What does it actually take to build a stronger, more connected Henderson?

In this episode, we sit down with Cooper Beck, founder and executive director of Henderson Kentucky Pride, and a young leader deeply involved across multiple organizations including Elevate, Matthew 25, and the Father Bradley Shelter. Cooper is only 21 years old, and has already helped launch initiatives, build a nonprofit, and mobilize thousands of people around community engagement.

He shares how one small class project turned into a city-wide movement, what it means for people to “see themselves” in their community, and why that visibility leads to real ownership and impact.

Cooper also shares his perspective on Henderson’s unique charm, the importance of conversation across differences, and his hope for more people (especially young people) to "jump in the pool" and get involved.

Great cities don't just happen...they’re built by people willing to "jump in."

- Henderson Kentucky Pride: https://www.hendersonkypride.org/- Elevate: https://www.elevatewky.org/- Matthew 25: https://matthew25clinic.org/- Father Bradley Shelter: https://www.fatherbradleyshelter.com- Leadership Everyone: https://leadershipeveryone.org/

In this episode of the For Henderson Podcast, we sit down with Hattie Hancock, owner of Hattie James Bridal and part of the family behind Elite Downtown.

Hattie is just 24 years old and is already helping shape the future of downtown Henderson through small business, hospitality, leadership, and a willingness to take some big risks.

Hattie shares the story behind Hattie James Bridal and talks about growing up in Henderson, her love for downtown, the momentum she sees among young local leaders, and why she believes Henderson is full of opportunity for people willing to get involved.

Being For Henderson is not just about loving where you live. It's about advocating for it, betting on it, and helping create the community you want to see.

This week on the For Henderson Podcast, we’re joined by Jonathan Dixon and Evan Dixon from SummerFest and Sons of Henderson, the local charity behind one of Henderson’s downtown music events.

What started as the Henderson Wiffleball Classic has evolved into SummerFest: a free, family-friendly concert in downtown Henderson, Kentucky that brings the community together while raising money and awareness for several local charities already working hard to build a great Henderson.

Jonathan shares how the event began, why Sons of Henderson wanted to create something that gave back, and what it takes to shut down a street, build a concert experience, and keep the mission at the center (all in 24 hours).

Evan brings the perspective of someone who first attended SummerFest with his family and is now helping to lead the charge.

If you love Henderson, music, family friendly events, or supporting local charities...don't miss this conversation and don't miss SummerFest, coming up on May 16th!

What does it actually look like to love on your town?

In this episode of the For Henderson podcast, we sit down with Abby Dixon and Ellie Kellen from the Henderson Tourism Commission to talk about having some pride in our city and a few simple things we can do to show it.

Abby and Ellie share some fun (and unexpected) stories about visitors falling in love with our city, and what it is that truly makes Henderson special...for visitors and locals alike!

You'll hear about tourism's impact on Henderson’s growth, including exciting some exciting news on our entrance into the film world, a future distillery, and more downtown development.

Abby and Ellie even bring it back to us Hendersonians and our role in the bigger picture...because building a great city isn't about trillion dollar budgets...it starts with residents who care. (That's us!)

If you’ve ever wondered how to better support Henderson, discover some hidden gems, or just love ON where you live...this episode is for you.

Follow them on all the channels @tourhendersonky

This week on the For Henderson Podcast, we sit down with Kacee Campbell, Executive Director of Audubon Kids Zone, to talk about what real neighborhood transformation looks like in Henderson’s East End.Kacee shares how she first walked into AKZ as a volunteer, quickly fell in love with the kids, families, and neighbors, and eventually stepped into leadership. She talks about how AKZ has shifted from being known mainly for kid-centered programming to a family-centered, neighborhood-focused organization working toward a connected, thriving (that's the word!) community.From Love Your Neighborhood days and porch conversations to family advocacy, teen programming, financial literacy, mental health support, and future plans for the East End, this conversation will remind you that community development can start by just slowing down and listening.Check out everything happening at AKZ: https://www.audubonkidszone.com

In this episode, we sit down with Mikaela Ledbetter, a lifelong Hendersonian and social worker at St. Anthony’s Hospice, to talk about what it looks like to show up for people when it matters most.

Mikaela shares how growing up in Henderson shaped her into a helper, from her family’s deep roots to the area to her years in Henderson County Schools and how a personal experience led her into hospice care.

This conversation is about more than just what Mikaela "does." It’s about who we are as a community. It’s about stepping into hard moments, supporting each other, and realizing that sometimes...we need help, too.

Because being FOR Henderson means more than just living here...it means showing up when it matters.

In this episode of the For Henderson Podcast, Josh sits down with Rachel Trout of Matthew 25 to talk about what it takes to build a Henderson where people actually want to stay.Rachel shares the story behind Matthew 25, a nonprofit serving individuals living with HIV around our region, and explains how their work goes beyond just the medical care by helping to remove barriers and fight stigma.We also explore some of the bigger questions facing Henderson’s future: how we create a more welcoming community, why inclusion matters, and what it looks like for people to feel seen, accepted, and proud to call Henderson home. Rachel also highlights community involvement, local growth, and opportunities like the upcoming Joel Hopper Day of Service as practical ways Hendersonians can step in and make a difference right now.This episode is about building a stronger Henderson through compassion, connection, and getting some skin in the game, so...if you care about community, leadership, and the future of Henderson, you'll like this episode!

Join us for the Joel Hopper Day of Service:

- April 24, 2026

- 7:30am

- Boys & Girls Club

- Breakfast & T-Shirt Provided

Serve alongside other city-builders at organizations like:

- The Port

- Riverview School

- Father Bradley Shelter

- Daniel Patino Shelter

- And, MORE

What does it really take to build a great city?

Most people want to help their community. But what if the way we’re doing it is actually making things worse?

In this episode of the For Henderson Podcast, Josh sits down with Dr. Austin Maxheimer, Love Your Neighborhood Director at Community One, to unpack what real, lasting transformation looks like in Henderson and beyond.

From his early days knocking on doors in the East End to helping build initiatives like Audubon Kids Zone, Austin shares a powerful shift in thinking: real change doesn’t come from doing things for people...it comes from empowering people to lead change themselves.

You’ll hear a simple but profound neighborhood framework, along with insights on generational impact, community leadership, and how small, consistent investments can reshape an entire neighborhood.

This one will challenge the way you think about serving others...and show you a better way forward.Great cities don’t happen by accident...and real change starts closer than you think.

Get in touch with Austin at: [email protected]

What does it really look like to take care of your neighbors?

In this episode of the For Henderson Podcast, Josh sits down with Taylor Heady—a Henderson native, mom of three, victim advocate, and founder of the Warming Box initiative. What started as a simple act of kindness toward one individual has grown into a community-wide movement, with multiple donation boxes now serving people across the city.

Taylor shares the heart behind the Warming Box, the stories that have shaped her perspective, and the powerful role quiet generosity plays in making Henderson what it is. From supporting victims through the legal process to advocating for the unhoused, her work highlights both the challenges and the hope present in our community.

This conversation is a reminder that building a great city doesn’t require recognition—it requires people willing to show up, care deeply, and act.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a difference right where you are, this episode will challenge and inspire you to be a better neighbor.

What does it look like to truly take ownership of your community?In this episode of the For Henderson Podcast, Josh sits down with Sean Leavelle, Director of Operations at St. Anthony’s Hospice, Hendersonian (by choice), soccer coach, HLI graduate, and community-minded leader. Sean shares the story of how work first brought his family to Henderson, why they immediately fell in love with the city, and how a difficult season in his personal and professional life eventually pushed him toward deeper involvement in the community.From coaching with Henderson Soccer Club to joining the Men’s Bourbon Society of Henderson, going through the Henderson Leadership Initiative, and ultimately landing in his role at St. Anthony’s, Sean’s story is a powerful reminder that community impact often starts with simply showing up.This conversation highlights what makes Henderson special: it's a city where people can get involved, create what’s missing, and help build something better together. If you care about leadership, community growth, local impact, and the future of Henderson, this episode is for you.Because great cities don’t just happen...they're built.