The City of Frankfort Podcast

Host Kenton sits down with Frankfort City Manager Jason Monroe for a fast-paced, conversation shaped entirely by questions from the community. From daily responsibilities to clearing up common misconceptions, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of local government’s most important — and often misunderstood — roles. In This Episode: - What a city manager actually does on a day-to-day basis - How the role differs from elected officials like commissioners and mayors - Real questions from Frankfort residents — answered directly and honestly Insight into decision-making, leadership, and city operations - - The city manager plays a critical role in keeping local government running smoothly, yet many residents aren’t quite sure what that looks like behind the scenes. This episode brings clarity, transparency, and a human perspective to the position. Unlike elected officials, the role is appointed and focused on execution rather than policy-setting Resident engagement helps shape priorities and keeps leadership accountable

It's Derby season in Kentucky's capital city, and this week Dr. Ellie Hasken-Wagner sits down with Susan from the legendary Coolmore America Ashford Stud in Versailles to celebrate one of the most exciting times of year for Frankfort and the entire Commonwealth. From the energy of the Governor's Derby Celebration in downtown Frankfort to the storied legacy of Thoroughbred breeding right in our backyard, this episode is a love letter to Kentucky horse country. Susan represents Coolmore Ashford Stud, the Kentucky home of Coolmore America — one of the most celebrated Thoroughbred breeding operations in the world. Nestled behind historic stone walls in Versailles, Ashford Stud is part of a global operation with major farms in Ireland and Australia. The farm is home to some of the most sought-after stallions in North America, including Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup Classic hero American Pharoah, Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus, and newly added Eclipse Award winners Sierra Leone, Fierceness, and Citizen Bull for 2026. Coolmore has earned its worldwide reputation as the "Home of Champions." In the Episode:  - What it's like to work at one of the world's premier breeding operations, right here in the Bluegrass - The legacy of American Pharoah and what it means to stand a Triple Crown winner - What excites the team about the upcoming breeding season - How Coolmore's Kentucky, Ireland, and Australia operations work together on a global scale - The public visitor experience at Ashford Stud — what guests can expect when they come to see the champions Key Links & Resources Downtown Frankfort Derby Day Events: downtownfrankfort.com/derby Coolmore Ashford Stud: coolmore.com/en/america Visit Frankfort: visitfrankfort.com Horse Farm Tours: visithorsecountry.com

The Kentucky General Assembly has wrapped up for the year, and host Alex sits down with State Representative Erika Hancock to make sense of it all. They talk about the process, the moments that defined the session, and what unfinished business she'll be keeping an eye on heading into the interim. As someone who represents the state capital itself, Hancock brings a perspective that's hard to find anywhere else in the legislature — she's not just voting on bills that affect her district, she's doing it in the same building where she lives and works alongside her neighbors. That dual role shapes how she approaches her work, and this conversation gets into what that's really like. In this episode: - Highlights and lowlights from the legislative session - Legislation with direct impact on Frankfort and Franklin County - What it means to represent your own hometown in the General Assembly

Ever driven by a street and thought, “Why did they cut that tree down?”  In this episode we’re digging into the rest of the story. Kenton flips the script and interviews our own podcast host, Alex, in her role as City Arborist for the City of Frankfort. Together, they break down what really goes into the decisions behind tree removal, maintenance, and urban forestry management. From safety concerns to disease prevention and infrastructure protection, Alex explains why sometimes removing a tree is the responsible—and necessary—choice. While it may be tough to see a tree come down, there’s often more happening behind the scenes than meets the eye. In This Episode: What a City Arborist actually does day-to-day How trees are evaluated for removal or preservation Common reasons the city may remove a tree Events coming up where you can learn even more! Urban trees are a vital part of our community—but they also require careful management to keep residents safe and infrastructure intact. This episode sheds light on the decision-making process and helps residents better understand how and why those decisions are made.

City Communications Manager, Blair Hecker presents the monthly Frankfort 15—your essential guide to the upcoming month in Kentucky's capital. This segment covers: Notable events happening around Frankfort Important dates and deadlines to know Upcoming Derby celebrations and other events  Civic participation opportunities for residents for April Ways to get youth involved in Frankfort youth sports Stay informed and connected with everything happening in Frankfort this month! Downtown Frankfort Inc - downtownfrankfort.com City of Frankfort - frankfort.ky.gov Notify Me - frankfort.ky.gov/list.aspx

Spring is on the way, and you know what that means in Kentucky—severe weather season is right around the corner. This week, host Scott sits down with Ray Kinney, Frankfort's Emergency Management Director, to talk about how our community prepares for tornadoes, severe storms, flooding, and other weather emergencies, especially as we come up on the one year Frankfort Flood anniversary. More importantly, Ray shares how YOU can prepare your family and home before the storms hit. Let's get prepared, Frankfort! IN THIS EPISODE: What does Frankfort's Emergency Management Department actually do? How the city prepares for severe weather events Kentucky's spring severe weather risks: tornadoes, flooding, and storms Warning systems: sirens, alerts, and how to stay informed Common preparedness mistakes people make Resources available to Frankfort residents ABOUT RAY KINNEY: Ray Kinney serves as Emergency Management Director for the City of Frankfort, coordinating emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for our community. From severe weather to public health emergencies, Ray and his team work behind the scenes to keep Frankfort safe and ready for whatever comes our way.

Host Kenton Bottoms sits down with Planning Director Eric Cockley to break down the ins and outs of reaching the right city departments, understanding the permitting process, and navigating the ordinances that govern how things work in Frankfort. Whether you're planning a home renovation, starting a business, or just trying to figure out who to call about that thing you need—this episode is your roadmap to getting answers and getting things done. IN THIS EPISODE: Understanding the permitting process from start to finish What the Planning Department actually does Resources available to help residents through the process ABOUT ERIC COCKLEY: Eric Cockley serves as Planning Director for the City of Frankfort, overseeing planning and zoning, code enforcement, historic preservation, and development review. With years of experience in municipal planning, Eric helps residents and business owners navigate everything from building permits to zoning questions. KEY TOPICS COVERED: Building Permits Zoning & Planning Code Enforcement Business Licenses Conditional Use Applications Historic District Requirements Who to Call for What QUICK REFERENCE - WHO TO CALL: Planning & Zoning Questions → Planning Department Building Permits → Building Inspector Code Violations → Code Enforcement Business Licenses → Finance Department General Questions → City Hall Main Line

This week, we're celebrating International Women's Day with a very special guest—Kentucky's Lt. Governor AND fellow Frankfortian, Jacqueline Coleman! Hosts Sara Anderson and Alex Cunningham sit down with Lt. Governor Coleman for an inspiring conversation about women in leadership, the importance of representation, and what it takes to create a more equal future for women and girls in Kentucky and beyond. This is a powerful episode about breaking barriers, lifting each other up, and why it matters when women have a seat at the table—especially right here in Frankfort. IN THIS EPISODE: - Lt. Governor Coleman's journey into public service and leadership - The realities of being a woman leader—challenges and unexpected joys - Why representation matters for young girls across Kentucky - The power of mentorship and building support systems for women - Women leading locally in Frankfort's city government, schools, and nonprofits - Small steps communities can take to create opportunities for women and girls - Lt. Governor Coleman's advice to the next generation of women leaders - And as always, a little FRANKFORT RAPID FIRE! Lt. Governor Coleman's favorite Frankfort spots, events, and Saturday morning routine! Jacqueline Coleman is Kentucky's 58th Lieutenant Governor and a proud Frankfortian. Before serving in statewide office, she was an educator and coach, dedicating her career to empowering young people. As Lt. Governor, she continues to champion education, equity, and opportunities for all Kentuckians—especially women and girls. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY: International Women's Day is celebrated annually on March 8th to honor the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It's also a call to action for accelerating gender equality and creating a more inclusive world for women and girls everywhere.

City Communications Manager, Blair Hecker presents the monthly Frankfort 15—your essential guide to the upcoming month in Kentucky's capital. This segment covers: - Notable events happening around Frankfort - Important dates and deadlines to know - Upcoming Frankfort Burger Week - Civic participation opportunities for residents for March - Ways to get youth involved in Frankfort youth sports Stay informed and connected with everything happening in Frankfort this month! Downtown Frankfort Inc - downtownfrankfort.com City of Frankfort - frankfort.ky.gov Notify Me - frankfort.ky.gov/list.aspx

Host Sara Anderson sits down with Alexis Jones, a City of Frankfort employee and proud Kentucky State University alumna, to discuss what it means to have a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) right here in our community, and how that experience shaped her path to public service. This is a powerful conversation about education, representation, legacy, and the unique role Frankfort plays as home to Kentucky State University. IN THIS EPISODE: - Why Black history is Frankfort history—and why that matters - Alexis's journey: Choosing Kentucky State University - The HBCU experience: What makes it unique and transformative - From student to public servant: How Alexis's education led her to city government - The importance of representation - How Frankfort residents can support and celebrate KSU BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: This February, we're celebrating the rich Black history woven throughout Frankfort's story—from Kentucky State University's founding in 1886 to the countless Black leaders, educators, business owners, and community members who have shaped our Capital City. Black history is a foundational part of who we are. ABOUT KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY: Founded in 1886, Kentucky State University is a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and land-grant institution located right here in Frankfort. KSU has been educating leaders, innovators, and changemakers for over 135 years and continues to be a vital part of our community's identity and future. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Host Alex sits down with Frankfort's snow removal crew to get the inside scoop on what really happens when those flakes start falling. Ever wondered why some streets get plowed before others? Curious about what goes into preparing for a winter storm? Want to know what YOU can do to help make snow removal more efficient? This episode has all the answers and more! IN THIS EPISODE: - Behind the scenes: How Frankfort's snow crew prepares for winter weather - The priority system: Why certain streets get cleared first - A day (or night) in the life during a snow event - Insider tips: What residents can do to help (and what NOT to do!) SNOW REMOVAL TIPS FOR RESIDENTS: Keep cars off the street during snow events Don't push snow from your driveway into the street Be patient - crews work around the clock! Report issues through the proper channels For Winter weather updates check out frankfort.ky.gov and be sure to follow City of Frankfort on social media for real-time snow updates!

This week, we're kicking off a brand new segment called "You Would Not Believe What They Found" where we talk to City of Frankfort staff about the strangest things they've encountered on the job. In this episode, host Kenton Bottoms sits down with Sharon Murphy, Frankfort's Neighborhood Inspector, to pull back the curtain on what it's really like to patrol our city's neighborhoods. From overgrown yards to wildlife encounters, abandoned structures to community problem-solving, Sharon shares the day-to-day realities of keeping Frankfort's neighborhoods safe, clean, and thriving. IN THIS EPISODE: - What does a Neighborhood Inspector actually do? - A day in the life: Sharon walks us through a typical workday - The most common issues facing Frankfort neighborhoods - How Neighborhood Inspectors work WITH residents, not against them - Community impact: What residents should know about this vital city service - The STRANGEST thing Sharon has ever found on inspection Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @CityofFrankfortPodcast and subscribe on PodBean or wherever you get your podcasts for weekly episodes 💬 Have a question or topic suggestion? Send us a message!

City Communications Manager, Blair Hecker presents the monthly Frankfort 15—your essential guide to the upcoming month in Kentucky's capital. This segment covers: - Notable events happening around Frankfort - Important dates and deadlines to know - Civic participation opportunities for residents - Community engagement challenges - Ways to get involved in your city Stay informed and connected with everything happening in Frankfort this month! Downtown Frankfort Inc - downtownfrankfort.com City of Frankfort - frankfort.ky.gov Notify Me - frankfort.ky.gov/list.aspx

Just in time for Valentine's Day! Join host Sara Anderson for a conversation with Suzy Hosley, Executive Director of Downtown Frankfort, Inc., as they discuss the upcoming Chocolate Stroll and the best date night spots in Kentucky's capital city. Suzy shares insider details about this weekend's Chocolate Stroll event, talks about her work supporting downtown businesses, and reveals her favorite Frankfort haunts in a rapid-fire Q&A. What You'll Learn: - What Downtown Frankfort, Inc. does for the community - Everything you need to know about the Chocolate Stroll event - How local businesses get creative with chocolate - Best date night and Galentine's night spots in downtown Frankfort - Why downtown Frankfort is the perfect setting for community events - Suzy's Frankfort favorites in a fun rapid-fire round Featured Event Information: The Chocolate Stroll, February 7th in Downtown Frankfort Participating shops and restaurants throughout downtown will offer chocolate-themed treats and experiences. Visit downtownfrankfort.com for details and participating locations. Guest Bio: Suzy Hosley is the Executive Director of Downtown Frankfort, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting downtown Frankfort's business community. A native Frankfortian, Suzy brings her passion for the city to her work organizing events, supporting local businesses, and celebrating what makes Kentucky's capital special.

In this powerful episode releasing just ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Dr. Ellie Hasken-Wagner sits down to discuss the historical 1964 Freedom March on Frankfort where Dr. King delivered a stirring address to thousands gathered in Kentucky's capital city. She shares information on the transformative day in March 1964, when an estimated 10,000 people marched through downtown Frankfort demanding civil rights legislation and an end to segregation. From the guests in attendance to Dr. King's powerful words, this episode brings a pivotal moment in Frankfort's history back to life. This episode explores the broader theme of civic participation—then and now. What does it mean to show up for your community? How do individual actions contribute to collective change? As we observe MLK Jr. Day 2026, these questions remain as relevant as ever. Whether you're a longtime Frankfort resident, a history enthusiast, or someone interested in the ongoing work of civil rights, this episode offers both a window into our city's past and a reflection on our shared responsibility as citizens. What you'll hear: Memories of the 1964 Freedom March on Frankfort Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s presence in Kentucky's capital The atmosphere and energy of the civil rights movement in Frankfort Civic participation across generations Join us for this special Main Street Memories episode honoring Dr. King's legacy and the everyday people who stood up for justice.   For more information on the March on Frankfort, visit https://sites.google.com/frankfort.ky.gov/themarchonfrankfort/home

In this episode, we’re spotlighting Frankfort After Five, a look at what makes evenings in Kentucky’s capital so special. Host Alex Cunningham sits down with Rebecca Hall, the City of Frankfort’s Grants Manager (also known affectionately as “Becky Busy Britches”), to talk about her favorite ways to enjoy Frankfort after 5 p.m.—from food and drinks to live music, public art, and community events. Rebecca shares insight into her role with the city, a behind-the-scenes look at grant projects that help shape Frankfort’s culture, and what makes Frankfort’s nightlife feel different from nearby cities like Lexington and Louisville. Whether you’re a longtime local or planning your first visit, this episode is packed with ideas for a perfect evening in town. In this episode, we cover: What Frankfort After Five is all about A day in the life of the City of Frankfort’s Grants Manager Frankfort’s unique nightlife and “locals-first” vibe Favorite cocktail bars, breweries, and signature bites Live music, arts, and low-key evening spots Public art projects you can’t miss Community events that bring Frankfort together How to spend one perfect evening in Frankfort Looking for more things to do in Frankfort? Visit the City of Frankfort website, follow the city on social media, or check out Downtown Frankfort, Inc. for regular event updates.

Kick off the new year with the inaugural episode of the City of Frankfort Podcast! Host Scott Tracy sits down with Mayor Layne Wilkerson, a native Frankfortian and two-term mayor, for an intimate conversation about Kentucky's capital city. From bourbon balls to big wins, discover what makes Frankfort special through the eyes of its leader. In This Episode: - Growing up in Frankfort: high school memories and local sports - Kentucky State University days and their lasting impact - How time away from Frankfort shaped his leadership approach - Reflections on serving two terms as mayor (2021-2025) - Major achievements in infrastructure, downtown revitalization, and economic development - The most rewarding aspects of serving Frankfort residents Why Frankfort Matters: - What makes Kentucky's capital city truly special - Balancing growth with historic preservation and small-town charm - A message to residents about community engagement Looking Ahead: Top priorities for Frankfort's future Exciting upcoming projects and initiatives How residents can be part of the journey Get Involved: Want to get more involved in local government? Tune in to hear Mayor Wilkerson's advice for aspiring civic leaders and engaged citizens. Head to frankfort.ky.gov for all the opportunities. Intro Song Credit: Title: "Civic Proud" Jeri Katherine Howell: songwriter, vocals, guitar Marcus Brothwell: audio production, bass, backing vocals Jaret Ellis: drums Ben Griffith: keyboard

Welcome to the very first episode of the City of Frankfort Podcast! From capital halls to bourbon balls, we're here to share stories, spill the tea, and celebrate the quirks that make Kentucky's capital the best hometown around. In this inaugural episode, we're introducing you to your hosts and giving you a sneak peek at what's coming this year. Get ready to meet the people behind the podcast and learn what makes each of them love Frankfort. What you'll hear: Meet your five hosts and learn about their roles with the City of Frankfort Discover fun facts and personal tidbits about each host Get a preview of exciting upcoming episodes and special guests Learn what to expect from the podcast throughout 2026 Coming this season: New episodes drop every Thursday! Get excited for upcoming episodes featuring: You won't believe what they found Main Street Memories You took my money for what Frankfort after 5 ...and much more! We'll be talking with city employees, community members, and special guests from all the way up at the Capitol. We can't wait for you to join us each week!