For Henderson

What does it actually look like to love on your town?In this episode of the For Henderson podcast, we sit down with Abby Dixon and Ellie Kellen from the Henderson Tourism Commission to talk about having some pride in our city and a few simple things we can do to show it.Abby and Ellie share some fun (and unexpected) stories about visitors falling in love with our city, and what it is that truly makes Henderson special...for visitors and locals alike!You'll hear about tourism's impact on Henderson’s growth, including exciting some exciting news on our entrance into the film world, a future distillery, and more downtown development. Abby and Ellie even bring it back to us Hendersonians and our role in the bigger picture...because building a great city isn't about trillion dollar budgets...it starts with residents who care. (That's us!)If you’ve ever wondered how to better support Henderson, discover some hidden gems, or just love ON where you live...this episode is for you.Follow them on all the channels @tourhendersonky

This week on the For Henderson Podcast, we sit down with Kacee Campbell, Executive Director of Audubon Kids Zone, to talk about what real neighborhood transformation looks like in Henderson’s East End.Kacee shares how she first walked into AKZ as a volunteer, quickly fell in love with the kids, families, and neighbors, and eventually stepped into leadership. She talks about how AKZ has shifted from being known mainly for kid-centered programming to a family-centered, neighborhood-focused organization working toward a connected, thriving (that's the word!) community.From Love Your Neighborhood days and porch conversations to family advocacy, teen programming, financial literacy, mental health support, and future plans for the East End, this conversation will remind you that community development can start by just slowing down and listening.Check out everything happening at AKZ: https://www.audubonkidszone.com

In this episode, we sit down with Mikaela Ledbetter, a lifelong Hendersonian and social worker at St. Anthony’s Hospice, to talk about what it looks like to show up for people when it matters most.Mikaela shares how growing up in Henderson shaped her into a helper, from her family’s deep roots to the area to her years in Henderson County Schools and how a personal experience led her into hospice care.This conversation is about more than just what Mikaela "does." It’s about who we are as a community. It’s about stepping into hard moments, supporting each other, and realizing that sometimes...we need help, too.Because being FOR Henderson means more than just living here...it means showing up when it matters.

In this episode of the For Henderson Podcast, Josh sits down with Rachel Trout of Matthew 25 to talk about what it takes to build a Henderson where people actually want to stay.Rachel shares the story behind Matthew 25, a nonprofit serving individuals living with HIV around our region, and explains how their work goes beyond just the medical care by helping to remove barriers and fight stigma.We also explore some of the bigger questions facing Henderson’s future: how we create a more welcoming community, why inclusion matters, and what it looks like for people to feel seen, accepted, and proud to call Henderson home. Rachel also highlights community involvement, local growth, and opportunities like the upcoming Joel Hopper Day of Service as practical ways Hendersonians can step in and make a difference right now.This episode is about building a stronger Henderson through compassion, connection, and getting some skin in the game, so...if you care about community, leadership, and the future of Henderson, you'll like this episode!Join us for the Joel Hopper Day of Service:- April 24, 2026- 7:30am- Boys & Girls Club- Breakfast & T-Shirt ProvidedServe alongside other city-builders at organizations like:- The Port- Riverview School- Father Bradley Shelter- Daniel Patino Shelter- And, MORE

What does it really take to build a great city?Most people want to help their community. But what if the way we’re doing it is actually making things worse?In this episode of the For Henderson Podcast, Josh sits down with Dr. Austin Maxheimer, Love Your Neighborhood Director at Community One, to unpack what real, lasting transformation looks like in Henderson and beyond.From his early days knocking on doors in the East End to helping build initiatives like Audubon Kids Zone, Austin shares a powerful shift in thinking: real change doesn’t come from doing things for people...it comes from empowering people to lead change themselves.You’ll hear a simple but profound neighborhood framework, along with insights on generational impact, community leadership, and how small, consistent investments can reshape an entire neighborhood.This one will challenge the way you think about serving others...and show you a better way forward.Great cities don’t happen by accident...and real change starts closer than you think.Get in touch with Austin at: [email protected]

What does it really look like to take care of your neighbors?In this episode of the For Henderson Podcast, Josh sits down with Taylor Heady—a Henderson native, mom of three, victim advocate, and founder of the Warming Box initiative. What started as a simple act of kindness toward one individual has grown into a community-wide movement, with multiple donation boxes now serving people across the city.Taylor shares the heart behind the Warming Box, the stories that have shaped her perspective, and the powerful role quiet generosity plays in making Henderson what it is. From supporting victims through the legal process to advocating for the unhoused, her work highlights both the challenges and the hope present in our community.This conversation is a reminder that building a great city doesn’t require recognition—it requires people willing to show up, care deeply, and act.If you’ve ever wondered how to make a difference right where you are, this episode will challenge and inspire you to be a better neighbor.

What does it look like to truly take ownership of your community?In this episode of the For Henderson Podcast, Josh sits down with Sean Leavelle, Director of Operations at St. Anthony’s Hospice, Hendersonian (by choice), soccer coach, HLI graduate, and community-minded leader. Sean shares the story of how work first brought his family to Henderson, why they immediately fell in love with the city, and how a difficult season in his personal and professional life eventually pushed him toward deeper involvement in the community.From coaching with Henderson Soccer Club to joining the Men’s Bourbon Society of Henderson, going through the Henderson Leadership Initiative, and ultimately landing in his role at St. Anthony’s, Sean’s story is a powerful reminder that community impact often starts with simply showing up.This conversation highlights what makes Henderson special: it's a city where people can get involved, create what’s missing, and help build something better together. If you care about leadership, community growth, local impact, and the future of Henderson, this episode is for you.Because great cities don’t just happen...they're built.

Addiction recovery can feel like an overwhelming problem, but here in Henderson, there are people working every day to bring hope, healing, and second chances to those who need it most.In this episode of the For Henderson Podcast, Josh sits down with Carrie Gentry, director of the STOP Initiative through the WARM Center, to talk about the work happening in our community to address addiction, reduce stigma, and support recovery.Carrie shares how the Recovery Resource Club of Henderson has become a place of healing and connection for people in recovery and their families. She also explains how the STOP Initiative (Stop the Overdose Project) is working with schools, parents, and businesses across Henderson to educate the community and prevent addiction before it starts.From walking programs designed to build discipline and humility to recovery stories that reunite families and restore lives, this conversation highlights both the challenges and the incredible hope within Henderson’s recovery community.WARM Center: https://warmrecovery.comRecovery Resource Club of Henderson: https://rrchrecovery.comMARC Center: https://marcrecovery.comDon't forget to like and subscribe, and keep being FOR Henderson.

What makes Henderson such a special place to live?In this episode of the For Henderson Podcast, Josh sits down with Abby Dixon, Director of Tourism for Henderson, to talk about the stories, experiences, and people that make this community unique.Abby shares how she first fell in love with Henderson, why the Ohio River and historic downtown create such a compelling space, and what visitors from around the world experience when they come here.They also discuss the real impact of tourism in Henderson, and why supporting local businesses, festivals, and attractions makes life better for everyone who calls Henderson home.Abby might also reveal some exciting new developments coming to Henderson. If you care about the future of Henderson and the people helping shape it, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Great cities don’t happen by accident.They’re built through the daily decisions of the people who live there.In this opening episode of For Henderson, host Josh Stanley introduces the vision behind the podcast and explains why the stories of the people shaping our city matter.Henderson isn’t perfect...but it is home. And across the community there are entrepreneurs, educators, leaders, creators, and everyday Hendersonians quietly investing in making our city better.This podcast exists to tell their stories.Through real conversations and authentic storytelling, For Henderson highlights the people who are building, serving, creating, and leading in ways that make Henderson a great place to live.Because building a great city takes all of us.

For Henderson: a podcast about the people in our community who are actively working to build a great city. Each episode highlights local leaders, creators, and city-builders who are FOR Henderson.Great cities don’t just happen. They’re built.So…are you FOR Henderson??