In part two, Professor Doug Cantrell returns to discuss Cassius Clay’s political career, his diplomatic service under President Abraham Lincoln, and his lasting legacy as a progressive voice in a conservative time. From defending emancipation to serving as Ambassador to Russia, Clay’s fearless pursuit of justice took him far beyond Kentucky.

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In this episode, we dive into the early life and rise of Cassius Marcellus Clay, one of Kentucky’s most controversial and influential figures. Guest Professor Doug Cantrell joins us to explore Clay’s privileged upbringing, his education at Yale, and the ideological transformation that led him to become a staunch emancipationist in a deeply divided state.

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In this final installment of our three-part series on Alexander Keene Richards, we explore the lasting legacy of one of Kentucky’s most visionary horsemen. Author Gary A. O'Dell helps us reflect on how Richards’ bold efforts to revive the American Thoroughbred through Arabian and English bloodlines continue to influence modern horse racing.

Gary's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Reinventing-American-Thoroughbred-Adventures-Alexander/dp/0807183695

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In Part 2, we continue the fascinating tale of Alexander Keene Richards and turn to his second journey in 1855, accompanied by famed equine artist Edward Troye. This episode examines how Richards’ breeding innovations and Troye’s artistry combined to preserve the beauty, heritage, and stamina of the horses they encountered.

Gary's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Reinventing-American-Thoroughbred-Adventures-Alexander/dp/0807183695

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In this episode, we begin the extraordinary story of Alexander Keene Richards, a 19th-century horse breeder from Georgetown, Kentucky, whose bold vision reshaped American horse racing. Drawing from Gary O’Dell’s newly published book, Reinventing the American Thoroughbred, we explore Richards’ belief that American Thoroughbreds had lost their endurance and needed revitalization through bloodlines from pure Arabian horses.

Join us as we follow Richards’ daring journey into the Syrian desert in 1851—making him the first Westerner to bargain directly with Bedouin tribes for these prized horses. Discover how this Kentucky visionary brought endurance and excellence back to American racing, laying the groundwork for future champions.

Gary's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Reinventing-American-Thoroughbred-Adventures-Alexander/dp/0807183695

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In this compelling episode, historian James Prichard returns to explore a turbulent and often overlooked chapter in Kentucky history: the rise of vigilante justice in the late 1800s. As Kentucky struggled with post-Civil War lawlessness, economic transition, and rural isolation, citizens in several counties took the law into their own hands—forming vigilante groups that operated outside legal authority.

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Part 2 of our Butler County series with guest Tommy Hines continues the journey through the county’s rich and often dramatic past. We explore the impact of the Civil War, how Butler County navigated its divided loyalties, and the transformation that followed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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Welcome to Part 1 of our deep dive into Butler County, Kentucky with special guest Tommy Hines, Executive Director at South Union Shaker Village. In this episode, we explore the early history and settlement of Butler County. From Native American presence and frontier migration routes to the founding of towns and the evolution of agriculture and trade, Butler County has a rich and layered past.

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In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, we’re joined by Waylon Humphrey, Chief of Operations for the Louisville District, to explore the Corps’ enduring presence and impact in Louisville, Kentucky.

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As we reach the final chapter of our three-part series on the Civil War in Lincoln County, Kentucky, we're honored to have David Gambrel back as our guide. Join us for a deep dive into the legacy, reflections, and enduring impact of this pivotal period in American history. In this concluding episode, we'll explore the lasting reverberations of the Civil War on Lincoln County and its people. David Gambrel will offer valuable insights into how this tumultuous era shaped the community's identity and values. We'll reflect on the untold stories, the heroes who emerged, and the resilience that defined this region during the Civil War. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Civil War's enduring significance in Lincoln County, Kentucky. Subscribe and join us for a thought-provoking exploration that connects the past with the present.

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