What does it take to spend ten years bringing a forgotten legend back to life?

In this episode of The Boundless Podcast, Dr. Ferrin Peterson sits down with author Kim Wickens, whose acclaimed book Lexington resurrected the story of one of the most influential Thoroughbreds in history.

Before becoming an award-winning author, Kim spent two decades as a criminal defense attorney. What began as simple curiosity about a horse she’d never heard of soon became a decade-long pursuit that led her through archives, libraries, historic racetracks, and hundreds of primary sources. The result was a groundbreaking book that not only tells Lexington’s story, but also shines a light on the remarkable people, horses, and forgotten chapters of American history connected to him.

Kim shares the research process behind Lexington, the meaning of grit and perseverance, the parallels between practicing law and writing history, and why some of racing’s most important stories have been lost to time. From Civil War-era Kentucky and legendary horsemen to overlooked pioneers like Abe Hawkins and Richard Ten Broeck, this conversation explores the power of determination, curiosity, and the responsibility of preserving history.

Whether you’re a fan of horse racing, history, writing, or simply chasing an ambitious dream, this episode is a reminder that extraordinary accomplishments often begin with a single question—and the grit to keep pursuing the answer.