Podcasts about central ohio

The Scripture text for this sermon is Galatians 6:9–10.This podcast is produced by Good Shepherd Bible Church, an ⁠Acts 29⁠ church in Central Ohio. Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel so that all people may believe, grow, and hope in Jesus.Our desire is to “preach Christ crucified.” We are not into merely teaching timeless truths or general biblical principles. We want you to hear Christ for you, where Jesus is the hero and substance of every sermon.At Good Shepherd, the good news of Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection from the grave is preached straight to the places of brokenness and sin in our hearts. We do this in an expository manner, preaching through the books of the Bible, where the Gospel is proclaimed through the meaning of each text every week.Learn more by visiting us online at ⁠⁠goodshepherdohio.com⁠⁠, and ⁠visit our blog⁠ to read sermon recaps from this and other sermons preached at the pulpit of GSBC.

OEA's grant programs put resources into the hands of members and empower Local associations to do amazing things for educators, students, and their communities. That's why OEA Secretary-Treasurer Rob McFee says they're one of his favorite parts of his job. Thanks to a member-driven push, the OEA Local Affiliate Grant programs are going through some changes. Rob walks us through the different grant opportunities, the differences in some of those grants this year, and the difference the grants from OEA and the OEA Foundation are making in hundreds of Locals across the state.LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OEA AFFILIATE GRANTS | For details about the Special Projects and Effective Local grants, click here. The application form is available here.For more information about the Local Capacity Grant, click here. Additional information can be found on the OEA Grants and Scholarships page, in the bottom right corner. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OEA FOUNDATION GRANTS | The work of the OEA Educational Foundation is to fund initiatives that enhance student learning, student achievement, and well-being, as well as promote social justice. Its Board of Directors provides four funding opportunities annually:Diversity Grants — To develop and pursue instructional classroom programs or curriculum that promote diversity, tolerance, and respect for humankind.Innovation Grants — For the pursuit of innovative and creative practices where learning is enriched by experiences or projects.Whisper Grant for Students in Need — Funds provided directly to an OEA member to assist a student or group of students with an identified hardship in meeting an educational or personal need.Make-A-Wish — In collaboration with Make-A-Wish®, the Foundation provides seed money for OEA Locals seeking to make a child's wish come true.DEADLINES TO KEEP IN MIND | Whisper Grants are awarded by the OEA Foundation year round, but other grants have application deadlines in early 2026. OEA Affiliate Grant applications are due January 31, 2026Applications for Diversity and Innovation Grants through the OEA Educational Foundation must be submitted by February 14, 2026.All receipts for reimbursements under the Local Capacity Grants must be submitted by July 31, 2026.  SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS | If you'd like to share your feedback on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear about - or talk about - on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.Featured Public Education Matters guest: Rob McFee, Ohio Education Association Secretary-TreasurerRob McFee brings over two decades of dedicated leadership in education and union advocacy to his role as OEA Secretary-Treasurer. While serving as a secondary math teacher in the Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools, Rob has consistently demonstrated his commitment to advancing the rights and interests of both his students and his members.Rob's union leadership journey has seen him wear a variety of hats. Most notably, he served nine years as local president and as the NEOEA President from 2018 to 2022. He has also advocated for members while serving on the NEOEA and OEA Board of Directors, and as a member of the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) Board of Directors, including a term as chair from 2021 to 2022. As local president, Rob successfully negotiated multiple contracts and served on various levy committees. He led his local union through significant changes, including the construction of new buildings and the aftermath of a fire that devastated the district's Board of Education Office. His unwavering advocacy for the health, safety, and working conditions of union members underscored his leadership as NEOEA President during the COVID pandemic. Rob believes deeply in the power of collaboration and diversity. For him, leadership means assembling the right team, empowering individuals to succeed, and finding equitable solutions through collective effort.As OEA Secretary-Treasurer, Rob is dedicated to upholding financial transparency and accountability. Working closely with the leadership team, Rob is committed to amplifying OEA's voice in advocating for public education. He believes passionately in racial, social, and economic justice, viewing diversity as a cornerstone of strength within the OEA. Rob's vision for an inclusive education system demonstrates his commitment to ensuring all students and educators have the resources they need to succeed.Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on December 10, 2025.

One person is dead and nine are hospitalized after possible carbon monoxide poisoning in Central Ohio's Fairfield County; body found after Toledo house fire may be that of a missing woman; ODOT proposes a major project near Cleveland; additional details released in the termination of Ohio University's football coach.

The Scripture text for this sermon is Habakkuk 3:17–19. This sermon continues our Advent sermon series titled The Weary World Rejoices.This podcast is produced by Good Shepherd Bible Church, an ⁠Acts 29⁠ church in Central Ohio. Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel so that all people may believe, grow, and hope in Jesus.Our desire is to “preach Christ crucified.” We are not into merely teaching timeless truths or general biblical principles. We want you to hear Christ for you, where Jesus is the hero and substance of every sermon.At Good Shepherd, the good news of Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection from the grave is preached straight to the places of brokenness and sin in our hearts. We do this in an expository manner, preaching through the books of the Bible, where the Gospel is proclaimed through the meaning of each text every week.Learn more by visiting us online at ⁠⁠goodshepherdohio.com⁠⁠, and ⁠visit our blog⁠ to read sermon recaps from this and other sermons preached at the pulpit of GSBC.

Downtown Columbus is changing rapidly, and local leaders are working to build a safer, more vibrant, and more connected urban core. We bring together experts from public safety, urban development, and community strategy to explore what it will take to strengthen the heart of the city. From new safety initiatives to long-term planning and partnership models, the conversation highlights how a thriving downtown Columbus drives Central Ohio's regional success. Featuring: Greg Davies, CEO, Downtown Columbus, Inc. Robin Davis, Executive Director, Safer Downtown Smith Weir, Deputy Chief of the Columbus Division of Police The host is Dawn Tyler Lee, former Deputy Chief of Staff with The City of Columbus, and Founder and CEO, Forrest Street Consulting. Amy Taylor, President of Downtown Columbus, Inc., presents opening remarks on the state of downtown. This forum was sponsored by Downtown Columbus, Inc., Event Marketing Strategies, MKSK, and The Robert Weiler Company. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America One Step at a Time by Jeff Speck (2022). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on December 17, 2025.

We will hear about Somali refugees in limbo when it comes for asylum, benefits and green cards.

Parent injured in dog attack at Toledo-area elementary school; Akron PD is using an AI-powered assistant to answer some non-emergency calls; Bengals fan upset that snow wasn't removed from seats at Paycor stadium for Sunday's game; Central Ohio fire department sees a flood of support after donated Christmas gifts were ruined by a sewage leak.

Parent injured in dog attack at Toledo-area elementary school; Akron PD is using an AI-powered assistant to answer some non-emergency calls; Bengals fan upset that snow wasn't removed from seats at Paycor stadium for Sunday's game; Central Ohio fire department sees a flood of support after donated Christmas gifts were ruined by a sewage leak.

Officials ID victim in deadly Barberton fire; Central Ohio city council weighs options after member was arrested for sexual misconduct with minors; Governor DeWine wants to crack down on kratom; Ohio Department of Natural Resources says bear sighting are becoming more common in Ohio.

Officials ID victim in deadly Barberton fire; Central Ohio city council weighs options after member was arrested for sexual misconduct with minors; Governor DeWine wants to crack down on kratom; Ohio Department of Natural Resources says bear sighting are becoming more common in Ohio.

Near Columbus, Whitehall mayor and community members call for resignation of city council member accused of sexual misconduct with minors; three Toledo police officers injured in chase involving a U-haul truck; Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections reports an inmate from the Cleveland area convicted of killing his young son has died in prison; Amazon awards grants to several Central Ohio organizations.

What if the mental health diagnosis you’ve been told limits you is actually the beginning of your most extraordinary life? What if stability isn’t the ceiling, but just the foundation? What if the system telling you to “just be stable” has been setting the bar far too low? Award-winning speaker and mental health advocate Gabe Howard reveals a truth the mental health system doesn’t want you to hear: people with serious mental illness can do more than survive. They can thrive, build careers, speak at Oxford University, and lead badass lives. The Dreams That Bipolar Disorder Interrupted Gabe Howard grew up dreaming of becoming a tech mogul, the next Bill Gates or Steve Jobs. It was the mid-90s, the early days of the internet, and he wanted to be an entrepreneur in the public eye. He even considered stand-up comedy. Then bipolar disorder happened. Psychosis happened. Suicidality happened. He was committed to a psychiatric hospital, and everything came crashing down. When he finally reached recovery, Gabe was angry and traumatised. He searched desperately for resources to help himself and his parents, but the harder he looked, the less he found. That’s when he realised something powerful: he wanted somebody to do something, and then he realised he was somebody. He never thought advocacy would become his career. He thought he’d volunteer for his local mental health charity and maybe make a small impact. Now, he’s a Webby Award winner, hosts the Inside Bipolar and Inside Mental Health podcasts, has spoken at Oxford University and the National Press Club in Washington, DC, and wrote a book called Mental Illness is an Asshole and Other Observations. Mental Health Is Identical to Physical Health One of Gabe’s most powerful insights: mental health isn’t like physical health. It’s identical to physical health. Everyone has mental health, just like everyone has physical health. Most people, most of the time, have good mental health. But just like you can catch a cold or break a bone, you can experience mental health challenges. The day after losing a loved one, no one expects you to be at your best mentally. That’s normal. Yet society treats mental health as binary: you’re either “crazy” or “perfectly fine,” with no room for the grey areas where real life actually happens. The System Wants You Stable. Gabe Wants You Thriving. Gabe challenges the mental health establishment’s tendency to set expectations dangerously low. Too often, people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression are told that getting a part-time job and living in a group home means “you’re doing great.” While stability matters, it shouldn’t be the only goal. He’s witnessed people in group homes being told they can’t work full-time or pursue their passions when the real issue is that the system is too scared of relapse to let them try. He shares the inspiring story of Rachel Starr Withers, who lives with schizophrenia yet has hiked volcanoes, appeared in Marvel films, and hosts the Inside Schizophrenia podcast. Her philosophy: “I want to lead a badass life.” No Magic Bullet, Just Consistent Jabs Using boxing as a metaphor, Gabe explains that recovery isn’t about one knockout punch. Everyone loves the idea of that one breakthrough moment, but most fights aren’t won that way. What wins is dozens of small jabs: maintaining sleep hygiene, taking medication as prescribed, keeping mood journals, attending therapy, exercising, eating well, and practicing radical honesty. These seemingly small things add up to sustainable wellness. The key is consistency, not perfection. The Workplace Stigma That Costs Everyone Gabe makes a compelling business case for reducing mental health stigma in the workplace. Companies that create cultures where employees can be honest about their struggles gain productivity. When people feel safe saying they need a mental health hour, they’re more likely to come in later that day rather than calling in sick entirely. This transparency transforms a full day lost into just an hour or two, making it not only ethically right but also more profitable. Three Golden Nuggets for Your Journey Everyone Has Mental Health. Mental health is NOT just negative. It’s a spectrum everyone exists on, just like physical health. The Basics Really Matter. Recovery isn’t one big breakthrough. It’s many small pieces fitting together: sleep, diet, movement, medication, therapy, and honest communication. The Goal Is to THRIVE. Don’t just “live with” mental illness. Believe that people with mental illness can lead GREAT lives, not just get by. About Gabe Howard Gabe Howard is the host of Healthline Media’s Inside Bipolar and Inside Mental Health podcasts and author of Mental Illness is an Asshole and Other Observations. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2003 after being committed to a psychiatric hospital, he received a resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero” and spoke at Oxford University in England. He makes his home in Central Ohio with his wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer he never wanted but now can’t imagine life without. Key Takeaway You are not limited by your diagnosis. The system may tell you to aim for stable, but you were meant for so much more. When you challenge low expectations, build consistent habits, and surround yourself with people who believe in your potential, thriving becomes possible. Your best life isn’t about just getting by. It’s about going as far as you can, and if you stumble, taking a step back and trying again. Watch the full conversation on YouTube Find Out More About Gabe Howard Inside Bipolar Podcast: https://www.healthline.com/health/podcast/ibp Website: gabehoward.com Facebook: facebook.com/gabehowardspeaker Instagram: @askabipolar YouTube: youtube.com/gabehoward29 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gabehoward29

Central Ohio city council member arrested on charges related to sexual misconduct with minors; 17-year-old in Toledo arrested for stealing a piece of construction equipment; Ohio Chamber of Commerce releases a study on energy usage in the state; Findlay 9-year-old hailed as a hero after her grandmother suffered a medical emergency.

Central Ohio city council member arrested on charges related to sexual misconduct with minors; 17-year-old in Toledo arrested for stealing a piece of construction equipment; Ohio Chamber of Commerce releases a study on energy usage in the state; Findlay 9-year-old hailed as a hero after her grandmother suffered a medical emergency.

The Scripture text for this sermon is Micah 5:2-5a. This sermon continues our Advent sermon series titled The Weary World Rejoices.This podcast is produced by Good Shepherd Bible Church, an ⁠Acts 29⁠ church in Central Ohio. Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel so that all people may believe, grow, and hope in Jesus.Our desire is to “preach Christ crucified.” We are not into merely teaching timeless truths or general biblical principles. We want you to hear Christ for you, where Jesus is the hero and substance of every sermon.At Good Shepherd, the good news of Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection from the grave is preached straight to the places of brokenness and sin in our hearts. We do this in an expository manner, preaching through the books of the Bible, where the Gospel is proclaimed through the meaning of each text every week.Learn more by visiting us online at ⁠⁠goodshepherdohio.com⁠⁠, and ⁠visit our blog⁠ to read sermon recaps from this and other sermons preached at the pulpit of GSBC.

I want to return to this profound poem we are studying for the autumn practice period—Affirming Faith in Mind.If mind does not discriminate, all things are as they are as one. To go to this mysterious source—frees us from all entanglements.When all is seen with equal mind, to our self-nature we return. This single mind goes right beyond all reasons and comparison.This poem is about Trust in Mind, Faith in our true nature, Trust in the Heart of WisdomDo we trust our heart-mind?Do you have faith in the nature of your own mind? Your own heart?This poem is a “pointing out” style teaching. Stanza by stanza, line by line—it's pointing to the Mind beyond thought. It's inviting us to recognize who we are beyond our strategies of defending, protecting, judging, identifying.We too can know ourselves as mystery.We too can know the source of all experience.There is encouragement and support to turn towards the apparent source of our suffering, and really look into its nature. To experience for ourselves the freedom, spaciousness, clarity and love of our nature. Right, here.Dahui in one of his letters addresses a student's concern that he is dull, and his dullness is preventing him from realizing his true nature.Dahui responds:That which perceives dullness is certainly not dull itself…indeed you should use your very dullness in order to enter the Way. However, if you identify with dullness and regard yourself as incapable by nature of awakening, you will find yourself caught by the demon of dullness.As I see it, in our ordinary way of seeing things we tend to let the desire for awakening get ahead of us and thus turn it into an obstacle preventing our true understanding from manifesting. But this obstacle is neither outside ourselves nor separate from ourselves—it is none other than the Master perceiving itself as “dull.”For this reason everyday Ruiyan Shiyan would call to himself, “Master!” He would then answer himself, “Yes!” “Be wide awake!” he would say, and again answer himself, “Yes!” Then he would say, “Whatever the time, whatever the day, never be misled by others!” “Yes! Yes!” Try examining this in your own way. The one who asks, what is this? is none other than the one who perceives dullness. And the one who perceives dullness is none other than your own True Self.Whether it is dullness, distraction, anger, fear. Whatever we habitually identify with and appears to block our path. What happens when we turn our attention toward the one who is aware of this apparent block? The “master” or True Self is always at home.We are invited to recognize this always present awareness, for ourselves, in our own lives.Freedom and love. Always right here.We are entering the last weeks of this calendar year. Can we use this time to reconnect with our aspiration? To recognize the true self, and not be misled by others.And to also appreciate the season of practice we are in. There are times where we are actually developing our discernment, our discriminating mind. Some of us are learning to trust ourselves, to stand in our karma, to take responsibility for our lives.Part of Trust in Mind, is having the courage to take action, to follow the call when it arises. For some of us the call may take you to a monastery or into a period of inquiry and spiritual investigation. For others it may have more to do with how you are showing up in your lives, or it may be about healing, or responding to a relational challenge. I know some of you are sitting in the question and are listening for the next step. That's part of this path too—I listened for 7 years before I had clarity, courage, conviction and life circumstances to move to the monastery. I am listening now for the next step on this path, as I continue to deepen my practice and develop new skills.Do not be deceived by others. I love this line. For many of us, it is a worthwhile practice to say this to ourselves, regularly. Who are these others? The thoughts in our own minds, the ones that are always comparing ourselves to someone else. What happens when we fully embrace this life? When we live our wisdom? When we honor our limitations, our karmic inheritance—and live the life we have?Tomorrow is Bodhi Day and I will be offering a telling of the Buddha's awakening story. We will explore the hero's journey in the Buddha's story and see how elements of the Buddha's path are part of our own journey's. Join for the Monday Night dharma to hear this talk!I am also co-facilitating an exploration of the Astrology of the Winter Solstice with the Jung Association of Central Ohio this Saturday December 13th with Shawn Casey at the Burkhart Chapel.Weekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk. Monday Dec 8th we will explore the Buddha's awakening story!Feel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKIn-Person in OregonUniverse Somatic: The Bright Thread in the Dark — January 22nd - 25thUniverse Somatic is a practice that integrates group meditation, movement and energy work with a spirit of experimentation and playfulness. We explore the union of spaciousness and embodied energies in a contemplative practice that is embodied and expressive.The theme for this Universe Somatic is The Bright Thread In the Dark. We will play in knowing and not-knowing, hope and despair, yin and yang, creation and destruction, dancing in deep relationship with these polarities while also listening for the thread that doesn't get stuck on either side.Light of the Ancestors Sesshin—May 11 - 17 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryIn-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.Save the Dates! 2026 Mud Lotus Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaMountains and Rivers Sesshin March 18 - 22Interdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

When Dan Greenberg began his term as OEA Vice President in July, he faced a learning curve as he started to learn the ropes in his new role. But, while he was new to his office in the OEA HQ building in Columbus, he was no stranger to union leadership. In this episode of the podcast, Dan shares his thoughts about how he's using the lessons he learned as a longtime Local leader in Sylvania - especially the lessons around organizing and building relationships - to guide his work for OEA members and the learners they serve now.SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS | If you'd like to share your feedback on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear about - or talk about - on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org. SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guest: Dan Greenberg, Ohio Education Association Vice PresidentA 28-year junior high and high school English teacher from Sylvania, Dan Greenberg became OEA Vice-President in 2025. Dan has served as President of the Sylvania Education Association for the past 10 years, and a total of 23 years as a local officer. Additionally, Dan also served six years as an NEA Director, seven years as an OEA Director, and three years as NWOEA Vice-President. During this time, he served on numerous OEA committees as well.Dan's public education advocacy extends beyond the Association. In 2013, Dan founded a grassroots public education advocacy group, the Northwest Ohio Friends of Public Education, to engage educators and community members on issues such as school funding and the overuse and misuse of standardized testing. Over the past decade, Dan's leadership in this space has led to him serving on the board for the statewide advocacy group, Public Education Partners, and the national organization, the Network for Public Education.Throughout his leadership journey, Dan has prioritized building relationships and creating spaces for educators to have a voice in decisions affecting our schools. He firmly believes that public education does not have to be a partisan issue and looks forward to the opportunity to work with Democrat and Republican elected officials to meet the challenges facing public education and our students.Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on September 10, 2025.

Central Ohio native London Studer was a first round pick in the inaugural Women's Professional Baseball League draft.

The arts are more than inspiration—they're critical infrastructure. Across Central Ohio, cultural organizations are using shared data and collaborative evaluation to show how the arts drive workforce readiness, economic development, public health, and community well-being. This forum spotlights the Central Ohio Arts Impact Initiative and a growing movement to position the arts as essential to the region's social and economic infrastructure. This week, we hear from arts leaders, data experts, and civic partners on how creative work is delivering measurable outcomes that align with Central Ohio's priorities to nurture vibrant urban suburban, and exurban communities. Featuring: Dr. Kimberlee Goodman, Executive Director, The McConnell Arts Center Angela Meleca, Chief Advocate Officer, Meleca Creative Advisors Priscilla R. Tyson, Former Columbus City Councilmember, Founder, Priscilla Tyson Consulting Your host is Sheri Chaney Jones, Co-Founder and CEO, SureImpact. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you're ready to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our friends at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "Run It Like a Business: Strategies for Arts Organizations to Increase Audiences, Remain Relevant, and Multiply Money – Without Losing the Art," by Aubrey Bergauer. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on December 3, 2025.

Significant snowfall measured around the state; Central Ohio man pleaded guilty to using AI to create child porn; Toledo Public Schools resume Head Start programming after receiving federal funding; Cleveland's city council approved the agreement that paves the way for the Browns' move to Brook Park.

If you've ever wondered what makes Central Ohio tick—beyond the headlines and rumors—this episode is for you.We welcome Matthew Martin, Director of Community Research at The Columbus Foundation, for an in-depth look at the Benchmarking Central Ohio 2024 report. We dig into the strengths, challenges, and unique features that define our rapidly growing region and shed light on how data-driven research is helping shape smarter philanthropy, more effective local policy, and a better quality of life for everyone who calls Central Ohio home. Matthew walks us through the origins and purpose of the benchmarking report, what sets Columbus apart among its peer cities, and why it's critical to not just gather data, but also fuel ongoing conversations for positive community change.Whether you're interested in regional growth, housing, public health, or the diverse fabric that makes up Central Ohio, get ready for a conversation packed with insights, optimism, and a fresh perspective on how research is powering our region's future.If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!Here are 3 key takeaways from the discussion:Research-Backed Change: The Columbus Foundation's benchmarking study isn't just about numbers—it's a comprehensive review comparing Central Ohio to 22 peer regions, helping community leaders move beyond rumors to real, actionable insights.Complex Challenges, Collaborative Solutions: Central Ohio's growth, diversity, and resilience are matched by persistent challenges—especially in areas like infant mortality, housing, and public health. The data doesn't give prescriptive answers, but sparks essential community conversations and inspires collaborative solutions across nonprofit, public, and corporate sectors.It's a Community Effort: Philanthropy in Columbus isn't just about big-dollar donors; it's about countless individuals making an impact together. The city's unique strengths—like its youthful population and outstanding libraries—are the result of broad-based civic engagement and informed action.We would love to hear from you.Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.Please review our podcast on Google!And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.Copyright 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Mentioned in this episode:Listener DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or...

00:00 Show open/ Cam Walker from Experience Columbus discusses holiday events in Central Ohio. 9:05 The Rev. Dr. TLC on how to handle holiday stress. 17:56 Doug Collins, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, on improvements for Franklin Co. veterans. 26:15 Mark Steber, Chief Tax Officer with Jackson Hewitt Tax Services, on tax code changes. 33:36 Face the State: Reporter roundtable with Ohio Public Radio and Television Reporter and Producer Jo Ingles and Cleveland Dot Com and Plain Dealer Politics Reporter Jeremy Pelzer.

The Scripture text for this sermon is Luke 16:1-13. This sermon continues our expositional sermon series on Luke's gospel titled Luke: Good News for the Rest of Us.This podcast is produced by Good Shepherd Bible Church, an ⁠Acts 29⁠ church in Central Ohio. Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel so that all people may believe, grow, and hope in Jesus.Our desire is to “preach Christ crucified.” We are not into merely teaching timeless truths or general biblical principles. We want you to hear Christ for you, where Jesus is the hero and substance of every sermon.At Good Shepherd, the good news of Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection from the grave is preached straight to the places of brokenness and sin in our hearts. We do this in an expository manner, preaching through the books of the Bible, where the Gospel is proclaimed through the meaning of each text every week.Learn more by visiting us online at ⁠⁠goodshepherdohio.com⁠⁠, and ⁠visit our blog⁠ to read sermon recaps from this and other sermons preached at the pulpit of GSBC.

Children's mental health isn't just a family issue—it's a workplace issue. When kids struggle, parents and caregivers face missed work and mounting stress, creating ripple effects across their lives. This week we explore the link between children's mental health and workplace performance, and the roles Central Ohio employers, healthcare leaders, and advocates are playing  in breaking the cycle of stress for families. Featuring: Anna Ankenbauer, Senior Director, Global Giving, Engagement, Learning & Development, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Nina Day, Community Mental Health Advocate. Dr. Ariana Hoet, Executive Director, The Kids Mental Health Foundation. The host is Cierra Johnson, Anchor & Reporter, NBC4. This forum was sponsored by Cardinal Health. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you're ready to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Finding Time: The Economics of Work-Life Conflict, by Heather Boushey. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on November 19, 2025.

The Scripture text for this sermon is Luke 15:11-32. This sermon continues our expositional sermon series on Luke's gospel titled Luke: Good News for the Rest of Us.This podcast is produced by Good Shepherd Bible Church, an ⁠Acts 29⁠ church in Central Ohio. Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel so that all people may believe, grow, and hope in Jesus.Our desire is to “preach Christ crucified.” We are not into merely teaching timeless truths or general biblical principles. We want you to hear Christ for you, where Jesus is the hero and substance of every sermon.At Good Shepherd, the good news of Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection from the grave is preached straight to the places of brokenness and sin in our hearts. We do this in an expository manner, preaching through the books of the Bible, where the Gospel is proclaimed through the meaning of each text every week.Learn more by visiting us online at ⁠⁠goodshepherdohio.com⁠⁠, and ⁠visit our blog⁠ to read sermon recaps from this and other sermons preached at the pulpit of GSBC.

Kelsie Bullock is a small-town teacher making a big impact - and proving that every student deserves to belong. A few years ago, she started a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Club for her Morgan County high school students.  Now, as political attacks threaten programs like hers, Bullock and her students are standing strong, creating a safe space where everyone can connect across differences and feel proud of who they are - no exceptions.KNOW YOUR RIGHTS | Take a listen to NEA's School Me podcast for a discussion with Alice O'Brien, general counsel for the National Education Association, as she walks through your rights, risks, and opportunities to push back against anti-equality policies and fear tactics: A Lawyer Explains: "DEI" and Anti-Equity Policies in Schools | NEA || OEA members with questions are urged to contact their Labor Relations Consultant for guidanceON THE FEDERAL LEVEL | Click here for information from NEA about several recent court rulings impacting inclusive education in public schools.In February, 2025, the US Department of Education issued a Dear Colleague Letter threatening schools and colleges across the country with the loss of federal funding in a matter of days if they continued to pursue vaguely defined “DEI programs.” The National Education Association, ACLU, and others filed a lawsuit to block enforcement of this directive, saying 'the Letter radically resets ED's longstanding positions on civil rights laws that guarantee equality and inclusion and impermissibly infringes on the authority of states and school districts over public education, as well as the First Amendment rights of educators and students. In April, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction, preventing the US Department of Education from enforcing the directive while litigation continues. Read NEA's statement on the court ruling here: Federal court grants preliminary injunction against Department of Education's unlawful directive | NEAHERE IN OHIO | Ohio lawmakers continue to propose legislation to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and offices in K-12 schools, extending the DEI ban they enacted on college campuses with SB 1 earlier this year. Click here to see recent news coverage.SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guest: Kelsie Bullock, Morgan Local Education Association memberA biology and marine biology teacher at Morgan High School in McConnelsville, Kelsie Bullock enjoys listening to music, judging gymnastics, doing jiu jitsu and spending time with my husband and dogs.  A Newark, Ohio, native, Bullock grew up doing gymnastics and loving animals. These two loves directed her towards attending Ohio State for their vet program and coaching gymnastics through her time in college. She quickly realized, once starting college, that becoming a vet was not for her. She thought back on her life and realized that she has always been somewhat of a teacher to her younger sisters, her teammates, and her school peers. This, coinciding with her coaching, led her to realize that she may want to be a teacher. So she switched her major to zoology with a focus in anatomy and physiology, something she wanted to teach at the time. After graduating with her first degree, Bullock had a few hiccups for her licensure and ultimately ended up going back to Ohio State to get her bachelors in life science education. During this second degree program, she took an equity and diversity class that she attributes to her turning point in life. She learned so much about the history and culture of marginalized groups in the US and it opened her eyes. From that point on, she has been dedicated to learning and serving to help marginalized groups.Bullock enjoys her job, which allows her to actively express her D.E.I passion while also teaching about a topic she truly loves. She gets to help students learn in more ways than one.  Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on September 15, 2025.

76-year-old Central Ohio man charged with murder in an alleged sexploitation case; criminal investigation underway into Toledo doctor who is accused of secretly administering abortion drugs to his girlfriend; state lawmakers are considering a new measure that could help protect kids with autism; Chillicothe PD officer hailed for possibly saving a 9-month-old baby's life.

76-year-old Central Ohio man charged with murder in an alleged sexploitation case; criminal investigation underway into Toledo doctor who is accused of secretly administering abortion drugs to his girlfriend; state lawmakers are considering a new measure that could help protect kids with autism; Chillicothe PD officer hailed for possibly saving a 9-month-old baby's life.

Small businesses are the backbone of Central Ohio's economy—creating jobs, fueling innovation, and shaping the future of our communities. Despite inflation, labor shortages, and tariffs, many small business owners report feeling optimistic about the future. This week we explore why. Featuring: Stuart Hoffman, Senior Economic Advisor, PNC Financial Services Group Tim Kehoe, Director, Economic and Community Development Institute's Veterans Business Outreach Center of Ohio Ariana Ulloa-Olavarrieta, Small Business Coordinator, City of Columbus Walter Eguez, Founder, Tortilla Street Food The host is Susan Post, Digital Editor, Columbus Business First. This forum was sponsored by PNC. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you're ready to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our friends at the Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading The New Builders: Face to Face with the True Future of Business by Seth Levine. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on November 12, 2025.

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or Amazon Fire TV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Amanda: My superpower is just diving in!The non-alcoholic beverage movement is taking the country by storm. While many expect trends to start in big coastal cities, this time something special is happening in the heart of Ohio. Amanda Ortega, founder and CEO of Beyond Bottleshop, is leading the charge to make intentional, alcohol-free drinking accessible to everyone.Amanda's shop in downtown Springfield, Ohio, offers a colorful selection of non-alcoholic and functional beverages — drinks that not only taste good but also help people feel energized, relaxed, or uplifted. She explained, “A lot of the non-alcoholic industry kind of exploded during COVID. A lot of the products that I carry were founded during that time. So we're not too far behind, and I'm just excited to be an industry leader in the Midwest.”Beyond Bottleshop started small, inside a local gift shop. As Amanda put it, “It was an opportunity for me to have a small space with not too much overhead and start selling these non-alcoholic beverages.” What began as a local experiment quickly grew into something much bigger. Customers now drive an hour or more to visit the store, and Amanda has launched an online shop to reach more people across the country.Her next goal is to expand into distribution, helping restaurants and bars create high-quality, non-alcoholic cocktails. “I'm really passionate about getting into the hospitality industry and bridging the gap between what's happening for people personally and what they can get when they're out,” she said. “I'm excited to bridge that gap with other businesses.”Amanda is also raising capital for Beyond Bottleshop through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on Honeycomb Credit. The campaign allows community members to invest as little as $100 to help her business grow. “There are a lot of people who feel passionate about what I do,” she said. “What a cool opportunity that they can give a hundred dollars, a thousand dollars, or whatever is in their range to help a small business grow that's local.”Her passion for intentional drinking came from her own journey. After years of running a wine shop and working in hospitality with her husband, a chef, Amanda began to seek healthier, more mindful options. “I just became really passionate about intentional drinking,” she said. “It just felt like enough time has been spent in my life in and around alcohol. It was time for something different.”Through Beyond Bottleshop, Amanda is creating not only a business but also a movement — one that's reshaping how communities in the Midwest and beyond think about what's in their glass.tl;dr:* In this episode, I talk with Amanda Ortega, founder of Beyond Bottleshop, about the booming non-alcoholic beverage movement.* Amanda shares how her Springfield, Ohio, shop became a local hub for functional, alcohol-free drinks with national reach.* She explains her decision to raise capital through Honeycomb Credit, inviting community investors to fuel her growth.* Amanda reveals her superpower: fearless connection — diving in, building trust, and uniting people for shared success.* Together, we explore how authentic relationships and collaboration can drive business growth and positive social change.How to Develop Fearless Connection As a SuperpowerAmanda Ortega's superpower is fearless connection—the ability to dive in, take risks, and build authentic relationships that move ideas forward. As she explained, “My superpower is just diving in. I see a need, and it feels natural to make it happen if it's related to something I'm passionate about.” She combines her entrepreneurial spirit with a genuine love for people, creating trust and collaboration wherever she goes. Amanda's energy comes from her drive to connect with others who share her vision. “It just lights me up,” she said, “talking to other entrepreneurs and business owners about how we can move forward together—how we can change the world together.”One powerful example of Amanda's superpower in action comes from her work connecting local businesses. She described bringing together a sound bath practitioner, a yoga instructor, and her own non-alcoholic beverages to create an experience that nourished the body, mind, and spirit. “I said, Hey, I can bring drinks, you do this, and you do that, and it brings all our customers together for an even better experience,” she recalled. “That's how I see the world—bringing people together in that way and just building and bringing all our superpowers together.”Throughout this episode, Amanda offered practical insight into how others can develop their own gift for connection:* Start small. Attend local networking events or farmers markets to meet people with shared interests.* Ask thoughtful questions. Focus on understanding others' stories before sharing your own.* Build one-on-one trust. Find common ground and let authentic relationships grow naturally.* Encourage collaboration. Look for ways to align skills, goals, or audiences to create mutual benefit.* Stay fearless. Take risks by reaching out, offering ideas, and trying new partnerships.By following Amanda Ortega's example and advice, you can make fearless connection a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileAmanda Ortega (she/her):Founder/ CEO, Beyond Bottleshop, LLCAbout Beyond Bottleshop, LLC: Beyond Bottleshop is Central Ohio's first curated hub for non-alcoholic and functional beverages, founded by Amanda Ortega to lead a cultural shift toward intentional, wellness-centered drinking. More than a retail space, Beyond Bottleshop is a movement-driven experience that blends strategic brand storytelling with compliance expertise, community engagement, and emotionally resonant rituals. From kava and adaptogenic elixirs to sparkling teas and mood-enhancing tonics, it offers a thoughtfully selected inventory backed by educational resources, experiential campaigns, and hospitality partnerships. With a growing eCommerce presence and plans to expand into wholesale and regional distribution, Beyond Bottleshop is building the infrastructure to scale its impact and become the trusted leader in mindful beverage experiences across the Midwest.Website:beyondbottleshop.comCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/beyondbottleshopOther URL: invest.honeycombcredit.com/campaigns/Beyond-BottleshopBiographical Information: Amanda Ortega is the founder and owner of Beyond Bottleshop, Central Ohio's first curated hub for non-alcoholic and functional beverages. A visionary leader and strategic storyteller, Amanda blends deep compliance expertise with emotionally resonant branding to pioneer a cultural shift toward intentional, wellness-centered drinking. Her career spans over a decade in hospitality, from supporting her husband's food truck and opening a small restaurant to owning a wine shop and earning her Level 1 sommelier certification. As a former SBDC business coach and private consultant, she's empowered other hospitality start-ups with operational clarity and creative direction. At Beyond Bottleshop, Amanda leads experiential marketing, community engagement, and educational initiatives that spark curiosity and connection. With a growing eCommerce presence and plans to expand into wholesale and regional distribution, she's building a movement—not just a business—centered on mindful drinking, partnership, and purpose.Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/amanda-ortegaInstagram Handle: @beyondbottleshopSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, Crowdfunding Made Simple, SuperGreen Live and Envirosult. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch applications due by November 17. Apply to pitch at the Superpowers for Good live event on December 11, 2025. This is your chance to spark campaign momentum and present to expert investors who frequently invest in our winners. Applicants must have an active Regulation Crowdfunding offering live when applying that will still be live on the event date. Apply by November 17, 2025.* SuperCrowdHour, November 19, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern — Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on “Investing with a Self-Directed IRA.” In this session, Devin will explain how investors can use self-directed IRAs to participate in regulated investment crowdfunding while managing taxes and optimizing returns. He'll break down when this strategy makes sense, how to choose the right custodian, and what fees, rules, and risks to watch for. With his trademark clarity and real-world experience, Devin will help you understand how to balance simplicity with smart tax planning—so you can invest confidently, align your portfolio with your values, and make your money work harder for both impact and income.* SuperGreen Live, January 22–24, 2026, livestreaming globally. Organized by Green2Gold and The Super Crowd, Inc., this three-day event will spotlight the intersection of impact crowdfunding, sustainable innovation, and climate solutions. Featuring expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and live pitch sessions, SuperGreen Live brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and activists to explore how capital and climate action can work hand in hand. With global livestreaming, VIP networking opportunities, and exclusive content, this event will empower participants to turn bold ideas into real impact. Don't miss your chance to join tens of thousands of changemakers at the largest virtual sustainability event of the year.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.* From Vision to Impact: The Stories Behind CfPA's Summit Awardees, November 12, 2025, at 2:00 Eastern.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

The Scripture text for this sermon is Luke 15:1-10. This sermon continues our expositional sermon series on Luke's gospel titled Luke: Good News for the Rest of Us.This podcast is produced by Good Shepherd Bible Church, an ⁠Acts 29⁠ church in Central Ohio. Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel so that all people may believe, grow, and hope in Jesus.Our desire is to “preach Christ crucified.” We are not into merely teaching timeless truths or general biblical principles. We want you to hear Christ for you, where Jesus is the hero and substance of every sermon.At Good Shepherd, the good news of Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection from the grave is preached straight to the places of brokenness and sin in our hearts. We do this in an expository manner, preaching through the books of the Bible, where the Gospel is proclaimed through the meaning of each text every week.Learn more by visiting us online at ⁠⁠goodshepherdohio.com⁠⁠, and ⁠visit our blog⁠ to read sermon recaps from this and other sermons preached at the pulpit of GSBC.

Teen dies after shooting at Bath Township Airbnb party last weekend; new charges for the Venezuelan man who pretended to be a teenager and enrolled in a Toledo-area high school; a Central Ohio man is facing charges for allegedly harming his dog; Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno faces allegations of stalking and invasion of privacy.

Teen dies after shooting at Bath Township Airbnb party last weekend; new charges for the Venezuelan man who pretended to be a teenager and enrolled in a Toledo-area high school; a Central Ohio man is facing charges for allegedly harming his dog; Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno faces allegations of stalking and invasion of privacy.

Teen dies after shooting at Bath Township Airbnb party last weekend; new charges for the Venezuelan man who pretended to be a teenager and enrolled in a Toledo-area high school; a Central Ohio man is facing charges for allegedly harming his dog; Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno faces allegations of stalking and invasion of privacy.

Ironton Education Association President Daniel Murphy and his fellow educators in their rural community live in a deep red part of Ohio - Donald Trump won 75% of the vote in Lawrence County in 2024. But Murphy says partisan labels mean nothing when it comes to making sure rural students' needs are met. In this episode, he shares what he wants all lawmakers to understand about the challenges facing rural schools. He also shares his message to his local members about the importance of electing pro-public education leaders, regardless of political party.SEE WHERE YOUR LAWMAKERS STAND | Click here to see how your representatives in the Ohio House and Senate vote on public education issues with the OEA Legislative Scorecard tool.DONATE TO THE OEA FUND | The OEA Fund is the state political action committee (PAC) for members of the Ohio Education Association. It is funded with voluntary donations from OEA members, members' families, and OEA staff to support pro-public education, pro-labor candidates, regardless of political affiliation or anything else. Dues funds are never used to make contributions to candidates or political parties. SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guest: Daniel Murphy, Ironton Education Association PresidentDaniel is a proud father, first and foremost. To his children, Jasmine and Kingston, he is a hero, a teacher, and a source of unconditional love. It is from this foundational role that his mission to nurture, protect, and empower others flows. As a Physical Education teacher at Ironton Middle School, he has spent the last decade channeling that paternal energy into the gymnasium and onto the playing fields, understanding that building strong character is just as important as building strong bodies.But his classroom has no walls. For twenty years, he has been a pillar on the football field, coaching at multiple levels. In the grit and grind of practice, he has taught young athletes about discipline, teamwork, and resilience—lessons that extend far beyond the final whistle. This same unwavering dedication is offered to his faith community, where he serves as a deacon, providing spiritual guidance and support.Recognizing that his duty of care extended to the very colleagues who shape Ironton's future, he stepped into a new role three years ago as President of the Ironton Education Association. Here, he found a new arena for his passion. The same fire he brings to his students, his players, and his church, he now brings to serving his union members every single day.His mission is clear and profound: to better the work environment and culture for everyone involved in the Ironton City Schools District. He fights not just for teachers, but for the dedicated support staff, the students they all serve, and the entire ecosystem that makes education possible. He understands that a thriving school is built on respect and fairness for all.His guiding light in this work is a powerful conviction, echoed in one of his favorite quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.”He has chosen a life of purposeful noise. He is not silent about fair treatment. He is not silent about safe and supportive schools. He is not silent about the things that matter to his family, his students, his fellow educators, and his community.Through his roles as a father, teacher, coach, deacon, and union leader, he demonstrates that true impact is measured not by a single grand gesture, but by the sum of a thousand daily commitments. He is a builder—of stronger bodies, sharper minds, fairer workplaces, and a more compassionate community. His story is a powerful reminder that one person's dedicated life can be the catalyst for a better world for all. Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on September 11, 2025.

Happy Wednesday! The CFP rankings made their debut. Adam Schefter joins the show hot off an NFL Trade Deadline. Zac Taylor responds to Chase Brown's postgame comments. We play In or Out. Bobby Carpenter joins the show. The Heisman talk is getting hot in Central Ohio. Where are we at on this Blue Jackets bet? We pull a 2-a-day with BCarp. Ice went from hating his Ravens to now asking about their Super Bowl odds. Arvell Reese is almost unanimously a top 10 pick at this point. Zach Werenski joins us for Hockey and Hounds. And we have the most memorable Tell the Truth we've ever performed.

The Scripture text for this sermon is Luke 14:25-35. This sermon continues our expositional sermon series on Luke's gospel titled Luke: Good News for the Rest of Us.This podcast is produced by Good Shepherd Bible Church, an ⁠Acts 29⁠ church in Central Ohio. Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel so that all people may believe, grow, and hope in Jesus.Our desire is to “preach Christ crucified.” We are not into merely teaching timeless truths or general biblical principles. We want you to hear Christ for you, where Jesus is the hero and substance of every sermon.At Good Shepherd, the good news of Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection from the grave is preached straight to the places of brokenness and sin in our hearts. We do this in an expository manner, preaching through the books of the Bible, where the Gospel is proclaimed through the meaning of each text every week.Learn more by visiting us online at ⁠⁠goodshepherdohio.com⁠⁠, and ⁠visit our blog⁠ to read sermon recaps from this and other sermons preached at the pulpit of GSBC.

When Ohio lawmakers began signaling their intention to break their promise to finish fully and fairly funding our public schools in the latest state budget, a lot of Ohioans were left feeling disappointed and downtrodden. Jessica Harper was left feeling mad. The Jackson City Education Association President turned that anger into action, bringing together her fellow educators and community members from around the region for a big rally for public school funding in the spring. Now, as the fight for fair school funding continues in the new school year, Harper is not backing down.LEADING OUR UNION |Click here to check out Jessica Harper's column in the June-July issue of the Ohio Schools magazine. MID-CAREER EDUCATORS UNITE | While Jessica Harper is on the cusp of entering the mid-career range in the education profession, other mid-career educators are coming together now within the Ohio's New Educators (ONE) department to ensure all Ohio educators in the second decade of the career have the support they need to thrive. Check out our episode on the mid-career pilot program from earlier this season. Sign up to take part in a world cafe in early November for mid-career educators and education support professionals at all stages of their career here.  SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guest: Jessica Harper, Jackson City Education Association PresidentJessica Harper is beginning her tenth year in the classroom in the Jackson City School District, where she serves as the president of the Jackson City EA.  Jessica recently began her first term on the OEA Board of Directors and is also on the Southeastern Ohio EA Executive Committee as the Jackson County Representative.  Her overall goals as a leader in her local are to keep membership numbers steady, become more visible to the public so educators can gain support from the community, and strengthen the local union by continuing to foster effective communication and activism.  Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on August 26, 2025.

The Scripture text for this sermon is Luke 14:1-24. This sermon continues our expositional sermon series on Luke's gospel titled Luke: Good News for the Rest of Us.This podcast is produced by Good Shepherd Bible Church, an ⁠Acts 29⁠ church in Central Ohio. Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel so that all people may believe, grow, and hope in Jesus.Our desire is to “preach Christ crucified.” We are not into merely teaching timeless truths or general biblical principles. We want you to hear Christ for you, where Jesus is the hero and substance of every sermon.At Good Shepherd, the good news of Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection from the grave is preached straight to the places of brokenness and sin in our hearts. We do this in an expository manner, preaching through the books of the Bible, where the Gospel is proclaimed through the meaning of each text every week.Learn more by visiting us online at ⁠⁠goodshepherdohio.com⁠⁠, and ⁠visit our blog⁠ to read sermon recaps from this and other sermons preached at the pulpit of GSBC.

As Columbus Education Association member Shanette Strickland puts it: "If you can manage 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, adults are no problem." Educators have many transferrable skills needed to be effective leaders in their local city governments. Strickland, who is currently the Reynoldsburg City Council President and running for Reynoldsburg Auditor in the upcoming General Election, shares her journey to local leadership and her career in education, as well as her advice for other educators who are thinking about running for office.SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.THE POWER OF ONE | To learn more about the Ohio's New Educators group and how you can get involved with this group of educators in the first ten years of their careers, click here.SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.Featured Public Education Matters guest: Shanette Strickland, Columbus Education Association memberShanette Mobley Strickland is a dedicated public servant, business owner, educator, and advocate for fiscal integrity, currently serving as the President of the Reynoldsburg City Council. In this role, she has been instrumental in fostering collaboration, driving initiatives for transparency, and championing policies that promote economic growth and inclusivity.She envisions Reynoldsburg as the premier destination in Ohio for residents and businesses alike, focusing on strategic investments that enhance infrastructure, technology, and community well-being.Building on her leadership experience, Shanette is now a candidate for City Auditor in the November 2025 election. She aims to bring her expertise in information technology, project management, and financial oversight to the Auditor's office, ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability in the city's financial operations. Her commitment to ethicalgovernance and responsible budgeting will help Reynoldsburg navigate challenges while seizing opportunities for sustainable growth.In addition to her public service, Shanette is an educator, teaching information technology to students in Columbus City Schools, where she is passionate about preparing the next generation for careers in technology and innovation. She understands firsthand the importance of education, workforce development, and equipping young people with theskills needed for success in a rapidly evolving economy.Shanette's leadership extends beyond public office. She and her husband, Chris Strickland, run The Source Group LLC, a technology company that focuses on innovation, digital strategy, and business solutions. As entrepreneurs, they understand the importance of economic empowerment, job creation, and leveraging technology to drive progress.A first-generation college graduate, Shanette holds a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management from DeVry University and a Master of Business Administration from Franklin University. Her personal journey underscores her commitment to education and mentorship, inspiring her work in empowering underserved and underrepresented communities.With over 25 years of experience in information technology and 12 years in project management, Shanette brings a strategic, data-driven approach to governance. She has held leadership roles in organizations such as the Reynoldsburg Football Parent Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Charms Inc. Columbus Chapter, serving as FinancialSecretary and National Recording Secretary. A fierce advocate for social justice, she has championed initiatives promoting inclusion, particularly for young African American males, and remains a steadfast voice for the disenfranchised, underserved, and overlooked. In 2019, Shanette made history as one of the first three African American women electedto the Reynoldsburg City Council, marking a transformative moment for the city's leadership. She resides in Reynoldsburg with her husband of 24 years, Chris Strickland, and their two sons, Chris II and Shon.Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on October 21, 2025.

The Scripture text for this sermon is Luke 13:31-35. This sermon continues our expositional sermon series on Luke's gospel titled Luke: Good News for the Rest of Us.This podcast is produced by Good Shepherd Bible Church, an ⁠Acts 29⁠ church in Central Ohio. Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel so that all people may believe, grow, and hope in Jesus.Our desire is to “preach Christ crucified.” We are not into merely teaching timeless truths or general biblical principles. We want you to hear Christ for you, where Jesus is the hero and substance of every sermon.At Good Shepherd, the good news of Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection from the grave is preached straight to the places of brokenness and sin in our hearts. We do this in an expository manner, preaching through the books of the Bible, where the Gospel is proclaimed through the meaning of each text every week.Learn more by visiting us online at ⁠⁠goodshepherdohio.com⁠⁠, and ⁠visit our blog⁠ to read sermon recaps from this and other sermons preached at the pulpit of GSBC.

Tom from the band Archers Rise stopped by our morning show to talk with Hudson and Aly about the release of their new song “Get Away” that's now playing on RadioU! They also got to discuss some of the best restaurants and coffee shops in Central Ohio.

Tom from the band Archers Rise stopped by our morning show to talk with Hudson and Aly about the release of their new song “Get Away” that's now playing on RadioU! They also got to discuss some of the best restaurants and coffee shops in Central Ohio.

For years, the Ohio legislature has pushed to have the state pay a smaller and smaller share of the cost of running Ohio's public schools, placing a bigger and bigger burden on local property taxpayers to make up the difference. Now, Ohio lawmakers are pushing a whole raft of property tax reform bills, many with potentially disastrous consequences for public school students across the state. So, what can the state actually do to provide meaningful property tax relief without doing so on the backs of the public schools that serve 90 percent of students in our state? To understand where we should go from here, we have to understand how we got to this pressure point. In Part 1 of this special two-part conversation, we take a deeper dive into how Ohio's property taxes work and what's driving a spike in property tax bills in recent years.LISTEN TO PART 2 |Click here to hear the second half of the conversation with Dr. Howard Fleeter, where we look at what the state could do to enact potential property tax policy changes without devastating Ohio's public schools.TAKE ACTION | House Bill 186 is one of several property tax bills making its way through the General Assembly right now. But, the substitute version of HB 186 under consideration would result in a huge, devastating funding cut for hundreds of Ohio school districts, especially in rural communities. Click here to see how your district would be impacted and to tell your lawmaker to oppose the amended version of HB 186.  READ THE REPORT | Learn more in the Ohio Education Policy Insitute's new 'Analysis of Residential Property Taxes in Ohio: A Balanced Approach to Reform'INTO THE ARCHIVES | Dr. Fleeter was a Public Education Matters guest way back in the first season of this podcast as we worked to understand Ohio's school funding formula - or lack thereof back at that point. Click here to listen.Featured Public Education Matters guest: Dr. Howard Fleeter, economist and Ohio Education Policy Institute consultantDr. Howard B. Fleeter received his Ph.D in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1990.  He was a faculty member in the School of Public Policy and Management at Ohio State University from 1989-1999, where he taught courses in Public Sector Economics, Public Finance, and State and Local Government Finance.  He was a four-time recipient of the School's “Faculty of the Year” award for excellence in teaching.  Dr. Fleeter was also a faculty member in the School of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst from 1999-2001, where he taught courses in the Economics of Education and School Finance. Dr. Fleeter's research has focused on issues of education finance, education policy, and state and local tax policy and he is the author of numerous policy studies and academic journal articles on these topics.  Since his 1992 report, "Equity, Adequacy and Reliability in Ohio Education Finance" for Governor Voinovich's Education Management Council he has been one of the state's leading experts on Education Finance.  He has worked extensively with Ohio education policy-makers to improve the state's school funding system for more than 25 years.  He is currently the owner of the state and local government finance and tax policy consulting firm Howard Fleeter & Associates and serves as a research consultant on education finance and policy issues for the Ohio Education Policy Institute.  Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on October 7, 2025.

After years of refusing to have the state pay its fair share of the cost of running Ohio's public schools and forcing local property tax payers to carry a bigger load to make up the difference, Ohio lawmakers are pushing a number of property tax changes that could slash revenues for school districts with devastating impacts on Ohio's public school students. So, what can the state actually do to provide meaningful property tax relief without doing so on the backs of our public schools? In Part 2 of this special two-part conversation, we take a look at the potential property tax reforms Ohio lawmakers could enact if they were really interested in something beyond short-sighted Band aid fixes.LISTEN TO PART 1 | Click here to hear the first half of the conversation with Dr. Howard Fleeter, where we dive into the history and impact of Ohio's property tax laws and the state policy changes that have fueled the rise in local property tax bills in recent years. This is incredibly important context about how we got here, so we can figure out what needs to be done now. If you have not listened to Part 1, please go back and listen to it now.TAKE ACTION | House Bill 186 is one of several property tax bills making its way through the General Assembly right now. But, the substitute version of HB 186 under consideration would result in a huge, devastating funding cut for hundreds of Ohio school districts, especially in rural communities. Click here to see how your district would be impacted and to tell your lawmaker to oppose the amended version of HB 186. READ THE REPORT | Learn more in the Ohio Education Policy Insitute's new 'Analysis of Residential Property Taxes in Ohio: A Balanced Approach to Reform'INTO THE ARCHIVES | Dr. Fleeter was a Public Education Matters guest way back in the first season of this podcast as we worked to understand Ohio's school funding formula - or lack thereof back at that point. Click here to listen.Featured Public Education Matters guest: Dr. Howard Fleeter, economist and Ohio Education Policy Institute consultantDr. Howard B. Fleeter received his Ph.D in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1990.  He was a faculty member in the School of Public Policy and Management at Ohio State University from 1989-1999, where he taught courses in Public Sector Economics, Public Finance, and State and Local Government Finance.  He was a four-time recipient of the School's “Faculty of the Year” award for excellence in teaching.  Dr. Fleeter was also a faculty member in the School of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst from 1999-2001, where he taught courses in the Economics of Education and School Finance. Dr. Fleeter's research has focused on issues of education finance, education policy, and state and local tax policy and he is the author of numerous policy studies and academic journal articles on these topics.  Since his 1992 report, "Equity, Adequacy and Reliability in Ohio Education Finance" for Governor Voinovich's Education Management Council he has been one of the state's leading experts on Education Finance.  He has worked extensively with Ohio education policy-makers to improve the state's school funding system for more than 25 years.  He is currently the owner of the state and local government finance and tax policy consulting firm Howard Fleeter & Associates and serves as a research consultant on education finance and policy issues for the Ohio Education Policy Institute.  Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on October 7, 2025.

Whether they're learning Spanish, French, German, or any other language, World Language programs open up doors for Ohio's public school students every day. Unfortunately, World Languages educators have to constantly fight back against attacks on their programs as they fight for the opportunities their students need. Teays Valley Education Association Vice President Haylee Ziegler is passionate about helping everyone see the value of World Language programs in our schools. She shares her thoughts on this episode of the podcast. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS | If you'd like to share your feedback on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear about - or talk about - on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org. SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guest: Haylee Ziegler, Teays Valley Education Association Vice PresidentHaylee Ziegler is an 8th year Spanish teacher at Teays Valley High School. She is the vice-president of the Teays Valley Education Association and a part of the OEA LRC training program. Haylee also runs a blog, senoraziegler.com, where she reflects on teaching Spanish and provides professional development to teachersConnect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on August 20, 2025.

Educators who are in their second decade in the profession are facing burnout at alarming rates - 66% report that they're considering leaving their careers. Many feel that their needs as experienced professionals aren't being met and their voices aren't being heard. Building off the success of OEA's Ohio's New Educators program, which serves educators in the first ten years of their careers, a new pilot program has been launched to support mid-career educators specifically. Tonya Horn and Jovita Wade have been driving much of the new Mid-Career Educators cadre work, and join us for this episode to share what they've been hearing from other mid-career educators about why this kind of support is so important. MID-CAREER EDUCATORS WANTED | If you would like to get involved in the new Mid-Career Educators cadre, you can connect with Tonya by email at hornt@oeaone.org and you can reach Jovita by email at wadej@oeaone.org. You can also learn more about the Ohio's New Educators department, under which the Mid-Career pilot program is being organized, here. SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guests: Jovita Wade, Fairborn Education Association memberJovita Wade is an intervention specialist in Fairborn City Schools, currently working with high school students. She serves on the Western Ohio Education Association Board of Directors and is a Professional Efficacy Committee member. Jovita began her education career as a school secretary before becoming a teacher, having attained a Masters of Exceptionalities degree. She has been serving as a ONE Member Organizer and now has joined the Mid-Career Organizers Cadre. Tonya Horn, Green Local Association of Support Staff memberTonya Horn is in her 19th year as a paraeducator, working at Green Local Schools Middle School. She has served on the Northeast Ohio Education Association Board of Directors as well as the Ohio Education Association Board of Directors. Tonya is also a NEA Lead Member Organizer. Her work with Ohio's New Educators has now grown to include serving as a ONE Mid-Career Member Organizer.Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on July 10, 2025.

Hidden Histories is the new anthology from the Columbus Cartoon Coalition (C3). Learning is the central theme of this anthology. My two guests, Jasper Rajavadee and Makayla Davis, join me on this episode of The PVDcast to talk about their entries. Jasper's entry focuses on the Ohio History Center, where Makayla's entry deals with local business you should know in Central Ohio. Additionally, you will hear about their other projects and their philosophy on the indie comics experience. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the show & new episodes of The PVDcast drop every Thursday!

Public education is not partisan, but it is political. What happens at the statehouse in Columbus makes a huge impact on what happens in our classrooms every day. That's why the OEA Ohio's New Educators (ONE) group is working to make sure educators have a seat at the table with lawmakers who are making education policy decisions. As ONE Member Organizer Alex Myers points out, the most effective conversations aren't always about policy specifics; they're about building constructive relationships and better understanding so lawmakers turn to educators for their input and stories.SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.THE POWER OF ONE | To learn more about the Ohio's New Educators group and how you can get involved with this group of educators in the first ten years of their careers, click here.SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.Featured Public Education Matters guest: Alex Myers, Marietta Education Association memberAlex Myers a Physical Education Teacher for grades K-2. He is in his 8th year as a Building Representative for the Marietta Education Association. In the past 3 years, he has has leaned into his passion for advocating for his fellow educators and students, while working to build relationships with my legislators locally and throughout the state of Ohio and Nationally. He enjoys spreading this passion and these opportunities with fellow educators and hope the practice can be less intimidating and more routine! Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on June 16, 2025.

Here in Ohio, the town of Bellefontaine has become a model for revitalizing small towns.