MoxieTalk with Kirt Jacobs

Amber Martinez is of Scottish, Spanish, and Dutch descent.

She was born in a small town in Kansas on August 30th.

Amber Martinez had many years of experience as a TV Host before moving to Los Angeles in 2008.

She has appeared in films such as Rough Night, Madness in the Method, The Employer, Senior Entourage, and many others.

She appears in the fast-paced action film "Bond of Justice: Kizuna," starring in her role as the character "Rita."

Amber Martinez has appeared in such Television shows as "N.C.I.S.," "S.W.A.T.," "Why Women Kill," Marvel's "WandaVision," "Animal Kingdom," "Jane the Virgin," "Homeland," "68 Whiskey", "Atypical," "Dirty John," "Dollface," and many others. Amber Martinez's first television appearance was in 1998 on T.P.S. Television, where she stayed as a TV Host until 2002.

She acted in a film, "Love of Dogs: Dog Rescue Beyond Borders, " in the Documentary Corner for the Marche du Film 2017, for the Cannes Film Festival 2017.

Amber Martinez also had multiple films through her projects with M.B.E. Entertainment, including three "official selections" for Animaze Daze at the Cannes Film Festival 2017.

In November 2020, she was made an official judge of the 2021 Asian Film Festival. In addition to this, Amber Martinez is a great humanitarian and philanthropist.

When she is not working on an entertainment project, she spends her free time aiding various charities.

Born on August 4, 1970, in Rumson, New Jersey, Baier is best known for his work with the Fox News Channel.

He is the anchor of "Special Report with Bret Baier," a weekday evening newscast on Fox News covering various political and current event topics.

Baier began his career in television news in local markets, including Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Raleigh, North Carolina stations.

He joined Fox News Channel in 1998, initially working from the Atlanta bureau.

In 2001, he moved to the network's Pentagon bureau and covered the Pentagon and the U.S. military, including reporting from Iraq and Afghanistan.

In 2009, Baier took over as the "Special Report" anchor from Brit Hume, the program's previous anchor.

Under Baier's leadership, "Special Report" has been known for its in-depth coverage of Washington D.C. politics and current events, often featuring panels of experts and analysts.

In addition to anchoring, Bret Baier has also been involved in Fox News' political coverage, including hosting and moderating presidential debates and election coverage.

He's known for his straight-news reporting style and has been acknowledged for maintaining a more balanced and non-partisan approach, especially considering the generally conservative-leaning of Fox News.

Baier has authored several books, including "Special Heart: A Journey of Faith, Hope, Courage, and Love," which details his son's battle with congenital heart disease and the family's experiences navigating the medical system.

Patricia Barnstable-Brown is an American actress, model, and philanthropist. She is perhaps best known for her acting work, including her role in the "Quark" series, which aired in 1978. However, she gained significant attention and fame alongside her identical twin sister, Priscilla Barnstable, as the "Doublemint Twins" in the well-known advertising campaign for Doublemint gum by the Wrigley Company. The ad campaign featured twins to highlight the "double" freshness and "double" flavor of the gum, and Patricia and her sister were among the most recognizable faces associated with it.

Beyond her entertainment career, Patricia Barnstable-Brown has made notable contributions as a philanthropist, particularly in healthcare. She is one of the co-hosts of the annual Barnstable Brown Gala, a high-profile charity event held in Louisville, Kentucky, during the Kentucky Derby weekend. The gala is renowned for its celebrity guest list and has raised millions of dollars for diabetes research. The Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at the University of Kentucky is named in recognition of the substantial contributions from the gala.

The Barnstable Brown Gala is considered one of the premier events of the Kentucky Derby weekend, attracting a range of celebrities, business leaders, and other high-profile individuals. Given its social prominence and philanthropic impact, local and national media have covered the event widely.

Lovely, sunny, and vibrant blonde bombshell Patricia Barnstable was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 23, 1951. She's the identical twin sister of Cyb Barnstable and the daughter of Dale and Wilma Barnstable. Patricia graduated from Seneca High School in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1969. In 1971, she was entered into a beauty contest by her mother; she won the title of Miss Kentucky and was the fifth-place runner-up in the Mis USA pageant. Barnstable attended the University of Kentucky, earning degrees in speech and theater. Patricia began her career in show business in 1972 along with her sister Cyb, singing and dancing in Bob Hope's last USO Christmas tour of Vietnam.

Moreover, both siblings appeared in TV commercials for Doublemint Gum and are featured together on the covers of a handful of national magazines, including Redbook and Good Housekeeping. Patricia and Cyb both portrayed spaceship pilots named Betty — one's a clone, and the other is human — on the hilarious but sadly short-lived science fiction comedy series "Quark." In addition, the Barnstable sisters also acted together on episodes of the television shows "The Love Boat" and "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color" as well as the made-for-TV movie "Operating Room." Patricia co-founded the Barnstable Brown Foundation with her sister Cyb and mother Wilma; this organization has raised over $2 million for Diabetes Research. She's the mother of a son, Christopher. Patricia still lives in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, and serves as the annual Kentucky Derby Eve party hostess with her sister Cyb.

Richie Sambora is an American rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer best known for his work as the lead guitarist of the rock band Bon Jovi. Born on July 11, 1959, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Sambora joined Bon Jovi in 1983, shortly before the band achieved massive commercial success. He remained with the group until 2013, contributing to some of their most iconic hits and albums. During his tenure with Bon Jovi, the band released several multi-platinum albums, including "Slippery When Wet" (1986) and "New Jersey" (1988), which featured hits like "Livin' on a Prayer," "You Give Love a Bad Name," and "Wanted Dead or Alive."

Richie Sambora is known for his virtuosic guitar playing, incorporating blues, rock, and metal elements. His playing style often features intricate solos, fingerpicking, and the use of a variety of techniques and effects. He is also praised for his songwriting abilities; he co-wrote many of Bon Jovi's hits with lead singer Jon Bon Jovi.

In addition to his work with Bon Jovi, Sambora has released several solo albums, starting with "Stranger in This Town" in 1991. His solo work often explores musical directions different from his band efforts, incorporating elements of blues, R&B, and other genres.

Sambora has also collaborated with various other artists in different capacities, from guest appearances to songwriting collaborations. Furthermore, he has received numerous awards and accolades over his career, including multiple Grammy Awards as a member of Bon Jovi.

Although he parted ways with Bon Jovi in 2013, citing a desire to spend more time with his family, he has continued active in the music industry, participating in various projects and occasionally performing live.

Edelen, a native of Springfield, Kentucky, grew up in a financially challenged household while her mother battled a brain tumor throughout her childhood.

As a Washington County High School student, Edelen found solace in her family and consumer sciences teacher, Sarah Raikes, who influenced her to apply for the Kentucky Governor's Scholars program. Edelen's childhood experience is one of the main reasons she chose to be open and vulnerable in her role as Miss Kentucky to show Kentuckians what is possible through mentorship, scholarship opportunities, & dreaming big.

When Edelen graduated from high school & found herself at Northern Kentucky University, she jumped in with both feet. The first-generation college student was nothing short of heavily involved during her time on campus. She was a resident assistant (RA), an orientation leader, the vice president of public relations and later president of NKU's Student Government Association, a member of NKU's Board of Regents, vice president of operations for her Kappa Delta Sorority Eta Eta Chapter and an intern in NKU's Office of Government, Corporate and Foundation Engagement.

"I always think of NKU as home base for me. I came to NKU not knowing a single person, and I had to create a community up here, which I was excited about," she says. "The way NKU embraced me and the opportunities it gave me was amazing. The type of people who work at NKU would bend over backward to help you succeed. It was like family to me, & I'm so thankful for that. I couldn't imagine having a better experience during my undergraduate career."

When Edelen planned her post-NKU future, she considered public policy and worked as a communications intern for the City of Covington. She was also a state General Assembly intern, but her trajectory changed while working in Washington, D.C., as a public policy congressional intern. After experiencing a life-changing relationship with a teacher, she realized her passion was for children and education.

"Even though I had a great experience, I just didn't feel like I was able to connect with kids and make a meaningful impact like I wanted to," Edelen says.

During her senior year, Edelen began working as an instructional assistant at Holmes Middle School within the Covington Independent School District. After graduating from NKU in 2020 with degrees in communication and history, she began a two-year contract with Teach for America, an alternative certification program for teachers. She taught social studies and English to sixth graders.

"This experience has shown me that I can contribute to this world. I'm thinking about myself as a contributor in this world & how we all can be that—regardless of your background.

We can make a meaningful impact, and as long as you're leading authentically and lovingly, I think other people will see that, too."

Edelen is no stranger to being on stage. While juggling teaching and competing in several local and regional pageants, she earned her ticket to the Miss Kentucky competition in 2022. Considering her passion for children, it's no surprise that Edelen chose an initiative involving education: Read Ready Kentucky, which is inspired by the local Covington initiative Read Ready Covington. During Edelen's time working for the city, she became passionate about the cause and brought this initiative across the state in collaboration with Mayor Joe Meyer.

"Read Ready Kentucky is a social impact initiative," she says. "Every young woman has a social impact initiative. It's a passion they speak to, & for me, it's reading and education. How can we, as a community, help what's happening within our schools?"

And now Read Ready Kentucky has taken off—it's a registered nonprofit organization that focuses on literacy and teaching children how to use their skills to impact those around them. Read Ready Kentucky partnered with the Covington Police Department for Read with Covington PD, an event that distributed free books and activities to kids for the summer. The program also partnered with the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana to create a Read Ready Kentucky patch available to more than 20,000 Girl Scouts in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Edelen hopes to create little libraries across the state of Kentucky.

"I have a great group of people who are also passionate about reading, and together we've done many different things," she says. "I'm just thankful to have a lot of people around me who believe in me and want to see my visions come to life."

Those visions don't end with her title. Edelen, who always enjoyed writing, completed her master's in education policy and evaluation from the University of Kentucky and wanted to publish children's books. So, Hank the Horse was born. "Hank the Horse and the Case of the Missing Eggs" is a book about information literacy, and it's all about kids questioning what they hear.

"When you grow up in rural Kentucky, and your internet access is limited, you find ways to keep yourself busy," she says. "I loved writing short stories. I wanted to write a book, and I was inspired by the last election and how many people were accepting information as is but not questioning it. I felt that is an important skill we should teach kids—not to accept everything as fact."

After the success of her first book, Edelen recently published a second one, "Hank the Horse and Kentucky Proud," which was created in honor of her two nieces.

"My two nieces, Madelynn and Taylor, are my brother's children; I love them so much. They're so special to my life, and I wanted other kids—little farm kids—to feel represented in a children's book. So, in this book, they go on a journey and learn all about what Kentucky proud is."

As her time as Miss Kentucky ends this summer, Edelen looks forward to creating educational opportunities across the state—and eventually throughout the country—in any way she can. That's why she called her platform Read, Ready, America when she competed in the Miss America competition in December.

But her aspirations don't end there. One day, she'd like to be the U.S. Secretary of Education.

"I'm hoping to take this experience and make it something bigger than just a sash and a crown," she says. "This experience has shown me that I can contribute to this world. I'm thinking about myself as a contributor and how we all can be that—regardless of your background. We can make a meaningful impact, and as long as you're leading authentically and lovingly, I think other people will see that, too."

It's worth noting that the Miss Kentucky title is part of a more extensive pageant system that often includes the Miss America Organization or the Miss USA Organization, among others.

These competitions are annual events, and titleholders can change every year. Therefore, it's possible that Hannah Edelen could be a recent titleholder or contestant after my last update.

Miss Kentucky pageants generally include various rounds of competition, such as interview, swimsuit or fitness, evening wear, and talent, depending on the specific organization.

The winners often receive scholarship money and go on to represent Kentucky in national competitions, such as Miss America or Miss USA.

Beyond that, they usually engage in various activities, including public appearances, charity work, and advocacy for social issues.

Randy Travis is an American country music singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor. He was born Randy Bruce Traywick on May 4, 1959, in Marshville, North Carolina.

He is one of the key figures in the country music genre, particularly famous for his contributions to the neotraditional country movement of the 1980s and 1990s.

Travis gained prominence when country music was veering towards a pop-influenced sound, and he is credited with helping to bring the genre back to its traditional roots.

Randy Travis gained fame with his debut album, "Storms of Life," released in 1986. The album was a commercial and critical success, featuring hits such as "On the Other Hand" and "1982."

Throughout his career, he has released over 20 studio albums and charted over 50 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including sixteen that reached the No. 1 spot.

Songs like "Forever and Ever, Amen," "I Told You So," and "Three Wooden Crosses" are considered staples in the country music genre.

Travis has won numerous awards, including Grammy Awards, Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, and Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards.

His influence in the genre has been recognized through various lifetime achievement awards, and he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016.

In addition to his music career, Randy Travis has acted in various films and television shows, including roles in movies like "The Rainmaker" (1997) and TV series such as "Touched by an Angel."

Unfortunately, Travis suffered from a severe stroke in 2013, which significantly impacted his ability to perform and led to a period of rehabilitation. Since then, his public appearances have been limited, but he has made efforts to return to the public eye, including occasional performances and involvement in the release of his memoir, "Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith, and Braving the Storms of Life," in 2019.

Billy Gilman is an American singer known for his country and pop music career. He gained national attention at the young age of 11 with the release of his debut album "One Voice," which was certified double Platinum in the United States. The album's title track became a Top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, making Gilman one of the youngest performers ever to have a hit song on the country charts. Born William Wendell Gilman III on May 24, 1988, in Westerly, Rhode Island, he was interested in music from a young age and was encouraged by his family to pursue his talent.

Career Milestones:

1. Early Career: Gilman was discovered by Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel, who helped him get a recording contract with Epic Records.
2. Initial Success: His debut album "One Voice" was released in 2000, earning him a Grammy nomination, among other accolades.
3. Subsequent Releases: After the success of his debut, he released additional albums like "Dare to Dream" (2001) and "Music Through Heartsongs" (2003), although these did not replicate the success of his debut.
4. Transition to Adult Career: As he matured, his voice changed, which presented a challenge for his career as a country artist. During this period, he took a hiatus to reassess his career and vocal style.
5. Public Coming Out: In 2014, Gilman publicly came out as gay. He has since become an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has discussed the challenges of being a gay artist in the country music industry.
6. The Voice: In 2016, Gilman appeared on the eleventh season of the American TV show "The Voice," where he was a contestant on Team Adam Levine. He ended up as the runner-up, and his performances garnered significant attention and revived interest in his career.
7. Recent Projects: Post-"The Voice," Gilman has continued to record music, shifting more towards the pop and adult contemporary genres. He has released singles and has been active on social media platforms to engage with his fans.

Influence and Legacy:

Billy Gilman's early success helped pave the way for other young artists in the country music scene. However, his career trajectory also serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges child stars may face as they transition into adulthood. His coming out and advocacy work have also contributed to the ongoing conversation about LGBTQ+ representation in country music.

He has won several awards and accolades throughout his career, and his story continues to captivate both fans and the media alike.

Grace Stanke is studying Nuclear Engineering at the University of Wisconsin and plays the classical violin. She is also a competitive waterskier, loves to travel, and is a foodie.

Grace's world changed in January 2023; after 3 action-packed nights showcasing talent, interview skills, and social impact achievements, representing her home state as Miss Wisconsin, she was crowned 2023 Miss America. She awarded $50,000 in scholarship assistance for winning.

Miss America's primary function is to serve as an inspiration and role model for young women while sharing her passion and life story and continuing the legacy of the Miss America competition.

This was the 3rd time Wisconsin had been crowned Miss America in the illustrious history of the iconic institution.

Grace was left speechless on stage to a standing ovation at the 101st Anniversary Miss America competition Thursday night inside the award-winning Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

As 2023 Miss America, Stanke, 20, will earn an appearance contract and travel throughout the US during her reign as a representative of Miss America.

Stanke, who earned a cumulative total of $68,000+ in scholarship as an "instance through" her state and Miss America competitions, will use her national platform to continue advocating for "Clean Energy – Cleaner Future." Stanke is in her senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she is currently majoring in nuclear engineering. Her social impact initiative aims to dispel myths about nuclear energy and"inspire the next generation of female scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. For the talent portion of the competition, Stanke performed a piece from "Vivaldi's Summer/Four Seaso"s – Storm" on her electric lin.

Bobby Flay is a renowned American chef, restaurateur, and television personality specializing in various culinary styles, most notably in Southwestern and Mediterranean cuisines.

Below is a comprehensive overview of his life, career, and contributions to the culinary world:

Early Life:

1. Birth and Upbringing: Bobby Flay was born on December 10, 1964, in New York City, United States.
2. Initial Interest: He discovered his passion for cooking at an early age and dropped out of high school at age 17 to pursue a career in the culinary arts.

Culinary Training:

1. French Culinary Institute: Flay is an alumnus of the French Culinary Institute (now known as the International Culinary Center) in New York City, where he earned his degree in culinary arts.

Restaurant Ventures:

1. Mesa Grill: In 1991, Flay opened Mesa Grill, his first restaurant, which gained immediate acclaim for its Southwestern cuisine.
2. Other Restaurants: Over the years, Flay has opened multiple restaurants, including Bar Americain and Bobby Flay Steak, among others.

Television and Media:

1. Cooking Shows: Flay has hosted several cooking shows, including "Boy Meets Grill," "Grill It! with Bobby Flay," and "Beat Bobby Flay."
2. Appearances: He has been a guest on various food and cooking-related shows and has appeared on reality TV programs like "Iron Chef America."
3. Cookbooks: Flay has authored multiple cookbooks that have garnered significant sales and acclaim.

Accolades and Achievements:

1. James Beard Award: Flay has won several prestigious culinary awards, including multiple James Beard Awards.
2. Television Awards: His television shows have also won awards, further establishing his credentials as a chef and a media personality.

Culinary Style:

1. Signature Style: Flay is known for his bold flavors and the ability to blend ingredients from various cuisines. His cooking often features grilling techniques and robust seasonings.
2. Influence: He has been a significant influence in popularizing Southwestern and Mediterranean cuisines in the United States.

Personal Life:

1. Privacy: While his professional life is well-documented, Flay tends to keep his personal life relatively private, although he has been public about some relationships and has a daughter, Sophie Flay.

Criticisms and Controversies:

1. Culinary Purism: While acclaimed, Flay has also faced criticism from purists who question his reinterpretations of traditional dishes.
2. Media Presence: His pervasive media presence has led to debates on whether celebrity chefs like him overshadow traditional, less-visible culinary artisans.

Bobby Flay is a famous American chef, restaurateur, and TV personality.

He is known for his expertise in Southwest cuisine and appearances on various Food Network shows, such as Iron Chef America, Beat Bobby Flay, and BBQ Brawl.

He has also written several cookbooks and owns several restaurants and franchises across the U.S.

He was born on December 10, 1964, in New York City.

He started his culinary career at age 17.

He has been married and divorced three times and has a daughter named Sophie.

He is currently dating Christina Pérez, a writer and former model.

Mark Ingram II is an American professional football player who has primarily played the running back position in the National Football League (NFL).

Ingram has enjoyed a highly successful career, which includes a Heisman Trophy win in college and multiple Pro Bowl selections in the NFL.

Below are critical aspects of his career and life:

1. Early Life and College Career:
   • Mark Ingram Jr. was born in Hackensack, New Jersey, on December 21, 1989.
   • He attended the University of Alabama and played for the Alabama Crimson Tide under head coach Nick Saban.
   • Ingram won the Heisman Trophy in 2009, becoming the first player in the University of Alabama's history to win the award.
   • He was instrumental in Alabama's BCS National Championship victory for the 2009 season.
2. NFL Career:
   • Draft: Ingram was drafted in the first round (28th overall pick) of the 2011 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.
   • New Orleans Saints: Ingram played for the Saints from 2011 to 2018. He was vital to the Saints' offensive scheme and earned multiple Pro Bowl selections during his tenure.
   • Baltimore Ravens: Ingram signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2019 and played for two seasons. The Ravens released him after the 2020 season.
   • Houston Texans and Subsequent Moves: Ingram briefly played for the Houston Texans during the 2021 season before being traded to the New Orleans Saints, rejoining his former team. He has also had brief stints with other NFL teams, indicative of the ever-changing landscape of professional football.
3. Accolades and Achievements:
   • Ingram is a multiple-time Pro Bowl selection.
   • He has also been named to Second-team All-Pro and has received other honors throughout his career, emphasizing his skill and value as a running back.
4. Playing Style and Skills:
   • Known for his agility and strength, Ingram is effective as a runner and a pass-catcher out of the backfield. He is admired for his versatility and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
5. Legacy and Community Involvement:
   • In addition to his on-field achievements, Ingram is known for his community service activities and charitable contributions, which include youth football camps and other initiatives.
6. Personal Life:
   • Mark Ingram II is the son of former NFL wide receiver Mark Ingram Sr., who also had a lengthy NFL career.