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Access Louisville

Access Louisville

Hosted by Louisville Business First

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Episodes

365

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The latest news on Louisville, Kentucky from the staff of Louisville Business First. We look at trending issues in the Derby City from a business perspective. Join us each week!

Listen to episodes

60 recent
October 23, 2026Episode 36327 min

Bourbon gets exclusive

We explore a growing trend in bourbon tourism on this week's Access Louisville podcast: private bourbon clubs. Fresh off a tour of the Old Carter Whiskey Co ., Reporter Stephen P. Schmidt discusses several members-only bourbon concepts that offer exclusive bottle access, lockers, events and premium experiences, even as bourbon prices on store shelves soften. We discuss which local brands would make the best membership clubs. We also dive into Louisville Business First's 2026 Fast 50 program, which recognizes the region's fastest-growing private companies. Special Projects Editor Allison Stines shares highlights from this year's rankings, including the remarkable growth of top-ranked pharmacy benefits company AffirmedRx and the return of several familiar companies to the list. The group discusses industry trends behind the data, including the continued strength of construction and manufacturing firms across the region. In a sponsored segment, LBF Publisher Lisa Benson sits down with Baird Vice Chairman Jim Allen for a conversation about the firm's long-standing ties to Louisville, its community involvement and its philanthropic priorities. To close out the episode, the team offers a few things to think about, including what Louisville's new nonstop flight to Toronto could mean for bourbon tourism . We also highlight a recent installment of Louisville Business First's "The Boss" series, featuring Butchertown developer Andy Blieden . Access Louisville, sponsored by Baird, is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. You can also follow it on popular podcast services including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

October 16, 2026Episode 36228 min

The next Norton Commons?

A massive mixed-use development in Oldham County is moving toward reality, and it could reshape the eastern edge of the Louisville region. On this week's Access Louisville, Reporter Olivia Estright breaks down the latest on Clore Station, a 500-acre project envisioned as a Norton Commons-style community with housing, retail, healthcare, senior living and more . We discuss what the project says about population growth in Oldham County as well as Louisville's appetite for walkable neighborhoods. We also take a look at the local housing market , as mortgage rates have climbed above 7%. Estright shares the latest market data and explains why buyers and sellers are navigating a very different environment than they were just a year ago. Later in the show, Editor-in-Chief Shea Van Hoy discusses how Derby season is leveraged as an economic development tool . The conversation stems from a recent event highlighting Louisville's successful bid for the 2028 U.S. Olympic gymnastics trials and we explore how local leaders use major events and hospitality to attract business, conventions and tourism. We also go over the sale of the Taylorhurst Shopping Center in Louisville's East End . In our "Give Us Something to Think About" segment, we chat about pickleball's popularity , Bardstown's emerging "Bourbon Row," and an upcoming business trip to Raleigh, North Carolina. Access Louisville, sponsored by Baird, is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. You can also follow it on popular podcast services including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, which are linked above.

October 9, 2026Episode 36123 min

Big park funded

A major investment is giving one of the region's most ambitious projects a shot in the arm. On the Access Louisville podcast this week we chat about a $20 million grant awarded to Origin Park , the sprawling 430-acre recreation and conservation project planned along the Ohio River in Southern Indiana. Reporter Olivia Estright explains that River Heritage Conservancy⁠, the nonprofit tasked with developing Origin Park⁠, received the major grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. for the park’s next phase, which includes environmental restoration and expanded public access to Buttonbush Woods. After that, we dive into a legal battle involving a lost collection of recordings by the Louisville Orchestra . Michael L. Jones breaks down the lawsuit and the orchestra's resurgence under Teddy Abrams. We also chat about a new luxury apartment development planned for La Grange. The Denton Floyd project will bring nearly 300 apartments to Oldham County as developers try to meet growing demand for housing options beyond traditional single-family homes. We also discuss the Louisville mayoral race following a recent debate between Mayor Craig Greenberg and challenger Shameka Parrish-Wright, including their differing views on development, investment priorities and Louisville's relationship with Frankfort. Finally, we check in on the Hot Dog Lady, a familiar local vendor in Downtown Louisville. A licensing issue forced her to remove some menu items and she's now working to raise money for a food truck. Access Louisville, sponsored by Baird, is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. You can listen in the player above. You can also follow it on popular podcast services including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

October 2, 2026Episode 36022 min

Restaurant news roundup

Louisville's restaurant scene keeps cooking — and that's the topic of this week's Access Louisville podcast. We start with Gustavo's Mexican Grill, which has broken ground on its next location in eastern Jefferson County . Reporter Michael L. Jones discusses what's behind Gustavo Reyes's continued expansion and why the restaurant has built such a loyal following in a crowded category. After that, we shift across the river to New Albany, where Byrd's Hot Chicken is bringing its Nashville-style menu to Southern Indiana . Zak Owens breaks down the California-based chain's plans and we chat about the enduring popularity of hot chicken and one of its famous origin stories. The conversation then turns to Noah's Kitchen, which recently hired former Food Network executive chef Rob Bleifer . Michael explains how Bleifer's 24-year career with the TV network led him to Kentucky and why Louisville's food scene continues to attract culinary talent from larger markets, including New York City. In addition to Bleifer, Drake Aldrich at Perso is mentioned . We also talk grocery wars as Publix opens another Kentucky location , this time in Elizabethtown. Finally, we chat about Oniichan's Kitchen , a new vendor inside Logan Street Market serving Japanese comfort food. Access Louisville, sponsored by Baird, is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. You can listen in the player above. You can also follow it on popular podcast services including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, which are linked above.

September 25, 2026Episode 35934 min

Louder than Beyond

We talk all things Louder Than Life and Bourbon & Beyond on this week's Access Louisville podcast. Special Projects Editor Allison Stines and Editor-in-Chief Shea Van Hoy join the show to discuss the massive crowds, how the festival continues to evolve and the impact the events have on Louisville by bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city during September. We're probably a week or so out from knowing exactly what attendance looked like for the festivals. The two festivals are put on by Danny Wimmer Presents and have had a major impact over the years . Louder Than Life was expected to have an estimated economic impact of $24.1 million, while Bourbon & Beyond is expected to bring in $13.8 million. According to Louisville Tourism, the two festivals generated an estimated $43 million in local economic impact in 2025. So if the estimates above hold true, they would be off that figure slightly at $37.9 million this year. We also chat about how Louisville's food scene is represented at the festival grounds. And of course, we swap stories about memorable performances, favorite festival experiences, standout food and drink options and more. On the show this week, we also talk about Danny Wimmer Presents commitment to keeping the events in Louisville for the next 10 years. Access Louisville, sponsored by Baird, is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. You can listen in the player above. You can also follow it on popular podcast services including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

September 18, 2026Episode 35828 min

Interview with a Louisville business icon

We sit down with one of Louisville's most recognizable business leaders on this week's Access Louisville podcast. Republic Bank Executive Chairman Steve Trager joins the show to discuss the bank's continued growth, including its presence in five states, a record financial performance and competitive advantages. In an interview wtih LBF Editor-in-Chief Shea Van Hoy, Trager also shares his thoughts on technology in banking, including how Republic is using artificial intelligence internally while maintaining a strong focus on personal relationships. "We have multiple internal [AI] agents that we've developed that can answer questions and help our people serve their customers in various areas," he said. However, he added, "I don't see it customer-facing directly anytime soon.I have my own experience with customer-facing AI, and it's been terrible almost every time I've tried to use it." With that said, he also comments on how he believes bankers should have a personal relationship with their clients We also talk philanthropy and community leadership, with Trager reflecting on the influence of his Jewish faith and why projects such as the Trager MicroForest and other downtown investments are important to Louisville's future. We get off business topics a bit too and Trager gives us recommendations on restaurants and where he likes to take out of town guests. He even shares a fast food guilty pleasure: "You know what? I love Popeyes' fried chicken," he said, noting that he'll sometimes hit the drive thru there if the mood strikes him right. Access Louisville, sponsored by Baird, is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. You can listen in the player above. You can also follow it on popular podcast services including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

September 11, 2026Episode 35718 min

A trademark fight looming?

The NHL's Los Angeles Kings have requested more time to decide whether to challenge the Louisville UFL team's trademark . We chat about what's at stake, where the Louisville King's name came from and look back at the football team's championship-winning first season. The conversation then shifts to college athletics, where University of Louisville officials say their fundraising and NIL strategy is paying off better than expected. Despite recent success, athletic leaders continue to push for broader changes to the college sports model and federal legislation that could help support non-revenue sports programs. On the bourbon front, we chat about Brown-Forman reviving the historic Kentucky Boy brand with a limited release honoring longtime master distiller emeritus Chris Morris. After that, Reporter Olivia Estright tells us about a proposed $300 million housing development near The Parklands that could bring nearly 800 homes to eastern Jefferson County. She also talks about a unique adaptive reuse project in New Albany, where a former church is being transformed into a recording studio and com music space . Access Louisville, sponsored by Baird, is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. You can also follow it on popular podcast services including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

September 4, 2026Episode 35625 min

Two big bets on Louisville

We discuss a pair of major investments in Louisville on this week's Access Louisville podcast. GE Appliances announced a $1 billion investment at Appliance Park, including plans to move dryer production from Mexico to Louisville. Meanwhile Amazon is opening a new same-day delivery facility near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, which will help support its expanded rapid-delivery network. We also dive into the latest developments at Brown-Forman on this week's show. LBF Digital Editor Zak Owens tells us about criticism from members of the Brown family over the company's strategy, including the growth of flavored Jack Daniel's products. And we break down comments from outgoing CEO Lawson Whiting during the company's latest earnings call . Plus, we talk about Yum Brands' decision to complete the sale of Pizza Hut as the Louisville-based company sharpens its focus on other opportunities . Later in the show, Senior Reporter Joel Stinnett shares the story behind a mysterious door along Lexington Road that leads to a historic lagering tunnel, which is slated to become a unique event venue known as The Vault. We also discuss new progress on the Belvedere redevelopment after the project received a $5 million grant from the James Graham Brown Foundation . We revisit the ongoing saga of Akiko's karaoke bar, whose property is headed to auction , and what the sale might say about the changing landscape of Louisville's Highlands neighborhood. At the very end of the show we highlight LDG Development's court victory over the City of Prospect , a ruling that clears the way for a long-delayed affordable housing development. Access Louisville, sponsored by Baird, is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. You can listen in the player above. You can also follow it on popular podcast services including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

August 28, 2026Episode 35526 min

What tourists come to Louisville for

Louisville has plenty to offer visitors, but can the city's tourism sector keep up with demand? We chat about that and more with Louisville Tourism CEO Cleo Battle on this week's Access Louisville podcast. Battle is on the show this week for an interview with LBF Editor-in-Chief Shea Van Hoy. The two talk about Louisville coming off a fourth consecutive year of record tourism revenue, generating a $4.4 billion economic impact in Jefferson County. "Thursday through Sunday in this city, we are jamming every month of the year," he said. But he notes that Louisville needs additional hotel rooms to keep pace with growing conventions and remain competitive with peer cities. This was something that Senior Reporter Joel Stinnett wrote about in a recent cover story . Through Louisville Tourism, 610 meetings and events are booked each year. Those events are growing, he said, but in order for them to stay in Louisville, the city needs to grow with them. "That's our challenge," he said. "We have the smallest amount of hotel rooms in our competitive set. We have the smallest number of direct flights in our competitive set. We have to compete and so we need to grow. In addition to the convention side of the business, Battle and Van Hoy talked about big events that bring guests to town, including music festivals like Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life as well as Louisville's plans to host the USA Gymnastics Olympic Trials in 2028. "I don't know that it's sunk in for people that the Olympic flags are going to fly above Louisville and represent Louisville and Kentucky," he said. "There is just not a price you can put on that type of exposure and advertising and marketing that we're going to get from that." Battle also shares what Louisville Tourism is doing to market the city, why Chicago remains Louisville's top visitor market and what trends he's watching across the tourism industry. Access Louisville, sponsored by Baird, is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. You can listen in the player above. You can also follow it on popular podcast services including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, which are linked above.

August 21, 2026Episode 35431 min

Restaurant news roundup

We serve up a packed restaurant roundup on the Access Louisville podcast this week, including some familiar names and new concepts entering the market. Reporter Michael L Jones starts us off with an update on Captain's Quarters' plans for a new event venue . The Boathouse, as the space will be called, will consist of a 1,700 square foot main hall and a 600-square-foot patio. The space will accommodate up to 100 guests for seated dinners and 140 guests for cocktail-style receptions. Additionally, we chat about the news that KingFish, one of Louisville's longtime and very recognizable restaurant brands, is up for sale. Senior Reporter Joel Stinnett notes that the business, as well as the riverfront real estate from its two locations (in Louisville and in Jeffersonville, Indiana), are on the market . We also chat about a new pan-Asian concept headed to the former Anoosh Bistro space , called Wasabi; the upcoming auction of the former Bakersfield space in the Highlands; and the opening of Magnolia Bakery in NuLu . Beyond restaurants, the discussion turns to real estate, including the collapse of the Meidinger Tower deal and what it could mean for Fourth Street Live . We also discuss the listing of the former Old National Bank office space on Main Street and talk about a long-awaited affordable housing development coming to the Merriwether neighborhood . Late in the show, Stinnett reflects on the passing of Charles Griffin Sr., a longtime downtown business owner who died recently at age 84 . And we chat about the upside to Publix signing a lease in the Highlands. Access Louisville, sponsored by Baird, is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First.

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