In Conversation

America turns 250 next year, and it's got us asking: how do you determine the birthday of a place? On this episode of “On Track,” we sit down with historian Dr. Patrick Lewis of the Filson Historical Society to unpack how a place becomes A Place, and why those dates matter. From frontier settlements to the people here long before them, we're digging into what it really means to mark the beginning of a place we call home.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is now law, and it's made sweeping cuts to Medicaid. That puts health coverage for thousands of Kentuckians at risk, and threatens the future of rural hospitals and health care providers across the state. On this episode of “On Track,” we talk with Kentucky Public Radio's Sylvia Goodman and Joe Sonka about what exactly is in the law, and who is most affected by it.

The historic Louisville Gardens is being repurposed into a soundstage complex, and Kentucky's film tax credit program is drawing increased attention from filmmakers. Could the commonwealth become a true film hub? On this episode, we talk with producer Merry-Kay Poe and financier Justin Brown to break down tax incentives, creative infrastructure, and why more filmmakers are looking beyond Hollywood.

Berea College isn't your typical school. It's been tuition-free since 1892—and was the South's first interracial and coeducational college. On this episode, we talk with Gretchen Dykstra, author of “Lessons from the Foothills: Berea College and Its Unique Role in America,” and alum Morgan Younge about what makes the school unique, and what it can teach us about education, equity, and opportunity today.

From packed summer shows to hometown discoveries, we're checking in on Louisville's local music scene. This episode, we hear from WFPK's afternoon host and local music liaison Laura Shine, and talk to artist and AMPED program manager Dave Christopher, Jr. They share their local faves, who's on their radar, and how you can support the city's artists.

Free speech and the right to protest are at the heart of the First Amendment—but how do those rights really work in practice? Bob Corn-Revere from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and Amber Duke, Executive Director of ACLU of Kentucky join us to explore what's protected, and how these issues are showing up in 2025.

People say it affects everything from how they vote to when they make big purchases or change jobs: “the economy.” But under that blanket term are so many other things, like the stock market, inflation, interest rates, consumer behavior, and they're all interconnected. On this episode, we're covering all the things you may have forgotten from your Economy 101 class and are now afraid to ask about, with Kentucky economic policy expert Jason Bailey.

Lead exposure is still affecting families across Louisville, especially in older homes and historically underserved neighborhoods. On this episode we're talking with Dr. Brian Guinn, a lead poisoning researcher at U of L, and Patrick Rich from Louisville Metro Public Health about who's most at risk—and what's being done to protect people.

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of classical music? Maybe you imagine a conductor on a podium in a fancy outfit. Maybe you remember a heart wrenching moment in your favorite movie. Or maybe it's that McDonald's commercial that's been stuck in your head since the 1980s. Whatever your access point is to classical music, there's much to explore and enjoy. On this episode, we're talking with WUOL Program Director Daniel Gilliam about his own love of the genre, and what makes classical music so relevant and vital.

Today is National Meteor Watch Day, and there's a lot happening in the sky this summer—from meteor showers to moonbows, and maybe even the Northern Lights. Tom Hayes and Aaron Hellems from the Louisville Astronomical Society join us on this episode to share some tips, prime spots for stargazing, and how we can all help protect our view of the sky.

From zoning and development to public input and approval processes, city planning shapes the neighborhoods we live in—but the process isn't always easy to follow. On this episode of “On Track,” LPM's Morgan Watkins recaps a controversial proposal at Joe Creason Park that sparked public pushback, and what the whole thing can teach us about city planning. And Jeff O'Brien from the Louisville Metro Cabinet for Economic Development explains how zoning, planning, and public input shape the neighborhoods we live in.

Louisville is heating up. The city has one of the fastest-growing urban heat islands in the country, leading to rising health risks. We're talking with Brian Stone Jr., Director of Georgia Tech's Urban Climate Lab, about what climate change looks like on the ground in Louisville, and how we can cool our city down, on this episode of “On Track.”

On this episode, we're sitting down with LPM President and CEO Kenya Young, who joined the organization last month. We'll talk about her background and hopes for LPM, and what it's like leading a public media organization in 2025. She'll also walk us through where things stand with funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, what could happen next, and what's at stake, both here and across the public media landscape.

Today we're checking in on what's happening in Southern Indiana. From local governance and criminal investigations to nature trails and community identity, the stories unfolding in this corner of the state help paint a fuller picture of life in our region. LPM's Southern Indiana reporter Aprile Rickert helps us break down what's happening and why it matters on both sides of the bridge, on this episode of “On Track.”

Louisville just got a failing grade for the air we breathe. So what's in our air, how bad is it really, and what's being done to clean it up? On this episode, we talk with Rachael Hamilton, Director of the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District about our air quality—and what it'll take to clear the air.

Louisville's proposed $1.2 billion city budget is now in the hands of the Metro Council, and it could shape everything from public safety to housing to city services. On this episode, we check in with LPM's city government reporter Roberto Roldan to understand how the city's priorities are showing up in the proposal, and where the money might be headed.

Louisville Public Media is celebrating 75 years of service to our community. As part of that celebration, we're sharing the stories of 75 people who've helped shape Louisville, in a project called 75 and Change. On this episode of “On Track,” we sit down with one of those changemakers, The Fairness Campaign's Chris Hartman, to talk about his work, the current state of LBGTQ rights, and the importance of community.

It's cicada season, and things are getting louder already. We're experiencing a major emergence of Brood XIV cicadas in Kentucky this year. What makes these bugs so fascinating? Why do they spend 17 years underground? And how do they affect Kentucky's ecosystem? On this episode of “On Track,” we get the buzz from Dr. Ric Bessin, an extension entomologist and professor at the University of Kentucky.

Every child in foster care has their own story, their own needs, and their own set of circumstances. What they all have in common is the need for a family to open a door to them and give them a soft place to land. May is Foster Care Awareness Month, and we're learning from folks doing the work right here in Kentucky. On this episode, we talk about how the placement process works, what support is available for foster children and families, and how to step up if you think you might have room in your own life to welcome a child who needs help. Guests: - Robby Gulick, Vice President of Foster Care and Adoption at Home of the Innocents - Christy Lucas, Home of the Innocents foster parent

Every child in foster care has their own story, their own needs, and their own set of circumstances. What they all have in common is the need for a family to open a door to them and give them a soft place to land. May is Foster Care Awareness Month, and we're learning from folks doing the work right here in Kentucky. On this episode, we talk about how the placement process works, what support is available for foster children and families, and how to step up if you think you might have room in your own life to welcome a child who needs help. Guests: Robby Gulick, Vice President of Foster Care and Adoption at Home of the Innocents Christy Lucas, Home of the Innocents foster parent

The 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee is happening this week, and Meyzeek Middle School eighth grader Zachary Luke Rara is heading to Washington D.C. to compete. He's part of a legacy; the very first Scripps winner was from Louisville, and the Courier Journal was a big part of the Bee's origins. We'll hear from Zachary about why he loves language, and how he prepares to compete on the national stage. And Corrie Loeffler, the Scripps National Spelling Bee's executive director, joins us to talk about what's changed in a century of spelling, and what the Bee means to its competitors and alums. We spell it all out for you on this episode of “On Track.”

The U.S. Department of Justice has moved to dismiss Louisville's proposed consent decree with LMPD. What does that mean for oversight, accountability, and the future of policing in our city? We sit down with LPM's Assistant News Director Amina Elahi and KyCIR's Managing Editor Jake Ryan to hash it out, in this special edition.

Summer is the perfect time to lose yourself in a good book—and it's just around the corner. So as the days get longer and warmer, we're getting our summer reading plans in order. On this episode, two guests from the Louisville Free Public Library help us update our to-read list with this season's big titles, and some old favorites that are perfect for vacation (or staycation!). Guests: - Jenny Lewis, Branch, Branch Manager, LFPL Middletown - Jody Hampton, LFPL Content Manager

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and we're looking at the state of these communities here in Kentucky. What does representation look like today? How are recent cuts and changes to DEI policies affecting daily life? And what's often left out of the conversation? On this episode, we talk with two leaders who bring both policy and lived experience to the table: Kentucky State Representative Nima Kulkarni, and Charlene Buckles, Development Director of the ACLU of Kentucky.

Louisville Public Media is celebrating 75 years of service to our community. As part of that celebration, we're sharing the stories of 75 people who've helped shape Louisville, in a project called 75 and Change. On this episode, we sit down with one of those changemakers, Kentucky Poet Laureate Kathleen Driskell, for a conversation about the power of poetry, the role of a laureate, and what it means to represent Kentucky's literary voice.

From tornadoes to floods to fires, Kentuckiana has been hit hard by emergencies in recent months. On this episode, we talk about how to be prepared when disaster strikes—what to pack, where to go, and how to stay informed. We also talk about how you can help your community bounce back after disaster strikes. Guests: Jody Meiman, Executive Director of Louisville Metro Emergency Services Amber Youngblood, the Regional Director of Communications for the American Red Cross in Kentucky

ADHD is a term we're hearing more often on social media, in everyday conversation, and in how we talk about focus and distraction. So what is ADHD, exactly? What are the signs, and why might more people be wondering if it applies to them? On this episode, we speak with Dr. F. Allen Walker, a Louisville psychiatrist who's spent over 20 years helping people better understand the condition, clinically and personally.

Prom season is here—think limos, corsages, and photo ops. But the tradition is evolving. From gender-inclusive fashion to teens going with friends instead of dates, today's prom is more personal, more creative, and more inclusive than ever. So how is this rite of passage changing, and what does it say about the culture young people are shaping? Guests: Jill Nissen, The Proof Photography Jessica Couch, XO by Sophia's

Improv isn't just about being funny—it's about listening, trusting, and learning to say “yes, and.” On this episode, we talk with The Louisville Improvisers, Chris Anger and Brian Hinds, about how improv can build confidence, spark connection, and even help us heal.

The news is hard to tune out, even when we want to. And we each draw our own line between being an informed citizen and being overwhelmed by news fatigue. On this episode, we talk about finding where that line is for you, and how to take care of your mental health when the news starts to feel like too much. Guests: - Ja'Nel Johnson-Phillips,Director of Training & Curriculum for the Solutions Journalism Network - Dr. Christal Badour, co-director of the University of Kentucky Clinic for Emotional Health

Bourbon is more than just a spirit. It's a symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural pride that's become synonymous with Kentucky. But it isn't immune to the modern challenges of global trade disputes and shifting consumer habits. So what's next for the bourbon industry? And how is it holding up in a time of tariffs and mocktails? We'll talk about it with Maggie Kimberl, Content Editor of American Whiskey Magazine.

Louisville is famous for a lot of things. Unfortunately, one of them is seasonal allergies. What is it about the Ohio Valley that makes us all sniffle and sneeze? And what do local doctors generally recommend for fighting the symptoms? Grab a box of tissues and we'll find out together. Guest: Dr. David Pallares, Family Allergy and Asthma

Arbor Day is just around the corner—a day to celebrate the importance of trees that give us shade, cleaner air and healthier communities. And a 2015 report showed Louisville's trees needed some love. Our tree canopy was shrinking. On this episode, we find out what's been done since then to take care of our city's trees, and how we can all help, with Morgan Grubbs, Programs Director of TreesLouisville.

Find your best and biggest hat, grab a Pegasus pin, and stock up on bourbon, because Kentucky Derby season is here. We'll talk about traditional Derby events, what's new this year, and what to expect from the 151st running. Guests: - Darren Rogers, Senior Director of Communications and Media Services at Churchill Downs - Heather Watson, Kentucky-based writer and editor specializing in spirits, food, entertaining, and travel

It's fair to say Louisville isn't exactly renowned for great public transportation. And with TARC facing a financial crisis, this could be a pivotal moment. So on this episode, we talk with public transit advocates about what the future could look like here, and why transportation options are so important to a city's success.

TARC is facing a serious financial crisis. And at the same time, it's reimagining what its future could look like through the TARC 2025 planning process. On this episode, TARC's Executive Director Ozzy Gibson helps us understand the challenges, and what's ahead.

Trailblazing hip-hop artist MC Lyte has released her first album in nine years, and she's now on the road with her "1 of 1: Reflections of Lyte" tour. She'll be in Louisville on April 5, and joins us to talk about why she decided to go back into the studio, and what it was like being a woman in the early days of hip-hop.

This year has already been a whirlwind in national politics. But what's going on at the state levels of government? In Kentucky, lawmakers just wrapped up their annual session. We talk about what went through, what it all means, and what could come next, with Sylvia Goodman, Kentucky Public Radio's Capitol Reporter.

Spring is here, and if you're a gardener, you've probably already been out in the dirt. Whether you're an expert with an acre, or a novice with a window box, this episode has something for you. We talk about the challenges and advantages of gardening in our region, and tackle some common problems and how to solve them.

It's Lent, Ramadan and soon it'll be Passover; all observances that involve prayer, fasting and of course, delicious meals. So this week, “On Track” explores faith and food traditions. On this episode, Dr. Muhammad Babar joins us to talk about how Ramadan's daily fasting symbolizes a recognition of those less privileged, and sets the scene for coming together to break each fast with family and friends.

It's Lent, Ramadan and soon it'll be Passover; all observances that involve prayer, fasting and of course, delicious meals. So this week, we're exploring faith and food traditions. On this episode, we learn about the Passover seder. Rabbi Ben Freed joins us to explain how food traditions help tell the story of the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt, after decades of enslavement.

It's Lent, Ramadan and soon it'll be Passover; all observances that involve prayer, fasting and of course, delicious meals. So this week, “On Track” explores faith and food traditions. On this episode, Father Bill Hammer joins us to explain the significance of giving up things we love during Lent, and the origins of the beloved Catholic fish fry.