The Lou Review

Rosa Hart
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

Highlighting the food, drinks and places to experience in Louisville, KY by interviewing the people behind the scenes making Kentuckiana great!

  1. 4d ago

    Biscuit Wars: Lauren Coulter on Acquiring Maple Street Biscuit Company

    Lauren Coulter, co-founder of Biscuit Belly, joins The Lou Review to share how a Louisville breakfast concept she started with her husband Chad turned into a company acquiring 35 Maple Street Biscuit Company locations from Cracker Barrel, tripling its footprint and setting a course for 60+ restaurants by 2028. Lauren walks through her path from pharmacist to restaurateur, the entrepreneurial journey through Uptown Art and Louvino, launching Biscuit Belly right before COVID hit, and the behind-the-scenes hustle of pulling off one of the biggest local acquisitions in Louisville's food scene. Find a Biscuit Belly near you: ⁠https://biscuitbelly.com/⁠ Follow on ⁠Instagram⁠ Timestamps:0:00 – Intro: welcoming Lauren Coulter, co-founder of Biscuit Belly0:41 – Biscuit Belly's history and the Maple Street Biscuit Company acquisition (35 locations from Cracker Barrel, tripling footprint, path to 60+ restaurants by 2028)1:07 – Lauren's journey from pharmacist to restaurateur3:43 – How Lauren and her husband Chad got into entrepreneurship, starting with Uptown Art (Louisville's first paint-and-drink concept)5:34 – Opening Louvino wine bars and growing to 5 locations6:25 – The idea to launch Biscuit Belly and early inspiration from other biscuit brands7:30 – Opening Biscuit Belly in December 2019, Lauren leaving her healthcare job right as COVID hit8:09 – Navigating the pandemic's impact on the restaurant business and team9:47 – The origin story of The Lou Review podcast during 202010:58 – Selling Louvino to focus fully on Biscuit Belly13:05 – Why the breakfast concept suits their family and team members better (quality of life, retention)15:01 – The Maple Street Biscuit Company acquisition process: timeline, hustle, and behind-the-scenes challenges17:04 – Visiting every acquired store to build trust with new teams18:16 – Transitioning point-of-sale/technology systems across dozens of stores22:15 – What Maple Street does well and where Biscuit Belly sees opportunity (vibe, atmosphere, guest connection)23:57 – The "Suzanne" story: Lauren undercover as a new employee at a Maple Street location26:34 – Louisville's food & beverage scene and its role in Biscuit Belly's growth30:36 – Advice for local founders dreaming of expanding to multiple locations34:05 – Closing thoughts on Louisville's business community and food scene34:28 – Where to find Biscuit Belly online and what's next (new locations opening this fall)34:58 – Outro and sign-off 🎙️This podcast highlights powerful conversations around business, branding, entrepreneurship, and community stories from Louisville and beyond.We feature inspiring founders, creatives, and leaders sharing real insights, growth strategies, and behind-the-scenes journeys. 🔹 Topics Covered:- Business Growth & Marketing - Branding & Creative Strategy - Entrepreneurship & Startups -Local Louisville Stories & Culture Subscribe for weekly podcast episodes and real conversations that matter.

  2. Aug 16

    From Therapy to Dream Money

    What happens when a therapist decides to build a financial company? You get Dream Money, and you get Megan Hale. In this episode, host Rosa Hart sits down with Megan to talk about her unconventional path from the therapy room to the founder's chair, and why that background turned out to be her superpower. Money is emotional, and Megan built Dream Money to meet solo CEOs where they actually are: not with another bookkeeping tool, but with financial forecasting that helps them see where their business is going, not just where it's been. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction to Megan Hale and Dream Money 0:59 – Megan's background as a therapist and path into coaching 2:15 – Struggles building an online coaching business; founding Dream Money 2:56 – Moving to Louisville and starting a new chapter 4:11 – How Dream Money differs from bookkeeping/accounting tools like QuickBooks 5:44 – The "DREAM" acronym: deliberate, reliable, easeful, abundant, meaningful money 7:11 – Recent milestones: grants, JPMorgan Chase sponsorship, and a new award 8:00 – The big vision: scaling Dream Money to serve 100,000 solo CEOs 9:37 – Finding community and support as a new business owner in Louisville 11:07 – The loneliness of being a solo CEO and the need for shared community 12:32 – Announcing the "Well Off and Wealthy" monthly money meetup 13:51 – How to connect with Megan and host a meetup 16:32 – The "good, better, best" financial framework inside Dream Money 18:18 – Managing everyday cash flow stress with Dream Money 19:47 – Closing thoughts and thanks Connect with Megan Hale / Dream Money: Connect with Megan: https://meganhale.co/ Email: ​​megan@meganhale.co  Find out more about Dream Money:https://dreammoney.co/ Welcome to The Lou Review Podcast hosted by Rosa Hart 🎙️This podcast highlights powerful conversations around business, branding, entrepreneurship, and community stories from Louisville and beyond.We feature inspiring founders, creatives, and leaders sharing real insights, growth strategies, and behind-the-scenes journeys. 🔹 Topics Covered:- Business Growth & Marketing - Branding & Creative Strategy - Entrepreneurship & Startups -Local Louisville Stories & Culture Subscribe for weekly podcast episodes and real conversations that matter.

    From Therapy to Dream Money

  3. Aug 3

    Impact 100: Louisville's Women-Powered Giving Circle

    What happens when 100 women each write a $1,000 check? You get a $100,000 grant; and in just six years, the women of Impact100 Louisville have put more than $2.5 million into nonprofits across Jefferson County.Host Rosa sits down with co-founder Carey Goldstein and current president Kim Hansford to unpack the collective giving model that's transforming Louisville philanthropy. Timestamps: 0:00 - Welcome & the math behind Impact100: how $1,000 checks become $100,000 grants0:40 - Six years in: 500+ members, five $100K grants in a single night1:07 - Carey's origin story: from a dinner party idea to a Pensacola conference2:10 - Finding founding board members and getting the 501(c)(3) off the ground3:20 - How COVID unexpectedly accelerated growth from 75 to 206 members4:42 - Charcuterie boards, house gatherings, and a grassroots approach to recruiting6:32 - Kim's story: why she waited until year two (and why her best friend never let her forget it)7:05 - What drew Kim in: feeling connected to where her money goes7:44 - Breaking down the grant process: letters of intent, site visits, and the finance committee9:27 - From 165 applications to 8 finalists; how volunteers power every step10:26 - The "Meet the Finalists" event: a science-fair style evening with every finalist nonprofit13:15 - Merit money: how semifinalists also benefit, and the rule on reapplying13:22 - Grant spotlight: The Smoketown Community Laundromat, GE appliances, an app instead of quarters, and a man from the neighborhood15:21 - Decode Project, Granny's Birth Initiative & addressing the Black maternal health crisis16:36 - Synergies in action: Decode Project meets Louisville Leopards at a grantee event17:35 - Louisville Lightning: Paralympic-style athletes earning scholarships18:48 - How nonprofits come back to share updates, and the ripple effects on volunteerism19:47 - La Casita Center: feeding 800 meals a week from a tiny kitchen, and a kitchen build-out that changed everything22:10 - The network has grown: why not knowing everyone is a good sign22:10 - Impact Junior: high school girls doing collective giving with $100 memberships22:46 - Impact Junior gave $7,000 to KRM, and the board doubled it24:07 - Three generations of Goldsteins in Impact10024:12 - Who belongs in this room? Carey's message: this is not a club25:35 - Efforts to diversify by zip code, age, race & ethnicity27:10 - How to join: website, fellowship opportunities, and the $1,100 membership (with $1,000 going directly to grants)28:08 - Kim: you can write a check and clap in November, or go all in on committees28:12 - Rosa shares how she first heard about Impact100 through Hildegard House29:51 - Carey: the board has no special influence; the process is equal opportunity31:28 - The follow-up process: nonprofit relations committee, contracts, and six-month check-ins31:50 - How to connect: impact100louisville.org | info@impact100louisville.org33:05 - How nonprofits get on the letter of intent list (March is the window)33:38 - Closing: follow Rosa @rosaraves and subscribe wherever you listen Welcome to The Lou Review Podcast hosted by Rosa Hart 🎙️This podcast highlights powerful conversations around business, branding, entrepreneurship, and community stories from Louisville and beyond.We feature inspiring founders, creatives, and leaders sharing real insights, growth strategies, and behind-the-scenes journeys.🔹 Topics Covered:- Business Growth & Marketing- Branding & Creative Strategy- Entrepreneurship & Startups- Local Louisville Stories & CultureSubscribe for weekly podcast episodes and real conversations that matter.#Podcast #BusinessPodcast #Branding #Entrepreneurship #Louisville

  4. Jul 27

    Mental Health in Louisville with NAMI's Nancy Brooks

    What does it actually take to support mental health in our community, before a crisis hits? In this debut episode, host Rosa Hart sits down with Nancy Brooks, Executive Director of NAMI Louisville, to talk about the free programs, peer support, and early intervention tools that are changing lives right here in Louisville.From family education classes to QPR suicide prevention training to the Wellness Wheels school bus, NAMI Louisville is doing more than you probably realize — and it's all free.Timestamps:(Add after editing)In this episode:✔ What NAMI Louisville actually does (and how it's different from the national org)✔ Free programs for families, caregivers, veterans' families & providers✔ Why mental illness is a full family illness✔ The importance of early intervention — before crisis hits✔ Coping tools Nancy uses personally (including faking a smile & cleaning the kitchen)✔ The 988 mental health emergency line — do you know about it?✔ How to volunteer, donate, or partner with NAMI Louisville✔ NAMI Walk 2026 details + the new kids' zone & Therapy VillageConnect with NAMI Louisville:🌐 namilouisville.org📸 Instagram: @NAMILouisville📘 Facebook: NAMI LouisvilleNAMI Walk 2026📅 September 12, 2026📍 Waterfront Park, Louisville, KY🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 PMIn a mental health crisis?📞 Call or text 988 — the national mental health crisis lineWelcome to The Lou Review Podcast hosted by Rosa Hart 🎙️This podcast highlights powerful conversations around business, branding, entrepreneurship, and community stories from Louisville and beyond.We feature inspiring founders, creatives, and leaders sharing real insights, growth strategies, and behind-the-scenes journeys.🔹 Topics Covered: Business Growth & MarketingBranding & Creative StrategyEntrepreneurship & StartupsLocal Louisville Stories & CultureSubscribe for weekly podcast episodes and real conversations that matter.

  5. Jul 20

    Colonel Sanders' Kentucky Memorabilia Auction & the Claudia Sanders Legacy | The Lou Review Podcast

    Before Colonel Sanders was a global icon, he was a Kentuckian. Now, for the first time in 50 years, his personal world is going up for auction. In this episode of The Lou Review, host Rosa Hart sits down with Jonathan Klunk, the real estate professional and Kentucky Colonel helping bring nearly 100 of Colonel Harland Sanders' personal artifacts to auction on July 28 at Claudia Sanders Dinner House in Shelbyville, Kentucky. Key dates: Preview Day: Monday, July 27, noon to 6 PMLive and syndicated auction: Tuesday, July 28 at 6 PM ETBid in person or online from anywhere in the world. View all auction items and register at ⁠ClaudiaSandersAuction.com⁠ Jonathan shares the remarkable story of Blackwood Hall, the Colonel's home of 25 years and the original headquarters of Kentucky Fried Chicken, and the Settle family, hand-selected by the Colonel himself to carry on his legacy. From a mysterious handwritten recipe with 11 herbs and spices (and the 2001 lawsuit it sparked with KFC) to his 1956 day planner, engraved pressure cooker, and photo albums from his travels to Japan, these artifacts have been preserved in place, untouched, for five decades. In this episode: Why the Colonel sold KFC for $2 million, and what happened five years laterHow Cherry Settle went from KFC employee to owner of the Colonel's beloved restaurant, with a loan from the Colonel himselfThe unlabeled recipe of 11 herbs and spices that KFC's lawyers came knocking forJapan's surprising love affair with Colonel Sanders (yes, they dress him as Santa)What it means to be a Kentucky Colonel, and how the "Chicken Man" became a marketing mastermindThe sealed bid auction for Claudia Sanders Dinner House itself, including the restaurant, the historic home, and the Claudia Sanders trademark Connect with The Lou Review:Like, follow, and subscribe so you never miss the people and places making Louisville and the region unlike anywhere else.

  6. Jul 6

    Flipping Businesses to Decoding Science: Kristina Does Research | The Lou Review Podcast

    She bought a window cleaning business, ran it for less than a year, and sold it at a profit; all while using her M.D. in research, finishing an MBA, and building one of the most credible health voices on social media.Host Rosa Hart sits down with Kristina Bianca Cabañez Winner, physician, clinical researcher, foodie and travel influencer (@KristinaDoesResearch), and acquisition entrepreneur, for a wide-ranging conversation about health literacy on social media, buying and selling a business, pursuing an MBA while working full-time, and the best restaurants Louisville has to offer.Topics Covered:Kristina's pivot to health and wellness content: Why she shifted from food and lifestyle content to evidence-based health education, and why she believes social media needs more credible voices in the health spaceAcquisition entrepreneurshipHow to find a business to buy in LouisvilleKristina Does Research, the blood sugar experiment: How she compared a Hershey's bar to a date-sweetened chocolate bar and tracked her blood sugar to demonstrate the difference in real timeNutrition during pregnancy: Kristina's personal journey of eating intentionally while pregnant, and why she's mindful of the long-term metabolic impact on her babyMBA at U of L and her honest take on whether an MBA is worth it Leveraging vulnerability and asking for help: Why admitting what you don't know is one of the most powerful tools in entrepreneurshipLouisville restaurant recommendations:Oriental HouseKyushu (Japanese hibachi)Porch Restaurant (in the Omni Hotel)Grassa Gramma (Italian, immersive theming)Louisville's food and cocktail scene: Why both agree that Louisville punches above its weight classResources MentionedCodie Sanchez, acquisition entrepreneurship content creatorBizBuySell, business marketplaceETA (Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition), local Louisville groupKristina Does Research newsletter on Beehiiv, with a new project launching late July/early AugustConnect with KristinaInstagram: @KristinaDoesResearchNewsletter: Kristina Does Research on Beehiivhttps://kristinadoesresearch.beehiiv.com/Connect with Rosa & The Lou ReviewInstagram: @RosaRavesFacebook: The Lou Review PodcastWebsite: loureview.comThe Lou Review Podcast is made possible by The Lou Review Foundation, dedicated to amplifying the messages of businesses and nonprofits making Louisville, Kentucky a great place to be.Connect with Kristina on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-cabanez/Timestamps1:51 — Kristina's pivot to health & wellness content on social media3:27 — What is acquisition entrepreneurship?4:17 — Buying the window cleaning business in 20245:28 — Learning every role: washing windows herself6:46 — How to find a business to buy in Louisville7:22 — BizBuySell & business marketplaces10:32 — ETA: Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition group in Louisville13:18 — Kristina Does Research: evidence-based health content14:09 — The blood sugar experiment: Hershey's vs. date-sweetened chocolate16:16 — Eating intentionally during pregnancy18:58 — Louisville restaurant recommendations19:32 — Oriental House, Kyushu, Porch Restaurant & Grassa Grandma23:54 — MBA at University of Louisville: experience & value25:34 — Previous businesses: medical school solopreneur to hiring employees34:19 — Where to follow Kristina & closingThis podcast highlights powerful conversations around business, branding, entrepreneurship, and community stories from Louisville and beyond.We feature inspiring founders, creatives, and leaders sharing real insights, growth strategies, and behind-the-scenes journeys.🔹 Topics Covered:- Business Growth & Marketing- Branding & Creative Strategy- Entrepreneurship & Startups- Local Louisville Stories & CultureSubscribe for weekly podcast episodes and real conversations that matter.#Podcast #BusinessPodcast #Branding #Entrepreneurship #Louisville

  7. Jun 23

    The F Words Every Woman Needs to Live By ft. Louisville Confidence Curator: Chris Fulkerson

    Rosa Hart sits down with Louisville keynote speaker and confidence curator Chris Fulkerson to talk about personal reinvention, empowering women, and the "F Words to Live By" framework she teaches across the country. In this episode: How Barbie birthday parties became a symbol of joy and resilience after profound personal loss The journey from image consulting (closets, fashion shows, feng shui!) to full-time keynote speaking Why dressing women on the outside can't work if they're not supported on the inside The "F Words to Live By": Food, Fashion, Fitness, Fun & Friendship A moving story from a Dress for Success Louisville fashion show that illustrates the power of community and saying yes to yourself How Toastmasters and the National Speakers Association transformed Chris's speaking career Dress for Success Louisville's work — including outreach to teachers and rural counties Timestamps: 1:17 – Meeting through Toastmasters & NSA Louisville 1:38 – The Barbie birthday party origin story 2:17 – Grief and the mindset shift behind the parties 7:00 – Goal: a 100th Barbie party 11:17 – What image consulting really involves 14:45 – The mission: women saying yes to themselves 17:00 – The F Words to Live By framework 20:40 – Self-care is not selfish 22:35 – Breaking cycles of self-sacrifice for our kids 26:00 – Toastmasters & NSA journey 30:20 – The power of storytelling 36:38 – What Chris's business looks like today 38:00 – Dress for Success: "Turning Over a New Leaf" story 44:14 – Dress for Success mobile outreach 46:07 – How to book Chris 47:05 – Wags Pet Therapy & dog fashion show 49:59 – Outro Find Chris: fwordstoliveby.com Instagram: @chris_fulkerson The Lou Review podcast highlights powerful conversations around business, branding, entrepreneurship, and community stories from Louisville and beyond. We feature inspiring founders, creatives, and leaders sharing real insights, growth strategies, and behind-the-scenes journeys. Topics Covered:- Business Growth & Marketing- Branding & Creative Strategy- Entrepreneurship & Startups- Local Louisville Stories & CultureSubscribe for weekly podcast episodes and real conversations that matter. Learn more about The Lou Review Foundation Inc at LouReview.com Connect with host, Rosa Hart on Instagram: @RosaRaves

  8. Jun 15

    Weaving Louisville's Housing Safety Net ft. Ra'Shann Martin

    What does it actually take to end homelessness in a city? Rosa Hart sits down with Ra'Shann Martin, Executive Director of St. John's Center for Homeless Men, to find out. Ra'Shann didn't start in homeless services — he started with young people. His work at YouthBuild showed him how quickly housing instability derails a life, and that realization sent him on a path that eventually led to leading one of Louisville's most essential nonprofits. In this conversation, he pulls back the curtain on what homelessness in Louisville really looks like, who it affects, and what's actually working. In this episode: Ra'Shann shares his journey from YouthBuild to executive leadership, including the unexpected phone call that changed everything. He breaks down how St. John's Center operates across shelter, outreach, and permanent housing — and why something as simple as a mailing address can be the difference between stability and crisis. He introduces Sheehan Landing, the new 80-unit permanent supportive housing complex, and tells the story of an 83-year-old man found living in an encampment who now has a home. He also unpacks the myths around homelessness in Louisville, explains the new Outreach Referral Tool as a compassionate alternative to calling 911 or 311, and answers the question everyone wants to ask: should you give money to someone panhandling? You'll walk away knowing: What homelessness in Louisville actually looks like — and who it affectsHow permanent supportive housing works and why it changes outcomesWhat the Outreach Referral Tool is and how to use itWhat supplies are always needed (it's not just socks)How employers, volunteers, and community members can get involved right nowConnect with St. John's Center:Website: stjohnscenter.orgOutreach Referral Tool: stjohnscenter.org (click "Referral Tool")Phone: 502-568-6758 (ask for Outreach)Connect with Ra'Shann Martin on LinkedIn Support the work:Donate, volunteer, or explore partnership opportunities at stjohnscenter.org Know a Louisville mover and shaker making a difference? Rosa wants to hear from you.

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About

Highlighting the food, drinks and places to experience in Louisville, KY by interviewing the people behind the scenes making Kentuckiana great!

Information

  • Creator
    Rosa Hart
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    124
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rosa Hart