The Original Influencers: Louisville’s Leading Women in Radio

By Alisha Proffitt Photos By Matt Johnson 

In this special Women’s Volume, we’re turning up the volume on the women who are the voices behind Louisville’s favorite radio stations. These women are community builders, local culture connoisseurs, and unapologetically themselves. 

Long before hashtags, reels, and algorithm-chasing content, there were radio personalities influencing communities with nothing but a mic and their voice. In Louisville, the women behind the dial have long been the original influencers, setting trends and starting conversations that no scroll through social media could replace. Before social media made “likes” a thing, these women were earning loyalty the old-school way by showing up every day, being real, and knowing exactly how to speak to a city. 

We’re celebrating the voices that have always led the way. Kelly K, Hayley Minogue, and Emily On The Radio of 99.7 DJX, Chea K. Woolfolk of Magic 101.3, Bella Rae of B96.5, and Amy Nic of 102.3 The Rose. These ladies are hometown icons. And many of them knew how to build a following before the word “follower” was even digital. These radio personalities continue to prove that influence isn’t about likes, it’s about real-life, unfiltered impact. 

KELLY K

99.7 DJX

Kelly K started her radio career with an internship as a student at Purdue University. That turned into co-hosting the morning show a year later, which led to a move to Louisville upon graduation in May of 1996 for a job at MIX102 radio. She has been one-half of the morning show on 99.7 DJX since May of 1999. It was The Peter B. and Kelly K Show for nearly nine years, which became The Ben Davis and Kelly K Show in March 2008. She’s active at numerous annual charity events, including their annual Radiothon for Norton Children’s Hospital. 

She has served as a member of the Community Advisory Board for Junior League of Louisville. She won the VOICE-TRIBUNE’s Bestie Award for Best Radio Host- Woman for three consecutive years. She is also a midday personality for WIKZ in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania (Alpha Media) and does afternoons on WXMA The Rose in Louisville (Alpha Media). 

Her husband, Michael, popped the question on air in February 2006, and they have a son, Jacob, and daughter, Ava. She is also the mom of three pug fur babies, Poppy, Piper and Peaches. 

Follow her on Instagram @kellykradio. 

EMILY ON THE RADIO

99.7 DJX

Emily On The Radio, afternoon host on 99.7 DJX, content creator, and self-proclaimed sweatpant connoisseur 

Originally from Indianapolis, she recently made the big move out of her mom’s house and into Louisville, where she now shares her gloriously chaotic quarter-life crisis live on-air with Kentuckiana women. 

Emily’s show is a judgment-free zone full of humor, heart, and hot takes on everything from celebrity drama to the very real struggle of figuring out dinner before 9 pm. With her bold hair, unapologetic honesty, and perfectly timed self-depreciating jokes, she’s become a favorite voice in the city- someone you feel like you already know (or maybe went to therapy with once). 

Whether it’s how to get blue hair dye off your forehead, where to find earrings that look like dentures, or what it’s like to wax your own armpits for the very first time, Emily will give it space on airwaves. 

Off the mic, Emily is a seasoned content creator with a gift for storytelling that’s equal parts candid and comedic. Her videos, often starring her cat/roommate Harold, blend pop culture commentary with relatable daily drama, all filtered through her signature “why is this my life?” lens. Whether she’s reading wild Reddit roommate stories, navigating Louisville locales, or showing off her latest budget fashion finds, Emily brings an authenticity that resonates deeply with her audience. 

She’s an avid collector of black leggings, an expert in avoiding plans that require hard pants, and a sucker for stand-up comedy and cooking competition shows. If she must leave the house, there better be snacks involved. And if you spot her in public, you’ll know it, she’s the one with the loud hair, probably laughing too hard, and absolutely not wearing heels. 

You can find her online at @emilyontheradio, where she shares the many versions of her face, her latest unhinged thoughts, and the occasional reminder that we’re all just doing our best out here. Whether you’re tuning in for a laugh, a little commiseration, or just to feel a bit more seen, Emily’s got you. 

HAYLEY MINOGUE

99.7 DJX

Hayley Minogue is the kind of radiopersonality who could make even an overplayed Sabrina Carpenter take on a new edge. Born with a knack for yapping and a name that’s just a little bit recognizable, Hayley has carved out her own path in the world of broadcasting.

A proud graduate of the Universityof Kentucky (Go Wildcats!), Hayley kicked off her career in local news, quickly becoming a familiar face and trusted voice in the Midwest. Her infectious energy and sharp wit made her a favorite with viewers, who tuned in not just for the headlines, but for Hayley’s signature blend of warmth and humor.

Over the years, Hayley has covered everything from severe weather to donkey basketball, giving her a unique perspective on all parts of the bluegrass. 

When she’s not chasing stories, she’s chasing shots at some of her favorite Louisville watering holes, finding someone’s pool to crash, or being a great mom while giving bad mothertrucker. 

Obnoxious, boisterous, andunserious are just some of the things her parents would say to describe her. To fill the voids of her lonely lover’s heart, Hayley has taken up weekends at DJX, a station she grew up listening to, but by week, she works in content at a Fortune 500. How’s that haters?! I have a big girl job!!!

Hayley Minogue believes in the power of outspoken opinion to connect communities and spark positive change. She’s passionate about relaying her own experience—and having a little fun along the way. If you see her out and about, don’t be shy—she’s always up for a chat (and maybe a selfie). 

CHEA K. WOOLFOLK 

LOUISVILLE’S MAGIC 101.3 

Chea K. Woolfolk is a dynamic media personality, creative entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for underrepresented voices. As the host of Midday Magic on Louisville’s Magic 101.3 FM—the #1 midday show in the UAC category—Chea brings energy, authenticity, and connection to the airwaves every day. 

With a background spanning hosting, radio, public speaking, publishing, editing, producing, and promotional strategy, Chea has carved out a powerful lane in both entertainment and empowerment. Her diverse talents have made her a sought-after host for concerts, fundraisers, and community events, where her ability to engage any audience shines through. 

Chea is also the creative mind behind several impactful brands and platforms, including The Chea K. Show, Takeover Productions, Let’s Be Real Journals, Chea Chea Media, The MOVE!, and Loving on Louisville. Through these ventures, she uplifts marginalized voices and delivers intentional storytelling and strategy rooted in culture and community. 

At this stage of her career, Chea K. is focused on expanding her presence in radio and entertainment—continuing to inspire, entertain, and represent with purpose. She’s worked hard— and she’s only getting started. 

BELLA RAE

LOUISVILLE’S B96.5

Bella Rae is a powerhouse with a mic in one hand and a toddler on her hip. A true rock star mom and voice of the city, Bella brings a unique blend of real-life motherhood, high-energy hosting, and unshakable authenticity to everything she does. Known for her infectious laugh and “You got this, sis” mantra, Bella isn’t just talking to her listeners; she’s walking alongside them through life. 

Born and raised in Louisville, Bella Rae fell in love with hip hop as a teen and always knew she’d end up on the airwaves. After high school (and two young boys), she was more determined than ever to chase her dream. She earned her degree from the University of Louisville and took the first step into radio as a front desk receptionist. From those humble beginnings, Bella hustled her way to the top, becoming the reigning #1 afternoon personality on Louisville’s B96.5. 

Now, from 2 pm to 7 pm each weekday, Bella Rae connects with her community through music, laughter, and the realest talk on the radio. But her impact doesn’t stop there. Whether she’s visiting local schools to inspire students or turning up with the elders in nursing homes, Bella shows up with love, purpose and unmatched energy. 

Her fans aren’t just listeners, they’re family. Many have grown up with her voice in their ears, and now they’re raising kids right along with her. 

Catch Bella Rae on-air, in the streets, or on social @thebellaraeshow. She’s not just a radio host, she’s a movement! 

AMY NIC 

102.3 THE ROSE 

Amy Nic- a name affectionately given to her by her parents, short for Amy Nicole- was born and raised in Louisville, Ky, and she wears her southern roots with pride (drawl included!). She is a graduate of Louisville Male High School (Go Bulldogs!) and went on to earn her degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting from Western Kentucky University. It was there that she found her passion for radio and also found her husband, Andy- the boy next door who became her best friend and partner in everything. 

These days, they’re raising their three amazing boys- Drake, Drew, and Nico- who keep life loud, fun, and wonderfully unpredictable. Their friends call Amy “Amom” and her husband “Adad” because, well, they love nicknames and wear them like badges of honor. They’re also proud pet parents to two loyal German Shepherds, Rosie and Herro. 

Amy lives by the motto that life’s too short not to enjoy every moment. She sees the world through rose-colored glasses and believes laughter, love, and a little wine (okay, a lot of chardonnay-nay!) can brighten any day. Cooking is one of her favorite pastimes, mostly because she loves to eat and feed the people she loves. Food is love, y’all! 

Radio has always felt like home to her. She’s a talker by nature, a connector of people, and someone who genuinely never meets a stranger. Whether she’s behind the mic, telling stories, sharing laughs, or lifting someone’s spirits, being a radio personality is more than just a job; it is her calling. 

From southern charm to family chaos, nicknames to kitchen experiments, Amy Nic brings all of herself to the airwaves. If you’re tuning in for a laugh, a good story, or just a familiar voice, Amy is here for it and here for you. 

You never know what’s going to come out of her mouth, because she admittedly doesn’t know either! Have some fun with Amy Nic and get your mornings started on 102.3 The Rose from 6 am to noon!