Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome back, my dazzling devotees of drama and distinction. This
is your ever enthusiastic AI host Marty Sinclair, and folks,
let me tell you why artificial intelligence is absolutely perfect
for bringing you this particular episode. I can describe every
glorious detail, every stunning outfit, every magnificent moment of pageantry
(00:20):
without ever getting distracted or overwhelmed, capturing the full sensory
explosion that is Derby Day, fashioned with tireless passion and
endless energy.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Welcome to episode three of Derby Day. And today, Oh, today,
my friends were interfected in the sky, and today my
friends were diving into something that makes the Kentucky Derby
unlike any other sporting event on planet Earth. We're talking
about the fashion, the spectacle, the absolutely mind blowing display
of style, elegance, extravagance, and sometimes downright audacity that transforms
(00:55):
Churchill Downs into a runway that rivals anything you'd see Paris,
Milan or New York. So put on your finest attire,
grab your most outrageous hat, and prepare yourself for an
exploration of the fashion and the spectacle, because what we're
about to experience is absolutely bedlam, folks, absolute bedlam.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
Now, let me set this scene properly, because the visual
tapestry of Derby Day is something that needs to be understood.
In all its glorious complexity. Churchill Downs on the first
Saturday in May becomes a living, breathing fashion show where
every single attendee, from the millionaires and Millionaire's Row to
the college students pack into the infield, has made some
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kind of decision about how they want to present themselves
to the world. This isn't just people showing up to
watch a horse race, Oh No, this is people participating
in a cultural phenomenon where appearance matters, where tradition intersects
with personal expression, where the act of getting dressed becomes
an act of creativity and sometimes courage. The foundation of
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Darby fashion, the absolute cornerstone upon which everything else is
built is the hat. Now I'm not talking about baseball
caps or winter beanies, my friends. I'm talking about magnificent
architectural achievements that sit atop human heads, like crowns, like sculptures,
like statements of intent that can be seen from fifty
yards away. The tradition of wearing elaborate hats to the
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Kentucky Derby stretches back generations rooted in the idea that
the Derby was a former occasion where proper ladies wore
proper hats. But what started as a simple rule of
etiquette has evolved into an explosion of creativity that would
make avant guarde artists weep with joy. The hats at
Churchill Downs range from the traditional to the absolutely outrageous,
from the elegant to the incomprehensible, from works of millinery
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art that probably cost more than most people's monthly rat
to do with yourself, creations that demonstrate more enthusiasm than skill,
but are no less beloved by their creators. You've got classic,
wide brimmed picture hats adorned with flowers, ribbons and feathers
that wouldn't look out of place at a garden party
in the nineteen twenties. You've got fascinators, those smaller head
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pieces popular in British racing culture that perch jauntily on
one side of the head, secured with combs and pins
and sheer determination. And then, oh, my friends, then you've
got the creations that defy easy categorization, hats that incorporate
everything from live flowers to led lights from hoar all
the fire, passing broth clothes, rake wake Evan, from representations
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of the Twin Spires to abstract designs that look like
modern art exploded on someone's head. The hat game at
the Derby is serious business for many attendees. Some folks
start planning their Derby hats months in advance, working with
professional milliners who charge thousands of dollars to create custom
pieces that are unique, stunning, and perfectly coordinated with the
rest of their outfit. These professional creations are works of art,
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combining traditional hat making techniques with modern materials and innovative designs.
The milliners who specialize in Derbys have become celebrities in
their own right, their work featured in fashion magazines, Their
customer lists including socialites, celebrities, and anyone with the means
and desire to stand out in the massive Derby day crowd.
But the beauty of Derby hat culture is that it's
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not just for the wealthy elite. The democratic nature of
the hat tradition means that anyone can participate, whether your
hat cost five thousand dollars from a remound milliner or
fifty dollars in craft supplies from your local hobby store.
I've seen hats made from cardboard and hot glue that
received just as many compliments and photographs as the expensive
professional creations. Because what matters is the spirit, the creativity,
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the willingness to embrace the tradition and make it your own.
The Derby hat is the great equalizer, the element of
fashion that allows everyone to participate in the spectacle, regardless
of their budget or social standing. The annual Derby Hat contest,
held in various locations throughout Churchill Downs, draws enormous crowds
of participants and spectators. These contests judge hats on creativity, originality, craftsmanship,
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and adherence to the Derby theme, and winning one of
these competitions is a genuine achievement that comes with prizes, recognition,
and serious briding rights. I've seen people become emotional when
they win Derby hat contests, tears of joy streaming down
faces because their creativity was recognized, their effort was rewarded,
their moment in the spotlight was everything they hoped it
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would be. Now, let's talk about the fashion beyond the hats,
because while the headwear gets most of the attention, the
complete Derby outfit is a carefully considered ensemble that reflects
both tradition and personal style. For women, the traditional Derby
look includes a sun dresser suit in spring colors, the
aforementioned fabulous hat, and accessories that tie the whole look together.
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The color palette tends toward pastels and bright spring shades,
lots of pink, coral, mint green, sky blue, sunny yellow,
and crisp white. Floral patterns are enormously popular, both as
a nod to the roses that give the race it's
nickname and because flowers simply feel appropriate for a spring
celebration in Kentucky. The dresses worn to the Derby range
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from conservatively elegant to daringly fashionable. You've got classic A
line dresses that would please even the strictest etiquette expert
warn by women who value tradition and timeless style. You've
got body conscious sheath cresses that show off figures earned
through months of gym time and dietary discipline. You've got
flowing maxi dresses that move beautifully in the Kentucky breeze,
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creating an almost ethereal effect as their wearers walk for
the grounds and you've got fashion forward pieces incorporating current trends,
whatever those might be in any given year. Because Derby
fashion is not frozen in time, but rather evolves with
broader fashion trends while maintaining its distinctive character. The footwear
choices for Derby Day present an interesting challenge because while
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everyone wants to look fabulous, the reality is that they'll
be standing, walking, and navigating crowds for many hours, often
on grass that might be soft from spring rain. The
smart Derby attendee bounces style with practicality, choosing shoes that
look gorgeous but won't result in blisters, broken ankles, or
shoes sinking into the turf. Wedge heels have become increasingly
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popular for outdoor areas because they provide height and style
without the instability of stilettos on grass. Some practical folks
bring shoe changes, wearing comfortable flats for walking and switching
into their show stopping heels for photographs and key moments,
and there's absolutely no shame in prioritizing comfort, because a
fabulous outfit loses its impact if the person wearing it
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is limping around in obvious pain. For men, Derby Day
fashion follows somewhat more structured traditions, but there's still plenty
of room for personal expression. The classic Derby look for
gentlemen includes a sear supper suit or a lightweight linen
suit in light colors, paired with a bow tie or
traditional necktie, a crisp dress shirt, and appropriate dress shoes.
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The seasucker suit, with its distinctive striped pattern and lightweight
cotton fabric, has become almost synonymous with Derby day, a
nod to southern summer fashion traditions and the practical need
for clothing that breeds in Kentucky's warming spring weather. But
modern Derby fashion for men has expanded beyond the traditional
seersucker uniform. You'll see men in bold colored suits in
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patterns ranging from subtle checks to eye popping plaids, in
fabrics from traditional cotton and limon to modern technical blends
that resist winkles and handle the demands of a long day.
The bow tie has remained a Derby staple, but the
varieties available are stunning, from classic solid colors to patterns
incorporating horses, horseshoes, roses, and other Derby motifs. Some men
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coordinate their bow ties with their dates tusses, creating couples
whose outfits complement each other in a display of sartorial teamwork.
And yes, men wear hats too, though typically of a
more traditional variety. You'll see panama hats, fedoras, trilbees, and
occasionally more adventure choices like top hats for those really
committing to the formal esthetic. Some men have started embracing
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more elaborate hat choices inspired by the creativity they see
in women's Derby fashion. And while a man in a massive,
decorated hat still draws more attention in a woman in
a similar creation, that's slowly changing as Derby fashion becomes
increasingly inclusive and experimental. The accessories game at the Derby
is strong across all genders. You've got statement jewelry, from
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chunky necklaces to elaborate earrings that peek out from underhat ribs.
You've got pocket squares for the gentlemen, carefully folded to
add that pop of color or pattern that elevates a
suit from ordinary to excellent. You've got handbags and clutches
that range from practical to purely decorative. Because let's be honest,
on Derby Day, your bag is as much part of
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your outfit as your hat. You've got sunglasses, and not
just any sunglasses, but statement pieces that protect your eyes
while adding to your overall aesthetic, from classic aviators to
oversized frames that screen glamour. The different areas of Churchill
Downs each have their own fashion cultures, creating distinct style
ecosystems within the larger Derby fashion universe. Millionaire's Row, where
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the wealthiest and most connected attendees gather, tends toward the
most expensive and elegant fashion designer labels, professional styling, jewelry
that costs more than most cars, and an overall aesthetic
of refined luxury. The clubhouse and reserved seating areas feature
what you might call elevated Derby fashion, people who are
dressed beautifully and appropriately, but perhaps without the extreme expense
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or formality of Millionaire's Row. And then you have the infield, oh,
the glorious infield, where fashion takes on a completely different character.
The infield fashion culture deserves its own detailed discussion because
it's unlike anything else at Churchill Downs. The infield has
traditionally attracted a younger, more party focused crowd, and the
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fashion reflects that demographic and purpose. You'll see outfits that
prioritize fun over formality, create activity over convention, and comfort
over tradition. There are still plenty of hats, but they
might incorporate humor or pop culture references rather than traditional elegance.
There are crop tops, shorts, sun dresses that wouldn't be
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allowed in the more formal areas, and an overall vibe
that's more music festival than garden party. The infield is
where college students come to celebrate, where groups of friends
create matching fiend outfits, where someone might show up in
an inflatable horse costume just because they can. But here's
the beautiful thing about Derby Day fashion. It's all valid,
it's all part of the spectacle. It's all contributing to
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the visual feast that makes the Kentucky Derby unlike any
other sporting event. Whether you're in a ten thousand dollars
designer outfit in millionaire's row or a homemade creation in
the infield, you're participating in the tradition, You're part of
the show. You're helping create the atmosphere that makes Derby
Day magical. What the celebrity fashion at the Derby draws
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enormous media attention and often sets trends that influenced Derby
attendees for years to come. When a major celebrity shows
up a Churchill downs and a stunning outfit, those photographs
go viral. Fashion magazines analyze every detail, and suddenly everyone
wants to recreate that look for next year's Derby. The
celebrities who attend the Derby often work with professional stylists
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to create memorable moments, understanding that Derby Day offers a
unique opportunity for fashion coverage that dares from the usual
red carpet events. The combination of sport tradition and Southern
charm creates a distinctive context for fashion that appeals to
celebrities looking to showcase different sides of their personal style.
The local Louisville fashion scene gets an enormous boost from
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Derby Week, with boutiques, department stores, and online retailers all
capitalizing on the demand for Derby appropriate attire. Shopping for
Derby outfits becomes an event in itself, with stores hosting
special Derby fashion shows, offering styling consultations, and creating curated
collections specifically for the occasion. Some people make annual trips
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to Louisville, specifically to shop for their Derby outfits, turning
the fashion preparation into part of their overall Derby tradition.
The evolution of Derby fashion over the decades tells a
fascinating story about changing social norms, fashion trends, and cultural values.
Photographs from the early decades of the Derby Show attendees
in formal attire that reflected the fashion standards of their
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eras long dresses and gloves for women, dark suits and
formal hats for men, an overall esthetic of serious formality.
As decades passed and social norms relaxed, Derby fashion became
more colorful, more creative, more willing to embrace fun alongside elegance.
The nineteen sixties brought shorter hemlines and bolder colors, the
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seventies introduced more casual elements, the eighties pushed toward power
dressing and bold shoulders, and each subsequent decade has added
its own influence to the ever evolving Derby fashion tradition.
The weather plays a crucial role in Derby Day fashion.
In Kentucky, weather in early May can be notoriously unpredictable,
Derby attendees have experienced everything from temperatures in the nineties
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with blazing sunshine to chili rain that would make anyone
question their outfit choices. Smart Derby attendees check the forecast
obsessively in the days leading up to the race and
have contingency plans for various weather scenarios. A beautiful sundress
might need to be paired with a light cardigan of
temperatures drop, or that seersucker suit might need to be
reconsidered if rain is predicted. Some fashion forward folks even
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coordinate their umbrellas with their outfits, because if you're going
to need rain protection, it might as well look fabulous.
The photography culture at the Derby is intimately connected to
the fashion because everyone wants to document their fabuless outfits
and be part of the visual record of Derby day.
You'll see professional photographers working the crowds looking for the
most striking outfits to capture. You'll see attendees posing for
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photographs with friends, with strangers, in front of the iconic
Twin Spires, or in any other location the provides a
good backdrop. Social media has amplified this phenomenon exponentially, with
Derby attendees posting their outfits to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and
every other platform, collecting likes and comments, comparing their looks
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with others, and contributing to the digital archive of Derby
fashion that grows larger every year. A fashion judging that
happens informally throughout Derby Day is constant and often unspoken.
People are observing other attendees' outfits, making mental notes about
what they love and what they'd never wear, getting inspiration
for future Derbies, and forming opinions about the overall fashion
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landscape of the current year. This informal judging is usually
good natured and appreciative rather than mean spirited, because most
Derby attendees understand that everyone is trying to participate in
the tradition in their own way, and there's room for
infinite variety and Derby fashion expression. The preparation time that
goes into Derby Day fashion is substantial for many attendees.
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Some people start planning their outfits months in advance, researching styles,
shopping for the perfect pieces, coordinating every element of their ensemble.
Day of the Derby often begins hours before arrival at
the track, with hairstyling that needs to support and showcase
the hat, makeup application that needs to last do heat, humidity,
and emotion, and the careful process of putting on and
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adjusting the complete outfit. For some attendees, getting ready for
the Derby is as important and enjoyable as the actual event,
a ritual that builds anticipation and allows them to transform
into their Derby day persona. The group coordination of Derby
fashion creates some of the most memorable visual moments. They'll
see groups of friends who have planned, matching or coordinating outfits,
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creating a unified aesthetic statement that's more impactful than any
individual outfit could be. You'll see bridal parties celebrating a
bachelorette party with themed Derby outfits in the bride's chosen colors.
You'll see corporate groups whose outfits incorporate their company colors
or branding. These coordinated group efforts require planning, communication, and
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comper but the results can be spectacular, creating visual impact
that draws attention and photographs from everyone around them. The
sustainability conversation has begun to influence Derby fashion in recent years,
with some attendees making conscious choices to rent outfits. Rather
than buying something they'll wear once, to shop vintage your
secondhand for unique pieces with less environmental impact, or to
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re wear and restyle Derby outfits from previous years rather
than assuming they need something completely new. This shift reflects
broader changes in fashion consciousness, and while the Derby has
traditionally been an occasion where people felt they needed to
debut a completely new outfit, that's gradually changing as attitudes
about fashion consumption evolve. The comfort versus style calculation that
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every Derby attendee must make is real and important. Derby
day involves many hours of standing, walking, navigating crowds, dealing
with weather, and maintaining your composure while your feet hurt
and your hat feels heavy. The people who've attended with
multiple Derbies learned to find the balance between looking fabulous
and being able to actually enjoy the day. Because there's
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no prize for suffering the most in the name of fashion,
Strategic choices like choosing natural fabrics that breathe, selecting hat
styles that are secure but not painful, and building in
some comfort elements while maintaining style can make the difference
between a day you remember fondly and a day you
spent counting the minutes until you could go home and change.
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The Derby fashion tradition extends beyond just the attendees at
Churchill Downs to Derby parties happening all over the world.
People hosting Derby parties encourage their guests to dress up,
to wear hats, to embrace the tradition, even if they're
watching from a backyard in California or a bar in
New York. This democratization of wi fashion means that millions
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of people participate in the tradition annually, far more than
could ever fit inside Churchill Downs, creating a global community
of people who for one day embrace fancy hats, elegant dresses,
and the spirit of Derby celebration. The gender inclusivity of
modern Derby fashion has expanded significantly, with traditional gender lines
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in dress becoming more fluid and more people feeling free
to express themselves however they choose. You might see men
in more traditionally feminine fashion elements or women in sharp
tailored suits, and increasingly the Derby crowd embraces this diversity
of expression as part of the event's evolving character. The
core principle remains the same dress in a way that
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makes you feel fabulous, shows respect for the tradition, and
allows you to participate fully into Derby Day spectacle. The
fashion missteps are part of the Derby experience, and honestly,
they're part of what makes it memorable. There are outfits
that don't quite work, hats that are too heavy or
poorly secured, shoes that seem like a good idea until
our three of wearing them, and moments when someone realizes
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their outfit choice might have been optimistic given the weather reality.
But even these fashion mistakes are rarely disastered because the
Derby crowd is generally supportive, understanding that everyone is doing
their best to participate in the tradition, and most people
are too focused on their own experience to harshly judge others.
The vendors at Churchill Downs selling Derby related fashion items
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do brisk business throughout the day. You've got souvenir hats
for people who arrived without one and realized they wanted
to participate in the tradition. You've got scarves and other
accessories in Derby colors. You've got those iconic Derby glasses
that technically aren't fashioned but certainly become part of people's
Derby Day look. These vendors provide last minute fashion salvation
for unprepared attendees and impulse purchases for everyone else. The
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evolution of Derby fashion rules has been ongoing, with Churchill
Downs updating their dress code guidance over the years to
reflect changing times while still maintaining the event's special character.
Different areas of the track have different dress code requirements,
with the most formal areas maintaining strict standards while other
areas are more relaxed. These rules exist not to exclude,
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but to preserve the US unique atmosphere that makes Derby
Day different from a regular day at the races, to
ensure that the visual spectacle remains part of what makes
the event special. The intersection of fashion and function at
the Derby is perhaps most evident in how people adapt
their outfits as the day progresses. Jackets come off as
temperatures rise, Comfortable shoes get swapped in for the painful,
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beautiful ones. Hats that started the day perched perfectly might
get readjusted or even removed by the time evening approaches,
and the overall aesthetic shifts from pristine to lived in
as the hours unfold once more than one neat fastens
and one dim ease. This gradual dissolution of perfect fashion
is part of the Derby Day journey, showing that real
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people are inside those fabulous outfits, people who are there
to enjoy themselves and experience the event, not just to
be Mannikins. The fashion at Derby Day ultimately serves a
purpose beyond mere vanity or tradition. It transforms attending a
sporting event into participating in a cultural phenomenon. It elevates
the experience from watching horse race to being part of
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something larger and more meaningful. It creates memories that last
far longer than the race itself, and it allows individuals
to express themselves, celebrate spring, honor tradition, and be part
of a community of people who believe that getting dressed up,
making an effort, and embracing beauty and spectacle are worthwhile
pursuits in an increasingly casual world. Well, my fashionable friends,
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that's your complete immersion into the glorious, outrageous, absolutely magnificent
world of Derby Day fashion and spectacle. I hope you're
now inspired to embrace the tradition plan your own fabulous
Derby outfit and understand that what you wear to the
Derby is not just clothing, but rather your participation in
one of America's greatest cultural traditions. Thanks for listening, and
(22:48):
please subscribe for more episodes of Derby Day. This has
been brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks from
more content like this, please go to Quiet please dot
ai until next time. This This is Marty Sinclair reminding
you that life is too short for boring outfits and
Derby Day is your invitation to be absolutely spectacular.
Speaker 2 (23:08):
Quiet please dot ai hear what matters