The City of Frankfort Podcast

City Communications Manager, Blair Hecker presents the monthly Frankfort 15—your essential guide to the upcoming month in Kentucky's capital. This segment covers: - Notable events happening around Frankfort - Important dates and deadlines to know - Upcoming Frankfort Burger Week - Civic participation opportunities for residents for March - Ways to get youth involved in Frankfort youth sports Stay informed and connected with everything happening in Frankfort this month! Downtown Frankfort Inc - downtownfrankfort.com City of Frankfort - frankfort.ky.gov Notify Me - frankfort.ky.gov/list.aspx

Host Sara Anderson sits down with Alexis Jones, a City of Frankfort employee and proud Kentucky State University alumna, to discuss what it means to have a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) right here in our community, and how that experience shaped her path to public service. This is a powerful conversation about education, representation, legacy, and the unique role Frankfort plays as home to Kentucky State University. IN THIS EPISODE: - Why Black history is Frankfort history—and why that matters - Alexis's journey: Choosing Kentucky State University - The HBCU experience: What makes it unique and transformative - From student to public servant: How Alexis's education led her to city government - The importance of representation - How Frankfort residents can support and celebrate KSU BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: This February, we're celebrating the rich Black history woven throughout Frankfort's story—from Kentucky State University's founding in 1886 to the countless Black leaders, educators, business owners, and community members who have shaped our Capital City. Black history is a foundational part of who we are. ABOUT KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY: Founded in 1886, Kentucky State University is a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and land-grant institution located right here in Frankfort. KSU has been educating leaders, innovators, and changemakers for over 135 years and continues to be a vital part of our community's identity and future. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Host Alex sits down with Frankfort's snow removal crew to get the inside scoop on what really happens when those flakes start falling. Ever wondered why some streets get plowed before others? Curious about what goes into preparing for a winter storm? Want to know what YOU can do to help make snow removal more efficient? This episode has all the answers and more! IN THIS EPISODE: - Behind the scenes: How Frankfort's snow crew prepares for winter weather - The priority system: Why certain streets get cleared first - A day (or night) in the life during a snow event - Insider tips: What residents can do to help (and what NOT to do!) SNOW REMOVAL TIPS FOR RESIDENTS: Keep cars off the street during snow events Don't push snow from your driveway into the street Be patient - crews work around the clock! Report issues through the proper channels For Winter weather updates check out frankfort.ky.gov and be sure to follow City of Frankfort on social media for real-time snow updates!

This week, we're kicking off a brand new segment called "You Would Not Believe What They Found" where we talk to City of Frankfort staff about the strangest things they've encountered on the job.In this episode, host Kenton Bottoms sits down with Sharon Murphy, Frankfort's Neighborhood Inspector, to pull back the curtain on what it's really like to patrol our city's neighborhoods. From overgrown yards to wildlife encounters, abandoned structures to community problem-solving, Sharon shares the day-to-day realities of keeping Frankfort's neighborhoods safe, clean, and thriving.IN THIS EPISODE: - What does a Neighborhood Inspector actually do? - A day in the life: Sharon walks us through a typical workday - The most common issues facing Frankfort neighborhoods - How Neighborhood Inspectors work WITH residents, not against them - Community impact: What residents should know about this vital city service - The STRANGEST thing Sharon has ever found on inspection Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @CityofFrankfortPodcast and subscribe on PodBean or wherever you get your podcasts for weekly episodes 💬 Have a question or topic suggestion? Send us a message!

City Communications Manager, Blair Hecker presents the monthly Frankfort 15—your essential guide to the upcoming month in Kentucky's capital. This segment covers: - Notable events happening around Frankfort - Important dates and deadlines to know - Civic participation opportunities for residents - Community engagement challenges - Ways to get involved in your city Stay informed and connected with everything happening in Frankfort this month! Downtown Frankfort Inc - downtownfrankfort.com City of Frankfort - frankfort.ky.gov Notify Me - frankfort.ky.gov/list.aspx

Just in time for Valentine's Day! Join host Sara Anderson for a conversation with Suzy Hosley, Executive Director of Downtown Frankfort, Inc., as they discuss the upcoming Chocolate Stroll and the best date night spots in Kentucky's capital city. Suzy shares insider details about this weekend's Chocolate Stroll event, talks about her work supporting downtown businesses, and reveals her favorite Frankfort haunts in a rapid-fire Q&A. What You'll Learn: - What Downtown Frankfort, Inc. does for the community - Everything you need to know about the Chocolate Stroll event - How local businesses get creative with chocolate - Best date night and Galentine's night spots in downtown Frankfort - Why downtown Frankfort is the perfect setting for community events - Suzy's Frankfort favorites in a fun rapid-fire round Featured Event Information: The Chocolate Stroll, February 7th in Downtown Frankfort Participating shops and restaurants throughout downtown will offer chocolate-themed treats and experiences. Visit downtownfrankfort.com for details and participating locations. Guest Bio: Suzy Hosley is the Executive Director of Downtown Frankfort, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting downtown Frankfort's business community. A native Frankfortian, Suzy brings her passion for the city to her work organizing events, supporting local businesses, and celebrating what makes Kentucky's capital special.

In this powerful episode releasing just ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Dr. Ellie Hasken-Wagner sits down to discuss the historical 1964 Freedom March on Frankfort where Dr. King delivered a stirring address to thousands gathered in Kentucky's capital city.
She shares information on the transformative day in March 1964, when an estimated 10,000 people marched through downtown Frankfort demanding civil rights legislation and an end to segregation. From the guests in attendance to Dr. King's powerful words, this episode brings a pivotal moment in Frankfort's history back to life.
This episode explores the broader theme of civic participation—then and now. What does it mean to show up for your community? How do individual actions contribute to collective change? As we observe MLK Jr. Day 2026, these questions remain as relevant as ever.
Whether you're a longtime Frankfort resident, a history enthusiast, or someone interested in the ongoing work of civil rights, this episode offers both a window into our city's past and a reflection on our shared responsibility as citizens.
What you'll hear:
Memories of the 1964 Freedom March on Frankfort
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s presence in Kentucky's capital
The atmosphere and energy of the civil rights movement in Frankfort
Civic participation across generations
Join us for this special Main Street Memories episode honoring Dr. King's legacy and the everyday people who stood up for justice.
 
For more information on the March on Frankfort, visit https://sites.google.com/frankfort.ky.gov/themarchonfrankfort/home

In this episode, we’re spotlighting Frankfort After Five, a look at what makes evenings in Kentucky’s capital so special.
Host Alex Cunningham sits down with Rebecca Hall, the City of Frankfort’s Grants Manager (also known affectionately as “Becky Busy Britches”), to talk about her favorite ways to enjoy Frankfort after 5 p.m.—from food and drinks to live music, public art, and community events.
Rebecca shares insight into her role with the city, a behind-the-scenes look at grant projects that help shape Frankfort’s culture, and what makes Frankfort’s nightlife feel different from nearby cities like Lexington and Louisville. Whether you’re a longtime local or planning your first visit, this episode is packed with ideas for a perfect evening in town.
In this episode, we cover:
What Frankfort After Five is all about
A day in the life of the City of Frankfort’s Grants Manager
Frankfort’s unique nightlife and “locals-first” vibe
Favorite cocktail bars, breweries, and signature bites
Live music, arts, and low-key evening spots
Public art projects you can’t miss
Community events that bring Frankfort together
How to spend one perfect evening in Frankfort
Looking for more things to do in Frankfort? Visit the City of Frankfort website, follow the city on social media, or check out Downtown Frankfort, Inc. for regular event updates.

Kick off the new year with the inaugural episode of the City of Frankfort Podcast! Host Scott Tracy sits down with Mayor Layne Wilkerson, a native Frankfortian and two-term mayor, for an intimate conversation about Kentucky's capital city.From bourbon balls to big wins, discover what makes Frankfort special through the eyes of its leader. In This Episode: - Growing up in Frankfort: high school memories and local sports - Kentucky State University days and their lasting impact - How time away from Frankfort shaped his leadership approach - Reflections on serving two terms as mayor (2021-2025) - Major achievements in infrastructure, downtown revitalization, and economic development - The most rewarding aspects of serving Frankfort residents Why Frankfort Matters: - What makes Kentucky's capital city truly special - Balancing growth with historic preservation and small-town charm - A message to residents about community engagement Looking Ahead: Top priorities for Frankfort's future Exciting upcoming projects and initiatives How residents can be part of the journey Get Involved: Want to get more involved in local government? Tune in to hear Mayor Wilkerson's advice for aspiring civic leaders and engaged citizens. Head to frankfort.ky.gov for all the opportunities. Intro Song Credit: Title: "Civic Proud" Jeri Katherine Howell: songwriter, vocals, guitar Marcus Brothwell: audio production, bass, backing vocals Jaret Ellis: drums Ben Griffith: keyboard

Welcome to the very first episode of the City of Frankfort Podcast! From capital halls to bourbon balls, we're here to share stories, spill the tea, and celebrate the quirks that make Kentucky's capital the best hometown around.
In this inaugural episode, we're introducing you to your hosts and giving you a sneak peek at what's coming this year. Get ready to meet the people behind the podcast and learn what makes each of them love Frankfort.What you'll hear:
Meet your five hosts and learn about their roles with the City of Frankfort
Discover fun facts and personal tidbits about each host
Get a preview of exciting upcoming episodes and special guests
Learn what to expect from the podcast throughout 2026
Coming this season:
New episodes drop every Thursday! Get excited for upcoming episodes featuring:
You won't believe what they found
Main Street Memories
You took my money for what
Frankfort after 5
...and much more!
We'll be talking with city employees, community members, and special guests from all the way up at the Capitol. We can't wait for you to join us each week!