The Best Bet with Claudia Coffey

Chef Samantha Fore didn’t follow a blueprint — she rewrote one. Blending her Sri Lankan roots with Southern cooking , Samantha took a $572 gamble on herself, launched a pop-up, and watched it sell out on night one. That bet opened doors across the South — from national attention to hosting Padma Lakshmi in her own kitchen . In this episode of The Best Bet , Samantha talks about: Turning heritage i...

Dale Romans is one of the most respected trainers in horse racing. Now he’s stepping into an entirely new arena — politics. In this episode of The Best Bet , Dale shares why he decided to run for Senate, what he believes needs to change, and how his years competing at the highest levels of racing shaped his leadership mindset. The conversation explores his upbringing in Shively, his views on immig...

Marianne Eaves didn’t follow the traditional path — she challenged it. As the first female master distiller in Kentucky since Prohibition , Marianne shares what it really took to step into a role no woman had held in over a century — and the risks that came with rewriting the rules of bourbon. In this episode of The Best Bet , we talk fear, resilience, innovation, and the quiet confidence it takes...

In this special episode of The Bluegrass Life, we journey to Pulaski County and the city of Somerset—two cultural powerhouses in southern Kentucky. We explore Lake Cumberland, a massive recreational lake with over 1,200 miles of shoreline, and take a deep dive into the iconic Master Musicians Festival, a cornerstone of Kentucky’s music scene since 1994.You'll hear from local leaders like Miche...

Tired all the time? Can’t focus? Gaining weight even when you’re doing everything right? You’re not alone — and it might not be stress. Host Claudia Coffey sits down with Terri Paige of Louisville’s Medical Transformation Center to explore the real reasons behind the rise in autoimmune disease — and what women can do right now to take back control of their health. #TheBluegrassLife #AutoimmuneDise...

🚗 Why Somerset Belongs on Your Fall Road Trip List Thinking about a fall getaway? Put Somerset, Kentucky at the top of your list. Here’s why this small town with big charm is a must-visit: 1️⃣ Moonlight Festival (Oct. 18th) – Downtown comes alive with music, food, and that all-American small-town vibe. 2️⃣ Lake Cumberland in Autumn – Crisp mornings on the water, peaceful fishing, kayaking, or jus...

Host Claudia Coffey dives into National Bourbon Week (June 10–15, 2025) with Stacey Phelps of Bardstown Tourism and Sam Lacy of the Capital Bourbon Guild. From backyard distillery parties to bourbon tastings, it’s a week of tradition, flavor, and pure Kentucky fun.

In this engaging conversation, Damon Thayer reflects on his two-decade career in the Kentucky General Assembly and discusses his transition to the private sector, particularly in the bourbon industry. He shares insights on the impact of recent tariffs on Kentucky bourbon, the unique position of bourbon in trade disputes, and the current uncertainties facing the industry. Thayer also looks ahead to...

Claudia sits down with Isabella Leslie, the trailblazing first American woman to take on the wild world of camel racing. From horse racing roots to navigating the quirks of camels and smashing stereotypes, Isabella shares her journey, cultural shocks, and the untamed personalities of her four-legged teammates. It's a deep dive into an unexpected sport, busting myths and setting sights on the futur...