Behind the Backstretch: Recent Episodes
Backside Learning Center
A podcast getting to know the Backside community at Churchill Downs along with the well-known names in the horseracing and Louisville communities! The podcast is produced by the Backside Learning Center, a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering and partnering with equine workers and their families at Churchill Downs and beyond.
Happy 20th Anniversary to the Backside Learning Centerđ A special thank you to our amazing staff, volunteers, donors, and supporters who have helped us along the way!
On this week's podcast episode of Behind the Backstretchđď¸, we talk to the BLCâS Executive Director Sherry Stanley and Deputy Director Lauren DeGeorge. They discuss how the BLC has grown and the immense impact its made on both the community and their lives.
Want a blast from the past?âŞď¸ Keep listening to our podcast to hear the story of Roberto Gonzalez, whoâs been a part of our community since 2004!
đ¨ALSO. LAST CHANCE to win âKentucky Derby 150 Baccarat Editionâ bourbon! đď¸ đ¨Learn more here: backsidelearningcenter.org/blc20years
(0:00) Intro
(2:57) Sherry Stanley & Lauren DeGeorge
(42:31) Roberto Gonzalez
(54:35) Outro
Support the Show.
On the newest episode of our podcast, Behind the Backstretch, we highlight our incredible partnership with Woodford Reserve! For the 150th Kentucky Derby, the BLC was chosen as the charitable partner of their $1,000 Mint Julep Program, in which all proceeds from sales of gold and silver Mint Julep cups are donated to the charity. In addition to this partnership, Woodford Reserve has also graciously donated a $5,000 gold mint julep cup, a $1,000 silver mint julep cup, and a bottle of the Derby 150 Baccarat Edition, and we are hosting a raffle with three drawings for a chance to win one of these items! Raffle tickets can be purchased here: https://backsidelearningcenter.org/BLC20years/
We are thrilled to be partnering with Woodford this year, and for this podcast we speak with two central figures in this partnership, Chris Poynter & Elizabeth McCall! Chris Poynter, PR & Partnerships Manager with Woodford Reserve & Old Forester, joins us to discuss how the BLC was chosen for the program this year, delves into the Mint Julep cup program and its impact, and shares the importance of the backside community.
Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall joins us as well as she talks about her path to becoming master distiller, gives us some insight into the making of the $15,000 Kentucky Derby 150 Baccarat Edition which is Woodfordâs rarest bottle yet, and her ties with the Backside Learning Center.
(0:00) Introduction
(3:37) Interview with Elizabeth McCall and Chris Poynter
(20:02) Outro
Support the Show.
On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we have a packed lineup for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby! With major BLC supporter and part-owner Brook Smith enrolling Derby contender Sierra Leone in our Purses for a Purpose initiative, we focus on what this means for our organization. We first speak with Brook about what this week means for him and the BLC, and we then get to chat with Sierra Leone trainer Chad Brown and jockey Tyler Gaffalione as they discuss the upcoming race and their appreciation of the backside community.
Those with Sierra Leone are not the only ones getting in on the action this Derby season. Honor Marie owner Kerry Ribble has recently supported the BLC with a large book donation, as she joins us to discuss how she learned about the organization and the importance of team effort on the backside. Finally, we speak with trainer Cherie DeVaux, as she and bloodstock agent David Ingordo have pledged up to $10,000 of their winnings this Derby week at Churchill Downs to the BLC!
Our 20th Anniversary Woodford Reserve Raffle has begun, where you have three chances to win an exclusive bottle and/or mint julep cup! Clink the link below to get your tickets now: https://one.bidpal.net/blc20years/welcome
(0:00) Introduction
(2:46) Brook Smith
(8:42) Tyler Gaffalione
(11:20) Chad Brown
(15:34) Kerry Ribble
(19:56) Cherie DeVaux
(21:37) Outro
Support the Show.
On this week's episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are focusing on our 3rd annual Derby Handicapping Social taking place on April 16th at the Louisville Thoroughbred Society. This event acts as a kickoff to the Derby season and is a major awareness event for our organization.
Co-hosted by BLC intern Samantha Versocki, we begin by discussing her background and what she has done with the organization so far with her internship. Then, she conducts an interview with former jockey and current analyst Donna Barton Brothers as she discusses her role in our upcoming event, her background in the horse racing industry, the importance of backside workers, and her excitement for Derby 150.
Then, Samantha speaks with Buff Bradley, a former trainer and owner who is currently a board member at the Backside Learning Center. He discusses his current role in the industry, his involvement with the BLC, and what makes the backside community so important to the industry.
To learn more about the Derby Handicapping Social, visit https://one.bidpal.net/blcderbyhandicapping24/welcome
(0:00) Introduction w/ Samantha Versocki
(4:22) Donna Barton Brothers
(18:28) Buff Bradley
(28:18) Outro
Support the Show.
On this episode of the podcast, we ring in the new year by talking with two members of our community, staff member Luz Valdespino & BLC supporter Cathleen Murphy!
First, we speak with the BLC's own Youth and Family Case Coordinator Luz Valdespino as she discusses her role with the BLC, her connection with the community that she works with, and some of the plans coming up with our youth support groups.
We then talk with Cathleen Murphy, who is a volunteer and supporter of the BLC remotely from Florida! She discusses her experience as a volunteer at the BLC, her involvement in the horse racing world with her and her husband's equine-focused family business venture Sea Warrior Stables, and the importance of the backside community to the industry.
(0:00) Introduction
(2:22) Luz Valdespino
(9:24) Cathleen Murphy
(23:27) Outro
Support the Show.
On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are gearing up for the 17th Annual Benefit for the Backside coming up in just about 2 weeks! We speak with two individuals who have been heavily involved in the planning process for this event as well as share details on the event itself.
First, we talk with event consultant Robin Rinderspacher who talks about her role with this benefit, gives listeners a rundown of what to expect for the day, and discusses why she thinks it is an important and unique event.
Then, we interview Pam Wessel, who is a volunteer and supporter of the BLC. She delves into how she got involved with the organization, her volunteer work with our mom's support group, and how she has enjoyed her time on our Benefit planning committee.
To learn more about the event, visit www.benefitforthebackside.com, where tickets are on sale until Nov. 7th!
(0:00) Intro
(1:49) Robin Rinderspacher
(11:14) Pam Wessel
(18:41) Outro
Support the Show.
Our FIFTEENTH episode of the âBeyond the Backstretchâ is out now!
On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! This month is especially important to us as 80% of the 1,000+ backstretch workers at Churchill Downs come from Spanish-speaking countries. On this episode, we get to know two beloved members of our community and celebrate their cultures.
đFirst, we sit down with hot walker and bakery entrepreneur Elizmar Perdomo! Elizmar hails from Venezuela, and talks of her love for baking Venezuelan specialities. Her business is called Monse Sweet; you can follow her on Instagram! đťđŞđ°
đ We also chat with BLC Case Worker Veronica Pavon. Veronica is a new addition to our BLC staff as a Case Worker and comes from Ecuador! đŞđ¨ Veronica talks about some of her favorite traditions from Ecuador, as well the seasonal business she and her brother co-operate, Native Crafts. They sell clothing, jewelry and instruments from indigenous cultures in South and North America.
This is just a sliver of the beautiful diversity we get to witness at the Backside Learning Center. We are honored to provide support and resources in a safe, welcoming environment for this diverse community daily!
Support the Show.
On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are gearing up for next month's Give for Good Louisville, which is the largest annual fundraising day in the city of Louisville! We sit down with two members of the BLC team to discuss their journeys to our organization and the importance of this day for us!
First, we sit down with Volunteer and Adult English Class Coordinator Alexina Wilson as she discusses her past as a teacher leading up to working at the BLC, the rewarding aspects of her job, and how listeners can be involved in Give for Good and elsewhere!
Then, we talk with BLC board member Glenn Kosse as he delves into his experience in fundraising, how his interest in horse racing led him to the BLC, the importance of backside workers to the sport and the city, and why giving days are vital to organizations like ours.
Give for Good Louisville 2023 is taking place on September 14th. You can find the BLC giving page on giveforgoodlouisville.org, and then search for the name of our organization. Or, you can find our page with this short link. Bit.ly/GFGL_BLC
(0:00) Introduction
(2:24) Volunteer and Adult English Coordinator Alexina Wilson
(12:50) BLC Board Member Glenn Kosse
(20:37) Outro
Support the Show.
On this month's episode of "Behind the Backstretch," we introduce listeners to Creciendo Juntos, a teen support group for teens of backside workers! While beginning as a therapy group, this group has evolved dramatically since its inception into a platform for leadership and social change for its members.
First, we speak with Elena Tarullo, a youth and family case coordinator at the BLC who works with the teens of Creciendo Juntos. She discusses how she started with the BLC, her current official role, her role in Creciendo Juntos, and what has connected her with this group in particular.
Then, we get to hear from two members of Creciendo Juntos, Jessica and Sharon. They talk about the group and its current status, what kind of roles and leadership opportunities they have gained, what they have planned in the near future, and what being in the group means to them!
(0:00) Intro
(2:13) Interview w/ Elena TarulloÂ
(10:42) Interview w/ Jessica and Sharon
(26:08) Outro
Support the show
On this monthâs episode of the Behind the Backstretch podcast, we have an action-packed lineup of individuals who are all playing various roles in this yearâs Kentucky Derby & Oaks!Â
First, we get to hear from assistant trainer Jorge Abrego, who works with Brad Cox and has four horses in this yearâs Kentucky Derby. He discusses his unique journey, the excitement that comes with being an assistant trainer during the Derby season, and his past involvement with the BLC.Â
We then get to speak with Ana Gonzalez, who is a hot walker for trainer Todd Pletcher with three horses in this yearâs Derby. We hear about her role along the backstretch, whatâs it like working with this yearâs contenders, updates on her brother JesĂşs who just landed a gig as a jockey, her involvement with the BLC and much more!Â
Finally, we talk with Katie Tolbert who is also an assistant trainer for Brad Cox, as she details her love of horse racing, what itâs like being a woman in the Thoroughbred industry, her excitement in the lead up to Derby, and the importance of backstretch workers. Â
(0:00) Introduction
(2:05) Assistant Trainer Jorge Abrego
(12:06) Hot Walker Ana Gonzalez
(24:05) Assistant Trainer Katie Tolbert
(33:07) Outro
Support the show
For the 11th episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are gearing up for our upcoming spring event, the Backside Learning Centerâs Derby Handicapping Social! This event, which takes place on April 18th at the Louisville Thoroughbred Society, acts as a kickoff to the Kentucky Derby season in addition to an opportunity for attendees to learn about programming at the BLC.
As the event features a handicapping seminar with several of horse racingâs top experts, we are first joined by one of those experts, Joe Kristufek! He dives into his experience in horse racing, what attendees and other viewers can expect from the event, and the importance of backside workers to the horse racing industry.Â
With the event being presented by our Purses for a Purpose initiative, we then talk with Brian DiDonato of Edge Racing who has been heavily involved in P4P. He discusses his involvement within the program, why he thinks it is valuable for those in horse ownership to be involved in such an initiative, and more!Â
(0:00) Introduction
(3:00) Discussion with Joe Kristufek
(19:45) Discussion with Brian DiDonato
(28:33) Outro
Support the show
On the 10th episode of Behind the Backstretch, we celebrate Women's Month by speaking with two incredible staff members at the Backside Learning Center, Merlin Cano & Alma Aldana!
We first speak with Merlin, who is the health and wellness coordinator at the BLC. She talks about her journey to the US, her experience working at the racetrack, how she got involved with the organization, and what Women's Month means to her!
Then, we speak with Alma, who is our Adult Programs Manager and is a second time guest on the podcast! She discusses what Women's Month means to her and the community she works with in addition to talking about her current "Grupo de Mamas" program.
(0:00) Introduction
(1:58) Discussion with Merlin CanoÂ
(16:28) Discussion with Alma Aldana
(31:07) Outro
Support the show
On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are celebrating Black History Month as we get to speak with trainer Mark Simms Jr! In our discussion with Mark, he delves into how he got into horse racing, his ambitions within the sport, what it's like to be a black trainer in the current industry, and what Black History Month means to him.Â
Additionally, as this episode release falls on Valentine's Day, we talk to our Youth Engagement and Academic Success Coordinator Micaela Vizcarrando and her husband Raul as they talk about how they met and fell in love on the backside of the racetrack!
(0:00) Introduction
(1:48) Discussion with Mark Simms Jr.
(16:08) Discussion with Micaela & Raul
(25:34) Outro + opportunities to get involved
Support the show
On this month's episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are focusing on our largest annual fundraiser, the Benefit for the Backside, that takes place on November 18th, 2022! We first get to hear from event planner Sterling Franklin as she dives into what the benefit is for, what the schedule for the day will look like, and how people can be involved if they are not in attendance.
Then, we talk with current board member Masey Goatley as he discusses his role with the BLC, his experience with prior benefits, and what he thinks is special and unique about the 2022 Benefit for the Backside!
To learn more, visit www.benefitforthebackside.com where you can find the schedule for the day and our silent auction, which is live now!
(0:00) Introduction
(1:35) Discussion with event planner Sterling Franklin
(13:53) Discussion with board member Masey Goatley
(24:29) Outro
Support the show
On this month's episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with three separate interviews that shine a light on three unique perspectives within our community!
We get to hear from the BLC's own Adult Programs Manager Alma Aldana, current Board president Pam Conway, and jockey Jose Luis Rodriguez as they discuss their cultural backgrounds, what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them, and why they believe it is important for everyone to celebrate.
(0:00) Intro
(1:22) Discussion w/ Alma Aldana
(9:36) Discussion w/ Pam Conway
(20:15) Discussion w/ Jose Luis Rodriguez
(30:47) Outro
Support the show
On the 6th episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are joined by Churchill Downs track announcer Travis Stone and BLC board member Cory Stauble!
Travis Stone has been the official track announcer at Churchill Downs since 2015. In this podcast, he discusses his upbringing and what led to his love of calling races, the importance of backside workers and his involvement with the BLC, and his experience calling this yearâs historic Kentucky Derby!
Additionally, BLC board member Cory Stauble joins to discuss her upbringing in the horse racing world, her involvement with the organization, and why the backside community is so valuable to the industry and the greater Louisville community.
(0:00) Introduction
(1:32) Discussion with Cory Stauble
(10:30) Discussion with Travis Stone
(30:37) Outro
Support the show
On the newest episode of the âBehind the Backstretchâ podcast, we get to hear conversations with Bertila Quinteros and the BLCâs own Lauren DeGeorge!Â
Bertila Quinteros is a groom at Churchill Downs and was recently featured in the magazine âTodayâs Women.â She discusses her journey to the United States, her experience as a woman on the backside, and how the BLC has helped her and her daughter, Evelyn!Â
Additionally, programs director Lauren DeGeorge joins to discuss her background and what led her to the BLC, her role in the growth of the organization, and her own experience working with Bertila and other members of our wonderful community.Â
(0:00) Introduction
(1:28) Lauren DeGeorge discussion
(13:37) Bertila Quinteros discussion
(24:24) Outro
Support the show
In this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we get to hear from Dina Busaleh and Martha Popescu, two members of our youth team who discuss their roles at the BLC, the plans for summer programming for the children of backside workers, and why their work is so important to them.
Then, we get to hear from Kenny Pritchett, a long-time volunteer who has developed a software titled "Anyone Can Read" that aims to curtail the literacy problems facing today's youth. He goes in-depth on the software itself and how it can be beneficial to the kids at the BLC.
(0:00) Introduction
(1:38) Discussion with youth team members, Dina & Martha
(14:49) Discussion with Kenny Pritchett
(29:08) OutroÂ
Support the show
Happy Derby Week from the BLC! đ´đWe have an action-packed episode this week, as we first speak with current board member Carla Grego about her experience at Churchill Downs and the momentum she sees picking up for the Backside Learning Center.
Then, diving into that momentum, we get to hear from Brook Smith, a long-time BLC supporter who discusses his past works in business and philanthropy, his history with horse racing and the BLC, and some major bets he's placed on the Kentucky Derby that could benefit our organization tremendously!
(0:00) Intro to Podcast
(1:07) Discussion with board member Carla Grego
(11:28) Discussion with long-time BLC supporter Brook Smith
(35:58) Podcast outro
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9MEUUUVPRW9N)
In the second episode of Behind the Backstretch, we get to hear from Roberto Gonzalez, a groom and hot walker who has nearly 30 years of experience on the backside of Churchill Downs and racetracks around the country. Additionally, communications coordinator Peyton Hobson joins the show to discuss various happenings at the Backside Learning Center.
(0:00) - Introduction with Communications Coordinator, Peyton Hobson
(6:27) - Exciting upcoming Events and Campaigns
(10:45) - Discussion with groom and hot walker, Roberto Gonzalez
(25:10) - Podcast closing
Support the show
The very first episode of Behind the Backstretch, a podcast brought to you by the Backside Learning Center! In this episode, we get to hear from award-winning journalist and legendary broadcaster Caton Bredar (as seen on TVG, ESPN, ABC & more) and Executive Director of the Backside Learning Center Sherry Stanley.
(0:00) - Introduction to podcast
(2:18) - Discussion with Executive Director Sherry Stanley
(12:32) - Caton Bredar interview
(36:10) - Podcast closingÂ
Follow the BLC on social media!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Backside_LC
Instagram: https://instagram.com/blcatchurchilldowns
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BacksideLearningCenter/
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9MEUUUVPRW9N)