The Best Bet with Claudia Coffey

Claudia Coffey
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Everyone has a “best bet”—that one bold move that rewrote their story. Hosted by Kentucky journalist and storyteller Claudia Coffey, The Best Bet dives into the defining decisions people made when the odds weren’t in their favor. High stakes. High reward. Human stories. Each episode is an honest, unfiltered conversation with someone who backed themselves when no one else would. Claudia explores the long odds, the fear, and the fireworks that come from choosing the road less traveled—and the moment everything changed because they made the ult New episodes every Wednesday starting January 2026.

  1. 52m ago

    Healing Appalachia: How Logan Terry is Using Music to Fight Addiction & Build Recovery

    "The opposite of addiction isn't sobriety—it's connection." On this powerful episode of The Best Bet Podcast, we sit down with Logan Terry, Executive Director of Hope in the Hills (the nonprofit behind Healing Appalachia). From his own journey in long-term recovery to leading one of the most impactful recovery-focused music initiatives in the country, Logan shares how music, community, and second chances are saving lives across Appalachia. In this episode, we cover: The story behind Hope in the Hills and the mission of Healing Appalachia. How Tyler Childers and a community of artists helped raise over $1M+ for regional recovery services, sober living, and frontline support. Why music acts as the ultimate bridge to break stigma and build lasting human connection. Logan’s personal journey from rock bottom to empowering communities across the Heartland. PROUDLY SPONSORED BY: 🚘 Town & Country Ford Kentucky Check out their current vehicle specials and community initiatives at fordlouisville.net! 🗝️ Hotel Genevieve Our featured hospitality partner in Louisville’s NuLu district! Tri-state residents (KY, IN, TN) can unlock the exclusive Lucky Kentuckian rate by using code LOCALS at hotelgenevieve.com. WHERE TO WATCH & LISTEN TO THE BEST BET: Video: Subscribe on YouTube for full video episodes and clips! Audio Streaming: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio Radio & Syndication: Tune in on 970 AM and WBNA! #TheBestBetPodcast #LoganTerry #HealingAppalachia #HopeInTheHills #TylerChilders #RecoveryIsPossible #AppalachiaStrong #TownAndCountryFord #HotelGenevieve #LouisvilleKY #NuLuLouisville #PodcastEpisode

  2. 6d ago

    Black Soil, Legacy, and the Future of Southern Cuisine with James Beard Nominee Chef Isaiah Screetch

    What does it decision-wise take to truly honor the roots of Southern cuisine? On this episode of The Best Bet Podcast, we sit down with James Beard nominated Best Chef: South contender, Chef Isaiah Screetch. Moving beyond his work at major venues like Keeneland, Chef Isaiah Screetch breaks down his passion for Kentucky agriculture, the vital history of Black farmers, and how real hospitality begins in the soil. In this episode, we cover: Preserving and honoring Black agricultural heritage across Kentucky. Sourcing local and building sustainable, community-first food systems. The true identity of modern Southern cuisine and Chef Isaiah Screetch’s journey as a James Beard nominee. PROUDLY SPONSORED BY: 🚘 Town & Country Ford Kentucky Check out their Summer Clearance Sale happening right now at fordlouisville.net! 🗝️ Hotel Genevieve Our featured August hospitality partner in NuLu! Tri-state residents (KY, IN, TN) can unlock the Lucky Kentuckian special rate by using code LOCALS at direct checkout on hotelgenevieve.com. WHERE TO WATCH & LISTEN TO THE BEST BET: Video: Subscribe on YouTube for full video episodes and clips! Audio Streaming: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio Radio & Syndication: Tune in on 970 AM and WBNA! #TheBestBetPodcast #ChefIsaiahScreetch #JamesBeardBestChef #SouthernCuisine #BlackSoilKY #KentuckyAgriculture #TownAndCountryFord #HotelGenevieve #LouisvilleKY #NuLuLouisville #PodcastEpisode

  3. Aug 12

    Building Mileta: High-Stakes Hospitality & The Future of Dining with Dallas Rose

    What does it take to scale a high-end restaurant concept in today’s economic climate? 🍸✨ On this episode of The Best Bet, we sit down with Dallas Rose of Relentless Hospitality to go behind the scenes of Mileta. From navigating brutal opening timelines, permits, and construction delays to executing high-level hospitality, Dallas breaks down what it takes to build a standout regional destination. We cover: The origin story behind Relentless Hospitality and the vision for Mileta How top operators navigate construction delays, opening dates, and risk Why customer experience is the single greatest competitive advantage in dining What’s next on the horizon for regional hospitality and real estate expansion PROUDLY SPONSORED BY: 🚘 Town & Country Ford Kentucky Check out their Summer Clearance Sale happening right now at fordlouisville.net! 🗝️ Hotel Genevieve Our featured August hospitality partner in NuLu! Tri-state residents (KY, IN, TN) can unlock the Lucky Kentuckian special rate by using code LOCALS at direct checkout on hotelgenevieve.com. WHERE TO WATCH & LISTEN TO THE BEST BET: Video: Subscribe on YouTube for full video episodes and clips! Audio Streaming: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio Radio & Syndication: Tune in on 970 AM and WBNA! #TheBestBetPodcast #DallasRose #Mileta #RelentlessHospitality #LouisvilleKY #TownAndCountryFord #HotelGenevieve #NuLuLouisville #HospitalityIndustry #RestaurantLife

  4. Aug 5

    The First Female Master Bourbon Taster: Peggy Noe Stevens

    In this episode of The Best Bet, we sit down with a true legend in the spirits world: Peggy Noe Stevens. As the world’s very first female Master Bourbon Taster, a Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famer, and founder of the Bourbon Women Association, Peggy has completely reshaped the whiskey landscape. We cover:• What it took to kick down doors in a traditionally male-dominated industry• Her role in drawing up the original blueprint for the iconic Kentucky Bourbon Trail• The explosive rise of female whiskey consumers and female leadership in distilling• What to expect at the upcoming Bourbon Women SipOSium Conference and why it’s a must-attend event for spirits lovers• Her secrets to tasting bourbon like a true master—moving past the burn to find the real flavor profiles PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY OUR PRESENTING SPONSORS: Town & Country Ford Kentucky Getting you there, no matter where the road leads. Check out their Summer Clearance Sale going on right now at fordlouisville.net to find your next ride! Hotel Genevieve Our featured August hospitality partner in Louisville’s NuLu district! Tri-state neighbors (KY, IN, TN) can unlock the exclusive Lucky Kentuckian special rate by booking directly at hotelgenevieve.com with promo code LOCALS. WHERE TO WATCH & LISTEN TO THE BEST BET:• YouTube: Subscribe to The Best Bet Podcast channel for full video episodes and clips• Audio: Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and wherever you get your podcasts! Follow along on social media for behind-the-scenes content: • Instagram: @TheBestBetPodcast • TikTok: @TheBestBetPodcast #PeggyNoeStevens #BourbonWomen #TheBestBetPodcast #BourbonTrail #KentuckyBourbon #TownAndCountryFord #HotelGenevieve #NuLuLouisville #WomenInBourbon

  5. Jul 29

    Best of Summer Encore: Chef Damaris Phillips on Fame, Food Network, & Finding Your Voice

    Looking back on one of our most-watched conversations of the summer! We had so many incredible, unseen moments left on the cutting room floor with Kentucky’s own Chef Damaris Phillips that we had to bring you this special Best of Summer Encore episode. ☀️✨ In this fan-favorite sit-down, the Food Network Star winner dishes on her wild career pivots, navigating the pressure of celebrity food television, and why staying grounded in Southern hospitality is her ultimate competitive edge. Whether you're catching it for the first time or reliving the top moments, this conversation is packed with inspiration, humor, and pure hustle. Brought to you by Town & Country Ford—your trusted partner on the road. Find your next ride at FordLouisville.net. Catch "The Best Bet" everywhere: Listen: iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & 970 AM Watch: YouTube & WBNA-TV (Ch. 21)

  6. Jul 22

    Running the Major Leagues of Bourbon with Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall

    What does it take to hold the keys to one of the most prestigious, globally recognized spirits brands in the world? In this episode of The Best Bet Pod, host Claudia Coffey sits down with Elizabeth McCall, the Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve. Elizabeth breaks down her unexpected pivot from counseling psychology to commanding the sensory lab, the determination it took to rise through the ranks from washing dishes to Master Distiller, and how she manages the daily pressure of guiding a global bourbon icon. We also dive into her favorite flavor innovations, the connection between bourbon and horse country, and what’s next for the brand. If you love bourbon culture, premium craftsmanship, and authentic Kentucky storytelling, this one is for you. 📺 WHERE TO WATCH & LISTEN: On TV: Watch the full broadcast on WBNA TV. On the Radio: Tune in to 970 AM. On Demand: Watch the video version on YouTube. On the Go: Stream right here on Spotify, or find us on the iHeartRadio app and Apple Podcasts. Be sure to hit Follow so you never miss an episode in the coming weeks, and find us on social media at @TheBestBetPod for all the behind-the-scenes clips and updates. This episode of The Best Bet Pod is proudly sponsored by Town & Country Ford (fordlouisville.net).

  7. Jul 15

    Surviving Top Chef and Changing the Bluegrass Culinary Game with Chef Paula Endara

    What happens when a chef trained in avant-garde techniques in Spain takes over the culinary heart of Lexington, Kentucky? In this episode of The Best Bet Pod, host Claudia Coffey sits down with Chef Paula Endara, the Executive Chef of The Manchester Hotel and contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef Season 22. Paula breaks down her unexpected pivot from studying music to commanding elite kitchens, the intense mental resilience required to survive reality television cooking, and how she balances boundary-pushing techniques with soulful, comforting local flavors at Granddam and Lost Palm. If you love food culture, high-stakes competition, and authentic storytelling, this one is for you. 📺 WHERE TO WATCH & LISTEN: On TV: Watch the full broadcast on WBNA TV. On the Radio: Tune in to 970 AM. On Demand: Watch the video version on YouTube. On the Go: Stream right here on Spotify, or find us on the iHeartRadio app and Apple Podcasts. Be sure to hit Follow so you never miss an episode in the coming weeks, and find us on social media at @TheBestBetPod for all the behind-the-scenes clips and updates. This episode of The Best Bet Pod is proudly sponsored by Town & Country Ford (fordlouisville.net).

  8. Jul 8

    Inside "The Red Rocks of Appalachia": How Laurel Cove Beat the Mega-Festivals

    How does a tiny mountain town in Eastern Kentucky sell out an entire music festival weekend before announcing a single artist on the lineup? In this episode of The Best Bet Pod, host Claudia Coffey sits down with Jon Grace, the Director of Bell County Tourism and the visionary behind the Laurel Cove Music Festival in Pineville, Kentucky. Known to music lovers as "The Red Rocks of Appalachia," Laurel Cove has completely flipped the script on modern music festivals. Jon pulls back the curtain on how he curates a family-reunion atmosphere, scouts massive independent country and roots talent before they hit the global stage, and why music fans are ditching corporate mega-festivals for deeply authentic regional experiences. If you love live music, road trips, and pure Kentucky grit, this is one conversation you don't want to miss. Be sure to hit Follow so you never miss an episode in the coming weeks, and find us on social media at @TheBestBetPod for all the behind-the-scenes clips and updates. You can also watch the full show on WBNA TV or tune in to 970 AM. This episode of The Best Bet Pod is proudly sponsored by Town & Country Ford (fordlouisville.net).

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Everyone has a “best bet”—that one bold move that rewrote their story. Hosted by Kentucky journalist and storyteller Claudia Coffey, The Best Bet dives into the defining decisions people made when the odds weren’t in their favor. High stakes. High reward. Human stories. Each episode is an honest, unfiltered conversation with someone who backed themselves when no one else would. Claudia explores the long odds, the fear, and the fireworks that come from choosing the road less traveled—and the moment everything changed because they made the ult New episodes every Wednesday starting January 2026.

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