Ayisha Jaffer
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Articles by Ayisha Jaffer
Louisville Free Public Library’s mascots Gorp and Stick talk books, nature and summer reading
Louisville Free Public Library’s Summer Reading Program has returned with this year’s theme, “Wild About Reading.” LPM’s Ayisha Jaffer spoke with library mascots, and Louisville celebrities Gorp and Stick about what readers can expect from the program, their love of libraries and what’s on their own summer reading lists. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
WFPK’s Laura Shine reflects on 20 years of Paws Report in Louisville
For 20 years, 91.9 WFPK has brought listeners The Paws Report, a weekly segment introducing them to future furry family members from the Kentucky Humane Society. Every Tuesday around 3:30 p.m., host Laura Shine shares the stories of adoptable pets in search of a home. LPM’s Ayisha Jaffer spoke with Shine about what two decades of animal matchmaking has meant to the community. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Ayisha Jaffer: This year marks 20 years of the Paws Report.
Louisville Tool Library builds connection beyond borrowed gear
The Louisville Tool Library is a volunteer-run nonprofit centered on tool sharing, accessibility, waste reduction and education. While lending tools remains at the heart of its work, the organization has also become a gathering place for workshops, events and community connection. LPM’s Ayisha Jaffer spoke with Katherine Keeney, one of the founding volunteers of the Louisville Tool Library, about how the organization works and the role it now plays beyond just borrowing tools.
New Hallmark movie spotlights Louisville, Churchill Downs and Derby tradition
Derby season in Louisville brings no shortage of spectacle, but it also brings stories about tradition, place and identity. This year, one of those stories is coming to TV in the form of a Hallmark movie shot on location at Churchill Downs. "Kentucky Roses" premieres May 2, Derby Day. LPM's Ayisha Jaffer spoke with leading man Andrew Walker about filming at Churchill Downs, learning the rhythms of Derby culture and what surprised him about making a movie so closely tied to Louisville.
Backside Learning Center serves the immigrant families behind Louisville’s horse racing industry
As Derby season ramps up, much of the public focus is on the horses, the crowds and the pageantry. But behind the scenes, a community of workers and families helps make racing possible. The Backside Learning Center supports that community through education, family services and other resources. LPM’s Ayisha Jaffer spoke with Executive Director Sherry Stanley about the organization’s work and how the current immigration climate may be affecting the people it serves.
At a popular Kentucky arboretum, one naturalist connects stargazing, science and conservation
Dan Price presenting the Jupiter, King of Planets program at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum Fresh off Artemis II’s historic trip around the moon, space is having a moment. But you do not have to leave Earth, or even Kentucky, to feel a little closer to the cosmos. At Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, known for its towering trees and sweeping landscapes, visitors can step away from city lights and look up through a different lens during the forest’s nighttime sky programs.
At a popular Kentucky arboretum, one naturalist connects stargazing, science and conservation
An electric air taxi passes its hardest test. When can passengers fly? On the morning of April 14, 2026, at Cotswold Airport in southwest England, a test pilot rose straight into the air. He was testing the VX4—an …
New Hallmark movie spotlights Louisville, Churchill Downs and Derby tradition
Derby season in Louisville brings no shortage of spectacle, but it also brings stories about tradition, place and identity. This year, one of those stories is coming to TV in the form of a Hallmark movie shot on location at Churchill Downs. “Kentucky Roses” premieres May 2, Derby Day. LPM’s Ayisha Jaffer spoke with leading man Andrew Walker about filming at Churchill Downs, learning the rhythms of Derby culture and what surprised him about making a movie so closely tied to Louisville.
In Louisville, one naturalist connects stargazing, science and conservation
Fresh off Artemis II’s historic trip around the moon, space is having a moment. But you do not have to leave Earth, or even Kentucky, to feel a little closer to the cosmos. At Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, known for its towering trees and sweeping landscapes, visitors can step away from city lights and look up through a different lens during the forest’s nighttime sky programs.
In Louisville, one naturalist connects stargazing, science and conservation
Scientists use rare 'Einstein Cross' to learn about young galaxy with surprisingly old stars "The discovery of this exceptional object has allowed us to accurately study the nature of the stars at the center of an elliptical galaxy in a …
At Louisville’s Cave Hill Cemetery, bees are part of preservation
As spring is underway and pollination season begins, we’re going to spend a little time learning about bees and the work they do to sustain local ecosystems. In Louisville, one historic resting place is – perhaps unexpectedly – buzzing with activity. Cave Hill Cemetery & Arboretum maintains urban beehives, supporting pollination, biodiversity and honey production.
Earth Fest hopes to connect Louisville residents to sustainability work
Earth Month begins in April, but in Louisville the celebrations are getting an early start. On March 28, the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability is hosting Earth Fest at Alberta O. Jones Park, bringing together community groups, environmental organizations and residents to celebrate the planet and learn more about environmental work happening across the city.
Louisville group aspires to elevate women in immigrant and refugee communities
March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize women’s leadership in our communities. Amina Shale is one of those leaders in Louisville. She is a first-generation refugee and the executive director of More Than a Smile Foundation, a nonprofit supporting immigrant and refugee families through mentorship, community support and women’s empowerment programming.
Louisville children’s book illustrator on representation and working with Dolly Parton
March is a time to reflect on the women shaping culture and creativity, and one Louisville illustrator is making her mark. MacKenzie Haley is a New York Times bestselling illustrator whose work is published by Macmillan, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Highlights and more. Her book “A Book for Bear” was selected for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and she is also the illustrator of Dolly Parton’s “Billy the Kid” trilogy.
Hometown quarterback Chris Redman returns to lead Louisville’s new pro team
Louisville is getting a new professional football team this spring, and leading it is someone who already knows this city, this state, and its football culture well. Former University of Louisville quarterback Chris Redman has been named head coach of the Louisville Kings, the city’s new team in the United Football League. The Kings will open their inaugural season March 27, hosting the Birmingham Stallions at Lynn Family Stadium.
Hometown quarterback Chris Redman returns to lead Louisville’s new pro team
3 hours ago Bad Bunny’s historic Super Bowl halftime show set a new global record, drawing over 4 billion views across TV broadcasts and online platforms. The NFL, Roc Nation, and Apple Music revealed that the performance garnered 4.157 billion views in 24 hours worldwide, including on YouTube and social media. According to Nielsen Big Data + Panel, 128.2 million US viewers watched the live Super Bowl broadcast, making it one of the most-watched shows ever.
A Louisville social club is building connection beyond the apps
February is often framed around romantic love, but for many people, it also brings up bigger questions about connection, friendship and belonging. In Louisville, The Somebody Society is creating intentional, in-person spaces that help adults form meaningful connections outside of dating apps and traditional social scenes.
LISTEN: NPR Student Podcast Challenge returns to amplify young voices
NPR is once again inviting students across the country to tell their stories through audio as part of its annual Student Podcast Challenge. Now in its eighth year, the competition has introduced students from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. to the world of public radio and podcasting. LPM’s Ayisha Jaffer spoke with Steve Drummond and Janet Woojeong Lee, two of the people behind NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge about what to expect this year.
Southern Indiana native Nick Goepper competes in his fourth Olympics
February 15, 2026 Unable to load the audio player. You could try direct download? Olympic medalist Nick Goepper says boredom, in part, contributed to his change in discipline from slopestyle skiing to the freeski halfpipe. Provided by Nick Goepper The Winter Olympics are underway, and one Hoosier is back on the world stage in Italy. Southern Indiana native Nick Goepper qualified for his fourth career Winter Olympics.
Researchers explore how place shapes connection for older adults in Louisville
Loneliness is often treated as a personal problem, but researchers are finding where we live plays a major role in how connected we feel. Through an effort called “Universal Belonging,” researchers at the University of Louisville and Simmons College of Kentucky are examining how place, policy and community influence connection across the city.
Southern Indiana native Nick Goepper heads to his fourth Olympics
The Winter Olympics are kicking off this week, and one Hoosier is heading back to the world stage in Italy. Southern Indiana native Nick Goepper has qualified for his fourth career Winter Olympics. Goepper already holds three Olympic medals from slopestyle competition and secured his place on Team USA earlier this month by winning the freeski halfpipe World Cup in Calgary.
Indiana native Nick Goepper heads to his fourth Olympics
The Winter Olympics are kicking off this week, and one Hoosier is heading back to the world stage in Italy. Southern Indiana native Nick Goepper has qualified for his fourth career Winter Olympics. Goepper already holds three Olympic medals from slopestyle competition and secured his place on Team USA earlier this month by winning the freeski halfpipe World Cup in Calgary.
Southern Indiana native Nick Goepper heads to his fourth Olympics
The Winter Olympics are kicking off this week, and one Hoosier is heading back to the world stage in Italy. Southern Indiana native Nick Goepper has qualified for his fourth career Winter Olympics. Goepper already holds three Olympic medals from slopestyle competition and secured his place on Team USA earlier this month by winning the freeski halfpipe World Cup in Calgary.
Louisville group works to support Hispanic and Latino students to graduation
It’s National Mentoring Month, and in Louisville, Adelante Hispanic Achievers has worked to support Hispanic and Latino families for more than 20 years. Their focus is on one of the fastest-growing student populations in Jefferson County. The organization partners with students and parents to support academic growth, career readiness and long-term success.
A Community Care Campus takes shape as Louisville seeks homelessness solutions
Louisville continues to face significant challenges around homelessness, with increasing demand for services across the city. One of the organizations responding is Volunteers of America Mid-States. It’s developing a new Community Care Campus through a public-private partnership with Louisville Metro Government, with the goal of helping address some of the factors that keep people cycling in and out of homelessness.
As the Winter Olympics approach, Louisville curlers gear up for a new season
The countdown to the Winter Olympics is on, and one of the sports that tends to turn heads is curling. It’s the one that involves sliding stones and vigorous ice sweeping. And there’s a curling club right here in Louisville. Derby City Curling Club has painted its ice and started the new season, getting the arena ready for anyone who wants to try it. LPM’s Ayisha Jaffer spoke with club president Joe Sorg about the club’s work and plans for the season.
As the Winter Olympics approach, Louisville curlers gear up for a new season
The Louisville Cemetery Where Several Bourbon Legends Are Buried Cemeteries can be cathartic, sad, terrifying, or any number of things in-between depending on the circumstances. But one thing for sure is that …
LISTEN: Racing Louisville embraces underdog identity and city pride
Racing Louisville head coach Bev Yanez was recently named the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League Coach of the Year. She is the first American and first former NWSL player to earn the honor. It caps off a season where Racing Louisville leaned into its underdog identity and brought home its second Women’s Cup title. To mark the moment, we are revisiting a conversation from September.
LISTEN: Racing Louisville embraces underdog identity and city pride
Now Hilary Knight is set to make her fifth Olympic appearance, and this time lead a younger, faster U.S. women’s national team that’s favored to win gold at the Milan Cortina Winter Games next month. The 36-year-old Knight headlines the list as USA Hockey released its 23-player Olympic women’s roster on …
Krampus comes to Louisville with folklore, artistry and a growing community
It’s the holiday season, a time when we hear a lot about warmth, charity and joy. If you’re good, maybe Saint Nick will bring you something from your wish list. But there’s also something darker that lives in the shadow of the season for anyone who misbehaves. It’s a half-goat, half-demon creature known as Krampus.
On Track in 2025: Revisiting our most memorable conversations
This year, we launched the civic and hyperlocal podcast “On Track.” Throughout 2025, we sat down with people who help shape life in Louisville and across Kentucky, including community leaders, artists, advocates, public officials and the neighbors whose stories reflect everyday life in our community.
New Louisville Free Public Library director shares her favorite cozy winter reads
Louisville Free Public Library has a new executive director. Heather Lowe stepped into the role last month, bringing more than 16 years of library and archive experience, most recently from the Dallas Public Library. Click the “Listen” button above to hear a longer conversation about Lowe’s journey into her new role and her hopes for Louisville’s library system. Here are some of Lowe’s cozy reads for the winter season.
A new animal care campus hopes to relieve Kentucky’s overcrowded shelters and vet shortages
According to a report from the Kentucky Humane Society, “Kentucky’s dogs and cats — and the families who love them — are in crisis.” In addition, the state ranks among the 10 worst for access to veterinary care. Recently, Kentucky Humane Society broke ground on a new $37 million Animal and Community Campus designed to address problems like overcrowding, lack of vet access and rising demand for low-cost pet care.
Kentuckians face rising costs while wages stay stagnant
Across Kentucky, families are feeling the squeeze as the cost of living keeps rising, while wages have barely moved. I spoke with Jason Bailey, the founder and executive director of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, a progressive think tank, about what’s driving essential costs up across Kentucky, and what we should be watching as we head into the holiday season. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
How multigenerational learning can help close Kentucky's literacy gap
November is Family Literacy Month — a chance to focus on how families, schools and communities support reading. Here in Louisville, Felicia C. Smith, president and CEO of the National Center for Families Learning, leads two-generation literacy work that connects adults and children. I spoke with Smith about the state of literacy in Kentucky, what family literacy looks like in practice, and where families and educators can make the biggest difference.
Founder of Berea’s bell hooks center M. Shadee Malaklou on love, justice, and radical inclusion
The annual Festival of Faiths returns to Louisville this week. This year’s theme is “Sacred Belonging” and one of the sessions exploring that is “The Beauty of Radical Inclusion.” Presenter M. Shadee Malaklou is the founder of the bell hooks center at Berea College, where she also chairs the Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. I spoke with Malaklou about what radical inclusion looks like in practice, and how it might help us bridge divides in our communities and beyond.
Don’t trash the pumpkins, leave those leaves: Louisville Grows talks composting
It’s the end of the growing season, when pumpkins shrivel on porches and leaves blanket our yards. But instead of sending that fall waste to the landfill, gardeners can turn it into something useful. Seamus Allman is the urban horticulture manager at Louisville Grows, where he helps residents care for community gardens and build healthier soil. I spoke with Seamus about composting pumpkins, reusing leaves, and how to prepare gardens for the next season.
Putting money into women's wallets: How a Louisville entrepreneur is building economic sisterhood
October is Women’s Small Business Month, and here in Louisville, Amanda Dare has built a platform that celebrates women-led shops year-round. She's the founder of the Woman-Owned Wallet Feminist Gift Shop in NuLu and creator of the Woman-Owned Walking Tour — a map that highlights local businesses owned by women. I spoke with Amanda about Louisville’s women-owned business community, her feminist gift shop and other business ventures, and the growth and challenges facing female entrepreneurs today.
Kentucky’s bats are vital, vulnerable and often misunderstood
It’s Halloween season, a time when bats appear in holiday decorations and spooky stories. But beyond their eerie reputation, bats are year-round neighbors in Kentucky and a vital part of our environment. Matthew Springer is an associate professor of wildlife management at the University of Kentucky. His work focuses on wildlife ecology, human-wildlife interactions and conservation outreach.
Zora’s Cradle aims to expand birthing resource access in Louisville
In Louisville, access to prenatal and postpartum care is a challenge for many families. One leader working to close that gap is Shemika Whiteside, executive director of Zora’s Cradle, where she helps families with everything from procuring milk and diapers to accessing housing, therapy and advocacy resources. I sat down with Shemika to talk about what led her to start the nonprofit and what she sees as the biggest needs in maternal care today. This interview was edited for clarity and length.
Ahead of Goatman Festival, unpacking the legend from trestle dangers to cryptid tales
Every October, spooky stories resurface — and here in Louisville, few loom larger than the Goatman, also known as the Pope Lick Monster, who's said to haunt a railroad trestle in eastern Jefferson County. Michael Book is the author of “The Legend of Pope Lick.” I spoke with him about the Goatman’s origins, the dangers around the legend and how it lives on through the upcoming Goatman Festival. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
2BUCK Invitational graffiti jam brings large-scale public art to Louisville neighborhoods
You may have noticed Louisville’s city walls look a bit different after the 2BUCK Invitational earlier in September. It’s a mural and graffiti festival that brings artists together from here in the city, across the country, and even internationally. It’s become an annual tradition, transforming neighborhoods with color and conversation around public art. I spoke with organizer Henry Cunningham about the festival’s mission, its impact on the community, and what’s next.
From master taster to entrepreneur: Jackie Zykan talks recognition and risk in bourbon industry
Women have always been a vital part of shaping the bourbon industry — even if history has not always recognized them. Jackie Zykan is among bourbon’s most recognized names today. She spent seven years as Old Forester’s master taster. Her signature on the Old Forester 117 Series marked the first time a woman’s name appeared on one of the brand’s labels. She is a former master blender at Hidden Barn Whiskey and has launched ODUOAK, a fragrance line inspired by bourbon’s aromas.
Sweet Colada café carries forward a family legacy in Shelby Park
A new Cuban café called Sweet Colada has opened in Louisville’s Shelby Park neighborhood. And owner Nachely Martinez says it grows from the legacy of her family’s bakery. As Louisville celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, Martinez shares what this moment means for her, the role of food in honoring heritage and her hopes for the future of Sweet Colada. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Monarchs en route to Mexico rely on Kentucky flowers as populations fluctuate
Monarch butterflies are a familiar sight in late summer and fall here in Louisville, as they travel thousands of miles on their journey to Mexico. Their numbers have fluctuated in recent years, and some reports suggest they may be rebounding. But there are still questions about their long-term survival and the habitat they rely on here in Kentucky.
‘For the public, by the public’: NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe reflects on radio’s future
It’s a rare pairing — two Ayishas talking about public radio, the challenges ahead, and the power of community support. NPR’s “Weekend Edition Sunday” and “Up First” host Ayesha Rascoe shares her perspective on where public radio is headed and why it matters. Ayisha Jaffer: Ayesha, I'm so glad to be with another Ayisha today, talking to you about the importance of public media.
Brownsboro Road construction project creates hurdles for nearby businesses
A nearly three-year road construction project is now underway along I‑264 in east Louisville near the new VA Medical Center. The $129 million effort aims to ease long-term traffic flow, but in the short term, it’s creating obstacles for commuters and concerns for nearby business owners.
New book spotlights Louisville’s unsung peacekeepers as key to community safety
A new book called "You Got To Be of the People: Peacekeepers at the Heart of Public Safety in Louisville" is bringing together the first-person stories of twelve Louisvillians working to interrupt cycles of violence in their own communities. The project is a collaboration between the Louisville Story Program and Cities United and features people with deep personal ties to the work of violence prevention sharing what it really takes to keep communities safe.
Louisville's new Chief Park Ranger says program will improve park safety and accessibility
Louisville’s Park Ranger program is underway this summer, a program the city hasn’t had since the 1970s. Stepping in as Chief Park Ranger is James Brown, a 20-year law enforcement veteran who’s overseeing the program’s development and direction. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Ayisha Jaffer: You've spent two decades in law enforcement. What drew you to this new role as Chief Park Ranger? James Brown: Correct.
Shark scientist from Louisville says reality TV can help spread joy of conservation
Brendan Talwar is a marine biologist and fisheries ecologist who’s built a career studying sharks around the world. He recently appeared on a reality competition show called "All the Sharks," trying to capture footage of more sharks than any other team, for a prize of $50,000 to the marine conservation organization of their choice. We caught up with Talwar to talk about his Louisville roots, his path to the ocean and how landlocked states like ours still have a role to play in global conservation.
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