Josh’s Louisville (09/22/2022)

You know those “______’s Louisville” banners on the sides of buildings throughout the city? Ali and Jennifer Lawrence and Diane Sawyer and more “notable” names. We think the blank should be for all of us. (Who do you think Louisville Magazine should interview about our city? You can tell us here.) 

Since March 2020, what’s something you’ve lost?

“My grandma Lola. My favorite person in the family and perpetual partner when playing the card game Pitch.” 

Since March 2020, what’s something you’ve gained?

“The ability to mix a mean cocktail.”

Since March 2020, what’s something Louisville has lost?

“Some amazing restaurants. RIP Butchertown Grocery.”

Since March 2020, what’s something Louisville has gained?

“A fuller understanding of systemic racism.”

Louisville dish you’ve eaten more than any other?

“Philly cheesesteak at Cafe 360 on Bardstown Road. No onions or peppers, extra garlic-Parm on the side.”

Where are you a regular? 

“La Chasse on Bardstown Road. The Just Joshin’ Around cocktail is my namesake!”

What should be Louisville’s theme song?

“‘Louisville,’ by Amos Lee.”

Favorite Louisville building?

“21c. My future wife and I made out in the alley next to it while we were broken up.”

Where in town do you always take visitors?

“Hell or High Water (speakeasy downtown behind Whiskey Row).”

Most memorable show/concert you’ve been to in Louisville? 

“Damien Rice at the Palace in 2007. He asked the audience for chords, then created a song from those chords with lyrics out of thin air.”

A Louisville law/ordinance/rule/etc. that needs to change?

“Decriminalizing marijuana.”

If you were elected mayor, what’s the first thing you would do on day one?

“Make myself mayor for longer so I could do more.”

One thing Louisville is missing?

“A pro sports team from one of the big four.”

Favorite Louisville smell?

“Heine Bros.’ Coffee.”

What does Louisville have that it should be known for but isn’t?

“Our food scene gets some recognition but not enough.”

Something from Louisville’s past you wish people today could experience?

“ear X-tacy.” 

In one sentence, how do you spend the majority of your weekdays? 

“Orthopedic surgeon for Norton at Audubon.”

In one word, what’s your biggest hope for Louisville?

“Healthier. As a physician, the amount of medical problems I see, especially severe obesity and its consequences, are staggering.”

In one word, what’s your biggest fear for Louisville?

“That many of the citizens continue to be unable to trust the police.”

Besides whatever it is you’re currently doing: What’s the best job you’ve ever had? 

“Server at Harriett’s Danish restaurant in Dannebrog, Nebraska. Got to work with my grandma and other great people and learn the value of a hard-earned dollar.”

Earliest childhood memory?

“Being scared to death, screaming my head off at a daddy long-leg on the front porch at age three or four.”

Most noticeable quirk?

“Being anal retentive about things that are slightly askew, per my wife.”

Go-to karaoke song?

“What’s the shortest song ever?”

What would you name a Derby horse?

“Orange Condiment.”

Who would you shadow for a day?

“Gov. Beshear. I admire him and think I could learn a lot about how to be a leader.”

Favorite thing hanging on the walls at home?

“An original woodblock print signed by Salvador Dalí.”

Book you’ve given away the most?

“Sam Harris’ Letter to a Christian Nation. Simple, short, eye-opening.”

What three people (living or dead) would be on the guest list to your ideal dinner party?

“Sam Harris, Vincent van Gogh, Natalie Portman.”

TV character most like you? 

“Angela, Claire Danes’ character from My So-Called Life. Really captured my teenage angst.”

Secret talent?

“Planning bomb vacations.”

Something nobody knows about you?

“My pinky toes don’t touch the ground. My wife knows, but I don’t think anyone else does.”