MoxieTalk with Kirt Jacobs

We're live when we talk with Ann from Churchill Downs on a rainy Kentucky Derby day, capturing all the excitement and derby highlights!

Join us as we experience the run for the roses, where the tradition of horse racing and the vibrant fashion of dress-up and sun hats truly make the event special!

Liam Gallagher is a Kentucky-based political strategist and policy advocate currently serving as Deputy State Director for Americans for Prosperity (AFP) – Kentucky.

Representing a new generation of leadership in the Commonwealth, Gallagher operates at the intersection of grassroots mobilization, legislative strategy, and public policy development.

While not a traditional public-facing political figure, he works at the operational and strategic core of modern advocacy—helping shape initiatives, coordinate stakeholders, and influence outcomes at the state level.

In his capacity as Deputy State Director, Gallagher plays a key leadership role in advancing AFP Kentucky's mission to promote free-market policies and limited-government principles.

His responsibilities include:

• Overseeing statewide grassroots engagement efforts

• Coordinating with legislators, policy leaders, and community stakeholders

• Supporting the development and execution of strategic policy initiatives

• Managing campaign operations and advocacy efforts across Kentucky

His work has included discussions on education policy, legislative reform, and broader economic initiatives, positioning him in the active policy dialogue shaping Kentucky's future.

• University of Louisville – Undergraduate Studies

• Kentucky Country Day School (KCD) – Secondary Education

During his time at the University of Louisville, Gallagher demonstrated early leadership by serving as a student senator in the Student Government Association (SGA).

This experience provided a foundational entry point into governance, public service, and institutional leadership.

Patriarch of the Uffer tribe (in red jacket) is Mr. Robert ("Bob") Uffer — Hospitality / Liberty Island Operations.

In this MoxieTalk, Bob has brought his 2 sons (Harrison & Jordan) and their ladies to the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs racetrack!

From Left to Right is: Anika Nichlany, Harrison Uffer, Host Kirt Jacobs, Jordan Uffer, Bob Uffer, and Marissa Iacona

Bob is a hospitality executive associated with food-service operations connected to Liberty Island (the location of the Statue of Liberty).

He has reportedly held a senior management role in food & beverage operations, overseeing hospitality services with more than 35 years of management and operational experience.

These types of roles typically involve managing: Restaurants and concessions serving visitors to the Statue of Liberty National Monument.

Staff and logistics for high-volume tourism operations. Vendor relationships and visitor hospitality services.

Liberty Island is federal land administered by the U.S. National Park Service.

Still, many visitor services are operated by private concession companies under contract (for example, food service, retail, and ferry-related hospitality).

Individuals like Robert Uffer typically work for concessionaires or hospitality firms that serve the millions of visitors to the Statue of Liberty each year!

osh Alcott is a private individual who attended the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

It is broadcast nationally and includes the usual pageantry, fashion, and individual spectators known for distinctive attire.

Josh Alcott, aka "The Mad Hatter," refers to his attire or persona at the running of the 151st Kentucky Derby, due to his "outrageous" Ky. Derby attire!

Allie and Micah are a private couple from Bend, Oregon, attending the 151st Kentucky Derby.

Featured briefly on MoxieTalk with Kirt Jacobs due to their highly imaginative and whimsical Derby attire

This is precisely the type of authentic, unscripted Derby color that has long made Churchill Downs culturally unique—especially in milestone runnings.

Alma Oralia Minerva Cooper (born March 17, 2002, in Okemos, Michigan) is a distinguished American soldier, scholar, and beauty queen whose career spans the intersecting worlds of military service, mathematics, and public representation. The daughter of a retired U.S. Army major and a Mexican immigrant mother who once competed in pageants herself, Cooper identifies as African American Latina and embodies the values of discipline, intellect, and cultural pride. Graduating a year early from Okemos High School in 2019, she was accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she majored in mathematical science and graduated in 2023. Upon commissioning as a U.S. Army officer, she pursued graduate study at Stanford University as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, working toward a master's degree in statistics with a data-science concentration while preparing for a future assignment within the Military Intelligence Corps.

Beyond her academic and military pursuits, Cooper achieved national recognition in 2024 when she was crowned Miss Michigan USA, later winning the title of Miss USA 2024. Her victory was historic: she became one of the first active-duty Army officers ever to hold the Miss USA crown, symbolizing the modern convergence of service, scholarship, and social advocacy. Throughout her reign, Cooper has used her platform to promote STEM education, leadership development, and cross-cultural understanding, positioning herself as a new generation role model who bridges the worlds of defense, data, and diplomacy with grace and purpose.

Beard fame: A Cincinnati roofer turned local icon, Garey gained widespread attention for his award-winning full beard, which became a fixture at Cincinnati Bengals games. He has been featured in New Era ads and recognized globally as the "Beard Guy."

Achievements: Won the Full Beard Freestyle category at the National Beard & Mustache Championships. Placed third at the 2019 World Beard & Mustache Championship.

Fan persona: Often seen at Bengals home games, Garey's signature beard and game-day attire made him a fan favorite. He has hosted charity fundraisers, including one that raised money to enable a young fan with brittle bone disease to attend NFL games across the U.S. In a 2015 feature, he shared the story: his beard began as a charity bet—not shaving for a year—and evolved into years of civic engagement and fan passion.

Charity Work: Known for generous community efforts, especially fundraising campaigns tied to his beard persona and Bengals spirit. Garey Faulkner isn't just about facial hair—he's a beloved local figure whose enthusiasm for the Bengals and community has made his beard a symbol of pride.

Whether cheering in the stands, supporting a child's dream, or turning heads at competitions, Garey is recognized for combining flair with heartfelt civic-mindedness.

Abbie Stockard, who was crowned Miss America 2025 on January 5, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, is a 22-year-old nursing student at Auburn University in Alabama.

At just 22 years old, she has already distinguished herself as a role model of resilience, service, and leadership, becoming only the 4th woman from Alabama to hold the crown.

Born on July 26, 2002, and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Abbie is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School. She continued her education at Auburn University's College of Nursing, where she became deeply involved in campus life as a student recruiter, a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, and a dancer with the Tiger Paws team. Her long-term goal is to earn a doctorate in nurse anesthesia, with a specialization in pediatric medicine.

Her pageant journey began with the title of Miss Hoover 2024, leading to her victory as Miss Alabama 2024. That same year, she stepped onto the national stage and captured the Miss America crown, winning a $50,000 scholarship to further her studies.

As Miss America, Abbie uses her platform to advocate for families impacted by cystic fibrosis, serving as an ambassador for the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Her work brings vital awareness to the need for research, education, and support—an extension of her lifelong passion for healthcare and helping others. Guided by her personal motto, "Choose Joy," she inspires audiences with her commitment to service and unwavering optimism.

Outside her public duties, Abbie remains grounded, sharing her journey on social media and balancing life with grace.

She is also in a relationship with NBA player Walker Kessler, a reminder that even in the spotlight, she remains true to herself and genuine.

From Birmingham to the Miss America stage, Abbie Stockard is living proof that perseverance and purpose can carry dreams to remarkable heights.

Her story is one of joy, service, and an unwavering belief in the power of making a difference.

She previously held the title Miss Alabama 2024 and is recognized for her advocacy for children's health and awareness of cystic fibrosis.

Good times and priceless moments with the personalities that made up the "sea of Humanity" that made for a very festive crowd on a very WET Kentucky Derby 151!

This time we cross paths with the one and only Bruce Asmussen-aka-"THE PBR PATRIOT".

Soozie is a film director, producer, & environmental advocate based in Louisville, Kentucky.

She is notably recognized for her work in documentary filmmaking, with a focus on environmental and health-related topics.

Critical aspects of Soozie Eastman's career and contributions include:

1. Documentary Filmmaking: Eastman has produced and directed documentary films that often highlight environmental and health issues. Her work in this field focuses on raising awareness and educating the public on important topics.
2. Environmental Advocacy: In line with her professional work, Eastman advocates ecological conservation and sustainability. Her films and other projects often aim to inspire action and change in these areas.
3. "Overload: America's Toxic Love Story": One of her notable projects is the documentary "Overload: America's Toxic Love Story," which explores the issue of chemical exposure in everyday life and its impact on health. This film reflects her dedication to highlighting lesser-known environmental and health problems.
4. Community Engagement: Eastman is involved in her local community in Louisville, engaging in initiatives that promote environmental awareness and sustainability.
5. Educational and Public Speaking Roles: In addition to her filmmaking, Eastman may also engage in academic roles, public speaking, and presentations, where she shares her expertise and insights on environmental issues, filmmaking, and advocacy.

An American filmmaker and producer based in Louisville, Kentucky.

She has been involved in various documentary and narrative filmmaking projects, as well as film festival administration.

Eastman has been recognized for her work, particularly in documentary films that delve into social and environmental issues.

She has produced and directed Overload: America's Toxic Love Story, By the Wayside, and Meant to Be.

Soozie Eastman has also been involved in the Louisville film community, often serving as a proponent of the arts and filmmaking in the region.

She has collaborated with several organizations to promote filmmaking as both an art form and a viable career option for aspiring artists in Kentucky and beyond.