For Henderson

For Henderson

5.0 (4)
Society & Culture
Updated Weekly

A podcast celebrating the people building a great Henderson. Real stories from local leaders, creators, and community builders shaping our city’s future.

5d ago

A $15 Million Vision CHANGING LIVES in Henderson feat. Julie Wischer of Elevate

For nearly a decade, Julie Wischer has led Elevate through one of the most significant transformations in its history. What began as the Sandefur Center, a traditional training center for adults with disabilities, has evolved into an organization with a focused mission of creating pathways to independence. In this episode of For Henderson, Julie shares the story behind Elevate, the challenges of navigating major organizational changes, surviving the COVID-19 pandemic, and the vision that led to Elevate Estates: a groundbreaking residential community designed to help adults with disabilities, mental health challenges, and other barriers live more independently while remaining connected to the broader community. Julie also reflects on why Henderson keeps calling people back home, the importance of belonging, and how small acts of service can create lasting community impact. If you’ve driven down Old Madisonville Road lately, you’ve probably noticed the massive project taking shape. This conversation explains the heart behind it and why it could become a model not just for Henderson, but for communities across Kentucky. The For Henderson Podcast highlights the people, organizations, and leaders helping build a stronger Henderson, Kentucky and showing us every day what it means to be truly For Henderson. Find everything you need to know: https://www.elevatewky.org Follow Elevate's journey: https://www.facebook.com/elevatewky

44 min
Jun 19

How a UFC Veteran is Building Something BIGGER in Henderson feat. Nate "Mayhem" Maness of Mayhem MMA

Nate "Mayhem" Maness has fought on the world's biggest stages in combat sports, from the UFC to BKFC. And he did it all from Henderson.In this episode of For Henderson, Josh sits down with his business partner and Mayhem MMA head coach to talk about the road that started with being an undefeated professional fighter at 10-0, a heartbreaking loss, long days on a roofing crew, and the lunch-break phone call that put him in the UFC on 11 days' notice. But the real story is what came after: choosing loyalty over the spotlight, betting on his hometown, and building a gym that's become family for a growing roster of young Henderson fighters.Nate opens up about coaching the next generation, raising his kids inside the gym, and his vision to put Henderson on the map as a place that produces real talent. This is a conversation about loyalty, leadership, and what it actually means to be for Henderson.

26 min
Jun 12

How One Mom Built Something Henderson Was Missing feat. Kaci Manion of Imagination Oasis Play Cafe

When Kaci Manion became a young mom, she found herself craving something many parents understand: a place where kids could play safely while adults connected, relaxed, and found community. That need eventually became Imagination Oasis Play Cafe, a new family destination in Henderson that combines imaginative play spaces, drinks, snacks, birthday parties, and something even more valuable...connection. In this episode of the For Henderson Podcast, Kaci shares the deeply personal story behind the business, including her journey through motherhood, pregnancy loss, postpartum depression, and the challenges of building a completely new concept from the ground up. She talks about taking a dream from idea to reality, navigating regulations, supporting local businesses, and why she believes Henderson’s future depends on people who are willing to step up and create the change they want to see. Along the way, we discuss entrepreneurship, parenting, community, and why creating spaces that bring people together matters now more than ever. Follow the journey: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575981003451

33 min
Jun 5

Finding Joy in the Small Things (Even the Weird Ones) feat. Kyla Ford of Corkscrew Curiosities

What do vintage toys, two-headed pigs, octopus tentacles, and miniature dumpster fires have in common..? They all live at Corkscrew Curiosities, and they're all pieces of a bigger mission to build a stronger community. This week on the For Henderson Podcast, Josh sits down with Kyla Ford, co-owner of Corkscrew Curiosities, one of Henderson’s most unique small businesses. What started as an online Etsy shop during the pandemic has grown into a thriving community gathering place where nostalgia, curiosity, creativity, oddity, and connection all come together. Kyla shares the story behind Corkscrew Curiosities, the family legacy that inspired its name, and how she and her cousin Jasmine built a business around rescuing overlooked treasures and helping people find joy in the small things. Along the way, the conversation explores why Henderson has such a unique charm, the importance of celebrating differences, and how curiosity can help build stronger communities. Whether you’re a longtime Henderson resident, a small business supporter, or simply someone who loves discovering the stories behind the people helping shape our city, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest impact. Because great cities are built by people who stay curious, show up for one another, and find joy in what’s right in front of them. Get Curious @ https://corkscrewcurio.com YouTube: ⁨@corkscrewcuriosities⁩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cscurio TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@corkscrewcurio?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corkscrewcurio/

38 min
May 29

Why Small Acts of Kindness Matter So Much feat. Addison Hearrin of 4 Good Community

What started as a simple question is becoming a movement that is reaching from Henderson, Kentucky all across the US and beyond. "How can we do something GOOD for our community?" In this episode of the For Henderson Podcast, we sit down with Addison Hearrin, director of the Hope 4 Good program at 4 Good Community. What started in 2020 as a no-barrier resource center has grown into one of the most compelling local nonprofits in our region, running programs that serve kids fighting cancer, families hit by flooding, and children learning generosity for the first time. Addison breaks down the origin of Hope for Good (inspired by a little boy named Miles) and how it's grown to serve 450 kids monthly across the US and Canada through partnerships with Make-A-Wish, St. Jude, and Ronald McDonald House. She also digs into the Kids 4 Good Center in Henderson, their disaster relief work, and why Henderson's size is actually a superpower for community impact. If you live in Henderson or care about what it means to build great cities, this episode is for you. 4 Good Community is actively looking for volunteers, school partners, and people with ideas. Reach out. Get involved. This is what Henderson is for. Contact Addison: addison@4goodcommunity.org https://www.4goodcommunity.org https://www.4goodcommunity.org https://www.youtube.com/@4goodcommunity

32 min
May 22

Why Henderson Needs More People to Get Involved feat. Cooper Beck of Henderson Kentucky Pride

What does it actually take to build a stronger, more connected Henderson? In this episode, we sit down with Cooper Beck, founder and executive director of Henderson Kentucky Pride, and a young leader deeply involved across multiple organizations including Elevate, Matthew 25, and the Father Bradley Shelter. Cooper is only 21 years old, and has already helped launch initiatives, build a nonprofit, and mobilize thousands of people around community engagement. He shares how one small class project turned into a city-wide movement, what it means for people to “see themselves” in their community, and why that visibility leads to real ownership and impact. Cooper also shares his perspective on Henderson’s unique charm, the importance of conversation across differences, and his hope for more people (especially young people) to "jump in the pool" and get involved. Great cities don't just happen...they’re built by people willing to "jump in." - Henderson Kentucky Pride: https://www.hendersonkypride.org/- Elevate: https://www.elevatewky.org/- Matthew 25: https://matthew25clinic.org/- Father Bradley Shelter: https://www.fatherbradleyshelter.com- Leadership Everyone: https://leadershipeveryone.org/

31 min
May 15

Take the Risk: Hattie Hancock on Business, Brides, and Betting on Henderson

In this episode of the For Henderson Podcast, we sit down with Hattie Hancock, owner of Hattie James Bridal and part of the family behind Elite Downtown. Hattie is just 24 years old and is already helping shape the future of downtown Henderson through small business, hospitality, leadership, and a willingness to take some big risks. Hattie shares the story behind Hattie James Bridal and talks about growing up in Henderson, her love for downtown, the momentum she sees among young local leaders, and why she believes Henderson is full of opportunity for people willing to get involved. Being For Henderson is not just about loving where you live. It's about advocating for it, betting on it, and helping create the community you want to see.

36 min
May 8

SummerFest: Rock Music, Local Charities, and Henderson Sunsets

This week on the For Henderson Podcast, we’re joined by Jonathan Dixon and Evan Dixon from SummerFest and Sons of Henderson, the local charity behind one of Henderson’s downtown music events. What started as the Henderson Wiffleball Classic has evolved into SummerFest: a free, family-friendly concert in downtown Henderson, Kentucky that brings the community together while raising money and awareness for several local charities already working hard to build a great Henderson. Jonathan shares how the event began, why Sons of Henderson wanted to create something that gave back, and what it takes to shut down a street, build a concert experience, and keep the mission at the center (all in 24 hours). Evan brings the perspective of someone who first attended SummerFest with his family and is now helping to lead the charge. If you love Henderson, music, family friendly events, or supporting local charities...don't miss this conversation and don't miss SummerFest, coming up on May 16th!

34 min

Trailer

Welcome to For Henderson // Trailer

For Henderson: a podcast about the people in our community who are actively working to build a great city. Each episode highlights local leaders, creators, and city-builders who are FOR Henderson.Great cities don’t just happen. They’re built.So…are you FOR Henderson??

12/18/2025

•

1 min

5

out of 5

4 Ratings

A podcast celebrating the people building a great Henderson. Real stories from local leaders, creators, and community builders shaping our city’s future.

Creator

For Henderson
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

19
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© For Henderson
Show Website

For Henderson