When Michael Kidd-Gilchrist first met Meg Shake in 2011, he asked her if she would be going to the Final Four. “Probably not,” Shake responded. “Why? Are you going to the Final Four?” 

“Yeah,” Kidd-Gilchrist replied. And the freshman basketball player was correct. He would, in fact, help his Kentucky team get to the 2012 Final Four in New Orleans. And while his coaches and teammates provided guidance, he would discover that he also needed the help of his speech pathologist — Meg Shake. 

Because MKG had a secret — a crippling stutter, something he’d never learned to control. Instead, he coped by avoiding speaking situations. But being a part of the hugely successful Wildcat basketball team made hiding impossible. So, he and Shake went to work. And now, more than a decade later, they share their story. We’re speaking up and speaking out … on this episode of The Way Podcast.  

First, she thought she wanted to be pre-med, but she ended up falling in love with research and data. Then, there was another question: What should she study? That was answered when a dangerous bout of sepsis wrecked her body, giving her a new interest to investigate. Now, she’s looking at similar instances in burn victims. 

For Allison Owen, PhD, her work is about finding new passions, and following those questions wherever they lead. So follow us as we go looking for something new to study … on this episode of The Way Podcast.

He’s taught students here in America. He’s helped create academic programs in foreign countries. He’s set up not one, but two separate stores at the Peddler’s Mall in Richmond, Ky. And last spring, he became the newest member of the College of Health Sciences Hall of Fame. This month, we’re talking to Emeritus Faculty David Fahringer.

Throughout his life, he’s found countless ways to help others. Why? Because he says he’s been called to do so — and because, he says, the University of Kentucky gave him so very much in his life. Once again, come with us — we’re Finding Ways to Help … on this episode of The Way Podcast. 

This month, as College of Health Sciences students arrive back on campus for the fall semester, we get to step into the classroom with Dr. Leslie Woltenberg. And it is here that we learn about many things … like, how we figure out what we want in our lives, and the importance of mentorship, and the legends that are Pat and Agnes. We also learn a new word — sonder. 

But in the end, we learn about why Dr. Woltenberg is one of the most beloved professors in CHS. She is relatable and genuine in every sense of the word. So, come with us — we’re Learning Through Story … on this episode of The Way Podcast. 

There are at least two reasons why Dr. Nick Heebner loves what he’s doing as Director of the Sports Medicine Research Institute here in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Kentucky. One, he’s naturally curious about the world; two, he wants to help others. His role, then, is perfect, as he gets to investigate problems and help those people — doctors, nurses, soldiers, firefighters and police, to name a few — who spend their time helping us. 

Heebner, who was recently named a UK Research Professor for 2025, also loves the outdoors, and this seemingly opposing view of the world (as he spends much of his working time in the lab) really makes sense: Even when he’s in the lab, he’s still thinking about how people are active. Come with us — we’re Helping the Helpers with Dr. Nick Heebner … on this episode of The Way Podcast. 

Don’t exercise because you have to. Exercise because you want to. That’s the message Dr. Dee Dlugonski wants to share with people — especially young women. As director of the Active Girls Healthy Women Program in the Sports Medicine Research Institute, and an Associate Professor in the College of Health Sciences, Dlugonski is trying to help young women move. Why? Because, as she has studied, there is a connection between young women exercising and having a positive outlook on life.

From conducting research to helping out in the community, the professor and her students are doing good for young women. Come with us — we’re Having Fun and Getting Active with Dr. Dee Dlugonski … on this episode of The Way Podcast. 

Last summer, Avery Skinner became the first University of Kentucky volleyball player to play in the Olympic Games — and she also happens to be an alumna of the College of Health Sciences.

A 2021 graduate of the Communications Sciences and Disorders program, Avery first helped UK win a national championship in her senior volleyball season. Then she helped lead the United States to a silver medal in summer 2024. In this interview, we learn about what it’s like to participate in the Olympics, and how a CHS degree can prepare you as a leader on the international athletic stage.

One of our University’s most successful athletes in her sport, as well as one of our most beloved students in her major, Avery is taking on the world, one set at a time. Come with us as we’re Going International with UK Alumna Avery Skinner … on this episode of The Way Podcast. 

Emily Goodman’s inspiration comes from her mother. That’s why the 23-year-old, who is now a third-year PA student from Grayson, Ky., wants to fight for others, to make sure they receive the care they deserve.

Soon she’ll be a PA serving in a rural area — and even before that, she’ll have an award to help her along the way.

Emily was the first winner of the UKPA Commitment to Rural Health Award, an honor reserved for UKPA Morehead campus students who demonstrate a commitment to rural health. It is eligible to students following the end of their didactic phase of training and includes a variable cash award given in their summer semester. It could not have gone to a better recipient.

Come with us as we re-dedicate ourselves to our dreams. We’re Finding Our Why … on this episode of The Way Podcast.

Laura Duncan graduated college, moved to a new town, got a job and thought that was going to be her career. Then, life took a turn — her children needed a place to feel comfortable and compete in athletics — which caused her to come up with an idea. Quickly, that idea became a completely new cause, one that she found herself leading. After all, about 15 percent of the world’s population has a disability.

Now, Duncan is a pediatric physical therapist with the Jefferson County Public Schools, but also serves as co-director and founder of the Adapted Sports Program in Louisville, Ky., where 300 children with physical disabilities are able to compete against one another — as well as athletes from other cities — in events like wheelchair basketball, archery and track and field.

Come with us as we learn how the Adapted Sports Program became a reality — and where it’s going to go from here. We’re Finding a Place to Play … on this episode of The Way Podcast.

See Laura on Louisville’s news channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNKVq33Day4

For the second year in a row, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we are pleased to feature two amazing faculty in the College of Health Sciences — who also just happen to be married. CHS assistant professor Dr. Jean Fry and CHS CMB associate director Dr. Chris Fry live together and work together — in fact, their offices are right next to each other.

And they’re also parents to a 5-year-old son. Still, they find time to participate in their own interests, from bodybuilding to songwriting. It’s what helps them keep their own identities, they say.

Come with us as we learn from another fascinating CHS couple. We’ll discuss everything from growing up to first dates to professional research … all on this episode of The Way Podcast.