The Best Bet with Claudia Coffey – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Best Bet with Claudia Coffey

Claudia Coffey

Society & Culture

Frequency: 1 episode/16d. Total Eps: 37

Everyone has a “best bet”—that one bold move that rewrote their story. Hosted by Kentucky journalist and storyteller Claudia Coffey, The Best Bet dives into the defining decisions people made when the odds weren’t in their favor. High stakes. High reward. Human stories. Each episode is an honest, unfiltered conversation with someone who backed themselves when no one else would. Claudia explores the long odds, the fear, and the fireworks that come from choosing the road less traveled—and the moment everything changed because they made the ult New episodes every Wednesday starting January 2026.

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🇨🇦 Canada - placesAndTravel
09/07/2026
#86

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Best of Summer Encore: Chef Damaris Phillips on Fame, Food Network, & Finding Your Voice

Season 1 · Episode 31

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 • Duration 51:14

Looking back on one of our most-watched conversations of the summer! We had so many incredible, unseen moments left on the cutting room floor with Kentucky’s own Chef Damaris Phillips that we had to bring you this special Best of Summer Encore episode. ☀️✨

In this fan-favorite sit-down, the Food Network Star winner dishes on her wild career pivots, navigating the pressure of celebrity food television, and why staying grounded in Southern hospitality is her ultimate competitive edge. Whether you're catching it for the first time or reliving the top moments, this conversation is packed with inspiration, humor, and pure hustle.

Brought to you by Town & Country Ford—your trusted partner on the road. Find your next ride at FordLouisville.net.

Catch "The Best Bet" everywhere:

Listen: iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & 970 AM
Watch: YouTube & WBNA-TV (Ch. 21)

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Running the Major Leagues of Bourbon with Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 • Duration 30:35

What does it take to hold the keys to one of the most prestigious, globally recognized spirits brands in the world?

In this episode of The Best Bet Pod, host Claudia Coffey sits down with Elizabeth McCall, the Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve. Elizabeth breaks down her unexpected pivot from counseling psychology to commanding the sensory lab, the determination it took to rise through the ranks from washing dishes to Master Distiller, and how she manages the daily pressure of guiding a global bourbon icon. We also dive into her favorite flavor innovations, the connection between bourbon and horse country, and what’s next for the brand.

If you love bourbon culture, premium craftsmanship, and authentic Kentucky storytelling, this one is for you.

📺 WHERE TO WATCH & LISTEN:

On TV: Watch the full broadcast on WBNA TV.
On the Radio: Tune in to 970 AM.
On Demand: Watch the video version on YouTube.
On the Go: Stream right here on Spotify, or find us on the iHeartRadio app and Apple Podcasts.

Be sure to hit Follow so you never miss an episode in the coming weeks, and find us on social media at @TheBestBetPod for all the behind-the-scenes clips and updates.

This episode of The Best Bet Pod is proudly sponsored by Town & Country Ford (fordlouisville.net).

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The "Horse Soldier Effect" That Sparked a Tourism Boom (Ep. 3)

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 • Duration 10:30

What happens when a global bourbon brand plants its roots in a classic American lake town? You get a total economic game-changer known as the "Horse Soldier Effect."

In Episode 3 of our docuseries, "The Catalyst," we’re sitting down with the driving forces behind the region's massive rebranding: Leslie Ikerd (Somerset Tourism) and Michelle Allen (Lake Cumberland Tourism).

While the first two episodes uncovered the political grit and the operators' mindset, this episode dives deep into the actual community impact. Discover how a massive $200 million bourbon investment completely flipped the local economy, transformed downtown infrastructure, and officially put a legendary lake community on the global culinary and tourism map.

If you want to see the literal blueprint for small-town revitalization, this is it.

In this episode, we cover:

The shifting tourism landscape of Somerset and Pulaski County.
How a legendary lake destination evolved into a year-round economic powerhouse.
Behind the scenes of the massive influx of new downtown businesses and boutique lodging.
What happens to local culinary culture when a world-class distillery comes to town.
The incredible growth leading up to the historic grand opening celebration this July.

Subscribe now to follow the journey.

🎬 Watch the previous episodes of the series on our channel playlist!

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From Special Ops to Spirits: The Horse Soldier Bourbon Story (Ep. 2)

Season 1 · Episode 22

Sunday, May 24, 2026 • Duration 11:50

How do you transition from an elite military career as a Green Beret to founding one of America's fastest-growing premium bourbon brands?

Welcome back to "The Somerset Bet." In Episode 2, we sit down with Scott Neil, a founding member and brand ambassador of Horse Soldier Bourbon. While Episode 1 focused on the community's vision, Scott takes us behind the scenes from the operators' perspective.

Discover how an initial, unexpected pitch for a $200 million distillery project—which arrived "out of the blue" via email—caught the attention of a group of warriors. Scott details their incredible first visit to Pulaski County and explains how the "can-do" ethos that defined their military careers became the unshakeable foundation for their business.

This isn't just about bourbon; it's about courage, community, and proof that the American heartland is ready for a major revitalization.

In this episode, we cover:

The true story behind receiving the initial, total-shot-in-the-dark viral video pitch.
Why a group of elite operators saw a future in small-town Kentucky.
How the "can-do" special ops mindset is driving economic revitalization in Somerset.
Behind the scenes of the flagship distillery and restaurant.
The surprising "God winks" that made this unique partnership undeniable.

Subscribe now to follow the journey.

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The Culture Shift: Why $200 Million and the American Dream landed in Pulaski County.

Season 1 · Episode 21

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 • Duration 52:42

This week, The Best Bet Podcast is taking a road trip to the new "Southern Anchor" of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail: Somerset and Pulaski County, Kentucky. Join Claudia Coffey as she unpacks the chronological story of a community’s massive rebirth, spearheaded by a viral marketing pitch and a team of legendary special operators.

GUESTS:

Alan Keck: Mayor of Somerset, detailing the vision for downtown.
Scott Neil: Co-Founder, Horse Soldier Bourbon, sharing the brand's Special Forces roots.
Leslie Ikerd & Michelle Allen: Tourism leaders, revealing the Lake Cumberland 250 plan.

Sponsored by Somerset Tourism, Lake Cumberland Tourism, Pulaski County, and Town & Country Ford.

Listen on the iHeartRadio, Apple, and Spotify apps, or on 970 AM.

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Your Field Guide to National Bourbon Week 2026

Season 1 · Episode 16

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 • Duration 37:15

The Best Bet is on the road! Host Claudia Coffey sits down with the architects of National Bourbon Week in Bardstown, KY. We explore the 8-day celebration (June 14-21), the evolution of the Bourbon Capital Mash Up, and the boutique tasting room explosion changing the downtown skyline.

Sponsored by: Town & Country Ford (FordLouisville.net), the Bourbon Capital Guild, and Bardstown Tourism.

Dates: June 14–21, 2026
Tickets Go On Sale: March 26
Location: Bardstown, Kentucky
Official Link: NationalBourbonWeek.com
Ford Partner: FordLouisville.net

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Running the Ky Derby: Mike Anderson’s $300M Bet on the Twin Spires

Season 1 · Episode 16

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 • Duration 32:02

What does it take to execute the most famous two minutes in sports? During the heat of Derby 152, Claudia Coffey sits down with the man behind the curtain: Churchill Downs President Mike Anderson. From his 30-year climb from the finance office to the President’s suite, Mike shares the "insider" business secrets of modernizing an American icon.

We discuss the $300M renovation, the evolution of live sports, and the personal "big bets" Mike took to lead the Twin Spires into a new era.

Brought to you by our friends at Town & Country Ford—your official Ford dealer and a proud partner of the Kentucky Derby. Visit them at FordLouisville.net

Find "The Best Bet" everywhere you listen:

Podcast: iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
TV: WBNA-TV
Radio: 970 AM
Watch: YouTube

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Ep 16: Fred Noe — 7 Generations of Jim Beam: Legacy, Business, and What’s Next

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 • Duration 35:45

What’s really going on in the bourbon industry? This week, I’m joined by Fred Noe, 7th Generation Master Distiller of Jim Beam.

I sit down with Fred to discuss:

The business side of the recent Jim Beam production news and industry shifts.
Growing up at "The Kitchen Table" and the lessons learned from his father, Booker Noe.
His perspective on the current "bourbon glut" and why he’s focused on the long game.
Preparing the 8th generation to lead the legacy forward.

Join me for a deep dive into the heart of the bourbon business with one of its most iconic leaders.

Thank you to my sponsors:

Town & Country Ford | fordlouisville.net
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival | Sept 10–13th in Bardstown. Tickets available at kybourbonfestival.com

Subscribe & Listen:Follow the show on iHeart, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and listen live on WBNA and 970 AM.

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Ep 15: Ouita Michel — More Than a Chef: Lifting Up Kentucky

Thursday, April 16, 2026 • Duration 36:57

What does it take to build a culinary empire rooted in community? This week, we’re joined by the legendary Ouita Michel. Most know her from Holly Hill Inn and her multiple James Beard nominations, but today we’re diving into her latest project: the You Belong Here docuseries.

We discuss:

The secret to her "Kentucky-first" culinary philosophy.
Her transition into hosting and producing digital media.
Why "lifting as she climbs" is the key to her success.

Listen in for a masterclass in hospitality and passion!

Thank you to my sponsors:

Town & Country Ford | fordlouisville.net
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival | Sept 10–13th in Bardstown. Get your tickets now at kybourbonfestival.com

Subscribe & Listen:Find me on iHeart, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and listen live on WBNA and 970 AM.

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Ep. 14 | Randy Prasse: The Mastermind Behind the World’s Biggest Bourbon Bash

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 • Duration 57:40

From Wisconsin cheese curds to Kentucky’s finest barrels—how do you manage the "rock stars" of the spirits world? 🎸🥃

In Episode 14, host Claudia Coffey talks with Randy Prasse, COO of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, about the logistics of a record-breaking sell-out and why the 35th Anniversary (Sept 10-13) will be the biggest one yet. Plus, Randy shares the best advice he’s ever received and which festival he’d love to "redo."

🎟️ TICKET ALERT: Sales open April 13 & 14! Don't miss out: kybourbonfestival.com

WHERE TO LISTEN:Find The Best Bet on the iHeart App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or catch us on WBNA Ch 21 and 970 AM.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:Town and Country Ford | fordlouisville.netPresented by the Kentucky Bourbon Festival

#Bourbon #KentuckyBourbonFestival #Podcast #Bardstown #iHeartRadio #TownAndCountryFord

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The Best Bet with Claudia Coffey – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

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The Best Bet with Claudia Coffey – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other11

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Other11

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities