MoxieTalk with Kirt Jacobs

MoxieTalk with Kirt Jacobs #490: Garey Faulkner

Beard fame: A Cincinnati roofer turned local icon, Garey gained widespread attention for his award-winning full beard, which became a fixture at Cincinnati Bengals games. He has been featured in New Era ads and recognized globally as the "Beard Guy." Achievements: Won the Full Beard Freestyle category at the National Beard & Mustache Championships. Placed third at the 2019 World Beard & Mustache Championship. Fan persona: Often seen at Bengals home games, Garey's signature beard and game-day attire made him a fan favorite. He has hosted charity fundraisers, including one that raised money to enable a young fan with brittle bone disease to attend NFL games across the U.S. In a 2015 feature, he shared the story: his beard began as a charity bet—not shaving for a year—and evolved into years of civic engagement and fan passion. Charity Work: Known for generous community efforts, especially fundraising campaigns tied to his beard persona and Bengals spirit. Garey Faulkner isn't just about facial hair—he's a beloved local figure whose enthusiasm for the Bengals and community has made his beard a symbol of pride. Whether cheering in the stands, supporting a child's dream, or turning heads at competitions, Garey is recognized for combining flair with heartfelt civic-mindedness.

MoxieTalk with Kirt Jacobs #489: Abbie Stockard

Abbie Stockard, who was crowned Miss America 2025 on January 5, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, is a 22-year-old nursing student at Auburn University in Alabama. At just 22 years old, she has already distinguished herself as a role model of resilience, service, and leadership, becoming only the 4th woman from Alabama to hold the crown. Born on July 26, 2002, and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Abbie is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School. She continued her education at Auburn University's College of Nursing, where she became deeply involved in campus life as a student recruiter, a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, and a dancer with the Tiger Paws team. Her long-term goal is to earn a doctorate in nurse anesthesia, with a specialization in pediatric medicine. Her pageant journey began with the title of Miss Hoover 2024, leading to her victory as Miss Alabama 2024. That same year, she stepped onto the national stage and captured the Miss America crown, winning a $50,000 scholarship to further her studies. As Miss America, Abbie uses her platform to advocate for families impacted by cystic fibrosis, serving as an ambassador for the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Her work brings vital awareness to the need for research, education, and support—an extension of her lifelong passion for healthcare and helping others. Guided by her personal motto, "Choose Joy," she inspires audiences with her commitment to service and unwavering optimism. Outside her public duties, Abbie remains grounded, sharing her journey on social media and balancing life with grace. She is also in a relationship with NBA player Walker Kessler, a reminder that even in the spotlight, she remains true to herself and genuine. From Birmingham to the Miss America stage, Abbie Stockard is living proof that perseverance and purpose can carry dreams to remarkable heights. Her story is one of joy, service, and an unwavering belief in the power of making a difference. She previously held the title Miss Alabama 2024 and is recognized for her advocacy for children's health and awareness of cystic fibrosis.

MoxieTalk with Kirt Jacobs #488: Bruce Asmussen

Good times and priceless moments with the personalities that made up the "sea of Humanity" that made for a very festive crowd on a very WET Kentucky Derby 151! This time we cross paths with the one and only Bruce Asmussen-aka-"THE PBR PATRIOT".

MoxieTalk with Kirt Jacobs #481: Soozie Eastman

Soozie is a film director, producer, & environmental advocate based in Louisville, Kentucky. She is notably recognized for her work in documentary filmmaking, with a focus on environmental and health-related topics. Critical aspects of Soozie Eastman's career and contributions include: 1. Documentary Filmmaking: Eastman has produced and directed documentary films that often highlight environmental and health issues. Her work in this field focuses on raising awareness and educating the public on important topics. 2. Environmental Advocacy: In line with her professional work, Eastman advocates ecological conservation and sustainability. Her films and other projects often aim to inspire action and change in these areas. 3. "Overload: America's Toxic Love Story": One of her notable projects is the documentary "Overload: America's Toxic Love Story," which explores the issue of chemical exposure in everyday life and its impact on health. This film reflects her dedication to highlighting lesser-known environmental and health problems. 4. Community Engagement: Eastman is involved in her local community in Louisville, engaging in initiatives that promote environmental awareness and sustainability. 5. Educational and Public Speaking Roles: In addition to her filmmaking, Eastman may also engage in academic roles, public speaking, and presentations, where she shares her expertise and insights on environmental issues, filmmaking, and advocacy. An American filmmaker and producer based in Louisville, Kentucky. She has been involved in various documentary and narrative filmmaking projects, as well as film festival administration. Eastman has been recognized for her work, particularly in documentary films that delve into social and environmental issues. She has produced and directed Overload: America's Toxic Love Story, By the Wayside, and Meant to Be. Soozie Eastman has also been involved in the Louisville film community, often serving as a proponent of the arts and filmmaking in the region. She has collaborated with several organizations to promote filmmaking as both an art form and a viable career option for aspiring artists in Kentucky and beyond.

MoxieTalk with Kirt Jacobs #486: Bob Baffert

🏆 Career Achievements Kentucky Derby * * Winner 7 times (1997, 1998, 2002, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2023) – though the 2021 victory with Medina Spirit was later disqualified. Preakness Stakes * * Winner 8 times (1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2010, 2015, 2018, 2023). Belmont Stakes * * Winner 3 times (2001, 2015, 2018). Triple Crown Victories * * American Pharaoh (2015) ended a 37-year drought, the first Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978. * Justify (2018) became only the second undefeated horse to win the Triple Crown. Breeders' Cup Success * * Multiple Breeders' Cup victories, including the Classic, Sprint, and Juvenile races. Awards & Recognition * * Four-time Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer. * Inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2009. * Consistently ranked among the all-time leading trainers in purse earnings. ⚖️ Controversy * Baffert has been at the center of medication controversies and suspensions. Notably, Medina Spirit failed a post-Kentucky Derby drug test in 2021, leading to disqualification. * These controversies have tarnished his public image but have not erased his impact as one of the most dominant trainers in modern history.