Hardin Local Weekly

Hardin Local Weekly S2026E15 — Kevin Parrett has been to Cuba four times and joins us to separate facts from fiction on what life is really like on the island. Cold Stone Creamery is coming to the old Baskin Robin location across from Etown, Wasabi is expanding to Louisville, Bluegrass Meats is moving downtown, Jon O'Brien previews 16 Spring Break events, and we remember a Whistle Stop founder. Phil Taul hosts with Rachel off this week.

CHAPTERS:

• 0:00 - Introduction & Icebreaker
• 14:53 - Events with Jon O'Brien
• 27:09 - Special Guest Kevin Parrett - Cuba Part 1
• 40:48 - Business Buzz with Nate Bryan
• 51:38 - Special Guest Kevin Parrett - Cuba Part 2
• 1:09:35 - Closing & Britten Announcements

HOSTS:

• Phil Taul — Creator & Host (primary this week)
• Scott Lucas — Co-Host
• Jon O'Brien — Events & Happenings
• Nathaniel (Nate) Bryan — Business News & Updates
• Britten McDowell — The Experienced Eater
• Kevin Parrett — Special Guest (Cuba)

EPISODE SPONSOR:

Riders Market — 102 College Street, Upton, KY

Mon-Sat 8 AM - 8 PM | Sun 11 AM - 8 PM

(270) 369-8510

CONNECT WITH US:

• Facebook: https://facebook.com/HardinLocal
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/HardinLocal
• TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@HardinLocal
• X: https://x.com/HardinLocal
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/hardinlocal
• All links: https://HardinLocal.com

Hardin Local is the community podcast covering Hardin County, Kentucky — local business, events, food, real estate, and the people who make this community great. New episodes every Tuesday at 1 PM.

Hardin Local Weekly S2026E14 — Kroger Marketplace sets its official opening date, Zaxby's is confirmed for Central Hardin, Firehouse Subs is coming to two locations, Rachel Brantingham breaks down a spring housing market gaining efficiency, Jon O'Brien previews the biggest Easter week Hardin County has seen, and Britten recaps the Best of the Heartland Food Truck Championship as a blind judge alongside Rachel.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Introduction & Icebreaker9:18 - Events with Jon O'Brien18:44 - Housing Market Update25:01 - Business Buzz with Nate Bryan33:36 - The Experienced Eater50:46 - Closing & Final CTAs

HOSTS:
Rachel Brantingham — Primary Host & Housing Market ExpertPhil Taul — Founder & Co-HostScott Lucas — Co-HostJon O'Brien — Events & HappeningsNathaniel (Nate) Bryan — Business News & UpdatesBritten — The Experienced Eater

CONNECT WITH US:
Facebook: https://facebook.com/HardinLocalInstagram: https://instagram.com/HardinLocalTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@HardinLocalX: https://x.com/HardinLocalLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/hardinlocalAll links: https://HardinLocal.com

Hardin Local is the community podcast covering Hardin County, Kentucky — local business, events, food, real estate, and the people who make this community great. New episodes every Tuesday at 1 PM.

This week's Hardin Local Weekly features the full crew bringing you everything happening in Hardin County, Kentucky.

Nate Bryan breaks the news that Jersey Mike's AND Firehouse Subs are both coming to Radcliff — plus Wingstop and Dairy Queen. Rachel Brantingham delivers the housing market update: 87 days on market, 4.7 months of inventory, and a smart seller-leaning market heading into spring. Jon O'Brien runs through a packed events week including the Best of the Heartland Food Truck Championship this Saturday. And Britten takes on Sam's Gyros for The Experienced Eater.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro0:05 - Welcome & Co-Host Introductions1:34 - Call to Action2:55 - Special Announcements4:18 - Icebreaker — The Breakfast Club8:52 - Events with Jon O'Brien21:15 - Housing Market Update27:38 - Business Buzz with Nate Bryan38:13 - The Experienced Eater — Sam's Gyros45:56 - Closing & Shoutouts47:32 - Final CTAs & Sign-Off

HOSTS:
Rachel Brantingham — Primary Host & Housing Market Expert
Phil Taul — Founder & Co-Host
Scott Lucas — Co-Host
Jon O'Brien — Events & Happenings
Nathaniel (Nate) Bryan — Business News & Updates
Britten & Michele McDowell — The Experienced Eater

CONNECT WITH US:
Facebook: https://facebook.com/HardinLocalInstagram: https://instagram.com/HardinLocalTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@HardinLocalX: https://x.com/HardinLocalLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/hardinlocalAll links: https://HardinLocal.com

Hardin Local is the community podcast covering Hardin County, Kentucky — local business, events, food, real estate, and the people who make this community great. New episodes every Tuesday at 1 PM.

It's St. Patrick's Day in Hardin County, and we've got a packed episode of the Hardin Local Weekly.

Chapter Timestamps

0:00 Welcome, Meet the Crew & Special Announcements
4:52 🍀 Icebreaker: What's Your Lucky Charm?
11:47 📅 Hardin County Events with Jon O'Brien
19:12 🚚 Event Spotlight: Best of the Heartland Food Truck Championship
28:41 🏠 Housing Market Update — Rachel Brantingham
34:41 💼 Bizz Buzz with Nate Bryan
45:19 🍽️ The Experienced Eater: Namaste Indian Cuisine & Bar
56:30 👋 Closing & Shoutouts

Russell "Sonny" Tucker joins us live to preview the Best of the Heartland Food Truck Championship — coming Saturday, March 28th to the Hardin County Fairgrounds in Glendale, Kentucky. 21 food trucks, blind judging, 10 categories, free admission, and an Easter egg hunt for the kids. This is a big one.

Jon O'Brien covers the full week of events — including the Kentucky Kids Consignment Spring Sale at Bluegrass Sportsplex (one of the biggest community events of the year), live music at Cosmic Golf and Lincoln Trail Country Club, the Bloom & Balance Equinox Market, the Ron Jones Jazz Duo, and more.

Rachel Brantingham breaks down the Hardin County housing market for the week of March 10–17: 35 homes went under contract versus 21 new listings, inventory is at 4.3 months and tightening, and the spring market is clearly underway.

Nate Bryan has five business items: LTADD wins a 2026 Best Places to Work designation, Quilted Elephant Studio takes the ByAnnie Creative Hub Award, El Guadalajaras is coming to Lincoln Center, Auntie Anne's Food Truck in Elizabethtown is shutting down, and Song's Kitchen is closed this week before reopening under new management March 30th.

And Britten and Michele McDowell are back with The Experienced Eater — this week, Namaste Indian Cuisine & Bar on North Dixie Highway in Elizabethtown.

All episode links at HardinLocal.com.

This week on the Hardin Local Weekly Podcast: the Hardin County housing market is shifting fast, several local businesses are closing (including two beloved retailers after 30+ years), Heartland Mini Golf opens for 2026, and Britten McDowell gives a 9.6/10 — his highest Hardin County rating ever — to 2B Thai on Ring Road.

Rachel Brantingham, Phil Taul, Scott Lucas, Jon O'Brien, Nate Bryan, and Britten & Michele McDowell cover everything happening in Elizabethtown and Hardin County this week.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:27 Welcome & Co-Host Introductions
00:01:41 Follow Us – Podcast Platforms & Social Media
00:03:14 Sponsor Intro – Heartland Mini Golf
00:04:55 Special Announcements
00:05:07 Icebreaker – Hills You'll Die On
00:10:22 Sponsor Segment – Heartland Mini Golf
00:11:49 Event Spotlight – Lincoln Trail Home Design & Remodeling Show
00:14:38 Hardin County Events Guide with Jon O'Brien
00:26:56 Hardin County Housing Market Update – Rachel Brantingham
00:34:48 Business Buzz – Nate Bryan
00:43:44 The Experienced Eater – 2B Thai
00:53:56 Closing Comments & Shoutouts
00:55:14 Final CTAs & Sign-Off

🔗 RESOURCES:
Heartland Mini Golf — 1030 Executive Drive, Elizabethtown | 270-766-9668 | [email protected]
2B Thai — 3040 Ring Rd, Elizabethtown | 270-766-1408
Lincoln Trail Home Design & Remodeling Show — Phillips Grove, Radcliff (this weekend!)
Heart of Kentucky MLS housing data via Rachel Brantingham

📱 CONNECT:
Website: HardinLocal.com
Instagram: @HardinLocal
Facebook: facebook.com/HardinLocal
TikTok: @HardinLocal

Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music

The Hardin Local Weekly Podcast covers Hardin County, KY — Elizabethtown, Radcliff, Vine Grove, Glendale, and surrounding communities. New episodes every week.

#HardinLocal #PodcastClips #LocalNews #Kentucky

Rachel Brantingham is back after two weeks, joined by Phil Taul, Scott Lucas, Jon O'Brien, and Britten & Michele McDowell for one of the biggest weekends Hardin County has seen this spring.

Boot Barn opens in Elizabethtown with FREE live music all three days — Kevin Jaggers performs Friday, March 6 at 4 PM and Sunday, March 8 at Noon; Layla Spring performs Saturday. Heartland Mini Golf opens its season Friday, March 6 from 4–10 PM, featuring a rooftop bar, $2 beers, game yard, and soft serve. Season passes start at $75 individual or $275 for a family of four.

Jon O'Brien covers everything happening in Hardin County March 3–8. Nate Bryan (pre-recorded from his cruise) delivers business news: Baskin-Robbins is moving after 50 years at its current location, a 3rd Papa John's is coming to the east side of E-Town, Pelican Snowballs is searching for a 600–800 sq ft space, Heartland Mini Golf's food truck is rebranded as "Aces," and Nothing Bundt Cakes is hosting a "Buy a Bundt" event Saturday March 7, 9 AM–12:30 PM.

Rachel Brantingham covers the Hardin County housing market: 34 new listings, 23 under contract, 16 closed, 93 avg days on market, 4.9 months inventory (balanced market), avg list price $309,198, avg sold $291,142. Ford plant retooling is building contractor demand.

Britten & Michele McDowell visit Eat at the Spot Caribbean Restaurant at 865 S Dixie Blvd, Radcliff — jerk chicken, curry chicken, green curry, and sweet chili wings. Recommendation: get the jerk chicken.

**CHAPTERS**

0:00:00 - Welcome Back & Introduction

0:00:49 - Meet the Co-Hosts

0:01:43 - How to Stay Connected with Hardin Local

0:02:46 - Sponsor Intro: Heartland Mini Golf

0:04:05 - Special Announcements

0:08:29 - Icebreaker: What Are You Looking Forward to This Spring?

0:13:03 - Heartland Mini Golf Opening Weekend Details

0:15:38 - Hardin County Events Guide: March 3–8

0:30:29 - Kevin Jaggers & Boot Barn Grand Opening (Pre-Recorded)

0:36:15 - Housing Market Update – Rachel Brantingham

0:41:31 - Business News with Nate Bryan (Pre-Recorded)

0:47:03 - The Experienced Eaters: Eat at the Spot Caribbean Restaurant

0:56:51 - Comments, Shoutouts & Closing

0:58:59 - Final CTAs & Sign-Off

All Links & Resources: hardinlocal.com

Welcome back to the Hardin Local Weekly Podcast — your home for everything happening right here in Hardin County, Kentucky!

This week Phil Taul, Scott Lucas, Jon O'Brien, and Nate Bryan are back with a packed episode. Rachel Brantingham and Britten & Michele McDowell will be back next Tuesday — we miss ya'll!

🖋️ BIG EVENT THIS WEEKEND: The E-Town Tattoo & Food Festival takes over the Haycraft in downtown Elizabethtown — February 27th through March 1st! We sit down with Tyler Casey of Triple Crown Tattoos to break down everything you need to know before you show up.

📅 Jon O'Brien runs through a full week of local events — from free duckpin bowling at Social Food Hall to live music all over E-Town, blood drives, poker tournaments, and a father-daughter dance.

🏢 Nate Bryan has the business news: Boot Barn is open at Starlite Center, two new buildings going up on the south side, the big question about the old Movie Palace building, and Radcliff's restaurant scene is officially booming.

⚠️ REMINDER: Hardin Local Election Interview registration closes February 28th. If you're running for office, visit HardinLocal.com to sign up for your free interview!

CHAPTERS

0:00 – Welcome & Introductions

4:19 – Special Announcements: Election Interviews & Local Updates

9:22 – Icebreaker: Facebook Posts You'd Never Say to Someone's Face

14:55 – This Week in Hardin County | Local Events (Feb 24 – Mar 1)

26:45 – Special Guest: Tyler Casey | E-Town Tattoo & Food Festival

38:42 – Nate Bryan's Business Buzz

52:56 – Shoutouts & Closing

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Search: Hardin Local — or find all links at HardinLocal.com

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#HardinLocal #ElizabethtownKY #HardinCounty #EtownKY #SupportLocal #LocalPodcast #HardinCountyEvents #HardinCountyBusiness #ETownTattooFestival

Episode S2026E08 of Hardin Local Weekly — and the original crew is back together!

⏱️ Jump to any segment:

0:00 – Intro & Announcements

11:14 – Business News with Nate

17:53 – Sandie's Story (Blue Oval SK)

41:44 – Events with Jon O'Brien

Special guest Sandie Yarborough joins Phil Taul, Scott Lucas, Jon O'Brien, and Nate Bryan to share her firsthand account as one of the 1,600 Blue Oval SK workers who lost their jobs when the Hardin County battery plant shut down last December. Sandie was recently featured in The New York Times and opens up about what the shutdown was really like, the UAW vote, what laid-off workers are experiencing now, and how she's rebuilding — including launching her own wellness tea business.

Segments this week:

0:00 – Intro, Announcements & Icebreaker

11:14 – Business News with Nate Bryan: General Pho's coming to Radcliff, Guadalajara replacing Tequila House at Lincoln Center, Fuel Fortress taking over the old Joann's space, Kilwins confirmed for E-Town, Sorting Spoon food truck update

17:53 – Special Guest Sandie Yarborough: The Blue Oval SK story from the factory floor — the excitement, the UAW vote, the shocking shutdown, and life after

41:44 – Local Events with Jon O'Brien: Hall of Fame Gala, Live Pro Wrestling in Upton, Spring Fling Craft Fair, North Hardin HS Seussical Jr., intro to beekeeping, and more

Find the New York Times article and all episode links at HardinLocal.com.

This episode is sponsored by TekTel — local technology solutions for business phone systems, cybersecurity, and practical AI tools for growing companies.

CHAPTERS:

0:00:00 Welcome & Host Introductions

0:02:21 Sponsor Shoutout: TekTel

0:02:57 Election Interview Deadline Extended to Feb 28

0:04:39 Icebreaker: Favorite Super Bowl Ads

0:08:49 Valentine's Week Preview

0:09:42 Local Events: Valentine's Week in Hardin County

0:17:56 Red Brick Cottage Girlfriends Gala Announcement

0:20:20 Housing Market Update with Rachel Brantingham

0:28:24 Business News with Nate Bryan

0:36:45 Experienced Eater: Jack's Wings Review

0:49:31 Shout Outs

0:52:30 Closing & How to Stay Connected

It's Valentine's week in Hardin County, and we've got you covered. Jon O'Brien runs down every event — from the Cupid Shuffle 5K to cocktail classes, parents' night out, and a Mardi Gras party at The Spot. Britten announces the Red Brick Cottage Girlfriends Gala on Friday.

Rachel Brantingham shares the weekly housing market update: 17 homes under contract, first-time buyer funds now available, and why this might be the ideal time to buy.

Nate Bryan brings business news starting with the letter P — a Publix construction update (November 2026 projected opening), Pawsh Pet Salon's second location, Pop's Coin Laundry now open, and Ever After Exchange coming downtown. Kroger is already hiring for their new store.

The Experienced Eaters (Britten & Michele McDowell) review Jack's Wings, a family-owned food truck in Radcliff. Six sauces, 50 wings, one verdict: go find the red trailer.

Plus: favorite Super Bowl ads, Jon's 75 Hard progress, and shout outs to Hardin County schools for getting back in session.

Sponsored by TekTel — local tech solutions in Elizabethtown. Visit HardinLocal.com for all links and details.

Hope Burke, Executive Director of Helping Hand of Hope, joins us to discuss how the organization is responding to Winter Storm Fern and the urgent needs facing our community. The nonprofit is currently out of funding for their Homeless/Transient Program and needs community support.

Also in this episode: Jon O'Brien shares local events including Galentine's celebrations, Rachel Brantingham delivers the weekly Hardin County housing market update (6.2 months inventory, balanced market), and Britten & Michele McDowell review Lee's Famous Recipe in Radcliff.

CHAPTERS

00:00:00 - Introduction & Welcome

00:02:48 - TekTel Sponsor Message

00:03:30 - Election Interview Announcement

00:04:53 - Icebreaker: Surviving Winter Storm Fern

00:10:52 - Hope Burke Interview: Helping Hand of Hope

00:31:33 - Local Events with Jon O'Brien

00:38:00 - Hardin County Housing Market Update

00:46:11 - The Experienced Eater: Lee's Famous Recipe

00:56:16 - Closing & Shoutouts

Donate to Helping Hand of Hope: helpinghandofhope.org

All Links & Resources: hardinlocal.com