Relocation Stories: Todd Mundt
1. Name and what you do for a living?
Todd Mundt Director of New Media Strategies and WFPL Morning Drive host, Louisville Public Media
2. How did you end up in Louisville?
It was the job - I had the opportunity to do something I liked at a group of successful stations, and it was also a chance to work with a couple of former colleagues of mine from Michigan Radio in Ann Arbor. It was too good to pass up.
3. What did you think of Louisville before you moved here (if anything?)
Before November 2006, our first visit here, I had no preconceived notions about the city. Two annual trips to Louisville, with friends giving the obligatory tours of the downtown, Highlands, and Old Louisville were eye-openers. We loved the architecture - homes and buildings - and we got a whiff of the "weirdness" of Louisville, which was quite a draw.
4. What preconceptions did you have about Louisville that have changed
since moving here?
I think if I had one preconception, it was that Louisville was "The South" and as someone who is somewhat liberal, very much gay, and who feels a strong affinity to the cities of the northeast (Boston, New York, Philadelphia, DC), Louisville would have been the last city on
my lost of possible homes. But after a couple visit, I "got" the whole north/south thing about Louisville. It's unique.
5. How do you like living here?
We love it. People are so friendly, and it's a much more generous flavor of "friendly" than we're accustomed to in the Midwest. The pace of life here seems right, the city is a manageable size. It feels like home, which has to be a pretty decent compliment.
6. Has Louisville been a good place to do business?
Looks to me to be a good community for public media - a lot of smart, well-educated people here... and three solid public radio choices on the FM dial. I'm optimistic.
7. What's your favorite thing about Louisville?
The thriving local businesses. Yes, the chains are thriving, too, but I like that there seems to be a strong commitment here to supporting local establishments. A close second is a walk on any warm Friday evening down Bardstown Rd.
8. What is Louisville missing (for my money it's a good creperie)?
*More wine bars and wine stores even better wines. Wine culture is growing here... and that will raise demand for wine selection that goes beyond the obvious. This is only a matter of time. We could also use an intelligent approach to wine shipping laws for a change, but
that's a job for Frankfort.
*More restaurants with chefs who think local and seasonal. I want to see more of these folks at the farmer's market on Saturdays and I want to see more local farms on the menu.
*A more exciting downtown - but we can feel the momentum... it's coming.
*A good creperie (hi Michelle!)
*Um... could Blue Dog deliver directly to my house?
9. What's the one thing people should know about Louisville?
That it's so surprising; that it's not easy to pigeonhole. I realize that's two things, but I made it into one sentence.
10. What's your favorite restaurant in Louisville?
We've only been here about six weeks, so all of this is subject to change. Of course, a foodie's list is always changing. But allow me to hand out a tray of awards:
*See-and-be-Seen Destination: Proof on Main
*Commitment to Local: Park Place on Main
*Best easy lunch/dinner/whatever: Falafel House
*Most Immersive, Thought-Provoking Dining Experience: 610 Magnolia and Le Relais (tie)
*Jack Fry's: a category of its own
*Mayan Cafe: eating here is just plain exciting.
Todd Mundt Director of New Media Strategies and WFPL Morning Drive host, Louisville Public Media
2. How did you end up in Louisville?
It was the job - I had the opportunity to do something I liked at a group of successful stations, and it was also a chance to work with a couple of former colleagues of mine from Michigan Radio in Ann Arbor. It was too good to pass up.
3. What did you think of Louisville before you moved here (if anything?)
Before November 2006, our first visit here, I had no preconceived notions about the city. Two annual trips to Louisville, with friends giving the obligatory tours of the downtown, Highlands, and Old Louisville were eye-openers. We loved the architecture - homes and buildings - and we got a whiff of the "weirdness" of Louisville, which was quite a draw.
4. What preconceptions did you have about Louisville that have changed
since moving here?
I think if I had one preconception, it was that Louisville was "The South" and as someone who is somewhat liberal, very much gay, and who feels a strong affinity to the cities of the northeast (Boston, New York, Philadelphia, DC), Louisville would have been the last city on
my lost of possible homes. But after a couple visit, I "got" the whole north/south thing about Louisville. It's unique.
5. How do you like living here?
We love it. People are so friendly, and it's a much more generous flavor of "friendly" than we're accustomed to in the Midwest. The pace of life here seems right, the city is a manageable size. It feels like home, which has to be a pretty decent compliment.
6. Has Louisville been a good place to do business?
Looks to me to be a good community for public media - a lot of smart, well-educated people here... and three solid public radio choices on the FM dial. I'm optimistic.
7. What's your favorite thing about Louisville?
The thriving local businesses. Yes, the chains are thriving, too, but I like that there seems to be a strong commitment here to supporting local establishments. A close second is a walk on any warm Friday evening down Bardstown Rd.
8. What is Louisville missing (for my money it's a good creperie)?
*More wine bars and wine stores even better wines. Wine culture is growing here... and that will raise demand for wine selection that goes beyond the obvious. This is only a matter of time. We could also use an intelligent approach to wine shipping laws for a change, but
that's a job for Frankfort.
*More restaurants with chefs who think local and seasonal. I want to see more of these folks at the farmer's market on Saturdays and I want to see more local farms on the menu.
*A more exciting downtown - but we can feel the momentum... it's coming.
*A good creperie (hi Michelle!)
*Um... could Blue Dog deliver directly to my house?
9. What's the one thing people should know about Louisville?
That it's so surprising; that it's not easy to pigeonhole. I realize that's two things, but I made it into one sentence.
10. What's your favorite restaurant in Louisville?
We've only been here about six weeks, so all of this is subject to change. Of course, a foodie's list is always changing. But allow me to hand out a tray of awards:
*See-and-be-Seen Destination: Proof on Main
*Commitment to Local: Park Place on Main
*Best easy lunch/dinner/whatever: Falafel House
*Most Immersive, Thought-Provoking Dining Experience: 610 Magnolia and Le Relais (tie)
*Jack Fry's: a category of its own
*Mayan Cafe: eating here is just plain exciting.
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