43 Katie Fussenegger: connector, memory maker

45 Jessica Dawkins: historian

Send us a text message about this episode! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2268576/fan_mail/new] Jessica Dawkins, president and CEO of Historic Locust Grove in Louisville, Kentucky, has been a  museum professional and local historian for over 20 years.  She received a bachelor’s  degree in History from the University of Louisville and a master’s degree in Business  Communication from Spalding University, both of which were fully funded by the Jack  Kent Cooke Foundation in Washington, DC.  She is also a graduate of the History Leadership Institute, class of 2016.  Her passion lies in 19th century Ohio Valley history, and this focus brought her to work  within historic house museums in the Louisville area. As the southeast regional director  for the Indiana State Museum & Historic Sites, she directed three sites in Southern Indiana:  Culbertson Mansion in New Albany, Corydon Capitol in Corydon, and Lanier Mansion in  Madison. She then served as deputy director of the Kentucky Historical Society and was  most recently the executive director of Liberty Hall Historic Site in Frankfort, Kentucky.  By taking an interdisciplinary and comprehensive approach to museum management,  Jessica demonstrates a tangible, authentic commitment to audiences and communities  served. She believes historical organizations are visitor-serving and mission-based, and  they are also local businesses, economic drivers, and cultural generators.  Through  inspirational storytelling, creative programming, and intentional collaboration, Jessica is a  passionate advocate for history as a crucial tool in the life of the everyday citizen.  She also serves on nonprofit boards and committees, including Louisville Public Media’s  Community Advisory Board and Happy Birthday Park. She was Board Chair for  Farmington Historic Plantation and was named one of Business First’s “20 People to Know  in Tourism & Hospitality.” https://locustgrove.org Keep up with @HistoricLocustGrove on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/historiclocustgrove], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/historiclocustgrove], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@historiclocustgrove]. Kathie’s note: Debra Locker introduced Jessica and me to each other. Instant bonding! Right before our interview, lightning struck the grounds of Locust Hill and every electronic device on the property was out of commission. Lights and computers and everything, so she recorded on her phone. I thought it was the old house's way of saying, "Enough with your technology!" and Jessica said she has always known that historic homes get what they want. For example, an unlikable employee or a visitor can get invited not to say. "But since I've come to Locust Grove, I realize the land gets what it wants," she said.  Writers Rotation intro/outro recorded at Dynamix Productions [https://www.dxaudio.com/] in Lexington, Kentucky. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2268576/support]

44 Shelley Thomas: artist, composer, spiritual coach

Send us a text message about this episode! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2268576/fan_mail/new] Shelley Thomas is an artist and CEO of The Mystical Creative LLC [https://www.themysticalcreative.com/]. She is a visionary composer-producer, photographer, astrologer, and Dream Fulfillment Coach. Through her multifaceted work, she creates exquisite custom music and photos for client visual media needs. As a coach, she helps people gain insight, clarity, and confidence, guiding them to heal and activate their potential. She uses modern technology alongside astrology, tarot, and her gift of intuition to assist people in realizing their goals and dreams. She specializes in working with multi-passionate entrepreneurs to support bringing their dreams to life: whether through coaching, creating beautiful music for film + tv uniquely branded with her magical sonic signature, or delivering elegant portraits that capture the special spirit of each person. Shelley has a B.F.A. in World Music from CalArts and an M.A. from Berklee College of Music in Interdisciplinary Music Studies, as well as numerous accolades, international tours and multiple Grammy-winning credentials. She is a world-class vocalist and musician who plays oud, percussion piano, and guitar. She also draws upon a depth of intense life experiences including heartbreak, addiction, illness, trauma, creative blocks, depression, and anxiety. These blessings in disguise have given her immense empathy and wisdom to share in her work with others. She learned to heal through 7 years of sobriety, deep spiritual work, self-love, and the power of artistic alchemy. Her purpose is to uplift and inspire people through her work, shattering limitations and empowering others through creative expression. Listen to Shelley’s singles, including her spring '26 release of "Infinite Sea" and watch her music videos on her website. Shelley Thomas www.themysticalcreative.com [https://www.themysticalcreative.com/] www.instagram.com/themysticalcreative [https://www.instagram.com/themysticalcreative]    Kathie’s note: One day during a one-hour or three-hour Caveday session (www.caveday.org [https://www.caveday.org/]), I looked at all the people on the Zoom screen and saw someone playing an instrument. Was that a lute? It was definitely of the string kingdom, guitar class, but I had no idea what genus. It turned out to be Shelley playing her oud. But without any audio, wah. She's super chill, always a calming presence. So enjoyed talking with her on this episode. Writers Rotation intro/outro recorded at Dynamix Productions [https://www.dxaudio.com/] in Lexington, Kentucky. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2268576/support]

43 Katie Fussenegger: connector, memory maker

Send us a text message about this episode! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2268576/fan_mail/new] Katie Fussenegger serves as Executive Vice President of the Kentucky Derby Museum, where she helps lead one of Kentucky’s most iconic cultural attractions with vision, creativity, and a deep love for the stories of the horse. Before joining the museum, Katie spent more than a decade as President & CEO of ShelbyKY Tourism, where she built a reputation for innovation, collaboration, and community impact. She’s a proud University of Louisville graduate and holds her CTIS certification through Indiana and Purdue Universities. Katie has held leadership roles across the state and beyond, serving as chair of the Kentucky Tourism Industry Association & KY Bourbon Horses & History Region, President of the Kentucky Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus, and twice as President on the international stage of Skal International Louisville. She’s also a graduate of Leadership Kentucky, Leadership Louisville, and Leadership Shelby. Her work has earned her recognition as one of the Lane Report’s Top Women in Business, Louisville Business First’s 20 People to Know in Tourism & Hospitality, recipient of the Way to Go Woman in Leadership Award by Today’s Woman Magazine, and a 2024 Forty Under 40 honoree by Business First, chosen from over 600 applications. A passionate advocate for tourism, hospitality, and community growth, Katie brings both strategy and heart to everything she does.    Kentucky Derby Museum https://www.derbymuseum.org/ [https://www.derbymuseum.org/] https://www.instagram.com/derbymuseum/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/kentucky-derby-museum Connect with Katie on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cocktailsandteacups/] @CocktailsandTeacups Kathie’s note: You know how some people just remind you of sunshine? That’s Katie Fussenegger. Always happy, always smiling. I met her on a fam trip (which stands for familiarization, not family) with three other freelance writers in the fall of 2019. We toured a Saddlebred farm in Shelby County, a pumpkin patch and several other tourist attractions, and had some fabulous meals and camaraderie. I still think about those people and places! Writers Rotation intro/outro recorded at Dynamix Productions [https://www.dxaudio.com/] in Lexington, Kentucky. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2268576/support]

42 Patty Pell: actor, playwright

Send us a text message about this episode! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2268576/fan_mail/new] Patty Pell is an 80-year-old new playwright. She has written snippets all her life, including poems, short stories, two children’s theatre programs, sales training videos, radio spots, and the finest, most talked about obituary tribute that the P-burg Sentinel ever published. Patty and her daughter, Laurie, wrote Momma Won’t Die based on the last weeks they spent with Gigi in the summer of 2021. Those days of living with three generations of Southern women became the most important time in Patty’s life. Everything else seemed a footnote. Like the characters in her favorite plays, Steel Magnolias and Crimes of the Heart, Patty hopes audiences will see the characters in Momma Won’t Die and say, “I know these people.” Patty gives special thanks to the Del Shores Writers Workshop for their suggestions and support. She brought in a revised scene every week for two years. She could not have finished this play without them. Momma Won’t Die became a true collaboration of love! Follow Patty and “Momma Won’t Die” on FB [https://www.facebook.com/mommawontdie] and IG [https://www.instagram.com/mommawontdie]. https://www.facebook.com/mommawontdie https://www.instagram.com/mommawontdie Join the Kickstarter campaign [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pattypell/momma-wont-die-a-world-premiere-play] (March 17 to April 16, 2026) to fund the stage premiere of the play in June in Dallas. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pattypell/momma-wont-die-a-world-premiere-play Kathie’s note: Patty and I were roommates and workmates a thousand years ago! She is quite entertaining, and always gracious. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2268576/support]

41 Patty McGee: literacy consultant

Send us a text message about this episode! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2268576/fan_mail/new] Patty McGee is a nationally recognized literacy consultant, speaker, and educator with a passion for transforming classrooms into spaces where language and learning come alive.  With decades of experience as a teacher, coach, and advocate for delightful literacy practices, Patty has worked alongside educators across the country, partnering to unlock the full potential of their students through innovative and practical teaching strategies.   Not Your Granny’s Grammar is her third book. Connect with Patty at www.pattymcgee.org [https://pattymcgee.org/].   Kathie’s note: Patty sent me an email out of the blue! What a delightful note it was, and I said absolutely yes to inviting her on the podcast. My mom was a teacher, so I've always had a soft spot in my heart for them. Yay for teachers. Writers Rotation intro/outro recorded at Dynamix Productions [https://www.dxaudio.com/] in Lexington, Kentucky. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2268576/support]