The Lexington Podcast
A show dedicated to the historic past and compelling present of Lexington, Kentucky. True crime, current events, notable spots, and interesting locals in the Bluegrass.
S5 E10 · Sun, April 06, 2025
UK Foot Stabber
The infamous UK Foot Stabber case, Bradford Pear season in Lexington, Radio Star Lounge, the unfortunate incident at the trampoline park, Obstinate Sons, a bourbon rant, and a couple movie recommendations! Also, THANK YOU SO MUCH for voting us #1 Local Podcast in Lexington! It means the world! :)
S5 E9 · Wed, February 19, 2025
Balancing Heritage and Progress: The Maxwell Development Controversy with Dr. Zak Leonard
This very special episode explores the controversial Maxwell Development Project in Lexington, highlighting the threats to historic homes and the complicated intersection of progress and preservation. With insights from Dr. Zak Leonard of the Bluegrass Trust, the discussion delves into zoning laws, the role of city governance, and how citizens can advocate for their neighborhoods. In this episode we examine: Historic significance of homes on Maxwell Street The impact of zoning changes on preservation efforts Awareness surrounding House Bill 443 and its implications for public input National Register misconceptions Strategies for community advocacy and organizing Dr. Leonard's journey in historic preservation and its importance in Lexington Call to action for listeners to engage with local preservation efforts
S5 E8 · Sun, February 16, 2025
Blue Grass Airport
Got a little theme for you this week. From tragedy, to recent news, to it being an (apparent?) romantic destination, to undercover police operations--we're talking everything Blue Grass Airport.
Wed, February 12, 2025
Kentucky Cryptids & The Warehouse Block!
INSIDE THE BLOCK! Podcast - Give us a listen on the "Inside the Block" Podcast all about the wild history of the Warehouse Block district of Lexington, KY! _________________________________________________________________________________________ Jonny is back and ready to dive into weird Kentucky folklore, specifically our state's cryptids and mythical creatures. We're also breaking new ground with our first-ever Kentucky Sports chat, plus our usual segment on local recommendations for what to see, eat, and do in central Kentucky. Speaking of local spots, this week we're highlighting the awesome businesses in the Warehouse Block - which ties in perfectly because Jonathan and I just did a guest spot on a fun new local podcast called "Inside the Block." The show is dedicated to showcasing all the incredible businesses in the Warehouse Block, and we got to share some fascinating history about the district. We’d love it if you gave it a listen!
S5 E5 · Tue, February 04, 2025
Murder of Ryan Poston - Part 2
Our last installment of the murder of Ryan Poston - Part 2 of 2. Shayna Hubers gets another trial where she not only takes the stand, but also introduces some unique defense tactics and strategies. Does it work? Does she receive the same sentencing as round 1? How does Ryan’s family respond? And where is Shayna now? All that and more.
S5 E4 · Wed, January 29, 2025
Murder of Ryan Poston - Part 1
Special guest and Kentucky true crime enthusiast, Anastasia, walks us through all the twists and turns of the tragic homicide of up-and-coming attorney Ryan Poston. This was a very high profile case in 2012 that continues to stay in the media for a number of reasons. Chief among those reasons: the eccentric behavior of the defendant Shayna Hubers. Nicknamed the “Nose Job Murder,” this case is a classic tale of “Was it self-defense?” or “Was it cold blooded murder?” Part 1 of 2.
S5 E3 · Sun, January 19, 2025
Narco Farm 3 & "Best of Lex" Vote!
Your support means the world to us! Vote "THE Lexington Podcast" in Best Podcast category! https://bestoflex.smileypete.com/community-and-media/best-local-podcast We’re back with our final (and arguably most interesting!) installment of our coverage of the Narco Farm of Lexington, KY. We dive deep into what it really meant when inmates suffering from drug addiction came to take "The Lexington Cure.” We talk about daily life at Narco, working on the farm, interacting with jazz legends of the time, the pioneering use of methadone, and the undercover operations of the CIA in drug addiction experimentation.
S5 E2 · Mon, January 13, 2025
Narco Farm 2 & Beshear's Yearbook
Andy Beshear's high school yearbook is a true delight, the second installment of our exploration of Lexington's Narco Farm, a fabulous experience on the Bites of the Bluegrass food tour, and Jonny's take on his work with the recent Park Tax initiative. Glad you're here!
S5 E1 · Sat, January 04, 2025
Narco Farm 1 & Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Kentucky! We're back with our first installment of our series on the "Narcotic Farm" of Lexington, KY. This was a fascinating experiment of drug reform that took place between the 1930s - 1970s in Lexington. Drug addicts from across the country, whether voluntarily or involuntarily as prisoners, were sent to “Narco,” as it was called, on the outskirts of Lexington. It was a rehab, a prison, a farm – and also a place where questionable research on drug addicts took place – so ultimately, it was a failure. Later in the episode, we talk about the new year in Lexington–our predictions, our resolutions. And it wouldn’t be a true LexPod episode without a couple of quick tangents about movie recommendations and local spots we want to check out in 2025. {Sources this week: The Narcotic Farm: The Rise and Fall of America's First Prison for Drug Addicts by Nancy D. Campbell}
S4 E8 · Wed, May 15, 2024
Take Back Cheapside Part 2
It's the riveting finale of our Take Back Cheapside series, going behind the scenes with the movement's leaders Russell Allen and DeBraun Thomas. Hear the untold stories - endless council meetings, unexpected roadblocks, power dynamics, and the future of the coalition they inspired. They also assess if Lexington is truly evolving and share insights on catalyzing change today. After all, as they put it, change is sparked by "regular people who happen to do extraordinary things." Don't miss this inspiring look at the passion driving local activism.
S4 E7 · Tue, February 27, 2024
Take Back Cheapside Part 1
I n 2022, we had the privilege to interview two visionaries and local activists: Russell Allen and DeBraun Thomas of the Take Back Cheapside movement. We heard firsthand the remarkable story behind the triumphs and challenges of removing two Confederate statues from one of the most prominent former slave auction blocks in the state of Kentucky, known as the Cheapside Auction Block. Join us as we hear about the extraordinary movement behind reclaiming this sacred space from the shadows of Confederate symbolism and restoring it as a place of unity and inclusive commemoration -- "where all should feel welcome."
S4 E6 · Mon, February 19, 2024
Vampires & Railbird 2023
We talk about the famous Vampire cult of Kentucky as well as our Railbird 2023 review.
S4 E1 · Tue, February 13, 2024
Savannah Spurlock Part 4
Extensive searches, frustrating autopsy reports, and a very silent killer.
S4 E3 · Tue, February 06, 2024
Savannah Spurlock Part 3
Conflicting interviews, snapchat evidence, and revealing journal entries.
Mon, January 29, 2024
Savannah Spurlock Part 2
Vote for Lexington Podcast for "Best in Lex"! Our podcast was nominated for "Best Lexington Podcast" and we'd sure love and appreciate your vote! :) Watch "Seduced to Slay" HBO Max (Season 1; Episode 8). We were interviewed by Investigation Discovery about the 1986 Turpin murder and were honored to be included in keeping Michael's memory alive.
S4 E2 · Mon, January 22, 2024
Savannah Spurlock Part 1
The Savannah Spurlock case dominated Kentucky headlines for well over a year in 2019 and 2020. The public knew, right off the bat, that a pretty girl went missing after a late night of partying at a bar near the University of Kentucky in Lexington. As the case was breaking, police also released footage of Savannah walking through a dark parking lot with three unidentified men in their early 20s. The footage was, and continues to be, haunting.
S4 E1 · Mon, January 22, 2024
Welcome Back
Hi there! We're glad to be back. This episode, our premiere episode after a year and half absence, is a very personal episode. It’s filled with our personal apology for being gone so long as well as the reasons why we were gone for so long. We talk about grief and the passing of our father, major career changes, and then, the future of the Lexington Podcast-- including all the fun episodes we have lined up. We have some seriously awesome things on the horizon and we hope you’ll stick with us for the ride. But here’s the thing, you may be like, “Whoa whoa, I come here for your Kentucky true crime and weird history not all your personal stuff,” and seriously, we get it. No hard feelings. We’re excited to be back delivering our regular stuff every week. So excited in fact, we’re dropping a bonus episode this week-- the premiere of our latest true crime case: the tragic 2019 homicide of Savannah Spurlock. This case dominated Kentucky headlines in 2019 when a 22 year old woman from Richmond, KY went missing after a night of partying in Lexington. It’s an incredibly devastating but fascinating case filled with unclear motives, the extremes of party culture, and the interesting relationship between technology and solid police work. T hough the case is technically solved, there’s still so much that's still a mystery, even to this day. So, that being said. If you’ve been a long-time listener and you’d like to know what we’ve been up to lately--carry on! Feel free to listen to this episode. But if you’re here for our usual stuff, then by all means, feel free just to skip to the next episode– Savannah Spurlock Part 1.
S3 E6 · Sun, April 03, 2022
Caves & Graves
If it’s unpredictable weather and severe allergies you’re after, then look no further than SPRINGTIME in the Bluegrass State. We chat all things SPRING in Kentucky! // Road Trip tips to Cave City, KY & Lexington Cemetery Celebs
S3 E5 · Mon, March 28, 2022
Kentucky Duels & Marijuana
"You obstruct the way, sir!" // Kentucky Duels // Marijuana Legislation // Maple Syrup in KY // Critchfield Meats // Movie Recommendation
S3 E4 · Wed, March 23, 2022
Barnes Family Murder Part 2
We finish up our coverage of the 1973 Barnes Family Murder on Russell Cave Road. You’ll hear all the details about the murder, the aftermath, and the one surviving member of the family. Listener discretion advised.
S3 E3 · Thu, February 24, 2022
Barnes Family Murder Part 1
Barnes Family Murder on Russell Cave Road // KY's Potty-Mouthed Congressman // Downtown Soccer Stadium // National No-Fly List // New Hyped Biscuit Spot in Lex // Horse Doping // German Food & Movie Recommendation // Horse Girls on Lexington Tinder
S3 E2 · Wed, February 16, 2022
Town Branch & Kentucky Constables
The History of Town Branch -- Stream, Trail, Bourbon, and Park // Kentucky Constables // Local Recommendations
S3 E1 · Mon, February 07, 2022
McConnell Springs & Porch Pirates
The Founding of Lexington // Kentucky Porch Pirates // Ranking the Local Meteorologists // Korean Cuisine in Lexington
S2 E11 · Thu, January 27, 2022
Season 2 Finale!
In our Season 2 finale, we talk all the big plans we have for our upcoming Season 3 which premieres Sunday, February 6, 2022! We’re changing up the format of our episodes to bring you MORE Lexington history, true crime, and important local info in a very consistent way. The true crime case for Season 3 is announced, and we try out our new segment called “Dinner and a Show."
S2 E10 · Mon, January 17, 2022
Turpin Homicide Part 9 - The Aftermath
Final installment of the Michael Turpin homicide series. We take a close look at the aftermath of that tragic night in February of 1986. In the nearly 36 years since Michael Turpin’s murder, three people have been incarcerated and families continue to mourn. There have been dramatic parole hearings, eye-opening letters of intent, extensive and continuous press coverage, an inmate conspiracy plot, and a lot of public opinion about prison reform in regards to this case. Oh, and stay tuned at the end of the episode for a breakdown of what’s to come in Season 3! We're very, very excited about Season 3.
S2 E9 · Tue, January 11, 2022
Turpin Homicide Part 8
On September 25, 1986, after a month-long trial, the prosecution and the defense rest. It’s up to a jury of eight women and four men to determine the fate of Elizabeth Turpin and Karen Brown.
S2 E8 · Mon, January 03, 2022
Turpin Homicide Part 7
After two confessions and the death penalty on the table, Lexington braces itself for the “Trial of the Decade” in September of 1986--it's Keith vs. Karen vs. Elizabeth. The press and the public couldn’t get enough of the fiery prosecutors, steamy love letters, surprising diary entries, ironclad evidence, and shocking betrayals on the witness stand.
S2 E7 · Sun, September 19, 2021
Railbird 2021 & 'Out and About' Lexington
Our full Railbird 2021 review, as well as a robust "Out & About" segment where we talk up our latest favorite places to eat, drink, and play in Lexington, KY!
S2 E6 · Wed, September 01, 2021
Turpin Homicide Part 6 with Fran Root & David Lyons!
We sit down with the lead detective of the Turpin homicide, Ret. Assistant Police Chief Fran Root, to discuss details of the case. Of course, we couldn't NOT ask about his time on the force during the famed Bluegrass Conspiracy days, too. Ret. Commander David Lyons of the incredible "Murder Police Podcast" also joins us to discuss forensic advancements and just how much Lexington has changed over the years from a cop's perspective.
S2 E5 · Sun, August 01, 2021
Turpin Homicide Part 5
Suspects go head-to-head with different versions of what exactly transpired on the tragic morning of February 2, 1986. But is everyone headed for a conviction?
S2 E4 · Tue, May 04, 2021
Turpin Homicide Part 4 & Railbird 2021 Lineup
Michael Turpin's body is found and suspects are forming alibis.
S2 E3 · Wed, April 07, 2021
Turpin Homicide Part 3
The events and complicated relationships leading to the fatal night of February 2, 1986.
S2 E2 · Sat, January 23, 2021
Turpin Homicide Part 2 & Take-Out Lexington
Part 2 of the Michael Turpin homicide and our latest favorite take-out spots in Lex!
S2 E1 · Mon, December 28, 2020
Turpin Homicide Part 1 & Goodbye 2020
Welcome to Season 2! We begin with an overview of the tragic 1986 homicide of Michael Turpin in Lexington, KY. And later, we recount our favorite things about the year 2020.
S1 E13 · Thu, October 29, 2020
Fall in Lex
Our personal recommendations of what to do and where to eat in Lexington in the fall of 2020. Jonny gets schooled in horror movie trivia. A review of a "Ghost Walk" we did in early October with the lovely Patti Starr. And later, we officially reveal the true crime case(s) we'll cover in "Season 2."
S1 E12 · Sun, October 18, 2020
Fiery, Fanatical, and Full of Himself: Jonny Loves Horror
There are very few topics Jonathan gets more heated and passionate about than the Horror genre of film. He's a bonafide expert and claims to have seen every single one. Listen in as he defends the artform against my skepticism. He also breaks down "the best of the best" Horror films by decade--just in time for your spooky movie marathons this month!
S1 E11 · Thu, October 08, 2020
Bluegrass Creative Market!
We got to interview local makers from September's "Bluegrass Creative Market" on Southland Drive! Listen in as we chat up Kentucky artists about their passion, their process, and their challenges in the year 2020!
S1 E10 · Mon, September 28, 2020
Nothing More to See Here
Drew Thornton's infamous fall from grace made local, national, and international headlines because it was truly bizarre event. It was covered extensively because it was a very public end to a very public chapter in the War on Drugs in Kentucky. Was Drew Thornton's death truly just a horrible accident? Or did his involvement in covert activities cause his untimely demise? Exotic poisons, the CIA, and a 175 pound black bear--This episode doesn't blow.
S1 E9 · Wed, September 09, 2020
Whistleblowing Bluegrass
Things are not going as smooth for The Company in the early 1980s as they were just a few years before. They've got informants ratting left and right and are doing anything they can to keep from being discovered: a staged car accident, a media circus trial, a shooting at the Merrick Inn, and yet another high-profile murder. Will the drug and arms smuggling kingpins, that ruled the Bluegrass for over a decade, finally be exposed? Find out on the latest installment of our "Bluegrass Conspiracy" series.
S1 E8 · Tue, August 18, 2020
Finger Lickin' Suspicious
Fried chicken and old governors. Missing girls and the Kentucky River. Made-up CIA operatives and perhaps the most infamous party house in all of Lexington, Kentucky. Join us for our latest installment of The Bluegrass Conspiracy series.
S1 E7 · Wed, July 29, 2020
The Split and Safe Harbor
Drug trafficking. Arms smuggling. International espionage. Fraud. Embezzlement. Entrapment. Murder. We recap everything Bluegrass Conspiracy and explore the events that led to the downfall of the men known as The Company. Though six other states had them under investigation in 1981, Kentucky was always safe harbor.
S1 E6 · Sat, May 16, 2020
"I See Why They Needed Us at the Alamo"
An Ode to Anita Madden: Lexington Icon, Businesswoman, Philanthropist and Incomparable Hostess. We dive into the history of Hamburg Place and Anita Madden's style, accomplishments, philosophy of hospitality, and of course--the details of her incredible pre-Derby parties. And later, Jonathan defends his conspicuous technique for meeting new neighbors.
S1 E5 · Mon, May 04, 2020
Richer or Wiser
Murders, millionaires, the mob, and the Blue Grass Airport. The fifth installment of our Bluegrass Conspiracy series includes The Company's first big drug run and an unbelievable DEA cover up. Later, we chat about outlandish mafia nicknames as well as our favorite, can't-miss country drives around Lexington.
S1 E4 · Sat, March 28, 2020
Frankfort Mole & Colombian Goal
Having a mole in the state capitol proved very profitable for The Company. In this episode, we introduce you to Henry Vance, the third and final member of The Company. Vance's role as top aide to the Governor ensured Thorton and Bryant were privy to things no drug smuggling operation should be privy to--movements of the state police and the strategy of the DEA's growing influence. In 1977, we see The Company make big moves by cutting out the middlemen of distribution and forming a very risky partnership with the famous Chagra brothers. And later, we discuss the impact of Covid-19 on Lexington's current culture and economy.
S1 E3 · Tue, March 10, 2020
The Disappearance
There hasn't been a single newspaper article published since 1977 that doesn't link the famous disappearance of Lexington socialite Melanie Flynn to the events of The Bluegrass Conspiracy . We investigate her missing person's case and explain our take on the theories of her tragic fate.
S1 E2 · Thu, February 20, 2020
Opulent Pie
Bryant and Thorton, best friends since adolescence, decide they possess the exact skill set necessary for pulling off their own big league, drug smuggling operation--with an unsuspecting Lexington, KY as the base of operations. And later, we discuss and disagree on the best date night spots in Lexington.
S1 E1 · Thu, February 06, 2020
Bluebloods Protected by a Blue Shield
Introductions are in order, y'all. In our very first episode, we introduce you to Lexington, KY-- a town that has cemented itself as a Southern capital for historic scandal. We dive right in to the first installment of our "Bluegrass Conspiracy" series by introducing you to the gutsy Drew Thorton, Lexington's notorious police officer turned drug smuggler. And later, we review the Railbird music festival at Keeneland.
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