Boss Babes of the Bluegrass

In this special “Podiversary” episode of Boss Babes of the Bluegrass, host Kris Castle celebrates one year of amplifying the inspiring stories of women in business from Central Kentucky. Kris reflects on her journey into podcasting—starting from scratch with no experience, the role of mentorship, and the invaluable help of Jennifer Longworth from Bourbon Barrel Podcasting. She shares five key lessons learned from interviewing 30 lo...

Oz Davis is founder of Peer House, an outsourced accounting firm in Central Kentucky. Oz shares her inspiring journey from corporate controller to successful entrepreneur, describing how she identified a unique industry need and built Peer House into a thriving business with a diverse team and client base. The conversation looks at her leadership philosophy, the importance of passion and mentorship, and the challenges currently fac...

Michele Carlisle is the Executive Director of the Amen House in Georgetown, KY. Michele shares her inspiring journey from running a photography business to leading an impactful nonprofit dedicated to fighting hunger in Scott County. The conversation dives into the "why" behind her work, leadership through building intentional team culture, challenges and opportunities brought by federal food program changes, and the exciting launch...

Heather Finley of Finley's Towing and Recovery discussdx her inspiring journey from working in insurance to co-founding a successful family business in Georgetown, Ky. Heather shares insights on taking calculated risks, balancing motherhood and work, and the importance of giving back to the local community. She candidly recounts the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship and offers empowering advice for women considering new di...

Vanessa Grossl is the State Representative for Kentucky's District 88. Vanessa shares her journey from growing up in Eastern Kentucky to becoming a legislator, highlighting her passion for education, community service, and problem-solving. She talks about how encouragement from her family and friends—particularly her mother—helped her step into public service, her approachable leadership style, current bipartisan efforts in Frankfo...

Jessica Lewis is a former educator turned successful entrepreneur in the direct sales field. Jessica shares her journey from school administrator to stay-at-home mom, and how she found purpose and fulfillment building her business with Neora, a holistic skincare and wellness company. The conversation dives deep into overcoming imposter syndrome, balancing a busy family life with leadership in business, and setting boundaries for pe...

Joy Harris-Edwards of Authentic Joy explores her journey from profound grief after her father's passing to finding purpose as a helper, therapist, and leader. Joy shares how personal loss inspired her to launch her business, write a book, and dedicate herself to mental health advocacy, especially for women and families overcoming addiction. The conversation covers practical strategies for balancing professional and personal life, t...

Amanda Hall of Hallstead Farms and Meats discusses her journey as a woman in agriculture, building a family business, and managing the challenges of work-life harmony. Amanda shares stories about growing up in Georgetown, Kentucky, her experiences in 4H and FFA, and meeting her husband through her agricultural pursuits. She offers practical advice for balancing multiple roles—as a business owner, mom, and active community member—an...

Melynda Jamison is the Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. She talks top Kris about the vital work her organization does for children who are victims of abuse or neglect in Central Kentucky. Melynda explains the CASA volunteer model, where trained community members act as Court Appointed Special Advocates to support children navigating the complexities of family court. She shares eye-opening realities about the prevalence of c...

Kris sits down with Victoria Byrd, team lead of the Birdhouse Group with Real Broker in Georgetown, Kentucky. Victoria shares her inspiring journey from dance major and nonprofit work to flight attendant and, ultimately, a thriving real estate profession working alongside her husband. She dives into industry trends, like the importance of open communication and transparency with clients, and offers practical tips for buyers and sel...

Kris sits down with Monica Owens, Senior Manager at International Crankshaft in Georgetown, Kentucky. Monica shares her journey as a leader in the manufacturing and business technology world, discussing the value of continuous improvement (Kaizen), her approach of "listen, learn, then lead," and how her background as a basketball player has inspired her management style. She opens up about navigating male-dominated industries, buil...

Guest Morgan Murray discusses her journey from majoring in English to becoming a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. She shares her personal experience with divorce and how it influenced her career path, emphasizing the importance of holistic financial advice during such times. Morgan highlights the role of a CDFA in bettering divorce outcomes by assisting with property settlements beforehand, whi...

Kris sits down with Samantha Eddington, a medical director and nursing educator, and her daughter, Katie, a determined 16-year-old athlete with a passion for running. Samantha shares her journey from oncology to aesthetics and the life-changing event of Katie's leg injury, which led to Katie's impressive achievements in sprinting and pursuing coaching and prosthetics work. Tune in to hear about their philanthropic efforts with 50 L...

Karen Butcher is a seasoned educator turned entrepreneur. Karen shares her journey from being a classroom teacher with a variety of career experiences to owning her own coaching and training business, Karen Butcher Coaching and Training. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the importance of resilience, mentorship, and staying true to oneself. Karen candidly discusses the challenges she's faced, including personal losses and her ...

Kris interviews Davonna Saier to explore empowering themes of entrepreneurship and personal growth. Davonna shares her journey from being a "corporate dropout" to establishing Davonna, Inc., focusing on supporting and inspiring women. With a background in elder care and teaching strategic planning and leadership development in collaboration with Sutherland and Associates, Davonna offers rich insight into her multifaceted career. Th...

Caitlin Tudor is a dynamic leader involved in various organizations in Central Kentucky. Caitlin shares her journey from nursing to becoming a safety manager and founding Unexpected Blessings Adoption and Foundation. She discusses the challenges and rewards of her career paths, highlighting her leadership style focused on teaching and relationship building. Caitlin opens up about the importance of divine intervention in her work, p...

Lindsey Jasinski is the Chief Administrative Officer of Eastern State Hospital and a licensed clinical psychologist. Lindsey shares her journey to leadership, highlighting the importance of embracing adversity and continuous learning. Kris & Lindsey explore Lindsey's role at Eastern State Hospital, emphasizing the innovative empath unit designed to offer emergency behavioral health care and the importance of integrated care. ...

Today's Boss Babe is Lauren Geiger, owner of All Around Roofing and Bluegrass Builders and Remodel. Lauren shares her journey from college to establishing her own businesses in the construction industry, highlighting the importance of gaining industry knowledge and taking risks. She discusses the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field and the significance of embracing new technologies like AI and social media. Lauren...

Resa Browning is owner of Seeds and Saplings in Georgetown, KY. Resa shares her journey from journalism and sports management to retail entrepreneurship, detailing how she adapted her business during the pandemic by leveraging creativity and customer service. The episode covers balancing family life, supporting local charities like Amen House, and the "Holiday Hop and Help" initiative. Inspired by her experiences, Resa expresses a ...