EPISODE #49

Retired Eli Lilly CEO John Lechleiter Talks About His Life and Career

Sixteen Years of Catholic Education Helped Pave the Way to a Life of Leadership, Service and Humility

John’s ability to overcome setbacks and challenges is all about his Catholic faith, his family and his Catholic education Learn about how his success in life and career catapulted an amazing legacy of community investment and service

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #48

NFL Great Will Wolford Shares His Story

Learn How His Early Days at St. Agnes School and St. X High School Propelled Him to Become One of the NFL’s Best Offensive Linemen!!

Will talks about his many life journeys, from Vanderbilt University to 13 NFL seasons to professional investment adviser

 All along the way, his Catholic faith, his Catholic education and his grit to be THE BEST make for an amazing success story

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #47

A Newly Ordained Priest Shares His Faith Journey

Ordained in June 2024, Father Michael Schultz now serves as the Associate Pastor at Louisville’s St. Albert the Great Parish

Discover the joy-filled life of a dynamic young  priest who embraces God’s call to be a missionary! Listen to his story of early discernment and his great passion for Catholic education and evangelization among young people!!

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!!

EPISODE #46

Coach Davenport’s Early Childhood in Louisville’s South End Launched Him to Greatness in his Life, Career and Family!

Perhaps our best storyteller, Coach Davenport recounts every step of his storied life. So join us on this entertaining and heartfelt conversation about the true meaning of success in his life – you’ll LOVE IT!!

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #45

Catholic Education and How It Formed the Life of a Young CEO!

LPX Group President Hunter Strickler Talks About How Catholic Education Changed His Life – Forever!

Meet Hunter Strickler, the young leader of a large Louisville-based company, a husband, father and a man of faith. Learn how his St. X experience propelled him in every aspect of his life!!

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #44

Beginning in his high school days, Chris Ratterman caught the entrepreneurial bug and never shook it.  Today, he is the founder and CEO of Shady Rays, a phenomenally successful online sunglass retailer. Learn about his Catholic education roots and how they propelled him in every aspect of his life!

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #43

Meet Greg Gitschier, now a Deacon at Louisville’s St. Patrick Parish, and listen to his life story as a police officer, Secret Service Agent, husband, father and true giver.

Learn how his assignment to protect Pope John Paul II in 1999 completely changed his faith and his life!!

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #42

From Catholic Educator in Owensboro, KY and Evansville, IN to Influential Author and Catholic Education Thought Leader!

Meet Dr. Daryl Hagan, the Director of the Institute for the Transformation of Catholic Education at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

 Learn about his passion for expanding the impact of Catholic education in the U.S. and around the world!

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #41

Coach Kelsey is All About His Catholic Faith and Catholic Education – Learn Why!

Coach Pat Kelsey talks about his family, his faith and his Catholic education and how they have propelled his life!

 You just can’t help getting excited when Coach Kelsey ramps it up – so come join in the fun!!

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #40

It’s Never Been Done Before –

Learn About the Foundation’s Recently Announced $100 Million Capital Campaign!!

LPX Group CEO Joe Dougherty is leading the largest capital campaign in the history of The Archdiocese of Louisville – find out why!

Learn how this campaign will change the face of Catholic education across central Kentucky – FOREVER!!

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #39

Coming Soon – The 35th Annual Salute to Catholic School Alumni Dinner Event!!

Meet Event Chair and Valhalla Golf Club Owner Jimmy Kirchdorfer and Learn About  the Catholic Education Foundation’s Signature Fundraising Event Set for March 18!

Jimmy Kirchdorfer, Chair and CEO of Louisville-based ISCO Industries, talks about his commitment to Catholic education and why it’s so important to our community. Get the inside scoop on what’s happening at Valhalla Golf Club and the exciting future professional golf events to be staged at this iconic venue!

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #38

The World’s Best Bourbon Raffle Has Arrived!

Meet Bourbon Hall of Fame Inductee Wes Henderson and Learn About the Catholic Education Foundation’s Fourth Annual Bourbon Raffle – Our Best Ever!!

Wes Henderson, famed creator of the Angel’s Envy brand, talks about his life and family and how they came together to produce such an amazing career run that isn’t stopping anytime soon! And come aboard and join the Foundation’s exciting online Bourbon Raffle in its fourth annual launch!

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #37

Meet Catholic Education Foundation Board Member Diane Gahafer!

Learn About How Her Life was Forever Changed by Her Days at St. Rita School and Assumption High School!

Diane Gahafer, business executive and Catholic education advocate, talks about the game-changing impact of more kids in Catholic schools.

And how it positively shapes entire communities!

Learn why Catholic school enrollments are rising across central Kentucky!

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #36

Learn About the “How and Why” Behind the Growth in Catholic School Enrollments Across Central Kentucky!

Reverend John Baptist Hoang, Chaplain for the University of Louisville, shares his journey that led him to the Dominican Friars and ultimately to campus ministry.

 And why it’s so important to the culture of the student body!

 Learn how the Gospel message is making an impact at U of L!

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #35

Learn About the “How and Why” Behind the Growth in Catholic School Enrollments Across Central Kentucky!

Dr. Mary Beth Bowling, Superintendent of Catholic Schools 

for the Archdiocese of Louisville, shares the exciting story

of the expanding impact of Catholic education.

And why it will continue to grow going forward!!

Learn about the great partnership between the Foundation and 

Catholic schools – and how it’s changing the lives of more and more families!!

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #34

The Catholic Education Foundation Digs into November’s School Choice Vote in Kentucky

Learn About Amendment 2 to Kentucky’s Constitution and Why It’s Important to Families 

Meet Dr. Thomas Davis, Emergency Room Physician and School Choice advocate for Kentucky families 

Discover the truth – and the myths – about School Choice

Learn about how the passage of this amendment to Kentucky’s Constitution will change the lives of thousands of families across the Commonwealth – FOREVER!!!

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #33

Learn How the Salute to THE GAME Luncheon Event Has Become the Largest of its Kind Across the Commonwealth of Kentucky!

Meet Ja Hillebrand, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Louisville-based Stock Yards Bank, the Lead Sponsor of this year’s 17^th annual celebration of the storied  St. Xavier – Trinity high school football rivalry!

Tigers vs. Rocks – Who you pulling for in 2024?

Learn about how this single event catapults the futures of thousands of Catholic school families across the Archdiocese of Louisville!

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #32

The Catholic Education Foundation Visits with its New Board Chair

From St. James School to Trinity High School to Bellarmine University,  Catholic education has transformed every facet of Joe’s life journey.

Learn about his vision for the future of the Foundation and its expanding impact on people’s lives!

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #31

Learn About How Thoroughbred Trainer Kenny McPeek Became One of the Industry’s Best

Famed trainer Kenny McPeek tells his story from the beginning, from curious young boy to Owner/Operator of McPeek Racing.

Learn about how he became only the fourth trainer in history to win both the Oaks and the Derby in the same year!

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #30

Growing importance of the Hispanic Ministry across the Archdiocese.

This podcast features Father Mike Tobin, Pastor of St. Rita and St. Luke Parishes and the Archdiocesan Vicar for Hispanic Ministry, and Rich Lechleiter, President of the Catholic Education Foundation of Louisville. 

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #29

Learn all about the Nation’s Best Bourbon Raffle!

Jay Lilly, Catholic school alum, bourbon enthusiast, and bourbon industry expert joins us to talk about the Nation’s best bourbon raffle.

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #28

Follow Brandon Pfaadt’s Amazing Journey from Saint Martha School to Trinity High School to Bellarmine University to World Series Pitcher

Major League Pitcher Brandon Pfaadt joins Foundation President Rich Lechleiter to talk about his exciting career journey!!

Learn how Brandon’s family, his Catholic faith and his Catholic education 

all came together to inspire him to greatness.

Remember, for all our young Catholic school students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #27

Discover the Amazing Works of Young Notre Dame Graduates Who Deliver Catholic Education to Underserved Communities Across the U. S.!

Father Nate Wills, the recent keynote speaker at the 34^th annual Salute to Catholic School Alumni dinner event in Louisville, joins Foundation President Rich Lechleiter to talk about the transformative works of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education.

Learn how groups of recent Notre Dame graduates are sent across the country each year to teach in underserved Catholic schools and communities.

Remember, for all our young students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #26

Catholic Education Insight: Nurturing Academic Excellence with Principal Amy Fears.

This podcast will feature Amy Fears, the new Principal at Saint Raphael School, along with Catholic Education Foundation President Rich Lechleiter. The primary focus of the conversation is the many ways that Catholic schools foster academic excellence, particularly through the use of standardized periodic testing (MAP Testing) of students as a tool to measuring progress in learning.

EPISODE #25

The Catholic Education Experience – Through the Eyes of a High School Senior!

How Catholic Education Has Forever Changed a Young Man’s Life. Please Join Foundation President Rich Lechleiter and Saint Xavier Senior Angelo Centeno as They Talk About Today’s Catholic School Journey. Learn about how this experience has transformed Angelo’s life and sent him in a bold and exciting new direction!! Remember, for all our young students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”.

EPISODE #24

Tax-Advantaged Charitable Giving Strategies That You Should Know

There are Many Different Ways that You Can Help the Catholic Education Foundation Grow its Mission! Foundation President Rich Lechleiter talks to Kelly Taylor, Co-Founder of Lexington-based Trek Advancement. Learn about how you and your family can help the Foundation expand its impact through various tax-advantaged charitable giving options. Remember, for all our young students and their families, “The Answer is Yes!”.

EPISODE #23

The Catholic Education Foundation of Louisville and the CSAA – Together Transforming Young Lives Forever!! Foundation President Rich Lechleiter joins Rick Arnold, Executive Director of the Catholic Schools Athletic Association. Learn about how the Foundation and CSAA are partnering to make the Catholic school experience even better for all our young students and their families. At the CSAA, “Everybody Plays!” And at the Catholic Education Foundation, “The Answer is Yes!”.

EPISODE #22

This podcast will feature Sarah Weatherwax, the Executive Director of Louisville’s Community Catholic Center, along with Catholic Education Foundation President Rich Lechleiter. The primary focus of the conversation is the mission of the Community Catholic Center and its unique partnership with the Catholic Education Foundation.

EPISODE #21

This podcast will feature the President of Independence Bank, Louis Straub, the Lead Sponsor of the 16th annual Salute to THE GAME luncheon event, along with Catholic Education Foundation President Rich Lechleiter. The primary focus of the conversation is the Salute to THE GAME luncheon event, hosted by the Catholic Education Foundation each year in celebration of the storied St. X – Trinity football rivalry, and how Independence Bank plays a major role in what has evolved into the largest fundraising event of its kind across the Commonwealth.

EPISODE #20

This podcast will feature Renee Doty, Principal of Pitt Academy, and Paula Watkins, Principal of Holy Trinity Clifton School, along with Catholic Education Foundation President Rich Lechleiter. The primary focus of the conversation is the unique mission of each school in the development of their students and families who have special needs.

EPISODE #19

The Catholic Education Foundation of Louisville and St. Vincent de Paul Louisville – Two Catholic Organizations Working to Improve the Lives of Others! Foundation President Rich Lechleiter visits with Dave Calzi, Executive Director and CEO of St. Vincent de Paul Louisville. Learn about the 365-day-a-year transformational works of St. Vincent de Paul. We think you’ll be surprised to learn about all the different ways this organization is making our community better!!

EPISODE #18

Foundation President Rich Lechleiter chats with Julie Perdue, Principal of St. Bernard School, and Gregg Boehmer, Principal of St. James School. Learn how these two great Catholic elementary schools are making their communities better and transforming hearts and minds forever!!

EPISODE #17

This episode features Retired U. S. Army Colonel Blaine Hedges along with Catholic Education Foundation President Rich Lechleiter. The primary focus of the conversation is the Foundation’s 2^nd annual Bourbon Raffle.

EPISODE #16

Featuring Salute Honorees Dr. Cindy Crabtree, Past President of Sacred Heart Schools, and Tom Perrone, Managing Director of the Perrone Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. This month’s podcast shares the stories from two distinguished honorees at the 33^rd annual Salute to Catholic School Alumni dinner event held on March 8 at The Galt House Hotel. Learn how Catholic education shaped and transformed their lives – forever!

EPISODE #15

Featuring Randy Bufford, Salute Dinner Event Chair and Founder of Trilogy Health Services.  This month’s podcast is all about the 33^rd annual Salute to Catholic School Alumni dinner event set for March 8 at the Galt House Hotel. Learn more about how this hallmark community event has grown to become the largest of its kind across the Commonwealth. Last year’s event posted an all-time fundraising record of an astounding $1.4 million. This year’s event aims even higher!!

EPISODE #14

This month’s podcast is all about the celebration of Catholic Schools Week and the life-changing journey of a Catholic education. Learn more about how the Office of Catholic Schools and the Catholic Education Foundation are working together to tell every family in need what they long to hear – “The Answer is Yes!”

EPISODE #13

The Dahlem Family has made a big impact on the works of the Foundation. Join us as Charlie Dahlem tells us why access to a Catholic education is so important to their family.

EPISODE #12

Learn about the amazing faith journey that brought Peter Bucalo from a popular local radio personality to a Roman Catholic priest serving the Archdiocese of Louisville. WOW!! You’ll see why he’s such an exceptional homilist and beloved parish leader!

EPISODE #11

Learn more about why athletics play such an important part in the Catholic school experience Long-time Coach Thom Wachtel and Jody Demling talk about their work in building all kinds of sports programs in Catholic elementary schools, including some new ones of which you may not be aware!

EPISODE #10

Join us and learn about how Tony Vanetti’s Catholic faith and his Catholic education have defined his life, his family and his career.

EPISODE #9

Re-Connect with Phil McHugh, Co-Founder of the Salute to THE GAME Luncheon Event, as We Get Set to Kick Off the 15^th Edition of this Hallmark Community Fundraising Event Celebrating the Storied St. X – Trinity Football Rivalry.

EPISODE #8

Listen to Principal Terry Mullaney describe what makes Ascension School a Nationally Recognized Blue Ribbon and, most recently, Green Ribbon School of Excellence!

EPISODE #7

Join us for our seventh edition as we get to know the new Archbishop of Louisville, Most Reverend Shelton J. Fabre.

EPISODE #6

Foundation Board Member Matt Ott and Brown-Forman Master Distiller Chris Morris Join Julie Baum and Rich Lechleiter in a Podcast Preview of This Exciting New Fundraising Event.

EPISODE #5

Emmy Award winning journalist and host of WHAS 11’s Great Day Live!, Claudia Coffey, joins Foundation President Rich Lechleiter to talk about how her Catholic education changed her pathway in life, family and career.

EPISODE #4

This podcast features the new Presenting Sponsor of the 32nd annual Salute to Catholic School Alumni dinner event, Jimmy Kirchdorfer, along with Catholic Education Foundation President Rich Lechleiter.

EPISODE #3

Catholic Education Foundation Director of Advancement Kevin Woodward and Catholic School Athletic Association (“CSAA”) Executive Director Rick Arnold join moderator Teague Ridge of Talgrace Marketing for the 3rd edition of the Foundation’s Podcast. In this podcast, we dive into Catholic School Sports.

EPISODE #2

We are honored to share with you a conversation about Catholic education with special guest The Most Reverend Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, and Foundation President Richard A. Lechleiter

EPISODE #1

We take a deep dive into Catholic education with special guest
Dr. Mary Beth Bowling, Superintendent of Catholic Schools,
and Foundation President Richard A. Lechleiter