Best Scripps Talks Podcasts (2025)

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How clean is our air? 27:59

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3d ago27:59

27:59

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

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Unpacking Louisville’s Next Budget 28:00

5d ago28:00

28:00

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

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Fairness Campaign Executive Director Chris Hartman 28:00

11d ago28:00

28:00

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

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What’s that sound? Cicadas! 28:00

12d ago28:00

28:00

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

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Foster Care in Kentucky 27:41

18d ago27:41

27:41

Every child in foster care has their own story, their own needs, and their own set of circumstances. What they all have in common is the need for a family to open a door to them and give them a soft place to land. May is Foster Care Awareness Month, and we’re learning from folks doing the work right here in Kentucky. On this episode, we talk about …

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The Scripps Spelling Bee 28:01

19d ago28:01

28:01

The 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee is happening this week, and Meyzeek Middle School eighth grader Zachary Luke Rara is heading to Washington D.C. to compete. He’s part of a legacy; the very first Scripps winner was from Louisville, and the Courier Journal was a big part of the Bee’s origins. We’ll hear from Zachary about why he loves language…

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The unexpected delight of doing less and how that leaves room for more 46:31

19d ago46:31

46:31

In this cozy, meandering update, Whitney sits down to catch you up on life since the last recording. You’ll hear about her first Disneyland trip in nearly 20 years, prepping for the Beyoncé concert, thoughts on aging and creativity, her recent movie obsession, and what it’s been like revamping her private community, Beyond Measure. This episode is …

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Special: Unpacking the Department of Justice's consent decree decision 28:00

24d ago28:00

28:00

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

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Summer Reading 28:01

25d ago28:01

28:01

Summer is the perfect time to lose yourself in a good book—and it’s just around the corner. So as the days get longer and warmer, we’re getting our summer reading plans in order. On this episode, two guests from the Louisville Free Public Library help us update our to-read list with this season’s big titles, and some old favorites that are perfect …

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AANHPI Life in Kentucky 28:02

26d ago28:02

28:02

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and we’re looking at the state of these communities here in Kentucky. What does representation look like today? How are recent cuts and changes to DEI policies affecting daily life? And what’s often left out of the conversation? On this episode, we talk with two leaders wh…

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Kentucky Poet Laureate Kathleen Driskell 28:01

1M ago28:01

28:01

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

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Preparing for an emergency 28:01

1M ago28:01

28:01

From tornadoes to floods to fires, Kentuckiana has been hit hard by emergencies in recent months. On this episode, we talk about how to be prepared when disaster strikes—what to pack, where to go, and how to stay informed. We also talk about how you can help your community bounce back after disaster strikes. Guests: Jody Meiman, Executive Director …

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All Killa No Filla - Episode 119 - Joseph Kappen 1:04:32

1M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

Join comedians Rachel Fairburn and Kiri Pritchard-McLean as they explore a shared passion, serial killers. Each episode the pair will talk all things murder and macabre and have a right laugh doing it. In Episode 119, Rachel and Kiri take a look at Wales' first recorded serial killer, Joseph Kappen. Recently portrayed in the BBC series The Steeltow…

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ADHD in the age of distractions 27:51

1M ago27:51

27:51

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

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Modern prom culture 23:57

1M ago23:57

23:57

Prom season is here—think limos, corsages, and photo ops. But the tradition is evolving. From gender-inclusive fashion to teens going with friends instead of dates, today’s prom is more personal, more creative, and more inclusive than ever. So how is this rite of passage changing, and what does it say about the culture young people are shaping? Gue…

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The power of improvisation 28:00

2M ago28:00

28:00

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

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News fatigue and mental health 27:07

2M ago27:07

27:07

The news is hard to tune out, even when we want to. And we each draw our own line between being an informed citizen and being overwhelmed by news fatigue. On this episode, we talk about finding where that line is for you, and how to take care of your mental health when the news starts to feel like too much. Guests: Ja'Nel Johnson-Phillips,Director …

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On Track: Checking in on the bourbon industry 27:44

2M ago27:44

27:44

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

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What can we do about spring allergies? 27:46

2M ago27:46

27:46

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

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Why Louisville needs trees 27:24

2M ago27:24

27:24

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

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And they're (almost) off! Getting ready for Derby 151 27:31

2M ago27:31

27:31

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

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Why public transit matters 27:41

2M ago27:41

27:41

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

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TARC 2025 with Ozzy Gibson 27:23

2M ago27:23

27:23

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

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A Conversation with MC Lyte 27:58

2M ago27:58

27:58

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

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Ky. General Assembly wrap-up 28:00

2M ago28:00

28:00

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

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A Big Life Shift 15 Years in the Making 52:39

2M ago52:39

52:39

After a few months away, Whitney returns to the mic to talk about burnout, creative vulnerability, and stepping into a new chapter of life and work. From reflecting on the emotional toll of content creation to revealing why she made the surprising leap into full-time employment after 15 years as a freelancer, this episode is packed with raw insight…

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Spring gardening in Kentuckiana 27:41

2M ago27:41

27:41

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

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Faith & Food Week: Ramadan 27:25

3M ago27:25

27:25

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

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Faith & Food Week: Passover 27:30

3M ago27:30

27:30

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

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Faith & Food Week: Lent 28:02

3M ago28:02

28:02

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

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All Killa No Filla - Episode 118 - Part Two - Linda Hazzard 1:07:32

3M ago1:07:32

1:07:32

Join comedians Rachel Fairburn and Kiri Pritchard-McLean as they explore a shared passion, serial killers. Each episode the pair will talk all things murder and macabre and have a right laugh doing it. In Episode 118, we take a look at Linda Hazzard, also known as the Starvation Doctor. Linda ran a sanitarium in Seattle, where she administered ques…

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Daughters of Greatness 27:34

3M ago27:34

27:34

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

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The state of professional theatre in Louisville 28:03

3M ago28:03

28:03

The landscape of live theater has dramatically shifted in the years since COVID-19 disrupted the industry. And here in Louisville, we’ve seen those changes up close. Louisville’s professional theatre companies are facing big questions about how to evolve and keep audiences engaged. We’ll talk about it on this episode of “On Track.” Guests: Keith Wa…

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Media literacy and why it matters 28:02

3M ago28:02

28:02

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

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All Killa No Filla - Episode 118 - Part One - Linda Hazzard 1:01:05

3M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

Join comedians Rachel Fairburn and Kiri Pritchard-McLean as they explore a shared passion, serial killers. Each episode the pair will talk all things murder and macabre and have a right laugh doing it. In Episode 118, we take a look at Linda Hazzard, also known as the Starvation Doctor. Linda ran a sanitarium in Seattle, where she administered ques…

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Five years of COVID-19 26:15

3M ago26:15

26:15

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

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The changing world of college sports 28:03

3M ago28:03

28:03

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

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The local effects of federal job cuts 27:27

3M ago27:27

27:27

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

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Tick'd: Staying safe from ticks in Kentuckiana 28:00

3M ago28:00

28:00

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

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Arts & Culture Roundup 27:52

3M ago27:52

27:52

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

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The Future of Mid City Mall 27:20

3M ago27:20

27:20

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

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How do you say Lou-uh-vull? 26:08

4M ago26:08

26:08

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

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The state of Black Louisville in 2025 27:02

4M ago27:02

27:02

February is Black History Month, and Black history is Louisville history. But on this episode, we’re focusing on the present. We’ll talk to Lyndon Pryor, president and CEO of the Louisville Urban League, about the state of Black Louisville today. What is the league’s focus, and how is it changing with the national political climate, and big compani…

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A closer look at Arthur Street Hotel’s approach to helping unsheltered Louisvillians 26:17

4M ago26:17

26:17

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

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Food insecurity in Louisville and how to help 25:34

4M ago25:34

25:34

In a town full of great restaurants, some people still go hungry. But an organization called Feed Louisville is trying to fix that, and reduce food waste at the same time. Feed Louisville is the beneficiary of this year’s Restaurant Week, which starts February 24. On this episode, we meet Feed Louisville’s Founder and Executive Director, Rhona Bowl…