Best Active Lexington Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep 266: The Food Matrix: Exploring Flavor, Film, and Creativity with Dr. Bryan Quoc Le 58:56

Play Pause

2d ago58:56

58:56

📒 SHOW NOTES In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby, Damien sits down with Dr. Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., a food scientist, consultant, and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered. Bryan’s career is a masterclass in curiosity-driven storytelling — one that filmmakers, storytellers, and creatives will find both inspiring and …

1
Ep 265: Finding the Funny in Life’s Hardest Stories with Nicole Magerko 33:09

6d ago33:09

33:09

🎙️ Episode Intro What happens when comedy collides with life’s most challenging topics? In this episode, host Damien Swaby sits down with Nicole Magerko — a Chicago-based comedy screenwriter, producer, and founder of Pine Grove Productions. Nicole’s work thrives at the intersection of humor and humanity, shining a light on aging, caregiving, and th…

1
Black Girls RUN! in Louisville and Beyond 28:52

4d ago28:52

28:52

In 2009, Black Girls RUN! was created in an effort to tackle the growing obesity epidemic in the African-American community and provide encouragement and resources to both new and veteran runners. Dania Britt and Tamekka Cornelius, Ambassadors for the Louisville chapter, talk to us about the impact this organization has made on women in Kentucky. P…

1
Ep 264: Filmmaking, Resilience & Ethical Storytelling with Rene Estes 32:12

10d ago32:12

32:12

📝 Show NotesIn this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, we sit down with filmmaker, media strategist, and founder of The Video Mentor, Rene Estes. With a career that spans STEM research, entrepreneurship, and film, Rene brings a bold, emotionally intelligent lens to the power of storytelling.We dive into: The emotional impact of digital narratives…

1
Ep 263: Remembering Robert Redford: How a Career Rewired Indie Filmmaking 7:23

12d ago7:23

7:23

Episode Summary Recording from the spare room, Damien reflects on Robert Redford’s passing and maps how Redford’s career choices—as star, director, producer, and institution-builder—reshaped the conditions for independent filmmaking. From championing adult, character-driven stories to proving quiet films can win big, this episode translates Redford…

1
Ep 262: Alexandra Paul: From Baywatch to Activism — A Journey of Storytelling and Purpose 45:19

13d ago45:19

45:19

Episode Summary Most of the world knows Alexandra Paul as one of the stars of Baywatch, where she became a household name on one of the most-watched TV shows in history. But Alexandra’s story runs far deeper than the beaches of Malibu. In this inspiring conversation with host Damien Swaby, Alexandra opens up about how she fell into acting at just 1…

1
Ep 261: From Tehran to Sundance: Naghmeh Farzaneh on Storytelling Through Animation 43:58

15d ago43:58

43:58

✨ Episode Summary In this conversation, Damien Swaby speaks with Naghmeh Farzaneh, an Iranian-born painter turned animation director, whose work has screened at Sundance and platforms like The New Yorker and Sesame Workshop. Naghmeh shares how she animates memory, navigates identity, and teaches the next generation of artists to embrace animation a…

1
Ep 260: Redefining Representation: Josiane Faubert on Building PICHA 42:56

23d ago42:56

42:56

Episode Summary In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with Josiane Faubert, a photographer and creative entrepreneur who has built a platform to showcase authentic, diverse imagery of Africa and the diaspora. From her early life in Gabon to studying in Paris and building a career in London, Josiane shares her journey of redefining representation …

1
All About Super Shoes! 22:46

19d ago22:46

22:46

If you've heard the term "super shoe" and had no clue what they are or if they're right for you, this episode will bring you up to *ahem* speed. John's Run/Walk Shop's Running Shoe Buyer Kellen Ague-Kneeland joins the show to discuss the history and innovations of super shoes. He drops knowledge on super shoes' materials, their benefits to runners,…

1
Ep 259: Challenging Stereotypes: Dr. Ali on Building a Muslim-Led Streaming Platform 25:39

25d ago25:39

25:39

In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, I sit down with Dr. Ali, the visionary founder of Fam Cinema. His platform is more than just a streaming service—it’s a movement designed to empower marginalized voices, provide family-friendly viewing, and give filmmakers fairer opportunities to share their work. We talk about: The childhood experience …

1
Ep 258: Finding Stories in Unexpected Places with Mick Lexington 43:12

1M ago43:12

43:12

In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with filmmaker and multi-disciplinary creative Mick Lexington to talk about his journey through art, music, and writing — and how it all led him back to filmmaking. From restless college days in the Midwest to wandering the streets of Paris, playing music in London, and finally honing his craft as a writer an…

1
Ep 257: The Intersection of Anthropology and Cinema: Natalie Zimmerman’s Approach 48:12

1M ago48:12

48:12

In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien Swaby speaks with filmmaker Natalie, whose journey bridges anthropology, culture, and cinema. From her early studies in cultural and social anthropology to her work at the Smithsonian’s International Center, Natalie explains how her background in research and global exploration shaped her filmmaki…

1
Ep 256: Jason Walsh: Training Bradley Cooper & Transformation Truths 53:59

1M ago53:59

53:59

Guest: Jason Walsh — Strength & Performance Coach Mentors & background (as stated in the episode): Worked under Greg Gatz at the University of North Carolina (Olympic athlete S&C environment). Mentored by Luke Richardson (respected strength coach). Selected clients & projects mentioned in the episode: Bradley Cooper — American Sniper: Discussed as …

1
Ep 255: From Music to Film: Brian Weaver + The Arkansas Love Story Giveaway 30:02

1M ago30:02

30:02

In this episode, host Damien Swaby sits down with Brian Weaver, founder of Weaver Films — a Central Arkansas–based company known for its cinematic wedding storytelling and powerful social documentaries.Before stepping behind the camera, Brian was a musician, performing over 300 live shows and even opening for acts like Plain White T’s. His journey …

1
Ep 254: The Science Behind the Screen: A NASA Consultant's Hollywood Adventures 48:08

2M ago48:08

48:08

Hello and welcome back to the show. Today, I'm joined by Les Johnson, a NASA technologist, science fiction author, and consultant on films like Europa Report and Lost in Space. We'll be diving into what it takes to bring science to the screen, how to balance scientific truth with a good story, and the real-world passion behind space travel. Stick a…

1
Ep 253: From Sixteen Candles to Social Films: A Talk with Blanche Baker 41:08

2M ago41:08

41:08

This podcast episode features a conversation with actress and director Blanche Baker, who discusses her career, her notable roles, and her passion for making films that address social issues.Show Notes: Early Career and the Impact of Holocaust Blanche Baker's debut role was in the Emmy-winning miniseries Holocaust. This role was deeply personal for…

1
Ep 252: A Legal Architect’s Journey Through Hollywood, Integrity, and Innovation 51:48

2M ago51:48

51:48

Episode Summary: Marc's career is anything but ordinary. Before becoming a powerhouse entertainment attorney at Fox Rothschild LLP, he studied film at the University of Pennsylvania and UCL, made three documentaries—including the Sundance Special Jury Award-winning After Innocence—and helped change legislation in multiple states. In this in-depth c…

1
Ep 251: Lights, Camera, Climate: Building a Festival for a Warming World 43:22

2M ago43:22

43:22

In this episode, we sit down with Alec, co-founder of the New York Climate Film Festival, to explore how cinema is being used to spark conversations around climate change. From building a community of diverse storytellers to rethinking what climate narratives can look like, Alec shares the journey of starting a film festival focused on one of the m…

1
Ep 250: Paul Robinson: Blending Story and Image, Empowering New Voices 43:34

2M ago43:34

43:34

Welcome to the show. Today, we're joined by Paul Robinson, a self-taught photographer who began his career in Paris shooting fashion and celebrities. Paul's work, which has been described as blending story and image, has evolved from classic single-frame photography to a focus on abstract, narrative-driven visuals. He's a true creative who has phot…

1
Ep 249: Lee Romaire: Building Worlds for Disney and Spielberg’s War of the Worlds 49:35

2M ago49:35

49:35

🔍 Episode Summary In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with the brilliant Lee Romaire, an Emmy-winning creative force behind some of the most iconic animatronic creations in entertainment. From his early fascination with Disney World and miniature train sets to designing immersive experiences for Disney Parks and major TV productions, Lee shares…

1
Ep 248: From Ohio to Netflix: Maria Timonina’s Breakout in “Gringo Hunters” 47:19

2M ago47:19

47:19

Episode Overview: In this masterclass episode of Filmmaking Conversations, host Damien Swaby sits down with Maria Timonina, the magnetic actress behind Alice Wells in Netflix’s international crime thriller, Gringo Hunters. This is not just a conversation about acting—it’s a blueprint for creative resilience, cultural identity, and the realities of …

1
Ep 247: Sunday Nights, Theo Huxtable, and the Legacy of Malcolm-Jamal Warner 8:55

2M ago8:55

8:55

Episode Summary: In this deeply personal solo episode, host Damien Swaby reflects on the life and legacy of Malcolm-Jamal Warner — actor, director, musician, and activist — who passed away tragically at the age of 54.As a Black Londoner from South East London, Damien shares his heartfelt memories of watching The Cosby Show with family every Sunday …

1
Ep 246: From Tom Cruise’s Inner Circle to Indie Film Powerhouse: Kerry David’s Story 56:25

2M ago56:25

56:25

In this powerful episode, Damian sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Kerry David, whose journey spans from temping at Paramount Pictures to working with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, and ultimately founding her own company, KDC Films.🎬 A multi-award-winning Producer, TEDx Speaker, and Strategic Storyteller, Kerry brings over 20 years of experience c…

1
Ep 245: Vision, Leadership, and Legacy: Ramon Velez on Shaping Stories That Last 1:14:10

3M ago1:14:10

1:14:10

Episode Summary: In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien sits down with Ramon Velez—a media powerhouse whose career spans from AV tech and live broadcast to executive leadership, screenwriting, and mentoring Emmy-winning talent. With experience at Google, ABC News, NBC, and Yahoo, Ramon shares invaluable lessons on navigating the evolvi…

1
Ep 244: Craft, Clarity & Creativity: A Conversation with Director Rob Spera 1:13:40

3M ago1:13:40

1:13:40

Description: In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with acclaimed director and author Rob Spera to talk about filmmaking as a craft. They unpack lessons from Rob’s book, practical set strategies, and the deeper philosophy behind being a storyteller. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, this conversation is filled with real-wo…

1
Ep 243: The Mahne Narrative: From Doctor Who to Corporate Storytelling 1:17:57

3M ago1:17:57

1:17:57

In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien Swaby sits down with Christian Mahne—a seasoned creative director, Oxford graduate, and veteran storyteller whose work has graced the screens of BBC, CNN, Sky, and 7 Network Australia. This conversation is more than a résumé rundown. It’s a journey into the why behind the work. Christian shares ho…

1
Ep 242: Suha Araj on Storytelling, Identity & Representation 41:05

3M ago41:05

41:05

📄 Show Notes:In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with filmmaker Suha Araj, who shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey from a career in advertising to becoming a powerful voice in film. Suha opens up about navigating major life transitions and how creative expression has always been a crucial part of her identity—even when it was sidel…

1
Ep 241: From Courtroom to Camera: Don Worley’s Journey into Independent Film 47:24

3M ago47:24

47:24

Summary From Courtroom to Camera: Don Worley’s Journey into Independent Film In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien Swaby sits down with the multitalented Don Worley — a nationally recognized personal injury attorney, former stand-up comedian, and now a dynamic force in independent cinema. Don shares his unconventional journey from hig…

1
Ep 240: Reel Ambition: How Olivia Deitch Cut Her Way Into the Industry 43:40

3M ago43:40

43:40

🎧 Guest: Olivia Deitch 🎤 Host: Damien SwabyIn this episode, Damien sits down with the talented Olivia Deitch to explore her inspiring journey through the entertainment industry — from wide-eyed film student to head online editor by the age of 23. 🗂️ Topics Covered: Olivia’s origin story: From Boston University to breaking into Hollywood Discovering…

1
Ep 239: Big Vision, Small Gear: Making a Feature on an iPhone 6:15

3M ago6:15

6:15

Episode Description In this episode, Damien Swaby opens up about the script for his upcoming film small talk, Big Thoughts — a powerful, poetic anthology of real conversations exploring identity, faith, legacy, migration, masculinity, feminism, and more. Damien shares how he's preparing to shoot the entire project on an iPhone, why he's using the R…

1
Ep 238: From BBC to Bold: Moses Ssebandeke on Crafting New Cinematic Voices 43:05

4M ago43:05

43:05

Episode Summary: In this compelling episode, Damien Swaby sits down with filmmaker Moses Ssebandeke, a bold voice in the UK indie film scene and a member of the Lionstooth Collective. Known for his experimental yet grounded storytelling, Moses shares the journey from his early days as a BBC Academy apprentice to producing content for Radio 1Xtra, I…

1
Give Kids a Home Provides Shelter and Hope for Homeless Children 10:08

4M ago10:08

10:08

Have you ever wondered about the hidden struggles of homeless children in our community? It's a heartbreaking reality that often goes unnoticed, but there's hope on the horizon. In this episode of Mary Queen Stories, we're shining a light on an incredible initiative that's making a real difference in the lives of these vulnerable kids. Join Jennife…

1
How to Keep Your Feet Safe on the Court 7:24

4M ago7:24

7:24

Tennis and pickleball are popular sports, but not everyone wears the right shoes to keep their feet secure and safe. In this episode, our ASICS tech rep, Meredith McKinney, explains the importance of proper court footwear and the options ASICS offers. Join us on June 11 for Nightfall Pickleball. You could win a free pair of ASICS court shoes! Kentu…

1
Ep 237: The Art of Color Grading: Alice Abrams on Shaping Emotion Through Color 44:03

4M ago44:03

44:03

Episode Summary: What makes a scene feel cold, nostalgic, or magical—before a single word is spoken? In this illuminating episode, we’re joined by Alice Abrams, a freelance colorist whose work has helped define the visual identity of campaigns for Netflix, Meta, Google, Volvo, and more. Based in Austin, TX, Alice brings a decade of experience in fi…

1
Hydration Tips with Lance Bollinger, University of Kentucky 22:07

4M ago22:07

22:07

Summer running in Kentucky means having to pay extra attention to hydration. On this episode, Lance Bollinger, Associate Professor in the Dept. of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at the University of Kentucky, provides valuable information on how proper hydration can keep you safe and improve running performance. Kentucky Running is produced by Jo…

1
Ep 236: Narrative Truths: Producing Impactful Documentaries with Nicole Noren 47:36

4M ago47:36

47:36

📘 Episode Summary: In this masterclass episode, Damien Swaby is joined by award-winning journalist and documentary producer Nicole Noren, whose two-decade career at ESPN is a case study in investigative storytelling done right. Nicole breaks down how she balances the demands of narrative structure with journalistic integrity — from sourcing vulnera…

1
Healing Through Outdoor Activity | Julie Bretigan, Life Adventure Center 20:57

5M ago20:57

20:57

Julie Bretigan is the Executive Director of Life Adventure Center in Versailles, a nonprofit that uses outdoor adventure to unlock resilience in people who have experienced trauma. We'll talk about their impact and how you can support their mission. Kentucky Running is produced by John's Run/Walk Shop in Lexington, Kentucky, and sponsored by Currex…

1
Ep 235: Art Meets Film: Isabel Riley on Bridging Canvas and Cinema 35:47

5M ago35:47

35:47

Episode Summary: Discover the fascinating intersection of visual art and filmmaking in this insightful conversation with artist Isabel Riley. Host Damien Swaby delves into Isabel's unique role in bringing art to the screen through her work with Art for Film. Explore how her paintings and artistic vision contribute to the atmosphere and storytelling…

1
Ep 234: 30 Years at ABC — Executive Director Doug Looney Takes Us Behind the Broadcast 1:01:09

5M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

Episode Summary: Join Damien Swaby as he sits down with a seasoned professional from ABC News with 30 years of experience in the media industry. In this episode, we delve into Doug Looney's fascinating career journey, from early experiments with VHS editing in high school to overseeing technical operations at a major news network. Discover how tech…

1
How Yoga Benefits Runners | Cara Meade, Creative Yoga 24:39

5M ago24:39

24:39

Cara Meade from Creative Yoga in Lexington joins the show to discuss how yoga can benefit runners. If you're looking for new ways to improve your running performance, listen to this episode and consider yoga. Plus, our Brooks Guru gives us details on the Ghost 17. Learn more about yoga for runners in this blog post from Cara. And learn more about y…

1
Ep 233: The Audience is the Strategy: Caitlin Boyle on Purpose-Driven Distribution 45:24

5M ago45:24

45:24

Episode Summary: In this episode, Damien Swaby is joined by Caitlin Boyle, a pioneering force in strategic documentary distribution and the founder of Film Sprout. Caitlin discusses how filmmakers can move beyond traditional release models to build meaningful connections with audiences through grassroots campaigns, non-theatrical screenings, and co…

1
Ep 232: From Baywatch to Emmy Wins – Karina Michel P.G.A. The Art of Reinvention 34:31

5M ago34:31

34:31

In this inspiring episode, Damien Swaby sits down with multi-hyphenate creative Karina Michel—an actress, model, producer, and Emmy-winning executive producer. Karina shares her fascinating journey from a childhood dream in Northamptonshire to navigating Hollywood auditions and eventually leading impactful storytelling projects as the head of Tallu…

1
Special Olympics Kentucky's Impact | Brent Wallace 20:29

5M ago20:29

20:29

We're excited to bring on Special Olympics Kentucky as our race beneficiary for Run the Bluegrass. Brent Wallace joins the show to discuss his many years as a Special Olympics volunteer. He tells us about their opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities, a common misperception of Special Olympians, and what not to do at the Polar Plu…

1
Ep 231: The Art of Video Editing with Emmy Winner Cybele Policastro 33:36

6M ago33:36

33:36

The Art of Video Editing with Emmy Winner Cybele Policastro Guest: Cybele Policastro, a highly accomplished and multi-Emmy Award-winning video editor based in New York City. Expertise: Extensive experience in video editing for a wide range of high-profile media, including news and entertainment. Career Highlights: Over 20 years of experience as a d…

1
Ep 230: Beyond the Turmoil: Isabelle Mecattaf's Lens on Lebanon 36:05

6M ago36:05

36:05

Welcome to the podcast! Today we have filmmaker Isabelle on the show to discuss her journey from Lebanon to NYU and her experiences crafting compelling films. We'll delve into her creative process, her passion for telling human stories amidst political turmoil, and her advice for emerging filmmakers. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about re…

1
How Insoles Can Help Your Feet | John Mascari, Currex 17:13

6M ago17:13

17:13

Of course, getting the right pair of shoes is essential for foot health. But shoes are only part of the solution. John Mascari of Currex talks to us about the advantages of insoles. Running, walking, standing ... whatever you're doing, a good pair of insoles can make a huge difference in health, comfort, and running performance. Kentucky Running is…

1
Ep 229: Protecting Creativity: Navigating IP & Entertainment Law with Kennington Groff, Esq. 31:35

6M ago31:35

31:35

In this episode, we sit down with Kennington Groff, Esq., an experienced attorney specializing in intellectual property, entertainment, and corporate law. With a career spanning major companies like HBO, NBCUniversal, and Lionsgate, Kennington shares insights into protecting creative work, legal pitfalls businesses should avoid, and how the enterta…

1
UK DanceBlue: 20 Years of Fighting Pediatric Cancer 29:23

6M ago29:23

29:23

University of Kentucky's DanceBlue is an entirely student-run organization that fundraises year-round for the DanceBlue Hematology/Oncology Clinic and culminates in a 24-hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon. On this episode, UK students Anneli White and Sammy Tate, both of whom are part of this year’s DanceBlue committee, discuss the impact …

1
Ep 228: From I Love Lucy to Ally McBeal: Amy Castle's Path to Stardom and Music 55:29

7M ago55:29

55:29

Join us for an exciting conversation with the multi-talented Amy as she shares her journey from a young performer influenced by iconic shows like I Love Lucy and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood to landing major roles in TV hits like Ally McBeal. In this episode, we dive deep into Amy’s creative evolution, from memorizing Lucille Ball's famous Vitameataveg…

1
Ep 227: From Dentistry to Emmy Gold: The Cinematic Journey of Michael Fitzer 41:52

7M ago41:52

41:52

In this episode, we had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the remarkable Mike, an Emmy Award-winning cinematographer with over 25 years of experience in the film industry. We traversed the fascinating landscape of his career, uncovering the pivotal moments that shaped his unique approach to visual storytelling. Mike's journey is a testamen…