On Track

Improv isn’t just about being funny—it’s about listening, trusting, and learning to say “yes, and.” On this episode, we talk with The Louisville Improvisers, Chris Anger and Brian Hinds, about how improv can build confidence, spark connection, and even help us heal.

The news is hard to tune out, even when we want to. And we each draw our own line between being an informed citizen and being overwhelmed by news fatigue. On this episode, we talk about finding where that line is for you, and how to take care of your mental health when the news starts to feel like too much.

Guests:

• Ja'Nel Johnson-Phillips,Director of Training & Curriculum for the Solutions Journalism Network
• Dr. Christal Badour, co-director of the University of Kentucky Clinic for Emotional Health

Bourbon is more than just a spirit. It’s a symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural pride that’s become synonymous with Kentucky. But it isn’t immune to the modern challenges of global trade disputes and shifting consumer habits. So what’s next for the bourbon industry? And how is it holding up in a time of tariffs and mocktails? We’ll talk about it with Maggie Kimberl, Content Editor of American Whiskey Magazine.

Arbor Day is just around the corner—a day to celebrate the importance of trees that give us shade, cleaner air and healthier communities. And a 2015 report showed Louisville’s trees needed some love. Our tree canopy was shrinking. On this episode, we find out what’s been done since then to take care of our city’s trees, and how we can all help, with Morgan Grubbs, Programs Director of TreesLouisville.

It’s fair to say Louisville isn’t exactly renowned for great public transportation. And with TARC facing a financial crisis, this could be a pivotal moment. So on this episode, we talk with public transit advocates about what the future could look like here, and why transportation options are so important to a city’s success.

Guests:

• Chris Glasser, President of Streets For People, a Louisville-based nonprofit advocating for safe and convenient walking, biking, and transit
• Michael Blackwood, co-manager of the Get on the Bus campaign by the Louisville Democratic Socialists of America

TARC is facing a serious financial crisis. And at the same time, it’s reimagining what its future could look like through the TARC 2025 planning process. On this episode, TARC’s Executive Director Ozzy Gibson helps us understand the challenges, and what’s ahead.

Trailblazing hip-hop artist MC Lyte has released her first album in nine years, and she’s now on the road with her "1 of 1: Reflections of Lyte" tour. She’ll be in Louisville on April 5, and joins us to talk about why she decided to go back into the studio, and what it was like being a woman in the early days of hip-hop.

This year has already been a whirlwind in national politics. But what’s going on at the state levels of government? In Kentucky, lawmakers just wrapped up their annual session. We talk about what went through, what it all means, and what could come next, with Sylvia Goodman, Kentucky Public Radio's Capitol Reporter.