Mildly Amusing

05/26/2026

05/17/2026

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, James sits down with John Turner, who has called Lebanon home for the past 37 years. Born and raised in New Jersey, John shares some of his earliest memories of accompanying his father into the family business, which manufactured tubes for major companies such as Crest and Johnson & Johnson.

John later moved to Kentucky in the 1980s to serve as plant manager of a facility in Carrollton before eventually being tasked with building and leading Teledyne Portland Forge in Lebanon. After traveling throughout the South in search of the right location, he chose Lebanon as the place to build the plant.

He talks about why he and his wife fell in love with the community and why they decided to stay after retirement. John also shares his perspective on Lebanon’s strengths, its future, and the remarkable concentration of manufacturing industries that have helped shape the local economy.

In a second segment, James talks with Dale Romans, the well-known thoroughbred trainer who is running as a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Mitch McConnell. He shares his thoughts on immigration and other issues facing the country.

It’s a wide-ranging episode that moves from Lebanon’s industrial growth to national politics, offering two thoughtful conversations with leaders who care about the future.

This episode’s song is Johnny Come Lately by Joe Henderson.

Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535011/episodes/19191170

05/16/2026

Stay tuned for a special episode featuring a conversation with JOHN TURNER. PLUS our first remote segment— a brief chat with legendary horse trainer and candidate for US Senate, DALE ROMANS.

04/06/2026

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, James sits down with Carrie Truitt, who is running for the Democratic nomination for Kentucky’s 14th District State Senate seat. Raised in Bradfordsville on a dairy and to***co farm, Carrie brings a background in agriculture, education, and community service.

She has served on the local school board since 2016 and currently works with Leadership Kentucky, a statewide program that brings leaders together to gain a full view of the Commonwealth. Prior to that, she worked with Hosparus Health. Carrie shares how running for this office has been on her radar for several years and how she carefully considered the responsibility before making the decision to step forward.

Carrie talks about her approach to leadership, built on listening, transparency, and staying connected to the community. She believes in solving problems one conversation at a time and emphasizes the importance of understanding the full picture when tackling issues. From school funding to income tax, she walks through how decisions affect both sides of the equation and why it’s important to find solutions people can stand behind.

This conversation offers a thoughtful look at leadership, service, and what it means to stay engaged with the people you represent. Whether you follow politics closely or just want to better understand the people stepping up to serve, this is one worth a listen.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535011/episodes/18967195

03/29/2026

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, James sits down with Diane Mattingly, founder of Beautify Loretto. A veteran who joined the reserves after high school, Diane never planned on a 40 year military career, but her path led her through years of service and various roles at Fort Knox. She also shares her background studying photojournalism and English writing at Western, and what brought her back home to Loretto to renovate her family home.

Diane talks about the work Beautify Loretto has taken on, from pressure washing buildings affected by whiskey fungus to planting trees and flowers, adding a mural, and building a clock tower that recently won the Beautify the Bluegrass contest. She also shares what’s ahead, including plans for a military and first responder memorial and an all season community space.

They also talk about how an unused space in the senior center was transformed into a satellite public library with help from Marion County Public Library staff, along with the addition of a free medical clinic in the same building. With plenty of events coming up this spring, summer, and fall, there’s a lot happening in Loretto.

It’s an inspiring conversation about service, community, and what can happen when people take pride in where they live, perfect to listen to while driving, working, or whenever you have a few minutes to tune in.

🎶 This episode’s song is Flamenco Sketches by Miles Davis.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535011/episodes/18927250

03/23/2026

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, James sits down with Reba Weatherford, archivist and director of the Loretto Heritage Center. Originally from West Virginia, Reba moved to Marion County in 2021 after earning her degrees from Guilford College and St. John’s University in library science and public history.

Reba shares how the Loretto Heritage Center came to be and brings to life some of her favorite stories and artifacts connected to the Sisters of Loretto. She talks about the Sisters’ involvement in Operation Babylift during the Vietnam War and the impact it had, and she highlights notable historical figures connected to local and religious history, including Father Stephen Badin, Father Charles Nerinckx, and Mary Rhodes.

Along the way, Reba explains how being an archivist is a bit like being a detective—you look without context and follow clues to uncover the true story behind the documents and artifacts.

It’s a fascinating look at local history, remarkable lives, and the work that goes into preserving it for future generations. Perfect to listen to while driving, taking a walk, or whenever you have a few minutes to tune in.

Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535011/episodes/18889585

03/16/2026

If you enjoy the podcast and want to help keep new episodes coming, we’re looking at ways to bring in support to cover the costs of making the show.

That could mean show sponsors, shout-outs, or other creative ways to partner up. If you’re a listener with a business, or just someone who wants to help keep the mildly amusing musings alive, send us a message and let’s talk.

If you’re a local political candidate looking for ways to connect with local listeners and share your message, feel free to reach out as well.

Every bit of support helps keep the microphones on and the conversations going.

02/23/2026

In this episode, James sits down with Josh Ballard, director of operations at the Loretto Motherhouse. Josh shares how his early volunteer work with the fire department and St. Francis picnic, along with becoming an EMT in college, fueled his passion for community service.

He talks about running for office to take advantage of grants for sidewalks, joining the city council as soon as he met the minimum age requirement, and even earning a federal explosives license so the community could put on professional-level fireworks shows at discounted rates.

Josh also highlights the Sisters of Loretto’s efforts to reengage with the community through public events, farm-to-table meals, classical concerts, and retreats on the campus. He shares about the soon-to-be-open to the public natural burial site, which will be the only green burial option in Kentucky, as well as other outreach and political events organized by the Peace Committee.

There’s a lot covered in this conversation, and you’ll want to give it a listen from start to finish.

🎶 This episode’s music is Look at Little Sister by Stevie Ray Vaughan.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535011/episodes/18728165

02/15/2026

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, James sits down with Kathy Blandford-Hawthorne, former mayor of Lebanon and the first and only woman to hold the office in the city’s history. Kathy moved to Lebanon in 1959 when her father relocated here to work at the Telecom factory. Over the years, she became deeply involved in the community, eventually serving both a four year and a five year term as mayor.

She reflects on stepping into leadership at a time when the city was financially struggling and how those early challenges shaped the work that followed. During her time in office, Lebanon made major investments in infrastructure, including the sewer plant and Fagan Branch. Those improvements laid the groundwork for future growth and helped make it possible for Lebanon to attract new industry.

The conversation also covers the expansion of city services for a town our size, including the city pool, recycling programs, street lights, sidewalks, building improvements, and the purchase of the Centre Square block. Kathy describes Lebanon as a forward looking town, and this episode highlights how much of that vision was built through steady leadership and long term planning.

It’s a meaningful look at local history, civic responsibility, and the progress that shapes the community we know today.

In this episode of Mildly Amusing, James sits down with Kathy Blandford-Hawthorne, former mayor of Lebanon and the first and only woman to hold the office in the city’s history. Kathy moved to Lebanon in 1959 when her father relocated here to work...

02/08/2026

Episode 13: Made From Scratch—A Conversation with Gwyn Artz

In this episode, James sits down with Gwyn Artz to talk food and how her culinary journey led her to Lebanon, Kentucky. Gwyn shares her background in the culinary world, including attending culinary school in Poughkeepsie, working as a corporate chef, her experience as a personal chef, and the restaurant she owned here in Lebanon.

The conversation also digs into how the restaurant industry in Lebanon has changed over the years. James shares his own experience owning a restaurant in Lebanon and what that era was like from behind the scenes.

They also talk about Souper Tuesdays, where locals can show up and enjoy some truly great soups made with heart and experience.

🎶 This episode’s song is Dinner by Gary DeMichele from the Big Night soundtrack.

Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535011/episodes/18645355

01/14/2026

The influential podcaster, who endorsed Donald Trump in 2024, has been increasingly critical of the president’s mass deportation strategy.