#457SEO

Ohio’s medical marijuana program is still in its infancy as dispensaries continue to open their doors. Some around the region are working to make sure the #457SEO gets in on the money that can be made at grow operations, testing facilities, processing facilities and dispensaries. In this episode: Hemp Industry Daily’s Kristen Nichols discusses the trends she’s seen in other states with medical marijuana programs in terms of economic growth, job opportunities and whether medical marijuana is a gateway to recreational marijuana. And Meigs County Commissioner Randy Smith sees the medical marijuana program is an opportunity to turn the county’s stigma surrounding the drug into an economic stimulus.

’Tis the season for election races and ghosts. #457SEO makes a brief return from hiatus with an attempt to cut through the BS. Cleveland Plain Dealer Editorial Board Member, columnist and assistant professor at Ohio University Tom Suddes, Ph. D. joins the WOUB News to talk about the governor's race, Issue 1 and local school levies. WOUB Arts and Culture reporter Emily Votaw stops by to tell us about all the supposed hauntings in southeast Ohio. Also, Atish has his own ghost story.

Voters will make statewide and local decisions at the polls on May 8 during the Primary. Cleveland Plain Dealer Editorial Board Member, columnist and assistant professor at Ohio University Tom Suddes, Ph. D. joins the WOUB News team to look ahead at the election. Topics include: the interesting race for governor, the statewide issue regarding voting maps, campaign finance, and the importance of a single vote.

What is the role of white people in ending racism? Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) believes it is “to undermine white support for white supremacy and to help build a racially just society” as part of a multi-racial movement. Katherine Jellison is a member of the core organizing committee for the SURJ SE Ohio chapter. She talks with the WOUB News team about how the group started and how they are working for a racially just society in southeast Ohio. Chris Riddle is back to talk about his recent “Amazing Adventure” overseas. He learned about historic vehicles, good chocolate and how much people hate a man named John Terry.

The opioid epidemic has impacted every fabric of the social construct in southeast Ohio. And it has increased the risk of bloodborne diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. Roxy Todd bring us the story she filed for the Ohio Valley ReSource about how the stigma surrounding HIV has impacted those seeking help in rural areas. The WOUB News team talks with Roxy about her reporting and what’s next in the series on HIV from the Ohio Valley ReSource. Susan and Aaron visit with Dr. James Gaskell of the Athens City/County Health Department to discuss how bloodborne diseases are impacting southeast Ohio. And they talk about the department’s harm reduction program. WOUB Culture reporter Emily Votaw visits the news team to talk about the busy spring season. She bring us part of her sit-down interview with Evan Shaw, who put together the upcoming “Our Town: Athens” documentary debuting on March 25. She also fills the news team in on the upcoming festivals. Listen on Soundcloud, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, NPR One and woub.org/listen. Leave us a review and let us know what you want to hear in future episodes.

…By THE Man. Kevin Kellems’ career in politics has led him to many places, including the grounds of the White House as Vice President Dick Cheney’s press secretary. The WOUB News Teams talks with him about this time. And also about his stops in the Ohio Governor’s Office, the Pentagon and the World Bank, among others. A politician in his own right, Kellems has represented a rural area in his home state of Indiana. He talks about what rural America needs and how he thinks they can get it.

Athens County Auditor Jill Thompson sits down with the WOUB News team to provide an analytical look at the #457SEO and how the loss of the managed care organization sales tax will impact the region. WOUB Culture Reporter Emily Votaw is on the show to let you in on events with a holiday theme coming up around the area. We also talk about our favorite traditions for this time of year.

Dr. Duane Nellis is just over halfway through his first year as the 21st president of Ohio University. WOUB’s Susan Tebben and Atish Baidya sat down with him to learn more about the man, how he plans to handle the university’s immediate needs, and what he would like to see down the road.

Voters in Ohio will be asked to rule on Issue 2 when they hit the booths this Election Day. If a majority vote yes, the state will be required to not pay more for prescription drugs than the price paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs and to use state funds to defend the law. The issue is not as straightforward as it seems and interest groups have spent millions in ads arguing both sides. The WOUB News Team welcomes in OU Professor, Cleveland Plain Dealer Editorial Board member and student of Ohio politics Tom Suddes to help sort through the issue.

Dr. Joe Gay recently retired from his position as Executive Director of Health Recovery Services. He still plans to work on combating the opioid addiction crisis in our region. But now he says he will use his newfound extra time to pursue other passions. He joins the WOUB News Team in this episode of #457SEO to talk about his plans and his perspective on the opioid crisis. Chris Riddle is back in the booth to talk to the team about tattoos. We learn a lot about each other.

Mayor Steve Patterson joins the WOUB News Team first in this episode of #457SEO to talk about leading the seat of Athens County and how important infrastructure is to developing in southeast Ohio. The team also gets the chance to talk to one of Athens County’s interesting residents. Jan Grisinger has been an advocate for women’s and gay rights for decades. She has created and nurtured organizations working to make an impact both nationally and locally. The team is particularly interested in her work with the Susan B. Anthony Memorial Unrest Home Womyn's Land Trust in Athens County that she co-founded. Listen on Soundcloud, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, NPR One and woub.org/listen. Leave us a review and let us know what you want to hear in future episodes.

On this episode of #457SEO, State Representative Jay Edwards talks with us about getting his feet wet at the Statehouse, and how he’s making sure Southeast Ohio gets heard by the entire state. Plus, we have a discussion about the best ways for Southeast Ohio to make the best of their piece of the state budget.

Brewers and enthusiasts descend on Athens once a year for Ohio Brew Week. This year the festival runs from July 14-22. And the WOUB News team wanted to put out a bonus episode of #457SEO to help celebrate. WOUB Culture reporter Emily Votaw spoke with Brew Week’s director Brandon Thompson about this year’s events and what he sees on the horizon for the festival. The craft beer industry is unique in the #457SEO. Director of Brewing Operations at Jackie O’s Brad Clark joins the podcast to talk about how the area has influenced their work for over a decade and how all the breweries in southeast Ohio are making this a can’t-miss destination for beer enthusiasts. Let us know how we’re doing by leaving a review. You may get a shout out at the end of the next episode.

Having internet access is one thing, having consistent internet access that allows you to telecommute or your child to download homework is something totally different. But those differences don’t mean much to the millions in the Ohio Valley’s unserved and under-connected communities. Whether it be the terrain, the distance between homes, the lack of funds, etc., diagnosing the problem is easy - implementing a productive solution… not so much. On this episode of #457SEO Liz Shaw of the Citizens Connectivity Council explains how you can “cast your hook” and help shape actual broadband solutions that could help you and your neighbors thrive throughout the #457SEO. And to paraphrase Mrs. Shaw: If you plan to catch fish with your fishing pole but never put your hook in the water, well…

Ohio Valley ReSoucre reporter recently did a story titled “Nuclear Option: Officials Hope Old Facility Can Fuel Growth” about how officials in Kentucky are looking to the future of their site in the Paducah/Portsmouth Project for economic development. In this episode of #457SEO, the WOUB News team tried to find out what was going on at the Portsmouth site. Joel Bradburne with Department of Energy at the Portsmouth site talks about the history of the old Gaseous Diffusion Plant and where the deactivation process is now. Stephanie Howe with the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs at Ohio University joins the podcast to talk about the PORTS Future project. Grant money from the DOE is helping the four-county community around the Portsmouth site shape its future. They hope it can be a driver for economic development in the area. WOUB Culture Emily Votaw is back to talk about Atish’s new favorite band, a rocking lawyer, and an area poet that’s gaining national recognition. Let us know how we’re doing by leaving a review. You may get a shout out at the end of the next episode.

Tyler Buchanan has been covering the years-long story of Vinton County’s attempt to get a single grocery store within its borders. He sits down with the WOUB news team for this episode of #457SEO to talk about how this is a quintessential story of southeast Ohio. (You can read his reporting on the saga in the Vinton County Courier.) Chris Riddle is back to talk about his latest Amazing Adventures at this year’s Nelsonville Music Festival, what it was like to work a “normal shift” and his paddling past.

Athens County Commission President Lenny Eliason joins the WOUB news team for this episode of #457SEO. He talks about infrastructure and education being two of the keys to building up one of the poorest counties in the state. WOUB Culture reporter Emily Votaw is back to help you get ready for this year’s Nelsonville Music Festival, which runs June 1-4. She introduces us to Margaret Glaspy and Parquet Courts, two of the acts that will be taking the stage this year.

The WOUB news team talks with John Molinaro, President, CEO of the Appalachian Partnership for Economic Growth in this episode. APEG is a non-profit organization that partners in several initiatives designed to create jobs and advance the region’s economy, according to its website. Molinaro shares how they are working outside of the box to encourage job growth in the 457SEO. Ohio Valley ReSource reporter Mary Meehan also joins the news team to talk about a recent story she filed about food insecurity in Appalachia. What programs are working to connect those in need with nutritious, local food.

This podcast is the longest one we’ve ever produced… It’s also the first one to include our Public Opinion segment. The whole point of our work is to introduce listeners to information and viewpoints that are distinctly about improving the quality of life for southeast Ohioans.

In this episode of #457SEO: Facing the reality that opiate addiction treatment centers need for some measures of the Affordable Care Act to stay as is — if they’re going to continue to save lives. And joining us at the table, a Southeast Ohio native who is tired of feeling as if this region is constantly overlooked and overburdened by state lawmakers. Meigs County Commissioner Randy Smith shares is concerns, frustrations, and attempted solutions now that his area has to find a way to make up the $480,000 deficit proposed in Gov. Kasich’s budget. #457SEO is a place for stories, information, and observations about our Southeast Ohio communities.

Allison and Atish take a well-deserved break. Susan and Aaron run the show. With the opioid epidemic affecting newborns and pregnant women at an increasing rate, Aaron looks at how healthcare providers in the #457SEO and beyond are addressing what’s known as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Chris Riddle drops by to talk to Susan and Aaron about his latest adventures in the natural beauty provided in the #457SEO. Also, an inside look at what makes a pledge drive tick.

In this episode of #457SEO, we take a break from politics and spend time with woman who is about to leave Southeast Ohio. Admittedly, the WOUB News team was (clearly) excited to talk with Mrs. Deborah McDavis, Ohio University’s first official First Lady, but when you listen to this interview you might understand why. Mrs. McDavis shares a number of stories she hasn’t shared in public including, her true passion, her plans now, (after more than 40 years!), that she and Dr. McDavis will live apart, how their first child taught her how to live with death, and the bond she shares with so many others as they deal with the disruption of drug addiction. She even includes some tried and tested relationship advice that, she admits, might make some folks angry. We hope you enjoy the conversation. #457SEO is a place for stories, information, and observations about our Southeast Ohio communities, produced by WOUB News.

Our ongoing look at how opioid abuse is draining our communities reveals what’s happening to the children impacted by the epidemic and an organization that believes, “Parents don’t always deserve their kids, but kids always deserve their parent. ” This episode also looks back at a key moment in Ohio’s recent history: the state’s Electoral College proceedings. We all know what happened when the Ohio cast its votes in December… here’s a listen to how it took place. And finally, it’s not only about what you’re eating - it’s how you’re eating it. WOUB News presents #457SEO a place for stories, information, and observations about Southeast Ohio. Our community.

According to the Ohio Poverty Report (released Feb. 2016), the counties with the highest poverty rates were Athens, Adams, Scioto, Pike, Jackson, and Meigs, ranging from 31.6 (Athens) to 23%. This episode's guest explains how Appalachian Ohio has always relied on the "kindness of others" to survive. Aaron, Susan, Atish, and Allison discuss the humanity behind saving opioid overdose victims from themselves with Naloxone. #457SEO is place for stories, information, and observations about our Southeast Ohio communities.

Election Day has come and gone but what about the RESULTS? With input from supporters, protestors, and political analyst Thomas Suddes, this episode of #457SEO explores what Trump's win might REALLY mean for the people who live and work in Ohio.

In this episode the journalists of the WOUB News team... sort out the key differences between the candidates of the Ohio House's 94th District and talk guns and squirrels with Chris Riddle.

WOUB News is a small team of journalists dedicated to researching, writing, gathering, and producing accurate information on behalf of its audiences in Southeast Ohio. On the first episode of the 457SEO, we hear from a local pro-Trump Republican who believes the presidential candidate can bring us together as “Americans, again.”