Mildly Amusing

Episode 24: Hospitality, Community, and a Vision for Springfield with Harrison Miller

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, James sits down with Harrison Miller, a Washington County native whose career has taken him through restaurants, bars, hospitality, and some familiar names throughout the area. Harrison studied business in college and went on to own a bar in Lexington, but he always knew he wanted to work in hospitality and eventually build a restaurant business of his own. After several years in Lexington, Harrison returned to the area and has since been behind several places you may know, including the Harrison-Smith House, Star Hill Provisions at Maker’s Mark, Scout and Scholar, and Mr. Tubbs. Harrison also talks about his decision to run for mayor of Springfield and what he hopes to see in the community. His priorities include creating more opportunities and activities for kids and young adults, revitalizing downtown, and bringing more jobs to the area. It’s a conversation about food, hospitality, coming home, and what it takes to build a community where people want to stay and put down roots. 🎶 This episode’s song is Rain Check by Joe Henderson.

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Bars, Berries, and Bickett Stories: Tales from Raywick with Charlie Bickett

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, James sits down with Charlie Bickett, author, artist, and lifelong storyteller. Charlie shares the history of Raywick, his family's deep roots in Marion County, and a few stories connected to the Cornbread Mafia. As he puts it, he was born into a family of storytellers, and that tradition shines through in his recently released fourth book, a collection of memories and anecdotes from years gone by. Charlie talks about the land his ancestors settled, originally totaling 1,300 acres, with about 500 acres still in the Bickett family today. He also reflects on Raywick's colorful past, recalling a time when the town was "a little Vegas" in the 1980s and 1990s. Along the way, you'll hear stories of a 1957 robbery, life behind the bar after more than 40 years in the business, and how three to four generations of the Bickett family have made their living as bar owners. The conversation also explores Charlie's work as a folk artist, whose hand-painted "Creek Berries" were even sold through Cracker Barrel. And be sure to stick around until the very end to hear Charlie sing a song his mother used to sing.

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Episode 22: A Conversation with Mayoral Candidate Jasmine Hardin

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, host James Spragens sits down with Jasmine Hardin, candidate for Lebanon mayor. A Lebanon native, Jasmine shares her journey from Georgetown College to the University of Louisville School of Law, her career in legal ethics, and what inspired her to return home in 2019 to raise a family and invest in the community she loves. Jasmine discusses her vision for Lebanon, including improving quality of life through more accessible parks, bike lanes, and welcoming third spaces. She also talks about expanding affordable housing opportunities, revitalizing downtown, modernizing city ordinances, and pursuing grants that can help move the community forward. Hear how she's been meeting with local organizations, business owners, and residents to listen to their ideas, and learn more about her community survey and the public event on August 5 at the Lebanon Sports Complex, where she'll share the survey results and continue the conversation. 🎧 Whether you're interested in local government or simply curious about the future of Lebanon, this episode offers an in-depth look at one candidate's vision for the community. This episode's song: Green Garden by Laura Mvula.

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Episode 20: Politics, Journalism, and the Cornbread Mafia with Al Cross

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, James sits down with Al Cross, longtime political journalist and former reporter for the Courier Journal. Al shares how he got his start in journalism, beginning at the Southern Kentucky Bureau in Somerset before it was relocated to Bardstown in 1979 and became the Central Kentucky Bureau. Assigned to a region he knew little about, Al recalls his brother's description of the area as the "land of priests and whiskey." During his years covering Central Kentucky, Al found himself reporting on one of the most fascinating chapters in local history, the Cornbread Mafia. He reflects on what it was like covering the story and why this area became such an interesting place for a young journalist. The conversation also explores Kentucky politics, Al's 26 years as a political reporter for the Courier Journal, and his belief that journalism should provide voters with the authoritative information they need to make informed decisions. Al spent 20 years directing the Program for Rural Journalism and Community Issues at the University of Kentucky, which was built on the idea that rural communities deserve the same quality of journalism as anyone else. James and Al discuss how newspapers and journalism have changed over the years, the challenges facing local news, and what the future may hold for the profession. It's a fascinating conversation about Kentucky history, politics, media, and the vital role journalism plays in our communities. 🎶 This episode's song is Cornbread by Lee Morgan.

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Episode 20: Dust and Flour with Stephen Goodin

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, James sits down with Stephen Goodin, owner of Dust and Flour, a manufacturing bakery and pizza food truck serving central Kentucky. Stephen shares how his journey began at Harrison-Smith House in 2015 with no plans of working in a kitchen, only to find himself climbing the ladder and discovering a passion for baking. Along the way, he also spent time cooking at Maker's Mark. Stephen explains how Dust and Flour evolved from making yeast rolls and pies for the holidays into a manufacturing bakery that supplies restaurants, small grocery stores, and other businesses throughout the region. Unlike a traditional bakery, they produce only what is ordered, allowing them to focus on quality while minimizing waste. The conversation dives into the art and science of baking, from sourdough and milk bread to Texas toast and beyond. Stephen also shares some of his favorite places to eat and offers insight into what makes great bread great. Food lovers won't want to miss this episode. It's packed with stories, baking knowledge, restaurant recommendations, and enough talk of fresh bread and pizza to leave you hungry. You can find Dust and Flour products at IGA, Loretto Foodland, the Springfield Farmers Market, and various restaurants throughout the area. 🎶 This episode's song is Big Night Theme by Gary DeMichele.

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Episode 19: Choosing Lebanon with John Turner, Plus a Special Segment with U.S. Senate Candidate Dale Romans

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, James sits down with John Turner, who has called Lebanon home for the past 37 years. Born and raised in New Jersey, John shares some of his earliest memories of accompanying his father into the family business, which manufactured tubes for major companies such as Crest and Johnson & Johnson. John later moved to Kentucky in the 1980s to serve as plant manager of a facility in Carrollton before eventually being tasked with building and leading Teledyne Portland Forge in Lebanon. After traveling throughout the South in search of the right location, he chose Lebanon as the place to build the plant. He talks about why he and his wife fell in love with the community and why they decided to stay after retirement. John also shares his perspective on Lebanon’s strengths, its future, and the remarkable concentration of manufacturing industries that have helped shape the local economy. In a second segment, James talks with Dale Romans, the well-known thoroughbred trainer who is running as a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Mitch McConnell. He shares his thoughts on immigration and other issues facing the country. It’s a wide-ranging episode that moves from Lebanon’s industrial growth to national politics, offering two thoughtful conversations with leaders who care about the future. 🎶 This episode’s song is Johnny Come Lately by Joe Henderson.

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Episode 18: One Conversation at a Time with Carrie Truitt

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, James sits down with Carrie Truitt, who is running for the Democratic nomination for Kentucky’s 14th District State Senate seat. Raised in Bradfordsville on a dairy and tobacco farm, Carrie brings a background in agriculture, education, and community service. She has served on the local school board since 2016 and currently works with Leadership Kentucky, a statewide program that brings leaders together to gain a full view of the Commonwealth. Prior to that, she worked with Hosparus Health. Carrie shares how running for this office has been on her radar for several years and how she carefully considered the responsibility before making the decision to step forward. Carrie talks about her approach to leadership, built on listening, transparency, and staying connected to the community. She believes in solving problems one conversation at a time and emphasizes the importance of understanding the full picture when tackling issues. From school funding to income tax, she walks through how decisions affect both sides of the equation and why it’s important to find solutions people can stand behind. This conversation offers a thoughtful look at leadership, service, and what it means to stay engaged with the people you represent. Whether you follow politics closely or just want to better understand the people stepping up to serve, this is one worth a listen.

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Episode 17: Beautifying Loretto with Diane Mattingly

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, James sits down with Diane Mattingly, founder of Beautify Loretto. A veteran who joined the reserves after high school, Diane never planned on a 40 year military career, but her path led her through years of service and various roles at Fort Knox. She also shares her background studying photojournalism and English writing at Western, and coming back home to Loretto to renovate her family home. Diane talks about the work Beautify Loretto has taken on, from pressure washing buildings affected by whiskey fungus to planting trees and flowers, adding a mural, and building a clock tower that recently won the Beautify the Bluegrass contest. She also shares what’s ahead, including plans for a military and first responder memorial and an all season community space. They also talk about how an unused space in the senior center was transformed into a satellite public library with help from Marion County Public Library staff, along with the addition of a free medical clinic in the same building. With plenty of events coming up this spring, summer, and fall, there’s a lot happening in Loretto. It’s an inspiring conversation about service, community, and what can happen when people take pride in where they live, perfect to listen to while driving, working, or whenever you have a few minutes to tune in. 🎶 This episode’s song is All Blues by Miles Davis.

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Episode 16: History and Hidden Stories with Reba Weatherford

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, James sits down with Reba Weatherford, archivist and director of the Loretto Heritage Center. Originally from West Virginia, Reba moved to Marion County in 2021 after earning her degrees from Guilford College and St. John’s University in library science and public history. Reba shares how the Loretto Heritage Center came to be and brings to life some of her favorite stories and artifacts connected to the Sisters of Loretto. She talks about the Sisters’ involvement in Operation Babylift during the Vietnam War and the impact it had, and she highlights notable historical figures connected to local and religious history, including Father Stephen Badin, Father Charles Nerinckx, and Mary Rhodes. Along the way, Reba explains how being an archivist is a bit like being a detective—you look without context and follow clues to uncover the true story behind the documents and artifacts. It’s a fascinating look at local history, remarkable lives, and the work that goes into preserving it for future generations. Perfect to listen to while driving, taking a walk, or whenever you have a few minutes to tune in.

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Episode 15: Lighting Up Loretto

In this episode, James sits down with Josh Ballard, director of operations at the Loretto Motherhouse. Josh shares how his early volunteer work with the fire department and St. Francis picnic, along with becoming an EMT in college, fueled his passion for community service. He talks about running for office to take advantage of grants for sidewalks, joining the city council as soon as he met the minimum age requirement, and even earning a federal explosives license so the community could put on professional-level fireworks shows at discounted rates. Josh also highlights the Sisters of Loretto’s efforts to reengage with the community through public events, farm-to-table meals, classical concerts, and retreats on the campus. He shares about the soon-to-be-open to the public natural burial site, which will be the only green burial option in Kentucky, as well as other outreach and political events organized by the Peace Committee. There’s a lot covered in this conversation, and you’ll want to give it a listen from start to finish. 🎶 This episode’s music is Look at Little Sister by Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Episode 14: Forward Looking—A Conversation with Kathy Blandford-Hawthorne

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, James sits down with Kathy Blandford-Hawthorne, former mayor of Lebanon and the first and only woman to hold the office in the city’s history. Kathy moved to Lebanon in 1959 when her father relocated here to work at the Telecom factory. Over the years, she became deeply involved in the community, eventually serving both a four year and a five year term as mayor. She reflects on stepping into leadership at a time when the city was financially struggling and how those early challenges shaped the work that followed. During her time in office, Lebanon made major investments in infrastructure, including the sewer plant and Fagan Branch. Those improvements laid the groundwork for future growth and helped make it possible for Lebanon to attract new industry. The conversation also covers the expansion of city services for a town our size, including the city pool, recycling programs, street lights, sidewalks, building improvements, and the purchase of the Centre Square block. Kathy describes Lebanon as a forward looking town, and this episode highlights how much of that vision was built through steady leadership and long term planning. It’s a meaningful look at local history, civic responsibility, and the progress that shapes the community we know today.

Episode 13: Made From Scratch—A Conversation with Gwyn Artz

In this episode, James sits down with Gwyn Artz to talk food and how her culinary journey led her to Lebanon, Kentucky. Gwyn shares her background in the culinary world, including attending culinary school in Poughkeepsie, working as a corporate chef, her experience as a personal chef, and the restaurant she owned here in Lebanon. The conversation also digs into how the restaurant industry in Lebanon has changed over the years. James shares his own experience owning a restaurant in Lebanon and what that era was like from behind the scenes. They also talk about Souper Tuesdays, where locals can show up and enjoy some truly great soups made with heart and experience. 🎶 This episode’s song is Dinner by Gary DeMichele from the Big Night soundtrack.

Episode 12: Back to the Land with Mike Thacker

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, host James Spragens talks with Mike Thacker, who shares how what began as a motorcycle journey across the country ultimately led him to Marion County, Kentucky. Mike reflects on the Back to the Land movement and the communities that formed here as that movement grew from the 1960s into the 1970s, including Living Love, Cornucopia, Earthward Bound, F-Span, and others. The conversation explores a time when people across the country were seeking a simpler, more self-sufficient way of life, building communes and collectives rooted in community, shared values, and a desire to live closer to the land and less tied to the outside world. It’s a thoughtful look back at a unique chapter of local and national history, perfect to listen to while driving, relaxing, or whenever you have a few minutes to tune in. 🎶 This episode’s song is Let the Sunshine In by The 5th Dimension.

Episode 11: On the Road and Back Home with Austin Brady

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, host James Spragens talks with Austin Brady, a familiar face who has recently stepped into local leadership. Before getting involved in the community, Austin spent seven years traveling the country as a truck driver. Hear about his life on the road, the places he’s seen, and the experiences that shaped him. Now serving on the Chamber of Commerce board, Austin shares why he’s passionate about bringing new energy to downtown Lebanon and helping it thrive again. It’s a grounded and engaging conversation, perfect to listen to while driving, cooking dinner, or whenever you have a few minutes to tune in. 🎶 This episode’s music selection is “Take Me With U” by Prince and The Revolution.

Episode 10: Rev. Steve Jester and the Presbyterian Roots of Lebanon

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, host James Spragens sits down with Rev. Steve Jester, the new pastor at Lebanon’s United Presbyterian Church. Rev. Jester shares how he once expected to go into law, then thought he might become an academic preacher before ultimately finding his calling as a community pastor. Hear about the oldest complete Bible ever discovered, how influential Thomas Merton has been in his spiritual life, and a story about Merton’s connection to Lebanon. Along the way, you’ll hear how Lebanon was founded by Presbyterians in the 1700s. It’s a thoughtful discussion, perfect to listen to while driving, taking a walk, or whenever you have a few minutes to tune in. 🎶 This episode’s song is “Right or Wrong” by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys.

Episode 9: In My Life with Charles Lancaster Sr.

People reacted, and we listened! Charles Lancaster Sr. is back for another episode of Mildly Amusing. In this conversation, we dive deep into Lebanon’s past, sharing stories of the Cecil Hotel, Jane Todd Inn and other local clubs, White’s Castle, the fair, downtown shops, snow days, and more. This episode is packed with memories and tales from years gone by. It’s cold outside, but you can warm up with a little nostalgia— perfect to listen to while driving, sipping a hot drink, or whenever you have a few minutes to tune in. In My Life by The Beatles is this episode’s song, a perfect soundtrack for remembering the people, places, and moments that shaped Lebanon and our lives.

Episode 8: On the Right Track with Maison Young

In this episode, host James Spragens sits down with Maison Young, founder of the Lebanon Branch Preservation Trust. Their mission is to preserve the history of the Lebanon Branch of the L and N Railroad and nearby rail lines, keeping our rail heritage alive for the community to learn from. Maison, an engineer by day and lifelong train enthusiast, shares how his passion for railroads started at a young age. He walks us through the important role railways have played in the growth of communities and industries in central Kentucky, and why he hopes to restore the Lebanon Branch between New Hope and Lebanon. Climb aboard for a conversation filled with history, hometown pride, and a vision for the future of our rails.

Episode 7: A Lifetime in Lebanon with Charles Lancaster, Sr.

You won’t hear a more beautiful radio voice than this man. Everyone knows Charles Lancaster, Sr. Hear about his childhood growing up in Lebanon, his connection to Jim Beam, and his part in the development of local neighborhoods. He recounts business ventures and some of Lebanon’s biggest milestones. Join us on a journey through Lebanon’s past, all the way up to the present day. And have you ever heard of varmint suppers? You’ll want to listen to this episode! Music: “A Cottage For Sale” sung by the great Dinah Washington. https://youtu.be/KMpXnDXvdIk?si=Vmcywpksr5x8A3Jw

Episode 6: The Show Goes On – A Conversation with Robin Humphress and Lynn D. Farris

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, host James Spragens talks with Robin Humphress and Lynn D. Farris about all the exciting things happening at Kentucky Classic Arts. Lynn takes us back to the past days of community theatre, including when he had James as a student in Speech and Drama, while Robin shares what’s coming next for the organization. Learn about the new building that will be opening soon, upcoming events, and the creative energy that keeps our local arts scene thriving. There’s always something happening at our local arts center, and this conversation is your backstage pass.

Episode 5: Standing Out in the Field—Farm Life with Angela and Cody Rakes

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, host James Spragens chats with Angela and Cody Rakes, the dynamic duo behind Loretto Motherhouse Farm and their own family farm. They share their backgrounds in agriculture, how they met, and how they found their way to running Loretto Motherhouse Farm. Along the way, you’ll hear about the tobacco program, bottle calves, and the important work they’re doing at Loretto Motherhouse to reforest land and manage invasive species. Plus, they’ve been named this year’s Outstanding Young Farm Family! 🎧 You don’t want to miss the story of when sheep moved to Myrtledene! Full of farm stories, laughs, and a peek into the hard work and heart that go into keeping our local farms thriving, this episode is a must listen.