MoxieTalk with Kirt Jacobs

Mike Tomes, inadvertently, and one could say by sheer karma, became MoxieTalk's quincentenary (500th) guest in our series! is a fashion-forward style influencer based in Louisville, Kentucky, who frequently describes himself as a "dabbler in fashion, travel, marketing, and events", positioning himself clearly in the style and lifestyle influencer space, and he consistently shares bold and expressive outfits that blend elegance with flair. He operates locally and is embedded in the Louisville fashion and events community. Described by many as a "bold style tastemaker and designer," he appeared alongside fashion figures such as Amanda Dare in local media reels, signaling his role in regional fashion events & gatherings. Beyond Instagram, his fashion presence appears at Louisville lifestyle and design events, notably in local reels and posts that suggest collaboration and visibility within the community. He Stands Out because he is often seen contributing to Louisville fashion conversations, from derby style to couture events, by utilizing dramatic styling and high-fashion photo shoots to amplify his personal style voice. Though not celebrity-level, his consistent presence and collaborations hint at influence within local trendsetting circles. He blends travel, design, and curated style into his brand, contributing to the city's creative scene.

Host Kirt Jacobs catches up with Mark Simms at Churchill Downs, diving into the vibrant world of Derby fashion. Mark shares his love for colorful hats and his unique custom outfits, making every year a lively derby party event! It's all about what to wear and how to dress up for this iconic horse racing event!

🏆 Career Achievements Kentucky Derby Winner 7 times (1997, 1998, 2002, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2023) – though the 2021 victory with Medina Spirit was later disqualified. Preakness Stakes Winner 8 times (1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2010, 2015, 2018, 2023). Belmont Stakes Winner 3 times (2001, 2015, 2018). Triple Crown Victories American Pharaoh (2015) ended a 37-year drought, the first Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978. Justify (2018) became only the second undefeated horse to win the Triple Crown. Breeders' Cup Success Multiple Breeders' Cup victories, including the Classic, Sprint, and Juvenile races. Awards & Recognition Four-time Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer. Inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2009. Consistently ranked among the all-time leading trainers in purse earnings. ⚖️ Controversy Baffert has been at the center of medication controversies and suspensions. Notably, Medina Spirit failed a post-Kentucky Derby drug test in 2021, leading to disqualification. These controversies have tarnished his public image but have not erased his impact as one of the most dominant trainers in modern history.

What does it take to spot a diamond in the rough? In this episode, we chart the incredible career of trainer and bloodstock agent Kenny McPeek, a man whose legacy is built on skill, persistence, and an unparalleled eye for equine talent. Born at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, but a true son of Lexington, Kentucky, Kenny McPeek has racing in his blood. Since earning his license in 1985, he has meticulously built a reputation for transforming modestly-bred yearlings into elite competitors. His breakout moment on the national stage came in 2002 when he guided Harlan's Holiday to a Florida Derby win, only to top it months later by saddling 70-1 longshot Sarava to win the Belmont Stakes, playing the ultimate spoiler to a Triple Crown bid. But 2024 would prove to be his most historic year yet. McPeek accomplished a rare and coveted feat, winning the Kentucky Oaks with the formidable Thorpedo Anna and then capturing the Kentucky Derby with Mystik Dan just one day later. It was the first time a trainer had swept both iconic races since 1952. Join us as we unpack the key moments, the legendary horses, and the philosophy that has made Kenny McPeek not just a Triple Crown-winning trainer, but a true master of the sport.

Chapel Tinius was Miss Kentucky 2024, a title she earned on June 15, 2024, at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC) in Bowling Green, Kentucky. A Bowling Green native and a graduate of Belmont University, where she earned dual degrees in Musical Theatre & Corporate Communications in 2022. ​ Community Service Initiative: Tinius's community service initiative, "Operation Gratitude: For the Fallen, For the Fighting, For the Veterans," is deeply personal. She is the granddaughter of two World War II veterans—her maternal grandfather, Dr. Lawrence Emberton, a Navy veteran and lifelong doctor in Metcalfe County, & her paternal grandfather, George Tinius, an Army veteran and triple amputee due to a landmine explosion. Her grandfather entrusted her with his Purple Heart medal when she was 6, a gesture that profoundly influenced her commitment to honoring veterans. ​ Over the years, Tinius has organized numerous initiatives to support veterans, including running over 25 half marathons @ three full marathons to raise funds for the Honor Flight Network. She also founded the "Run to Fly" series, completing ten 10 Ks across Kentucky to support Honor Flight Kentucky in ten days. Additionally, she has partnered with organizations like Carry The Load and created a violin/harp CD titled "Gratitude," which she gifts to veterans as a music therapy tool. ​ Role as Miss KY: As Miss Kentucky, Tinius is the spokesperson for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's Kentucky Proud initiative, promoting locally grown & produced products. She has made 189 appearances across 72 countries & aims to visit all 120 countries during her tenure. Her outreach includes educational programs in schools, where she uses her musical talents to engage students & teach them about agriculture. ​ Tinius also works with the KY Department of Agriculture's Mobile Science Activity Centers and the Raising Hope program, which focuses on the mental and physical well-being of Kentucky's farmers and their families. Her efforts aim to raise awareness about the challenges the agricultural community faces and promote healthy living. ​ Personal Background/Education: Raised on a small horse farm in Bowling Green, Tinius has been actively involved in the arts from a young age. She performed in musicals & plays in south-central Kentucky, played the harp at various events, and was a member of the Red River Fiddlers Band for 12 years.

Step into the world of a true master of illusion, Lance Burton, a magician widely considered by his peers to be the greatest of the last century. As magic historian Mike Caveney famously stated, "Take every Magician in the world, line them up and give them each twelve minutes…Lance Wins!" His journey began in Kentucky, where a childhood fascination with a magic trick, "The Miser's Dream," sparked a lifelong passion. This early interest quickly evolved into a prodigious talent, leading him to win the "Gold Medal for Excellence" from the International Brotherhood of Magicians in 1980. Burton's career skyrocketed when he burst onto the national scene with his first appearance on *The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson*. So impressed was Carson that he gave the young magician an unprecedented 12-minute routine. This was just the beginning of a storied television career with numerous specials and late-night appearances. In 1982, Burton made history by becoming the first American and the youngest person to win the Grand Prix award at the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM), often called the Olympics of magic, solidifying his status as a world champion. His incredible talent found its ultimate home in Las Vegas, where he became a legendary headliner. After a record-breaking nine-year run in "Folies Bergère," he launched his own shows. In 1996, he signed a historic 13-year contract with the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, where the custom-built, 1,274-seat Lance Burton Theatre was constructed specifically for his act. Over his career, he performed an astounding 15,000 shows for more than 5 million fans, becoming a cornerstone of Las Vegas entertainment and earning the title of "Best Magician" from the Las Vegas Review-Journal for 18 consecutive years. After concluding his long-running Vegas residency in 2010, Burton didn't simply vanish. He returned to his home state of Kentucky, dedicating time to mentoring young magicians, supporting various charities, and even directing a feature film, *Billy Topit Master Magician*. While he has retired from the grueling schedule of a nightly headliner, he continues to share his craft with the world. Today, he tours with his acclaimed show, "Lance Burton & Friends," bringing a family-friendly mix of grand illusions, masterful sleight-of-hand, and special guest performers to audiences across the country, proving that his ability to inspire wonder remains as powerful as ever.

We're taking a closer look at Coach Jay Cobb, the head coach of the varsity football team at the legendary Trinity High School in Louisville, Kentucky. Trinity is a powerhouse with a storied tradition, consistently ranked among Kentucky's top high school football programs, and known for producing a long line of collegiate and professional players. Before being appointed head coach of the Trinity Shamrocks in 2021, Jay Cobb had already built a robust career and a reputation for turning around football programs. His journey through various high schools was marked by consistently improving team performance and fostering positive, competitive environments. At the heart of his approach is a coaching philosophy that emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and a powerful work ethic, values he instills in every young athlete he guides. Known for his sharp strategic insight, Coach Cobb meticulously prepares his teams for every game, focusing on both offensive and defensive strategies and making critical in-game adjustments. He fosters a profound sense of unity and camaraderie, believing that a cohesive team where each player understands their vital role is essential for success. This focus on teamwork is matched by his commitment to player development, not just in athletic skill but also in character, academics, and personal growth. Coach Jay Cobb's tenure at Trinity High School has reinforced the school's tradition of football excellence. His dedication to high standards on and off the field has positively impacted the players and the wider school community. As a respected figure in high school football, his leadership and commitment ensure that the Trinity Shamrocks remain a formidable force, shaping successful athletes and well-rounded individuals.

Born on August 31, 1971, in Atlanta, Georgia, Christopher Tucker would rise from the vibrant streets of Decatur to the heights of international stardom, carving out a singular niche as one of Hollywood's most recognizable comedic actors and entertainers. Tucker, the youngest of six children in a working-class household, was raised in a profoundly spiritual, disciplined environment. His father, Norris Tucker, operated an independent janitorial business, while his mother, Mary Louise Tucker, held the family together with faith and fortitude. Even as a young boy, Chris possessed an extraordinary gift for mimicry and humor. He idolized legends like Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and Michael Jackson, often performing impromptu impersonations for classmates and family alike. These early performances laid the foundation for a dynamic and unconventional career built not on volume but on impact. Following graduating from Columbia High School, Tucker relocated to Los Angeles, determined to pursue a comedy career. In the hallowed halls of The Comedy Store and on the iconic stage of HBO's Def Comedy Jam, he began to distinguish himself with his high-octane delivery, frenetic energy, and piercing wit. His rapid-fire speech, expressive physicality, and signature high-pitched voice earned him standing ovations and national attention, positioning him as one of the most exciting young voices in 1990s stand-up. Tucker made his film debut in 1994's House Party 3, but the following year truly changed his career trajectory. In 1995, he co-starred in "Friday" as Smokey, the fast-talking, irreverent, marijuana-smoking best friend to Ice Cube's stoic Craig. The film, shot on a modest budget and directed by F. Gary Gray, became a cult classic. Tucker's improvisational brilliance and magnetic charm cemented Smokey as one of the most iconic characters in modern comedy cinema. Remarkably, Tucker declined to return for the sequels, citing personal values and a desire to grow beyond the character's image. What followed was a series of memorable roles that showcased Tucker's versatility and willingness to take risks. In Dead Presidents (1995), he offered a more dramatic performance in a gritty Vietnam-era crime drama. In The Fifth Element (1997), directed by Luc Besson, he took an audacious turn as Ruby Rhod, a flamboyant, futuristic talk show host whose eccentricity became instantly iconic. That same year, he starred opposite Charlie Sheen in Money Talks, marking his first leading role in a mainstream action-comedy. But it was in 1998 that Chris Tucker would ascend to a new echelon of stardom with the release of Rush Hour, a buddy-cop action comedy that paired him with martial arts superstar Jackie Chan. Playing Detective James Carter, a loudmouthed, charismatic LAPD officer, Tucker was the perfect foil to Chan's stoic and disciplined Inspector Lee. The film's action, comedy, and East-meets-West charm made it a global phenomenon, grossing over $244 million and spawning two sequels: Rush Hour 2 (2001) and Rush Hour 3 (2007). Tucker's performance in the Rush Hour series not only made him a household name but also placed him among the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. For Rush Hour 2, he negotiated a $20 million salary; for Rush Hour 3, he commanded $25 million, an unprecedented figure for an African American comedic actor. However, just as his fame soared, Tucker made a surprising decision: he stepped away from Hollywood, turning down numerous roles and effectively removing himself from the spotlight. This hiatus was not due to scandal or failure but rather a personal journey. A born-again Christian, Tucker chose to realign his life with his spiritual beliefs, focusing on his faith, his family, and humanitarian causes. He became increasingly selective about his film roles, declining parts that conflicted with his values, especially those involving excessive profanity or vulgarity. During this period, Tucker returned to his roots in stand-up comedy, touring the United States and internationally to enthusiastic crowds. His performances reflected a more mature, reflective voice—still animated and humorous but now infused with introspection and wisdom. In 2012, Tucker made a cinematic comeback with a supporting role in Silver Linings Playbook, directed by David O. Russell and co-starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. As Danny, a fellow patient in a psychiatric facility, Tucker brought a lightness and warmth to a film that received eight Academy Award nominations, effectively reintroducing him to a new generation of filmgoers. Tucker has been active in philanthropy and international advocacy outside the entertainment industry. He has supported education and health initiatives through the Chris Tucker Foundation, particularly in underserved communities. He has also worked on causes related to HIV/AIDS awareness, clean water access in Africa, and youth mentorship programs in the United States. Despite his selective filmography, Tucker's cultural influence remains significant. His characters—whether the chaotic Smokey, the unforgettable Ruby Rhod, or the brash yet lovable Detective Carter—have entered the lexicon of modern American comedy. In an industry often defined by saturation and overexposure, Tucker has remained iconic and enigmatic, a rarity in the modern era of celebrity. As of 2025, Chris Tucker continues to tour as a stand-up comedian, drawing capacity crowds around the globe. Persistent rumors surrounding a potential Rush Hour 4 have kept fans hopeful for a reunion with Jackie Chan. However, Tucker has remained characteristically measured in his public comments, signaling that quality and purpose, not just commercial success, will guide his decision. Whether on stage or screen, Chris Tucker's legacy is one of authenticity, integrity, and undeniable talent. His work has transcended genres, geographies, and generations, and his presence, once felt, never forgotten, continues to shape the world of comedy and entertainment in profound and enduring ways.