Therapy dogs in Louisville hospitals, schools, prisons, and even the airport? On this episode of The Lou Review, sit down with Linda Laun, co-founder of Wags Pet Therapy of Kentucky, and Brian Fulkerson, past president, join host Rosa Hart to talk about how a handful of dog lovers built one of Louisville's most beloved volunteer organizations.

Linda takes us back to 1994, when it all started with four people, four dogs, and four locations (and one memorable hospital visit where security showed her the door). Brian shares how a neighbor's suggestion turned his retirement into a calling, and how he built an endowment to keep Wags going for years to come.

We talk about what really makes a good therapy dog (hint: it's temperament, not breed), the stories that will stay with you, and how you can get involved, with or without a dog of your own.

In this episode:

0:00 Welcome, meet Linda Lawn and Brian Fulkerson

1:17 How Wags started in 1994 with four dogs and four locations

2:38 How Brian got involved after retirement

3:31 What makes a good therapy dog (3 lbs to 180 lbs!)

5:15 Every dog has its own personality and favorite setting

6:01 Do dogs actually like hugs?

7:26 Getting kicked out of the first hospital visit

8:17 Helping a child overcome a fear of dogs, step by step

9:43 Leading a volunteer nonprofit

10:15 Building an endowment for long-term impact

12:51 How to become a Wags volunteer

13:44 No dog? You can still volunteer as a trained aide

14:34 Mentorship and support for new members

15:29 A moment with Nala at Brown Cancer Center

17:55 Airport visits for anxious and grieving travelers

20:14 The Halloween costume parade at the airport

21:30 Bringing therapy dogs into prisons

22:45 The reading program in 36 JCPS schools

23:23 115 dog teams and still a waiting list

23:56 How to get involved with Wags

26:04 Upcoming seminar on November 7

26:57 Thank you and closing

Connect with Wags Pet Therapy of Kentucky:

Website: kywags.org

Facebook and Instagram: @KYWAGS

The Lou Review spotlights the people, businesses, and nonprofits that make Louisville special. If this episode made you smile, follow the show, leave a rating, and share it with a fellow dog lover.

Hosted by Rosa Hart | The Lou Review Foundation

What does it take to build two beloved Louisville food spots and keep them thriving for decades? Kit Garrett, founder of Blue Dog Bakery & Cafe and Red Hog Butcher Shop, shares the story behind both, and why closing two days a week was one of her smartest decisions.

In this episode:
• How a blue heeler named Blue inspired the bakery’s name
• How a trip to Spain and a love of Iberico ham led to Red Hog
• Why giving staff real rest builds a stronger business
• How the Crescent Hill community kept Red Hog alive through COVID
• Red Hog’s 10 years supporting Louisville Public Media, Kentucky Refugee Ministries, and Feed Louisville

Plus: the cauliflower appetizer that changed Rosa’s mind about cauliflower, at a butcher shop!

🐖 Visit Red Hog: Tuesday – Saturday, Frankfort Ave | redhogartisanmeat.com | @RedHogButcher
🎙 Follow Rosa: @RosaRaves

The Lou Review podcast is made possible by the Lou Review Foundation.

Rob Bourdon went from pro hockey to owning Copper & Kings, the brandy distillery in Louisville's Butchertown neighborhood. Here's why he bet on brandy in the heart of bourbon country.

Rob grew up in Montreal with hockey skates on by age two. After a short run in the East Coast Hockey League, he wrote a business plan as a favor to his father-in-law, and that favor turned into a decade in the spirits business. Then he heard Copper & Kings was for sale, and he couldn't sleep that night.

Rosa Hart talks with Rob about brandy vs. bourbon, the surprising history of brandy in America (the original mint julep wasn't made with bourbon), who's really behind the drop in alcohol sales, and what it's like to buy a distillery during an industry downturn.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIN

TIMESTAMPS

(0:00) Introduction

Rosa welcomes Rob Bourdon, owner of Copper & Kings Distillery.

(0:53) Hockey Roots in Montreal

One of five kids, first skates at age two, then prep school, college hockey, and the East Coast Hockey League.

(2:00) Joining Tennessee Distilling Group

While waiting on his visa, Rob wrote the business plan for Tennessee's first contract manufacturing distillery. The favor became a decade-long career.

(4:20) Learning the Business from the Ground Up

Bottling, international private label, and sales, plus hard lessons about balancing quality and speed.

(6:48) Falling in Love with Copper & Kings

Rob pursued the deal through Constellation Brands, closing in August after 10 months of negotiations.

(8:20) Brandy vs. Bourbon

Whiskey is distilled beer (made from grain). Brandy is distilled wine (made from fruit).

(9:50) The Hidden History of Brandy in America

Brandy was the first spirit distilled on American soil in the 1600s, George Washington was a major peach brandy distiller, and the original mint julep was a brandy cocktail.

(12:10) Brandy as a Cocktail Spirit

Rob calls brandy a "chameleon" that works in old fashioneds, Negronis, espresso martinis, Manhattans, and even margaritas.

(15:20) Four Floors and a Rooftop Bar

From the aging cellar up to a rooftop lounge with charcuterie, cocktails, and sunset views.

(17:05) Thunder Over Louisville from the Rooftop

A covered patio with heaters, a view of the bridge, and no downtown traffic to worry about.

(19:10) Buying During a Spirits Industry Downturn

How drinking habits shift by generation, from bourbon to vodka and back to bourbon.

(20:20) 90 Years of Spirits Consumption History

Bourbon peaked around 36 million cases in 1970, dropped to 12.8 million by 2000, then climbed back to 32 million by 2024.

(24:30) Who's Really Driving the Decline in Drinking?

Rob says it isn't Gen Z. The biggest drop comes from Baby Boomers on GLP-1 medications and people switching to THC products for sleep.

(27:00) Moving to Louisville and the Business Community

Louisville's charm, its untapped potential, and the business community that welcomed him right away.

(30:00) Five-Year Vision for Copper & Kings

Growing from 5 states back to 30 to 40, entering the UK and Australia, and no longer being "Louisville's best kept secret."

(31:30) Three Distillery Tours

"Brandy in Bourbon Country," "Bottle Your Own," and the "Distiller Select Tour" with unique barrel finishes.

(34:00) Where to Find Copper & Kings

Rob invites you to come by and promises you'll "leave pretty happy."

LINKS

Copper & Kings: https://copperandkings.com

Follow Rosa Hart: @RosaRaves

The Lou Review highlights the business owners and nonprofit leaders building up Louisville and the surrounding area. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and leave a rating if you enjoyed this one.

Roughly 30% of the food grown and produced in our community ends up in a landfill, while one in six people here face food insecurity. Heather Stewart, Executive Director of Kentucky Harvest, explains how food rescue works: taking excess food from businesses and getting it to shelters, children's centers, recovery centers, and churches, sometimes the same day. Since 1987, Kentucky Harvest has rescued more than 92 million pounds of food. Find out how you can volunteer with as little as 45 minutes and your own car.

TIMESTAMPS

0:28 Meet Heather Stewart of Kentucky Harvest.
0:43 What Is Kentucky Harvest? Food rescue means intercepting excess food before it goes to waste.
1:25 Where Does the Food Come From? Mostly not restaurants. Think to-go spots, bakeries, and any business where "choice requires excess."
2:46 250+ Community Partners. Food goes to shelters, children's centers, recovery centers, and churches.
2:50 History & Impact. Founded in 1987, with over 92 million pounds rescued.
3:05 How Do You Weigh It? The Food Rescue Hero app tracks rescue volumes.
3:43 Heather's Path to Kentucky Harvest. From part-time grant writer to Executive Director.
4:15 Hunger Is a Solvable Problem. About 30% of food produced in the community ends up in a landfill.
4:36 Morning Rescue, Same-Night Plate. ServSafe certified drivers, and no warehouse.
5:45 Paid Drivers & Volunteers. A fleet plus volunteers, "like Uber Eats for food rescue."
6:31 Harvey's Hero Challenge. Meet Harvey the chipmunk, the mascot.
7:08 Hunger Action Month. Local celebrities are doing rescues in September.
7:35 The App Matches You to Your Vehicle. Small cars get pizza and bakery runs.
8:27 Volunteer Impact by the Numbers. 250,000 people served, including 60,000 children.
10:00 Connections to Other Local Programs. Feed Louisville and Blessings in a Backpack.
10:42 Food Waste vs. the Airline Industry. Heather shares how wasted food affects the climate.
11:24 Optimizing Routes. The app matches nearby partners with nearby nonprofits.
11:50 Addressing Food Deserts. West and South Louisville and Southern Indiana have the greatest need.
12:05 Serving Kentuckiana. Six counties across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
13:16 On Track for a Record Year. Nearly 2.6 million pounds last year, with 3 million on the way.
14:18 Celebrity Participants. Jeff Walz, Sean Harch, Terry Meiners, and more.
15:12 You Can't Be Sued for Donating Food. The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act protects donors.
15:58 Making It Easy for Partners. Pickups work around your schedule.
19:36 Getting Started as a Volunteer. Download the free Kentucky Harvest app.

LINKS
Kentucky Harvest: kentuckyharvest.org
Volunteer sign-up: kentuckyharvest.org/volunteer
Food Rescue Hero app: search "Kentucky Harvest" on the App Store or Google Play
Follow Rosa: @RosaRaves on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok

Molly Jones turned personal loss into a mission, founding The Pete Foundation to close the gap between when mental illness symptoms start and when people get help. On this episode, Rosa Hart talks with Molly about grassroots training, state-level policy change, and how the 988 crisis line works, including why asking someone directly about suicide can open the door to hope and connection.If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by call or text.To learn more about The Pete Foundation visit:https://www.thepetefoundation.org/Timestamps:0:00 — Introduction: Rosa welcomes Molly Jones of the Pete Foundation0:45 — Molly shares the story of her son Pete and why she started the foundation1:50 — The foundation's two-level approach: grassroots training and state-level policy change2:47 — Partnership with NAMI and how their work complements each other4:28 — Training goals: recognizing symptoms in others and yourself6:13 — The 10-year gap between symptom onset and treatment; mental illness as a leading cause of death ages 10-347:33 — Self-medication, coping mechanisms, and the importance of finding the right therapy8:22 — The Pete Foundation's nonprofit status and state-level advocacy strategy9:48 — Success story: the rise and impact of the 988 crisis line10:51 — When and why to call 98812:31 — How 988 call routing, crisis units, and in-person support work15:05 — Continuity of care: why 988 keeps a record of your calls17:50 — Specialized 988 lines: veterans support and LGBTQ+ (Trevor Project)18:48 — Busting the myth: "talking about suicide plants the idea"20:31 — Why asking directly about suicide opens the door to hope22:40 — Understanding hesitation: fear of interrupted life vs. need for hope24:05 — The importance of conveying care and not rushing to solutions25:32 — How to connect with the Pete Foundation26:19 — Closing advice: normalize talking about mental health, Kentucky's mental health license plate27:47 — Closing remarks and sign-offWelcome to The Lou Review Podcast hosted by Rosa Hart 🎙️This podcast highlights powerful conversations around business, branding, entrepreneurship, and community stories from Louisville and beyond.We feature inspiring founders, creatives, and leaders sharing real insights, growth strategies, and behind-the-scenes journeys.🔹 Topics Covered:- Business Growth & Marketing- Branding & Creative Strategy- Entrepreneurship & Startups- Local Louisville Stories & CultureSubscribe for weekly podcast episodes and real conversations that matter.

Lauren Coulter, co-founder of Biscuit Belly, joins The Lou Review to share how a Louisville breakfast concept she started with her husband Chad turned into a company acquiring 35 Maple Street Biscuit Company locations from Cracker Barrel, tripling its footprint and setting a course for 60+ restaurants by 2028.

Lauren walks through her path from pharmacist to restaurateur, the entrepreneurial journey through Uptown Art and Louvino, launching Biscuit Belly right before COVID hit, and the behind-the-scenes hustle of pulling off one of the biggest local acquisitions in Louisville's food scene.

Find a Biscuit Belly near you: ⁠https://biscuitbelly.com/⁠

Follow on ⁠Instagram⁠

Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro: welcoming Lauren Coulter, co-founder of Biscuit Belly
0:41 – Biscuit Belly's history and the Maple Street Biscuit Company acquisition (35 locations from Cracker Barrel, tripling footprint, path to 60+ restaurants by 2028)
1:07 – Lauren's journey from pharmacist to restaurateur
3:43 – How Lauren and her husband Chad got into entrepreneurship, starting with Uptown Art (Louisville's first paint-and-drink concept)
5:34 – Opening Louvino wine bars and growing to 5 locations
6:25 – The idea to launch Biscuit Belly and early inspiration from other biscuit brands
7:30 – Opening Biscuit Belly in December 2019, Lauren leaving her healthcare job right as COVID hit
8:09 – Navigating the pandemic's impact on the restaurant business and team
9:47 – The origin story of The Lou Review podcast during 2020
10:58 – Selling Louvino to focus fully on Biscuit Belly
13:05 – Why the breakfast concept suits their family and team members better (quality of life, retention)
15:01 – The Maple Street Biscuit Company acquisition process: timeline, hustle, and behind-the-scenes challenges
17:04 – Visiting every acquired store to build trust with new teams
18:16 – Transitioning point-of-sale/technology systems across dozens of stores
22:15 – What Maple Street does well and where Biscuit Belly sees opportunity (vibe, atmosphere, guest connection)
23:57 – The "Suzanne" story: Lauren undercover as a new employee at a Maple Street location
26:34 – Louisville's food & beverage scene and its role in Biscuit Belly's growth
30:36 – Advice for local founders dreaming of expanding to multiple locations
34:05 – Closing thoughts on Louisville's business community and food scene
34:28 – Where to find Biscuit Belly online and what's next (new locations opening this fall)
34:58 – Outro and sign-off

🎙️This podcast highlights powerful conversations around business, branding, entrepreneurship, and community stories from Louisville and beyond.We feature inspiring founders, creatives, and leaders sharing real insights, growth strategies, and behind-the-scenes journeys.

🔹 Topics Covered:- Business Growth & Marketing

- Branding & Creative Strategy

- Entrepreneurship & Startups

-Local Louisville Stories & Culture

Subscribe for weekly podcast episodes and real conversations that matter.

What happens when a therapist decides to build a financial company?

You get Dream Money, and you get Megan Hale.

In this episode, host Rosa Hart sits down with Megan to talk about her unconventional path from the therapy room to the founder's chair, and why that background turned out to be her superpower. Money is emotional, and Megan built Dream Money to meet solo CEOs where they actually are: not with another bookkeeping tool, but with financial forecasting that helps them see where their business is going, not just where it's been.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction to Megan Hale and Dream Money

0:59 – Megan's background as a therapist and path into coaching

2:15 – Struggles building an online coaching business; founding Dream Money

2:56 – Moving to Louisville and starting a new chapter

4:11 – How Dream Money differs from bookkeeping/accounting tools like QuickBooks

5:44 – The "DREAM" acronym: deliberate, reliable, easeful, abundant, meaningful money

7:11 – Recent milestones: grants, JPMorgan Chase sponsorship, and a new award

8:00 – The big vision: scaling Dream Money to serve 100,000 solo CEOs

9:37 – Finding community and support as a new business owner in Louisville

11:07 – The loneliness of being a solo CEO and the need for shared community

12:32 – Announcing the "Well Off and Wealthy" monthly money meetup

13:51 – How to connect with Megan and host a meetup

16:32 – The "good, better, best" financial framework inside Dream Money

18:18 – Managing everyday cash flow stress with Dream Money

19:47 – Closing thoughts and thanks

Connect with Megan Hale / Dream Money:

Connect with Megan: https://meganhale.co/

Email: ​​megan@meganhale.co

Find out more about Dream Money:https://dreammoney.co/

Welcome to The Lou Review Podcast hosted by Rosa Hart

🎙️This podcast highlights powerful conversations around business, branding, entrepreneurship, and community stories from Louisville and beyond.We feature inspiring founders, creatives, and leaders sharing real insights, growth strategies, and behind-the-scenes journeys.

🔹 Topics Covered:- Business Growth & Marketing

- Branding & Creative Strategy

- Entrepreneurship & Startups

-Local Louisville Stories & Culture

Subscribe for weekly podcast episodes and real conversations that matter.

What happens when 100 women each write a $1,000 check? You get a $100,000 grant; and in just six years, the women of Impact100 Louisville have put more than $2.5 million into nonprofits across Jefferson County.Host Rosa sits down with co-founder Carey Goldstein and current president Kim Hansford to unpack the collective giving model that's transforming Louisville philanthropy.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 - Welcome & the math behind Impact100: how $1,000 checks become $100,000 grants
• 0:40 - Six years in: 500+ members, five $100K grants in a single night
• 1:07 - Carey's origin story: from a dinner party idea to a Pensacola conference
• 2:10 - Finding founding board members and getting the 501(c)(3) off the ground
• 3:20 - How COVID unexpectedly accelerated growth from 75 to 206 members
• 4:42 - Charcuterie boards, house gatherings, and a grassroots approach to recruiting
• 6:32 - Kim's story: why she waited until year two (and why her best friend never let her forget it)
• 7:05 - What drew Kim in: feeling connected to where her money goes
• 7:44 - Breaking down the grant process: letters of intent, site visits, and the finance committee
• 9:27 - From 165 applications to 8 finalists; how volunteers power every step
• 10:26 - The "Meet the Finalists" event: a science-fair style evening with every finalist nonprofit
• 13:15 - Merit money: how semifinalists also benefit, and the rule on reapplying
• 13:22 - Grant spotlight: The Smoketown Community Laundromat, GE appliances, an app instead of quarters, and a man from the neighborhood
• 15:21 - Decode Project, Granny's Birth Initiative & addressing the Black maternal health crisis
• 16:36 - Synergies in action: Decode Project meets Louisville Leopards at a grantee event
• 17:35 - Louisville Lightning: Paralympic-style athletes earning scholarships
• 18:48 - How nonprofits come back to share updates, and the ripple effects on volunteerism
• 19:47 - La Casita Center: feeding 800 meals a week from a tiny kitchen, and a kitchen build-out that changed everything
• 22:10 - The network has grown: why not knowing everyone is a good sign
• 22:10 - Impact Junior: high school girls doing collective giving with $100 memberships
• 22:46 - Impact Junior gave $7,000 to KRM, and the board doubled it
• 24:07 - Three generations of Goldsteins in Impact100
• 24:12 - Who belongs in this room? Carey's message: this is not a club
• 25:35 - Efforts to diversify by zip code, age, race & ethnicity
• 27:10 - How to join: website, fellowship opportunities, and the $1,100 membership (with $1,000 going directly to grants)
• 28:08 - Kim: you can write a check and clap in November, or go all in on committees
• 28:12 - Rosa shares how she first heard about Impact100 through Hildegard House
• 29:51 - Carey: the board has no special influence; the process is equal opportunity
• 31:28 - The follow-up process: nonprofit relations committee, contracts, and six-month check-ins
• 31:50 - How to connect: impact100louisville.org | info@impact100louisville.org
• 33:05 - How nonprofits get on the letter of intent list (March is the window)
• 33:38 - Closing: follow Rosa @rosaraves and subscribe wherever you listen

Welcome to The Lou Review Podcast hosted by Rosa Hart 🎙️This podcast highlights powerful conversations around business, branding, entrepreneurship, and community stories from Louisville and beyond.We feature inspiring founders, creatives, and leaders sharing real insights, growth strategies, and behind-the-scenes journeys.🔹 Topics Covered:- Business Growth & Marketing- Branding & Creative Strategy- Entrepreneurship & Startups- Local Louisville Stories & CultureSubscribe for weekly podcast episodes and real conversations that matter.#Podcast #BusinessPodcast #Branding #Entrepreneurship #Louisville