Listen to the Songs that Inspired the Episode: KENTUCKY PLAYLIST

Join Rick K. Jones as he discovers the fascinating history, culture, and culinary traditions of Kentucky in this episode. From legendary songs and historic landmarks to iconic foods and bourbon craftsmanship, learn what makes Kentucky unique and worth exploring.

In this episode:
The origins and significance of "My Old Kentucky Home" and its connection to Kentucky's history and slavery
Kentucky's early exploration, settlement by Daniel Boone, and the state's statehood in 1792
The importance of tobacco, coal, and bourbon in Kentucky’s economy and culture
The Kentucky Derby: history, significance, and the tradition of mint juleps in a silver julep cup
The story of Colonel Sanders and Kentucky Fried Chicken’s origins in Corbin, Kentucky
Iconic Kentucky dishes: Derby Pie, burgoo, barbecue mutton, and the Hot Brown sandwich from Louisville’s Brown Hotel
Historic landmarks like Federal Hill and Berea College, including local crafts and souvenirs
The influence of Shaker communities and their renowned furniture and seed trade at Shaker Village
A musical journey through Kentucky with songs from John Prine, Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, Loretta Lynn, and bluegrass legends like Bill Monroe

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Celebrating Kentucky’s heritage and culture
00:19 - The significance of "My Old Kentucky Home" and its roots in slavery
01:21 - Kentucky's frontier history, exploration, and statehood
02:17 - Daniel Boone’s pioneering in Kentucky
03:13 - Kentucky’s early economy: Tobacco and slavery
03:42 - The Appalachian Mountains, Scotch-Irish settlement, and moonshine whiskey
04:10 - The Ohio River’s role in Kentucky’s shipping and trade
05:04 - The unique limestone water and Kentucky bourbon production
05:41 - The bluegrass grass and horse industry, including racing and breeding
06:10 - The Kentucky Derby: traditions and experiences
07:10 - How to make the perfect mint julep in a silver cup
08:26 - The story behind "My Old Kentucky Home" and Federal Hill
08:53 - Stephen Foster and the song's history related to slavery
09:50 - Federal Hill as a tourist site and the significance of Kentucky’s bourbon trail
11:15 - The honor of being a Kentucky Colonel and the state's cuisine
12:10 - The story of Colonel Sanders and Kentucky Fried Chicken
13:07 - Kentucky's famous foods: bourbon-infused desserts and barbecue mutton
14:35 - Kentucky’s unique burgu stew and local chili traditions
15:33 - The Hot Brown: Louisville’s iconic dish from the Brown Hotel
16:03 - The history of the Brown Hotel and its legendary Hot Brown
17:03 - How the hot brown is prepared and served today
19:19 - Western Kentucky’s Kentucky barbecue and burgoo stew
20:15 - Daniel Boone’s settlement in Berea and local crafts
21:08 - The Shaker communities: furniture, seeds, and their unique way of life
22:28 - The Kentucky Sampler at Shaker Village: local foods and souvenirs
23:27 - Kentucky's musical heritage: from John Prine to bluegrass legends
24:56 - Closing remarks and teaser for next week's Tennessee episodeResources & Links:
My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Bourbon Trail
Kentucky Fried Chicken - Official Site
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Berea College
Derby Pie
Kentucky Derby Official Site
William Monroe "Bill" Monroe and Bluegrass Music

Connect with the Host:
Rick K Jones - LinkedIn
Twitter

Join us next week as we journey to Tennessee for more rich stories, music, and food from the Volunteer State!

Listen to the Songs that Inspired the Episode: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1duV6U5VdbNpHZJ9EJChvH?si=3GYHAQmQRESmVl_MtQVzkQ">KENTUCKY PLAYLIST</a>
Join Rick K. Jones as he discovers the fascinating history, culture, and culinary traditions of Kentucky in this episode. From legendary songs and historic landmarks to iconic foods and bourbon craftsmanship, learn what makes Kentucky unique and worth exploring.
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>The origins and significance of "My Old Kentucky Home" and its connection to Kentucky's history and slavery</li>
<li>Kentucky's early exploration, settlement by Daniel Boone, and the state's statehood in 1792</li>
<li>The importance of tobacco, coal, and bourbon in Kentucky&rsquo;s economy and culture</li>
<li>The Kentucky Derby: history, significance, and the tradition of mint juleps in a silver julep cup</li>
<li>The story of Colonel Sanders and Kentucky Fried Chicken&rsquo;s origins in Corbin, Kentucky</li>
<li>Iconic Kentucky dishes: Derby Pie, burgoo, barbecue mutton, and the Hot Brown sandwich from Louisville&rsquo;s Brown Hotel</li>
<li>Historic landmarks like Federal Hill and Berea College, including local crafts and souvenirs</li>
<li>The influence of Shaker communities and their renowned furniture and seed trade at Shaker Village</li>
<li>A musical journey through Kentucky with songs from John Prine, Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, Loretta Lynn, and bluegrass legends like Bill Monroe</li>
</ul>
Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Celebrating Kentucky&rsquo;s heritage and culture 00:19 - The significance of "My Old Kentucky Home" and its roots in slavery 01:21 - Kentucky's frontier history, exploration, and statehood 02:17 - Daniel Boone&rsquo;s pioneering in Kentucky 03:13 - Kentucky&rsquo;s early economy: Tobacco and slavery 03:42 - The Appalachian Mountains, Scotch-Irish settlement, and moonshine whiskey 04:10 - The Ohio River&rsquo;s role in Kentucky&rsquo;s shipping and trade 05:04 - The unique limestone water and Kentucky bourbon production 05:41 - The bluegrass grass and horse industry, including racing and breeding 06:10 - The Kentucky Derby: traditions and experiences 07:10 - How to make the perfect mint julep in a silver cup 08:26 - The story behind "My Old Kentucky Home" and Federal Hill 08:53 - Stephen Foster and the song's history related to slavery 09:50 - Federal Hill as a tourist site and the significance of Kentucky&rsquo;s bourbon trail 11:15 - The honor of being a Kentucky Colonel and the state's cuisine 12:10 - The story of Colonel Sanders and Kentucky Fried Chicken 13:07 - Kentucky's famous foods: bourbon-infused desserts and barbecue mutton 14:35 - Kentucky&rsquo;s unique burgu stew and local chili traditions 15:33 - The Hot Brown: Louisville&rsquo;s iconic dish from the Brown Hotel 16:03 - The history of the Brown Hotel and its legendary Hot Brown 17:03 - How the hot brown is prepared and served today 19:19 - Western Kentucky&rsquo;s Kentucky barbecue and burgoo stew 20:15 - Daniel Boone&rsquo;s settlement in Berea and local crafts 21:08 - The Shaker communities: furniture, seeds, and their unique way of life 22:28 - The Kentucky Sampler at Shaker Village: local foods and souvenirs 23:27 - Kentucky's musical heritage: from John Prine to bluegrass legends 24:56 - Closing remarks and teaser for next week's Tennessee episodeResources &amp; Links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://parks.ky.gov/bardstown/parks/historic/my-old-kentucky-home">My Old Kentucky Home State Park</a></li>
<li><a href="https://kybourbon.com/trail">Bourbon Trail</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.kfc.com/">Kentucky Fried Chicken - Official Site</a></li>
<li><a href="https://shakervillageky.org/">Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.berea.edu/">Berea College</a></li>
<li><a href="https://derbypie.com/">Derby Pie</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.kentuckyderby.com/">Kentucky Derby Official Site</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bluegrass.net/">William Monroe "Bill" Monroe and Bluegrass Music</a></li>
</ul>
Connect with the Host:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-k-jones">Rick K Jones - LinkedIn</a></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/rickkjones">Twitter</a></li>
</ul>
<hr>
Join us next week as we journey to Tennessee for more rich stories, music, and food from the Volunteer State!

UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA

Welcome to iHeart’s UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA new podcast series. This is part of iHeart’s comprehensive celebration of America’s 250th birthday all year long in 2026 .

For over 400 years, people from all over the world have crossed the ocean and entered the United States through the New York harbor and other Gateway harbors seeking a new life in America.

These people arrived not only with their hopes and dreams, but also with their culinary cuisines, customs, preferences, and talents.

These varied culinary traditions have created our own unique American cuisine with a blend of foods from around the Globe.

iHeart is proud to bring you this series of the best-of-the-best food dishes across America.

For this series and special event, we are visiting each of the 50 states to find one unique dish that best showcases the culinary history of that state. And to find one special restaurant to prepare this dish.

We will also showcase three additional restaurants from each state for wonderful culinary road trips.

These stories will be shared via both video and audio podcasts each week and a special video vignette distributed on iHeart’s You Tube page.

Additionally, each weekly podcast will include a musical playlist of songs from or about that state because like food, music has played such a great role in telling the story of the history of the United States.

It’s UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA exclusively from iHeart.

UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA
Welcome to iHeart&rsquo;s UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA new podcast series. This is part of iHeart&rsquo;s comprehensive celebration of America&rsquo;s 250th birthday all year long in 2026 .
For over 400 years, people from all over the world have crossed the ocean and entered the United States through the New York harbor and other Gateway harbors seeking a new life in America.
These people arrived not only with their hopes and dreams, but also with their culinary cuisines, customs, preferences, and talents.
These varied culinary traditions have created our own unique American cuisine with a blend of foods from around the Globe.
iHeart is proud to bring you this series of the best-of-the-best food dishes across America.
For this series and special event, we are visiting each of the 50 states to find one unique dish that best showcases the culinary history of that state. And to find one special restaurant to prepare this dish.
We will also showcase three additional restaurants from each state for wonderful culinary road trips.
These stories will be shared via both video and audio podcasts each week and a special video vignette distributed on iHeart&rsquo;s You Tube page.
Additionally, each weekly podcast will include a musical playlist of songs from or about that state because like food, music has played such a great role in telling the story of the history of the United States.
It&rsquo;s UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA exclusively from iHeart.

United Tastes of America

Episode 15: Kentucky

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/aecc7162-e1bd-45b9-9862-b43300f1f4db/transcript