The Community Soundtrack

At just six years old, Philip Ryan was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. His parents were told there was no hope and that he would never return to first grade. But the Lord had a different plan. Nearly 27 years later, Dr. Ryan is a husband, father, chiropractor, and now children's book author, sharing the very hope that carried him through his childhood. Join Christine at Fort Thomas Coffee for an extraordinary conversation about faith, perseverance, a mother's determination, and the power of a community that rallies around one of its own. From five neurosurgeries and an unforgettable Make-A-Wish experience to an emotional reunion with a childhood classmate and the neurosurgeon who treated him, Philip's story comes full circle in ways you won't soon forget. Today, through Ryan Chiropractic and Wellness in Fort Thomas and his newly published children's book, Philip is finding meaningful ways to pass that hope along to others. It's a beautiful story of challenges being transformed into adventures, and the hope received becoming hope shared with others.

Old Pogue: A Family Bourbon Legacy What does family legacy revival look like? In this live conversation at Fort Thomas Coffee, Hank and John Pogue share the story of Old Pogue—from a bustling distillery on the Ohio River in Maysville to the intimate family operation it is today. Hank remembers growing up in Fort Thomas with a bourbon history that was present, but seldom on display. He and John explore how Prohibition changed the family’s future, including medicinal whiskey, a Covington rum distillery, and the family’s documented business with George Remus. Come sit at the family table with this father and son duo and listen as they share the story of their lineage with deep respect and gratitude for all that went before and all who carry on. You'll be warmed by their heart for family, honor, and legacy. In this episode: Growing up Pogue in Fort Thomas and rediscovering the family’s history The original Maysville distillery and its Prohibition years The family’s legal dealings with George Remus Why some relatives were hesitant to return to bourbon—and what changed their minds The family talents behind Old Pogue’s revival John’s path from geology in Oregon to distilling in Kentucky Historic recipes, treasured family artifacts, and a new whiskey born by accident Visit Old Pogue in Maysville to learn more about the distillery and the family’s story.

Solving Problems and Gathering Around with Shawn Hopper In this episode, Shawn Hopper shares how a lifelong passion for solving problems has shaped both his corporate career and the creative projects he pursues on the side. One of those projects is Gather Round, a social app designed to help people connect, laugh and enjoy meaningful time together. During this live recording at Fort Thomas Coffee, guests gathered around the table, enjoyed s’mores and became some of the first people to test the app. The evening turned into a real-time look at innovation as Shawn listened to feedback, uncovered a few bugs and worked through solutions on the spot. In this episode: How Shawn developed a passion for solving problems Lessons learned from solving challenges for major corporations Why he created the Gather Round app The process of turning an idea into a working product What happens when real users test an app for the first time Why connection, curiosity and experimentation matter Gather Round is expected to launch in the months ahead. After cutting the mics, we learned even more about this jack of all trades. With three production ready golf innovations in the hopper, Shawn's passion projects might just become your next favorite solution.

What do Fort Thomas childhood adventures, 17 proprietary barrel profiles, a bourbon pioneer—and a whiskey that ran into trouble with the FDA—have in common? They’re all part of the Buzzard’s Roost story. We sat down with founder and Master Blender Jason Brauner and Fort Thomas native Ryan Hitch, National Sales Director for Buzzard’s Roost, for a conversation filled with bourbon history, hometown memories and a fascinating look inside the craft of whiskey making. Hear how Jason went from opening his first restaurant at just 21 to becoming one of Louisville’s early bourbon champions—and eventually creating a whiskey brand known for doing things differently. He explains why as much as 70% of a whiskey’s flavor comes from the barrel, how Buzzard’s Roost uses 17 proprietary toast profiles, and why every detail of its double-oaked process is intentional. Ryan shares how growing up in Fort Thomas prepared him for a career built on relationships, storytelling and community—and what it takes to help an independent Kentucky brand stand out among hundreds of whiskeys competing for space on the shelf. You’ll also hear the remarkable story of Cigar Rye, the rare, cult-favorite whiskey that caught the attention of federal regulators—and why the remaining bottles will never be made in quite the same way again. Pour a glass and join us for a conversation about tradition, innovation, community and the people building the next chapter of Kentucky bourbon.

Tate, University of Cincinnati graduate, shares how fear & expectations led him to try 3 different college majors (Business, History, Education) before surrendering to his given design, passion and gift for writing. Tate graduates with a degree in Writing from the University of Cincinnati today! His struggle is not uncommon, but his will to wrestle through it is unique! Tate not only found direction, but greater hope and larger vision for the future through surrender and trust in his Creator. Tate's very next step after graduation is a mission trip to serve others in Greece with partner churches. Tate's story involves a variety of connections, and this next journey will make that remarkably wide net global. Tate sacrificed the security of a more confident paying career for purpose. You can support Tate as he embraces opportunities that will further develop his gift for writing and deepen his offering to us all. Venmo @Tate-thegreat