Behind the Backstretch

On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are gearing up for the 18th annual Benefit for the Backside, the largest annual fundraiser for the Backside Learning Center taking place on November 22nd at Churchill Downs’ First Turn Club! We first talk with new BLC Development Director Enidza Torres, as she discusses her background, her new role with the BLC, what this community means to her, and sh...

On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are focusing on Give for Good Louisville, the largest fundraising day of the year in the city! Taking place on September 12th, our focus for our fundraiser will be the arts programming at the BLC, specifically our work with artist Sara Noori and Fund for the Arts.  First, speak with Sara as she dives into her background, her work with us, and the growt...

Happy 20th Anniversary to the Backside Learning Center🎉 A special thank you to our amazing staff, volunteers, donors, and supporters who have helped us along the way! On this week's podcast episode of Behind the Backstretch🎙️, we talk to the BLC’S Executive Director Sherry Stanley and Deputy Director Lauren DeGeorge. They discuss how the BLC has grown and  the immense impact its made on both...

On the newest episode of our podcast, Behind the Backstretch, we highlight our incredible partnership with Woodford Reserve! For the 150th Kentucky Derby, the BLC was chosen as the charitable partner of their $1,000 Mint Julep Program, in which all proceeds from sales of gold and silver Mint Julep cups are donated to the charity. In addition to this partnership, Woodford Reserve has also graciousl...

On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we have a packed lineup for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby! With major BLC supporter and part-owner Brook Smith enrolling Derby contender Sierra Leone in our Purses for a Purpose initiative, we focus on what this means for our organization. We first speak with Brook about what this week means for him and the BLC, and we then get to chat with Sier...

On this week's episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are focusing on our 3rd annual Derby Handicapping Social taking place on April 16th at the Louisville Thoroughbred Society. This event acts as a kickoff to the Derby season and is a major awareness event for our organization. Co-hosted by BLC intern Samantha Versocki, we begin by discussing her background and what she has done with the orga...

On this episode of the podcast, we ring in the new year by talking with two members of our community, staff member Luz Valdespino & BLC supporter Cathleen  Murphy! First, we speak with the BLC's own Youth and Family Case Coordinator Luz Valdespino as she discusses her role with the BLC, her connection with the community that she works with, and some of the plans coming up with our youth s...

On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are gearing up for the 17th Annual Benefit for the Backside coming up in just about 2 weeks! We speak with two individuals who have been heavily involved in the planning process for this event as well as share details on the event itself. First, we talk with event consultant Robin Rinderspacher who talks about her role with this benefit, gives listener...

Our FIFTEENTH episode of the “Beyond the Backstretch” is out now! On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! This month is especially important to us as 80% of the 1,000+ backstretch workers at Churchill Downs come from Spanish-speaking countries. On this episode, we get to know two beloved members of our community and celebrate their cultures.  👉First,...

On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are gearing up for next month's Give for Good Louisville, which is the largest annual fundraising day in the city of Louisville! We sit down with two members of the BLC team to discuss their journeys to our organization and the importance of this day for us! First, we sit down with Volunteer and Adult English Class Coordinator Alexina Wilson as sh...

On this month's episode of "Behind the Backstretch," we introduce listeners to Creciendo Juntos, a teen support group for teens of backside workers! While beginning as a therapy group, this group has evolved dramatically since its inception into a platform for leadership and social change for its members. First, we speak with Elena Tarullo, a youth and family case coordinator at the...

On this month’s episode of the Behind the Backstretch podcast, we have an action-packed lineup of individuals who are all playing various roles in this year’s Kentucky Derby & Oaks!  First, we get to hear from assistant trainer Jorge Abrego, who works with Brad Cox and has four horses in this year’s Kentucky Derby. He discusses his unique journey, the excitement that comes with being an assist...

For the 11th episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are gearing up for our upcoming spring event, the Backside Learning Center’s Derby Handicapping Social! This event, which takes place on April 18th at the Louisville Thoroughbred Society, acts as a kickoff to the Kentucky Derby season in addition to an opportunity for attendees to learn about programming at the BLC. As the event features a handica...

On the 10th episode of Behind the Backstretch, we celebrate Women's Month by speaking with two incredible staff members at the Backside Learning Center, Merlin Cano & Alma Aldana! We first speak with Merlin, who is the health and wellness coordinator at the BLC. She talks about her journey to the US, her experience working at the racetrack, how she got involved with the organization, and...

On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are celebrating Black History Month as we get to speak with trainer Mark Simms Jr! In our discussion with Mark, he delves into how he got into horse racing, his ambitions within the sport, what it's like to be a black trainer in the current industry, and what Black History Month means to him.  Additionally, as this episode release falls on Valenti...

On this month's episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are focusing on our largest annual fundraiser, the Benefit for the Backside, that takes place on November 18th, 2022! We first get to hear from event planner Sterling Franklin as she dives into what the benefit is for, what the schedule for the day will look like, and how people can be involved if they are not in attendance. Then, we talk...

On this month's episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with three separate interviews that shine a light on three unique perspectives within our community! We get to hear from the BLC's own Adult Programs Manager Alma Aldana, current Board president Pam Conway, and jockey Jose Luis Rodriguez as they discuss their cultural backgrounds, what Hispanic...

On the 6th episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are joined by Churchill Downs track announcer Travis Stone and BLC board member Cory Stauble! Travis Stone has been the official track announcer at Churchill Downs since 2015. In this podcast, he discusses his upbringing and what led to his love of calling races, the importance of backside workers and his involvement with the BLC, and his experience...

On the newest episode of the “Behind the Backstretch” podcast, we get to hear conversations with Bertila Quinteros and the BLC’s own Lauren DeGeorge!  Bertila Quinteros is a groom at Churchill Downs and was recently featured in the magazine “Today’s Woman.” She discusses her journey to the United States, her experience working on the backside, and how the BLC has helped her and her daughter, Evely...

In this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we get to hear from Dina Busaleh and Martha Popescu, two members of our youth team who discuss their roles at the BLC, the plans for summer programming for the children of backside workers, and why their work is so important to them. Then, we get to hear from Kenny Pritchett, a long-time volunteer who has developed a software titled "Anyone Can Read&...

Happy Derby Week from the BLC! 🐴🎉We have an action-packed episode this week, as we first speak with current board member Carla Grego about her experience at Churchill Downs and the momentum she sees picking up for the Backside Learning Center. Then, diving into that momentum, we get to hear from Brook Smith, a long-time BLC supporter who discusses his past works in business and philanthropy, his...

In the second episode of Behind the Backstretch, we get to hear from Roberto Gonzalez, a groom and hot walker who has nearly 30 years of experience on the backside of Churchill Downs and racetracks around the country. Additionally, communications coordinator Peyton Hobson joins the show to discuss various happenings at the Backside Learning Center. (0:00) - Introduction with Communications Coordin...

The very first episode of Behind the Backstretch, a podcast brought to you by the Backside Learning Center! In this episode, we get to hear from award-winning journalist and legendary broadcaster Caton Bredar (as seen on TVG, ESPN, ABC & more) and Executive Director of the Backside Learning Center Sherry Stanley. (0:00) - Introduction to podcast (2:18) - Discussion with Executive Director Sher...