ABOUT LD

The neighborhoods write their own stories, we just bring them to each of you.

Ever since 2015, Louisville Distilled has told Louisville’s story in an authentic, positive way through our people, our organizations and businesses, and our neighborhoods through its website and subscription newsletter.  

 

Our original, insightful storytelling celebrates the city’s innovators, dreamers and doers. Louisville Distilled covers neighborhood transformations and dynamic developments that propel our economy and cultural landscape forward.  

 

Got news or a story tip?
What are we missing? What story should we tell? What neighborhood should we visit? We’re always interested in hearing from our you. Email us at: feedback@louisvilledistilled.com.

Want to contribute?
We are always on the hunt for great local writers or photographers to contribute to Louisville Distilled. Please send pitches to: feedback@louisvilledistilled.com. 

Meet the Team

Managing Editor
Melanie Wolkoff Wachsman
A Cleveland native turned Louisville resident by way of Chicago, Melanie brings 20 years publishing experience to Louisville Distilled. After graduating from Indiana University Bloomington with degrees in English and Journalism, Melanie has worked as an editor on staffs at national magazines based in Chicago and Los Angeles. She moved to Louisville in 2004 where she launched a successful freelance editing and writing career. Her award-winning articles have appeared in Draft, Chef, The National Culinary Review, Pizza Today, Complete Woman, Louisville Magazine, Business First, Her Scene, Medical News and more. She lives in the East End with her husband, Sean, two children and dog. Passionate about the arts (and an adventurous foodie) Melanie loves eating her way through Louisville’s food scene and supporting the local arts and music scene.

Contributors

DANA MCMAHAN
Dana can't decide between bourbon country and the Motor City so she divides her time between Louisville and Detroit (when she's not wandering Paris, Bangkok, or points between). Her work has appeared on NBCNews.com and CNTraveler.com, and in the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and Elle magazine.
Dave Serchuk
Dave is the winner of multiple Moth Storyslams, an award-winning journalist, and past Deputy Editor at Forbes.com, and reporter at Forbes magazine. He’s written for: NPR’s On the Media, public radio’s Marketplace, WFPL, Playboy, CNBC.com, The New York Times: Upfront, The New York Post, The Financialist.com, Louisville magazine, The Forward, Time Out New York, New York magazine, The New York Press, and many other publications. He also produced the NYC-based storytelling show “Storytime” for two years.
ELI KEEL
Eli is a freelance journalist focused on arts and culture. He’s written for Salon.com, The MarySue.com, Howlround.com, Pointe Magazine, Louisville Public Radio’s news division, Insiderlouisville.com, and LEO Weekly. He lives in Shelby Park with two pitbulls and his wife.
ERICA RUCKER
Erica is a professional freelance copywriter and technical editor. Her work has appeared in LEO Weekly, The Guide, Foxy Digitalis, Insider Louisville and Norton Healthcare's Get Healthy magazine. You can follow Erica on Twitter @ericarucker, but beware of honesty, activist outrage and nerdy live-tweeting.
Jamie Sears-Rawlings
Jamie is a mom, communications professional and knowledge gatherer. When she's not wiping a dirty toddler face, she loves writing about people and things that make a difference in the world. And popsicles. She really loves those, too. 
Jessie Halladay
Jessie is a former newspaper reporter. Since 2003, she’s called Louisville home. She's a lover of the Kentucky Derby, good restaurants and Kentucky’s rich history. 
Lindsey McClave
Lindsey is a Louisville-based food writer, recipe developer, and co-host of the show The Farmer & The Foodie. She passed her level one Sommelier exam and has a weekly column in the Courier-Journal. Her work has appeared in Kentucky Monthly, Spoonful, Edible Louisville, Today’s Woman, and StyleBlueprint. Lindsey loves exploring Louisville's vibrant food scene with her husband and beloved pup Nick.
Michael L. Jones
Michael L. Jones is a freelance journalist and author. His latest book, “Louisville Jug Music: From Earl McDonald to the National Jubilee” received the 2015 Samuel Thomas Book Award from the Louisville Historical League. Louisville Metro Council recognized his contribution to local culture with a Spirit of Louisville Award.
Minda Honey
Minda is a local writer and frequent Instagram-poster. Follower her @mindahoney.
Syd Bishop
Syd is a freelance writer and musician. He co-runs the Louisville Music and Culture blog Never Nervous, and has contributed to The LEO Weekly, Louisville Magazine, The Courier Journal, WFPL, and the Voice Tribune. You can follow Syd on twitter @ttaurisb and find samples of his work at sydbishop.com.

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