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Inside the Block

Inside the Block
Author: Warehouse Block
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© 2025 Inside the Block
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We're shining a spotlight on the vibrant businesses and and unique history of the Warehouse Block in Lexington, Kentucky! Every first and third Sunday of the month we're serving up a fun blend of inspiring, behind-the-scenes stories of the Bluegrass region's most dynamic district!
12 Episodes
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Behind the bright blue door that gives Blue Door Smokehouse its name is a story of culinary passion and community connection. Owner Jeff Newman never planned to open a barbecue joint—he originally wanted an upscale sandwich concept but pivoted when constraints made that impossible. Drawing on his culinary school background and smoking techniques from restaurants across Lexington, New York, and Atlanta, he created a barbecue destination that's thrived for over 11 years. Their Texas-style brisk...
"The easiest thing for a reader to do is to stop reading." This wisdom from veteran journalist Tom Eblen perfectly captures his approach to storytelling throughout a remarkable career that has spanned the golden age of print journalism to today's digital revolution. Eblen's journey begins in his hometown of Lexington, where he discovered journalism at Lafayette High School before attending Western Kentucky University. His natural talent quickly propelled him through the Associated Press rank...
You've likely heard of bourbon in Kentucky, but what about sake? We got to sit down with Justin LeVaughn, co-owner and head brewer of Void, to dive into the unexpected world of Kentucky's first and only sake brewery. Justin reveals how three science-loving friends turned their pandemic experiment into a thriving business that bridges Japanese brewing traditions with Kentucky craft culture. He walks us through the fascinating six-week journey "from grain to glass," explaining how koji (a rice...
The sweet journey from West Africa to the Warehouse Block unfolds as Mamadou Savane, known affectionately as "Sav," shares the remarkable story behind Sav's Chill. What began as a restaurant venture in 2008 transformed when Sav purchased an ice cream freezer with his space and later learned to make his own frozen treats out of necessity. Now, he's crafting some of Lexington's most innovative flavors. Sav takes us through how his West African heritage and Kentucky roots merge in his signature...
The John G. Epping Building is more than just a structure; it's a beloved part of Lexington's history. In this episode, we unravel the remarkable transformation from a bustling bottling factory to a culinary landmark. Listeners will learn about the history of the soft drink industry, as we recount how Epping's played a pivotal role in shaping local consumer culture. Imagining the bustling factory of yesterday, churning out popular soft drinks, juxtaposes beautifully with the vibrant atmospher...
Join "The Lexington Podcast" duo as we explore the remarkable transformation of Lexington, Kentucky's Warehouse Block. From its humble beginnings as an overlooked industrial area to today's vibrant community hub, we trace this district's fascinating evolution through personal stories and historic records. We journey from the land's earliest inhabitants through European settlement, examining how key figures like General William Preston shaped the area. Discover how the discovery of clay depos...
Join us as Lara Levine, owner of the Salt Cave of Lexington, shares her serendipitous journey from a chance visit to an Asheville salt sanctuary to creating her own healing haven in Lexington, KY! Uncover the mysteries of salt therapy, from its roots in Poland to its potential benefits for respiratory and skin health, all within the beautiful confines of Lara's cave. We loved hearing how patrons can immerse themselves in practices like yoga, meditation, and sound baths, all set atop the...
Get ready to experience the world of brewing like never before with Derek DeFranco, the head master brewer at Mirror Twin Brewing who takes up behind the scenes! From humble beginnings with a three-barrel system to a thriving 15-barrel setup, Derek shares the brewery's evolution and resilience through challenges like keeping the beer flowing while navigating a pandemic. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the brewing process, from milling grains to sparging and boiling, revealing the artist...
From homebrewer to head brewer, Mirror Twin's Derek DeFranco turned his beer passion into something extraordinary. Armed with a law degree and brewing knowledge from both his neighbor and the Siebel Institute, he transformed his hobby into a thriving business -- and certainly a Warehouse Block staple! Listen as Derek recounts Mirror Twin's launch in 2016 when it faced all the usual startup chaos, but a community's incredible support helped it flourish. Now, Derek leads a tight-knit team that ...
Join us as we sit down with Chad Walker, owner and pioneer of the Warehouse Block, as he shares the remarkable journey of transforming this once-industrial hub into a vibrant community space. Discover how his father, Randy, a visionary commercial electrician, spearheaded the area's revitalization, blending historical preservation with modern-day retail, breweries, and restaurants. Chad takes us through time, recounting the evolution of the neighborhood and the pivotal role of preserving its u...
From undercover police building to elegant bridal boutique, step into the charming world of The White Dress of Lexington, nestled in the historic Warehouse Block. Join the dynamic team—Julia, Beverly, and Daniel—as they share their journey in the bridal industry, reveal current wedding dress trends, and offer insider tips on assembling the perfect crew for your dress shopping adventure. Warehouse Block developer Chad Walker reveals how theatrical elements and wedding cake tiers inspired the ...
From Indonesia to Lexington, Sylviana Herrin’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. We enjoyed chatting with Sylviana, the creative force behind the beloved bakery, La Petite Delicat, and hearing how she swapped her corporate shoes for a baker’s apron. Hear how a serendipitous encounter with macarons in Egypt led her to transform her newfound baking passion into a thriving local enterprise. Sylviana shares the ups and downs of her entrepreneurial path, from selling on Etsy to opening her ow...