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.
Freddie Noe on Bourbon Legacy, Family & Finding Your Own Way | The Best Bet
Growing up in the Beam family means bourbon is more than a business. It’s a legacy.
Freddie Noe of James B. Beam Distilling Co. joins Claudia Coffey for a conversation about carrying that legacy forward while finding his own place in it. He talks about learning from his grandfather, Booker Noe, the influence of his family on his approach to whiskey, and the balance between honoring tradition and bringing fresh ideas to the brand.
They also get personal about family life, making time for what matters outside the distillery, and the people who help keep you grounded when work is part of your family history.
From the next generation of bourbon to the lessons that stay with you, Freddie shares what it means to build on a name that helped shape Kentucky whiskey.
The Best Bet is Claudia Coffey’s weekly conversation with people who have taken a chance on themselves in bourbon, food, sports, business and culture.
Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify, iHeart and Apple Podcasts.
Presented by Town & Country Ford: FordLouisville.net
Energy partner: LG&E and KU
12 Oct 2026
David Beck on Big Events, Kentucky’s Economy & the Business of Bringing People Together | The Best Bet
What does it take to bring some of Kentucky’s biggest events to life — and what happens behind the scenes that most people never see?
David Beck, former CEO of Kentucky Venues, joins Claudia Coffey to talk about the business behind the Kentucky Exposition Center, major events and the role large-scale venues play in the state's economy.
From managing complex operations to bringing people, businesses and industries together, David offers a look at what it takes to keep these places running and why their impact reaches well beyond the event itself.
They also discuss leadership, career decisions and the opportunities that come with taking responsibility for something much bigger than yourself.
It’s a conversation about the people and planning behind the events that help move Kentucky forward.
The Best Bet is Claudia Coffey’s weekly conversation with people who have taken a chance on themselves in bourbon, food, sports, business and culture.
Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify, iHeart and Apple Podcasts.
Presented by Town & Country Ford: FordLouisville.net
Energy partner: LG&E and KU
10 Oct 2026
Brent Elliott of Four Roses on Instinct, Innovation & the Art of Bourbon
What does it take to make a bourbon that stands out — and keep it that way for generations?
Brent Elliott, Master Distiller at Four Roses, joins Claudia Coffey to talk about the decisions, instincts and occasional risks that go into making great bourbon. From his early days at the distillery to leading one of Kentucky’s most recognizable bourbon brands, Brent shares how his background in chemistry shapes the way he approaches whiskey — and why science can only take you so far.
They get into the balance between tradition and trying something new, the judgment calls that come with blending, and what it means to put your own stamp on a brand with a long history. Brent also reflects on his career path and the lessons that come with taking on a role where every decision can shape what ends up in the bottle.
Because in bourbon, getting the formula right is one thing. Knowing when to trust your instincts is another.
The Best Bet is Claudia Coffey’s weekly conversation with people who have made a bet on themselves — across bourbon, food, sports, business and culture.
Listen on Spotify, iHeart and Apple Podcasts, or watch full episodes on YouTube.
Presented by Town & Country Ford: FordLouisville.net
Energy partner: LG&E and KU
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