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Entertainment
Rob joined the METALLICA | BLACKENED™ American Whiskey team as Master Distiller & Blender after the sudden 2018 passing of Dave Pickerell -Creator/Master Distiller & Blender of BLACKENED™, hence becoming guardian of Dave's legacy blend.
Rob Dietrich
Master Distiller & Blender of METALLICA | BLACKENED™ American Whiskey
Interviewed: 09-24-2021
A Hill Country blues guitarist & singer/songwriter. Cedric contains within him the legacy & future of the region’s prescient sound stories. At once African & American & Southern & Mississippian, these stories tell about love, hurt, connection, & redemption in the South.
Cedric Burnside
American electric blues guitarist, drummer, singer/songwriter
Interviewed: 08-29-2021
Growing up in Baltimore, MD, Liz never dreamed she would be the Folk-Blues Singer-Songwriter she has become, with her distinctive voice — an androgynous, salty, caramel drawl — captivates one's soul it has been said.
A singer-songwriter & native of rural western KY's rolling hills & coal mining communities. After attending the Univ. of KY. & working there for 4 years, Grayson walked away from his salaried job to chase his dream as a full-time musician.
Growing up in rural South Carolina, his mom & mamaw instilled a passion for food at an early age. After going to culinary school at Johnson & Wales Univ. & working in Charleston, SC., he moved to Louisville in 2004, & felt the food scene had much to offer a young chef & fell in love with the city.
Chef Dallas McGarity
Executive Chef & Owner of The Fat Lamb Modern Kitchen & Bar & Portage House Restaurants
Interviewed: 12-13-2019
Kirt talks with such various Cosplay characters as Master Chief from Halo Video Game Series, “Steam Punk” Princess Leia, Green Arrow, The Flame Hero named Endeavor, & Rorschach from the Watchmen DC Comics’ series.
Bin Furuya is best known as the original actor behind ULTRAMAN which was first broadcast in 1966.
A living legend in the world of professional wrestling! Since 1970, Jerry has headlined main events across the world for Memphis Wrestling, WWF, WWE, NWA, AWA, World Class Championship Wrestling, United States Wrestling Association, & Smoky Mountain Wrestling.
Jerry “The King” Lawler
American Professional Wrestler Best Known As "The King"-Galaxycon
Interviewed: 11-22-2019
As bodybuilder, Ferrigno won IFBB Mr. America title & 2 consecutive IFBB Mr. Universe titles & appeared in bodybuilding documentary Pumping Iron. As actor, he is best known for his title role in the CBS TV series The Incredible Hulk.
Lou Ferrigno
American bodybuilder best known as “The Incredible Hulk”- Galaxycon
Interviewed: 11-22-2019
Birthed at the Gathering of The Juggalos, & a staple at Juggalo events! Now emerging at other festivals, & beyond. The Mankini is going global! MANKINI IS FOR THE PEOPLE!
Speaking from a platform cast in heavy metal power, hip-hop consciousness, & even a little reggae spirit, this Austin, TX. quintet urge for change through conveying a story that’s both personal & universal.
A.J. Channer
Lead Singer-Fire From the Gods-Heavy Metal Band-Louder Than Life
Interviewed: 09-29-2019
Their kind of honesty has solidified a bond between the Sick Puppies & their fans since day one. To date, their breakout 2nd full-length Tri-Polar has sold more than 500K albums, yielding 2 million single sales including the gold-certified “You're Going Down” as well as rock smashes “Maybe” “Riptide,” & “Odd One.”
A garage rock band from Louisville, KY. Since their formation in 2014 these guys have been hanging out in basements, backyards, dismantled minivans, music festivals, & rock clubs, writing & performing loud melodic hook-laden rock songs.
Checking in at 6-foot one & over 350 pounds, not to mention covered in tattoos, it’s impossible to ignore Jason “Jelly Roll” DeFord in a room & that’s before his booming country-twanged voice enters the conversation!
Crafting rock hooks with an emotive resonance beyond their years, the scrappy riff-rock trio made their major-label debut before they could legally buy booze!
Blending musical influences of Punk Rock, Irish Folk, Rock, & Hardcore into one loud, raucous, chaotic sound all their own, Dropkick Murphys sees its stage & microphone, & the audience, as one & the same.
Dropkick Murphys' Guitarist-Tim Brennan
Dropkick Murphys- A Celtic Punk Band-Louder Than Life
Interviewed: 09-28-2019
Danny Kiranos, better known to the masses as his musical counterpart Amigo The Devil, has been challenging the expectations of traditional folk, country music purists, & rock/extreme metal fans alike.
While forming Dead Posey, Danyell Souza & Tony F tapped into an intense creative chemistry while quietly working in the studio for nearly a year to hone in on their sound rather than diving into the live show circuit.
Phil Anselmo is an American musician best known as frontman of the heavy metal bands Pantera, Down & Superjoint.
Pioneers of the big beat genre & innovators of 1990's electronica movement & now ambassadors of the American electronic sound. Once a duo-alongside now retired Ken Jordan, today The Crystal Method lives & breaths as a solo act with co-founder Scott Kirkland at the helm.
A blistering Rock Duo known for their highly energetic live show & incredibly full sound owed to their exhaustive multi-tasking. Cody Bowles drums & sings, while Kevin Comeau plays guitar & plays keyboards with his feet.
Amanda has been a judge on Chopped, battled Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America, & competed for title of America’s Next Iron Chef. Her passion for food was fostered by everyone from her grandparents to her high school home economics teacher.
Chef Rusty is the executive chef for Zac Brown Brand & host of the renowned pre-concert dinner party, the “Eat & Greet.” Rusty’s most recent accolade was securing a spot as a finalist on season 13 of Food Network Star while continuing to tour around the country with Zac Brown Band.
Winner of the Cochon 555 nose-to-tail competition, he was the Best New Chef award by Food & Wine magazine. In May 2014, he was honored with the James Beard Foundation award for Best Chef: Northeast, & named 2016 Massachusetts Exec. Chef of the Year.
The New York Times called Fish “an impressive blues guitarist who sings with sweet power” & “one of the genre’s most promising young talents.”
Born & raised in Los Angeles, CA., Brooke Williamson has carved out an impressive résumé full of leading roles & professional achievement, such as being the youngest female chef to ever cook at the James Beard House & winning Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 14 in Charleston.
Graham Elliot an award-winning chef, restaurateur, television personality & cookbook author. “Food to me, in one word, is ‘creativity’ or ‘expression.’ It’s simple, ‘This is who I am at this point in time, & this is what I want to cook for you.”
Graham Elliot
Chef, restauranteur, television personality and cookbook author- Bourbon & Beyond
Interviewed: 09-21-2019
Her deep love for farm life, as well as her many years working her family’s land, have given her invaluable insight into growing the wide variety of crops used in Jeptha Creed’s products. It has also inspired the distillery’s distinct ground-to-glass maxim.
Joyce Nethery
Co-Owner & Master Distiller- Jeptha Creed Distllery- Bourbon & Beyond
Interviewed: 09-20-2019
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys have a passion for bluegrass, with a heavy touring schedule across the United States/ Europe & a recently signed record deal with the esteemed Rounder Records, the Boys are well on their way to becoming the quintessential bluegrass band of their generation.
C.J. Lewandowski
Founder & Bluegrass Musician- Po' Ramblin Boys-Bourbon & Beyond
Interviewed: 09-20-2019
Amythyst’s commanding stage presence is matched by her raw & powerful vocals—a deeply moving, hypnotic sound that stirs echoes of a distant & restless past.
Matt is a frequent guest chef on The Today Show and has appeared on NBC’s The Chew and DirecTV’s Fantasty Zone
Chef Jose Salazar was born in Colombia South America & was raised in Queens NY. Chef Salazar got his start in restaurants as a bartender & waiter at some of New York’s hottest establishments.
Michael has been recognized as one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs 2013, winner of Bravo’s Top Chef, and hosted the Travel Channel series
Pearl once again proves how she is every inch a rock chanteuse who seamlessly moves from vulnerable to guttural in one measure.
This KY. native creates country music with lyrics that pull from real-life experiences. This approach has garnered a lot of attention as Hannah was named to CMT’s Next Women of Country, as well as 1 of Rolling Stone’s “Artists to Watch.”
Like the great American bands that came before them – new Broken Bow Records duo Everette doesn’t follow trends. Instead, the guys of Everette write what they live, weaving gritty tales of struggle and heartbreak alongside fun-loving stories of escapism & mischief.
So what do you do if you are an emerging female country artist in Nashville, & also happen to be the granddaughter of musical icon, Willie Nelson?
IMAJ, is a multi-talented Country singer-songwriter, visual artist, novelist, actress & humanitarian. Born in Miami Beach, FL to a model mother & actor father, 80’s TV icon Philip Michael Thomas (Tubbs of Miami Vice).
The songwriting partnership between Bayliss & Cope continues to grow, mature & blossom. “Over time, you find out a person’s strengths and weaknesses, & it just happened to turn out his strengths are my weaknesses, & vice versa.” ***Co-Founder-Jason "Rowdy" Cope (1979-2021)***
The Steel Woods
Country Music Band-Hometown Rising-***Co-Fdr. Jason "ROWDY" Cope moves on (1978-2021)***
Interviewed: 09-14-2019
She knew that being a traveling troubadour & committing herself fully to music could be a dangerous choice. “In some ways, I wish I had done it sooner,” she says. “But I’m also glad I have the life experience to help fuel my songwriting & survive life on the road.”
“It’s been a tough road getting here & it’s taken longer than I would’ve liked, but I’ve always felt confident in setting & pursuing my goals. That work ethic is what drove me to learn how to play, & to go back out and play another show for ten people. Where I’m from, that’s just what you do—you work.”
His richly textured voice is capable of conveying the true emotion of a lyric. Guthrie has opened concerts for the likes of Ed Sheeran, & Selena Gomez, & has performed on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars as well as NBC’s Today Show & The Tonight Show.
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.
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.
Since 1984, Greg has served 35+ years with the Louisville Redbirds, Louisville RiverBats & now Louisville Bats in many diverse roles.
How does a South African born beverage entrepreneur, who has founded 3 beverage companies, end up establish their first company actually based in Louisville.
As ONE OF THE MOST ACCOMPLISHED & YOUNGEST GUESTS we have ever featured, hear how Teddy became a widely acclaimed conductor, as well as an established pianist, clarinetist, & composer.
Learn more about what makes this multi-instrumentalist sisters' act tick by creating their own brand of Roots Rock 'n' Roll: gritty, soulful, and flavored by their southern heritage.
Learn more about the story of how she became to be known as Phoebe-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.
Learn more about lead singer & bassist Joe Perry's journey & his 3 other Swimming with Bears' band members of (Alec Conte- Lead Guitar, Jonny Boy Kerr- Rhythm Guitar, Ryan Hannasch- Drums)-which favor a musical genre of Alternative / Soul.
Learn what makes Michael tick, when after picking up the fiddle at age 4, Michael’s musical momentum began to propel him forward towards early success., and how he didn't let his blindness deter his musical aspirations.
Michael Cleveland
& The Flamekeepers - Musician, & 2018 National Fiddler Hall of Fame recipient
Interviewed: 09-22-2018
Learn the story behind how Terry laid the foundation to his now legendary 1985 move to WHAS-Radio.
Terry Meiners
Louisville’s Legendary Broadcasting Icon & WHAS Radio & WHAS-TV Personality
Interviewed: 08-24-2018
Learn the underpinnings of why Kirt walked away from a commercial real estate career, and is now solely focused on finding the humanity behind some of today’s most inspiring individuals.
Learn how Fred overcame PTSD to become a world-reknowned Bourbon author and Bourbon connoisseur.
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.
Learn how Cynthia overcame crushing grief & how a Motown co-founder inspired the creation of Solid Light.
Cynthia Torp
President/Owner, Solid Light, Inc. (A 100% Woman-Owned Business)
Interviewed: 11-05-2017
Rudy Rucker is an American author and a mathematician who worked for twenty years as a Silicon Valley computer science professor.
CNN chief national correspondent, analyst and anchor of Inside Politics John King offers his thoughts and insights on the increasing polarization of the US electorate.
John King
CNN Chief National Correspondent, Analyst & Anchor of Inside Politics
Interviewed: 09-27-2017
Emily Dreyfuss is a Senior Writer at WIRED, one of the top 10 technology news websites in the world.
Deep Cotton is an American funk duo based in Atlanta, whose members are Chuck Lightning and Nate “Rocket” Wonder. Part of the Wondaland Arts Society, they are also sometimes called the “Punk Prophets”.
The president, CEO, and founder of Answers in Genesis-US, and the highly acclaimed Creation Museum, and the world-renowned Ark Encounter, Ken Ham is one of the most in-demand Christian speakers in North America.
Wendy Whelan spent 30 years with New York City Ballet, 23 of those years as principal dancer.
Frederick “Fred” Booker Noe III
7th Generation Master Distiller, Jim Beam Distillery
Interviewed: 07-28-2017
Wes Henderson
Co-Founder and Chief Innovations Officer, Angel’s Envy® Distillery
Interviewed: 04-23-2017
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.
Donald E. Lassere leads the Muhammad Ali Center and fosters its mission of building and expanding on the Center’s educational programs, partnerships, and other outreach initiatives.
Conrad Bachmann
Founder, Louisville International Festival of Films, and Hollywood Actor
Interviewed: 10-14-2016
Mitzi Friedlander has spent much of her career bringing stories to life for the blind. After 50 years of recording books, Friedlander holds the record for most talking book titles narrated for the National Library Service.
Mitzi Friedlander (1930-2021)
Narrator & Storyteller, American Printing House for the Blind-(1930-2021)
Interviewed: 04-01-2016
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.
Since Lee W. Robinson was seven years old and constructing scale models, he has had a passion for design and building beautiful homes.
Dan McDonnell loves to compete, loves to win, and loves seeing the growth in his players as he coaches the University of Louisville baseball team.
Tom Jurich cites his motivation to do things right and see results as he leads athletic programs at the University of Louisville.
Tom Jurich
Former Vice President and Director of Athletics, University of Louisville
Interviewed: 11-13-2015
Jeff Walz has a passion for excellence that drives him as the head coach of the University of Louisville Women’s basketball team.
Coach Jeff Walz
Head Coach, University of Louisville NCAA Women’s Basketball
Interviewed: 11-13-2015
Love for family drives both Patrick John Hughes and his son, Patrick Henry Hughes, to expand possibilities.
Love for family drives both Patrick John Hughes and his son, Patrick Henry Hughes, to expand possibilities.
Terri Foster knew from a young age she had musical gifts, and now seeks to use her gifts to help other young people develop theirs.
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
Tyrone Cotton’s love of music and desire to create fuels his music and the songs he writes.
Fun and the challenge of creating a sense of wonderment drive Louisville-native Wayne Hettinger to create memorable events on a grand scale.
Tim Laird
former “C.E.O” Chief Entertainment Officer, Brown-Forman Corporation
Interviewed: 08-15-2014
Theatre director Les Waters’ interest in contemporary art and new plays drives him in his career.
Mark Johnson has a deep passion for the sport and spectacle of horse racing; He calls it the greatest theatre on earth.
JK McKnight is the founder and captain of the Forecastle festival, a gathering of musicians, artists and activists.
Mandy Connell is a talk radio host who credits her competitive nature as a driver to be her best.
A consistent love for sports and entertainment drives Lynn Abramson-Saltzman in her career.
Lynn Abramson-Saltzman
Past General Manager/Exclusive Marketer of the KFC YUM! Center (2011-2013)
Interviewed: 05-20-2011
A passion for the arts and to make things better by introducing new generations to the art drives Stephen Klein in his career.
Stephen Klein
Former President of The Kentucky Center for the Arts (2005-2013)
Interviewed: 03-25-2011
Berk Bryant is fueled by a desire to bring bluegrass and traditional country music to the world to enjoy.
Angie Fenton is an award-winning and esteemed writer driven by a passion to serve her community.
Driven by the need for, and impact of, arts education on young people, Paul Lenzi and his wife, Geraldine, co-founded the Blue Apple Players Theatre Group a children’s theatre company.
A driving curiosity about the world and the desire to be “a part of the solution” drive Denton Randall each day.
Bill McNulty is an actor and director who has performed internationally, and enjoys a grounded life with a love for his work and his family.
William “Bill” McNulty
Resident Actor & Director, Actors Theatre of Louisville
Interviewed: 09-26-2008
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
Ed Manassah
Former Executive in Residence, Bellarmine University & Former Publisher of C.J.
Interviewed: 12-06-2006
Allan Cowen takes the long view of life and believes that life is as great as you choose it to be.
Jim Host loves Kentucky and he believes it has more potential than any other state in the country.
Jim Host
Former Kentucky Commerce Secretary & Founder of Host Communications
Interviewed: 09-27-2006
