In Conversation

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.

March is Women's History Month, a time to recognize the women who have shaped history while paving the way for the future. And the Daughters of Greatness series, from the Muhammad Ali Center, honors women changemakers here in Louisville. On this episode, we learn more about the program and its honorees.

The landscape of live theater has dramatically shifted in the years since COVID-19 disrupted the industry. And here in Louisville, we've seen those changes up close. Louisville's professional theatre companies are facing big questions about how to evolve and keep audiences engaged.

We live in an age of constant information… for better or worse. So as we encounter news in all its forms, from newspapers to tiktok, it's on us to learn how to figure out which sources are trustworthy. On this episode of “On Track,” we'll talk about media literacy, and how to separate fact from fiction.

It might be hard to believe, but it's been five years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The public health response that followed held a spotlight up to the flaws in our systems, and the good things that can happen when we band together. On this episode, we look back at the pandemic, and get a status check on the virus today.

In Kentucky, college basketball isn't just a sport—it's a way of life. And there have been major changes in the NCAA behind the scenes. As we wait for Selection Sunday and the excitement of March Madness, we'll take a look at the shifting world of college sports

Federal job cuts are underway across the country, and more than twenty thousand federal workers live right here in Kentucky. On this episode, we'll take a look at how these changes continue to affect local workers, and what the impact could be on our community.

Kentucky is home to multiple species of ticks… and they're all just waiting for us to head outside to enjoy some warm weather. Some tick bites can even lead to Lyme Disease and Alpha-Gal Syndrome. On this episode, we talk about how to avoid becoming a tick's lunch, and what to do if you find one has hitched a ride on you or your pet.

There's never a shortage of things to do in Louisville, if you're paying attention. And if you're not paying attention, don't worry! LPM's Arts & Culture reporter Breya Jones has you covered. On this episode, we check in with Breya about the latest news in Louisville's arts scene.

Late last year, Mid City Mall was listed for sale. Since then, the site's future has been in question. On this episode, we talk about the history of the mall, what business owners and neighbors would like to see next, and how a big change could affect the whole area.

Everyone in Louisville knows there's a right and a wrong way to say the name of our city. So then why are there so many different ways to pronounce it? And how did it evolve this way? On this episode, we'll talk with University of Kentucky linguistics professor Dr. Jennifer Cramer about the many ways to say Louisville, and how language can become a stand-in for identity, and belonging.

February is Black History Month, and Black history is Louisville history. But on this episode, we're focusing on the present. We'll talk to Lyndon Pryor, president and CEO of the Louisville Urban League, about the state of Black Louisville today. What is the league's focus, and how is it changing with the national political climate, and big companies rolling back their DEI initiatives? Who is working to address disparities in our community, and how can we help?

The number of people who don't have stable housing is on the rise nationally, and here in Louisville. And one facility, the Arthur Street Hotel, takes a somewhat unusual approach to helping them find shelter, stability, and opportunity. On this episode, we learn about what makes this model different from traditional shelters, and what the research says about whether it works.

In a town full of great restaurants, some people still go hungry. But an organization called Feed Louisville is trying to fix that, and reduce food waste at the same time. Feed Louisville is the beneficiary of this year's Restaurant Week, which starts February 24. On this episode, we meet Feed Louisville's Founder and Executive Director, Rhona Bowles Kamar. We learn about the organization's work, and how we can all get involved in ending food insecurity in our community.

President Trump's executive orders have shifted immigration policy dramatically in the United States. Enforcement has increased, and a ban on new refugees is disrupting life in many cities, including here in Louisville. On this episode, we talk about how these changes are affecting immigrants in our community, refugees looking for safety here, and the advocates who help them.

The new presidential administration is making headlines every day, but state politicians are moving along with their own agendas too. On this episode, we're checking in on the Kentucky General Assembly. Their 2025 session is underway, and Kentucky Public Radio's Sylvia Goodman will let us know what's happened so far, what we should be watching for next, and most importantly, how proposed legislation could affect our lives in Kentucky.

Experts have called it an epidemic. Not of some new virus — but loneliness. On this episode, we learn about the challenges of forming friendships, especially as we get older. And we find out about the mental health benefits of making connections. Our guests are Hannah Brosnan, Executive Director of Mental Health America of Kentucky, and friendship researcher Dr. Jeffrey Hall, Director of the Relationships and Technology Lab at the University of Kansas.

Transportation issues with Jefferson County Public Schools have resulted in cuts, lawsuits and hardships for families trying to get students back and forth to school. On this episode, we talk about JCPS and transportation. How do other cities handle it? And how does our own system compare? Our guests are Jess Clark, who covers education for LPM, and Sebastian Martinez Hickey, an analyst and researcher with the Economic Policy Institute.