Behind the Backstretch

On this month's episode of "Behind the Backstretch," we introduce listeners to Creciendo Juntos, a teen support group for teens of backside workers! While beginning as a therapy group, this group has evolved dramatically since its inception into a platform for leadership and social change for its members.

First, we speak with Elena Tarullo, a youth and family case coordinator at the BLC who works with the teens of Creciendo Juntos. She discusses how she started with the BLC, her current official role, her role in Creciendo Juntos, and what has connected her with this group in particular.

Then, we get to hear from two members of Creciendo Juntos, Jessica and Sharon. They talk about the group and its current status, what kind of roles and leadership opportunities they have gained, what they have planned in the near future, and what being in the group means to them!

(0:00) Intro
(2:13) Interview w/ Elena Tarullo 
(10:42) Interview w/ Jessica and Sharon
(26:08) Outro

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On this month’s episode of the Behind the Backstretch podcast, we have an action-packed lineup of individuals who are all playing various roles in this year’s Kentucky Derby & Oaks! 

First, we get to hear from assistant trainer Jorge Abrego, who works with Brad Cox and has four horses in this year’s Kentucky Derby. He discusses his unique journey, the excitement that comes with being an assistant trainer during the Derby season, and his past involvement with the BLC. 

We then get to speak with Ana Gonzalez, who is a hot walker for trainer Todd Pletcher with three horses in this year’s Derby. We hear about her role along the backstretch, what’s it like working with this year’s contenders, updates on her brother Jesús who just landed a gig as a jockey, her involvement with the BLC and much more! 

Finally, we talk with Katie Tolbert who is also an assistant trainer for Brad Cox, as she details her love of horse racing, what it’s like being a woman in the Thoroughbred industry, her excitement in the lead up to Derby, and the importance of backstretch workers.  

(0:00) Introduction

(2:05) Assistant Trainer Jorge Abrego

(12:06) Hot Walker Ana Gonzalez

(24:05) Assistant Trainer Katie Tolbert

(33:07) Outro

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For the 11th episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are gearing up for our upcoming spring event, the Backside Learning Center’s Derby Handicapping Social! This event, which takes place on April 18th at the Louisville Thoroughbred Society, acts as a kickoff to the Kentucky Derby season in addition to an opportunity for attendees to learn about programming at the BLC.

As the event features a handicapping seminar with several of horse racing’s top experts, we are first joined by one of those experts, Joe Kristufek! He dives into his experience in horse racing, what attendees and other viewers can expect from the event, and the importance of backside workers to the horse racing industry. 

With the event being presented by our Purses for a Purpose initiative, we then talk with Brian DiDonato of Edge Racing who has been heavily involved in P4P. He discusses his involvement within the program, why he thinks it is valuable for those in horse ownership to be involved in such an initiative, and more! 

(0:00) Introduction
(3:00) Discussion with Joe Kristufek
(19:45) Discussion with Brian DiDonato
(28:33) Outro

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On the 10th episode of Behind the Backstretch, we celebrate Women's Month by speaking with two incredible staff members at the Backside Learning Center, Merlin Cano & Alma Aldana!

We first speak with Merlin, who is the health and wellness coordinator at the BLC. She talks about her journey to the US, her experience working at the racetrack, how she got involved with the organization, and what Women's Month means to her!

Then, we speak with Alma, who is our Adult Programs Manager and is a second time guest on the podcast! She discusses what Women's Month means to her and the community she works with in addition to talking about her current "Grupo de Mamas" program.

(0:00) Introduction

(1:58) Discussion with Merlin Cano 

(16:28) Discussion with Alma Aldana

(31:07) Outro

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On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are celebrating Black History Month as we get to speak with trainer Mark Simms Jr! In our discussion with Mark, he delves into how he got into horse racing, his ambitions within the sport, what it's like to be a black trainer in the current industry, and what Black History Month means to him. 

Additionally, as this episode release falls on Valentine's Day, we talk to our Youth Engagement and Academic Success Coordinator Micaela Vizcarrando and her husband Raul as they talk about how they met and fell in love on the backside of the racetrack!

(0:00) Introduction
(1:48) Discussion with Mark Simms Jr.
(16:08) Discussion with Micaela & Raul
(25:34) Outro + opportunities to get involved

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On this month's episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are focusing on our largest annual fundraiser, the Benefit for the Backside, that takes place on November 18th, 2022! We first get to hear from event planner Sterling Franklin as she dives into what the benefit is for, what the schedule for the day will look like, and how people can be involved if they are not in attendance.

Then, we talk with current board member Masey Goatley as he discusses his role with the BLC, his experience with prior benefits, and what he thinks is special and unique about the 2022 Benefit for the Backside!

To learn more, visit www.benefitforthebackside.com where you can find the schedule for the day and our silent auction, which is live now!

(0:00) Introduction
(1:35) Discussion with event planner Sterling Franklin
(13:53) Discussion with board member Masey Goatley
(24:29) Outro

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On this month's episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with three separate interviews that shine a light on three unique perspectives within our community!

We get to hear from the BLC's own Adult Programs Manager Alma Aldana, current Board president Pam Conway, and jockey Jose Luis Rodriguez as they discuss their cultural backgrounds, what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them, and why they believe it is important for everyone to celebrate.

(0:00) Intro

(1:22) Discussion w/ Alma Aldana

(9:36) Discussion w/ Pam Conway

(20:15) Discussion w/ Jose Luis Rodriguez

(30:47) Outro

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On the 6th episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are joined by Churchill Downs track announcer Travis Stone and BLC board member Cory Stauble!

Travis Stone has been the official track announcer at Churchill Downs since 2015. In this podcast, he discusses his upbringing and what led to his love of calling races, the importance of backside workers and his involvement with the BLC, and his experience calling this year’s historic Kentucky Derby!

Additionally, BLC board member Cory Stauble joins to discuss her upbringing in the horse racing world, her involvement with the organization, and why the backside community is so valuable to the industry and the greater Louisville community.

(0:00) Introduction

(1:32) Discussion with Cory Stauble

(10:30) Discussion with Travis Stone

(30:37) Outro

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On the newest episode of the “Behind the Backstretch” podcast, we get to hear conversations with Bertila Quinteros and the BLC’s own Lauren DeGeorge! 

Bertila Quinteros is a groom at Churchill Downs and was recently featured in the magazine “Today’s Woman.” She discusses her journey to the United States, her experience working on the backside, and how the BLC has helped her and her daughter, Evelyn, throughout their journey!

Additionally, programs director Lauren DeGeorge joins to discuss her background and what led her to the BLC, her role in the growth of the organization, and her own experience working with Bertila and other members of our wonderful community. 

(0:00) Introduction

(1:28) Lauren DeGeorge discussion

(13:37) Bertila Quinteros discussion

(24:24) Outro

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In this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we get to hear from Dina Busaleh and Martha Popescu, two members of our youth team who discuss their roles at the BLC, the plans for summer programming for the children of backside workers, and why their work is so important to them.

Then, we get to hear from Kenny Pritchett, a long-time volunteer who has developed a software titled "Anyone Can Read" that aims to curtail the literacy problems facing today's youth. He goes in-depth on the software itself and how it can be beneficial to the kids at the BLC.

(0:00) Introduction

(1:38) Discussion with youth team members, Dina & Martha

(14:49) Discussion with Kenny Pritchett

(29:08) Outro 

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