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When Lew Frankfort joined Coach half a century ago, it was a small NYC handbag maker without a single storefront. Frankfort reveals how he scaled the brand into a global icon worth more than 20 billion dollars with a signature blend of “magic and logic”. Lew's memoir is Bag Man. Find it at: https://lewfrankfort.com/Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ever wonder what's really going on behind the counter of your local liquor store? On this episode we go back to the retail side of the business. We sit down with Bill Derham, the man behind Frankfort Avenue Liquors here in Louisville Kentucky to talk about his journey from the early days at Liquor World to building a standout store-and-bar destination. The retail world has its own hurdles like navigating inflation, shifting consumer trends, and how shops are handling the pressure of today's market. Bill shares his take on the explosive rise of vintage spirits, the return of cocktail culture, and why building a community becomes key with rising competition. So whether you're curious about how local retailers are keeping their shelves stocked or you just want to know the truth about the current state of the industry, Bill lays it all out for you here. Show Notes: Bill's transition from Liquor World to Frankfurt Avenue Liquors The crucial role of community in bourbon retail Insights into shifting consumer trends in the bourbon market The effects of inflation on pricing in liquor sales Addressing the competitive bourbon landscape and allocation challenges The growing interest in vintage spirits and craft cocktails The necessity of local relationships for liquor retailers Future plans and community engagement at Frankfurt Avenue Liquors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Most founders fail not because of their idea.They fail because of who they are.Lew Frankfort built Coach from $6M to $5B over 35 years and now invests in early-stage founders. In this episode of Common Denominator, he breaks down the founder mindset, the leadership frameworks, and the hard lessons behind scaling a business from the ground up including why ego kills more companies than bad ideas, how to find investable ounders, and what it really takes to build an enduring brand.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction & Background03:15 – What Makes a Founder Actually Scalable?05:20 – Why Most Ideas Never Become Businesses06:30 – The Rare Founder: Creativity + Business Acumen08:50 – Ego vs. Coachability10:50 – Building the Right Team (and Letting Go)14:15 – From NYC Government to Coach18:15 – Fear, Imposter Syndrome, and Leadership Pressure21:30 – How to Hire for Emotional Intelligence24:00 – The Problem with Modern Business Models26:30 – Losing and Regaining Momentum (“Mojo”)29:00 – Mental Health, Purpose, and Longevity30:30 – Building a Collaborative Culture32:30 – What Lew Is Most Proud Of32:50 – The Early Insight That Changed Everything34:13 – Final Thoughts: Purpose & Giving Back
Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter are back at the Corner Rickhouse in Frankfort, Kentucky, just down the road from Buffalo Trace, settling in for a heritage distillery tasting that spans from the hills of Lynchburg, Tennessee, all the way through the heart of Kentucky bourbon country. The guys kick off with the latest annual drops from Jack Daniel's before crossing the state line to visit some of the storied names that built American whiskey into what it is today. Along the way, Jim and Todd also chat about the swirling acquisition rumors surrounding Brown-Forman, the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, and what it means for a legacy brand to stay independent. On the Tasting Mat: - **Jack Daniel's 10 Year Old Batch 5 (2026):** The newest annual release of Jack's decade-aged Tennessee whiskey, bottled at 97 proof with an 80/12/8 corn-rye-malt mash bill. The nose opens with inviting molasses, banana candy, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of chocolate alongside a light leather note. On the palate it delivers warmth well above its sub-100 proof, with brown sugar, candy cherry, and a lingering spice-driven finish. *(00:01:48)* - Jack Daniel's 12 Year Old Batch 4 (2026): The 12-year step-up in the Tennessee Heritage series, clocking in at 107 proof. The nose is more muted than its younger sibling but shifts toward darker fruit — raisins, black cherries, and molasses. The palate moves away from the lighter candy notes into a drier, more structured profile with bitter chocolate, dried cranberry, and a savory, slightly green mid-palate character. *(00:09:35)* - Knob Creek Blender's Edition 01 — Sweet Bourbon Blend: The first installment in a new Knob Creek blending series, this 10-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon is bottled at 106 proof and retails for around $45. The nose leans into vanilla and light Rick house funk rather than the brand's signature nuttiness. The palate follows with a light, vanilla-forward profile featuring cake batter sweetness and confectionary notes — a deliberate stylistic departure aimed at accessibility. *(00:14:35)* - Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series — Steward's Release: The third entry in Maker's Mark's five-part Wood Finishing Series, finished on 10 toasted American oak staves and bottled at approximately 109.8 proof for around $75–$80. The nose is richly expressive — cherry pie filling, baking spices, cinnamon, and caramel. The palate delivers vanilla custard, honey, chocolate, cardamom, allspice, stone fruit, and a savory oak note on the back end. *(00:26:41)* - Evan Williams America 250th Commemorative Edition Single Barrel (Barrel #233): A special single barrel release bottled at the patriotically meaningful 117.76 proof to honor the nation's 250th birthday. Barrel #233 was laid down December 15, 2018 and bottled March 2, 2026 — just over eight years of maturation. The nose features toasted caramel, peanut shell, oak, and dark berries. The palate is rich and layered with peach, berry, sweet oak, and a long finish, all for a remarkable $45 retail price. *(00:31:15)* Jim and Todd wrap up with a ranking of all five pours, debating heritage versus innovation across some of American whiskey's most iconic names. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Tennessee tradition or a Kentucky bourbon devotee, this episode offers a wide-ranging tour through the legacies that built the brown water world we know today. Grab your favorite pour and enjoy the ride. Be sure to check the Roadie Bar on our website at: https://thebourbonroad.com
How does a nonprofit expanding into a new community create a successful fundraising event to engage donors in a new market? Today, I talk with Michelle Frankfort, Lead Philanthropy Advisor, Special Events, and Julia TenHoeve, Ambassadors Manager of Texas Children's Hospital, to talk about one of their Austin-based signature fundraising events, the Legacy Golf Classic. Over the years, the Houston-based Texas Children's Hospital has provided world-class medical care for children. This has included a slate of highly successful fundraising events in Houston, including an annual golf tournament. In recent years, Texas Children's Hospital made the decision to expand into the Austin market with a new campus providing world-class healthcare for children in Central Texas. It has also hosted successful fundraising events such as the Legacy Community Golf Classic to engage the community and recruit new donors in a more informal, relaxed way. Michelle and Julia provide valuable insights on a range of topics, including tips on finding effective ambassadors to plant deep roots in your community, strategically segmenting donors and sponsors to keep them engaged and avoid burnout, the keys to hosting a successful gold tournament, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.
This week we interviewed Tarah Combs LeBlanc, a Democratic candidate in District 33. She spoke to us about running for office as a working mother and what she would bring to Frankfort as a person who is actually impacted by issues. In addition to the interview, we spoke about Donald Trump making major endorsements in the Kentucky Senate and US-6 district, and the impacts on those races, plus several quick hits.
Lew Frankfort joined Coach in 1979 when it was a $6 million leather goods company with a factory, a handful of offices, and a cult following. Over the next three decades, he led its transformation into a $5 billion global brand, coining the term accessible luxury along the way and building one of the most consumer-centric businesses in the history of fashion. In conversation with Anant Sharma, Lew traces the full arc of that journey, from opening the first Coach store on Madison Avenue to taking the brand public, breaking into Japan ahead of every European luxury house, and what it actually means to keep a brand emotionally relevant across generations. A conversation about long-termism, consumer insight, and what it takes to build something that truly lasts.
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Lawmakers override Gov. Beshear's line-item vetoes of the state's two-year budget bill, priority education legislation and the General Assembly's attempt to cut costs and implement federal changes to Medicaid. Also, what's next for the Senate impeachment trail of a Fayette County judge.
Kruser talks about the movie shooting downtown, World Cup ticket prices, and a bill passed in Frankfort that allows you to legally fish on your own property in hour 1. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
– I am certain we had more fun.There was nothing like the feel of the wind slapping hair in our faces as we leaned out the window and yelled fervent taunts at the opposing cars.Vicki Easterly is a retired disability advocate living in Frankfort, Kentucky. Several of her stories have appeared in prior PSPP anthologies. Her book, Miracles in the Mundane, was selected for the annual Kentucky Book Festival. She was a finalist in the Poetry Unites Kentucky competition. Her nonfiction memoir was a winner in the 2025 Kentucky Monthly writing contest. She continues to write memoir, poetry, and children's stories. She enjoys playing with her granddaughters, baking, and acting.
Big news for Kentucky manufacturing
Kentucky's Republican state senators and representatives will honor retiring Senator Mitch McConnell, the longest serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, with a statue in Frankfort's Capitol Rotunda.WHAS Radio's Terry Meiners discusses McConnell's impact on Kentucky prominence and abundant federal funding - "punching above our weight" in the senator's words - leading to this honor.Democrats, most notably, Governor Andy Beshear, are not thrilled with the idea of honoring McConnell alongside statues of Abraham Lincoln, Henry Clay, and Ephraim McDowell.Meiners unpacks the drama of a supermajority of Republicans laughing while floundering Democrats (who've "lost the plot" according to Rahm Emmanuel) kick and scream at the inevitable addition honoring McConnell's legacy.Will they ultimately pass a law requiring Beshear to salute the McConnell statue every time he walks out of his office?
This week Robert and Jazmin interviewed Rebekah Skaggs, the Democratic candidate in District 97 in Eastern Kentucky. She talked about the process of deciding to run for office, plus what she hopes to accomplish when she gets to Frankfort. Ahead of that, Robert discussed what is happening here at the end of the session, and Jazmin updated several stories we've been talking about over the past couple of weeks.
March 22 is World Water Day, a global reminder of how essential clean, fresh water is to our lives, forests, wildlife, and communities.This week on From the Woods Today, we're celebrating by highlighting innovative efforts that help protect and understand this vital resource. We are celebrating the importance of fresh water by spotlighting a project where local students use real programming skills to help protect their own community's drinking water sources. Dr. Tiffany Messer, Gatton Foundation Endowed Chair and Associate Professor tells us all about this water wise project. Also on tap... Dr. Amanda Gumbert, UK Forestry & Natural Resources - Extension, joins us to talk about Water Week and the events that are occuring. Bridget Abernathy, Kentucky Division of Forestry, will also be discussing the 130th Arbor Day Ceremony at the State Capital in Frankfort on April 3. You won't want to miss this event! 3.18.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today. Each episode has the video of the segment at the website above.
Aaron and Kim catch up with Willie Edward Taylor Carver, Jr. about his AMAZING new book, "Tore All to Pieces," and check in with Rep. Adam Moore on what's up in the final days of #KYGA26 in Frankfort. The Colonels also hear from Cameron Anderson, with the Welcome Home Kentucky campaign and their efforts to pass HB 338 and help more people get housing across our commonwealth. Busy #ColonelsOfTruth this week!CALL TO ACTION:Get to NO KINGS on Saturday - Lexington details here:https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/901016/?utm_source=ProKYSee the full map and find the closest protest (of 38 KY events!) near YOU http://www.progressky.org/no-kingsCAMPAIGN CORNER:Cameron Anderson, WHK Campaign https://welcomehomekentucky.org/Call 1-800-372-7181 (1-866-840-6574 for Spanish) immediately!! 7 am - 6 pm ET. Ask your Senator and the Senate Judiciary to vote YES on HB 338, the eviction expungement bill CAPITAL CORNER: Rep. Adam Moorehttps://www.kydeservesmoore.com/INTERVIEW: Willie Carver, JrAuthor of "Tore All to Pieces"See Willlie at Carmichael's in Louisville - 4/7/26https://www.carmichaelsbookstore.com/event/willie-edward-taylor-carver-jr-presents-tore-all-piecesBUY IT! https://www.carmichaelsbookstore.com/book/9781985903708#ProgressKentucky - #ColonelsOfTruthJoin us! http://progressky.org/Support us! https://secure.actblue.com/donate/progresskyLive Wednesdays at 7pm on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/progressky/live/and on YouTube http://bit.ly/progress_kyListen as a podcast right here, or wherever you get your pods: https://tr.ee/PsdiXaFylKFacebook - @progressky Instagram - @progress_ky Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/progressky.org https://linktr.ee/progresskyEpisode 252 was produced by Parker Williams Theme music from the amazing Nato - hear more at http://www.NatoSongs.com
TRANSCRIPT Gissele: [00:00:00] Gissele: hello and welcome to the Love and Compassion podcast with Gissele. We believe that love and compassion have the power to heal our lives and our world. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more amazing content. Today we’re talking about extraordinary acts of forgiveness and love. Today’s guest is Abdul Munin. Gissele: Sombat Jitmoud, an educator faith leader and father whose response to unimaginable loss stunned the world in a courtroom in Lexington, Kentucky. After his son was murdered, Dr. Jitmoud publicly forgave the man responsible, embracing him. In choosing mercy over vengeance, what could have been a moment of rage became a living testament to faith, courage, and radical compassion. Gissele: Abdul Munin. Gissele: Sombat Jitmoud, Was featured in the National Geographic documentary, the series, the Story of God with Morgan Freeman. Since then, he has traveled internationally speaking [00:01:00] across faith and cultures about forgiveness, healing, and the transformative power of love in the face of violence. Please join me in welcoming Sombat. Gissele: Hello. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Good morning from Thailand Gissele. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: my make-believe daughter of the century, 21st century. Thank you. Thank God so much, Allah Almighty, to give us a daughter that have been waiting for 75 years. Gissele: thank you so much. Thank you for being on the show and for the incredible message that your act has done. Gissele: I was wondering if you could tell the audience a little bit about the loss of your son and how you came to be in the courtroom that day. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Yes. I like to go back to, when I marry righteous wife, her name Linda. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: her father from Greece and her mother [00:02:00] are from Germany, so she born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. I came from Thailand from further of my higher education and I earned all of my degree, bachelor degree, master degree, EDS degree and doctorate degree in one of the university. I met this young lady, she’s also the minister of the Christian Church and she feel sorry for me for, she said Sombat, you are so nice person. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: And you, talk so much about God because, at that time I was reading the Holy Quran is my friend, because as a foreign student, you don’t have many friend quickly. So the friend I have on my life is I, I read the holy [00:03:00] Quran, the word of God Almighty. And then she said that I feel sorry for you, that you are such a nice person. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: You are very kind and you’re very helpful to me as a college friend. But, I’m sorry to tell you that you will go to hell fire. She said, I said, Linda, why you said that? We just met and become good friend, college friend because you don’t believe in Jesus Christ our Savior. So as a Muslim from Thailand, Buddhist society, I start to share my faith for a few words because we just first met, we just met a few days. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: She said, Linda, actually as a Muslim, I believe in Jesus Christ, but not as God or Son of God. I believe Jesus Christ is one of the great prophet of Allah who came before Muhammad over [00:04:00] five, 500 years. She was stunned that I believe in Jesus Christ. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: After that, we didn’t see each other. for some time she went to the bookstore and start, reading the Holy, holy Book of Islam, quran in English. She, because she tried to find a mistake in holy, to come and convince me that you see, Gissele: yeah, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: your holy Quran has a lot of mistake. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: But she found none, finally one day, one 19 of Ramadan, actually, she came to us in the mosque near the campus, Truman State campus in northern Missouri. She said that I want to become Muslim. So my friend and I. Invite her and give her shahada that Morgan Freeman love this word shahada. All I [00:05:00] bear witness that no one will of worship except Allah Muhammad and Prophet Muhammad much is the servant and the messenger of Allah. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: If you can see I have this, in the background here. That’s what Ilan, so she became Muslim. So we thank God for that. And then she start to learn more Islam. And then a year later I asked her to marry me. So not marry right away because she is become my sister in faith, but I nurture her along the way. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: She ask question. And of course, I left to pursue my PhD in Indiana. And then sometime we keep on communicating. And finally we met again and I asked her to, to marry [00:06:00] me and with her righteous nature, God give us six son. And Salahudin was number five, who passed away, with a murder case as you introduced. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: And, go back. on the February 15, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: three o’clock, I was in St. Louis City, to be the principal of biggest Islamic school. In the morning I was sleeping. The phone woke me up, so I grabbed the phone. And the message said that, are you Dr. Jitmoud? I say, yes. your son is dead. I was really shocked. First shock. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I was this a dream or I has a nightmare. So I pinch myself pin the back of my hand. It’s hurt. I said, oh, I’m still alive. I awoke. So I said The word that the holy [00:07:00] register, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: the meaning we all belong to Allah, the creator. And until Allah, we all return back to him. I, it is calm as the first shock of the news. Then I said, if this real happened, I said, oh, Sadahudine, my, our dear son, you belong to Allah now. Allah called you back to him. I have to accept this. It is calm me down. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Then I think of what the Prophet Muhammad peace and blessing me upon him do in the situation like this. In his life. We studied the life of mohamad. He, when he have a shock like this, he would pray. He didn’t go to the bar, he didn’t go crazy. He went and to make [00:08:00] abolition. And he start bowed out to Allah. Pray Lady. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I said, oh, I have to do what Prophet Moham used to do. I went to the bathroom and make Ablution wash up lady, wash myself real good. That’s the most ablution, the hardest one in my life because my mind was, my son is dead, but I have to pray. I have to pray to God. So I finished and start bow down to to Allah almighty, as prophet we used to do. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Then I woke my son, Musa sitting with me right now. Let’s go to the mosque. We need to pray with the community. And we have to take seven hours to Lexington, Kentucky from St. Louis, to prepare for the funeral. And at that time, we didn’t know how he died. What? We learned that he’s dead. can I move on just a little [00:09:00] bit then? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Of Gissele: course. Yeah. That’s, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: this how Allah Mercy, his mercy was hidden in my crisis life. Crisis. that’s one, one verse, in Quran appear into me, it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad 1400 years ago. But tonight, it’s like a reveal to me. May I decide in Arabic? Gissele: Okay, of course, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: this in, surah, in Surah nine. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: And, um, I verse verse number 51, before I move on, I just go like this amazingly, uh. I check the holy gra it, it’s miracle. After that, I said number nine and verse 51. You know what happened in my life? I’m number nine in birth ranking in my family. My mother, my [00:10:00] father in Thailand, in rural Thailand, they have 11 children. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I happen to be number nine. And in my passport, it just, my birthday was 1951 and this was 51. So I was amazed. I thank God, wow, God reviewed these words. 1400 years ago applied to me in 21st century. So I bowed out to God again. Thank him for like a. Help me to calm myself down at the time of crisis. So that’s what, um, the, the God said that[00:11:00] Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: is really comfort me so much. He said, oh, Muhammad, tell all mankind nothing happened to us by accident. All happened by the decree of Allah. It had been written, has been ordained before. Anything to happen. Let the believer put trust in Allah and Allah is the best of friend and put trust in Allah and Allah. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: The most forgiving, the most merciful, forgiving at the time of shock there was of Allah at the end of verse said the most forgiving. At that [00:12:00] time, I don’t know what, our son died, how he died. There were forgiving and mercy came side by side, like a twin tower. Then we went to the mosque, we pray, and I called the school. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: My principle too, manage the school for me because I have to drive seven hours to Lexington to prepare the funeral. Then I asked the imam if I can say a few would about the death of our son, and then I didn’t know anything. I said, please pray for our son. He was dead last night. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I have no idea what he, how he die. And then Musa, my son, a man, a good friend of mine, asked him what on my way out to put the shoe on in Islam. You know when you enter the moss, you take the shoe off, put the shell on the shell. So I went ru rushed [00:13:00] going out. This gentleman, he, I will mention his names, alio. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: He asked my son what happened with your brother? And then my son said he, he got. Murder. Why? delivering pizza, very innocent, uh, honest earning. Then he suddenly, he ran after me, Dr. Chimo, congratulation. I said, I just announced you to the community that my son just got killed. We just on our way to, to prepare for funeral possession. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Okay? I’d like to thank you for congratulating me. What for? he said, you are the father of the righteous death of your son. Comfort death. He said, because it fits what God said in Quran and what Prophet Muhammad [00:14:00] said in his teaching. That’s another the comfort Gissele. My dear daughter, Allah comfort me at the time. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I don’t know what happened yet. So we drove off, to Lexington, Kentucky. Then I communicate with community in Lexington because I was the principal there for seven year. They communicate with me, we body. He said that Dr. Chen will at this time with, the ambulance took him to the Frankfort, the capital of Lexington, for the exam. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So his body about 50 miles away from Lexington. So, okay. Thank you. And then we keep on driving. So I told my son live in different state. They all met. We gonna meet in Lexington for. So finally we met each other halfway. I said, we have to pass [00:15:00] Frankfurt. Let’s stop by to, to see the doctor where the body of Saudi is there. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So I stopped by. The doctor asked me, are you the Saudi father? I say, yes. We just came from St. Louis City, my son in the bank. well, can you tell us about s She said, I have been practicing, this is my career over some year. He’s a very noble, doctor, and he start to, swallow, swallow his, saliva, compose himself from crying. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: he is a big man. Crying in front of the stranger is something, but he said, I feel so sorry for your son surrounding. I stop here sunshine. What happened? Because I didn’t know what happened. He said, uh, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: somebody slit his throat. I said, oh, and then before anything he said this, [00:16:00] you know what? The knife that somebody used to slit your son throat is so sharp. I say, to praise God. I thank God that because Prophet Muhammad peace and blessing say in his teaching, before you slaughter animal, make sure you sharp the knife because when you slaughter the cow or goat and sheep or chicken so that the animal will not feel so much pain. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Then that’s what I say, Aham all praise and thank me to Allah. And he said, and then he followed it how Allah comfort me on this crisis harm. He said. However, your son probably have very few moment of pain because the knife is so sharp. I thank God and all our son in the back [00:17:00] a sigh of relief. This probably the beginning of forgiveness come to play in the role because number one, the man in Saint Louis where you are the father of the righteous son who have a noble death now. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: The doctor gave me all this and then asked, may I see his body? He said no. Um, the body has had been chief back, to Lexington for the Islamic funeral, tradition. I thank God again my daughter, Gissele, because I thought that the body gonna be, in the refrigerator, right? Because a murder case like this probably will exempt, the body cut the body and thing, but in Islam, not, uh, not permit to have anybody cut without [00:18:00] necessary without telling God already. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Tell the doctor that, this is enough for this young man, 22 years old who got killed. So the bodys already in Lexingtons. So we drove off, with comfort and the community in Lexington said, Dr. Jitmoud we cannot pray to Saudin in the mosque. because. Hundred upon, hundred people came to honor Saudin because, uh, people know me after seven year of principal in the, I know the mayor, I know the chief, the police, they all become my good friend during my service of community. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So people came upon hundred or become thousand, uh, before I even arrive. Gissele: Wow. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: then said, I want you to go to cemetery, because that’s what we are gonna, we gonna pray. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So I went directly there when I ride the street into the [00:19:00] cemetery was packed. Cannot drive in, so we have to walk in. To get to, to the grave sign when I arrived there. Hundred upon hundred two. Lie of male and female male, one lie, female other lie they want to come to, to comfort me, but I arrived late. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So I thank them and they were crying. I comfort them and tell them not to cry because this happen happened by the will of Allah. We all believe in Allah, right? They say yes, so don’t cry. And it’s not accident. God ordained this to happen. By the time I look up way, by the main street, I saw eight men carry the coffin of, Saudin I asked the, the guest who visit me, may I, excuse me, I have [00:20:00] to, receive my son. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Usually I. I carry the c oftentimes in, in Thailand and in America, because it is in Islam, it is rewarding to do the good deed of honoring the person who live this world. So when it came close to me, I went to the left side for, to support the coffin. Like this, it flew away. So I ran in the other side to grab on this side. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: It flew away. Again, it remind me of the teaching of Prophet Muhammad, that a righteous person see how Allah comfort me again. And our sons, the righteous person. He will request a. In Arabic. K. Hurry me. Hurry me to the grave. My knee bul [00:21:00] because he don’t care anymore about this world. So at the time I heard, four men in the back complain to the foreman in the front, why you pull so fast, so hard? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: And the foreman in front said, no, you are the one who pushed so hard. I come to the teaching of prophet moment, the angel, he’ll carry the casket. Gissele: Mm-hmm Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Hurry me, hurry me, hurry me. Finally, I was able to catch up. with the coffin they put down by the grave and the leaders said, open the face from the cloth, the white claw, that cover, because when they have, uh, they wash the body, they have to put, they come to the teaching of Islam, white claw to the whole body, including face. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So they said [00:22:00] they carefully open the place and after to here, they don’t want me to see the neck that the doctor after to here, oh, Gissele, when I open, when they opened the face, I saw him smiling. a dead person got killed by the sharp knife, but smiling face. And like a happy dead person. So when then I, I saw something dark on his forehead, which is, is about the coin dark spot. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Uh, then I, remind me of the holy ground. God said Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: this dark spot is a mark of prayer. So he’s [00:23:00] 22 years old. His mother, Dr. Linda Jamila, she, she’s a new Muslim for 34 years before she die. She has spot two. She pray so hard because she thank God that, uh, she became Muslim and she has a wonderful. Family and she pray. Thank God the best way to thank God is to pray in Islam. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Now our Saudin has like his mom who passed away a year ago and they love each other. My wife love our six son so much, and then we saw, we found the dark spot Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: prostration and the forehead on the ground. I kiss him the last time I ever kissed my son in this world. I kiss on his dark spot and I said, oh my dear son, I love [00:24:00] you so much. I, I say it to you. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I love you so much for the sake of Allah, me, Allah is a prayer. Now me, Allah reunite us with your mom and you and all of us in the high is paradise. Oh my son. We meet you soon in Shaah, God willing, then they start closing the cloth over his faith. That’s the last scene I saw of him Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So the our four son, his big brother and young brother ine, went to the grave to receive his grave site to receive his coffin. And the community also came down to receive. They said that his body is very light. you believe in Angel? my daughter? [00:25:00] Yeah. Christian, Judah. We are these three about Abrahamic faith. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: We have very similar faith and we believe in the angel unseen, but God create the angel. They said as we carry and now we carry him to the resting place. His body was so light Gissele: Mm-hmm. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So make the people who do the service very, very comfortable that he is a good man. So after of course we pray the imam, of the community. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I have to mention his name because he my best friend also, he, the Imam who lead our prayer and he the leader community for 30 some years in Lexington. And he used the lesson to, to teach. Hundred of people who came to pray. He said, and he cry. He said, look at this young man. He’s my friend [00:26:00] now. I miss him. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I pray for him. But this a young man that I adore because I have been the imam and pray the funeral, pray for many years I knew. So people come to honor his departure from this world in the ude of the prayer, and he cry and he will, he say, live yourself in the righteous, life and you’ll face the happy ending of this world, just like this young. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: And he, and then we put the dirt over him. So I stop right here. You just a good listener. Gissele: thank you for sharing that. if I heard you correctly, one of the things that I’ve gotten from your story was that you had received signs along the way of the need for forgiveness and mercy, even before you knew what had happened, and [00:27:00] also that your son had a righteous death. Gissele: is that correct? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: uh, he is a righteous son. Gissele: Oh, okay. Well, the reason why I mentioned that is because, your son is a hero. He saved a woman’s life, right? Like there was somebody else who was supposed to go on that pizza delivery run who was afraid. is that accurate? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Oh, yes. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: let me, cross right here. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Okay. all this information came later after after offender opposition. We bur him and everything and pray. Last time, so the community announced that Dr. Jitmoud and his family will be in an Islamic school, Lexington Universal Academy. That’s why I used to be the principal, to receive condolences, please come to the school, after evening prayer. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So a lot of friends, hundred of them came to condo, me and my son. Then out of that, [00:28:00] a friend from Pizza Hut. Because they know the Saudi father work here So he came, he start, one of them start telling the story with Saudin delivered pizza not his order because he came back. Okay. He has a young brother named Nurodine, calling him at home about 10 o’clock. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Says it’s raining very hard. that night, the young brother said, Baba, is rain so hard? I worry about My brother Saudin So I called him. He answered right away. He said, uh, sa uh, um, it’s almost 10 o’clock. You’re supposed to be home by now. And it’s raining too. When you gonna come home? He said, I’m delivering the last pizza. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Then I will be home soon. So when he deliver little pizza, he went back to Pizza Hut. The young lady pulled [00:29:00] out the order slip and saw the address. That’s her turn, to go. And she said, no, I’m not going to this place. These are section eight. You know, section eight, a housing, complex. I’m not going. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: It’s raining and dangerous. So Saudin just walk in. He said to his coworker, he said, don’t worry, I’m on my way out. my brother just called. I’m gonna stop by and I will come back and give you a tip. tomorrow. So he went, see how Allah ordained that he gonna die. The lady will be safe. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So the lady allow him to go. And when he went, it’s a fake address. He just look around to look for the receiver. I know, I’m sure, know for sure that he didn’t see who behind him. He’s a big tall man and s above my side. Gissele: [00:30:00] Mm-hmm. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Probably he just lock him and then, finished the job and he took pizza, took Saudine`s purse and, then he even finished the pizza too. He must be very hungry. the murderer. And then that’s what it is, the story that the lady was saved. Now God want us to save the man who killed You want me to, uh, Gissele: uh, yeah, you can, you can keep going on the story for sure if you want to. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Then what happened? next morning, the police team of the police above and detective came to our house. I still in have a house in Lexington. he said that, Dr Jitmoud, we’re gonna take you, to see the crime scene that your son got murdered yesterday. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I was so happy. So we went, when we went through the Section eight complex, a lot of neighbor [00:31:00] came running is no more rain. Last night was raining, before I forget, Gissele my daughter in Islam. when the righteous soul passed away from this world, the nature will cry. When we, because missing a person who worship a lot day and night, that’s one of the side that will lead to forgiveness because start to evaluate already our son have the righteous soul. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: We so many signs. Then when we arrive to the complex, the police, says, this is the place. And we look at this is the, his body lean on the wall. when we came to investigate all the blood was, wash up a few spot, still there, but pretty much clean now. Can I take a little break on the rain and the blood? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So [00:32:00] what happened while during the night, the police knocked on the door off. Iraqi family who just moved in about a month ago on this first floor. And, I need to mention his name because I want God to reward him and his wife, his name sad, and his wife name Amina. When the police knock on the door started open the door, and Amina came along too because he know that, something going on in front of her house because that is, 10 o’clock or plus. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Why police asking her husband about witnessing Amina looked through the door she saw Saudin lean against the wall and has one finger stick up like this. And then he has, he wear a cap at the piece of delivery. [00:33:00] So he said, oh. This man got murdered and his hand got cut off. His finger got cut off except one. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Whoa, poor guy. So she’s know that he’s a Muslim. Yet Now this is God honor Amina to see the finger. You know what has a finger in Islam before you die. If you say with the finger up, as I told Mr. Morgan Freeman, there is no God worthy of worship except Allah. That person will enter paradise. Prophet Muhammad reassure then next miracle happened in front of Armina. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: the wife. Why police talking to her husband? She said that because of the rain, the rain water brought. The [00:34:00] blood to her door because she was the first floor. The blood was so red and clean. On top of that, she smelled perfume from the blood. Not ugly smell, but perfume. This other side of the righteous soul who passed away. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I was being comfort after we bury him yesterday. I was comfort, so comfort of all the neighbor. The neighbor came crying apart, condolence. Sorry for the loss of your son, all the thing. But this family give me comfort and Gissele: yeah, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: so let me share with you this. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Two years and seven months later become the story of courtroom that we forgive the man because it’s stack up of righteous deed before death and after death. I share that with [00:35:00] you. Gissele: Yeah. Thank you just one of the things I wanted to touch on is the fundamental teachings of Islam of humanity and love and compassion that are often not emphasized in Muse. Gissele: AndI wanted to for you to talk a little bit about the fundamental beliefs, of Allah in terms of the unity of people, the oneness of people, and how you were able to see the perpetrator as somebody not separate from you. You talk a little bit about that. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Yes, yes. of course, as a Muslim, have to refer to the statement of God, Allah Almighty, himself in the holy Quran first of all, God say that whoever killed one innocent life he killed the whole humanity, then God follow Allah, follow his whole statement. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Whoever saved the life, saved the soul. One [00:36:00] soul, he saved the soul, the whole humanity. This is leading to forgiveness. After Saudin, we call about 15 righteous side. Within, uh, a short time after his death, he said, our son. People witness, we didn’t say it. The people who know us just said, um, Shahied, shahied, shahied. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Shahied means the righteous death, the word Arabic we just said in holy gra and the haddi of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessing we are one he said. Then I think to myself, have not informed our son yet because they were angry because he loves Saudin. and people ask me, especially the student ask me, Dr. Jitmoud, is he the one who killed Saudin is your enemy? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: He said, no. he’s my friend, but he just misguided guy friend. he’s my [00:37:00] nephew. he’s like my son and my nephew, but he have been misguided by satan chatan, okay? Gissele: Mm-hmm. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: And then he asked. You have any enemy? I say, yes. Who? The devil. They said, whoa, the man who killed your son? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: still you call him nephew? I said, yes. He just like us. Only that because of drug, because of he, he robbed by the misguided guy friend. So all taking drugs and the money ran out. So he and his team plan to kill someone. they didn’t know that they’re gonna kill Saudin. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: They want to kill someone that robbed the money and take Pizza too. Enjoy then. That’s what it is. So all this happened, that’s why I said it not accident, had been ordained by Allah. Allah love Saudin. Allah [00:38:00] want to know that soul to return to him in the righteousness. And another thing, Gissele, my daughter, as at that time in America, Islamic phobia was high hate Islam, afraid of Muslim terrorist, all these thing, God with his wisdom chose our son to show the world that not what Islam being portrayed on media. Gissele: Mm. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Islam forgive. Then I go back to Prophet Muhammad. He was 13 years in Maka. People want to kill him. Then God said, I want you to migrate to Medina and you’ll establish the city Medina so that Islam will be spread. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Islam established in Medina, eight years later, he came back and conquered, maka his [00:39:00] birthplace without a single fight, without a single life being lost. On top of that, he forgave all of those who tried to kill him. Gissele: Mm-hmm. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Who am I? I’m not a prophet, but I should learn from my prophet of Allah. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I said, son. Allah say this. Can I say the statement that finally change the family, the history of the world Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I seek refuse with Allah from the shaan said the curse, the Allah God. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So have to [00:40:00] forgive the one who cause harm to you. Command from God while just and overlook his shortcoming. His shortcoming was drug friend. And Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: an environment that he was raised, not friendly to him. And then God said, don’t you love that? Allah shall forgive you? And Allah is the most forgiving, the most merciful. I told my son this a lifetime opportunity to be forgiven by Allah. No one can go to paradise when you have sin within us. Even one spot of sin you have to go to serve time in this like jail, right? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So in next year, you have to go to hell fire for some time to erase the sin. So they all forgive [00:41:00] except the youngest one. Ludin, because he’s the one who received bad news that night. And we have a few minutes already left. Let’s go back to Ludin about, three o’clock. Lexington time was ahead of Sunday time. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: One hour Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: after he called his brother, he wait and he slept on the sofa. he heard somebody knock on the door. he afraid to open right away. So the police, the one who knock on the side, uh, can you open the door? We are the police officer. So he opened the door. Slowly, he saw three police officer it, this resident, he say, yes, I’m his brother. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: And he, I’m waiting for him since 10 o’clock. And he’s not here yet. I dunno what happened with him. He’s 18 years old, so the, uh, Saudi not [00:42:00] coming home anymore. He’s got murdered. We just came to deliver the bad news for you and they left. Poor guy, home alone. Mother passed away. Older brother live far away. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Me musa live in in St. Louis, seven hour drive. So he was really, Gissele: yeah, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: shocked Yeah. then. When come to the courtroom he didn’t want to forgive. And the police, the chief of police chief will not ask him to stay in the hotel. They prepare everything fine. He said, you have to stay here because tomorrow it’s gonna be hard for him. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So the morning come, he said, Baba, I want to go, uh, to the courtroom. He said, so we took him with police, one side and one side grab his hand because the murderer just walk in. The last one, everyone waiting for him. He’s [00:43:00] the very, or man, of course, only on his third, every eye poke focus on him. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: He walk in, we look. Then in the process of court testimony, he cry, right? I give the tissue to him and he came, walked to him. I walked halfway. And he grabbed the tissue right away. I grabbed his hand and pulled, and I hug him. Nolin said, Baba right in front of Nolin. Nolin said, Baba. He’s not a monster. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: He’s a human being like him. He’s the misguided guy. So I forgive him right away, Baba. I say all praise and thank you to Allah. I am my family. That is your family. 100%. Forgive the man who murder. That’s what it is. So come back to forgiveness, prophet moment. Forgive the one who tried to murder him [00:44:00] also. So who am I? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Uh, not to forgive. Seen Aah. Offered opportunity to earn his blessing and mercy to go to paradise in the life he after. Gissele: I just wanted to mention the fact that, you said so many fundamental things. One being that there, there really is no evil. Gissele: Like most people are just misguided. Right? if they really truly understood how interconnected we are, if we really, truly understood that we are all made of the same God source energy, Allah or whatever God they believe in, they would understand that whatever they do impacts them as well. Gissele: We’re so connected. but I think many people have a hard time with forgiveness. I think because of the way they view death. I think many people view death as final and they don’t see it as a return to God. They see it as this is the end, there’s nothing else. Mm-hmm. And so in those circumstances, I think it can be hard to forgive and people’s [00:45:00] fear of death is quite strong Gissele: the fear can be overwhelming. did you have anyone that was. I didn’t really understand your ability to be able to forgive something. So monumentous, as a mother myself who has two children, being away from them, despite my connection to God would be really difficult. Which is why your behavior is so extraordinary. Gissele: and your connection to God is so extraordinary because I think, maybe my listeners might have a hard time saying or understanding the importance of needing to forgive for ourselves. Right. And for each other. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Yeah. Because I’m a very personal person Gissele. So before we move on, I have grandchildren in Canada too. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I pray now to Allah Almighty God. To, protect you from harm and to, and you. Amen. My [00:46:00] grandchildren and your, of course your son and your family from this trouble world, and I want you to be safe. And so live your life. with safety and security come back. I need to tell you also the teaching of Islam has three choice in term of the first degree murder, like this is mentioned in the holy Quran. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Also, one, if this man were to be seated in the electric chair, it’s okay for my family because life and life or life. Is okay because Islam allowed it. Second one say that the two family can negotiate blood money. Okay. Blood money. Uh, then [00:47:00] Allah and Prophet Muhammad peace and blessing be upon himself. The best is to forgive. Gissele: Mm-hmm. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So my family chose number three. Forgive because we feel that if the man have to be seat in electric chair with a few moment and die, we gonna feel guilty. We the cause of the man sitting electric air. Right. All in the life sentence in the dark room for forever. Gissele: Mm-hmm. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So we don’t want to cause that. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: To happen to him. We want to save this young man so that he can live. I told him that when you are in the prison, I want you to bow down to Allah of God Almighty. He’s created to you and he creates Saudin. So I want you to thank God that you able to breathe a few [00:48:00] more years, and I want you to grow up in righteousness. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Prison is a good place for you now to reflect upon your life. And I want you to think positively about your life. And I pray that may God keep your life safe in the prison. Prison is not always safe, right? Mm-hmm. So I pray for him. Yeah. And then I said that I am this age, and the judge. reduced his time from 36 years, through 31 years. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: And I am this age, I don’t know if conceived that long. When I told him before we hug each other in the private room now, I said, if God Allah gave me life longer, I will come to the prison door to with your parents so we [00:49:00] can welcome you to the free world. Okay? Because this last, when you say, wow, I have to go back. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Last January, the year before my family went to Lexington to visit Saudin. So we in communication with his father. Okay, so we contact him that we are gonna visit Saudi. Can you come and meet us? So we invite him to have lunch with us. So he came, his father, and they said, when I come back from Thailand and we gonna go visit your son together in the prison, he was so happy that, and you will talk about his son or you, his, your son. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I blame nobody but satan the devil. That’s what I blame for. So that’s what in Islam, we choose the best choice for a human being and he have a good chance to live a good life. I say when you come out, be a good [00:50:00] citizen of our land and be productive citizen of the society because time for you to pay back to the community that raise you. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Even though put you in a tough time. Yeah. So this, I don’t know if I answered the question. Gissele: Yeah, you did actually. Um, and you raised some important things in terms of, there’s a lot of trauma and there’s a lot of environmental things that people have been raised with and they carry that trauma and they hurt other people, which is really difficult. Gissele: Do you know how he’s doing in prison? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Okay. these are often asked question when I travel to give at talk. even his father have a hard time especially during, COVID-19. Father not able to go. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Mm-hmm. And also he had been moved from jail to jail, but, we cause, tight security. Mm-hmm. Because he’s, first degree murderer. But now that’s why when I met him during [00:51:00] invitation for lunchtime with my family in Lexington, he said, I’m able to visit him, but I have to, declare, my identification even as a father, but now able to visit maybe once a month, something like that, or once a week based upon my availability. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: That’s why I said, let’s go together so that we can help comfort your son and make sure that he has hope outside the prison. So this what, we need to tell the world that everyone. In your life being sent by God Almighty. A good person is for you to live and care and be thankful to God. A person who give you hard time is also the test from God. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: That you have to be patient and you have to understand everyone, not alike, but we have to work together. And we have to understand that [00:52:00] if I teach the thousand of students in America, along with our six son, you have if you see somebody not good to you, you pray to God, to guide you for to be righteous and to guide the man. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Woman to become righteous as God, to be good citizen of the world because God create everyone the same God who, create the animal and birds and everything in the universe. So be good to everyone, especially the one that cause you harm. This is the challenge because you pass the test that all pays upon you because life is a test. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Life is journey to the hereafter. And our destination is paradise. In our, in Quran cause it general to And can you say Janna? Gissele: [00:53:00] Janna Gissele: Sah, Allah. Sorry. Because. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: It’s like I pray for you and me to go to this. the highest has seven rank, need the highest rank with the righteous, with the prophets. Okay? So that’s why we pray for the one who harm you with the best of prayer. And the angel will say, may you receive the same, we come back to the angel again Gissele. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Uh, yeah, Gissele: yeah, for sure. May you receive the same. we see right now the world that is so divided, and I know you travel a lot to give messages to people. my listeners are from all over the world, and some people are involved in war. Other people are, in different circumstances and seeing what’s happening.[00:54:00] Gissele: What’s one thing that I think you would like our fellow human beings to know and understand, about your experience and how maybe what things we could do to come closer together to one another instead of be more divisive and more hurtful towards one another? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Okay. Uh, my daughter Gissele. I have to go back to the words that I mentioned to you earlier in the program. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Yeah. Oh, Mankin. Along create all of you from the single and male and female, Adam and Eve. The purpose is for you to know each other, cooperate with one another in peace and harmony. the best among all of you, mankind that Allah create is the most righteous of you. My righteous wife. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Linda, she live righteous wife, righteous life, and our sonin live righteous life. And that’s why [00:55:00] in the criteria of Allah, the best of you, Allah want everyone, you and me and your two children to grow up in Righteous Way. And the best among you is the one who provides service to others. Right now you are performing, a program, podcast, right? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: This gonna go to a few viewers and this is a service you are doing for the humanity who will listen to your program. And of course, everyone has, God creates the rationale to think, to evaluate a situation. What good and what not so good. Which one is toxic situation we able to identify? And your program, I hope and pray that people will understand, the usefulness of your program and always think of you in the positive possible [00:56:00] contribution that you from Canada have done to the humanity. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So we together, and my thinking is that you as my make-believe, daughter have a joy reward from Allah Almighty because you spread good word, not violence, because God want us to be harmony, work together and know people are alike. But you have to overlook. Remember God said, you have to forgive the man who killed your son and overlook his shortcoming because everyone has strength and weakness. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: That’s why as wife and husband, when you look at your wife, look for her strength. And when she has weakness, overlook, don’t emphasize on the weakness because, you forgive her weakness. Okay, but strengthen. Oh, [00:57:00] Charla. Um, my dear darling, you are just a good mother. You’re just a good wife you are. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Cooking is so delicious. All the positive thing. If she didn’t wash the dishes, overlook her. You do too. Because I help my wife wash the dishes too, wash the clothes, do everything because how the Prophet Muhammad will do, be example for us, And of course the c Korean Indian is in Arabic in holy gra, Ana Africa Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: please us Bucket upon bucket of patience when you are a patient and Allah little patient. That’s why we don’t have enough patience. Somebody step on our toe. We just, just Right. We have to. Excuse me. Oh, no problem. Are you okay? [00:58:00] Be gentle, be quiet, be humble In Islam, whoever humble before God, I make you and humble before his. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: His creation. You are his creation and a lot will raise our rank very high because we live up to his test because life is a test right now. A lot test you and me because we are sometime don’t think alike, but we have to respect. You don’t have to agree, but you have to respect a person who you disagree with. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Then in Shaah, God willing, with the help of Allah, the world will be a better place to live. And my grandson, which is behind you, should be a better the world that we left behind. Am I correct? We should establish environment for our grandchildren, great-grandchildren, more than we are within moment right now in Shaah. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: That’s why the war [00:59:00] going on. I pray so much what’s going on in Middle East and how America react to the situation. Pray that, oh, Allah, God, by the please save the world. And, everything within it with your mercy because you are the most forgiving, and the most mercyful. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Oh, Allah, forgive the oppressor and then, and reward the oppressed because you know best in your wisdom. Who is best among your servant, the one who lived the righteous way. the one who live in the righteous life. That’s your criteria to judge who is the best. So we ask your kindness, your mercy, to judge your servant, with the best judgment in your wisdom. Gissele: Thank you for that. your life is a testament of how love can transform, and forgiveness can transform not only the young man who was involved in your son’s murder, but also the [01:00:00] inspiration that other people have gotten from your story and their willingness to forgive and through those actions, thus bringing the world closer together. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I love you. I love you too. I, I love you for the sake of Allah. May I say in Arabic one more time? I’m sure a lot Arab. Gissele: Yeah, of course. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: My friend. I have a hundred of Arab friend too. Yeah. And I plan on going to, oh, I need to tell you the, I need, I will go to Pilgrimme, after the court case, I went to Maka, performed Pilgrimme by the Kaba, GABA, right? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: the house of Allah that the Muslim pray every day face this house we pray for, the one who murder Saudin, to be guide, to be safe from all the harm may happen to him. Because, and we ask a lot to accept our [01:01:00] forgiveness. during this, hour, also with conversation. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: You know that I never mention his name. Yeah. Because I have to honor him. Gissele: Yeah. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Because he’s not here to defend himself. Gissele: Yeah. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Okay. So I went to, of course, when I went to gaba, I present his care to Allah. So I mentioned his name, but because the angel would write down the name Gissele: mm-hmm. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: That, oh, Allah, please forgive him. And let him, grow up to be righteous. And we went to harsh this coming harsh season, which is in. May I will go to H again. So I will be praying for him to my righteous wife, Linda, and then, and I will pray for you too. and you are children. Gissele: Thank you.[01:02:00] Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Please, hug them for me Gissele: Well, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: and convey my love to them for the sake of God. Gissele: Thank you. Same. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Yeah. Gissele: You extend to our family and thank you. thank you so much for sharing your story and your wisdom. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Thank you. Gissele: and your love and all the work that you do for humanity Gissele: Helping us come closer together. So appreciate it, appreciate you. and thank you for those who tuned into another episode of Love and Compassion podcast, with Gissele Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I pray that, uh, your program will be further of success in the future endeavor. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: And I pray again that may almighty God, give you a healthy, good long life and stay in this world, to serve God for his pleasure. And may God guide you. Grant you the most happiest life in the life [01:03:00] hereafter And may God look after you, after your family and your friends. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: The friend of your program here, may God also have mercy upon them all and has a happy life and good long life forever. Okay, lemme thanking to you, lemme pray in Arabic to close. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: We ask God to forgive us in the word that we express you are to may not. Uh, please with each other, may God forgive us and everything. Forgiveness is the greatest gift of charity in Islam. My Islam. And in the, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I know, good life [01:04:00] in Canada and good late morning in Thailand.
Tune in for a virtual Town Hall held on March 16, 2026: Our Common Health, Our Commonwealth: Who Decides What's Safe? hosted by Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Kentucky Resources Council, Kentucky Conservation Committee, and Sierra Club Kentucky Chapter. Connecting Legislation, Pollution, and Our Health. Environmental health, public health, and civic health are deeply intertwined. The condition of our air, water, and land shapes the wellbeing of our communities and the strength of our democracy. Who shows up, who speaks, and who votes determines whether decisions reflect the public's best interests or the priorities of corporate lobbyists. Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Kentucky Resources Council, Kentucky Conservation Committee, and Sierra Club Kentucky Chapter hosted this discussion on how environmental decisions affect public health and how current proposed legislation would prioritize polluter profits over the health and safety of every day Kentuckians — making it nearly impossible for communities to hold corporations accountable when our most basic necessities are at risk. Additionally, the League of Women Voters of Kentucky shared findings from their report How Can They Do That?, which examines how legislation can advance through the process with limited public visibility. The Town Hall starts out with testimony from Calvert City, Kentucky resident Joshua Tabor sharing his family's experience with angiosarcoma, a rare cancer linked to environmental exposures, and why these environmental protections are deeply personal for many Kentucky families. Together, we examined how decisions made in Frankfort affect Kentucky's natural resources and communities, and what Kentuckians can do to shape a healthier future. Speakers include: KWA's Michael Washburn, Joshua Tabor, KRC's Audrey Ernstberger, KWA's Nick Hart, KCC's Lane Boldman, LWA's Jeanie Lindel, and SC's Julia Finch. Watch full recording: https://vimeo.com/1174496139 Connect with the organizers: Kentucky Waterways Alliance: https://www.kwalliance.org/ Kentucky Resources Council: https://kyrc.org/ Kentucky Conservation Committee: https://kyconservation.org/ Sierra Club Kentucky Chapter: https://www.sierraclub.org/kentucky
This week Robert and Jazmin interviewed Alisha Chaffin, the Democratic candidate running in House District 88. She talked about why she was running, how she's campaigning, and what she expects to see in Frankfort when she gets there. Before that, Jazmin talked through the major points of Joe Sonka's most recent reporting about Addiction Recovery Centers and the fraud scandal they are wrapped within, and Robert delivered several quick hits.
President Trump delivers a speech in Northern Kentucky, lawmakers advance an omnibus bill regarding gambling, and groups March for Life in Frankfort.
Welcome back to another episode of The Bourbon Road! After a brief hiatus, the man, the myth, the legend—Jim Shannon—is officially back in the host chair. Jim recently returned from a trip to Florida, where he experienced the wild swings of winter weather, going from 80 degrees down to 35. Of course, Kentucky wasn't about to be outdone, greeting him with 70-degree days followed immediately by threats of snow and heavy rains. As Jim and Todd Ritter settle back into the Bourbon Road bar, they take a moment to reflect on the crazy weather and look back at the anniversary of the historic Frankfort floods, thankful that the waterfront survived mostly intact this year. But enough about the weather—it is time to drink some incredible whiskey. For this highly anticipated review episode, the guys are diving into something truly special: the brand-new King of Kentucky Small Batch releases from Brown-Forman. If you follow the brand, you know that King of Kentucky is historically known for its ultra-rare, high-proof single barrel releases. However, the team at Brown-Forman found themselves with around 100 barrels that had incredibly low yields—some containing only 20 to 30 bottles worth of liquid due to heavy evaporation. Rather than release them individually, they decided to batch them together. This special release was created in honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. These small batches feature bourbon aged between 12 and 18 years, and surprisingly, they utilize a slightly different mash bill than the standard releases: 75% corn, 15% rye, and 10% malted barley. Bottled in 700mL formats with an MSRP of $299, these are still incredibly hard to find. Fortunately, Todd and Jim were lucky enough to get their hands on samples of all three batches thanks to their good friend John Peetz (aka Top Dog), whom they recently joined for an excellent barrel pick at Bluegrass Distilling. On the Tasting Mat: King of Kentucky Small Batch 1: Coming in at 105 proof, this first batch sets the stage with a classic, robust Brown-Forman nose full of cherry pie crust, toasted coconut, and vanilla. However, the palate takes a sharp turn into an incredibly dry and tannic profile. Lacking any real sweetness, it delivers bitter dark cacao, leather, and heavy oak tannins that linger on the back of the palate for a remarkably long finish. It is a complex, dry pour that demands your attention and pairs perfectly with a dark Maduro cigar. King of Kentucky Small Batch 2: Stepping up to 107.5 proof, Batch 2 shifts away from the dry tannins of the first pour and moves into darker, spicier territory. The nose is rich with dark fruits like dates, figs, and dried palm fruits. On the palate, it brings a leathery tobacco bite accompanied by a sizzling cinnamon and black pepper spice that dances across the tongue. It retains a dry character but balances the heavy oak with a fantastic, mouth-watering sizzle. King of Kentucky Small Batch 3: The heaviest hitter of the trio clocks in at 110 proof. This batch brings a completely different energy, opening with a bright, fresh nose of rich chocolate, citrusy lemon, and a distinct Coca-Cola note. The palate introduces a "faux sweetness"—a luscious cherry cola syrup flavor that perfectly masks the high proof while delivering a spicy, full-mouth tingle that coats the entire tongue beautifully. After sipping through the three official batches, Todd flexes his "Blendageddon" skills for the final pour of the night. By combining equal parts of Batch 1, Batch 2, and Batch 3, Todd creates a custom "Batch 4" that sits right around 107.5 proof. The guys evaluate this impromptu blend to see if combining the dry tannins, the dark fruit spice, and the sweet cherry cola notes results in a masterpiece that rivals the individual batches. Tune in to hear Jim and Todd's full tasting notes, their discussion on the secondary market values for these rare bottles, and their personal rankings of the King of Kentucky Small Batches. Which batch will take the crown? Grab your favorite glass, pour something special, and join us down the Bourbon Road. Cheers! Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!
In hour two Larry talks to Lexington Senator about the general assembly session currently ongoing in Frankfort from the democrat perspective. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Larry talks to Lexington Senator about the general assembly session currently ongoing in Frankfort from the democrat perspective. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Co-host, David Walls and I remind us to pray for USA, Iran, Middle East; discuss political leaders who twist God's Word and call it Scripture; couple of updates on KY Legislation. Remember KY March of Life in Frankfort on 3/11 (kymarchforlife.org) & America Reads The Bible (americareadsthebible.com). Share. Make it a great day in the Love & Lordship of Christ (Mark 12:29-31)!
Jerry Deaton, author of "Appalachian Ghost Stories: Tales from Bloody Breathitt," joins Jack and gives more back stories before writing his book followed by front stories of opportunities the book has opened up for him... Kentucky On-Stage will be featuring a play based on his book at First Presbyterian Church in Frankfort over the weekend - proceeds go back to the venue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome back to another episode of the Bourbon Road podcast! This week, Todd Ritter is holding down the fort solo while Jim Shannon escapes to warmer weather. But Todd isn't drinking alone at the Bourbon Road bar; he's joined by two fantastic returning guests to celebrate the Bottled in Bond Act. Amsey Wenning, the "Alec Baldwin of the show" from the Frankfort Bourbon Society and Bourbon on the Banks, is back, along with filmmaker Bo Cumberland, the director behind the Frankfort: The Heart of Bourbon documentary. The guys dive into a deep discussion about Bo's recent documentary work. With his Frankfort film approaching 22,000 views on YouTube, Bo shares the overwhelmingly positive response it has received. He also talks about his exciting new series, Forging a Bourbon Legacy, which explores the deep, intertwining roots of bourbon history in Anderson County. Through short-form episodes, Bo is uncovering the fascinating stories of families and figures like the Ripy family, the Bonds, Judge McBrayer, and the history behind Wild Turkey, proving that Kentucky's bourbon history is anything but simple. Amsey also shares some incredible news about the Bourbon on the Banks festival, revealing that the charity-driven event recently distributed over $100,000 to local organizations, with volunteers getting a say in where the funds go. Of course, a Bottled in Bond celebration requires some stellar 100-proof whiskeys, and the tasting mat is loaded with unique and highly anticipated pours: First up is a true dusty: 1992 Old Crow Bottled-in-Bond. This 4-year-old Japanese export delivers a classic bourbon nose with rich caramel and dark colors that defy its age. The guys marvel at its luscious mouthfeel and cherry caramel notes, finding it vastly superior to modern iterations of the brand and proving that the "good Old Crow" was truly something special. Next, Amsey brings a unique bottle to the table: Angel's Envy Cask Strength Bottled in Bond. A rare combination of terms, this 6-year-old bourbon achieves its 100 proof through a lower barrel entry proof and meticulous blending rather than adding water. The crew discovers an intriguing almond and amaretto nose, followed by a soft, fruity palate with hints of green apple, light caramel, and a sweet confectioner's sugar finish that drinks surprisingly gentle. Finally, they head south to sample the Old Dominick Bottled in Bond Tennessee Whiskey. Produced in Memphis, this expression features a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. It undergoes the Lincoln County process and is aged in West Tennessee white oak with a heavy #4 alligator char. The result is a bold, earthy pour with notes of dark cherry, sweet pipe tobacco, and a pleasant graininess that finishes with a spicy, white pepper kick. Tune in as the guys sip through these incredible bonded whiskeys, debate the merits of short-form versus long-form storytelling, and share plenty of laughs along the way. Cheers! Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!
Born in Frankfort, Indiana, on March 9, 1902, Will Geer told the Indianapolis News in 1977 that his first public performance took place on the streets of Indianapolis, where he recited a poem outside the Lockerbie Square home of James Whitcomb Riley. Geer later became widely known for his portrayal of Grandpa Zeb on the 1970s television series The Waltons. But his life extended far beyond television. He helped stage one of the most politically explosive musicals in American history, supported labor organizing during the Great Depression, and used his art as a platform for activism. Geer was also a close friend and collaborator of the legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie. Together they toured the country, performing in union halls and at labor benefits. Geer used his theatrical skills to amplify Guthrie's music and political message. Their collaboration left a lasting imprint. Even after Guthrie's death, Geer continued to preserve and interpret his songs. This week on Cultural Manifesto, we'll celebrate the life and work of Will Geer by exploring his friendship and artistic partnership with Woody Guthrie. Together they toured the country, performing in union halls and at labor benefits. Geer used his theatrical skills to amplify Guthrie's music and political message.
This week on Sustainability Now!, your host, Justin Mog, tackles the issue of artificial intelligence (AI) and how we might just be able to use it to reclaim our humanity. This week, we are in conversation with Jason Delambre, a Kentucky entrepreneur, sustainability consultant, and Owner of Midwest Clean Energy Enterprise. Jason is a Certified Energy Manager who holds bachelors degrees in History and Architecture, and a Masters of Community Planning. Jason lives in Frankfort, Kentucky and works with clients to maximize profitability through effective utilization of natural resources and the development of ground‐breaking energy efficiency and carbon reducing solutions. Throughout his career, Jason has developed a unique vision of the economic and energy efficiency synergies possible through innovative business, infrastructural, financial, policy, and community organizing strategies. On January 30th, we brought Jason back to campus at UofL for another conversation about AI and Sustainability, this one called "Escaping the Grind: How AI Helped Me Reclaim My Humanity." We are often told AI will replace us. But what if it can liberate us? After 20 years of "grinding" through professional obligations and administrative exhaustion, Jason took a one-year sabbatical to see if he could rebuild his life. He shared the story of how he used AI to build a "digital scaffold" around his day-to-day life—handling the organization, the planning, and the details—so he could recover the bandwidth to focus on what matters: deep connection, creativity, and being present. Shifting the "robotic" work of our modern responsibilities to a machine allowed Jason to become a more grounded human. Jason recommends these recent articles on the impacts of AI: "Researchers Studied What Happens When Workplaces Seriously Embrace AI, and the Results May Make You Nervous" (Futurism): https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/what-happens-workplaces-embrace-ai "Something big is happening in AI — and most people will be blindsided" (Fortune): https://fortune.com/2026/02/11/something-big-is-happening-ai-february-2020-moment-matt-shumer/ As always, our feature is followed by your community action calendar for the week, so get your calendars out and get ready to take action for sustainability NOW! Sustainability Now! is hosted by Dr. Justin Mog and airs on Forward Radio, 106.5fm, WFMP-LP Louisville, every Monday at 6pm and repeats Tuesdays at 12am and 10am. Find us at https://forwardradio.org The music in this podcast is courtesy of the local band Appalatin and is used by permission. Explore their delightful music at https://appalatin.com
Larry talks weekly with Senator Reggie Thomas, the representative for Lexington in the LRC, Frankfort. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Larry talks weekly with Senator Reggie Thomas, the representative for Lexington in the LRC, Frankfort. Your calls and comments in addition to round out the hour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lawmakers debate a federal scholarship tax credit initiative, a bill punishing suppliers of abortion-inducing pills is filed in Frankfort, what are Glock switches and why do some Kentucky police chiefs oppose them, some Democrats say they're skipping President Trump's State of the Union address, and Thunder Over Louisville is returning to the Derby city.
We have a budget (kinda, sorta)! The General Assembly moves on and KPW has an update on the important pieces moving in Frankfort. Also, the US launches strikes against Iran, the State of the Union is a thing that happened, and one man puts the Commonwealth in the national headlines.
Kim and Aaron connect with the League of Women Voters of Kentucky regarding the restoration of voting rights and other legislation they're watching in #KYGA26 and then hear from State Representative Adam Moore on the budget, food stamps and independent voters. #ColonelsOfTruthFLIP THE 6TH - Join the campaign: Lexington Postcarding Night, Mon. March 2nd https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/870258/Richmond Postcarding Event, Sat. March 7th https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/888815/Donate to the Stamp Fund! https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ft6stampsNO KINGS - Save the date!https://www.nokings.org/?SQF_SOURCE=prokyVolunteer with ProKY! info@progressky.orgNEWS OF THE WEAK:https://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article314759611.htmlhttps://kentuckylantern.com/2026/02/24/kentucky-would-opt-into-federal-plan-for-private-school-tuition-aid-under-gop-bill/https://theinteriorjournal.com/2026/02/22/bill-requiring-dna-sample-passes-house/CAMPAIGN CORNER: Margie Charasika, LWVKY Restoration of Voting Rights, Chairhttps://www.lwvky.org/legislativeadvocacyINTERVIEW: Rep. Adam Moore https://www.kydeservesmoore.com/home#ProgressKentucky - #ColonelsOfTruthJoin us! http://progressky.org/Support us! https://secure.actblue.com/donate/progresskyLive Wednesdays at 7pm on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/progressky/live/and on YouTube http://bit.ly/progress_kyListen as a podcast right here, or wherever you get your pods: https://tr.ee/PsdiXaFylKFacebook - @progressky Instagram - @progress_ky Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/progressky.org https://linktr.ee/progresskyEpisode 248 was ably produced by Nate OrshanTheme music from the amazing Nato - hear more at http://www.NatoSongs.comProgress Kentucky is a member of the Indivisible network, Commonground Kentucky Action, and the Forward Kentucky network.
Welcome back to The Bourbon Road! This week, Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter are back in the Corner Rickhouse at the Frankfort Bourbon Society for a classic review episode. With a lineup of four highly distinct and highly anticipated expressions, the guys are ready to dive deep into some serious tasting, ranking, and blending. Before the tasting begins, Jim shares a quick story about a trip to the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site with his father, reflecting on the weight of history and the value of experiencing it firsthand. They also take a moment to shout out the Bourbon on the Banks festival in Frankfort. Thanks to the support of the Bourbon Roadies and the local community, the event recently distributed over $100,000 to local charities. (Pro tip: Tickets for this year's event go on sale in mid-March, so plan ahead!) Then, it is time to get to the whiskey. This week's tasting mat is an eclectic mix of sourced blends, historic tributes, and boundary-pushing ryes: Short Barrel 4-Grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon: This 92-proof everyday sipper is an NDP blend out of Atlanta. It combines a wheated bourbon from Wilderness Trail (64% corn, 24% wheat, 12% malted barley) with a rye bourbon from Green River (70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley). The final blend leans heavily on the wheat, delivering a soft, floral nose and a palate reminiscent of honey, sweet tea, and toasted cereal. Old SteelHouse Blueprint Series Batch 002: Sourced entirely from Wilderness Trail, this 105-proof wheated bourbon (64% corn, 24% wheat, 12% malted barley) is aged 5 years. Created as a tribute to the 1933 architectural plans of the T.W. Samuels Distillery, it offers a darker, richer profile than the first pour, with notes of dark fruit, leather, and a surprisingly spicy, pepper-forward finish. High West Cask Strength Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys: Hailing from Park City, Utah, this 117-proof blend combines whiskeys aged 6 to 20 years from Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. Jim and Todd are blown away by its complex nose of fresh hay, wet stone, and Dickel-esque vitamins, giving way to a bold, chewy palate full of dark cherry, peanut butter, and baking spice. Leopold Bros. Three Chamber Rye (Batch 001): The grand finale is a highly anticipated 109-proof rye from Denver, Colorado. Distilled on a custom-built Three Chamber still—a design abandoned after Prohibition—this 80% Abruzzi rye and 20% floor-malted barley whiskey boasts a remarkably low barrel entry proof of 100. It delivers an intense, grain-forward profile bursting with floral potpourri, licorice, and rye bread notes. After sipping through the lineup, Jim and Todd reveal their personal rankings—and find themselves completely split on the top two spots! To close out the show, Todd creates a "Boo-Rye" blend in his glass, combining the Short Barrel, Old SteelHouse, and High West to see how the flavors marry. Tune in to hear the final tasting notes and find out if this impromptu blend was a winner. Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!
In hour two, Larry discusses new legislation being proposed and passed in Frankfort with friend and democrat representative, Senator Reggie Thomas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Larry discusses new legislation being proposed and passed in Frankfort with friend and democrat representative Senator Reggie Thomas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Hidden Investment Risks Pre-Retirees and Retirees Don’t See Coming: Kentucky Retirement Planning Insights Are you approaching retirement and concerned about protecting your life savings from market volatility? In this comprehensive episode of the Tom Dupree Show, Kentucky retirement planning advisors Tom Dupree and Mike Johnson explore the multidimensional nature of investment risk and why personalized investment management is essential for pre-retirees aged 50-65. Unlike mass-market approaches from large firms, Dupree Financial Group provides direct access to portfolio managers who understand your specific retirement goals and risk tolerance. This evergreen financial education episode delivers timeless wisdom on risk assessment, portfolio protection strategies, and why understanding what you own is critical before retirement. Whether you’re working with a local financial advisor in Kentucky or managing investments on your own, these insights will help you make more informed decisions about your retirement security. Key Takeaways: Investment Risk Management for Pre-Retirees Risk is multidimensional: Investment risk extends beyond simple volatility—it includes sequence of returns risk, concentration risk, and the risk of falling short of your retirement goals The Capital Asset Pricing Model misconception: More risk doesn’t automatically mean more return; it means a wider range of potential outcomes, both positive and negative The danger of false security: Long periods of strong returns can create complacency, causing investors to unknowingly take on excessive risk right before retirement Personalized portfolio analysis matters: Your investment strategy must align with your specific retirement timeline, income needs, and risk capacity—not just market averages Understanding beats panic: Clients who truly understand their portfolio holdings don’t panic during market downturns because they know their strategy is designed for their goals Active risk identification: Professional Kentucky retirement planning involves continuously identifying and monitoring specific risks to each holding, not just following the crowd Howard Marks on Investment Risk: Wisdom from a Market Legend The episode draws heavily from Howard Marks’ influential 2006 memo on risk, which Tom and Mike have studied extensively. Marks, co-founder of Oaktree Capital Management, challenges conventional thinking about risk and return relationships. “If more risk always meant more return, it would cease being risky. The risk would be riskless,” explains Mike Johnson, highlighting the fundamental misunderstanding many investors have about the risk-return relationship. The discussion emphasizes that bearing risk unknowingly represents one of the biggest mistakes pre-retirees can make. This is particularly relevant for those who have experienced strong market performance for years without understanding the volatility embedded in their portfolios. The Real-World Cost of Ignoring Investment Risk Tom Dupree shares a cautionary tale that every pre-retiree should hear: “There was a man that came to me years ago who had been at UK for a number of years. He had invested in Fidelity and TIAA-CREF, good funds, great returns. He had something like 1,000,006 and he had averaged 13 and a quarter percent return per year for like 23 years. He extrapolated that he could take 10% a year, which was $160,000, live on it and be okay because it was gonna keep doing that. The sequence of returns turned around and bit him good.” This example perfectly illustrates sequence of returns risk—a critical concept for anyone approaching retirement. Even with excellent average returns, the timing of market downturns relative to when you need to withdraw funds can devastate a retirement plan. This is why personalized investment management from a local financial advisor who understands your specific timeline is so valuable. Why Volatility Isn’t the Only Risk Pre-Retirees Face The episode challenges the traditional definition of investment risk as merely volatility. For pre-retirees and retirees specifically, Mike Johnson explains: “The base case that we’re trying to solve here? We’re speaking specifically to near retirees and retirees. Volatility is gonna be your friend or your foe the day you need to take your money out. That’s gonna be your definition of risk—what has the volatility done to my money the day I need it.” Additional Risk Dimensions for Kentucky Retirement Planning Falling short of goals: The risk that your portfolio won’t produce sufficient income for your desired retirement lifestyle Concentration risk: Over-exposure to single stocks or sectors, especially common with company stock or recent tech winners Unconventionality risk: The professional risk advisors take when thinking independently rather than following the crowd—but this can benefit clients long-term Underperformance risk: Short-term underperformance relative to indices, which requires conviction in your strategy and understanding your goals Hidden risk exposure: Unknown risks embedded in portfolios, particularly index funds that provide no true diversification strategy The False Sense of Security: Why Long Bull Markets Are Dangerous One of the most powerful concepts discussed is how prolonged positive market performance can numb investors to risk—exactly when they should be most vigilant. Mike Johnson references Nassim Taleb’s “Fooled by Randomness” to illustrate this danger: “Reality’s far more vicious than Russian roulette. First, it delivers the fatal bullet rather infrequently, like a revolver that would have hundreds or even thousands of rounds instead of six. After a few dozen tries, one forgets about the existence of a bullet under a numbing false sense of security. One is thus capable of unwittingly playing Russian roulette and calling it by something alternative: low risk.” This perfectly describes the situation many pre-retirees face today after years of strong market performance. The analogy to driving at 90 mph—where you stop feeling the speed—resonates powerfully. You’re taking significant risk, but you’ve become accustomed to it and no longer perceive the danger. Direct Access to Portfolio Managers: The Dupree Financial Difference Unlike large firms where you’re assigned an investment counselor who may change frequently, Dupree Financial Group provides direct access to portfolio managers Tom Dupree and Mike Johnson. This relationship-focused approach enables: Deep understanding of your specific retirement timeline and goals Customized portfolio construction based on your unique risk capacity Ongoing education about what you own and why you own it Proactive risk identification specific to your holdings The ability to think unconventionally when it serves your interests “When our clients understand what’s in their portfolio and why, they don’t call us panicking when the market drops,” Tom Dupree emphasizes, highlighting the value of education and transparency in financial relationships. Why Index Funds Aren’t a Complete Investment Strategy The episode delivers a sobering message about the limitations of index fund investing for retirees: “If you don’t like risk and you think that you’re not taking any risk by investing in the S&P 500, sweetie pie, you need to get in the money market fund and just hope you got enough money to ride through it because you are taking risk that you don’t know about. And that is a problem because you’re gonna find it out in a very uncomfortable way at some point.” This doesn’t mean index funds have no place in portfolios, but rather that they shouldn’t be confused with a comprehensive retirement income strategy. Personalized portfolio analysis considers: Your specific income needs in retirement Time horizon until you need to access funds Concentration risk in popular stocks or sectors The difference between the accumulation and distribution phases Tax efficiency of different investment approaches Building a Foundation: From Stocks to Portfolio For younger investors just starting out, Mike Johnson offers this perspective: “If somebody’s in their late twenties, early thirties and they have a few stocks here and there, that’s great. You’re ahead of the curve from a lot of people, but that is not a portfolio. What you want to do is lay a foundation that’s more sturdy, more solid than just having a few stocks here and there.” This guidance is equally relevant for pre-retirees who may have accumulated individual positions over time without a cohesive strategy. Kentucky retirement planning requires transitioning from an accumulation mindset to a distribution strategy—and that requires professional portfolio architecture. The Retirement Risk Equation: It’s About Income, Not Just Account Balance One of the most important insights for pre-retirees: “Remember, it’s not just the accumulation, it’s not the dollar amount, it’s what it’s gonna produce for you and how long can it produce that to sustain you. Retirement has the normal set of rules plus other variables that you have to take into consideration.” This shift in perspective—from portfolio value to sustainable income—is where personalized investment management becomes critical. Every individual’s situation differs slightly, and those differences matter enormously in retirement planning. Faith, Risk, and Investment Philosophy Tom Dupree introduces an often-overlooked dimension of investment risk: the role of faith. Not just faith in markets or historical returns, but a deeper consideration of existential risk and what you ultimately trust. “Underpinning any investment scheme is faith. At the base of everything related to risk is faith. You cannot get away from it. One of the things about the God factor is that it takes certain elements of risk that you’re willing to take on for yourself and transfers them to a higher power.” While this dimension is personal and not emphasized in typical financial planning, it reflects Dupree Financial Group’s holistic approach to understanding clients as people—not just portfolios. Frequently Asked Questions About Investment Risk and Retirement Planning What is the biggest investment risk for pre-retirees? The biggest risk for pre-retirees is sequence-of-returns risk—experiencing market downturns just as you begin withdrawing from your portfolio. Even with strong average returns over time, poor returns in the years immediately before and after retirement can devastate your retirement security. This is why personalized retirement planning in Kentucky focuses on more than just average returns. How is investment risk different for retirees versus younger investors? For retirees, risk is primarily defined by volatility’s impact on withdrawals. When you need to take money out during a market downturn, you crystallize losses and reduce your portfolio’s recovery potential. Younger investors have time to recover from volatility. As Tom Dupree explains, “Volatility is gonna be your friend or your foe the day you need to take your money out.” Are index funds safe for retirement portfolios? Index funds are not inherently “safe” for retirement—they carry significant volatility and concentration risks (especially in large-cap tech stocks right now). While they can be part of a retirement strategy, they should not be confused with a comprehensive income plan. Local financial advisors can help design strategies that balance growth needs with income stability. How much can I safely withdraw from my retirement portfolio annually? There’s no universal answer—withdrawal rates depend on your portfolio composition, risk tolerance, retirement timeline, and income needs. The gentleman in Tom’s example assumed 10% annual withdrawals based on historical 13.25% returns, which proved disastrous. Personalized portfolio analysis determines sustainable withdrawal rates specific to your situation. Why should I work with a local Kentucky financial advisor instead of a large national firm? Local advisors like Dupree Financial Group provide direct access to portfolio managers who personally manage your investments, rather than being assigned to a counselor who may change. You receive personalized service, education about your holdings, and strategies tailored to your specific goals—not mass-market approaches. Tom emphasizes: “When our clients understand what’s in their portfolio and why, they don’t call us panicking when the market drops.” What does it mean to “know what you own” in my portfolio? Knowing what you own means understanding not just the names of your holdings, but the specific risks each position carries, how they work together, and why each was selected for your situation. It means knowing what could go wrong with each investment and having conviction in your overall strategy during market volatility. How often should I review my retirement portfolio risk? Pre-retirees should review portfolio risk at least annually, and more frequently as retirement approaches. Risk tolerance, time horizon, and income needs change as you near retirement. Kentucky retirement planning professionals continuously monitor holdings for emerging risks and rebalance as needed. What is concentration risk, and why does it matter? Concentration risk occurs when your portfolio has too much exposure to a single stock, sector, or asset class. Many investors have unknowingly accumulated concentration in large technology stocks through both index funds and individual holdings. If that sector declines, your entire portfolio suffers disproportionately. Diversification addresses concentration risk. How do I know if I’m taking too much risk before retirement? Signs you may have excessive risk include: heavy concentration in stocks after years of strong returns, high portfolio volatility relative to your withdrawal timeline, lack of income-producing assets, or simply not understanding what you own. A complimentary portfolio review with Dupree Financial Group can identify hidden risks: call 859-233-0400. What makes Dupree Financial Group’s investment philosophy different? Dupree Financial Group focuses on building long-term relationships with people—not just managing money. The team conducts their own research, provides comprehensive education, thinks independently rather than following the crowd, and designs portfolios around your specific goals. Learn more about their investment philosophy. Schedule Your Complimentary Portfolio Risk Analysis Don’t Wait for a Market Downturn to Discover Hidden Risks in Your Portfolio If you’re retired or approaching retirement, understanding the specific risks in your portfolio is critical. After 47 years in the investment business, Tom Dupree has seen countless retirees discover they were taking far more risk than they realized—often at the worst possible time. Dupree Financial Group offers Central Kentucky residents a complimentary portfolio review to help you: Identify hidden concentration risks in your current holdings Understand the sequence-of-returns risk as you approach retirement Evaluate whether your portfolio aligns with your retirement income needs Learn what you actually own and why it matters Develop a personalized strategy for your retirement timeline Call 859-233-0400 to schedule your complimentary consultation Or visit us online: Schedule Your Personalized Portfolio Analysis Learn About Our Investment Philosophy Listen to More Market Commentary Read Client Testimonials Explore Kentucky Retirement Planning Services Dupree Financial Group serves clients throughout Central Kentucky, including Lexington, Louisville, Frankfort, Winchester, Richmond, and surrounding communities. About the Tom Dupree Show The Tom Dupree Show provides timeless financial education for investors approaching and in retirement. Hosted by Tom Dupree, Jr., founder of Dupree Financial Group, and portfolio manager Mike Johnson, each episode delivers practical insights on investment management, retirement planning, and portfolio risk assessment. Unlike generic financial advice, the show focuses on the specific challenges facing Kentucky retirees and pre-retirees. Tom Dupree founded Dupree Financial Group on the principle that creating long-term relationships with people—not just their money—is the key to successful wealth management. With direct access to portfolio managers and personalized investment strategies, Dupree Financial Group delivers the attentive service of a local advisor with the knowledge of a seasoned investment team. Episode Type: Evergreen Financial Education Primary Topics: Investment Risk, Retirement Planning, Portfolio Management, Sequence of Returns Risk Featured Guests: Mike Johnson, a member of the team at Dupree Financial Group Listen to More Episodes: Market Commentary Archive Share This Episode Help others understand investment risk by sharing this episode: www.dupreefinancial.com/podcast The post The Hidden Investment Risks You Don’t See Coming: Kentucky Retirement Planning Insights appeared first on Dupree Financial.
Kruser talks the latest in booze news with Kevin Stinnett from The Bourbon Flight and has news from the State Legislative session in Frankfort. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A religious liberty in medicine bill advances in Frankfort, Kentucky's Secretary of State says county clerks need more money, and a look back at deadly statewide flooding that hit the state one year ago.
She had always been close to her grandfather. Even after his death, she still found comfort visiting his grave—talking to him the same way she always had.On one difficult day, she decided to drive out to the cemetery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Something felt off almost immediately. The drive felt wrong. The calm she usually found never came. And as she approached the cemetery entrance, a sudden resistance took over—an overwhelming sense that she wasn't supposed to be there.It wasn't fear. It was certainty.A clear, insistent message repeated itself until she finally listened and turned away. The moment she did, the feeling lifted. Later that day, she learned why.#RealGhostStoriesOnline #ParanormalWarning #AfterDeathCommunication #Intuition #GuardianSpirit #Unexplained #TrueGhostStory #CemeteryEncounter #ListeningToTheUnknown #ParanormalPodcast #ListenerStories Love real ghost stories? Don't just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story:
The beat rolls on in Frankfort and it was a big week for education bills and Abby is very excited! Also, the budget bill was filed but the crew has a primer on why you shouldn't get too worked up about anything in it just yet. Finally, there's praise for LMPD, pork chops as projectiles, and violent kangaroos!
Aaron and Nema tackle the heavy news of the week, and how KY's delegation responded, then we check in on #KYGA26 with one of Frankfort's most committed abortion advocates, Lexington State Representative Lindsey Burke.#ColonelsOfTruth #ProgressKentucky #FlipThe6thCALL TO ACTION: Join our campaign to Flip the 6th: https://www.progressky.org/mondayDONATE to Flip the 6th: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/flipkentucky6/NEWS OF THE WEAK: https://kentuckylantern.com/briefs/trump-praises-kentuckys-comer-after-suggesting-ice-should-be-removed-from-minnesota/https://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article314425985.htmlINTERVIEW: State Representative Lindsey Burke https://lindseyburke.com/https://www.kentucky.com/opinion/op-ed/article314473782.html#ProgressKentucky - #ColonelsOfTruthJoin us! http://progressky.org/Support us! https://secure.actblue.com/donate/progresskyLive Wednesdays at 7pm on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/progressky/live/and on YouTube http://bit.ly/progress_kyListen as a podcast right here, or wherever you get your pods: https://tr.ee/PsdiXaFylKFacebook - @progressky Instagram - @progress_ky Bluesky - @progressky.org https://linktr.ee/progresskyEpisode 244 was kinda produced by AaronTheme music from the amazing Nato - hear more at http://www.NatoSongs.com
Bonjour and welcome to another episode of The Bourbon Road! With Jim still observing Dry January, Todd Ritter is flying solo in the host chair—but he's certainly not drinking alone. To help him navigate a deep dive into the world of French Oak finishing, Todd has recruited two heavy hitters from the local whiskey scene: returning guest Amsey "The Alec Baldwin of The Bourbon Road" Wenning and David Sandlin, proprietor of The House of Commons bar in Frankfort. The trio embarks on a flavorful journey to explore how French Oak influence changes the profile of both bourbon and rye. They kick things off with the "OG" of the category: Maker's Mark 46. This 94-proof classic sparks a lively debate about what exactly makes "French Vanilla" french (spoiler: it might involve hazelnuts) and leads to stories about dipping bottles at the Loretto distillery. Next up is Blue Note Crossroads from Memphis, Tennessee. Sourced from Kentucky and finished with toasted French oak, this 100-proof bourbon brings notes of toasted marshmallow and oat milk to the table. The guys analyze its creamy mouthfeel and debate whether the fruit notes lean more toward apricot or nectarine. The third pour takes us to Lexington for the RD1 French Oak Finished Bourbon. Clocking in at 101 proof, this high-rye bourbon utilizes a unique wood "chain" method sourced from the five great forests of central France. The group discovers complex layers of chocolate, almond extract, and a nostalgic "fruit roll-up" note that takes them back to childhood. Finally, they cap off the tasting with a pour that's becoming harder to find: Pursuit United Rye Oak Collection. This 108-proof blend of Sagamore and Bardstown rye is finished with Sherry French Revere Oak. It challenges the group with a polarizing nose of dill versus mint, before settling into a palate of tropical fruit and old-school medicinal candy like horehound and clove. Throughout the episode, Todd, Amsey, and David geek out on production methods—from staves to wood chains—and discuss whether rye or bourbon stands up better to the bold flavors of French Oak. Tune in to hear their full tasting notes and find out how they ranked these four distinct expressions! Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!
When Lew Frankfort joined Coach, it was a family run, wholesale handbag business worth six million dollars.He spent 35 years at the company, from opening the company's first shop to growing the business now valued at over five billion dollars.We find out what led Lew to an unlikely career in fashion and how a chance meeting with a US president sparked his social consciousness.If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, our email address is businessdaily@bbc.co.ukPresenter: Ed Butler Producers: Hannah Bewley and Hannah Mullane(Picture: Lew Frankfort, chairman emeritus and former CEO of Coach.)
Lew Frankfort wasn't into fashion before he took the helm at Coach, so it's quite improbable that he turned it into a billion-dollar business. But he did. How? By wielding exceptional managerial gifts, fine-tuned instinct, and creativity. Learn his secrets to success in our episode discussing his memoir, BAG MAN. And I still need to get the number of his bodywork guy!Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3YQHqhHShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby's Important People! As a Z.I.P., you'll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby's Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Walking away from a secure city government job to eventually run one of the world's most recognizable handbag brands sounds like fiction. For Lew Frankfort, it became his career story, and the path between those two points is exactly what makes this conversation so valuable. Lew joins Joe Saul-Sehy and OG in the basement to break down how a combination of discipline, curiosity, and what he calls "magic and logic" shaped his journey from city hall to the corner office at Coach. This isn't just inspiration for aspiring executives. Lew's insights about making better decisions, taking calculated risks, and building a meaningful life apply whether you're 25 or 55, whether you're climbing the ladder or considering jumping to a different one entirely. Lew shares how preparation became his secret advantage, why curiosity beats confidence during major transitions, and what he learned about leadership while helping transform Coach into a global powerhouse. His framework for balancing intuition with analysis gives the Confident Explorer a practical lens for evaluating their own big moves, career pivots, or midlife reinventions. Then Joe and OG shift gears to tackle a different kind of transition. The first year of retirement. When excitement runs high and "go-go" energy meets newfound freedom, spending can spiral in ways that derail decades of careful planning. They break down the crucial financial decisions retirees face right out of the gate, why that first year can be surprisingly dangerous, and how to set yourself up for long-term stability without killing the joy of finally having time to live. Plus, Doug delivers trivia involving time travel and underwear, because even episodes about CEO wisdom and retirement planning need a reality check from the basement. What You'll Walk Away With: • How Lew Frankfort pivoted from city government work to leading Coach and what that path teaches about career reinvention • The "magic and logic" framework anyone can apply to big decisions and career moves • Why curiosity and thorough preparation matter more than confidence when making your next leap • Leadership lessons from someone who helped build a global brand from the inside • What retirees absolutely must understand about spending during that crucial first year • Why the "go-go years" of early retirement can wreck your finances if you're not careful • Strategies for aligning your early retirement excitement with long-term financial stability • Permission to reinvent yourself at any age, armed with both inspiration and practical wisdom This Episode Is For You If: • You're considering a career change but worried you're too far along to pivot • You want to understand how successful people actually made their big moves • You're approaching retirement and want to avoid the spending traps that catch most people • You're curious how to balance intuition with analysis when making major life decisions • You believe it's never too late to build something meaningful or try something new Before You Hit Play, Think About This: What's one career move or life transition you've been thinking about but haven't pulled the trigger on yet? What's actually holding you back? Drop your answer in the comments because Lew's story might be exactly the perspective shift you need to take that next step. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/https-stackingbenjamins-com-lou-frankfort-bagman-1772/ Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 (https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201) Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Walking away from a secure city government job to eventually run one of the world's most recognizable handbag brands sounds like fiction. For Lou Frankfort, it became his career story, and the path between those two points is exactly what makes this conversation so valuable. Lou joins Joe Saul-Sehy and OG in the basement to break down how a combination of discipline, curiosity, and what he calls "magic and logic" shaped his journey from city hall to the corner office at Coach. This isn't just inspiration for aspiring executives. Lou's insights about making better decisions, taking calculated risks, and building a meaningful life apply whether you're 25 or 55, whether you're climbing the ladder or considering jumping to a different one entirely. Lou shares how preparation became his secret advantage, why curiosity beats confidence during major transitions, and what he learned about leadership while helping transform Coach into a global powerhouse. His framework for balancing intuition with analysis gives the Confident Explorer a practical lens for evaluating their own big moves, career pivots, or midlife reinventions. Then Joe and OG shift gears to tackle a different kind of transition. The first year of retirement. When excitement runs high and "go-go" energy meets newfound freedom, spending can spiral in ways that derail decades of careful planning. They break down the crucial financial decisions retirees face right out of the gate, why that first year can be surprisingly dangerous, and how to set yourself up for long-term stability without killing the joy of finally having time to live. Plus, Doug delivers trivia involving time travel and underwear, because even episodes about CEO wisdom and retirement planning need a reality check from the basement. What You'll Walk Away With: • How Lou Frankfort pivoted from city government work to leading Coach and what that path teaches about career reinvention • The "magic and logic" framework anyone can apply to big decisions and career moves • Why curiosity and thorough preparation matter more than confidence when making your next leap • Leadership lessons from someone who helped build a global brand from the inside • What retirees absolutely must understand about spending during that crucial first year • Why the "go-go years" of early retirement can wreck your finances if you're not careful • Strategies for aligning your early retirement excitement with long-term financial stability • Permission to reinvent yourself at any age, armed with both inspiration and practical wisdom This Episode Is For You If: • You're considering a career change but worried you're too far along to pivot • You want to understand how successful people actually made their big moves • You're approaching retirement and want to avoid the spending traps that catch most people • You're curious how to balance intuition with analysis when making major life decisions • You believe it's never too late to build something meaningful or try something new Before You Hit Play, Think About This: What's one career move or life transition you've been thinking about but haven't pulled the trigger on yet? What's actually holding you back? Drop your answer in the comments because Lou's story might be exactly the perspective shift you need to take that next step. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices