Athens Happens

Ayden McDougle and Megan Taylor discuss why there seems to be so many substantial topics dominating headlines during an election year and the potential topics that will be covered throughout the year leading up to Election Day.  Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. This podcast episode was filmed on February 1, 2024

We had the honor to be joined by Ohio University Alum Larry Hayman Esq., the driving force behind legal education at OU. Mr. Hayman was a civil litigator, specializing in election law, education law, and domestic relations. On this episode we discussed the impact of the recent passage of Issues 1 & 2, legal challenges that may arise, and the correlation to the passage of these issues in relation to Ohio being a “Battleground State”. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. This podcast episode was filmed on November 15, 2023.

Ohio U student, and true Swifty, Riley Sargent joins us to discuss the influences of Taylor Swift, not just on her fanbase, but communities and the economy in hindsight of the Eras Tour.  Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. This podcast episode was filmed on November 1, 2023.

The New Political's Editor and Chief, Henry Jost joins us to discuss the issues surrounding the near government shutdowns and the political chaos that might ensue with (now former) Speaker McCarthy. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. This podcast episode was filmed on October 4, 2023.

Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. This podcast episode was filmed on September 27, 2023.

Ohio U student Taylor Schneider joins us to discuss the state of Ohio Redistricting, the flaws of The Ohio Redistricting Commission, and provide insight into incarcerated Ohioans and how they factor into creating Ohio's Congressional Districts.  Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. This podcast episode was filmed on September 20, 2023.

News Editor, Rachel Yount joins us as we discuss the outcome of Ohio's August Issue 1 failing to amend the Ohio Constitution, the reasoning behind a Special Election, what this means for the future of Ohioans, and what is going to be on Ohio's ballot this November.  Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded.

In the final episode of Athens Happens for the academic year, we talk to Opinion Writer Mark Harris about third parties and how they influence politics. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. This podcast episode was filmed on April 26, 2023. CREDITS: Host/Writer: Izzy Keller - @imkelle13 Host/Writer/Editor: Ayden McDougle - @ayden_mcdougle GUESTS: Mark Harris - mh882117@ohio.edu Intro/Outro song - Dance Summer by Muze Productions via Adobe Stock

In this episode, we talk to Ohio University student Taylor Schneider about the ethics and future of Chat GPT and other AI. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. This podcast episode was filmed on April 19, 2023. CREDITS: Host/Writer/Editor: Izzy Keller - @imkelle13 Host/Writer: Ayden McDougle - @ayden_mcdougle GUESTS: Taylor Schneider - @itztschneids Intro/Outro song - Dance Summer by Muze Productions via Adobe Stock

In this episode, we talk to Student Senate President-Elect Megan Handle, Vice President-Elect Isaac Davis and Treasurer-Elect Reagan Farmer about their plans for Senate in the 2023-2024 academic year. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. This podcast episode was filmed on April 12, 2023. CREDITS: Host/Writer/Editor: Izzy Keller - @imkelle13 Host/Writer: Ayden McDougle - @ayden_mcdougle GUESTS: Megan Handle - @meganhandle (Instagram) Isaac Davis - id438722@ohio.edu Reagan Farmer - @ReaganFarmer_44 Intro/Outro song - Dance Summer by Muze Productions via Adobe Stock

Ohio Senate Bill 83, or the Higher Education Enhancement Act, would change higher education as we know it. In this episode of Athens Happens, we talk to Hailey Gifford, a graduate student at Ohio University and director of ACLU of Ohio University, about her thoughts on the bill and its potential implications. Please note that Gifford's views do not represent that of the ACLU of OU or the ACLU. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. This podcast episode was filmed on April 5, 2023. CREDITS: Host/Writer/Editor: Izzy Keller - @imkelle13 Host/Writer: Ayden McDougle - @ayden_mcdougle GUESTS: Hailey Gifford - hg537018@ohio.edu Intro/Outro song - Dance Summer by Muze Productions via Adobe Stock

This episode of Athens Happens explores the complexity and influence that political music has had on American and international politics and activism. This podcast is based off a recent opinion piece by Opinion Writer Mark Harris. Those interested can check out Mark's story here. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. This podcast episode was filmed on Feb. 22, 2023. CREDITS: Host/Writer/Editor: Izzy Keller - @imkelle13 Host: Ayden McDougle - ayden_mcdougle GUESTS: Rachel Yount - @22ryount Mark Harris - markharris2924@gmail.com Intro/Outro song - Dance Summer by Muze Productions via Adobe Stock

After spring informal rush, Assistant News Editor Jack Slemenda, Staff Writer Zach Hampu and TNP Designer Annabelle Sorge talk about their experiences in Greek Life. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. This podcast episode was filmed on Feb. 15, 2023. CREDITS: Host/Writer/Editor: Izzy Keller - @imkelle13 Host: Megan Arnold - @meganarnolddd GUESTS: Jack Slemenda - @JackSlemenda Zach Hampu - @Zach_Hampu Annabelle Sorge - @Annabellesorge Intro/Outro song - Dance Summer by Muze Productions via Adobe Stock

This week, Opinion Writer Danny Murnin and Assistant Opinion Editor Zach Donaldson discuss President Joe Biden's effectiveness, policies and future ahead of his 2023 State of the Union speech. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. This podcast episode was filmed on Feb. 1, 2023. CREDITS: Host/Writer/Editor: Izzy Keller - @imkelle13 Host: Megan Arnold - @meganarnolddd GUESTS: Zach Donaldson - @ZacharyDonald20 Danny Murnin - @dmurn121 Intro/Outro song - Dance Summer by Muze Productions via Adobe Stock

In this episode of Athens Happens, we talk with Ohio University Associate Director of Prevention and Education Ann Brandon and TNP Opinion Writer Jessica Horner about Ohio U's past as a party school. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. CREDITS: Host/Writer/Editor: Izzy Keller - @imkelle13 Host: Madeline Harden - @maddieharden620 GUESTS: Jessica Horner - @horner_jess Ann Brandon - abrandon@ohio.edu Intro/Outro song - Dance Summer by Muze Productions via Adobe Stock

This episode was recorded on Sept. 21, 2022. Please note that these views and opinions do not reflect those of The New Political. In the first ever counter-style debate on Athens Happens, Opinion Editor Aya Cathey and Assistant Opinion Editor Zach Donaldson share thoughts on President Biden's student loan debt plan. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. CREDITS: Host/Writer/Editor: Izzy Keller - @imkelle13 GUESTS: Aya Cathey - @AyaCathey Zach Donaldson - @ZacharyDonald20 Intro/outro song - Dance Summer by Muze Productions via Adobe Stock

In the first episode of Athens Happens this semester, TNP talks with Corinne Colbert and Dani Kingston, co-founders of the Athens County Independent, to talk about news in Athens. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. CREDITS Host/Writer/Editor: Izzy Keller - @imkelle13 Guest: Corinne Colbert - @CorinneColbert Dani Kington - @KingtonDani Intro/Outro song - Dance Summer by Muze Production via Adobe Stock

Today, Managing Editor Zach Zimmerman is interviewing Ohio University assistant professor Dr. Tom Suddes about the ongoing redistricting battle in Ohio. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens, and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. Credits: Reporter: Zach Zimmerman - @official_ZZ_ Editor/Host: Bo Kuhn - @bokuhnJOUR Guest: Dr. Tom Suddes - @ThomasSuddes Intro/Outro song- Dance Summer by Muza Production via Adobe Stock.

This week, we are talking with News Editor Maddie Harden about the sexual violence reporting process at Ohio University for an upcoming collaboration between The New Political and Ohio State's The Lantern. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens, and state politics. You can find new episodes at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. Credits: Bo Kuhn - @bokuhnJOUR Izzy Keller - @imkelle13 Maddie Harden - @maddieharden620 Intro/Outro song- Dance Summer by Muza Production via Adobe Stock.

This episode was recorded on January 19th, 2022. This week, we take a look at the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to one year ago. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens, and state politics. You can find new episodes on Monday at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. Credits: Bo Kuhn - @bokuhnJOUR Izzy Keller - @imkelle13 Intro/Outro song- Dance Summer by Muza Production via Adobe Stock.

On this episode, we will be looking at the work The New Political has done this past semester. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens, and state politics. You can find new episodes on Monday at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. Stories mentioned in this episode: Credits: Emily Zeiler - emily_zeiler Bo Kuhn - @bokuhnJOUR Intro/Outro song- Dance Summer by Muza Production via Adobe Stock.

On this episode, we sit down with Damon Krane, a local political figure and activist who has run for public office both in 2019 and in the 2021 election, about his history in Athens, and his outlook on Athens politics in general. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens, and state politics. You can find new episodes on Monday at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. Credits: Emily Zeiler: @emily_zeiler Bo Kuhn: @bokuhnJOUR Damon Krane Intro/Outro song- Dance Summer by Muza Production via Adobe Stock.

On this special episode, we discuss the history of the Athens Halloween Block Party as well as talk to Mayor Patterson about the recent cancellation of the event due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens, and state politics. You can find new episodes on Monday at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. Stories referenced in this episode: https://www.athensnews.com/culture/special_sections/a-journey-through-the-history-of-halloween-in-athens/article_6b752c54-a799-5565-b557-4f39448ab5c9.html https://bulldog-grape-g7za.squarespace.com/news/2018/10/29/does-hallouween-benefit-athens?rq=halloween Credits: Host/Writer/Manager: Emily Zeiler - @emily_zeiler Host/Writer/Editor: Bo Kuhn - @bo_kuhn_ Guest: Mayor Steve Patterson Intro/Outro song- Dance Summer by Muza Production via Adobe Stock.

This week we sit down with the Ohio University Student Senate Vice President, Elaina Tartel on what Student Senate is and her role as vice president. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens, and state politics. You can find new episodes on Monday at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. Credits: Host/Writer/Manager: Emily Zeiler - @emily_zeiler Host/Writer/Editor: Bo Kuhn - @bo_kuhn_ Guest: Elaina Tartel - @ElainaTartel Intro/Outro song- Dance Summer by Muza Production via Adobe Stock.

On this episode, we sit down with Henry Jost, a staff writer at TNP, about his article on the transition for Ohio University students from online to in-person. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens, and state politics. You can find new episodes on Monday at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. Credits: Host/Writer/Manager: Emily Zeiler - @emily_zeiler Host/Writer/Editor: Bo Kuhn - @bo_kuhn_ Guest: Henry Jost - @henryjost5 Intro/Outro song- Dance Summer by Muza Production via Adobe Stock.

This week we sit down with Hannah Fleming, Chief Justice of the Ohio University Student Senate Judicial Panel, who is the first female to hold the position at OU. Athens Happens is a podcast brought to you by The New Political, a student publication dedicated to explaining the nuances of Ohio University, Athens, and state politics. You can find new episodes on Monday at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. Credits: Host/Writer/Manager: Emily Zeiler - @emily_zeiler Host/Writer/Editor: Bo Kuhn - @bo_kuhn_ Guest: Hannah Fleming Intro/Outro song- Dance Summer by Muza Production via Adobe Stock.

This week we sat down with one of TNP's own Opinion Writers, Bryce Hoehn, who is also the founder of the Third Amendment Club at Ohio University. You can find new episodes on Monday at thenewpolitical.com or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. Credits: Host/Manager/Writer: Emily Zeiler - @emily_zeiler Host/Writer/Editor: Bo Kuhn - @bokuhnJOUR Guest: Bryce Hoehn: @bryce_hoehn Intro/Outro song - Dance Summer by Muza Production via Adobe Stock.

Athens Happens is a weekly news podcast brought to you by reporters at TNP who are dedicated to explaining the nuances of Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes every Friday at thenewpolitical.com, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, SoundCloud, or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. This week we discussed how Uptown businesses and restaurants are grappling with economic uncertainty in the face of Governor Mike DeWine's stay-at-home order, and other policies recommended by public health experts, which are intended to reduce spread of the novel coronavirus. Stories/columns included in this episode: Uptown businesses grapple with economic uncertainty amid coronavirus pandemic: https://thenewpolitical.com/2020/03/19/uptown-businesses-grapple-with-economic-uncertainty-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/ Credits: Host, Manager and Writer: Ben Peters, @BenPeters2 Producer, Engineer and Writer: Bo Kuhn, @bo_kuhn_ Guests: Eric Boll, @Eric_Boll_ Intro and outro track: “Wholesome” by Kevin MacLeod

Athens Happens is a weekly news podcast brought to you by reporters at TNP who are dedicated to explaining the nuances of Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes every Friday at thenewpolitical.com, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, SoundCloud, or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. This week we discussed how Ohio is working to ensure security in the March 17th Ohio Primaries, to avoid a debacle like the Iowa Caucus which left voters in the dark about its results for weeks following the contest. Stories/columns included in this episode: How the Athens County Board of Elections plans to keep elections secure: https://thenewpolitical.com/2020/02/27/how-the-athens-county-board-of-elections-plans-to-keep-elections-secure/ Credits: Host, Manager and Writer: Ben Peters, @BenPeters2 Producer, Engineer and Writer: Bo Kuhn, @bo_kuhn_ Guests: Nolan Cramer, @NolanACramer Intro and outro track: “Wholesome” by Kevin MacLeod

Athens Happens is a weekly news podcast brought to you by reporters at TNP who are dedicated to explaining the nuances of Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes every Friday at thenewpolitical.com, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, SoundCloud, or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. This week we discussed the intensifying Coronavirus anxiety on campus as Japanese exchange students were moved into the previously vacated Wray House residence hall, the lasting impacts of Kaitlin Bennett's visit to Ohio University, recent developments in the trials of former fraternity members who've been charged with crimes concerning the hazing-related death of Colin Wiant in 2018; and Ohio's declining coal economy, and how the increased demand for natural gas affects the state. Stories/columns included in this episode: Coronavirus anxiety intensifies as Japanese exchange students move into previously vacated Wray House: https://thenewpolitical.com/2020/03/04/japanese-exchange-students-moved-into-previously-vacated-wray-house/ The aftershock of Kaitlin Bennett's Ohio U visit: https://thenewpolitical.com/2020/02/26/the-aftershock-of-kaitlin-bennetts-ohio-u-visit/ Former fraternity members plead guilty in connection to death of Collin Wiant: https://thenewpolitical.com/2020/02/27/three-fraternity-members-plead-guilty-in-connection-to-death-of-collin-wiant/ Ohioans are troubled by the state's declining coal economy: https://thenewpolitical.com/2020/01/13/ohioans-are-troubled-by-the-states-declining-coal-economy/ Credits: Host, Manager and Writer: Ben Peters, @BenPeters2 Producer, Engineer and Writer: Bo Kuhn, @bo_kuhn_ Guests: Nathan Hart, @PartofMyHart Emily Zeiler, @Emily_Zeiler Alejandro Figueroa, @alejandro_rfig Intro and outro track: “Wholesome” by Kevin MacLeod

Athens Happens is a weekly news podcast brought to you by reporters at TNP who are dedicated to explaining the nuances of Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes every Friday at thenewpolitical.com, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, SoundCloud, or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. Disclaimer: Newby is a former communications director for The New Political This week we sat down with Joel Newby, A democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th congressional district, who spoke about his plans to advocate for pragmatism, rather than idealism, concerning electability and policies like "Medicare for All," a "Green New Deal" and broadband expansion. Credits: Host, Manager and Writer: Ben Peters, @BenPeters2 Producer, Engineer and Writer: Bo Kuhn, @bo_kuhn_ Guests: Joel Newby, @NewbyOH15 Intro and outro track: “Wholesome” by Kevin MacLeod

Athens Happens is a weekly news podcast brought to you by reporters at TNP who are dedicated to explaining the nuances of Athens and state politics. You can find new episodes every Friday at thenewpolitical.com, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, SoundCloud, or wherever else podcasts can be downloaded. This week we discussed hundreds of Ohio University students gathering to protest the arrival of conservative media personality Kaitlin Bennett, commonly known as the “Kent State Gun Girl” and, a small group of people gathered to protest the opening of Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg's Athens campaign office. Stories/columns included in this episode: Ohio U student protestors run Kaitlin Bennett off campus: https://thenewpolitical.com/2020/02/17/ohio-u-student-protestors-run-kaitlin-bennett-off-campus/ Protestors rally at Bloomberg Athens office opening: https://thenewpolitical.com/2020/02/18/protesters-rally-at-bloomberg-athens-office-opening/ Credits: Host, Manager and Writer: Ben Peters, @BenPeters2 Producer, Engineer and Writer: Bo Kuhn, @bo_kuhn_ Guests: Sarah Donaldson, @SarahEDon Emily Zeiler, @Emily_Zeiler Intro and outro track: “Wholesome” by Kevin MacLeod