Nuclear Engineering at the Univ. of Wisconsin & plays the classical violin. She is also a competitive water-skier, loves to travel, & is a foodie!
Bobby Flay is a famous American chef, restaurateur, & TV personality. He is known for his expertise in Southwest cuisine & appearances on various Food Network shows, such as Iron Chef America, Beat Bobby Flay, & BBQ Brawl.
Ingram has enjoyed a highly successful career, which includes a Heisman Trophy win in college & multiple NFL Pro Bowls.
an American former professional football player, widely considered 1 of grtst. running backs in National Football League (NFL) history, playing primarily for Dallas Cowboys/Arizona Cardinals.
an American actor known for his work in both TV/Film, gaining wider recognition for his recurring roles in TV series like "Teen Wolf"/"Yellowstone."
American businessman & philanthropist, best known as owner of Gallery Furniture-a retail furniture chain based in Houston, TX. He has garnered fame for his entrepreneurial acumen & community service efforts!
Harlow developed a love for music early on & started rapping at 12, recording his music using rudimentary software & equipment.
A prominent figure in American TV & became synonymous with ABC's reality dating show "The Bachelor", when he started hosting on its 2002 debut & its subsequent spin-offs to become the face of the entire franchise, hosting "The Bachelorette," "Bachelor in Paradise," "Bachelor Winter Games,"
Soozie is an American filmmaker/producer, & has been involved in various documentary & narrative filmmaking projects, having produced & directed Overload: America's Toxic Love Story, By the Wayside & Meant to Be.
Morgan McGarvey has dedicated his life to public service to make a difference for others, by becoming U.S. House of Representatives, for Kentucky's 3rd Dist.
A distinguished American actor best known for portraying Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver in the iconic TV series "Leave It to Beaver." Born in Sioux City, Iowa, Mathers' early intro to the entertainment world paved way for his enduring career in the industry.
Smokey is an iconic figure in the music industry, renowned as a legendary Motown singer, songwriter, & record producer. Born in Detroit, Michigan, where he later found fame & contributed significantly to the Motown sound.
Aaron's story began in 1985 when, at 12, a snowmobiling accident changed his life forever. The accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, presenting challenges that would have overwhelmed lesser souls. But in Aaron, the spark of resilience was ignited.
She charted a remarkable journey that defies the odds & inspires the world. From the challenges of a traumatic childhood to becoming a Paralympian champion, Oksana's life story is a testament to the power of resilience & indomitable human spirit.
An American former professional basketball player, & team member of winning 2013 NCAA Championship Univ. of Louisville team. After Retiring, he became a sports analyst for ESPN & ACC Network
Brazilian artist, painter, serigrapher, & sculptor. His work combines elements of cubism, pop art, & graffiti painting, using vibrant colors & bold patterns as a visual expression of hope, dreams, & happiness. Britto is considered the most collected & licensed artist in history.
Marcus is a Swedish professional racing driver. He competes in the NTT IndyCar Series, driving the No. 8 Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing, & is the 2022 Indianapolis 500 winner. Ericsson previously competed in Formula One between 2014 & 2018.
Robert is a Canadian-born American board game inventor who created the popular word-guessing game Pictionary in 1985. Since selling Pictionary, he has invented other board games & products.
A visionary behind impeccable service, legendary steaks, & a passion for showmanship! Yet, from a humble beginning at 15, he took control of his life by leaving a fatherless & problematic home, & with mentorship of a high school coach, Ruby mainly raised himself & forged his destiny!
Graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt Univ. & earned a Juris Doctor @ Univ. of Virginia School of Law. In 2016, he became KY.'s 50th Attny. Genl., & in 2019, became KY.'s 63rd Governor & is son of 61st KY. Governor & our 292nd guest-Gov. Steven Beshear
American Sportswriter, Pundit, & TV Analyst primarily covering the National Football League (NFL).
As Miss Earth USA, she will compete for the Miss Earth title. With a strong sense of compassion for service, animals, & the Earth, she is a global ambassador with Wands for Wildlife to use beauty tools to provide medical aid to wildlife animals.
Mrs. Eden Bridgeman Sklenar is owner, Chairwoman, & CEO of EBONY & JET & Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Manna Inc
Star is an American lawyer, journalist, TV personality, fashion designer, author, & women's & diversity advocate.
Star Jones
American lawyer, journalist, celebrity TV personality, fashion designer, author, & women’s & diversity advocate
Interviewed: 05-06-2023
American multi-instrumentalist, singer, & composer who was a founding member of alternative rock band R.E.M.
Linkin' Bridge is a musical group consisting of Louisville, Kentucky natives Big Rome, Montre Davis, Shon China Lacy, and Elliot Nicholas
Zea began her acting career in theatre. Her first major role was on the NBC daytime soap opera Passions (2000–2002), where she played the role of Gwen Hotchkiss. Her breakout role was on ABC primetime soap opera Dirty Sexy Money as socialite Karen Darling.
Lead vocalist of the duo Sugarland, alongside Kristian Bush. She sang eth national anthem at the 145th KY. Derby in 2019. Prior to this, she also charted as a duet partner on the country version of rock band Bon Jovi's 2006 single "Who Says You Can't Go Home," a # 1 hit on the Billboard country charts.
Jennifer Nettles
Lead Vocalist of Duo-Sugarland & American Country Music Singer, Songwriter, & Actress
Interviewed: 05-04-2019
Best known for role of Fez in sitcom That '70s Show (1998–2006) & as Carlos Madrigal in From Dusk till Dawn: The Series (2014–16). He was also host of MTV series Yo Momma (2006–07), He also has a role on NCIS as Nick Torres.
Wilmer Valderrama
Venezuelan American Actor, Producer, Singer & TV Personality
Interviewed: 05-04-2019
Richardson was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame along with his cousin and bandmate Brian Littrell on April 10, 2015.
Kevin Richardson
Member of the Backstreet Boys Band, American Singer, Songwriter, Actor, & Model
Interviewed: 05-04-2019
American actor and comedian. He is best known for his work on the sketch comedy television show In Living Color.
American singer, songwriter, & musician from Harlan, KY. Smith began singing in his church choir & continued through his college education. In 2015 he gained natnl. recognition when he won season 9 of the singing competition The Voice.
Jordan Smith
American Singer, Songwriter, Musician, & & Season 9 (2015) of The Voice reality talent show
Interviewed: 05-04-2019
American actor, screenwriter, producer, and film director. He is best known for co-writing and producing the film Green Book, for which he received two Academy Awards
Nick Vallelonga
Academy Award-Winning Producer, American Actor, Screenwriter, & Film Director
Interviewed: 05-04-2019
American country music singer and songwriter signed to Curb Records. Brice has released four albums for the label
At age 19, he found a guitar after the death of his grandmother and began learning to play and sing on his own. By his sophomore year of college, he had found a few gigs at some local bars in the Louisville/Lexington, KY area and developed a fan-base that eventually landed him on some of the biggest stages in the business, opening for some of the nation’s hottest stars.
American country music singer, songwriter, and actor. He signed to Warner Bros. Records in 1989, releasing seven studio albums and a greatest hits package for the label between then & 1999, & has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1992.
As an American comedic actor and voice artist, you may know his iconic voice more than his looks. In advertising, he has played a "control enthusiast" in a series of commercials for National Car Rental.
Former American & Canadian football QB who played professionally for 23 seasons. He spent the majority of his career with the NFL's Houston Oilers & the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos. Moon also played for the NFL's Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, & Kansas City Chiefs.
Eddie Montgomery & Troy Gentry began performing in the 1990s with Montgomery's brother, John Michael Montgomery. Gentry then reunited in 1994 with Eddie after Gentry was unable to find a solo record deal & Montgomery Gentry was formed in 1999.
Guiney is an american host & was a contestant on the 1st season of The Bachelorette & later appeared as the bachelor in the 4th season of The Bachelor.
In her role as Asst. Master Distiller, McCall will continue working under the direction of Master Distiller Chris Morris on the innovation & the development of new products within Woodford Reserve.
Rabil is a Lebanese-American professional lacrosse player & founder of a new professional lacrosse organization, known as the Premier Lacrosse League
American actor, perhaps best known for his portrayal of the White House Chief of Staff (& later President) Wayne Palmer on the Fox action/drama series 24.
Host of Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta an American reality TV series on TLC which follows events at Bridals by Lori in the Atlanta suburb of Sandy Springs.
Steve Huey wrote of Lawrence's musical style that he was "one of a number of rock-tinged honky tonk singers who rose to fame in the early '90s" & "gained a loyal audience for his mix of modern & traditional country sounds"
Trained 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah & 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify. Baffert has won 5 KY Derbies, 7 Preakness Stakes, 3 Belmont Stakes, & 3 KY. Oaks.
Bob Baffert
Legendary American Racehorse Trainer & 2018 & 2015 Triple Crown Winner
Interviewed: 05-03-2019
Today the Healing Place campus is expanding & has several thousand alumni with a 75% recovery rate.
Chef Thierry Rautureau, nicknamed "The Chef In The Hat", is the chef/owner of restaurants, Loulay and Luc, in Seattle, Washington.
Chef Thierry Rautureau (1959-2023)
Nicknamed- (The Chef in the Hat) & Chef/Owner of Loulay and Luc Restaurants
Interviewed: 05-02-2019
Conrad worked his way through the ranks, rising to Asst. Chief in the LPD & later an Asst. Chief in the newly merged Louisville Metro Police Dept. (LMPD). As a Lieutenant Colonel with the LMPD, Conrad was Commander of the Administrative Bureau. Chief Conrad left the LMPD in 2005 to become Chief of the Glendale (AZ) Police Dept.
Chief Steve Conrad-(2012-2020)
Former Louisville Metro Chief of Police (2012-2020)
Interviewed: 05-01-2019
McGaughey has accomplished the rare trifecta of training a Breeders’ Cup winner, her daughter, and her granddaughter in the troika of Personal Ensign, My Flag, and Storm Flag Flying. In 2013 he won his first Kentucky Derby with Orb.
Smith has won the most Breeders' Cup races of any jockey with 26 Breeders' Cup wins. Smith also is the 2nd leading jockey of all time in earnings with over $300 million. In 2018, Smith rode Justify to the Triple Crown, becoming the oldest jockey to win the title at age 52.
best known for winning the 2011 Preakness Stakes with Shackleford and the Breeders’ Cup Turf with Little Mike. He also upset American Pharoah in the 2015 Travers Stakes with Keen Ice. He won the 2012 Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer.
Learn how Fred overcame PTSD to become a world-reknowned Bourbon author and Bourbon connoisseur.
In 2015, he was chosen to lead the KY. Derby Museum, since taking the lead, Armstrong & his “KDM” staff have increased revenue by 22%, along with annual attendance increases.
Chef David Danielson
Former Executive Chef, Churchill Downs Racetrack (2011-2022)
Interviewed: 07-28-2017
For 20 years, Mike Berry has been at the helm of the Kentucky Derby Festival (KDF), one of the nation’s largest and most notable civic celebrations.
Joey Wagner, Owner of the J Wagner Group, has been putting on some of the biggest events in the city of Louisville and the midwest region for the past 10 years. J. Wagner Group, a full-service event planning, marketing, and promotions firm, serves many well-known and high-end clients.
A competitive spirit drives Chris Morris in his pursuit for excellence as a master distiller.
Michael Blowen’s fear of horses grew into a deep love for horses, and for saving their lives.
Michael Blowen
Founder and President, Old Friends Farm – A Thoroughbred Retirement Facility
Interviewed: 07-26-2015
Fun and the challenge of creating a sense of wonderment drive Louisville-native Wayne Hettinger to create memorable events on a grand scale.
A native of Ireland, Dr. T. Pearse Lyons is driven by making a difference in the world, and has built his company, Alltech, based on doing the right thing.
Dr. T. Pearse Lyons (1944-2018)
President & Founder, ALLTECH, Inc. And 2010 Title Sponsor, FEI World Equestrian Games (held Lexington, KY.)
Interviewed: 06-11-2010
Pat Day
Retired Horse Racing Jockey (1976-2005) & 1992 Kentucky Derby Winner
Interviewed: 09-26-2008
PJ Cooksey believes you should find what you are passionate about in life and go and do it.
John Asher loves the sport of horse racing and is driven to make everything about Churchill Downs the best in the world.
John Asher (1955-2018)
Former-Vice President of Racing Communications, Churchill Downs (1999-2018)
Interviewed: 05-24-2007
Growing up in Kansas, Steve Sexton learned a lot about the importance of a strong work ethic and goal setting.
