Our special guest this time around has such an impressive story to tell, we are splitting it up into two episodes!! Meet Stefanie Putnam of Oldham County, who has a rich history in equestrian competition, and has continued to build on this history despite a 2009 spinal cord injury! Shortly after her incident, Stefanie discovered carriage driving as a means of staying actively engaged with horses. Come along as she describes the nature of her injury, the steps she took to bounce back from it, and the manner in which she was drawn to carriage driving. She also describes the accommodations that enable her to be a competitive force in carriage driving, and the research pursuits that led her to Kentucky from California in 2017. Stefanie's incredible story will continue next week, when we'll learn how her amazing service dogs have assisted her in the realm of competition, along with other aspects of her day-to-day life. Meanwhile, however, you can educate yourself on "Canine Companions", the organization through which Stefanie found her service dogs, by visiting the web page linked here: https://canine.org/. You can also email Stefanie with any questions you may have regarding our conversation at sdputnam@gmail.com.

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Despite being in his 80s, this week's very special guest has shown no signs of slowing down . . .and as proof, he became a published author just last year!! Introducing Bill Burton, a Henderson native who graced us in 2025 with a novel entitled "Turn A Blind Eye". This book opens our eyes and minds to Mr. Burton's childhood, when Henderson was commonly referred to as "Little Chicago". Join Bill as he sheds light on the (technically) illegal activity that often went unpunished in Henderson during the 40s and 50s, which ultimately served as the inspiration behind his recent written work. He'll also discuss other aspects of his Henderson upbringing, his career background, and the spark behind his desire to write a book as a retiree. Finally, he offers a brief preview of the characters and plot awaiting us in the novel. So enjoy soaking up the story of the brilliant Bill Burton . . .and after listening intently to the man himself, be sure to purchase your copy of "Turn A Blind Eye" by simply visiting the web page linked here: https://www.turnablindeyenovel.com/.

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Chances are you're at least remotely familiar with curling...but did you realize this splendid sport actually has a presence in the Bluegrass!? Yep, and this is thanks in large part to my very special guest. She is Mrs. Bethaney Curry, who has become a curling extraordinaire, despite being in a wheelchair! Bethaney, along with her husband Brett, launched Louisville's "Derby City Curling Club" in 2018, and it has been clicking on all cylinders ever since. Join Mrs. Curry as she describes how she became wheelchair bound at an early age, shares the nuts and bolts of her fascinating employment history, and explains how she first became enamored with curling. She also discusses the basic rules of the sport, the steps she and Brett took to make "Derby City Curling Club" a reality, and the wide array of disabilities commonly represented within the sport. Finally, she sheds light on skills that patrons obtain through classes offered by her club. Be sure to visit "Derby City Curling Club" on the web by simply following this link: https://www.derbycitycurlingclub.com/. Also, feel free to email any inquiries to derbycitycurlingclub@gmail.com.

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If you're a basketball fan...or a sports fan in general...you can't help but appreciate the coaching pursuits and achievements that have earned this week's guest a well deserved Hall of Fame induction!! Meet the fabulous Chrysti Noble, Head Basketball Coach of the Rockcastle County Lady Rockets, who has faithfully served in this capacity for 35 (thirty-five) seasons and counting! Chrysti's sparkling resume includes a state championship in 2011, and over 600 wins in her remarkable coaching career. No wonder she will enter the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame later this year! Join Coach as she reflects on countless athletes she has coached over the years, and memorable highlights of her impressive journey. She also discusses valuable lessons she has learned in this post, her initial reaction to the news of her Hall of Fame induction, and a former player of hers (Jackie Alexander) who has just been named Women's Basketball Coach at Morehead State. Sure hope you enjoy Coach Noble's whit and wisdom as much as I certainly did!!

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This week, I have the distinct pleasure of spotlighting our state's oldest outdoor theater!! Joining us from Danville's historic Pioneer Playhouse is co-owner Heather Henson. The playhouse has remained in the Henson family since its inception, over seven-and-a-half decades ago, and Heather (along with her brother Robby) are proudly keeping this Central Kentucky tradition alive! Grab a seat as Heather describes how the playhouse was creatively constructed using a variety of reclaimed materials. She also speaks of celebrities who graced the theater stage before gaining national fame, sheds light on the marvelous meal that patrons can often enjoy before shows, and explains the application process for aspiring actors and actresses. Lastly, she fills us in on the exciting lineup of plays awaiting us in the upcoming summer season...so mark your calendar accordingly! Application materials, and other Pioneer Playhouse inquiries, may be emailed to pioneerplayhouse@att.net. Also, don't forget to visit the informative Pioneer Playhouse web page linked here: https://pioneerplayhouse.com/.

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This week, we're spotlighting an extremely worthy recipient of your faithful support, which should also be your next getaway destination!! This would be Lexington's legendary Kentucky Horse Park, and our primary attention in this episode is devoted to the honorable foundation attached to it. Join me in welcoming Mrs. Elizabeth Bartlett, Director of Development with the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, who will highlight some of the admirable attractions within the park that make it a cream-of-the-crop tourist stop. She also describes the foundation's heart-warming mission, the many areas within the park which reap the benefits of foundation funding, and a variety of ways we can contribute to the cause by means of our time and resources. Finally, she discusses the "Southern Lights Holiday Festival", a highly anticipated Christmas tradition annually presented by the KHP Foundation. So saddle up, and listen close! And, for additional info on any of the topics covered in our conversation, reach out to Mrs. Bartlett via email at e.bartlett@khpfoundation.org. Also, be sure to browse the KHP Foundation's website linked here: https://www.khpfoundation.org/.

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The arts are alive and well across the Commonwealth, thanks in large part to my very special guest this week!! Meet Dr. Leeann Potter, who proudly serves as Communications Director for the Kentucky Arts Council. This Frankfort-based agency is committed to creating educational opportunities in all forms of the arts, for patrons of all ages, in all parts of the state. Lend Dr. Potter your listening ears as she discusses such opportunities, which often stem from collaborative efforts of artists with schools, libraries, and other community partners. She also highlights organizational programs offering notable membership perks, such as the "Kentucky Crafted" program featuring a yearly market weekend for artists to display and sell their creations. Finally, she describes other networking and professional development resources available to artists through the council, and tells us how to nominate that deserving someone for a Governor's Award in the Arts, which will be awarded this fall. For additional info regarding any aspects of our conversation, please drop Dr. Potter a line at leeann.potter@ky.gov. And, be sure to visit the Kentucky Arts Council's web page linked here: https://artscouncil.ky.gov/.

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Quite frankly, there is very little that this week's special guest hasn't dabbled in at some point . . .but, chances are you'll recognize the name, thanks to her nationally-syndicated radio program!! I'm delighted to welcome Pem Pfisterer Clark, host of "Wedding Planning with Pem", heard on Henderson's WSON Radio, and many other stations across the Commonwealth and beyond! Pem is also a licensed wedding officiant, who offers several scenic settings which are uniquely suited to accommodate intimate ceremonies. If that weren't enough, she is an excellent source of tuxedo and suit rentals for special occasions...and, she skillfully teaches art to children of all ages through her downtown Henderson studio of art instruction. Join me and Pem as we discuss the discovery of her artistic talents, her masterful works of art that have been sold both nationally and internationally, and the specifics of the classes she regularly teaches. We also detail her tuxedo/suit rental business, her splendid wedding venues, and the creation/evolution of her radio show (which is still going strong after 25 years!). Lastly, we touch on a podcast she co-hosts with long-time WSON News Director Bill Stephens Stark known as "Around Town with Stark and Clark". For inquiries regarding any and all aspects of my conversation with Pem, don't hesitate to call or text her at 270-454-8181. Additional information about "Wedding Planning with Pem" is readily available through the web page linked here: https://weddingplanningwithpem.com/. Be sure to click on the following link to find out more about Pem's engaging art classes for children: https://mspemsartforkids.com/. Details about her intimate wedding spaces are as close as the following website: https://marrymesimply.com/. And finally, listen and subscribe to the "Around Town with Stark and Clark" podcast by simply clicking here: https://aroundtownwithstarkandclark.com/.

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