What will the next generation of horse racing trainers be like? Ashley sat down with John Kirby, a young and respected name on the Parx Racing circuit and a third-generation horse trainer, to find out. Join Ashley and John as they dive into the world of thoroughbred racing and discuss John’s years of experience developing racehorses and navigating the highs and lows of the sport.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & Welcome

00:20 – Meet Trainer John Kirby

01:18 – Life Outside Racing & Farm Talk

03:37 – How John Got Into Horse Racing

06:17 – Young Trainer Journey & Early Success

09:21 – Career Highlights & Churchill Downs Win

13:17 – Mentors, Favorite Horse & Barn Life

18:42 – Running a Barn & Industry Insights

27:14 – Goals, Industry Future & Hot Seat Q&A

Where are our horse girls at? In this episode, Ashley sits down with Jessica Paquette to talk about handicapping, finding your people, and learning life lessons from the horses in our lives. In this, the year of the horse, big things are on the horizon — including the Kentucky Derby, the Florida Derby, and PA Derby Day. 

Jessica is the track announcer and director of public relations at Parx Racing. She also hosts the Amateur Hour Podcast, an inclusive and open space for horse professionals and amateurs to discuss current events and the equestrian experience. 

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & Welcome

00:34 – Horse Racing Connections

02:15 – Learning the Game: Handicapping Stories

04:05 – Jessica’s Life Update & Horses

06:18 – Life Lessons from Horses

07:27 – Tough Winter & Race Calling Challenges

10:01 – Behind the Scenes: Race Calling & Handicapping Style

12:22 – Awards, Industry Recognition & Competition

14:33 – Kentucky Derby Trail & Top Horses

27:00 – Personal Life, Community & Industry Culture

What does it take to run a horse racing track? In this episode, Ashley catches up with one of her former co-workers, Scott Lishia, to find out. Scott recently became the new Director of Racing at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Pennsylvania, but has held many roles throughout the thoroughbred and harness horse racing industries. Their conversation covers everything from their time together working at the Maryland Jockey Club to Scott’s new role and some of his goals for Penn National this year! 

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction

00:36 – Scott’s Racing Roots & Career Journey

03:57 – From Operations to Regulation

08:19 – Different Perspectives in Racing

10:35 – Maryland Jockey Club and Triple Crown

18:40 – Favorite Racing Moments

23:23 – Harness vs. Thoroughbred Racing

32:13 – New Role at Penn National

37:22 – Industry Challenges & The Future of Racing

47:39 – Events, Fan Experience & What’s Next

50:49 – Hot Seat Questions

We’re back! Season 4 of Hot 2 Trot kicks off with a behind-the-scenes look at Foal Cam season. We are joined by Samantha Wilton and Rhiannon Swimelar, college students in Delaware Valley University’s equine program who are gaining real-world, hands-on experience. While balancing classes and campus life, they’re also taking on the responsibility of watching mares around the clock during one of the most important times of the breeding season. This episode offers a unique look at the dedication, learning opportunities, and excitement that come with being a student at DelVal University!

We’re kicking off a special Hot 2 Trot mini-series in partnership with Parx Racing and On The Rail! Meadow and Ashley sit down with Parx announcer and host of On The Rail, Jessica Paquette, to talk track vibes, standout storylines, and what’s coming next behind the scenes. If you love racing culture, insider moments, and the energy you only get when you’re trackside, this episode sets the tone for the entire series. Dive in and get the first look at what’s happening at Parx right now.

Welcome to the Hot 2 Trot 2025 Year-In-Review! In this episode, Meadow, Ashley, and Jaylin take you through every major moment that shaped Pennsylvania racing this year — Super Sunday at Harrah’s Philly, Sun Stakes at Pocono, the Penn Mile, the Adios, PA Day at the Races, the PA Derby, the Presque Isle Mile, the Masters, and more. We dive into standout performances, the storylines fans couldn’t stop talking about, and our own top memories. We also look ahead to 2026 with predictions, goals, and a New Year lightning round. Don’t miss it!

This week on Hot 2 Trot, Meadow and Ashley sit down with Averie Levanti, Executive Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Breeders Association, for a deep dive into the 2025 breeding season. We discuss what’s new in the PA stallion roster, what makes Pennsylvania’s breeding incentives so strong, and what breeders should be thinking about as the season approaches. Whether you’re a breeder, owner, fan, or just curious how the PA program works, this is a must-watch episode!

Join Meadow and Ashley on Hot 2 Trot as they sit down with jockey Ramon Moya, one of the most recognizable young riders on the PA circuit — both on the track and online. Ramon opens up about the grind of being a jockey and the standout moments of his career so far. He also dives into his massive social media presence, with 40K+ Instagram followers and 135K+ on TikTok, where he shares behind-the-scenes looks at jockey life, race clips, and day-in-the-life content that fans can’t get enough of!

On November 4, Ashley and Meadow traded in the track for the PA Farm Show Complex and went LIVE at the Harrisburg Black Book Sale! Tune in to see which special guests they talked to and hear all about the sale-day buzz.

It’s a Hot 2 Trot reunion! Meadow and Ashley catch up with former co-host Dawnelle Mock-Johnson, who’s now the Executive Director of the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association. Dawnelle shares what her role entails, her favorite moments from her first year leading the MSOA, and a few exciting life updates along the way!