Boss Babes of the Bluegrass

Dr. Crystal Miller discusses her journey into public health, the importance of direct leadership, and building emotionally intelligent workplace cultures. She shares how her background in education, mentorship, and a passion for continuous learning led her into public health and eventually executive coaching, emphasizing that healthy organizational cultures and emotional intelligence are at the core of successful teams. The convers...

Jimmie Wilson shares her inspiring journey from a career in early childhood education and workforce development to her recent experience surviving acute liver failure caused by a compounded medication, which led to a lifesaving transplant. Throughout the conversation, Jimmie discusses the challenges and lessons from her years working with disadvantaged youth, those in recovery, and her advocacy for patient safety following her heal...

Shalanda Smith is a seasoned nurse, yoga instructor, and wellness advocate in Central Kentucky. Shalanda Smith shares her journey from 30 years in long-term care nursing to her current roles at Bluegrass Care Navigators’ Pace Center and as a yoga and Pilates teacher, emphasizing the importance of preventive health, community wellness, and self-care. The conversation explores shifts in healthcare, balancing work and personal l...

Stephanie Spires, CEO of Spires Strategies, shares about her journey in business, passion for advocating for children and families, and balancing life as a single mother of five. Stephanie shares insights on her unique business model that supports both families—especially executive mothers—and schools, her perspective on educational advocacy and trauma-informed practices, as well as her candidacy for LFUCG Council-At-La...

Rachael Bullock is a longtime Mary Kay entrepreneur who discusses her journey of nearly 29 years in the beauty industry. Rachel shares how she empowers women through confidence-building with makeup, skincare, and entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of personal relationships and adaptability, especially during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and her mother’s ALS diagnosis. In this episode, Kris & Rachael ex...

Amanda Woods Hall is founder of The Executive Method, to explore how embracing your authentic self—and understanding the way your brain works—can transform your life and business. Amanda shared actionable strategies for overcoming procrastination, harmonizing the demands of home and career, and cultivating empathy as the heart of leadership. If you’re ready to ditch unrealistic productivity pressure and unlock sys...

Judge Lucy Van Meter shares her inspiring journey from Bourbon County High to becoming Fayette Circuit Court Judge and now running for Kentucky Court of Appeals. We talk about the challenges of making tough decisions, navigating a demanding legal career, and the importance of mentorship, self-care, and lifelong friendships. Judge Van Meter reminds us to embrace change and stay connected with our communities. If you’re looking...

Ann Marie Spoonamore is an inspiring biology teacher and assistant athletic director at Henry Clay High School. She shares her journey from student to educator, her passion for helping students both in and out of the classroom, and how she balances a busy career with family life. We dive into the changing landscape of education, the impact of AI in the classroom, and the importance of leading with kindness and authenticity. Tune in...

Kris welcomes Keary Snapp to discuss her inspiring 20+ year journey in the health and wellness industry. Keary shares how her career evolved from personal training and figure competitions to massage therapy, functional wellness coaching, and life coaching. She talks about overcoming personal challenges including addiction and ADHD along the way. She highlights the importance of self-care, mindset, functional health approaches, and ...

Katie Neal is a certified executive coach, speaker, and communications consultant who shares about her career path from journalism and public relations to launching Katie Neal Coaching and Consulting. Katie opens up about overcoming perfectionism, shares her experiences preparing for a TEDx talk, and discusses how executive coaching is shifting from a remedial service to a tool for growth and development. The episode covers practic...

Michelle Smock is a dynamic business coach and state trainer with the Small Business Development Center. Michelle shares her journey from massage therapist and spa owner to her current role supporting entrepreneurs in Lexington, discusses the importance of networking and overcoming imposter syndrome, and offers actionable tips for harmonizing personal and professional life. The conversation highlights local resources for business o...

Renee Chew of Paws and Pillows discusses her inspiring journey from a 35-year corporate career to caring for animals and supporting the local community in Kentucky. Renee shares how her business provides loving care for pets and small farm animals, her passion for animal rescue, and her adventures with Marshmallow, her celebrity Nigerian dwarf goat. The conversation also touches on finding work-life balance, the importance of volun...

In this episode of Boss Babes of the Bluegrass, Kris Castle sits down with marriage coach Cristie Cerniglia to discuss her journey from homeschooling mom to transformative relationship coach in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Cristie shares how personal challenges led her to discover and train in intimate relationship skills, ultimately sparking her passion to help women improve their marriages and family lives. The conversation covers pr...

Lauren Brooke is a partner at Brooke and Mills Law Firm in Richmond, KY. Lauren shared her journey from New Jersey to Kentucky, her passion for helping others through family and criminal law, and the importance of leading with kindness both in and out of the courtroom. We also talked about the power of women supporting women, balancing work and life, and making a positive impact in the community—whether that’s running a...

Ashley Nunn is owner of Sláinte Public House in Georgetown, Kentucky. Ashley Nunn discusses her journey from falling in love with Irish pub culture to building her own thriving local business, including inventive ways she kept Sláinte afloat during the COVID-19 shutdown through community auctions and creative hot dog sales. She shares insight into her leadership style, striving for balance between family, faith, and community ...

Libby Cortez is owner of Sassy Wellness, a Latin dance company focused on empowering women and bridging studio-trained and culturally trained dancers in Lexington, Kentucky. Libby Cortez shares her personal fitness journey, the inspiration behind starting her business, and the challenges she faced in building an inclusive dance community. The conversation also touches on wellness trends post-COVID, work-life harmony, and the impact...

Kris Ramsey is Business Development Director at Elder Care Law of Kentucky. Kris Ramsey shares her journey from being an occupational therapist to her current role in elder law, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and being open to new opportunities. The conversation touches on the growing needs of the elder community in Kentucky, the importance of connecting families with resources, and practical tips for harmonizing pe...

Nell Anne Gossett explores her inspiring and eclectic career journey—from ropes course trainer and country ham store owner to event venue manager and more! She candidly shares the lessons learned along the way, including the importance of kindness in business, finding the right people for your team, and embracing change with curiosity and resilience. She reflects on her leadership philosophy, the joy and challenges of managin...

Allie Daniel is a dynamic young sales rep from Lamar Advertising who shares her journey from pursuing teaching at Asbury University to diving into sales, inspired by her powerhouse mom. She discusses the importance of finding mentors, harmonizing work-life demands, and being a good steward of your time. Allie also offers tips about embracing positivity, recharging through exercise, volunteering at Georgetown’s Gathering Place...