Show overview
LEX 18's Hot Mic launched in 2025 and has put out 36 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode in the time since. That works out to roughly 30 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 44 min and 55 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language News show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 2 weeks ago, with 18 episodes already out so far this year. Published by LEX 18.
From the publisher
Hot Mic is your backstage pass to life at LEX 18. Hosted by Evelyn Schultz and Megan Mannering, we'll share behind-the-scenes moments, stories you don't see on air, and conversations that feel like the group chat. Expect hot takes, candid interviews with unique Kentuckians, and a glimpse into the human side of broadcast journalism—everything you want from the studio, minus the script.
Latest Episodes
View all 36 episodesCoaching Women and Breaking Records - Kenny and Kendyl Brooks
The Odds, the Horses and the Stories Behind Them - Todd Schrupp
Keeneland Chaos & Derby Dreams
Stories, Sweet Treats, and More
Ep 31Managing the News Chaos - Jennifer Smith
Meet the person behind LEX 18's newsroom's people first, employee second mentality and learn more about the announcement of Scripps News Group buying ABC 36 and what that could mean for the stations' viewing audience on this week's Hot Mic with LEX 18's News Director, Jennifer Smith.
Ep 30The Life and Times of 1978 Champ - Jack "Goose" Givens
With the end of the University of Kentucky's Men's Basketball season our hosts take a deep dive of former UK champion, Jack "Goose" Givens. Tune in to hear about what is different about basketball from when he played, what growing up was like, and where he got the nickname "Goose" on this week's episode of Hot Mic.
Ep 29Life of a Photographer and Movie Buff - Lindsey Smart
In this week's episode, LEX 18's Photographer, Lindsey Smart, gives us a view of behind the reporter's camera in the field, an in-depth look at Hollywood's Award Season, and shows off some of her impressions and accents.
Ep 28The Start of Spring and LEX 18's Busiest Season
Spring has sprung and Evelyn and Megan are taking a break from guests this week to recap recent episodes and their travel, prepping for LEX 18's biggest show of the year, and answer some questions from our viewers.
Ep 27Bleeding Kentucky Blue for LEX 18 - Keith Farmer
Hear how Keith Farmer got into sports reporting by staying here in Kentucky, some of his moments with athletes and coaches, and even about his own family before BBN Tonight's busy March schedule begins.
Ep 26Chief Meteorologist Bill Meck’s journey to LEX 18
This week our hosts found space in LEX 18's Bill Meck's chaotic schedule of weather coverage, visiting local schools, and charity work to talk about how he got to LEX 18 from growing up in Chicago, weather coverage, movie references, and he even brought props.
Ep 25Celebrating One of Kentucky's Gross Mysteries
On February 28 Bath County, Kentucky, will hold the second festival celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Meat Shower. Learn more about the festival and the story behind the infamous Meat Shower from Festival Director Ian Corbin on this week's episode.
Ep 24Relentlessly Chasing His Passion - Tom Hammond
From horse racing to the Olympics, Tom Hammond has become a legend in Lexington for sports commentating. Seizing the moment and taking a chance on himself lead to his career where he got to cover moments like Usain Bolt's record breaking run in the World Championship in 2011. Hear stories of his career on this week's episode.
Ep 23Dating Secrets Revealed with Audrey Lorraine
It's the Season of Love here on Hot Mic and our hosts have brought in Audrey Lorraine, a dating coach with Emlovz, to talk about the dating scene, what it is like being a dating coach and some of her hot takes of dating.
Ep 22Winter, Habits, Throwbacks and More
Join us this week to talk about a variety of topics from the recent winter storm to throwbacks to their college days, even hear about Evelyn's first time on TV.
Ep 21Bourbon, Horses & Hospitality - Why Lexington Wins Hearts
VisitLEX President Mary Quinn Ramer takes us beyond the iconic bourbon and thoroughbreds to reveal the hidden gems that make Lexington unforgettable. From vibrant murals and world‑class restaurants to kayaking the Kentucky River, find out why Lexington was named America's most tourist-friendly city — and why your next trip should be to the Bluegrass.
Ep 20Embracing Love, Peace, and Respect - Mario J. Radford
Mario J. Radford joins us on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to talk about being a preacher, the Chairman of the 2026 Unity Celebration, a musician, and more. Hear about what inspires him to be more than just a preacher and how he approaches preaching and connection in a politically active climate in this week's Hot Mic.
Ep 19Living it Up with Larry Smith
Larry Smith has lived life to the fullest with enough stories to fill a book, but too many for just one podcast episode. Hear a few of those stories including how he met his wife and about how he believes that everyday is a celebration on this week's Hot Mic.
Ep 18Positively Ringing in the New Year
Hear about Evelyn and Megan's favorite stories that they have done from 2025, how their holiday celebrations went, and how they are approaching the New Year in our first episode of 2026.
Ep 17Behind the Mic & the Beard - Jack Pattie
Lexington radio legend Jack Pattie joins Hot Mic to wrap up 2025. After 50 years on Lexington's News Talk WVLK, hear how he stumbled into his first radio job as a teen, the celebrity encounters that stand out, how he’s seen the industry change, and why he treasures his role as one of Lexington’s favorite Santas.
Ep 16A Sit-Down With Santa
This week on Hot Mic, Evelyn and Megan are joined by a very special guest: Santa! Hear from the jolly guy himself as we wish you a very merry Christmas!