All Sides with Ann Fisher Podcast

The 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics have just wrapped up, and they were exciting as always.Even more exciting was how much athletes from the Buckeye State showed up during the games.Ohio athletes dominated events like women's and men's hockey.Ohio also had athletes in sports like skiing and snowboarding.Who were the other big winners at the games, and how did Italy compare to the likes of Paris and Tokyo?Looking forward, is Los Angeles ready to bear the torch for the 2028 Olympic Games and what role will Columbus have in the summer games?Guest:Amy Bass, professor of sports studies at Manhattanville UniversityIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.(photo: Hassan Ammar / AP)

Legacy media has been undergoing rapid changes over the last 40 years.Layoffs at The Washington Post, the fading luster of CBS, the Tiffany network and the last call for mass market paperbacks are the latest disruptions.A Cleveland.com editorial saying the paper will use more AI in its story writing is causing a lot of buzz.On this hour of All Sides, we're talking about what these changes will mean for our consumption of media.Guests:Dan Kennedy, professor of journalism, Northeastern UniversityDavid Bianculli, TV critic, Fresh Air w/ Terry Gross/professor, Rowan UniversityElizabeth Harris, reporter, The New York TimesIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.(photo: lensw0rld / Adobe Stock)

Ohio recently received large amounts of snow.When warmer weather came in, the snow melted, leading to dense fog and something unseen: pollution. This invisible effect of the melting snow has led to concern about local air quality.In 2024, the U.S. surgeon general called for adding warning labels to social media platforms explaining that they may be harmful to younger users.Social media companies are now being sued for the harm they have caused. We will get an update on the META trial.There is a shortage of memory chips used in consumer devices such as cellphones. Because of this shortage, cell phone prices are skyrocketing, and less people are buying them.Guests:Alec Kownacki, meteorologist, Michigan Department of EnvironmentKelly Stonelake, former Meta employee-turned whistleblower/tech accountability advocateRussell Holly, director of commerce content, CNETIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

As Ohio billionaire Les Wexner faces intense scrutiny over his ties to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, we look at the billion-dollar retail empire Wexner built in central Ohio, which gave rise to the fast-fashion trend, the mall as mecca, “sex sells” marketing campaigns, and high-end fashion shows.Social media posts from millennial women blame Victoria's Secret and Pink for ushering in an era of hyper-sexualization and objectification, turning skinny models into iconic superstar “angels” and sending young girls to malls, clamoring for flashy, suggestive attire that manifested in long-term body issues and eating disorders for some.Along the way, Wexner raked in billions, gave away millions upon millions, and transformed his hometown and alma mater in the process.Guests:Tim Feran, freelance journalistChantal Fernandez, journalist/co-author, Selling Sexy: Victoria's Secret and the Unraveling of an American IconRachel Rodgers, associate professor of applied psychology, Northeastern UniversityIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation, you can request an alternative format.(Photo: Evan Agostini Invision / AP)

Do you remember when Ohio was a blue state?Democratic strategist Dale Butland does. He spent 20 years working side by side with John Glenn and has a new book about a different era in Ohio politics.Butland has more than 45 years of experience in government and political communication. He spent about half his career working for the late U.S. Senator and astronaut John Glenn.The book is called When Ohio Was Blue.We'll hear about Butland's career, his time with John Glenn and his take on Ohio's current political landscape.Guest:Dale Butland, Democratic strategist/author, When Ohio Was BlueIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

Ranking candidates 1-2-3 instead of picking just one is known as ranked choice voting.Some local municipalities in Ohio are considering using the voting method, although none currently do.A bill to ban ranked choice voting pre-emptively just passed the Ohio House and heads to the Ohio Senate.Universities not complying with an anti-DEI law could lose funding under a Republican bill meant to ensure compliance. The same loss of funding threat goes for school districts who sue the state.We compost food, so why not human bodies? A new bill would allow that option.In lighter news, Gov. Mike DeWine was asked his thoughts on the new Ohio-based reality show, “Love is Blind.”We're talking about all of these topics on this week's reporter roundtable.Guests:Andrew Tobias, state government and politics reporter, Signal OhioHaley BeMiller, political reporter, Columbus DispatchMegan Henry, reporter, Ohio Capital JournalIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.(Photo: Joe Shlabotnik / Flickr)

Spring is just a few weeks away and the Columbus arts scene is blossoming with activity.On this edition of All Sides Weekend, host Christopher Purdy is getting the inside scoop from several members of the Columbus arts community on what audiences can look forward to.Host:Christopher Purdy, Classical 101 morning hostGuests:David Baghat, director, Butterfly Guild for Nationwide Children's HospitalChad Whittington, president/CEO, CAPALeda Hoffman, producing artistic director, Contemporary Theatre of OhioIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

On May 15, Columbus resident Robert Alt summited the tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest.Since then, his journey has continued. Now he has summited six of the seven highest peaks in the world.A local author is fusing history lessons with ghost stories to create a fun and interesting way to learn Ohio history.Having already written two books in his “Ohio Kids” series and coming out with a third, Logan Lyon is continuing his family tradition of finding new ways of teaching.Middletown, Ohio is the home of the oldest documented continuously operated stained-glass studio in the United States.Their glass is acquired from all over the world and design techniques date back to the original owners.We'll learn more about the history of the BeauVerre Riordan Studio.Guests:Robert Alt, mountaineer/founder, Profound Climbing/president/CEO, The Buckeye InstituteLogan Lyons, author, The Chillicothe GhostsLinda Moorman, owner, BeauVerre Riordan StudiosIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

Columbus City Schools is addressing a budget shortfall by cutting more than 60 administrative positions, closing four buildings and making some busing changes.Despite these moves, projections still show the district will be out of money by 2030.School leaders say rising costs, property tax changes and reduced state funding have backed them into a corner.We'll discuss what's being done to get out of that corner with Columbus City Schools' Superintendent Angela Chapman.Guest:Columbus City Schools' Superintendent/CEO Angela ChapmanIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

Having spent more than 10 years as the president and CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council, Tom Katzenmeyer stepped down from his post in 2025.Late last year, it was announced that the GCAC board of trustees selected Mitch Menchaca as its new president and CEO.During the next hour, we'll meet the arts advocate and fundraiser, who comes to Columbus from Phoenix, where he was the city's arts and culture director.The GCAC board said they picked Menchaca because of his experience in securing funding and running grant programs.We'll learn about his vision for the future of the Columbus arts scene.Guest:Mitch Menchaca, president/CEO, Greater Columbus Arts CouncilIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

President Donald Trump's primetime address to Congress on Tuesday night set the stage for the rest of this midterm election year.Trump touted his administration's efforts to lower costs for everyday Americans and reflected on his first-year accomplishments.He also addressed recent news.The U.S. Supreme Court said the president does not have the ability to unilaterally impose tariffs.ICE activity in Minnesota has slowed down in an effort to de-escalate tensions with local authorities.The issues discussed impact every Ohioan and inform Ohio politics as well.We will have reaction to President Trump's "State of the Union" speech from two political scientists on this hour of All Sides.Guests:Paul Beck, political science professor emeritus, Ohio State UniversityBrianna Mack, associate professor, politics and government, Ohio Wesleyan UniversityIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.(Photo: Matt Rourke / AP)

AI will never be outrightly rude or racist, but that doesn't mean it doesn't formulate racist opinions based on harmful stereotypes.This covert racism has major implications from hiring to even legal decisions.We will be talking about covert racism in AI.Streaming services have become one of the most dominant and popular forms of media consumption since Netflix and Spotify revolutionized how we watch and listen to our favorites.These services are not without downsides, though, and as they grow, how does their environmental impact grow with them?One of the most popular online games, Roblox, has been in hot water because of its seeming neglect of children's safety.Guests:Soroush Vosoughi, associate professor, computer science, Dartmouth CollegeKyle Devine, professor of environmental studies and sciences, University of WinnipegRussell Holly, director of commerce content, CNETIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.(Photo: Sutthiphong / AdobeStock)

Former Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor joins All Sides to talk about judicial independence in a time of partisanship, an effort to nationalize elections, and a movement by chief justices around the U.S. to push back on what some legal scholars view as executive overreach into the judiciary. Is it?She served as chief justice of the Ohio Supreme Court from 2011 through 2022.O'Connor's insights will provide us an in-depth look at the issue on this hour of All Sides.Guest:Maureen O'Connor, former Ohio Supreme Court chief justiceIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.(Photo: Julie Carr Smyth / AP)

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which began on the night of Feb. 17 and ends on March 19.Muslims across the United States will be celebrating and observing the month through fasting, night prayers and gatherings with their local community.The Columbus Muslim community has their own traditions and practices. There are more than 20 mosques in the city, and each one hosts their own nightly prayers and community gatherings during the month.Ramadan is not just about fasting. The month signifies a time to reflect, give charity and increase acts of service.We'll be speaking with three local Muslim community leaders about what it's like to celebrate Ramadan in Columbus.Guests:State Rep. Munira AbdullahiMohammed Azhar Masood, executive director, Noor Islamic Cultural CenterNicol Ghazi, executive director, Muslim Family Services of OhioIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.(photo: Mahesh Kumar A. / AP)

Ohio State University is fielding hundreds of calls to remove Les Wexner's name from campus buildings, amid growing anger over his ties to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.A new term, WEXIT, has been coined by groups pushing for removal. Meanwhile, Gov. Mike DeWine defends keeping Wexner's name.Meanwhile, Democratic members of Congress who traveled to New Albany last week to depose Wexner said they found Wexner's denial of knowing about Epstein's criminal conduct hard to believe.In other news, a judge has removed the chairman of the state's second-largest pension for violating his fiduciary duties.We'll talk about what we're learning from the First Energy trial.It's all coming up during this week's Reporter Roundtable.Guests:George Shillcock, reporter, WOSU Public MediaJo Ingles, senior reporter, Ohio Public Radio Statehouse News BureauLaura Bischoff, politics and state government reporter, The Columbus DispatchJake Zuckerman, reporter, Signal OhioIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

The time is always right to start a new book.On this edition of All Sides Weekend, host Christopher Purdy and his guests are offering up some suggestions on titles you might want to add to your pile of must-read books.Host:Christopher Purdy, Classical 101 Morning HostGuests:Kassie Rose, WOSU Book CriticKris Hickey, youth services coordinator, Columbus Metropolitan LibraryMichelle Herman, professor emerita creative writing, Ohio State UniversityIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.(photo: CCAC North Library / flickr)

On this week's Fascinating Ohio, we're talking to a fashion influencer, a pair of restaurant owners and a museum director.

Author, journalist and Columbus native Wil Haygood takes an in-depth look at the Vietnam War from the Black American perspective.He traces the lives of Black men and women who were in Vietnam.The racial divide of the 1960s and 1970s did not stay on American shores, it followed these men and women all the way around the world.Haygood's book The War Within a War: The Black Struggle in Vietnam and at Home tells the story of race in America and abroad.And he connects the war in Vietnam to the racial tension the United States continues to grapple with today.The Pulitzer Prize-nominated author joins us for this hour of All Sides.Guest:Wil Haygood, journalist/author, The War Within a War: The Black Struggle in Vietnam and at HomeIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

What does it mean to flourish, to find meaning and joy in life and be fulfilled?How do we create meaning, especially now, in times of division and struggle for many families?On this hour of All Sides, we're talking to an author who literally wrote the book on the topic.New York Times bestselling author Daniel Coyle joins us to discuss his new book Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy and Fulfillment.Guest:Daniel Coyle, author, Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy and FulfillmentIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

What would drive someone to physically hurt someone they love?Domestic violence homicides in Ohio are way up, along with murder-suicides. Why?Those who study and work in the field note that victims and perpetrators are trending younger.And the cases aren't exclusive to intimate partner relationships, but reflect a rise in family-on-family violence.Officials in Columbus and Franklin County have new initiatives meant to address the root causes and save lives.Guests:Rena Shak, executive director, Office of Violence Prevention, City of ColumbusLisa DeGeeter, senior director for policy and prevention, Ohio Domestic Violence NetworkDiana Williams, founder and CEO, Ohio Women Against Domestic ViolenceLt. Jason Garner, domestic violence unit, Columbus Division of PoliceIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.(Photo: Louis-Paul Photo / Adobe Stock)

The Winter Olympics are underway in Milan, and people across the world are watching their countries' teams compete.The way that people watch the games has changed with new technology.From drones to real-time replay to AI technology, viewer experiences are being enhanced.We will talk about more Olympic news and pivot to the Paralympic games that will begin next month. Technology is at the heart of the Paralympics. We will discuss adaptive sports technology that enables athletes to compete.We'll hear about the latest in wireless earbud technology and it's expensive.Plus, can soil testing help keep your indoor plants alive longer?We're talking about all these topics on this week's Tech Tuesday.Guests:Mila Fiordalisi, journalist, WIRED Italia (pre-taped)Theresa Berner, rehabilitation clinic manager, Assistive Technology Center, Ohio State University School of Health and Rehabilitative SciencesRussell Holly, director of commerce content, CNETIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.(Photo: Luca Bruno / AP)

Thirty states, including Ohio, require high school students to complete a personal finance course to graduate.In some cases, schools are taking creative approaches with real world consequences.We'll learn about one high school using endowment money to give each student $1,000 to invest and track throughout high school.We're talking about new ways of teaching teens about money on this hour of All Sides.Guests:Joann Lublin, regular contributor/former career columnist, Wall Street JournalJason Savage, business teacher, Worthington High SchoolJohn Pelletier, director, Center for Financial Literacy, Champlain CollegeIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

At the start of the year, economist Bill LaFayette and the Columbus Metropolitan Club predict what Columbus' economic forecast may be.Will jobs grow, will housing stay affordable, and will new industries make moves in Ohio?With big changes on the national scale, such as immigration crackdowns, tariffs and more, how will central Ohio be affected?How will these changes affect the average Ohioan and the big businesses that work here?We'll find out more in Columbus' economic forecast during this hour of All Sides.Guests:Bill LaFayette, owner and economist, Regionomics, LLCBenjamin Ayers, senior economist, NationwideDoug Buchanan, editor in chief, Columbus Business FirstIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

Jeffrey Epstein once lived in New Albany, forging strong personal and financial ties to Ohio billionaire Les Wexner, as well as connections to others in the state.Wexner, named in the Epstein files as a potential “co-conspirator,” is set to be deposed at his home Wednesday by members of Congress. That's in place of testifying in Washington.Meanwhile, several statewide and local politicians, both Republicans and Democrats, have received campaign contributions over the years from Wexner and his wife.Should they keep the money or return it? What's the political calculus?State lawmakers are back at work and are considering a mix of new and unfinished legislation.We're talking about all of it on this week's Reporter Roundtable.Guests:George Shillcock, reporter, WOSU Public MediaJessie Balmert, state government and politics reporter, The Columbus DispatchMorgan Trau, Columbus bureau reporter, NEWS 5 ClevelandIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.(Photo: Jay LaPrete / AP)

Gracehaven serves youth and families by providing sex trafficking prevention services.Their mission involves empowering youth rescued from sex trafficking and helping them to thrive with dignity in a renewed life.We will meet with Gracehaven's community outreach director and learn how she is working to build awareness.We will meet a videographer who is making her mark on Columbus as she makes videos with a focus on inclusive storytelling.There are many organizations in the central Ohio area that promote the arts. Some are hidden in smaller pockets of local communities, yet their local impacts are anything but small.Community Arts Network is an art network with a unique mission to empower students in pursuing the arts. The network has even accomplished tying in local history to create an informative play about the history of where they are based in Delaware.Guests:Hannah Swift, director of community outreach and training, Gracehaven - (00:00)Anita Kwan, videographer and owner, Reel Hoot - (16:22)Mark Butler, co-creator, Community Arts Network - (34:27)Francine Butler, dance instructor/co-creator, Community Arts NetworkEdwardo Carino, narrator, Camp DelawareImber Solis, songwriter, Camp DelawareIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation, you can request an alternative format.

Ohio State University is getting ready to open its new 26-story, nearly two million square-foot hospital tower.Meanwhile, the OSU Wexner Medical Center's namesake is being subpoenaed to Capitol Hill to testify about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. That deposition is scheduled to take place on Feb. 18.The most recent release of Epstein files by the Department of Justice shows that Les Wexner was named as a co-conspirator in 2019.Plus, there are several new programs aimed at making college more accessible and affordable, and Ohio State athletics saw some record-breaking revenue.We will talk about the latest news at Ohio State, the future of higher education and more with Ohio State University President Ted Carter during this hour of All Sides.Guest:Ted Carter, Ohio State University PresidentIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

ICE activity continues to be a part of American life. Photo documentation of ICE activity has occurred since the beginning of ICE encounters. But ICE has its own techniques it uses to track down immigrants and protesters.Consumer Reports recently released its 2026 best cars list. For the first time, every car on the list can be purchased as an electric or hybrid model. We will be talking about electric vehicles and car safety features to inform consumers' buying decisions.And then Apple has a new photo clean-up tool that's pretty easy to use. And the thermometer of the future is here, and it's pretty expensive.Guests:Lily Hay Newman, senior writer for WIREDKeith Barry, senior autos reporter for Consumer ReportsRussell Holly, director of commerce content for CNETIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation, you can request an alternative format.(Photo: Alex Brandon / AP)

COSI and the Ohio History Connection are two local nonprofits experiencing layoffs.These layoffs, combined with eroding federal funding, are contributing to an invisible job crisis in America's nonprofit sector.This hour of All Sides will address the challenges facing nonprofits and what it means for the communities they're serving.Guests:Rick Cohen, chief operating officer of the National Council of NonprofitsMichael Corey, executive director of the Human Service Chamber of Franklin CountyIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation, you can request an alternative format.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially unveiled its long anticipated list of Oscar nominations, and as always, it's already sparking plenty of conversation.While some of the heavyweight contenders felt inevitable, like Sinners and One Battle After Another, there were also a few surprises that shook up the usual predictions.Looking back now, what did the 2025 film slate really look like after a full year of releases, buzz and box-office results?Were there actors who reclaimed their old glory with career-reviving roles, and is there a new generation of box office stars?What are some of the biggest nominees, the most talked-about snubs and the performances that captured audiences and critics alike?We'll also look ahead to which films are already generating excitement and which projects should be on your radar as we head into 2026.GuestsAlissa Wilkinson, New York Times film criticScott Mantz, film critic, entertainment journalist and producerPaul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst, ComScoreIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.(Photo Credit: Jordan Strauss / Invision / AP)

Millions of dollars from recreational marijuana sales are finally flowing into communities all around Ohio.For some small towns, it's a much-needed windfall, while other communities continue to keep dispensaries out.An effort to repeal a new intoxicating hemp law clears an early hurdle, as opponents include some in the cannabis industry.On the legislative front: two lawmakers want to prevent high school athletes from receiving NIL deals.Disrupting a church service in Ohio could become a felony if two Republicans have their way.Candidates for the Ohio Supreme Court, Congress, governor and more officially file to run.We're talking about all these hot topics on this week's Reporter Roundtable.Guests:Sarah Donaldson, reporter, Ohio Public Radio Statehouse News BureauMarty Schladen, reporter, Ohio Capital JournalLaura Hancock, politics and policy reporter, Cleveland.comIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation, you can request an alternative format.(Photo Credit: Jim Mone / AP)

Music, art and food are key to many people's lives. We're meeting three Ohioans who are making an impact in these three fields.

With their protected status still in effect, many Haitians in Ohio can breathe a sigh of relief. But a court battle over the issue is not over.

Jennifer Wallace's book "Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose" explores how our lives are transformed when we are reminded of our value.

East Palestine residents have reported ongoing medical issues, and federal rail safety legislation remains stalled.

What does it look like to enforce a ban on phones in schools?

Local groups labeled as ICE Watch are gathering community members to spot ICE presence, and advocacy groups are holding protests and trainings.

Fogarty joins us for this hour of "All Sides" to explain the grammatical phenomena that are eggcorns and familects.

In Springfield, home to a sizable Haitian population, officials are urging federal ICE agents to forgo masks and carry ID.

We're meeting a doctor who travels far from Ohio to treat patients and two people who are putting a major Ohio city on the map...literally.

Coming up on this hour of All Sides, we're discussing the bankruptcy of Value City Furniture, Saks Fifth Avenue and other big name stores and what it means about the future of retail.

On this hour of All Sides, we're discussing why all farmers are not on board, and why more food companies, from McDonald's to Costco, are adopting ethical animals.

Gee was president of Ohio State University twice, and now he's back for a third time in a consulting role.

We'll discuss what an AI toy is and what parents should be on the lookout for.

Co-authors and podcast co-hosts Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon look at the damage cars have had on our society and better modes of transportation.

More than half of U.S adults consume their news through social media. But how do we make sure that news comes from a trained, educated and ethical journalist?

We're getting into a plethora of topics involving Ohio politics on this week's Reporter Roundtable.

Host Christopher Purdy is talking with three of the leaders in our local arts community on this edition of All Sides Weekend.

We're talking to three Fascinating Ohioans who are connecting with the community through food, literature and tourism.

What does it mean to have endless betting possibilities on your phone? Who are the real winners and losers?

JD Vance ascended to the vice presidency one year ago.

The Ohio Newsroom has been working on a year-long investigation into volunteer firefighting departments in the state.