Rick Martinez brings his warm, fun and exuberant personality to this collection of Mexican cuisine from different regions of Mexico. We love the color and texture throughout this book and talk about one of the yummiest meals we’ve shared together. Somebody book us a trip to sunny Mexico! Recipes mentioned in this episode: Enchiladas mineras (page 7…

Pie is wonderful. Dessert pie is the best. And it makes us feel downright patriotic. Join us as we geek out on crust, fillings and baking techniques in this episode all about pie. Recipes mentioned in this episode: ⁠Tart and pie dough (The Art of Simple Food) All butter crust (America’s Test Kitchen) The only pie crust (Alison Roman) Lime pie with …

Renee Shaw interviews two authors and speakers from Lexington about their work in empowering women. First, Colene Elridge talks about leadership, workplace dynamics and the future of work. In the next segment, activist and author LeTonia Jones talks about her new book "Black Girl at the Intersection" focusing on race, family, struggle and reconcili…

Renee speaks with social entrepreneur and civic engagement leader Mae Suramek about the personal significance of Asian American Pacific Islander month and her work engaging immigrant and refugee communities into civic life.By KET

Bryant Terry is a visionary in the vegan cooking world, and we tried out this well-known cookbook. We talk about nesting doll recipes, brilliant vegan flavor boosters and decide whether this book could ever work on a weeknight. (And yes, we know we sound a little breathy in the audio on this episode, we’re working on it!) Recipes mentioned in this …

Sarah Vanover, early childhood education expert, author and Policy and Research Director for the Kentucky Youth Advocates, discusses her book Bridging Gaps: Implementing Public-Private Partnerships to Strengthen Early Education.By KET

There are close to one thousand Kentuckians awaiting lifesaving organs. One organ donor can save up to 8 lives. Renee Shaw talks with Meera Gupta, MD, a transplant surgeon at University of Kentucky HealthCare, and kidney transplant recipient Ashley Holt, who has regained a higher quality of life because of a donor.…

We love to bake — so today, we talk about some favorite recipes for these easy go-to bakes. Sara won a prize for quickbread at the Oregon State Fair, Emily brings us tips on making these treats gluten free, and Renee, as always, loves Melissa Clark. Recipes mentioned in this episode: ⁠Carrot loaf cake with tangy lemon glaze (NYT) Banana bread (Week…

Renee Shaw talks with up-and-coming digital content creator Mario Maitland, who is working with Kentucky Sports Radio, about hosting his own podcast. Next, photographer Carol Peachee talks about her book "Shaker Made," which captures the cultural artifacts of Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill.By KET

The regular session of the Kentucky General Assembly for 2024 has ended, and Senator Damon Thayer, who served for 22 years, including 12 as majority floor leader, will not be returning, the Georgetown senator is moving on. Renee Shaw and Sen. Thayer discuss some of the new laws passed this session and his activism on the campaign trail this spring.…

This book grabbed Renee’s eye over the summer when she was traveling in the UK, so she brought it back and we dove in to this ingredient-focused, easy weeknight book from our neighbor across the pond. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Persian saffron chicken, fennel & barberry stew (Persiana) Harissa & lemon roasted chicken thighs (page 80) Bloody…

Devine Carama, a 20-year Hip Hop recording artist, activist and inspirational force in central Kentucky, talks about his recently released book "Pages Full of Rhymes" which chronicles his joys and challenges as an independent artist. He also discusses how his anti-violence efforts, housed within the Lexington Mayor's office, are helping youth stay …

As the state's population grows older, more Kentuckians will face the challenges of caring for an aging loved one. There are over 600-thousand caregiving Kentuckians. What resources are available to help those helping others, and how can caregivers address burnout and isolation? Renee Shaw talks with national caregiving expert Amy Goyer to learn mo…

There are very many things you can put on buns. Make your own buns, buy some at the grocery store, make a thing on a bun! We give you a whole list of ideas you can use for a meal on a bun! Recipes mentioned in this episode: ⁠Beautiful burger buns (King Arthur Flour) English muffins (King Arthur Flour) Crispy oven pulled pork (Smitten Kitchen Keeper…

Renee Shaw talks with poet and author Crystal Wilkinson, former poet laureate of Kentucky, about her book "Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts" which explores the hidden legacy of Black Appalachians through powerful storytelling alongside family recipes rooted in the past.By KET

Season three of our podcast and we’re finally cooking from the Barefoot Contessa! We talk about our fabulous cookbook club dinner, and whether we like cooking Ina Garten’s classic, entertaining-friendly recipes. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Warm spinach & artichoke dip Ultimate bloody marys Green salad vinaigrette Creamy tomato bisque Split p…

Host Renee Shaw talks with Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Marty Pollio about state lawmaker efforts that could restructure or split up the district, concerns about school transportation, student discipline, rebounding from learning loss, budget and administration costs and more.By KET

We make a lot of cakes! In this episode, we weigh the pros and cons of cake mixes vs. homemade cakes, kid cakes vs. adult cakes and talk about decorations and give you some of our best birthday cake strategies. Recipes mentioned in this episode: ⁠Pineapple upside down cake (Snacking Cakes) Strawberry summer cake (Smitten Kitchen) Devil’s food with …

Former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner and gubernatorial candidate Ryan Quarles was named the fourth president and CEO of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System in 2023. He talks about his priorities for the system, legislation that could impact KCTCS and a recent audit that found substantial missteps in financial handlings and nepot…

One of the most famous cookbooks of all time, Mastering the Art of French Cooking was a revelation at the time, bringing French cuisine to American cooks. This huge collection of recipes is a little intimidating — but in this episode, we break it down to share the things we’ve made and loved along the way. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Pissala…

Kentucky State Auditor Allison Ball discusses the programs she intends to continue from her previous position as Kentucky State Treasurer, as well as the results of a recent audit of Kentucky's juvenile justice system and an upcoming audit of the Jefferson County Public School system.By KET

Michael Adams, two-term Kentucky Secretary of State, talks about the importance of civics education, expectations for voter turnout for this year's presidential election and state legislation he's watching that could potentially affect the electoral process.By KET

We are coming off the holidays, entering a new year, battling winter weather and sitting down to share how cooking is going in our homes these days. Freezer clean-outs, fresh new year recipes and more! Recipes mentioned in this episode: ⁠Indecision grilled chicken (Small Victories) Shepherd’s pie with a sweet potato crust (Whole30) Roasted red pepp…

By KET

Russell Coleman handily won the election as the state's top cop in November of 2023 and is committed to tackling violent crime and drug addiction. Renee Shaw talks with Coleman about his priorities as attorney general and whether he can find common ground with Democratic governor Andy Beshear, among other subjects.…

We loved Andrea Nguyen’s first book, “Vietnamese Food Any Day.” How does her new release stack up for us? Renee and Sara talk about building block recipes, too-long-descriptions, eating cake until our stomachs hurt and more. Recipes mentioned in this episode: 10-10-10 Perfect Rice (page 65) Umami tofu crumbles (page 50) Nuoc Cham dipping sauce (pag…

Kentucky is making significant gains in higher education. But, the president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, Aaron Thompson, worries that legislation restricting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts at Kentucky's public colleges could lead to academic setbacks. Renee Shaw talks to Thompson about the CPE's budget priorit…

Renee Shaw talks with Nick Rowe, who retired after 35 years as senior vice president of American Water Works Company, Inc., about his first book, "The Goodwill Jar: Reflections on Leadership and Legacy."By KET

The holidays are over and weeknight cooking is back. If you’re like us, maybe you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and worn out on it — in that case, tune in for some easy weeknight dinner inspiration to get your dinner mojo back. Recipes mentioned in this episode: ⁠Shakshuka (Dinner in an Instant) Shakshuka (Dinner in One) Green shakshuka with avoc…

This week we’re coming back for more Deb Perelman with her newest book, Smitten Kitchen Keepers. Are they keepers? How do we like these compared to her other books? Tune in to find out. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Devil’s food cake with salted milk chocolate frosting (page 267) Luxe s’mores bars (page 235) Carrot cake with brown butter and n…

The longest-serving Republican Senate Majority Floor Leader in Kentucky history announced he will not seek reelection. Damon Thayer, a Senator from Georgetown, is calling it quits in Frankfort for now. He shares reasons why and what political ambitions might lie ahead for him.By KET

Have you ever made a babka? We tried a number of recipes for this enriched-dough bread with a ribbon of flavor, and we came up with very mixed results. Listen in on to see what we baked and our favorite babka recipe! Recipes mentioned in this episode: ⁠Babka (America’s Test Kitchen Family Baking Book) Cinnamon babka (Claire Saffitz, NYT) Savory bab…

Renee Shaw interviews Jacqueline Coleman, Kentucky's Lieutenant Governor. Lt. Gov. Coleman discusses her plans for a second term in office after she and Gov. Andy Beshear were re-elected in November 2023.By KET

Inspired by a classic Pacific Northwest bakery, this book tells us how to make those beloved treats at home. This week we talk about the bakery and the cookbook, and which recipes we enjoy (or maybe not so much!) Recipes mentioned in this episode: Grand Central Bakery jammers (page 22) Pecan sticky buns (page 46) Rough puff pastry (page 176) Tarte …

It’s not a cookbook, but the New York Times Cooking section is a huge source of recipes for both of us. In this episode, we break down some favorites for fall and Thanksgiving. Recipes mentioned in this episode: ⁠Pumpkin maple muffins (Alison Roman) Pumpkin crumb cake (Yossy Arefi) No-bake pumpkin cheesecake (Yossy Arefi) Pumpkin bundt cake with ma…

Paying tribute to our nation's heroes, particularly the women veterans in Kentucky, of which there are more than twenty-four thousand. Renee Shaw speaks with founder Phyllis Abbott and board member Addie Mattox of Lady Veterans Connect, a service organization in central Kentucky assisting female veterans in transitional support to prevent homelessn…

Renee Shaw talks with Rob Beatty, founder of the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild, about the contributions of Blacks in the bourbon industry and the need to broaden its diversity. Kayla Bush, awarded an academic scholarship to further her studies in the industry, talks about her research. Brett Connors, master blender at Castle and Key, discusses the p…

We dig in to Freddy Bitsoie’s ode to Indigenous cuisine and ingredients on this episode, with a recap of a delicious meal we shared together with our in-person Cookbook Club. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Hominy with bacon bits (page 76) Alaskan King Salmon with crushed pecans (page 226) Spice-rubbed pork tenderloin (page 214) Chocolate bison …

In separate segments, Renee Shaw talks with the candidates running for Commissioner of Agriculture in the 2023 general election: Democrat candidate Sierra Enlow and Republican candidate Jonathan Shell.By KET

Meet the candidates who want to be the state's top election official. One already has the job. The other, a former state lawmaker, wants to replace him. In separate interviews, Renee Shaw talks with Republican incumbent Secretary of State Michael Adams and Democratic nominee Charles "Buddy" Wheatley.…

Cooking is one thing, but it takes a whole lot of logistics to plan, shop, organize and keep track of the groceries, recipes and cookbooks in our kitchens. Today we’re joined by Kirsten Collins to chat about how we organize our kitchens and our deeply personal ways of organizing cookbooks. Resources mentioned in this episode: ⁠Google Calendar Remin…

Daniel Cameron, Attorney General of Kentucky and the Republican candidate running for Kentucky governor in the 2023 general election, talks about his family background, why he wants to be governor, his messages on the campaign trail and if race is a factor in his effort to take up residency in the governor's mansion.…

Among the statewide contests voters will cast ballots for in Kentucky's 2023 general election is the office of state auditor. Republican Allison Ball is the current state treasurer and GOP nominee, and the Democratic nominee is Kimberley Reeder. In separate segments, Renee Shaw speaks with each candidate to discuss their background, experience and …

We return to Melissa Clark in this episode, to dig in to her one-pan, one-pot, one-skillet, one-sheet-pan wonder. Joined by our friend Kirsten Collins, we go through the recipes we are loving from this collection of weeknight dinners. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Spiced pearl couscous with jammy eggplant and tomatoes (page 126) Full English b…

The Kentucky State Treasurer is among the constitutional offices that Kentuckians will decide in the 2023 general election in November. The current office holder, Republican Allison Ball, is term limited. Democrat Michael Bowman and Republican Mark Metcalf are each hoping to replace her. In separate segments, Renee Shaw speaks with each candidate.…

Renee Shaw talks with David Cozart of the Commonwealth Center for Fathers and Families, a long-time advocate for fostering fatherhood engagement, about an upcoming summit designed to help strengthen families as well as his efforts to expand his organization's reach statewide. Next, meet the first Black woman to lead the ACLU of Kentucky, Amber Duke…

Let’s talk about pancakes and waffles! They’re a classic breakfast food, but spoiler alert, we eat them for dinner very frequently. We’ll share our favorite recipes and give you some tips for making these delicious treats. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Dutch baby (Grand Central Baking Book or NYT) Sour cream pancakes (Small Victories) Buttermi…

Renee Shaw talks with Cheryl Nixon, the first woman to serve as Berea College president in the institution's 167-year history, about her position as the 10th president at Berea and her pledge to uphold its Great Commitments. Dr. Nixon has worked in rural and urban settings and takes pride in providing opportunities to students who often think highe…

Renee Shaw talks with Jon Akers, executive director of the Kentucky Center for School Safety and Ben Wilcox, the State School Security Marshal, about the progress school districts are making in school security. Then, Rhonda Caldwell, head of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators, talks about the group's push to increase teacher pay to a…