In this episode, James sits down with Gwyn Artz to talk food and how her culinary journey led her to Lebanon, Kentucky. Gwyn shares her background in the culinary world, including attending culinary school in Poughkeepsie, working as a corporate chef, her experience as a personal chef, and the restaurant she owned here in Lebanon.

The conversation also digs into how the restaurant industry in Lebanon has changed over the years. James shares his own experience owning a restaurant in Lebanon and what that era was like from behind the scenes.

They also talk about Souper Tuesdays, where locals can show up and enjoy some truly great soups made with heart and experience.

🎶 This episode’s song is Dinner by Gary DeMichele from the Big Night soundtrack.

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, host James Spragens talks with Mike Thacker, who shares how what began as a motorcycle journey across the country ultimately led him to Marion County, Kentucky. Mike reflects on the Back to the Land movement and the communities that formed here as that movement grew from the 1960s into the 1970s, including Living Love, Cornucopia, Earthward Bound, F-Span, and others.

The conversation explores a time when people across the country were seeking a simpler, more self-sufficient way of life, building communes and collectives rooted in community, shared values, and a desire to live closer to the land and less tied to the outside world.

It’s a thoughtful look back at a unique chapter of local and national history, perfect to listen to while driving, relaxing, or whenever you have a few minutes to tune in.

🎶 This episode’s song is Let the Sunshine In by The 5th Dimension.

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, host James Spragens talks with Austin Brady, a familiar face who has recently stepped into local leadership. Before getting involved in the community, Austin spent seven years traveling the country as a truck driver. Hear about his life on the road, the places he’s seen, and the experiences that shaped him.

Now serving on the Chamber of Commerce board, Austin shares why he’s passionate about bringing new energy to downtown Lebanon and helping it thrive again.

It’s a grounded and engaging conversation, perfect to listen to while driving, cooking dinner, or whenever you have a few minutes to tune in.

🎶 This episode’s music selection is “Take Me With U” by Prince and The Revolution.

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, host James Spragens sits down with Rev. Steve Jester, the new pastor at Lebanon’s United Presbyterian Church. Rev. Jester shares how he once expected to go into law, then thought he might become an academic preacher before ultimately finding his calling as a community pastor.

Hear about the oldest complete Bible ever discovered, how influential Thomas Merton has been in his spiritual life, and a story about Merton’s connection to Lebanon. Along the way, you’ll hear how Lebanon was founded by Presbyterians in the 1700s.

It’s a thoughtful discussion, perfect to listen to while driving, taking a walk, or whenever you have a few minutes to tune in.

🎶 This episode’s song is “Right or Wrong” by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys.

People reacted, and we listened! Charles Lancaster Sr. is back for another episode of Mildly Amusing. In this conversation, we dive deep into Lebanon’s past, sharing stories of the Cecil Hotel, Jane Todd Inn and other local clubs, White’s Castle, the fair, downtown shops, snow days, and more. This episode is packed with memories and tales from years gone by.

It’s cold outside, but you can warm up with a little nostalgia— perfect to listen to while driving, sipping a hot drink, or whenever you have a few minutes to tune in.

In My Life by The Beatles is this episode’s song, a perfect soundtrack for remembering the people, places, and moments that shaped Lebanon and our lives.

In this episode, host James Spragens sits down with Maison Young, founder of the Lebanon Branch Preservation Trust. Their mission is to preserve the history of the Lebanon Branch of the L and N Railroad and nearby rail lines, keeping our rail heritage alive for the community to learn from.

Maison, an engineer by day and lifelong train enthusiast, shares how his passion for railroads started at a young age. He walks us through the important role railways have played in the growth of communities and industries in central Kentucky, and why he hopes to restore the Lebanon Branch between New Hope and Lebanon.

Climb aboard for a conversation filled with history, hometown pride, and a vision for the future of our rails.

You won’t hear a more beautiful radio voice than this man. Everyone knows Charles Lancaster, Sr. Hear about his childhood growing up in Lebanon, his connection to Jim Beam, and his part in the development of local neighborhoods. He recounts business ventures and some of Lebanon’s biggest milestones. Join us on a journey through Lebanon’s past, all the way up to the present day. And have you ever heard of varmint suppers? You’ll want to listen to this episode!

Music: “A Cottage For Sale” sung by the great Dinah Washington.  

https://youtu.be/KMpXnDXvdIk?si=Vmcywpksr5x8A3Jw

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, host James Spragens talks with Robin Humphress and Lynn D. Farris about all the exciting things happening at Kentucky Classic Arts. Lynn takes us back to the past days of community theatre, including when he had James as a student in Speech and Drama, while Robin shares what’s coming next for the organization.

Learn about the new building that will be opening soon, upcoming events, and the creative energy that keeps our local arts scene thriving.

There’s always something happening at our local arts center, and this conversation is your backstage pass. 

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, host James Spragens chats with Angela and Cody Rakes, the dynamic duo behind Loretto Motherhouse Farm and their own family farm. They share their backgrounds in agriculture, how they met, and how they found their way to running Loretto Motherhouse Farm.

Along the way, you’ll hear about the tobacco program, bottle calves, and the important work they’re doing at Loretto Motherhouse to reforest land and manage invasive species. Plus, they’ve been named this year’s Outstanding Young Farm Family!

🎧 You don’t want to miss the story of when sheep moved to Myrtledene! Full of farm stories, laughs, and a peek into the hard work and heart that go into keeping our local farms thriving, this episode is a must listen.

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, host James Spragens talks with State Senator Jimmy Higdon. Senator Higdon shares stories from his childhood, his years as a grocer, and how he made the leap into public office in 2001.

He reflects on his move from the House to the Senate, the hurdles he has faced, and the legislation he has helped shape. He also talks about the barrel tax, a major issue in Marion and Nelson counties, home to half of the world’s bourbon.

It’s a conversation full of history, insight, and a few laughs, perfect to listen to whenever you have a few minutes to tune in.

🎧 Hear how a small-town grocer became a long-serving leader for our community.