What if the key to improving health outcomes, graduation rates, and long-term economic mobility in Louisville starts with something simple: helping a child feel safe enough to read?

In this episode of The Lou Review, Rosa Hart sits down with Ashley Dearinger, co-founder of I Would Rather Be Reading, a Louisville-based nonprofit advancing literacy through trauma-informed care, relationship-building, and intentional community partnerships.

Born out of firsthand classroom experience, the organization began as a small summer camp designed to support children who were falling behind — not because they lacked intelligence, but because they lacked stability and consistent support. What followed was rapid, community-driven growth rooted in a powerful understanding: academic success cannot happen until emotional needs are addressed.

Ashley shares how trauma-informed educational practices are reshaping literacy intervention in Louisville and why health literacy is an essential — and often overlooked — component of long-term community wellness.

The conversation explores:

- The link between literacy, health outcomes, and generational opportunity
- Why relationship-centered education drives measurable impact
- How innovative partnerships expand nonprofit reach

- Smart, sustainable fundraising strategies that fuel growth

- Plans to expand services into middle and high school programming

- A long-term vision for community hubs that connect education to career pathways

At its core, I Would Rather Be Reading represents a shift in how Louisville approaches children’s education — from remediation to empowerment.

This episode is a powerful reminder that when a city invests in literacy, it invests in its own future.

Learn more and connect with IWRBR at:

iWouldRatherBeReading.org

🎧 Listen now to learn how this Louisville nonprofit is turning pages - and turning the tide - for children across our community.

Learn more about The Lou Review Foundation at LouReview.com

Follow host Rosa Hart on social media @RosaRaves and @NurseRosaSpeaks

What if feeding people with dignity could also build a sustainable and stronger local food system?In this episode of The Lou Review Podcast, we sit down with Rhona Bowles Kamar, founder and executive director of Feed Louisville, to explore how one Louisville-based nonprofit is redefining hunger relief with creativity, dignity, and long-term vision.Born out of the food insecurity crisis revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Feed Louisville rescues surplus food and transforms it into nourishing, chef-prepared meals for unhoused and food-insecure neighbors. What started as an urgent response has grown into a vital community force—powered by former restaurant professionals who believe good food is a human right, not a luxury.Rhona also shares how Feed Louisville is thinking beyond traditional nonprofit models through its social enterprise, ZEST—a plant-forward, grab-and-go meal line created by chefs and sold locally. Available at Value Market, Rainbow Blossom, Fante’s Coffee Shop, Billion Cup Coffee, and more locations coming soon, every ZEST purchase directly supports Feed Louisville’s hunger relief work.A former chef and co-owner of the beloved Ramsi’s Café on the World, and founder of Raising Hope Organic Farm, Rhona brings decades of culinary, agricultural, and community leadership to her mission. Her work has earned widespread recognition, including being named a 2025 Partners in Philanthropy Nonprofit Visionary Leader and a Today’s Woman Magazine Most Admired Woman.This conversation dives into food rescue, nonprofit innovation, social enterprise, and what it really takes to feed people with dignity—while strengthening Louisville from the inside out.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Feed Louisville turns rescued surplus food into chef-prepared mealsWhy dignity and access matter in hunger reliefHow ZEST supports nonprofit sustainability through local retail partnershipsThe role former restaurant professionals play in community careWhat it takes to build a mission-driven organization that lasts🎧 Subscribe to The Lou Review Podcast on Spotify and YouTube for more stories spotlighting the people and organizations shaping Louisville for the better.Connect with Feed Louisville:https://www.feedlouisville.orgOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feedlouisvi...Connect with host Rosa Hart:https://www.instagram.com/rosaraves/Learn more about The Lou Review Foundationhttps://loureview.com/

Hunger doesn’t stop when the school bell rings - and in Louisville, thousands of children feel that gap every weekend.

In this episode of The Lou Review Podcast, host Rosa Hart talks with Kim Holsclaw about the life-changing work of Blessings in a Backpack, a Louisville-founded nonprofit fighting child hunger and food insecurity. Kim shares how the organization began in 2005 and grew into a national program now serving children in 46 states and Washington, D.C., ensuring kids have access to shelf-stable food when school meals aren’t available.

The conversation highlights why community support, volunteers, and local partnerships are essential to feeding students in need - especially in Louisville, where nearly 80,000 children qualify for free or reduced lunch. Kim explains how Blessings in a Backpack delivers food directly to children, how the nonprofit collaborates with schools and organizations, and how listeners can volunteer, donate, and get involved locally to help end childhood hunger.

Learn more at: https://www.blessingsinabackpack.org/

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OUR MISSION:

To leverage podcast storytelling,
targeted advertising, strategic networking, and grants to give Louisville’s business & nonprofit founders the visibility they need to elevate their
missions and businesses, inspiring partnerships and lasting success.

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Connect with host Rosa Hart

In this episode of The Lou Review Podcast, Rosa Hart interviews Dr. Peter Swanz, a naturopathic doctor who also pursues stand-up comedy. Peter shares his journey into comedy, what drew him to the stage, and how humor serves as a powerful tool for connection, creativity, and personal growth. The conversation highlights the courage it takes to step into creative spaces and the unexpected ways different passions can complement one another.

Rosa and Peter also explore Louisville’s vibrant comedy scene, the importance of networking, and the behind-the-scenes work of writing and refining jokes. Peter discusses the challenges of building a sustainable comedy career, the value of flexibility, and the unique “flow state” performers experience on stage, offering insight into the discipline and dedication that comedy requires.

Connect with Dr. Peter Swanz

Find a place to laugh in Louisville: Louisville Laughs

Learn more about The Lou Review Foundation Inc

Connect with Rosa Hart

In this eye-opening episode, Rosa sits down with Matt Hall of Clean Eats to unpack one of Kentucky’s most urgent public health challenges: skyrocketing diabetes and pre-diabetes rates. With 28% of Kentuckians now at least borderline type two diabetic, the conversation dives into how healthier food access, community awareness, and simple habit changes can make a life-saving difference.

Get yours at: https://locations.cleaneatz.com/

Connect with them on socials @cleaneatzlouisville

Rosa also connects these issues to statewide public health efforts through the Our Healthy Kentucky Home initiative—because real health starts where we live, work, worship, and grow.

• 14% of Kentuckians are pre-diabetic.

• 14% of Kentuckians are type two diabetic.

• 28% of the state is at least borderline type two diabetic.

• Diabetes in Kentucky has become a growing pandemic.

• Childhood obesity rates continue to rise.

• Clean Eats is stepping in with healthier, convenient meal options.

• Health awareness and education are crucial in combating diabetes.

• Convenience + affordability = essential for real community health solutions.

• Changing eating habits is vital for long-term health improvement.

• Community-driven initiatives can help reverse the crisis.

• Kentucky ranks 41st for overall health according to America’s Health Rankings (2023).

• According to the 2024 Kentucky BRFSS:

  • 33% of adults are obese

  • 21% get no physical activity outside work

  • 17% smoke

  • 29% report depression

  • 16% have diabetes

  • 18% have heart disease

• These factors reduce quality of life and shorten lifespan.

Explore local public health programs and resources at:
OurHealthyKyHome.ky.gov

Join the movement: #OurHealthyKyHome

• Confronting Kentucky’s Diabetes Crisis

• Health Solutions for a Healthier Kentucky

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow your host

Rosa Hart @RosaRaves on your favorite social platforms and follow The Lou Review Podcast wherever you listen.
Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/loufoodreviews.

Made possible by The Lou Review Foundation Inc.

LouReview.com

What does it feel like to walk into a place with 165 years of history, yet smells as fresh as clean water? This episode with Megan Jones at the Louisville Water Tower uncovers the sensory details and future vision behind one of Louisville’s most quietly remarkable spaces.

Visitors are often surprised the moment they step inside: a crisp, water-like scent, an atmosphere reminiscent of a clean swimming pool, and an instant sense of curiosity. Kids especially give the most authentic reactions, describing the space as fresh, welcoming, and exciting to explore.

As Louisville Water celebrates its 165th anniversary, they're also looking toward 2026 with an elevated focus on education. In this episode, we talk about upcoming plans to enhance experiences for students, teachers, and special groups through expanded learning opportunities and more immersive programming designed to bring this historic landmark to life in new ways.

Plan your own visit and learn more:
Louisville Water Tower: https://louisvillewater.com/louisville-water-tower/

Follow Louisville Water:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleWater/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisvillewater/

And don’t forget to connect with the show:
Follow host Rosa Hart (@RosaRaves) on all social platforms.
Follow The Lou Review Podcast on your favorite listening platform.
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loufoodreviews

Want to be an Impractical Joker? Well here's your sign: James "Murr" Murray is coming back to the Louisville Comedy Club this week, and if you're in the audience, you might get to be part of the action!

In this episode learn about Murr's other passion projects, like saving the Pacific Southern Train Club and raising support for Alzheimers.

Get your tickets at MurrLive.com

He will be doing shows Nov 13-15, with an afterparty celebrating his new bourbon, Don't Move!

For entrance, go to MurrsBourbonParty.com

Louisville knows how to throw a party, and no one captures that spirit better than America’s Chief Entertaining Officer, Tim Laird.

From the creation of the iconic Oaks Lily cocktail to discovering hidden culinary gems, Tim shares stories and insights that highlight the city’s warm hospitality and creative food scene.

Tim embodies Louisville’s spirit of hospitality, showing how food, drink, and celebration can bring people together. He reflects on how easy entertaining—where guests join in meal preparation—can transform simple gatherings into joyful experiences. Their conversation also dives into how the Oaks Lily was created to welcome a wider audience to Derby festivities, and how events like the Kentucky Derby continue to unite the community through shared traditions.

Together, Rosa and Tim celebrate Louisville’s rich and diverse culinary culture, the generosity of local chefs, and the city’s growing recognition for its vibrant food and drink scene. With new flavors, charitable collaborations, and a spirit of connection leading the way, the future of dining in Louisville looks brighter than ever.

Book Tim to speak or commission him to create signature cocktails by emailing:

Lori@davidson-laird.com

Follow him on Facebook and Instagram @TimLairdCheers

👉 Follow @RosaRaves on social media for more Louisville highlights, and visit LouReview.com to learn how the Lou Review Foundation gives back by spotlighting the best of our city.