The Broad Pod

At 35 years old, Leslie Barr’s life changed in ways she could never have imagined. A sports reporter turned communications professional, wife, and mom, Leslie was diagnosed with stage IV cancer…a diagnosis that became the dividing line between the woman she was and the woman she would become. In this deeply honest conversation, she shares how surviving cancer reshaped her perspective on faith, fam...

Dr. Stacy Edds-Ellis is an educator, leader, and change-maker whose career is defined by service, growth, and community impact. Growing up in Calhoun, Kentucky, she learned leadership from her parents and carried those values into 20 years at Owensboro Community & Technical College, where she served in several roles including academic advisor, Discover College Grant Director, Dean of Academic...

In this special Mother’s Day episode, we’re celebrating the powerful influence of a mother and the way it shapes who we become. We sit down with Analea Sanders, daughter of co-host Allyson Sanders, to talk about what it looks like to grow into leadership at a young age, pursue purpose with confidence, and carve out your own path while carrying the values you’ve learned along the way. From her expe...

After years of moving from place to place, searching for where she truly belonged, Natasha Stanley came back to Owensboro, and in a whirlwind, opened Bella Ragazza Boutique. A wife of 10 years and mom of two girls, she’s created a life and business that's all about building connections and confidence. Behind her warm, welcoming smile is a seven-year health journey most people haven't seen. Despite...

Brende Lott was born and raised in Owensboro, growing up in a childhood marked by hardship. Despite the challenges she faced, she pursued her education at the University of Kentucky, married her high school sweetheart, and created her own path. She began her career in labor and delivery and later became a nurse midwife with a commitment to evidence-based care. Brende’s story is one of perseverance...

Ashley Morris knows what it means to build a life the hard way. Raised just outside of Owensboro in Knottsville, on homegrown meals, Sunday dinners, and church picnics, her love for food started early…long before she realized it would become her purpose. As a young, single mom, Ashley learned quickly that survival required tough choices. For a season, life experiences led her down a dangerous path...

Sheila Crowe has always known how to make something out of what she had. Raised in Owensboro, she started cooking at nine years old, feeding her siblings while her dad worked second shift. What began as responsibility became passion…food was comfort, creativity, and connection. After years of working, from telemarketing as a teen to a decade in medical debt collection, Sheila felt the pull toward...

Cindra Stiff’s story is one of steady strength and lasting impact. From becoming a teen mom in a small town to building a 42-year career in higher education in finance, she navigated life with resilience, wisdom, and grace. A leader in a male-dominated field, she helped guide seasons of growth, rebuild after disaster, and shape campus communities…all while staying deeply connected to the students...

In recognition of Black History Month, this episode honors Rev. Rhondalyn Randolph, a faithful pastor, community advocate, and impactful Black woman whose leadership has shaped both church and community. With decades of service driven by courage, conviction, and compassion, Rev. Randolph has opened doors, preserved history, and led with a deep commitment to justice and reconciliation. From the pul...

In this episode, Kristin Whitney takes us behind the scenes of her career in law…from public defender to prosecutor to corporate counsel for Southern Star. She shares what it was like meeting clients in the jail, earning trust in tense, high-stakes situations, and navigating a male-dominated field. Kristin also reflects on the lessons she’s carried from her upbringing, the challenges and joys of m...

From cheerleader to tattoo shop owner, Gabriele Wright has never followed a straight line and that’s exactly what makes her story compelling. A 2009 Owensboro Catholic graduate, Gabriele began in cosmetology (thanks to her mom signing her up), fell in love with the art, and eventually carved her own path into the male-dominated tattoo industry. Now the owner of False Idols Tattoo, she shares how m...

Lauren Layson’s life is a testament to intentional change. A wife, mother of three girls, and speech-language pathologist, she chose to step away from practicing to build a life centered around her family. Her story isn’t defined by what she experienced as a young girl, but by what she chose to do differently. By breaking generational cycles, Lauren has built a home rooted in safety and love. Draw...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Janae Kittinger, a plastic surgeon at Owensboro Health. From a childhood dream inspired by doctors who help others, Janae carved a path for herself in a male-dominated field. She’s navigated becoming pregnant during residency, infertility, and building a blended family. She shares what it’s like working alongside her husband, also a surgeon, and her humanitari...

From Owensboro roots to owning her own spa by 22, Madlyn has always had a little extra skin in the game. After a short season at WKU, she changed directions and enrolled in esthetician school. What followed was grit, loss, resilience, and a whole lot of glow.   In this episode, Madlyn opens up about building The Skin Therapist from the ground up and stepping bravely into life as a young business o...

That’s a wrap on Season 3! 🎉 This year we shared stories from 17 incredible women, added a brand-new voice to the mic with our cohost Allyson Sanders (who crushed it, by the way), and celebrated all things Broad. In this wrap-up, we look back on the laughs, lessons, and moments that made Season 3 so special. And don’t forget, our Broad of the Year event is happening September 18th at 11:30am. You...

It’s our final guest episode of Season 3. Stay tuned for a final wrap up. In this episode, we sit down with Vicki Quisenberry, a woman whose life has been guided by one powerful question…What if? Born in Daviess County, Vicki’s passion for education and community runs deep. From earning her MBA to raising four children with her husband of 40 years, she’s lived out her belief that if you’re going t...

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with a woman who has worn many hats…wife of 35 years, mom to eight, caregiver to both parents, and the heart behind Nona’s Catering…a business built on connection, celebration, and good food. While Maria Kelly pours into her family, friends, and community, she also navigates life with Multiple Sclerosis. From her childhood as a military brat overseas to decad...

In this episode, we meet a resilient single mom, Hannah Blandford. who turned the hard into healing after navigating postpartum anxiety, divorce, and childhood trauma. Now a Psychology student, entrepreneur, and founder of Faith Found Me, she’s using her story, faith, and powerful affirmations to inspire others. You will be inspired by her advice to “sit in it to move through it” as you navigate l...

In this episode, we meet a dynamic small-town woman stepping fully into the role of her life…and no, it’s not just on stage or screen. Mercedez Varble is a mom of two, a medical professional, a college student, and a passionate performer who’s found healing through creativity after the loss of her Mom at a young age. From belting out karaoke classics to starring in the cult short film Fall of Grey...

In this episode, we sit down with Emmy Woosley-community leader, connector, and storyteller-to explore what it means to make good noise in the world. From handwritten notes to bluegrass music, Emmy shares how small acts of kindness and big dreams shape her work and her life. We talk about the power of community, the legacy of the Through Sleet’s Eyes Festival, and why she believes joy and impact c...

In this episode we dive into the messy, beautiful realities of motherhood, career, and personal growth. Jamie Johnson, a mom who’s navigated the challenges of postpartum depression, built a successful blog, and now works to improve her town, shares her story. She talks about the power of embracing failure, the lessons learned along the way, and how resilience can shape both personal and profession...

In honor of Mother’s Day, we wanted to introduce you to one special Mom. On this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with the selfless, loving, dedicated, Sheila Forrest…aka Allyson’s Mom. Not only has she devoted her life to helping those who really need it, but she is an incredible Mother and Grandmother. You’ll find out quickly why Ally is the way she is after hearing from the one and...

Kimberley Roberson is the heart and soul behind the beloved Kim’s Diner…a dream she shared with her late father. Through childhood heartache, devastating losses, and life’s toughest moments, Kim has powered through with tenacity and grit. Now a devoted mother, wife, and entrepreneur, she pours into every person she meets and every plate she prepares. In this episode, Kim shares her arduous journey...

Fierce and faith-filled, Olga McKissic is a commanding presence with a gentle soul. Originally from Owensboro, Olga, got her career start at South Central Bell in Louisville and later found herself back in Owensboro on a mission for change. Olga serves as the Executive Director of Western Academy at the Neblett, an academic enrichment program for African American and Biracial males in grades 3–12....

A beloved 1st grade teacher, Jenny Rickman, is shaping the next generation with immense love for her students. When you're greeted by her beautiful smile and warm demeanor in the halls of Highland Elementary, you do not see the many heartbreaking trials she has endured. In this episode, Jenny vulnerably shares about divorce, traumatic pregnancy, delivery, long nicu stays, and the severe metal heal...