Advertise on podcast: Blabbin' In the Bluegrass

Episode Notes Quite frankly, there is very little that this week's special guest hasn't dabbled in at some point . . .but, chances are you'll recognize the name, thanks to her nationally-syndicated radio program!! I'm delighted to welcome Pem Pfisterer Clark, host of "Wedding Planning with Pem", heard on Henderson's WSON Radio, and many other stations across the Commonwealth and beyond! Pem is also a licensed wedding officiant, who offers several scenic settings which are uniquely suited to accommodate intimate ceremonies. If that weren't enough, she is an excellent source of tuxedo and suit rentals for special occasions...and, she skillfully teaches art to children of all ages through her downtown Henderson studio of art instruction. Join me and Pem as we discuss the discovery of her artistic talents, her masterful works of art that have been sold both nationally and internationally, and the specifics of the classes she regularly teaches. We also detail her tuxedo/suit rental business, her splendid wedding venues, and the creation/evolution of her radio show (which is still going strong after 25 years!). Lastly, we touch on a podcast she co-hosts with long-time WSON News Director Bill Stephens Stark known as "Around Town with Stark and Clark". For inquiries regarding any and all aspects of my conversation with Pem, don't hesitate to call or text her at 270-454-8181. Additional information about "Wedding Planning with Pem" is readily available through the web page linked here: https://weddingplanningwithpem.com/. Be sure to click on the following link to find out more about Pem's engaging art classes for children: https://mspemsartforkids.com/. Details about her intimate wedding spaces are as close as the following website: https://marrymesimply.com/. And finally, listen and subscribe to the "Around Town with Stark and Clark" podcast by simply clicking here: https://aroundtownwithstarkandclark.com/. Find out more at https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co

Episode Notes If you're a fan of UK and other Commonwealth sports, you most certainly owe this week's special guest a listen!! Introducing Mr. Mark Story, a Sports Columnist from the Lexington Herald-Leader, who has been a fixture at the newspaper since 1990. Mark has been privileged to cover each and every Kentucky Derby since 1994, every UK-U of L football game since 1994, and all but four UK-U of L basketball games since 1996! Grab a comfy chair as he discusses his path into sports journalism, and the manner in which he quickly found himself at the Herald-Leader. He also looks back on many highlights of his sports coverage pursuits, including unforgettable games he has witnessed, notable connections he has made, and memorable interactions with players/coaches. And, tune in to find out if he has any scoops on comings/goings in the transfer portal, or other aspects of UK basketball, that Cats fans may want to be on alert for in the near future! Feel free to contact Mark Story via email at [email protected]. And, be sure to enjoy his insightful articles, and support his work with a digital subscription, by visiting his Herald-Leader web page linked here: https://www.kentucky.com/profile/218577285/. Find out more at https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co

Episode Notes This week, I'm super stoked to be joined by one of my former radio partners from Western Kentucky University's student-run station (WWHR)!! Meet Amanda Hagerman, affectionately known by her radio name "Lucky", who I teamed up with for a radio show the second semester of my Freshman year. Lucky's most recent media venture came in the realm of television, where she handled production duties behind the scenes at WDRB (Fox 41) in Louisville. Come along as she and I look back on the fun we had together on the Bowling Green airwaves, and discuss an exciting internship she enjoyed with Sony LA. She also details additional radio experience, and other directions her career has taken over the years, prior to arriving at Fox 41. Finally, she shares highlights of her rewarding time in television production, and extends advice to youngsters aspiring to pursue a career behind the mic, on camera, or perhaps somewhere in the middle. Tune in and treat yourself to Lucky's story, her whit, and her wisdom! Find out more at https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co

Episode Notes I'm certainly not graced with the opportunity to chat with a Vietnam veteran every time the wind changes direction . . .but this week, I enjoyed this very privilege, and you're reaping the benefits!! Introducing Mr. Donald Elmore, a Bowling Green native, who first served in Germany, and then completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. Mr. Elmore even authored a book entitled "The Road Taken", which features written accounts and drawn pictures tracing his childhood, army service, and even a portion of his post-military life in California. Grab a seat as he explains what led him to serve our country, reflects on highlights of his service ventures, and speaks of his career pursuits and art-centered hobbies after military retirement. He also extends words of wisdom to the service personnel of tomorrow. We can all learn something from Mr. Elmore's voice of extensive experience . . .so listen intently, and soak up his splendid story! Find out more at https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co

Episode Notes If you have considerable appreciation for the unique music history and tradition synonymous with Kentucky, you already have common ground with this week's guest!! Introducing Mr. Dave Howard, Founder/Director of the Louisville Folk School, which has been molding marvelous musicians since 2015. Dave's music background includes a Kentucky Arts Council apprenticeship on the fiddle, along with an abundance of professional recording and performing! Come along as he discusses this background in-depth, and describes the inspiration behind the Louisville Folk School. He also takes us through the course offerings available through the school (some of which may be taken anywhere via Zoom) on instruments ranging from the fiddle, to the mandolin, to even the banjo! Finally, he informs us of upcoming concerts being presented by the school . . .and, we'll be treated to a few samples of his mandolin work on songs recorded by Louisville's own Bonnie "Prince" Billy. Feel free to email Mr. Howard with any inquiries you may have at [email protected]. Also, be sure to visit the folk school's web page linked here: https://louisvillefolkschool.org/. Finally, you can access the application for the Kentucky Arts Council's fiddle apprenticeship (which is due by March 31st) through the website linked here: https://artscouncil.ky.gov/. Find out more at https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co

Episode Notes This week, I'm delighted to present another great guest of the "Healthcare Hero" variety!! Meet Mrs. Taunya Eyre of Henderson, who serves with pride and professionalism as a Nurse Consultant with a Boston-based company known as Linus Health. The title of "Nurse Consultant" may likely not ring a bell with you, so what exactly does this role entail? Taunya will give us the scoop, and also discuss the well-versed path she took to get there, along with her impressive educational credentials (which include a Master's of Business Administration!). She'll also shed light on the mission and services of her employer (Linus Health), share a few inspirational stories from her former patients, and extend advice for tomorrow's medical professionals. Feel free to drop Taunya a line with questions you may have regarding our conversation, and for additional information about how you can put Linus Health to work for you, at [email protected]. I'd also encourage you to visit Linus Health's web page linked here: https://linushealth.com/. Find out more at https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co

Episode Notes Might you be surprised to learn that many future teachers of the visually impaired are preparing for this career in dear ole Lexington? They are indeed, thanks to the Visually Impaired Teacher Prep program at the University of Kentucky!! Telling us all about it this week is Dr. Amanda Lannan, a professor in the department, who is totally blind herself! Join Dr. Lannan as she describes the cause of her blindness at birth, the manner in which she found her way to UK, and the history of the unique and exciting program in which she teaches. She also discusses the courses she often leads, the curriculum through which students grasp braille and explore effective means of teaching it, and the desirable prerequisites for admission. Learn more about UK's Visually Impaired Teacher Prep program by emailing Dr. Lannan at [email protected]. And, be sure to visit the university's grad school page linked here: https://gradschool.uky.edu/admissions/explore-degrees-and-certificates. Find out more at https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co

Episode Notes Like me, this week's very special guest has a passion for promoting all things great in our unique state . . .and this passion is clearly conveyed through weekly television segments!! Meet Marvin Bartlett, Anchor/Managing Editor at Fox 56 in Lexington, who has developed quite a following thanks to his "Spirit of the Bluegrass" television features. These weekly segments are syndicated to several television stations across the Commonwealth, and they are real eye openers . . .literally!! Marvin has even written a book entitled "Spirit of the Bluegrass", based on his popular television spotlight of the same name. Join the fun as Marvin reflects on several decades of broadcast journalism experience, describes the inspiration behind "Spirit of the Bluegrass", and details the engaging content we are treated to in this popular segment/book. He also discusses another heart-warming masterpiece from his book catalog called "The Boy Who Delivered Joy", written about an inspirational cancer patient he covered as a reporter. Both of Marvin's aforementioned works are available through Amazon . . .and for additional info on these books (and potential avenues for purchasing them), feel free to email him at [email protected]. And, be sure to follow Fox 56's Youtube channel linked here to view all of Mr. Bartlett's previous and future "Spirit of the Bluegrass" spotlights: https://www.youtube.com/@FOX56News. Finally, for links to all of the features that are highlighted in his "Spirit of the Bluegrass" book, simply visit the following Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritoftheBluegrass. Find out more at https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co

Episode Notes Very few of us can say that we've experienced the excitement of competing on a nationally-televised game show . . .but this week's special guest is one of these precious few!! She is Mrs. Molly Sperling of Owensboro, who traveled to Dublin, Ireland last year to be a contestant on Season 4 of "The Floor" hosted by Rob Lowe. And, Molly enjoyed quite a journey on the show, advancing all the way to the Final Four! Come along as she shares a bit about her background as a former elementary school teacher, and her current post with GRADD (Green River Area Development District). She also describes her inspiration for trying out, the application/selection process she went through to become a contestant, and the general rules of "The Floor". Finally, she explains the aspects of the game which she found most challenging, and discusses the special relationships she formed with her fellow contestants (a few of which she now hosts a podcast with!). So pull up a chair and enjoy a look back on Molly's whirlwind adventure on national television . . .and be sure to listen and subscribe to "More from The Floor", the podcast she co-hosts, by simply following this link!: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-from-the-floor-podcast/id1845934730. Find out more at https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co

Episode Notes This week's guest is certainly near and dear to my heart...not only because he is my former Youth Director at First Methodist Church of Henderson...but also because his wide array of career pursuits gave me a considerable amount of water to tread during our conversation!! His name is Bert Montgomery, and he has worn various hats over the years ranging from Senior Minister, to College Professor, to even Juvenile Probation Officer! We'll learn a bit about his service as a Probation Officer in Jackson, Mississippi and Memphis prior to his full-time commitment to ministry work. We'll also hear about his experience teaching courses and leading a church at Mississippi State University, and briefly discuss two fascinating books he has authored: "Elvis, Willie, Jesus and Me" and "Going Back to New Orleans: Post-Katrina Re-Connections and Recollections". Feel free to drop Mr. Montgomery a line at [email protected], and be sure to visit his website linked here: http://bertmontgomery.com/. Find out more at https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co

Episode Notes Extension can be of value and benefit to us in ways that we have probably failed to consider . . .which is why I'm proud to spotlight one particular area of emphasis within extension this week!! Introducing Tracie Ettensohn, an agent with the Henderson County Cooperative Extension Service, with a specialization in Family and Consumer Sciences. How would we describe Family and Consumer Sciences? What are the seminars, programs, and services through which Tracie helps families to thrive and prosper? Come along for answers to these and other questions, details on Tracie's monthly newsletter, and info on upcoming events/activities to mark on our calendars. Feel free to reach out to Tracie with any inquiries you may have by emailing her at [email protected], or calling the Henderson County Extension Office at 270-826-8387. And, be sure to visit Henderson County's Family and Consumer Sciences web page linked here: https://henderson.mgcafe.uky.edu/fcs. Find out more at https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co

Episode Notes Got a glass of wine handy? That'll prove to be quite appropriate as you listen to this week's episode!! Join me in welcoming Mr. Chris Dunaway, a native Hendersonian who has firmly established himself in the wine industry. Chris currently serves as Wine Director at a 5-Star ski resort hotel in Aspen, Colorado known as "The Little Nell". Come along as he describes how he was drawn to the world of wine, and explains his earliest experiences with it as a wine bar employee in Nicholasville, KY. He also discusses the certifications he has earned while working his way up the wine ladder, sheds light on his previous service as a sommelier, and details his current duties as The Little Nell's Wine Director. Finally, he speaks of the hotel's many amenities, so you can make your travel plans accordingly, and offers advice to those intrigued by the thought of a career in the realm of wine. Feel free to reach out to Chris with any questions you may have regarding our conversation via email at [email protected]. You're also strongly encouraged to visit The Little Nell's web page linked here: https://www.thelittlenell.com/. Find out more at https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co

Episode Notes For the first time in the history of "Blabbin' In the Bluegrass", I have the privilege of welcoming a professional event planner to the program!! She is Mrs. Amy Thomas of Glasgow, and she regularly provides skillful support to business owners in the coordination of employee appreciation, customer appreciation, and even holiday celebrations. Plus, Amy has occasionally been known to facilitate those blowout birthday and anniversary bashes! There is quite a story behind the launch of Amy Thomas Events, so open your ears as she treats us to it. She also sheds light on specific examples of events she has planned and organized, and tells us about a podcast she is personally part of called "Where Hustle Meets Grace". So enjoy learning about the means by which a seasoned event specialist can meet your needs! Find out more about Amy Thomas Events, and even schedule a free consultation, by visiting the web page linked here: https://amythomasevents.com/. To hear episodes of "Where Hustle Meets Grace", and subscribe to the podcast, simply follow this link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-hustle-meets-grace/id1742871539. Find out more at https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co

Episode Notes This week, our "Exceptional Educator" spotlight takes us to dear ole Webster County, as we visit with a retired teacher who spent her entire tenure at Dixon Elementary School!! She is Kim Farris, and her tireless efforts in the classroom enabled countless students to flourish throughout her career spanning nearly three decades! Tune in as Kim reflects on fond memories of her days as an elementary school student, her inspiration for teaching, and the grades/subjects she taught at Dixon. She also speaks of mentors who assisted her in her acclimation to the teaching world, and extends advice for the educators of tomorrow . . .and that's not all! So sit back and lend your ears to one of the finest to ever serve in the Webster County school system! Find out more at https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co

Episode Notes Our first "Blabbin'" guest of 2026 has been a paraplegic since the age of 16 . . .but he has not, and will not, let this hinder his efforts in the realm of sports!! Meet David Hartsek of Lexington, a wheelchair athlete who competed in his 41st (forty-first) consecutive Bluegrass 10K race this past July! Join David as he describes the nature of the incident which caused his paralysis, reflects on his rewarding career in the field of I.T., and details his impressive triumphs in wheelchair athletics (ranging from basketball, to tennis, to road racing!). In conclusion, he also offers insight on resources through which we can learn of wheelchair sports availability in our necks of the woods. So enjoy listening to, learning from, and being inspired by David's remarkable story! Find out more at https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co