What does it take to spot a diamond in the rough? In this episode, we chart the incredible career of trainer and bloodstock agent Kenny McPeek, a man whose legacy is built on skill, persistence, and an unparalleled eye for equine talent.

Born at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, but a true son of Lexington, Kentucky, Kenny McPeek has racing in his blood. Since earning his license in 1985, he has meticulously built a reputation for transforming modestly-bred yearlings into elite competitors. His breakout moment on the national stage came in 2002 when he guided Harlan's Holiday to a Florida Derby win, only to top it months later by saddling 70-1 longshot Sarava to win the Belmont Stakes, playing the ultimate spoiler to a Triple Crown bid.

But 2024 would prove to be his most historic year yet. McPeek accomplished a rare and coveted feat, winning the Kentucky Oaks with the formidable Thorpedo Anna and then capturing the Kentucky Derby with Mystik Dan just one day later. It was the first time a trainer had swept both iconic races since 1952.

Join us as we unpack the key moments, the legendary horses, and the philosophy that has made Kenny McPeek not just a Triple Crown-winning trainer, but a true master of the sport.

In the world of American Thoroughbred racing, few names carry as much weight as Steve Asmussen. Born into a horse-racing dynasty in Gettysburg, South Dakota, his path seemed destined for the racetrack. With a trainer for a father and a mother also deeply involved with horses, the sport is in his blood. His brother, Cash Asmussen, found international fame as a jockey, and Steve himself had a brief career in the saddle before his height and weight guided him toward training, the field where he would leave an indelible mark.

Since taking out his trainer’s license in 1986, Asmussen's ascent has been nothing short of historic. He is now the winningest trainer in the history of North American racing, a monumental achievement he secured in 2021 before surpassing the unprecedented 10,000-win milestone in 2023. His consistent excellence was recognized with back-to-back Eclipse Awards as the nation's Outstanding Trainer in 2008 and 2009, and his career was immortalized with his induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2016.

The foundation of Asmussen's legendary career is built upon the champions he has conditioned. He guided Curlin to Horse of the Year honors in 2007 and 2008, with victories in the Preakness Stakes, Breeders' Cup Classic, and the Dubai World Cup. He was also the architect behind the spectacular career of Rachel Alexandra, the 2009 Horse of the Year who famously defeated the boys in the Preakness Stakes. More recently, he trained Gun Runner to a dominant 2017 Horse of the Year campaign that included a Breeders' Cup Classic triumph, and masterfully handled the career of champion mare Midnight Bisou.

Despite his unparalleled success, one prize has remained tantalizingly out of reach: the Kentucky Derby. He has come agonizingly close with second-place finishers like Nehro in 2011 and Epicenter in 2022. However, Asmussen has conquered the other two jewels of the Triple Crown, winning the Preakness Stakes twice and claiming the Belmont Stakes in 2016 with Creator. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to manage a massive, multi-state racing operation, Asmussen's influence on the sport is profound, continuing to set a standard for trainers across the country.

Chapel Tinius was Miss Kentucky 2024, a title she earned on June 15, 2024, at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC) in Bowling Green, Kentucky. A Bowling Green native and a graduate of Belmont University, where she earned dual degrees in Musical Theatre & Corporate Communications in 2022. ​

Community Service Initiative: Tinius’s community service initiative, “Operation Gratitude: For the Fallen, For the Fighting, For the Veterans,” is deeply personal. She is the granddaughter of two World War II veterans—her maternal grandfather, Dr. Lawrence Emberton, a Navy veteran and lifelong doctor in Metcalfe County, & her paternal grandfather, George Tinius, an Army veteran and triple amputee due to a landmine explosion. Her grandfather entrusted her with his Purple Heart medal when she was 6, a gesture that profoundly influenced her commitment to honoring veterans. ​

Over the years, Tinius has organized numerous initiatives to support veterans, including running over 25 half marathons @ three full marathons to raise funds for the Honor Flight Network. She also founded the “Run to Fly” series, completing ten 10 Ks across Kentucky to support Honor Flight Kentucky in ten days. Additionally, she has partnered with organizations like Carry The Load and created a violin/harp CD titled “Gratitude,” which she gifts to veterans as a music therapy tool. ​

Role as Miss KY: As Miss Kentucky, Tinius is the spokesperson for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Kentucky Proud initiative, promoting locally grown & produced products. She has made 189 appearances across 72 countries & aims to visit all 120 countries during her tenure. Her outreach includes educational programs in schools, where she uses her musical talents to engage students & teach them about agriculture. ​ Tinius also works with the KY Department of Agriculture’s Mobile Science Activity Centers and the Raising Hope program, which focuses on the mental and physical well-being of Kentucky’s farmers and their families. Her efforts aim to raise awareness about the challenges the agricultural community faces and promote healthy living. ​

Personal Background/Education:

Raised on a small horse farm in Bowling Green, Tinius has been actively involved in the arts from a young age. She performed in musicals & plays in south-central Kentucky, played the harp at various events, and was a member of the Red River Fiddlers Band for 12 years.

Step into the world of a true master of illusion, Lance Burton, a magician widely considered by his peers to be the greatest of the last century. As magic historian Mike Caveney famously stated, “Take every Magician in the world, line them up and give them each twelve minutes…Lance Wins!” His journey began in Kentucky, where a childhood fascination with a magic trick, "The Miser's Dream," sparked a lifelong passion. This early interest quickly evolved into a prodigious talent, leading him to win the "Gold Medal for Excellence" from the International Brotherhood of Magicians in 1980.

Burton's career skyrocketed when he burst onto the national scene with his first appearance on *The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson*. So impressed was Carson that he gave the young magician an unprecedented 12-minute routine. This was just the beginning of a storied television career with numerous specials and late-night appearances. In 1982, Burton made history by becoming the first American and the youngest person to win the Grand Prix award at the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM), often called the Olympics of magic, solidifying his status as a world champion.

His incredible talent found its ultimate home in Las Vegas, where he became a legendary headliner. After a record-breaking nine-year run in "Folies Bergère," he launched his own shows. In 1996, he signed a historic 13-year contract with the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, where the custom-built, 1,274-seat Lance Burton Theatre was constructed specifically for his act. Over his career, he performed an astounding 15,000 shows for more than 5 million fans, becoming a cornerstone of Las Vegas entertainment and earning the title of "Best Magician" from the Las Vegas Review-Journal for 18 consecutive years.

After concluding his long-running Vegas residency in 2010, Burton didn't simply vanish. He returned to his home state of Kentucky, dedicating time to mentoring young magicians, supporting various charities, and even directing a feature film, *Billy Topit Master Magician*. While he has retired from the grueling schedule of a nightly headliner, he continues to share his craft with the world. Today, he tours with his acclaimed show, "Lance Burton & Friends," bringing a family-friendly mix of grand illusions, masterful sleight-of-hand, and special guest performers to audiences across the country, proving that his ability to inspire wonder remains as powerful as ever.

Kent “Swampy” Glade is an environmental scientist, speaker, and filmmaker dedicated to promoting environmental education and awareness, with a special focus on wetlands and water conservation. Over the course of more than 40 years, Glade has been a passionate advocate for clean water and the protection of vital wetland ecosystems. He created the character Swampy as a way to engage audiences of all ages in environmental stewardship, using storytelling and creativity to make complex issues accessible and relatable.

As a filmmaker and concept artist, Glade produces content that highlights environmental themes and encourages action toward sustainability. His work extends beyond the screen, as he regularly participates in conferences and summits, such as the Speaking Empire’s World Speakers Summit, where he shares his expertise and enthusiasm for wetlands with diverse audiences. Through his character Swampy, Glade also connects with schools and community groups, fostering environmental awareness among younger generations and inspiring them to appreciate and protect natural resources.

Glade is the author of “Swampy and Friends,” a children’s book that introduces environmental concepts through engaging storytelling. The book aims to encourage young readers to develop a sense of responsibility for the environment and to understand the importance of conservation from an early age.

Maintaining an active online presence, Glade shares insights and updates on environmental initiatives through social media platforms like Facebook. He is also involved in professional networks such as The Water Network, collaborating with other professionals who are dedicated to water conservation. Through his multifaceted efforts, Kent “Swampy” Glade continues to inspire and educate individuals about the significance of environmental conservation and the pivotal role that wetlands play in maintaining a healthy planet.

We're taking a closer look at Coach Jay Cobb, the head coach of the varsity football team at the legendary Trinity High School in Louisville, Kentucky. Trinity is a powerhouse with a storied tradition, consistently ranked among Kentucky's top high school football programs, and known for producing a long line of collegiate and professional players.

Before being appointed head coach of the Trinity Shamrocks in 2021, Jay Cobb had already built a robust career and a reputation for turning around football programs. His journey through various high schools was marked by consistently improving team performance and fostering positive, competitive environments. At the heart of his approach is a coaching philosophy that emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and a powerful work ethic, values he instills in every young athlete he guides.

Known for his sharp strategic insight, Coach Cobb meticulously prepares his teams for every game, focusing on both offensive and defensive strategies and making critical in-game adjustments. He fosters a profound sense of unity and camaraderie, believing that a cohesive team where each player understands their vital role is essential for success. This focus on teamwork is matched by his commitment to player development, not just in athletic skill but also in character, academics, and personal growth.

Coach Jay Cobb's tenure at Trinity High School has reinforced the school's tradition of football excellence. His dedication to high standards on and off the field has positively impacted the players and the wider school community. As a respected figure in high school football, his leadership and commitment ensure that the Trinity Shamrocks remain a formidable force, shaping successful athletes and well-rounded individuals.

Alli is the founder and CEO of Wicked Sheets, now called Wicked Technologies.

Wicked Technologies specializes in moisture-wicking and cooling bedding products that alleviate night sweats and enhance sleep quality.

Her journey into entrepreneurship began in 2008 when she sought a solution for her night sweats. She created bedding that addressed this common issue.

Educational Background:

Truttmann holds degrees from Bellarmine University and the University of Louisville, where she earned a master’s degree in psychology.

Professional Experience:

Before founding Wicked Sheets, she worked as an autism intervention specialist and personal trainer, experiences that reflect her commitment to improving others’ well-being.

Company Overview:

Wicked Sheets offers bedding products made from advanced fabrics that wick away moisture and provide a cooler sleeping surface.

These products are designed for individuals experiencing night sweats due to various conditions.

Recognition and Media Features:

Truttmann has been featured in various media outlets, including The Story Exchange, where she shared insights into her entrepreneurial journey.

Community Engagement:

She is active in the entrepreneurial community, participating in events such as Startup Grind Louisville, where she discusses her experiences and offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Through her innovative approach to addressing sleep-related issues, Alli Truttmann has established herself as a notable figure in the bedding industry.

She combines personal experience with professional expertise to create products that improve sleep quality for many.