LEX 18's Hot Mic

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Breaking news might have Will Stein in the spotlight but Hot Mic brings the story a little closer to home with Stein's Mother and Aunt, Debbie Stein and Blakey Martin, with their bakery right here in Kentucky. Hear more about Sissy Cakes and the inside scoop on Stein and his childhood right here on Hot Mic.

As Thanksgiving wraps up and the Christmas season begins Megan and Evelyn are getting ready for the holidays with what they are excited for, gift ideas for the viewers, and Christmas Trivia.

Kentucky Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman joins Megan and Evelyn on “Hot Mic” to discuss her journey from rural Mercer County teacher and basketball coach to serving in the state’s second-highest office. She talks about her family, work in public service, holiday traditions, and the issues she’s focused on as lieutenant governor. From challenges to bright spots, she reflects on where the state is headed and the moments that keep her motivated.

This Thanksgiving week, Hot Mic is giving thanks for mentorship, community, and the joy of connection. Meredith Watts from Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass joins Megan and Evelyn to talk parenting, small-town life, and the ripple effect of being a positive role model. Hear incredible “Big” and “Little” stories, why the organization’s need for funding is urgent, and how you can help — even with just an hour a week.To give: https://www.bbbs-bluegrass.org/give

LEX 18 sports reporter Sierra Newton joins Evelyn and Megan for a lively chat about chasing stories in Kentucky’s busiest sports season, from football sidelines to basketball pressers. Sierra opens up about breaking into broadcasting, her love for women’s sports, star‑studded red carpet moments, and why WNBA mascot Ellie the Elephant has her heart.

Evelyn and Megan are shaking off Halloween and easing into the holidays. They chat about costumes, when Christmas music should start, and what Thanksgiving foods are worth the hype. Toss in some favorite holiday movies and decorating ideas for a lighthearted recipe for getting into the holiday spirit.

Dive into the story of University of Kentucky's own Shayna Stahl, who as made History as UK's First female Director of Athletic Bands, and what it is like to be a part of each game in Big Blue Nation.

We’re hanging out with LEX 18’s own Meteorologist Tom Ackerman — the guy who went from serving in the U.S. Navy to waking up early with you on Sunrise. Tom talks about what drew him to weather, why Lexington is home, his love for sardines, and the great eyebrow incident.

We get the inside scoop on Purdue University's newest expedition to learn what possibly happened to Amelia Earhart and how Evelyn's own dad, Steve Schultz got involved on this week's Hot Mic

Join us as we sit down with LEX 18's new Anchor Annie Brown where we talk about what goes into being a Multimedia Journalist, what it is like to be a woman in news, and some recent comments that have come with being on-air personalities.

Sit down with our current Miss Kentucky, Ariana Rodriguez, and learn about what it means to be a part of the Miss Kentucky program, hear her inspiring story, and what the Miss America experience was like on this week's Hot Mic.

Evelyn and Megan are jumping head first into the Fall season with talk about recent and future vacations, and everything that makes them feel cozy. Megan also gives us a tease into her new segment for LEX 18 News.

Our hosts sits down with Sean Franklin and talks about how he became LEX 18's General Manager by being willing to learn and pushing the station to always improve and grow in this ever changing industry.

This week our hosts catch up with Bayne Froney, one of LEX 18's former Meteorologists and is currently working for Fox Weather in New York. Hear about her new position, all of the changes that came with it, what she misses about Kentucky, and how she always stays true to who she is on this week's Hot Mic.

Our hosts interview each other about how they became anchors at LEX 18, their favorite stories both on air and off. They also answer some of your burning questions about themselves and the news industry.

The Hot Mic podcast kicks off with Maggie Davis, Kentucky Sportscaster of the Year 2024, BBN Tonight host, and one of our station Swifties. Maggie talks about Taylor Swift's engagement, the upcoming UK Football season, and how she became the BBN Tonight host we know and love today.