Inside the Block

Lexington's Warehouse District used to be a stretch you drove past. Now it's a destination, and Kentucky Ballet Theatre is part of why. We sit down with Norbe Risco to trace how a small, determined ballet company helped shape the neighborhood's identity, and how the neighborhood helped the company grow into a year-round cultural anchor.We dig into what's on the horizon: Ballet Spectrum 2 at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, where classical meets contemporary and dancers get a rare shot at choreographing on professional artists, plus a full Don Quixote production with bold choices that spotlight strength and character.Then we go behind the curtain — six-to-seven hour training days, corps precision, injuries (including an ACL tear and a hip replacement), costumes built in-house, the "no gossip" rule that protects company culture, and Norbe's ongoing support of all things ballet.If you love the performing arts, or the real work that makes beauty look effortless, this one's for you!

A Lexington institution nearly disappeared when real estate math took over — but Chevy Chase Inn continues to survive. We sat down with CCI owners Bill Farmer of Farmers Jewelry and Kevin Heathcoat of Bourbon and Toulouse, the duo who bought one of the most iconic bars in Lexington to keep it from becoming a generic retail buildout.We dig into CCI's roots as a 1933 neighborhood dive, the legend of infamous bartenders, and the small decisions that keep the magic intact — preserving the grit, adding craft beer without losing the soul, and building a bourbon list that doesn't punish the wallets of regular people. Kevin explains why they pour Pappy at cost, how flippers warp the market, and why the best whiskey culture still looks like friends sharing a pour, not chasing trophies.We also get into the neighborhood lore: Budweiser history, Clydesdale parades down Euclid, and the cardboard signs that went viral. Plus the real rules of a great dive bar: no politics, no pretension, and the idea that you don't own a community bar, you steward it for whoever comes next.If you love Lexington history, Kentucky bourbon, and what makes a bar worth saving — this one's for you!

Wellness shouldn't feel like a guilt trip. We sat down with Dr. Jill Collins of Lex Enhance in Lexington, Kentucky — a surgeon-turned-aesthetics specialist — to talk about practical, evidence-based approaches to looking and feeling better from the inside out.We cover Exomind (transcranial magnetic stimulation for sleep, anxiety, depression, and PTSD), Emsculpt Neo body contouring, and Emsella pelvic floor rehab — plus an honest conversation about Botox alternatives, skincare fundamentals, medical weight loss, and lab-driven decision-making. The goal: more miles in your years, not just a quick fix.We also get a peek at Dr. Collins' new downtown clinic in the Warehouse Block and what's coming soon — IV bar, sauna, and steam shower included. If smart, no-nonsense wellness is your thing, this one's for you. Subscribe, share, and drop a review telling us what topic you want next.

A drag persona can be a joke, a shield, a spotlight, or all three at once. We talk with Anthony Smallwood, director of development at LexArts, about what it means to build community through art and what happens when a character like Helena Handbasket grows into “someone” you have to manage, protect, and keep evolving.We start in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky with LexArts: an arts nonprofit working to make creativity and culture accessible to everyone. Anthony breaks down how fundraising really works, why donations matter, and how grant funding and community review can turn small dollars into real projects, opportunities, and beautification across the city. If you care about Lexington arts, arts education, or how local nonprofits stay alive, you’ll get a grounded look at the mechanics and the mission.Then we go behind the heels. Anthony shares the origin of his iconic persona, Helena Handbasket--from an LGBTQ advice column to a Fourth of July parade debut, plus what it takes to get ready, why he sometimes sings live, and how drag culture in Lexington has shifted over time. We also dig into drag audience etiquette, the cost and labor behind a three-minute number, and a bigger question: how do we show up as our authentic selves while still making real connections in a complicated world?

What does it take to go from university career counselor to three-term city council member? We sat down with Lexington's Hannah LeGris to find out. Hannah walks us through the question that launched her campaign, how she built a values-first team, and what it really means to govern a district that stretches from downtown to UK's campus.We get into the nuts and bolts: how eight votes move policy, the story behind Phoenix Park's $4.6M revival, and how she steered $1.5M into Lexington's tree canopy, prioritizing the neighborhoods that need it most. Hannah also breaks down her no vote on expanding the Urban Service Boundary and makes the case for smarter infill and transit before the city grows outward.Plus: how to make local government actually accessible, managing criticism with empathy, and surviving marathon meetings. Whether you want to run for office or just make your city better--this one's your primer.

A farmers market can change a city. Josh England, who runs Lexington's 50-year-old member-owned market, walks us through how the city shifted from fearing "messy" agriculture to embracing a vibrant Saturday scene where coffee, flowers, and conversation sit beside corn, beans, and tomatoes. He walks us through the real variables shaping your shopping list, hyper-local weather, hoop houses extending the season, and the dance between price and supply. Plus, a fun looks at "veggie trends" like kale fatigue and cabbage's comeback, with practical moves to keep costs low and flavor high.We also explore the market's strategic pivots: the move to the Warehouse Block created a welcoming weekday hub, while the Cold Brew Coffee Festival turned a late-August slump into thousands of visitors and protected farm income. As Lexington grows, Josh is eyeing winter options, expanded weekday vendors, and possible satellite markets, while partnerships with Seedleaf and FoodChain help new growers and kids connect with seasonal food.

Kelli Gabat, owner of Wildfire Yoga and Wellness Studio, shares her journey from an 800-square-foot sublease to a thriving wellness sanctuary in the Warehouse Block. Discover how her studio blends hot yoga, slow flow, mat Pilates, and tone-and-flow classes to build strength, mobility, and calm. Kelli explains why yoga complements any fitness routine, how their four-week beginner series builds confidence, and why repetition creates moving meditation that rewires your brain.Beyond the mat, Wildfire offers red light therapy, PEMF, massage, sauna, and cold plunge for faster recovery and reduced inflammation. With an on-site smoothie bar, monthly events, and a genuine community vibe, this is where consistency meets results.Wildfire Yoga is offering major specials for first-timers this January! It's the perfect way to start your year energized and fresh.

We sat down with Erin Goins, one of the spirited forces behind the Warehouse Block's The Willow, a women-led, adult-only space where wine and pop-ups make room for focus, friendship, and new ideas. Erin helped create The Willow as a place for connection and collaboration, hosting events that bring the community together in meaningful ways.Erin is also the founder of Bites of the Bluegrass, the Lexington food tour company she started from scratch. Through her tireless work, she has built a citywide love letter that connects restaurants, archives, and street corners to the people and events that shaped them. She rotates stops and scripts to keep things fresh and inclusive, celebrating Lexington's rich immigrant fabric and spotlighting stories that rarely make the marquee. Her work brings history alive through forgotten heroes, misunderstood icons, and the neighborhoods that tell the REAL story of Lexington, KY. 

Behind the bright blue door that gives Blue Door Smokehouse its name is a story of culinary passion and community connection. Owner Jeff Newman never planned to open a barbecue joint—he originally wanted an upscale sandwich concept but pivoted when constraints made that impossible. Drawing on his culinary school background and smoking techniques from restaurants across Lexington, New York, and Atlanta, he created a barbecue destination that's thrived for over 11 years.Their Texas-style brisket—seasoned with salt and pepper, smoked overnight with oak—has become legendary in Lexington's Warehouse Block. While many restaurants struggled during COVID, Blue Door transformed into a "carryout command center" and weathered the storm. Newman deliberately keeps prices accessible because he values long-term customer relationships over maximizing profits.What sets Blue Door apart is Newman's culture of community. From the open kitchen window to his hiring philosophy that prioritizes personality over experience, he's built "the best team in town." This creates a smooth experience where construction workers and executives sit side by side enjoying high-quality food. The story reveals how passion, adaptability, and community focus create something special—and their legendary brisket is worth the visit.

"The easiest thing for a reader to do is to stop reading." This wisdom from veteran journalist Tom Eblen perfectly captures his approach to storytelling throughout a remarkable career that has spanned the golden age of print journalism to today's digital revolution.Eblen's journey begins in his hometown of Lexington, where he discovered journalism at Lafayette High School before attending Western Kentucky University. His natural talent quickly propelled him through the Associated Press ranks, becoming their youngest bureau correspondent at age 21. During the newspaper industry's financial peak, he joined the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as part of their ambitious effort to cover the South comprehensively, which brought him into contact with fascinating stories including the bizarre beginning of the Bluegrass Conspiracy case – when a former Lexington police officer parachuted to his death in Tennessee wearing Gucci loafers and strapped with cocaine.After returning to Lexington as the Herald-Leader's managing editor in 1998, Eblen witnessed firsthand the dramatic transformation of journalism as digital platforms began siphoning away advertising revenue. Rather than continuing as what he called a "budget cutter," he pivoted to become a local columnist, reconnecting with his passion for writing and storytelling. His columns covered everything from controversial downtown development projects to rappelling down the Fifth Third building at age 60 – an experience he undertook because, as he puts it, "I figured I can chicken out, but I probably won't die."Today, Eblen remains deeply connected to Kentucky's literary and historical landscape. He manages the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame, teaches writing workshops, documents neighborhood histories, and contributes to the Mountain Workshops – a nationally recognized photojournalism program that descends upon a different Kentucky small town each October.Explore this fascinating conversation about journalism's evolution, Lexington's rich history, and why supporting quality local news matters more than ever in an era when, as Eblen notes, "If there were a business model, this would be the golden age of journalism."

You've likely heard of bourbon in Kentucky, but what about sake? We got to sit down with Justin LeVaughn, co-owner and head brewer of Void, to dive into the unexpected world of Kentucky's first and only sake brewery.Justin reveals how three science-loving friends turned their pandemic experiment into a thriving business that bridges Japanese brewing traditions with Kentucky craft culture. He walks us through the fascinating six-week journey "from grain to glass," explaining how koji (a rice mold) transforms simple rice into complex, flavorful sake. What makes Void special isn't just their product but their creative approach. While honoring traditional sake styles, they've developed signature creations like their tangerine "sake screwdriver" and bourbon barrel-aged varieties that speak to their Kentucky roots. Their taproom in Lexington's Warehouse Block has quickly become a community hub, featuring local art and unique events that celebrate creativity in all forms.Ready to expand your beverage horizons? Whether you're a sake enthusiast or complete newcomer, Void offers an approachable entry point to this ancient fermentation tradition. Visit their taproom to try a flight of their diverse offerings and discover why sake might be your new favorite drink in bourbon country.

The sweet journey from West Africa to the Warehouse Block unfolds as Mamadou Savane, known affectionately as "Sav," shares the remarkable story behind Sav's Chill. What began as a restaurant venture in 2008 transformed when Sav purchased an ice cream freezer with his space and later learned to make his own frozen treats out of necessity. Now, he's crafting some of Lexington's most innovative flavors.Sav takes us through how his West African heritage and Kentucky roots merge in his signature creations. Alongside classic favorites, he proudly offers bourbon-infused delights like Kentucky coffee with bourbon and bourbon honey, alongside more unexpected offerings like spicy hot banana ice cream made with his own hot sauce and hibiscus sorbet inspired by West African cuisine. His pink lemonade sorbet even saved the day during the infamous Railbird Festival water shortage, with Sav working through the night to keep festival-goers refreshed.The Warehouse Block location feels meant to be—discovered through a chance encounter with a neighbor and just minutes from Sav's home. After 32 years in Lexington, he embodies the warm, friendly spirit of the city. His genuine connection with customers, especially children who light up at his presence (and occasionally cry when he's not there), reveals why Sav's Chill has become more than just an ice cream shop!

The John G. Epping Building is more than just a structure; it's a beloved part of Lexington's history. In this episode, we unravel the remarkable transformation from a bustling bottling factory to a culinary landmark. Listeners will learn about the history of the soft drink industry, as we recount how Epping's played a pivotal role in shaping local consumer culture. Imagining the bustling factory of yesterday, churning out popular soft drinks, juxtaposes beautifully with the vibrant atmosphere of today's Epping's restaurant, where culinary creativity thrives!And as we delve into the fascinating world of historic preservation, we shed light on common misconceptions surrounding the National Register of Historic Places. Here, we clarify how this designation honors properties without restricting the creativity of their owners. The episode emphasizes that preservation is not about stalling modern progress but instead enriching it. 

Join "The Lexington Podcast" duo as we explore the remarkable transformation of Lexington, Kentucky's Warehouse Block. From its humble beginnings as an overlooked industrial area to today's vibrant community hub, we trace this district's fascinating evolution through personal stories and historic records.We journey from the land's earliest inhabitants through European settlement, examining how key figures like General William Preston shaped the area. Discover how the discovery of clay deposits sparked the Lexington Brick Company's rise in the late 1800s, and how institutions like Perry Lumber Company established the district's industrial foundation.Today's Warehouse Block tells a story of revival, where former factories and warehouses now house artisanal businesses, breweries, and unique establishments like macaron shops and sake bars. Local favorites like Blue Door Smokehouse share space with hidden gems, including a former undercover police headquarters. Looking ahead, we explore exciting developments like the upcoming farmer's market and green spaces, while previewing our next episode featuring the historic Epping's Bottling Works.

Join us as Lara Levine, owner of the Salt Cave of Lexington, shares her serendipitous journey from a chance visit to an Asheville salt sanctuary to creating her own healing haven in Lexington, KY! Uncover the mysteries of salt therapy, from its roots in Poland to its potential benefits for respiratory and skin health, all within the beautiful confines of Lara's cave. We loved hearing how patrons can immerse themselves in practices like yoga, meditation, and sound baths, all set atop the Himalayan salt-covered floor. Imagine unwinding in zero-gravity chairs as you connect with others or retreat into solitude. The space isn't just about relaxation though—it's an invitation to forge deeper connections and rejuvenate your spirit, whether through private sessions or group experiences. With options like ionic foot soaks and the exciting "triple detox" experience -- combining sauna, foot soak, and salt cave sessions -- there's no shortage of ways to embrace wellness. Remember, a consistent routine can transform your life, so let’s breathe and be well together!

Get ready to experience the world of brewing like never before with Derek DeFranco, the head master brewer at Mirror Twin Brewing who takes up behind the scenes! From humble beginnings with a three-barrel system to a thriving 15-barrel setup, Derek shares the brewery's evolution and resilience through challenges like keeping the beer flowing while navigating a pandemic. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the brewing process, from milling grains to sparging and boiling, revealing the artistry and science that go into creating your favorite pint.Discover the operational side of a brewery, from kegging and canning to adapting to shifting consumer preferences, particularly highlighted during the pandemic when canned beer became pivotal. Derek sheds light on the importance of community and creativity in the craft beer scene, wrapped up with humorous tales behind beer names like "White Girl Wasted." 

From homebrewer to head brewer, Mirror Twin's Derek DeFranco turned his beer passion into something extraordinary. Armed with a law degree and brewing knowledge from both his neighbor and the Siebel Institute, he transformed his hobby into a thriving business -- and certainly a Warehouse Block staple! Listen as Derek recounts Mirror Twin's launch in 2016 when it faced all the usual startup chaos, but a community's incredible support helped it flourish. Now, Derek leads a tight-knit team that feels more like family, crafting everything from decadent pastry stouts to playful cereal-inspired beers. With new taproom locations and creative brews on the horizon, Mirror Twin's future looks as bright as ever.

Join us as we sit down with Chad Walker, owner and pioneer of the Warehouse Block, as he shares the remarkable journey of transforming this once-industrial hub into a vibrant community space. Discover how his father, Randy, a visionary commercial electrician, spearheaded the area's revitalization, blending historical preservation with modern-day retail, breweries, and restaurants. Chad takes us through time, recounting the evolution of the neighborhood and the pivotal role of preserving its unique character.Later on, the conversation shifts to Kenwick, a neighborhood that has embraced change through thoughtful design and architecture. Learn how a sense of community has flourished amidst diverse aesthetic expressions, aided by initiatives like adaptive reuse programs and accessible parking. We'll explore how Kenwick's appeal skyrocketed during the pandemic, and discuss the critical role of public spaces in fostering neighborly connections.And of course, we weren't letting Chad get away without some details about himself. Listen as he recounts the joys (?) and quirks of farm life, local food markets, and the entrepreneurial spirit in the Lexington scene. From mischievous goats to accessing fresh produce in this area, he highlights the importance of sustainability and community support.

From undercover police building to elegant bridal boutique, step into the charming world of The White Dress of Lexington, nestled in the historic Warehouse Block. Join the dynamic team—Julia, Beverly, and Daniel—as they share their journey in the bridal industry, reveal current wedding dress trends, and offer insider tips on assembling the perfect crew for your dress shopping adventure.Warehouse Block developer Chad Walker reveals how theatrical elements and wedding cake tiers inspired the transformation of this unique space into a welcoming bridal haven. Along the way, we celebrate love stories that span generations—from high school sweethearts reuniting in their 70s to starry-eyed brides in their 20s—proving that romance knows no age. And yes, we'll share a few entertaining 'bridezilla' tales that remind us why the bridal industry is never short on drama. Join us for this delightful journey through the world of wedding fashion, where every dress tells a story.

From Indonesia to Lexington, Sylviana Herrin’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. We enjoyed chatting with Sylviana, the creative force behind the beloved bakery, La Petite Delicat, and hearing how she swapped her corporate shoes for a baker’s apron. Hear how a serendipitous encounter with macarons in Egypt led her to transform her newfound baking passion into a thriving local enterprise. Sylviana shares the ups and downs of her entrepreneurial path, from selling on Etsy to opening her own bakery, embracing each challenge along the way with determination.Sylviana’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance as she navigated the transition from online orders to establishing a brick-and-mortar in Lexington. Her journey didn’t stop with macarons; it expanded into a delightful storefront at 722 National Avenue in the heart of the Warehouse Block. With help from her dedicated team, she offers an array of pastries, including the ever-popular croissants, which most consider the “Best in Lex." It's a very sweet episode!