Meet Carrie. The Girls, Beer, Sports podcast that Carrie created and produces each week is exactly what you probably think it is. A conversation with girls about beer and sports… and whatever else they want to talk about. The concept of the show is that two of the three women know a lot about sports while the third brings the viewpoint of someone who doesn’t know much about what’s happening on the court or field and just hopes both teams are having fun. “It’s great to have someone that brings up topics or points and asks questions that we may not have even thought about.” Although it started as just an idea many years ago, Carrie brought the idea to life and jumped into the world of podcasting back in 2016. Originally learning about the setup, editing, and equipment on her own by simply watching YouTube videos, she has now upgraded equipment twice to improve the quality of what she loves doing. Carrie is now also involved in a variety of other podcasts (Bourbon & Bad Opinions, Southern Hospitality, Bluegrass, Bourbon & Eats) and would love to help anyone that is interested in creating one themselves.

Be sure to check out the Girls, Beer, Sports podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Spreaker or wherever you enjoy listening.

Questions:

Q: How long have you lived or worked in Lexington?

A: I came to Lexington in 1993 to go to the University of Kentucky. After graduating in 1998 I left to start my teaching career at Dixie Heights High School in Northern Kentucky. I decided after two years that I didn’t want to do that anymore so I moved back here in 2000 to get a master’s degree in history. I applied for the History program and got my master’s in Russian history. I even lived in Russia for a little bit. I was encouraged by several professors to go check out library science. So I ended up getting my master’s in library science as well and worked as a reference librarian at Midway for 8 years. I’ve now been at EKU as a prospect researcher for 6 years.

What led you to starting a podcast?

A: Podcasting has been around since the early 2000s and the joke now is that just about everyone has a podcast. I don’t like writing and I’m not really interested in starting a blog. But podcasting lets me be creative and tell my opinions and tell people what I think. I was always interested in radio and like to entertain people. Podcasting gives me an opportunity to bring that to the forefront. I like the idea of being behind a microphone and talking to someone without them really being there.

Q: What is something that you would like people to know about podcasting?

A: It’s available for anyone to do. Don’t be intimidated by all the big equipment and fancy microphones and stuff. You can go as expensive or inexpensive as you want. You can just record on an iPhone or iPad if you want. It’s really accessible and easy to get started. I tell people starting out to just talk until you’re done talking. Don’t freak yourself out over the time. Girls, Beer, Sports started out as just 30 minutes, then we went to 45, then an hour, and we just did one the other day that was an hour and a half.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Lexington?

A: Shamrock at the Patchen location. I like to mix up what I order. I really like the French Dip and the O’Round. Gotta have the tots though!

Q: If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: I want to go back to Russia. I want to take my husband with me and show him all the places that I went.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Lexington?

A: It’s a big small town. We see the same people at the same places a lot. You tend to run into a lot of the same people more than you think you would. I also like the fact that every side of town is different. Whatever side of town you live on, you really don’t have to leave it for anything. Plus all the craft beer and restaurants we have.

Q: What is something you take family or friends to do when they visit from out of town?

A: I like to take them around to some of the local breweries. We took some friends out to do a horse farm tour a couple years ago. We had actually never even been to one ourselves but it was a lot of fun.

Q: Have you picked up any new hobbies during this time?

A: I play guitar so I’ve been able to do that a little more. I’m always just looking for new ideas to start a new podcast, too.

Q: What can we find you doing on your days off?

A: Honestly, I like to just hang out in my hammock in the backyard this time of year. I like old television shows. I’ve actually been firing up the old DVD player recently and watching some DVDs. I feel like I needed to give my DVDs some love. Besides that, just hanging out with my dog bulldog, Bacon.

Q: If you could have lunch with any living person (non-relative), who would you choose?

A: Keith Richards. That guy has seen and done a lot of stuff, plus I’m a huge Rolling Stones fan.

Q: Who’s your go-to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?

A: Probably Rolling Stones, but I’m a huge hair metal fan. Guns N’ Roses and Blackberry Smoke are a couple of my favorites.

Q: What’s something that is on your bucket list?

A: To build my own podcast studio.

Q: What is something that most people may not know about you?

A: Everyone that knows me knows not to ask me to participate in their stuff between August & December. Don’t ask me because I’ll be watching college football every Saturday. As much as I’m into sports though, I’m also a huge comic book and sci-fi geek.

Q: What is a topic you wish you knew more about?

A: I can’t really think of anything. I love reading and learning about stuff. If there is something new to me I’ll read every single thing I can find about it.

Q: What is your favorite TV show?

A: X-Files. Hands down. It’s my favorite show ever.

Q: Q: What do you feel is an essential part of your routine that contributes to your overall well being or mental health?

A: Exercising. Either running or lifting weights. I like to run or bike on the old cart path in Andover. I come up with some of my best ideas that way.

What is more important to you? A great house or a great car?

A: I’d have to say a house. I’ve lived with some crap cars. I once drove a car for two years with no A/C during the Kentucky summers.

Q: If you were cast in a movie, who would you choose as your co-star?

A: Dan Akroyd. Blues Brothers is one of my favorite movies of all time. He would be fun.

Q: If you could give advice to a random group of people, what would it be?

A: If you want to do something, just go do it. I hemmed and hawed about doing this podcast for years and then once I finally did it, it wasn’t nearly as scary as I thought it would be. I’ve met a ton of awesome people. I’m now friends with someone from Australia who has a podcast about 80’s movies. I’ve even been a guest on hers a couple times now.