Mildly Amusing

In this episode of Mildly Amusing , James sits down with Al Cross, longtime political journalist and former reporter for the Courier Journal . Al shares how he got his start in journalism, beginning at the Southern Kentucky Bureau in Somerset before it was relocated to Bardstown in 1979 and became the Central Kentucky Bureau. Assigned to a region he knew little about, Al recalls his brother's...

In this episode of Mildly Amusing , James sits down with Stephen Goodin, owner of Dust and Flour, a manufacturing bakery and pizza food truck serving central Kentucky. Stephen shares how his journey began at Harrison-Smith House in 2015 with no plans of working in a kitchen, only to find himself climbing the ladder and discovering a passion for baking. Along the way, he also spent time cooking at...

In this episode of Mildly Amusing , James sits down with John Turner, who has called Lebanon home for the past 37 years. Born and raised in New Jersey, John shares some of his earliest memories of accompanying his father into the family business, which manufactured tubes for major companies such as Crest and Johnson & Johnson. John later moved to Kentucky in the 1980s to serve as plant manager...

In this episode of Mildly Amusing , James sits down with Carrie Truitt, who is running for the Democratic nomination for Kentucky’s 14th District State Senate seat. Raised in Bradfordsville on a dairy and tobacco farm, Carrie brings a background in agriculture, education, and community service. She has served on the local school board since 2016 and currently works with Leadership Kentucky, a stat...

In this episode of Mildly Amusing , James sits down with Diane Mattingly, founder of Beautify Loretto. A veteran who joined the reserves after high school, Diane never planned on a 40 year military career, but her path led her through years of service and various roles at Fort Knox. She also shares her background studying photojournalism and English writing at Western, and coming back home to Lore...

In this episode of Mildly Amusing , James sits down with Reba Weatherford, archivist and director of the Loretto Heritage Center. Originally from West Virginia, Reba moved to Marion County in 2021 after earning her degrees from Guilford College and St. John’s University in library science and public history. Reba shares how the Loretto Heritage Center came to be and brings to life some of her favo...

In this episode, James sits down with Josh Ballard, director of operations at the Loretto Motherhouse. Josh shares how his early volunteer work with the fire department and St. Francis picnic, along with becoming an EMT in college, fueled his passion for community service. He talks about running for office to take advantage of grants for sidewalks, joining the city council as soon as he met the mi...

In this episode of Mildly Amusing , James sits down with Kathy Blandford-Hawthorne, former mayor of Lebanon and the first and only woman to hold the office in the city’s history. Kathy moved to Lebanon in 1959 when her father relocated here to work at the Telecom factory. Over the years, she became deeply involved in the community, eventually serving both a four year and a five year term as mayor....

In this episode, James sits down with Gwyn Artz to talk food and how her culinary journey led her to Lebanon, Kentucky. Gwyn shares her background in the culinary world, including attending culinary school in Poughkeepsie, working as a corporate chef, her experience as a personal chef, and the restaurant she owned here in Lebanon. The conversation also digs into how the restaurant industry in Leba...

In this episode of Mildly Amusing , host James Spragens talks with Mike Thacker, who shares how what began as a motorcycle journey across the country ultimately led him to Marion County, Kentucky. Mike reflects on the Back to the Land movement and the communities that formed here as that movement grew from the 1960s into the 1970s, including Living Love, Cornucopia, Earthward Bound, F-Span, and ot...

In this episode of Mildly Amusing , host James Spragens talks with Austin Brady, a familiar face who has recently stepped into local leadership. Before getting involved in the community, Austin spent seven years traveling the country as a truck driver. Hear about his life on the road, the places he’s seen, and the experiences that shaped him. Now serving on the Chamber of Commerce board, Austin sh...

In this episode of Mildly Amusing , host James Spragens sits down with Rev. Steve Jester, the new pastor at Lebanon’s United Presbyterian Church. Rev. Jester shares how he once expected to go into law, then thought he might become an academic preacher before ultimately finding his calling as a community pastor. Hear about the oldest complete Bible ever discovered, how influential Thomas Merton has...

People reacted, and we listened! Charles Lancaster Sr. is back for another episode of Mildly Amusing . In this conversation, we dive deep into Lebanon’s past, sharing stories of the Cecil Hotel, Jane Todd Inn and other local clubs, White’s Castle, the fair, downtown shops, snow days, and more. This episode is packed with memories and tales from years gone by. It’s cold outside, but you can warm up...

In this episode, host James Spragens sits down with Maison Young, founder of the Lebanon Branch Preservation Trust. Their mission is to preserve the history of the Lebanon Branch of the L and N Railroad and nearby rail lines, keeping our rail heritage alive for the community to learn from. Maison, an engineer by day and lifelong train enthusiast, shares how his passion for railroads started at a y...

You won’t hear a more beautiful radio voice than this man. Everyone knows Charles Lancaster, Sr. Hear about his childhood growing up in Lebanon, his connection to Jim Beam, and his part in the development of local neighborhoods. He recounts business ventures and some of Lebanon’s biggest milestones. Join us on a journey through Lebanon’s past, all the way up to the present day. And have you ever h...

In this episode of Mildly Amusing , host James Spragens talks with Robin Humphress and Lynn D. Farris about all the exciting things happening at Kentucky Classic Arts. Lynn takes us back to the past days of community theatre, including when he had James as a student in Speech and Drama, while Robin shares what’s coming next for the organization. Learn about the new building that will be opening so...

In this episode of Mildly Amusing , host James Spragens chats with Angela and Cody Rakes, the dynamic duo behind Loretto Motherhouse Farm and their own family farm. They share their backgrounds in agriculture, how they met, and how they found their way to running Loretto Motherhouse Farm. Along the way, you’ll hear about the tobacco program, bottle calves, and the important work they’re doing at L...

In this episode of Mildly Amusing , host James Spragens talks with State Senator Jimmy Higdon. Senator Higdon shares stories from his childhood, his years as a grocer, and how he made the leap into public office in 2001. He reflects on his move from the House to the Senate, the hurdles he has faced, and the legislation he has helped shape. He also talks about the barrel tax, a major issue in Mario...

Host James Spragens sits down with Dennis George for a wide-ranging conversation that’s anything but mild.  From his high school days and start in journalism, to business ventures, a seat on city council, and even the story behind Marion County’s driving range and putting greens, Dennis shares insights on our community, the local paper, and the bigger picture of the newspaper industry.  Tune in fo...

In this episode of Mildly Amusing , host James Spragens chats with Jamie Collins, director of the Marion County Public Library, who also wears many other hats in our community. Learn how Jamie came to Lebanon, KY, what exciting projects are coming up at the library, and hear her thoughtful insight on homelessness in the area. The conversation mixes meaningful discussion with some laughs, making it...

In the very first episode of Mildly Amusing , James Spragens sits down with David Edelen, mayor of Bradfordsville, KY. They dive into his story of how he became mayor, the upcoming preservation award the city will be receiving, and the long process of bringing the old school back to life. Bradfordsville may be a town of just 300-something people, but it’s full of grit, community spirit, and the ab...