The Broad Pod

Ashley Morris knows what it means to build a life the hard way. Raised just outside of Owensboro in Knottsville, on homegrown meals, Sunday dinners, and church picnics, her love for food started early…long before she realized it would become her purpose. As a young, single mom, Ashley learned quickly that survival required tough choices. For a season, life experiences led her down a dangerous path, but she refused to stay there. Ch...

Sheila Crowe has always known how to make something out of what she had. Raised in Owensboro, she started cooking at nine years old, feeding her siblings while her dad worked second shift. What began as responsibility became passion…food was comfort, creativity, and connection. After years of working, from telemarketing as a teen to a decade in medical debt collection, Sheila felt the pull toward something bigger. A snow cone stand...

Cindra Stiff’s story is one of steady strength and lasting impact. From becoming a teen mom in a small town to building a 42-year career in higher education in finance, she navigated life with resilience, wisdom, and grace. A leader in a male-dominated field, she helped guide seasons of growth, rebuild after disaster, and shape campus communities…all while staying deeply connected to the students and people around her.

Along the w...

In this episode, Kristin Whitney takes us behind the scenes of her career in law…from public defender to prosecutor to corporate counsel for Southern Star. She shares what it was like meeting clients in the jail, earning trust in tense, high-stakes situations, and navigating a male-dominated field. Kristin also reflects on the lessons she’s carried from her upbringing, the challenges and joys of motherhood, and how she continues to...

From cheerleader to tattoo shop owner, Gabriele Wright has never followed a straight line and that’s exactly what makes her story compelling. A 2009 Owensboro Catholic graduate, Gabriele began in cosmetology (thanks to her mom signing her up), fell in love with the art, and eventually carved her own path into the male-dominated tattoo industry. Now the owner of False Idols Tattoo, she shares how mentors shaped her journey, what it ...

Lauren Layson’s life is a testament to intentional change. A wife, mother of three girls, and speech-language pathologist, she chose to step away from practicing to build a life centered around her family. Her story isn’t defined by what she experienced as a young girl, but by what she chose to do differently. By breaking generational cycles, Lauren has built a home rooted in safety and love. Drawing from both her professional back...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Janae Kittinger, a plastic surgeon at Owensboro Health. From a childhood dream inspired by doctors who help others, Janae carved a path for herself in a male-dominated field. She’s navigated becoming pregnant during residency, infertility, and building a blended family.

She shares what it’s like working alongside her husband, also a surgeon, and her humanitarian trip...

That’s a wrap on Season 3! 🎉 This year we shared stories from 17 incredible women, added a brand-new voice to the mic with our cohost Allyson Sanders (who crushed it, by the way), and celebrated all things Broad. In this wrap-up, we look back on the laughs, lessons, and moments that made Season 3 so special. And don’t forget, our Broad of the Year event is happening September 18th at 11:30am. You won’t want to miss it!

Tickets av...

It’s our final guest episode of Season 3. Stay tuned for a final wrap up. In this episode, we sit down with Vicki Quisenberry, a woman whose life has been guided by one powerful question…What if? Born in Daviess County, Vicki’s passion for education and community runs deep. From earning her MBA to raising four children with her husband of 40 years, she’s lived out her belief that if you’re going to do something, do it...

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with a woman who has worn many hats…wife of 35 years, mom to eight, caregiver to both parents, and the heart behind Nona’s Catering…a business built on connection, celebration, and good food. While Maria Kelly pours into her family, friends, and community, she also navigates life with Multiple Sclerosis. From her childhood as a military brat overseas to decades of life and love i...

In this episode, we meet a resilient single mom, Hannah Blandford. who turned the hard into healing after navigating postpartum anxiety, divorce, and childhood trauma. Now a Psychology student, entrepreneur, and founder of Faith Found Me, she’s using her story, faith, and powerful affirmations to inspire others. You will be inspired by her advice to “sit in it to move through it” as you navigate life’s tough seasons. Through journa...

In this episode, we meet a dynamic small-town woman stepping fully into the role of her life…and no, it’s not just on stage or screen. Mercedez Varble is a mom of two, a medical professional, a college student, and a passionate performer who’s found healing through creativity after the loss of her Mom at a young age. From belting out karaoke classics to starring in the cult short film Fall of Greyskull (with a sequel ...

In this episode, we sit down with Emmy Woosley-community leader, connector, and storyteller-to explore what it means to make good noise in the world. From handwritten notes to bluegrass music, Emmy shares how small acts of kindness and big dreams shape her work and her life. We talk about the power of community, the legacy of the Through Sleet’s Eyes Festival, and why she believes joy and impact can go hand in hand. W...

In this episode we dive into the messy, beautiful realities of motherhood, career, and personal growth. Jamie Johnson, a mom who’s navigated the challenges of postpartum depression, built a successful blog, and now works to improve her town, shares her story. She talks about the power of embracing failure, the lessons learned along the way, and how resilience can shape both personal and professional life. Tune in for ...

Kimberley Roberson is the heart and soul behind the beloved Kim’s Diner…a dream she shared with her late father. Through childhood heartache, devastating losses, and life’s toughest moments, Kim has powered through with tenacity and grit. Now a devoted mother, wife, and entrepreneur, she pours into every person she meets and every plate she prepares. In this episode, Kim shares her arduous journey, the lessons she’s learned, and th...

Fierce and faith-filled, Olga McKissic is a commanding presence with a gentle soul. Originally from Owensboro, Olga, got her career start at South Central Bell in Louisville and later found herself back in Owensboro on a mission for change. Olga serves as the Executive Director of Western Academy at the Neblett, an academic enrichment program for African American and Biracial males in grades 3–12. Prior to devoting he...