Kentucky’s Wandering Realtor

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Kymi Douglas, an Executive Bourbon Steward , Lead Spirit Guide at Dark Arts Whiskey House , and a 2026 World Whiskies Awards Judge to break down what separates casual sipping from trained tasting . Kymi blends a deep background in Biology and Chemistry with real-world whiskey experience, and she shares how science shows up in the glass, from how you approach...

Welcome to Bagdad, Kentucky, where a century-old brick building holds one of the best-kept food secrets in the state . In this episode, I sit down with Buckshot , the man behind B&N Food Market , to talk family legacy, small-town pride, and the food that keeps people lining up day after day. We get into the story behind his granddad “Newt” (the legend who built the standard), how Buckshot took...

Louisville has a festival for everything… but most people have no idea what it takes to bring those moments to life. In this episode of Kentucky’s Wandering Realtor , I sit down with Trevor Cravens and Tisha Gainey , the co-founders of HB Productions —the team behind some of Louisville’s most anticipated experiences, including Tailspin Ale Fest , NuLu Bock Fest , Germantown Oktoberfest , the Bowma...

THE SACRIFICE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING explores the personal journey behind Anne Shadle’s people-first leadership. Anne Shadle is a Louisville entrepreneur best known as the co-owner of Mayan Café, but this conversation is centered on Anne the person: the difficult choice to sacrifice school to pursue the restaurant world, the loneliness that can come with building something before you feel like yo...

In this episode of Kentucky’s Wandering Realtor , I sit down with David “Dave” Swick, the craftsman behind Swicktone . A Chicago transplant with decades of hands-on experience, Dave has been repairing and modding guitars since the late ’90s and building handmade instruments for over a decade. We talk tone myths, what most players misunderstand about setups, how a great guitar should feel , and wha...

Jared Fox Matthews is one of Louisville’s most hands-on restaurateurs, the founder of the Lou Lou Restaurant Group, and the kind of operator who can build a room, a culture, and a full guest experience from the ground up. In this episode, Jared takes us from his Louisiana roots in Marksville, where crawfish boils and family tables taught him that food is connection, to his early days in Louisville...

In this episode, I sit down with Darnell “SuperChef” Ferguson for a real conversation about what it takes to build a name, carry pressure, and keep moving forward when life gets heavy. We go back to the early days, where the “SuperChef” identity was born, then into the moments that tested his confidence, his discipline, and his leadership. Darnell talks about the difference between who you are on...

What does it really mean to be seen? In this episode, I sit down with Ben Marcum , award-winning portrait, boudoir, and headshot photographer, to explore the confidence, vulnerability, and psychology behind stepping in front of the camera. Ben shares how photography goes far beyond lighting and lenses and becomes an act of trust, coaching, and self-belief. We talk about why so many people struggle...

In this first episode of the new year, I’m sitting down with Tyler Watson, Enterprise & Emerging Categories at Kinder’s Premium Quality Seasonings & Sauces (and former SVP, Head of Sales at Dan-O’s Seasoning ) for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring and real. Tyler’s story is dishwasher to disruptor, a true underdog climb from the back of the house to leading major growth conversat...

In this episode of Kentucky’s Wandering Realtor , we sit down with Chris Williams , owner of Four Pegs Smokehouse , to talk about the pressure of restaurant ownership, the purpose behind the work, and the smoked wings that put Four Pegs on the map. Chris shares stories from the early days, leadership lessons learned along the way, and the heart behind Taste for Life , a summer charitable event cre...

In this episode of Kentucky’s Wandering Realtor , I sit down with Chrissy Cortese to share the story of how a Jersey girl turned bourbon pro and became a force in the Kentucky spirits world. Chrissy walks us through her journey from New Jersey to Nashville in 2006, then into Kentucky by way of weekend trips to visit her best friend in Louisville. Those early visits led her deep into the bourbon sc...

In this episode of Kentucky’s Wandering Realtor , I travel outside Louisville and head to Bardstown, KY to sit down with Whitney Rye, hospitality veteran, creator of The Mash Bill Podcast , and owner of The Parlor Room, one of Bardstown’s most unique and beloved bourbon destinations. Whitney takes us through her journey from the fast-paced hospitality world into podcasting, content creation, and b...

In this episode of Kentucky’s Wandering Realtor , I sit down with Jordan Clemons, the Senior Director of Investor Development at Greater Louisville Inc. Jordan’s story is a powerful blend of positivity, small-town beginnings, and a deep belief that Louisville deserves more enthusiasm, more energy, and more champions. Jordan opens up about how he built one of the most effective networking ecosystem...

In this upcoming episode, I sit down with Robin Miller , Executive Director of APRON Inc. , to uncover the incredible work this Louisville nonprofit does to support the people who keep our hospitality and restaurant industry moving. From emergency grants to long-term stability programs, APRON provides a lifeline to workers who often feel unseen. Robin also shares how APRON responded in real time t...

Join me for a deep dive with Chef Dallas McGarity, owner of The Fat Lamb, 2019 Food Network Chopped Champion, and 2024 James Beard Award finalist. We explore his roots in Louisville’s food scene, how the legacy of Muhammad Ali inspires him, and what he’s cooking up next with a brand-new restaurant concept coming soon. We even cover the unexpected joy of late-night Taco Bell runs. Whether you’re in...

From slinging hash browns at Waffle House to co-owning Hop Atomica, one of Louisville’s most unique destinations for beer, pizza, and bourbon, Paul Berrier’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, we dive into Paul’s rollercoaster path in the food and beverage world, how a wild Waffle House shift sparked his culinary hustle, and the role family played in turning tragedy into triumph th...

In this episode of Kentucky’s Wandering Realtor , I sit down with Adria Johnson, CEO of Metro United Way, to talk about her powerful journey of leadership, faith, and resilience. From navigating tough decisions to leading one of Louisville’s most impactful nonprofits, Adria shares how her values and belief in community shape her role as a leader. We cover: How Adria Johnson’s faith and resilience...

In this episode of Kentucky’s Wandering Realtor , I sit down with Steve Smith, the owner of Uncle Boojie’s Distilling Company , to talk about what it takes to overcome obstacles in business and life. From turning challenges into opportunities to building one of Louisville’s unique hotspots for bourbon lovers and BBQ enthusiasts , Steve’s story is as bold as the spirits he crafts. We cover: The jou...

Step inside Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse , one of Louisville’s premier dining destinations, with guest Brian Steger , former chef and now current General Manager. In this episode of Kentucky’s Wandering Realtor , we dive into Brian’s journey from his start in the food industry to leading one of the city’s top restaurants. You’ll hear stories about: How Bobby Flay’s connection helped elevate Repeal’...

In this episode of Kentucky’s Wandering Realtor , I sit down with Chelsie and AMone Dunning, the powerhouse couple behind Heavy Plates 502 and Chet & Family . As two of Louisville’s top food influencers, they share their journey of balancing family, food, and community while building a brand that celebrates culture and connection. We dive into their upcoming food festival , the role of fried c...

In this episode of Kentucky’s Wandering Realtor , Stephon Lewis sits down with Bernie Lubbers, known worldwide as “The Whiskey Professor” and a three-time Icons of Whiskey award winner. Bernie shares his wealth of knowledge on the history of bourbon, the legacy of Heaven Hill, and the importance of Bottled in Bond. Along the way, you’ll hear a hilarious story about cucumber water, and Bernie’s sig...

Louisville food influencer Todd Lanham joins Kentucky’s Wandering Realtor to talk about his journey, the community he loves, and some of the wildest foods he’s ever tried. In this episode, we cover: Todd’s path to becoming a local food voice in Louisville What a Brulip is The most shocking thing Todd has ever eaten Olive oil ice cream (yes, it’s a real thing!) The pride he takes in his family and...

In this episode of Kentucky’s Wandering Realtor , I sit down with Matt Simons, Director of Corporate Development at Metro United Way, to talk about bourbon, community impact, and culture. We dive into the United Spirits Fall Festival , a unique fundraiser that blends bourbon tastings, chef-curated food, live music, and exclusive auction items, all to support Metro United Way's mission to help...

What does corn off the cob have to do with cocktails? This week on Kentucky’s Wandering Realtor, I sit down with Peyton Beall, one of the owners of Louisville’s Tartan House, one of the city’s most unique bars where creativity and scotch collide. Peyton shares the fascinating history behind Tartan House, how it got its name, and why scotch is at the heart of what they do. Plus, we dive into a lege...

In this episode of Kentucky’s Wandering Realtor , I sit down with Louisville food influencer Erica Durrett , the creative mind behind Louisville Food Life . From discovering underrated local eats to balancing a full-time career and her passion for sharing hidden food gems, Erica proves there’s so much more to the influencer grind than just posting pretty plates. We talk about how her love for food...