24 - Civic Leadership and Community Impact: Vanessa Grossl’s Journey from Teacher to State Representative

24 - Civic Leadership and Community Impact: Vanessa Grossl’s Journey from Teacher to State Representative

Author: Kris Castle July 29, 2025 Duration: 26:02
Vanessa Grossl is the State Representative for Kentucky's District 88. Vanessa shares her journey from growing up in Eastern Kentucky to becoming a legislator, highlighting her passion for education, community service, and problem-solving. She talks about how encouragement from her family and friends—particularly her mother—helped her step into public service, her approachable leadership style, current bipartisan efforts in Frankfort, and the importance of creating harmony rather than balance in work and life. Vanessa also touches on her nonprofit work with the Bluegrass Community Foundation, her Saturday KET ritual for relaxation, and gives advice for staying present in the moment. Don’t miss her book and podcast recommendations: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom and Kentucky Politics Weekly. Connect with Vanessa on Facebook and Twitter/X. Powered by Castle Insurance.

Kris Castle hosts Boss Babes of the Bluegrass, a series of conversations that feel more like a coffee chat with a friend than a formal interview. Each episode sits down with a different woman who has carved out her own version of success right here in Central Kentucky. The focus isn't just on professional accolades, though you'll hear plenty about that; it's about the real, often messy, journey of building a career while building a life. You'll listen to stories about the late nights, the tough decisions, the unexpected pivots, and the small victories that define the path. This podcast digs into the practicalities and the personal philosophies that these local leaders use to navigate their worlds. It’s for anyone curious about how other women are stitching together ambition, community, and personal well-being into something that works for them. Tune in for genuine dialogue that offers both inspiration and tangible takeaways, reminding you that work-life harmony is a personal composition, not a prescribed formula.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 44

Boss Babes of the Bluegrass
Podcast Episodes
43 - The Executive Method with Amanda Woods Hall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:36
Amanda Woods Hall is founder of The Executive Method, to explore how embracing your authentic self—and understanding the way your brain works—can transform your life and business. Amanda shared actionable strategies for…
42 - Navigating Law and Life with Judge Lucy VanMeter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:02
Judge Lucy Van Meter shares her inspiring journey from Bourbon County High to becoming Fayette Circuit Court Judge and now running for Kentucky Court of Appeals. We talk about the challenges of making tough decisions, na…
40 - Turning Struggles into Strength with Keary Snapp [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:13
Kris welcomes Keary Snapp to discuss her inspiring 20+ year journey in the health and wellness industry. Keary shares how her career evolved from personal training and figure competitions to massage therapy, functional w…
37 - Adventures with Paws and Pillows w/ Renee Chew [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:54
Renee Chew of Paws and Pillows discusses her inspiring journey from a 35-year corporate career to caring for animals and supporting the local community in Kentucky. Renee shares how her business provides loving care for…
36 - The Power of Self-Care in Marriage with Cristie Cerniglia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:19
In this episode of Boss Babes of the Bluegrass, Kris Castle sits down with marriage coach Cristie Cerniglia to discuss her journey from homeschooling mom to transformative relationship coach in Nicholasville, Kentucky. C…