Podcasts about central ohio

School leaders in central Ohio could feel pretty good about the marks they received on the state's annual report card of achievement.In Franklin County, the average star rating was above 3.5. Some districts, like Upper Arlington and New Albany, boasted 5 stars.The state's largest district, Columbus City Schools, beset with challenges from literacy rates to chronic absenteeism, also celebrated a half-star increase.Today, we're digging through the data, for a truer picture of how Ohio's schools are doing. Because not every district had reasons to celebrate. And even those that did, had room for improvement.Plus, how does Ohio stack up to the rest of the nation?Guests:Cole Behrens, K-12 education reporter, The Columbus DispatchAaron Churchill, Ohio research director, Thomas B. Fordham InstituteMorgan Scott Polikoff, education professor, USC Rossier School of Education and co-director, USC EdPolicy Hub

School leaders in central Ohio could feel pretty good about the marks they received on the state's annual report card of achievement.In Franklin County, the average star rating was above 3.5. Some districts, like Upper Arlington and New Albany, boasted 5 stars.The state's largest district, Columbus City Schools, beset with challenges from literacy rates to chronic absenteeism, also celebrated a half-star increase.Today, we're digging through the data, for a truer picture of how Ohio's schools are doing. Because not every district had reasons to celebrate. And even those that did, had room for improvement.Plus, how does Ohio stack up to the rest of the nation?Guests:Cole Behrens, K-12 education reporter, The Columbus DispatchAaron Churchill, Ohio research director, Thomas B. Fordham InstituteMorgan Scott Polikoff, education professor, USC Rossier School of Education and co-director, USC EdPolicy Hub

Hunger in Central Ohio isn't a problem at the margins of our communities. It's a workforce issue, a health issue, an education issue, and a test of whether our growing region can take care of the people who make it work (and the families who depend on them). As Matt Habash prepares to retire after 42 years leading the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, we explore his civic legacy and the future of hunger relief in Central Ohio. Food banks and pantries are serving more families, seniors, children, and working adults at the same time food costs, public funding uncertainty, and household instability are making the work harder. What does hunger in Central Ohio look like today? What will the next generation of food-security leadership require? What role do new partnerships and innovative technology play? We mark Hunger Action Month and explore how Central Ohio can move beyond emergency response toward a more resilient and more equitable food system.  Featuring: Matt Habash, President & CEO, Mid-Ohio Food Collective Danielle Tong, Executive Director, CelebrateOne Your host is Jerry Revish, Senior Pastor, Unity Temple, and Retired News Anchor, WBNS-10TV. If you'd like to dive more deeply into this topic, our fantastic partners at the Columbus Metropolitan Library suggest checking out "The Painful Truth About Hunger in America," by Marian Chilton (2024)  The presenting sponsor of this forum was Nationwide. This forum was also sponsored by Cardinal Health, Ian Alexander Photography, Installed Building Products, and Kroger. 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.  CMC's theme music was composed by Jeffrey Ciampa.

Central Ohio is attracting historic levels of investment in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, bioscience, and other rapidly expanding industries. But landing new facilities is just the beginning. Our region's economic future depends on its ability to build and sustain the right workforce. We explore whether Central Ohio can create a workforce development system that's equal to its ambitions—one that connects people to opportunity, gives employers the talent they need, and brings the American Dream within reach for more Central Ohioans. Featuring: Dr. David Harrison, President, Columbus State Community College Kyle Koehler, State Senator, 10th Ohio Senate District Sandra Rodriguez-Toledo, Vice President of Site Operations, Amgen Ohio David White, Vice President, Talent Strategy, One Columbus Your host is Angela An, WBNS-10TV News Anchor and Host of 10TV's "Boomtown" series.  This forum was sponsored by The Columbus Partnership, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Ohio Life Sciences, and Roeztel & Andress. 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. CMC's theme music was composed by Jeffrey Ciampa. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Trade Up: Why the Future Belongs to Skilled Trades and How Career Education Is Transforming the Workforce, by Jason Altmire (2026). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on September 16, 2026.

Today – North Central Ohio’s manufacturing legacy took center stage as six new Champions of Industry were inducted into a hall of fame honoring the people whose ideas, businesses and inventions helped shape the region.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For 50 years, the Columbus Metropolitan Club has brought Central Ohio together through moments of crisis and celebration, disagreement and discovery, grounded in the belief that dialogue matters. As CMC marks its 50th anniversary with this special forum, social psychologist Dr. Kurt Gray turns that tradition toward the future: Why do we fight so fiercely about morality and politics? What can help us find common ground? Drawing on his research into the moral mind, Gray explores why people across the political spectrum may have more in common than they think—and what the science of moral understanding can teach us about the next 50 years of civic dialogue. Featuring: Dr. Kurt Gray, Professor of Social Psychology, The Ohio State University, and Author, Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground. CMC Board of Trustees member Carey Schmitt delivers opening remarks celebrating CMC's 50th anniversary, and Elon Sims, Chief of Staff to Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, presents CMC with a proclamation celebrating its 50th anniversary. Sophia Fifner, President and CEO, The Columbus Metropolitan Club, makes remarks on CMC's future and interviews Dr. Kurt Gray.  The emcee is Matt Barnes, Morning Co-Anchor of NBC4 Today, and member of the CMC Board of Trustees. This forum was made possible by: Visionary Sponsors: Mary Lazarus, The Ohio State University Impact Sponsors: Columbus City Council, The Office of Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, The Columbus Foundation & The Center for HumanKindness, The Robert Weiler Company Community Partners: Lynn Greer, Huntington Bank, JPMorgan Chase & Co. Ambassador: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Advocate: Installed Building Products This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. CMC's theme music was composed by Jeffrey Ciampa. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on September 9, 2026.

Local Red Cross director Todd James is back from an extended deployment assisting with flood recovery in Central Ohio... The kind of devastation that reminds us about the importance of the Preparedness Month message (at 13:01) --- Now that schools are all back in session for the new year, it's time to reinforce the message about sharing the roads safely with pedestrians, bicyclists and teen drivers (at 24:36) --- Details on an effort to turn this week's 25th anniversary of 9/11 into a nationwide day of service, remembrance and gratitude for service members and first responders (at 39:30)

Curious how technology shapes nonprofits and small businesses? Brad Griffith states that technology, at its best, is a tool to enhance human connection, eliminate operational barriers, and level the playing field for all organizations. Regardless of size or resources.We sit down with Brad Griffith, Founder and CEO of Buckeye Innovation, to explore the impact of technology on nonprofits, small businesses, and our daily lives. Brad shares his personal journey, growing up in an entrepreneurial family, learning the ropes of small business from his father's veterinary practice, and eventually being inspired to start Buckeye Innovation to address gaps in resources and accessibility for mission-driven organizations.We discuss the unique challenges that nonprofits face, particularly around funding and access to technology, and how Buckeye Innovation is working to support these organizations through web and mobile solutions. Brad talks about projects like the ConnectUs Coalition and their partnership with organizations such as Smart Columbus and the Columbus Metropolitan Library to provide digital skills training, close the digital divide, and create tools that genuinely enhance human connection and organizational effectiveness.Brad provides valuable insights into how the perfect technology isn't about replacing human interaction It's about freeing up time and capacity so people can focus on what truly matters. He discusses the importance of reflection and empathy in developing and deploying tech solutions, ensuring they align with users' needs, whether in nonprofits, small businesses, or community resources.We also touch on the evolving workforce landscape, the role of AI, and the need for ongoing upskilling and adaptability. Brad offers practical advice on technology adoption, highlighting resources like public libraries, SCORE, and Accelerate Columbus, and stresses the value of human creativity, connection, and asking the right questions.Whether you're a nonprofit leader, small business owner, or just curious about tech's role in creating more equitable opportunities, there's something here for you.If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!5 Frequently Asked Questions about Buckeye InnovationWhat is Buckeye Innovation's core mission? - Buckeye Innovation's mission is to provide equitable access to the best web and mobile technology so organizations can grow their community impact.How can technology enhance human connection in nonprofits and small businesses? - By automating tedious tasks and improving access to resources, technology frees up time and energy for organizations to focus on building relationships and serving people directly.What are some key technology challenges for nonprofits and small businesses? - Many face limited resources, outdated systems, and gaps in digital skills—challenges that affect service delivery and organizational growth.What local resources are available in Central Ohio to support digital equity? - Organizations like the Columbus Library, Accelerate Columbus, Smart Columbus, and the ConnectUs Coalition offer digital skills classes, device access, and tech support for both individuals and organizations.How do you know if your technology is helping or hindering your mission? - Reflect on whether tech is breaking bottlenecks, increasing impact, and enhancing human connection—or if it's creating obstacles or distractions from your core goals.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 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnsonhttps://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 any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.

As the new school year gets underway, Ohio's educators are renewing their focus on delivering on the promise of the great public schools our students deserve. So much of that - for better or for worse - hinges on what happens at the ballot box in November. Ohio Education Association President Jeff Wensing kicks off Season 7 of the podcast with his takes on what's at stake in the upcoming election and some of the other big challenges and opportunities public school educators face this school year. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PRO-PUBLIC EDUCATION, PRO-LABOR CANDIDATES ON THE BALLOT | OEA members can click here to check out the list of OEA-member recommended candidates running for state and federal office.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 guest: Jeff Wensing, Ohio Education Association PresidentA high school math teacher in Parma City Schools, Jeff Wensing was elected OEA President in 2025 after serving as the Association's vice president for six years. A public education advocate and leader for more than 34 years, Jeff served as President of the Parma Education Association from 2012-2018, and as President of the North Eastern Ohio Education Association (NEOEA) from 2016-2018. He served on OEA's Constitution and Bylaws Committee and President's Cabinet, as Vice Chair of OEA's District Leaders Council, and as a member of the Fiscal Fitness Review Committee and Systemic Practices Committee. As Vice President, Jeff continued to emphasize the importance of organizing members throughout the state.Jeff believes OEA's commitment must be unwavering in protecting, promoting, and strengthening Ohio's public schools. As President, he maintains open and effective communication with the OEA Board and district and local leaders to continue building OEA's collective strength and lead the Association's advocacy for all students and educators and efforts to ensure equity and inclusion.As President, Jeff prioritizes empowering local affiliates, equipping leaders for successful negotiations, expanding and diversifying OEA membership, enhancing political advocacy, safeguarding equitable funding for public schools, opposing unchecked voucher expansion, defending collective bargaining rights, and promoting safe and supportive schools.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 approximately 115,000 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 public school students, including her own two children. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband, children, and cat, Davis, who is very mean, but also very cute.This episode was recorded on August 20, 2026.In this episode:00:00 - Back to School and Ready to Make a Difference00:20 - Welcome to Season 7 of Public Education Matters00:37 - Why This Election Could Shape Ohio's Schools for Years to Come02:33 - What Educators Are Saying Across Ohio03:29 - Reasons for Hope This School Year 03:43 - A New Push to Pay Student Teachers04:36 - Facing Ohio's School Staffing Shortages05:26 - The $2.75 Billion School Funding Gap07:21 - “Take the Dough, We Gotta Know”08:59 - Supporting Candidates Who Support Public Schools11:06 - Educators Lead the Endorsement Process13:06 - From Columbus to Washington: Making Recommendations14:21 - Sherrod Brown's Record on Education and Labor15:15 - Protecting Federal Support for Students16:37 - Public Education: The Great Equalizer17:24 - Why Strong Public Schools Strengthen Communities19:04 - The Most Important Assignment: Vote19:32 - What's Ahead in Season 721:55 - Closing Thoughts

A million people are projected to move to Central Ohio by 2050. Two Ohio Power Siting Board hearings drew nearly 100 speakers in one week. The outer belt needs more lanes. And the IBEW is preparing to blanket Columbus job sites with organizers and then sit workers down with contractors to place them on the same day. On today's Trades Day episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dorsey Hager delivers his monthly update covering the Fairfield and Asheville Ohio Power Siting Board hearings for two behind-the-meter energy centers serving data center campuses, Central Ohio's infrastructure gap as growth accelerates toward a million new residents by 2050, apprenticeship outreach to middle schools and high schools and the IBEW job blitz coming to Columbus that could be replicated across all building trades if it succeeds. Visit columbusconstruction.org for more.

For 100 years, the Palace Theatre has evolved alongside Columbus, bringing generations of performers and audiences together in the heart of downtown. As the city continues to grow, what will it take to sustain a thriving performing arts ecosystem? Leaders from the Lincoln Theatre, Opera Columbus, CAPA, and BalletMet explore the future of Columbus' cultural life, the institutions and stages that support it, and how the performing arts can continue evolving in Central Ohio. Listen to this special Columbus Metropolitan Club forum recorded onstage at the historic Palace Theatre. Featuring: Suzan Bradford, Executive Director, Lincoln Theatre Julia Noulin-Mérat, General Director & CEO, Opera Columbus Chad Whittington, President & CEO, CAPA Remi Wörtmeyer, Artistic Director, BalletMet Your host is Amy Juravich, Host and Executive Producer of All Sides with Amy Juravich, 89.7 NPR News, WOSU Public Media. This forum was made possible by Carol A. McGuire Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund — Celebrating Arts and Culture. This forum was sponsored by The Greater Columbus Arts Council, Opera Columbus, Otterbein University, and WOSU Public Media. 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. CMC's theme music was composed by Jeffrey Ciampa. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "The Secret Life of the American Musical," by Jack Viertel (2016).

Central Ohio couple accused of hiding cameras and recording sex acts with children at a YMCA; man who drowned in the Ohio River in southwest Ohio identified; Ohio residents have a new driver's license option; Ohioans are showing their love of Dolly Parton on their vehicles.

Central Ohio couple accused of hiding cameras and recording sex acts with children at a YMCA; man who drowned in the Ohio River in southwest Ohio identified; Ohio residents have a new driver's license option; Ohioans are showing their love of Dolly Parton on their vehicles.

First responders pulled two people from the cab of a truck dangling off an overpass in Cincinnati; missing Central Ohio man with dementia found dead; more cases of measles reported in the Buckeye State; six people rescued from Lake Erie during rough conditions on the water near Conneaut.

First responders pulled two people from the cab of a truck dangling off an overpass in Cincinnati; missing Central Ohio man with dementia found dead; more cases of measles reported in the Buckeye State; six people rescued from Lake Erie during rough conditions on the water near Conneaut.

A liminal breakfast adventure, a happy smiling bacon morning. This week is all about the sizzle, morning birds and a dash of drift. Whether you're studying, working, reading, sleeping, or unwinding after a long day, this immersive ambient soundscape provides the perfect background soundtrack. No talking, no interruptions—just jolly breakfast vibes. Ignore the World.________________And the bacon doesn't need to be pork. It could be turkey, tofu—do they make chicken bacon? Whatever, it's your pan frying for ten hours. Actually, let's not think about fire hazards. Let's think of a magic space where cooking times are extended and you are presumably not hoping to eat anytime soon. A place that hovers with promise and good vibes. It's a happy smiling bacon morning.And that's all I got! Oh—you will no doubt remember that over the last month I made the decision to call myself “Mr. Ambience” and changed my creator name to “Mr. Ambience.” Then, a few days later, I checked online to see if anyone else had staked out that name. To think of all the words I typed about longing for “Mr. Ambience” when I could have done a cursory search. Like when you squeeze an avocado and it just feels right. “Mr. Ambience” felt ripe…I feel like I should punish myself by taking a cold shower or signing up for a local Glass Clinkers public speaking event. I forget that group's name—actually, if it's a cult, never mind my bringing it up.Look, when you squeeze a metaphorical avocado and the metaphorical avocado is like: “Mr. Ambience, is peak.” That's a phrase, right? I feel like I heard my kid say that about avocados in salads.So I quickly shifted to something else I know: military school. I was a lieutenant in charge of the laundry room at my military school (because I was unsat and my parents spent a lot of money at that school). Lieutenant Ambience. It's not a full avocado squeeze or anything… yet it might be something Forest Gump would say before pitching himself off a boat.Then I asked myself, do I really want to be the private of the officer class? I might not be a “General Ambience,” but I'm sure as **** at least a colonel of ambience. So I spent a day as “Colonel Ambience.”A buddy messaged me, “the name is silly, for sure. And I doubt anyone would claim an ambience channel was stealing valor.” And so “Kernel Ambience” it is! It gives my creator name a sheen of authority while not being authoritative… Which… is still hinting at possibly stealing valor (with popcorn). I could probably fight it out over Lieutenant Ambience—they gave me a sword! I commanded a laundry room!What about Doctor? I am not a doctor—closest I came to medicine doer was when I tried to use a chisel without a hammer. Don't use a chisel with just your weight, and don't have your other hand in the path your trying to make…But I could still be Dr. Ambience, right? I mean, don't tell me you forgot about Dre?PS: Quick housekeeping—next week we will have our annual “Dying Summer Suburban Slumber” episode, featuring an evening/night suburban backyard recording that includes the denizens of late-summer critter noise. Last year, we were in Central Ohio.I extended the basketball episode (2024). It is one of my favorite episodes for sleep. However, the issue was that I would fall asleep, and due to episode length, I would wake up in a thunderstorm episode. If y'all have any other shorter episodes you'd like to see extended, let me know.

The race for Ohio governor is heating up.Amy Acton and her Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, have been traveling the state, doing the grassroots work and raising money. Ramaswamy, who has much more money than Acton, has been running ads for months, as has his political action committee. Acton appears to have been saving her money for the stretch run and has just started running ads.The ads are coming fast and furious, setting up a rough-and-tumble final two months before Election Day.The question is, will the positive and negative ads help us understand who these candidates really are?To help dissect the candidates and the race going forward, we welcome Cheri Strachan, director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at the University of Akron.Snollygoster of the weekFor those of you outside Central Ohio, you should know we have not had a competitive mayoral race in Columbus since at least the Clinton administration, possibly the first Bush administration. Competitive races for mayor violate the Columbus Way: collaborating, usually behind closed doors, and waiting your turn to run for mayor.Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin is not waiting his turn. He announced last week that he will challenge the three-term incumbent, Ginther. It was a big production. His campaign leaked it to the Dispatch and the local NBC affiliate. They did interviews the day before and held the story for a day. Hardin held a big announcement at his childhood home on the first day of school. It was very well planned.Then Columbus got flash floods. It was a real mess in many parts of the city. The city had to temporarily erect the floodwalls, and major roadways were blocked. What did Mayor Ginther do at the exact time Hardin was kicking off his challenge? The mayor stood in front of a floodwall and explained how the city—ahem, his administration—was going to assist people affected by the flooding.It would have been a pretty good split screen, but the TV stations only focused on the flooding and Ginther. I do not know if it was intentional, but scheduling a weather emergency news conference at the same time as your opponent's campaign announcement is pretty shrewd.

Dan talks with Stephanie Hightower, President and CEO of the Columbus Urban League, about equity, fairness, and access to the economic boom in Central Ohio. Topics include jobs, housing, and how a conversation about justice and fairness can be infused into conversations about economic development in Ohio, especially to ensure that all Central Ohioans benefit from the employment and other opportunities the state is touting in the region. Throughout, Dan and Stephanie also emphasize the importance of being civically and politically engaged. For show notes and links, visit PrognosisOhio.com.

Flock Safety's automated license plate readers are becoming a common sight across Central Ohio, helping police locate missing children, recover stolen vehicles, and solve crimes. But when does a public-safety tool become mass surveillance? With millions of ordinary drivers captured in these databases, how much privacy should Central Ohioans surrender for public safety? Can strong rules on warrants, data sharing, and searches preserve Flock's crime-fighting benefits while preventing abuse? Featuring: Trevor Chandler, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Flock Safety Gary Daniels, Legislative Director, ACLU of Ohio Nick Konves, Assistant Chief, Columbus Division of Police Emmanuel V. Remy, Columbus City Councilmember Your host is Anna Lynn Winfrey, Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream and promotional partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. CMC's theme music was composed by Jeffrey Ciampa. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading We See it All: Liberty and Justice in the Age of Perpetual Surveillance, by Jon Fasman (2021). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on August 26, 2026.

Central Ohio students are headed back to class and that's a sure sign that summer is winding down. Despite the approaching change from summer into fall, the heat remains high among Columbus' creative community.Join host All Sides Weekend Host Christopher Purdy and his guests for a preview of arts and cultural events in and around the Columbus area.Included among this week's topics is a preview of the upcoming Columbus Comedy Festival.Host:Christopher Purdy, All Sides Weekend and Classical 101 morning hostGuests:Karen Peeler, professor emerita, Ohio State University, Older Wiser Lifelong Scholars (OWLS) programWalker Evans, founder, Columbus Underground/Columbus Comedy Festival sponsorAlicia Hui, violinist, Columbus Symphony/director of community engagement, VIVO Music Festival

Central Ohio students are headed back to class and that's a sure sign that summer is winding down. Despite the approaching change from summer into fall, the heat remains high among Columbus' creative community.Join host All Sides Weekend Host Christopher Purdy and his guests for a preview of arts and cultural events in and around the Columbus area.Included among this week's topics is a preview of the upcoming Columbus Comedy Festival.Host:Christopher Purdy, All Sides Weekend and Classical 101 morning hostGuests:Karen Peeler, professor emerita, Ohio State University, Older Wiser Lifelong Scholars (OWLS) programWalker Evans, founder, Columbus Underground/Columbus Comedy Festival sponsorAlicia Hui, violinist, Columbus Symphony/director of community engagement, VIVO Music Festival

People can order groceries, deposit checks, and manage their healthcare from a smartphone. So why does dealing with government still sometimes require paperwork, phone trees, waits, and multiple websites? Across Ohio and Central Ohio, that's changing. From the Ohio BMV's digital upgrades to COTA's "Tap to Pay" fare technology, local broadband efforts, and AI-enabled traffic management, public agencies are rethinking how government serves residents and businesses. The goal isn't just to digitize paperwork. It's to make public services more capable, faster, and centered on citizens. Who benefits when government goes digital? Can government funding be equally innovative across a huge spectrum of complex services? And what does it take to build public systems that are not only faster, but fairer? This week's forum unpacks how innovation, technology, and better design are helping public agencies earn trust, save time, lower barriers, boost Ohio's competitiveness, and even strengthen democracy. Featuring: Remard Colston, InnovateOhio Platform Administrator, State of Ohio Angel Mumma, Chief Administrative Officer, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium; former Chief Financial Officer, COTA; and former Director of Finance, City of Dublin Daniel Poliquin, Principal, Digital Trust & Privacy / Government and Public Sector, Deloitte & Touche The host is Megan Kilgore, Co-Founder of BKC Group and Former Auditor for the City of Columbus. 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. CMC's theme music was composed by Jeffrey Ciampa. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Recoding America: Why Government Is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better, by Jennifer Pahlka (2023). 

Send us Fan MailUPDATE: This episode was recorded on July 1, 2026. On July 21, Ohio EPA announced it will NOT finalize a proposed general permit for data centers. For additional information on this please visit Ohio EPA's website.**********ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE seems to be everywhere. Whether we're using a chatbot, saving files to the cloud, or asking Google a question, we're relying on infrastructure that's largely invisible to us: data centers. As demand for AI and cloud computing accelerates, so do questions about the resources needed to support this digital economy—resources like water!  We were very interested in bringing some light to this hot-button topic in this, our first virtual episode, featuring a panel of guests from Central Ohio, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Dr. Landon Marston is an Associate Professor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and holds a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering. His research group looks at how and where water is used within the economy as well as the environmental consequences associated with economic production and consumption.  John Newsome is Administrator of the Division of Water at Columbus Water and Power and has served with the city's Department of Public Utilities since 2006. We've asked John to give CWP's perspective on this emerging technology and water demands in Central Ohio, a national hub for data centers.  Also with CWP, Sarah Bloom Anderson serves as Assistant Director of Policy and shares some information from the wastewater side: what happens to the water used to cool the servers in data centers.  And Dr. Peter Grevatt is CEO of the Water Research Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization in Washington D.C. which funds and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, water reuse, and stormwater systems. Peter discusses current research projects the WRF is supporting. Utility Perspectives on Data Center SurveyDr. Marston's team at Virginia Tech, in partnership with WRF and the American Water Works Association, is conducting a survey among water and wastewater utilities regarding data centers. If you would like to participate, follow this link.

Based on the law it passed in 2025, the statehouse seems to believe that college professors have the power to indoctrinate students, and so SB 1 limits what college professors can teach. The reality is, students' views are shaped largely by peers and broader experiences.Our guest today is Pranav Jani, an Ohio State University Associate Professor of English and the producer of the podcast “Together We Rise: Solidarity Stories from Central Ohio.” Jani disagrees with the view espoused by the law's sponsors. As Jani sees it, students seldom adopt wholesale what they hear from their professors. If anything, students are more inclined to challenge whatever they are told.Jani tries to create a democratic, collaborative classroom to education, and while he discloses his views to his students, his grading is based on how they argue their positions and the research they use to support those positions. Contrary to what Ohio Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, and the other supporters of SB 1 may think, the goal of professors is not to indoctrinate students but to promote critical thinking. Jani discusses with his students, among other things, controversies around activism, Palestine, and shifting definitions of “controversial.” In contrast, SB1 promotes an agenda-driven syllabus that restricts academic freedom. Free speech, Jani explains, differs from academic freedom. Free speech is the right to say anything. Academic freedom is the idea that professors have the right to follow the research wherever it may lead, meaning professors should be allowed to teach the truth, even if it's unpopular.

Columbus' major airports are much more than places to catch a flight. John Glenn International, Rickenbacker International, and Bolton Field are the region's front doors — a first impression for visitors, a critical link for global businesses, and a major piece of the critical infrastructure needed to support Central Ohio's next chapter of growth. As Daren Griffin takes the helm as the new President & CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, he arrives at a truly defining moment. John Glenn International is building a new $2 billion terminal, Rickenbacker International continues to play a major and ever-growing role in cargo and economic development, and Columbus travelers are asking the question every growing region faces: where can we fly from here? Meet Daren Griffin as we explore what's ahead for aviation in our region and how Central Ohio's growth will depend on bold airport innovations and investment. How will John Glenn's gleaming new terminal change the passenger experience? What will it take to attract more nonstop flights and stronger global connections? How are new technology, airline economics, cargo logistics, workforce needs, and customer expectations reshaping the future and the experience of air travel? Featuring: Daren Griffin, President & CEO, The Columbus Regional Airport Authority Deborah Scherer, Senior Vice President, Global Trade & Investment, One Columbus Your host is Jerod Smalley, Anchor, WCMH NBC4, and Host, Columbus 2.0. This forum was sponsored by The Columbus Regional Airport Authority. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream is The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner is The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.  If you'd like to dive more deeply into this topic, our fantastic partners at the Columbus Metropolitan Library suggest checking out "Building of an Airport: Port Columbus," by Robert F. Kirk (2019).

In episode 187, we sit down with two incredible women running for the Ohio Statehouse in Central Ohio - Shelby Kimball (House District 60) and Whittney Wood (House District 73). Shelby Kimball is a Marine Corps & Army National Guard member veteran, mom of four, and community advocate. She is running for Ohio House District 60 which includes Powell, Orange and Liberty township, and portions of Dublin, Westerville, and Delaware. She believes every child deserves access to a high-quality public education regardless of their zip code; she will fight to protect and expand access to affordable healthcare; and she will stand up for our military veterans and their families to make sure they get the benefits and services they deserve.Whittney Wood is running for Ohio House District 73, which includes parts of Lancaster and Pleasantville, Pickerington, Baltimore, and MIllersport area. She is a mom who has always worked hard to provide for her family. She has always spoken out and stood up for anyone who was being treated unfairly or just having a hard time standing on their own two feet. She figured running for office she could help way more people at the same time. She believes ICE should be disbanded, Trump is a lunatic, and ALL humans are her people, not just the rich white men. She says her policies will be written for all Ohioans, not just the predatory class or ultra wealthy.Resources:* Shelby Kimball for Ohio* Shelby's Social Media:* Instagram* Facebook* Whittney Wood for Ohio* Whittney's Social Media:* Instagram* Facebook* TikTok* BlueskyWe're bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️Connect with United SHE Stands:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* YouTube* Threads* Buy us a coffee ☕️This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

Central Ohio man arrested for exposing himself to a child at a Marysville pool; woman missing for weeks found dead near Cincinnati; Twinsburg Township residents say they can still smell gas after an explosion from a gas leak destroyed three homes and damaged several others; CNBC named Ohio America's top state for business.

Central Ohio man arrested for exposing himself to a child at a Marysville pool; woman missing for weeks found dead near Cincinnati; Twinsburg Township residents say they can still smell gas after an explosion from a gas leak destroyed three homes and damaged several others; CNBC named Ohio America's top state for business.

A connected region doesn't happen by accident. It takes cities willing to coordinate, infrastructure that can support real-world testing, and leaders who can turn big mobility ideas into solutions that make everyday life safer. Lindsay and Bruce sit down with Doug McCullough, Executive Director of The Beta District, to discuss how Dublin, Marysville and Union County are building a smart mobility innovation district that serves as a national testing ground for transportation and logistics technologies.We talk through what “mobility” really means when you look beyond cars: the movement of people, goods and services across communities, industry, agriculture and logistics. Doug explains The Beta District's living labs, including the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor and its partnership with the Transportation Research Center. Plus, he shares how multi-level coordination with DriveOhio creates an edge that many regions simply can't replicate.You'll also learn about practical examples like truck platooning, why fiber and digital connectivity matter for both residents and businesses, and how the district keeps its focus on a clear North Star: reducing fatal crashes and improving quality of life. Lindsay, Bruce and Doug then look ahead to the next five to ten years, from microelectronics and logistics modernization to advanced air mobility. You'll even learn a new word as Doug describes himself as a "techno-optimist" when it comes to AI.If you're curious about smart cities, connected vehicles, transportation technology and how regional collaboration actually works, hit play, subscribe and share the show with a friend.

Central Ohio's future promises growth, momentum, and opportunity. But as the region adds more people and faces mounting pressure on housing, health care, and human services, a challenging question is emerging: will the systems we rely on be able to keep up? In this forum, we take one of the first public looks at a major new long-range study on human needs in Central Ohio through 2050. Commissioned by Columbus City Council and the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County, an all-new Regionomics report examines how population growth and change are likely to reshape housing, poverty, homelessness, health, disability, workforce participation, and more across the 10-county region. With experts, we'll unpack the study's most urgent findings and explore what they mean for the future of the region. Where will the greatest strain show up first? Who is most at risk of being left behind? And what must public leaders, service providers, and all of us do now to prepare for the needs of a future Central Ohio? Featuring: Michael Corey, Executive Director, The Human Service Chamber of Franklin County Rhea Cunningham, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio Melissa Green, Columbus City Councilmember Dr. Bill LaFayette, Owner, Regionomics The host is Jordan Laird, Columbus Government and Politics Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was sponsored by The Bank of America Foundation. 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. To read the complete new Regionomics report, "Columbus in 2025, 2035, and 2050: A Survey of Human Needs Now and in the Future," please visit the website of the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County.  If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Another World is Possible: Lessons for America from Around the Globe, by Natasha Zapata (2025). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on July 8, 2026

The first drone is expected off the assembly line this week at an Anduril manufacturing campus in Pickaway County that didn't exist eighteen months ago. Data center and power plant construction is breaking ground in Asheville. A $325 million courthouse is going up in downtown Columbus under a community benefit agreement. And the Columbus building trades are on pace to work more than 20 million hours in 2026 — more than double just three years ago. On today's trades day episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, Columbus Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dorsey Hager delivers a monthly update that covers all of it — plus a nurses organizing drive at Children's Hospital, the airport expansion hitting 83 percent union, why women in Local Unions have quadrupled since 2016 and what America's 250th birthday means to a union trades leader who owes everything he has to the labor movement. Visit columbusconstruction.org for more.

A chilling read from Chris Underwood... literally. What happens if you're in the Midwest in winter and the power goes out? Listen in as I chat with Chris Underwood about his Cold Winter series. Content warning: While these books do have characters who are Christians and live their faith, the first book (not sure about the rest) does include a few instances of foul language in the first few chapters. I'm switching from audio to print to finish. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Talking about all the research he did for this series was a blast. I loved hearing about his travels with the crew and the prepper side--everything. The Cold Winter Grid-Down Series by Chris Underwood  The Cold Winter Series begins with a power grid failure at Niagara Falls three days before Christmas, as a snowstorm approaches. Welcome to The Cold Winter. It follows a group of families in Central Ohio who want to help stranded motorists who end up on their porch. Even when doing the right thing doesn't work out, they keep on trying. There is a sense of morality and faith as the emergency continues to worsen. In the second book, they learn that the power outage is an attack on the nation, and join a civilian minuteman militia to fight back. The third book of the series ramps up the action and features the first major battles of the minutemen militia. Since modern machinery cannot be trusted, vintage military equipment is utilized by the militia, such as a Huey Helicopter and a WWII Landing Ship, the LST-325. This ship is an actual floating museum on the Ohio River and is used by this militia to go upstream to rescue a VIP and bring him to safety. River locks are liberated from the enemy, and a dramatic battle is staged on Wheeling Island, where the landing ship performs much as it did on D-Day in Normandy: Landing aground with troops and equipment pouring out the front for battle! The fourth installment of the series introduces more vintage equipment, including a Cobra Attack Helicopter and a P-47 Thunderbolt, to fight modern naval ships in an effort to liberate the Niagara Falls power station from the enemy. Even the WWII Destroyer, USS The Sullivans, in its current engineless state at the Buffalo Naval Museum, is somehow used in the battle! It's an epic showdown of antique airpower against modern naval might! Learn more on Chris's WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon YouTube and more!

Happy Tuesday Edition of the Program!! Sanity has prevailed as Brendan Sorsby enters the NFL Supplemental Draft. We discuss the ramifications, where he could end up and the NCAA having more power when they stick together. Ohio State Hoops get an unexpected addition to this seasons roster and it's a big one. 33's to ring the Victory Bell. Central Ohio's Jalen Brunson. The Cincinnati Bengals acting accordingly. Tuesday's with Tiberi, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, What's Up, Thing or Not a Thing, The Real Truth and 3 Things

The Columbus metropolitan area is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States.The Central Ohio Transit Authority, better known as COTA, has many projects underway to make getting around the area easier.We're talking with COTA President and CEO Monica Téllez-Fowler to find out about those initiatives on this hour of All Sides.Guest:Monica Tellez-Fowler, president and chief executive officer, Central Ohio Transit Authority

There are many different methods that companies use to recycle those plastic water bottles you toss in the blue bin. One of those ways is called chemical recycling.But one company that was doing chemical recycling in central Ohio, is both using heat -- and taking heat and is now suspending operations.In the new Toy Story 5 movie, it's a battle for play time between beloved toys Woody, Buzz and the gang – and a tablet named Lily Pad.It's a dilemma that's playing out in real life, and that got us wondering about tech, animation, and pop culture.Apple promised in 2024 we would have AI-operated Siri. Two years later, they are finally delivering: not only new AI features, but also compensation for some customers who were told their new iPhones would have those features.We're discussing these topics during this week's Tech Tuesday.Guests:Doug Swift, assistant professor, Denison University/reporter, The Reporting ProjectTiffany Knoell, associate teaching professor, Department of Popular Culture, Bowling Green State UniversityRussell Holly, director of commerce content, CNET(photo: Keith Srakocic/AP)

There are many different methods that companies use to recycle those plastic water bottles you toss in the blue bin. One of those ways is called chemical recycling.But one company that was doing chemical recycling in central Ohio, is both using heat -- and taking heat and is now suspending operations.In the new Toy Story 5 movie, it's a battle for play time between beloved toys Woody, Buzz and the gang – and a tablet named Lily Pad.It's a dilemma that's playing out in real life, and that got us wondering about tech, animation, and pop culture.Apple promised in 2024 we would have AI-operated Siri. Two years later, they are finally delivering: not only new AI features, but also compensation for some customers who were told their new iPhones would have those features.We're discussing these topics during this week's Tech Tuesday.Guests:Doug Swift, assistant professor, Denison University/reporter, The Reporting ProjectTiffany Knoell, associate teaching professor, Department of Popular Culture, Bowling Green State UniversityRussell Holly, director of commerce content, CNET(photo: Keith Srakocic/AP)

The Columbus metropolitan area is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States.The Central Ohio Transit Authority, better known as COTA, has many projects underway to make getting around the area easier.We're talking with COTA President and CEO Monica Téllez-Fowler to find out about those initiatives on this hour of All Sides.Guest:Monica Tellez-Fowler, president and chief executive officer, Central Ohio Transit Authority

For many Ohioans, navigating life's challenges depends on having access to the right support. On this episode, we're joined by the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation and Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio to discuss the role Legal Aid plays in serving communities and connecting Ohioans with critical legal resources.

In this episode, Gary Janchenko, D.Sc., Chief Information Officer at Central Ohio Primary Care, joins the podcast to discuss how AI-powered note-writing tools are helping reduce the burden of clinical documentation. He shares his perspective on using AI to reconnect clinicians with the meaningful aspects of their work, emphasizing that the technology is designed to support and empower healthcare professionals rather than replace them.

Send us Fan MailFear can sound like faith until you realize it's running your nervous system, your prayers, and your view of God. We're joined by pastor and licensed therapist Micah Morgan to unpack a question so many believers quietly carry: why do so many of us know God's holiness, hell, and judgment better than we know God's love?We talk about the difference between reverence and torment, and how trauma, abandonment, and church hurt can train us to expect rejection from God the same way we've experienced it from people. Micah shares a grounded practice she uses in both ministry and mental health work: gospel meditation. Instead of only memorizing verses, we learn how to “waste time in the gospels” and sit with Jesus in scenes like the woman at the well, letting His posture, patience, and honesty reshape our internal story.If you've ever felt like you have to stay afraid to stay “good,” this conversation offers a safer, truer path. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs relief, and leave a review with the line that challenged you most.About our guest :Micah Morgan, LPCC serves the Central Ohio community as a state-licensed mental health therapist, youth suicide prevention specialist at a local hospital (specializing in suicide prevention for Black youth and for Christian Faith communities), and as a bivocational minister licensed through the Evangelical Covenant Church. As a therapist, she has experience treating adults, couples, and teens who have an emotional, physical, spiritual, and/or racial trauma history. As an associate pastor, she supports the discipleship and spiritual formation of Sanctuary Columbus Church. Micah is passionate about creating safe spaces for deconstructing and reconstructing one's faith within community rather than in isolation. She is also passionate about making the topics of faith, mental health, and justice doable for the people who trust her to do so.Pastor & Therapist : Micah Morgan's socials!Instagram at @micah.j.m.morgan and on TikTok at @jmariemorganEpisode Questions,Scriptures & CitationsWhat first made you realize there's a difference between knowing about God and truly understanding His love personally?How you view Jesus and what you expect of Jesus matters. In a national study published in 2021 called, “Attachment to God and Psychological Distress: Evidence of a Curvilinear Relationship”Why do you think so many believers grow up more aware of hell, judgment, or fear than they are of God's love and closeness?Fear feels like control. When we know what we're afraid of and we put energy into avoiding it or overcoming it, it often feels like we're doing something productive.Can fear ever play a healthy role in someone coming to God, or does lasting transformation require something deeper?Reverence of God's holiness and an understanding that God is the final Judge is necessary for worship. However, I do not believe that living with a constant fear of losing God's love is healthy or helpful.. (Matt 6:9 NRSVUE)How do we balance reverence and holiness with the truth that God is loving, compassionate, and relational?God's holiness describes the reality that He is the standard and source of all Goodness. Therefore, His approval is what matters most. He sets the standard for what's right and wrong in our lives. 4 “I tell you,  (Luke 12:4-7 NRSVUE)Remember that God's Holiness is not passive. It moves Him to heal the world of individual and systemic sin and suffering. (Colossians 1:19-20 NRSVUE) (Revelation 21:1-5 NRSVUE)God doesn't sit idly by and watch sin and suffering and trauma ruin our lives. If it's true that Jesus is the exact representation of God (John 5:19; Hebrews 1:3), Jesus shows us that God grieves with us-- weeps with us-- when brokenness touches our lives directly. (John 11:17-21, 33-35 NRSVUE)What are some signs that a person's relationship with God has become rooted more in fear than in love?When someone's first thought then they do something wrong is, "God doesn't love me anymore," rather than, "God still loves me and has provided an excape from the power of sin every step of the way:17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has p. (2 Corinthians 5:17-20 NRSVUE) (John 14:18, 26 NRSVUE) (1 John 1:9 NRSVUE) (1 Corinthians 10:13 NRSVUEFor people healing from trauma, rejection, or harsh religious experiences, how can they begin rebuilding a healthy understanding of God?Spend time with Jesus in the Gospels and work on feeling what it feels like to interact with Jesus there.“To know Jesus, therefore, is to know God (John 14: 9). Jesus is the “image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1: 15 nrsv). Thus he is the filter through which we need to pass all our ideas about God as we seek to move from knowing about God to meeting God personally in Jesus.” — The Gift of Being Yourself: The Sacred Call to Self-Discovery (The Spiritual Journey) by David G. Benner (p. 35)“Relationships develop when people spend time together. Spending time with God ought to be the essence of prayer... The starting point for learning to simply spend time with God is learning to do this with Jesus. Spending time with Jesus allows us to ground our God-knowing in the concrete events of a concrete life.” — The Gift of Being Yourself: The Sacred Call to Self-Discovery (The Spiritual Journey) by David G. Benner (p. 37)“Gospel meditation provides an opportunity to enter specific moments in Jesus' life and thereby share his experience. Shared experience is the core of any friendship. And Spirit-guided meditation on the life of Jesus provides this possibility. The meditation I am recommending is not the same as Bible study. It is more an exercise of the imagination than of the intellect. It involves allowing the Spirit of God to help you imaginatively enter an event in the life of Christ as presented in the Gospels... [O]bserve the events as they unfold. Watch, listen and stay attentive to Christ. Don't... try to analyze the story or learn lessons from it. Just be present to Jesus and open to your own reactions." — The Gift of Being Yourself: The Sacred Call to Self-Discovery (The Spiritual Journey) by David G. Benner (p. 37-38)What Scriptures most changed your understanding of God's character and love?God's character is such that He intended to completely solve the problems of sin and death through Jesus-- not merely condemn us.  (John 3:1-2, 16-19 NRSVUE)When I try to imagine what God is like and how God responds to me when I do something wrong, I remember that Jesus already told us that God is like Him. Everything the Son does, the Father does. Therefore, the way the Son loves me and interacts with me is also the way the Father loves and interacts with me.  (John 5:19 NRSVUE) (Hebrews 1:1-4 NRSVUE)How do shame and condemnation distort the way people hear God's voice?We tend to live out of our defenses and self-protectiveness when we live in shame and condemnation-- which makes generosity and mercy, grace and truth toward our neighbor more difficult to embody.What would you say to someone who obeys God outwardly but internally struggles to believe they are truly loved by Him?Jesus is offering you the same kind of shame-free relationship He provided to the woman at the well. Jesus was so kind, loving, and welcoming to the woman at the well as He spoke to her that she could say to her village with a smile, "come and meet a man who told me everything I've ever done!" (John 4:4-7, 29-30 NRSVUE)What does a love-centered relationship with God actually look like in everyday life?Using our healing as an opportunity to sin no more. Jesus understood sin to be damaging. It disrupts our closeness with God and with our neighbor. When we have encountered Jesus and are healed, we are take that healing and "sin no more." 2 . (John 5:2-9, 14-15 NRSVUE)A healthy spirituality is characterized by loving God and loving our neighbor. (Matt 22:34-40 NRSVUEClosing reflection: If listeners walk away remembering one truth about God's heart toward them, what would you want it to be?When we're deeply convinced of our belovedness from God, we tend to be more generous with our love for others. Therefore, meditate on the reality that you are loved by God more than you could ever imagine and watch how that affects your relationships. . (Romans 8:35, 37-39 NRSVUE)Support the show2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, who always causes us to Triumph! Support the show2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, who always causes us to Triumph! 

Central Ohio is on pace to work 20 million building trades hours in 2026 — nearly double its 2023 record. So when Governor Mike DeWine suspended Ohio's data center sales tax exemption without warning or consultation, Columbus Building Trades Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dorsey Hager had plenty to say about it. On this episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, Hager breaks down the economic case for the exemption, the real numbers behind what data center construction is generating in local tax revenue and jobs and why the governor's decision risks sending the wrong message to developers who have other options. He also delivers an encouraging Intel update, describes record apprenticeship applications across central Ohio's building trades Locals and recaps a fundraiser for Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin. Visit columbusconstruction.org for more on the Columbus Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council.

In this episode, Jess Pfister, MBA, MS, CCC-SLP, Senior Director of Operations, Ambulatory Services, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, discusses the health system's ambulatory growth strategy, the development of integrated outpatient care hubs, and how expanding access, specialized services, and community-based care will help meet the needs of a rapidly growing region.

Entrepreneurship has surged in the wake of the pandemic, and it hasn't slowed. Leading the way are women who have turned to entrepreneurship for better opportunities, flexible work schedules, and wealth creation. According to a 2026 report by Wells Fargo, women-owned businesses grew 12% from 2022 to 2025, nearly double the growth rate for businesses owned by men. These women-led enterprises now employ 12.6 million people and generate $2.8 trillion in revenue.rnrnThe same report ranked Cleveland sixth among the nation's Top 10 Metropolitan Statistical Areas in 2025 for its ability to foster the long-term growth and success of women-owned businesses. What sets Cleveland apart from its peer cities in terms of growth and opportunity? And what partnerships and initiatives are finding success in ensuring every woman has access to the capital, training, networks, and mentorship they need to achieve their dreams?rnrnAisha Childers is a Cleveland-based entrepreneur and operator leading multiple organizations across early childhood education, food service, and community-based event spaces.rnrnNathalie A. Dibo is the Founder and Managing Partner of Dibo Law, LLC, where she leads a team of attorneys focused on business litigation, real estate and business law, and estate planning and probate.rnrnNitina Francis is the Director of the Women's Business Center of Central Ohio at ECDI, where she leads programs that support and grow women-owned businesses across the region.rnrnJoin us at the City Club as Huntington Bank's Roshonda Smith leads a candid conversation on the current challenges, opportunities, and landscape of women in entrepreneurship across Northeast Ohio.

According to Ohio State Highway Patrol's crash database, since Jan. 1, there have already been more than 8,000 traffic crashes in Franklin County. Officials say that's a decrease from last year.In 2021, the City of Columbus launched its multi-year Vision Zero Action Plan, an initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities by 2030.The results might be promising for highway traffic, however Columbus streets remain a significant risk for pedestrians and cyclists, especially on wide, high traffic roads like Morse Road and High Street.We will learn more about what changes the city is trying to make to improve traffic safety on this hour of All Sides.Guests:Katherine Swidarski, Vision Zero coordinatorAngela Harden, research and assistant professor, Ohio State University's School of Health and Rehabilitation SciencesGinger Tornes, founder, Friends and Families for Safe Streets Columbus

OEA Locals are not one-size-fits all franchises, like chain restaurant locations - Each Local faces unique circumstances, challenges, and opportunities. And, they each have different needs for support from the state organization. That's what OEA President Jeff Wensing has been hearing as he's talked to members across the state during his ongoing listening tour. Now, in this season finale episode, Jeff reflects on some of the common challenges members have shared - especially around state funding - and he shares his thoughts on what we can do right now to meet this moment. One message rises above all: we're stronger together. 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 guest: Jeff Wensing, Ohio Education Association PresidentA high school math teacher in Parma City Schools, Jeff Wensing was elected OEA President in 2025 after serving as the Association's vice president for six years. A public education advocate and leader for more than 33 years, Jeff served as President of the Parma Education Association from 2012-2018, and as President of the North Eastern Ohio Education Association (NEOEA) from 2016-2018. He served on OEA's Constitution and Bylaws Committee and President's Cabinet, as Vice Chair of OEA's District Leaders Council, and as a member of the Fiscal Fitness Review Committee and Systemic Practices Committee. As Vice President, Jeff continued to emphasize the importance of organizing members throughout the state.Jeff believes OEA's commitment must be unwavering in protecting, promoting, and strengthening Ohio's public schools. As President, he maintains open and effective communication with the OEA Board and district and local leaders to continue building OEA's collective strength and lead the Association's advocacy for all students and educators and efforts to ensure equity and inclusion.As President, Jeff prioritizes empowering local affiliates, equipping leaders for successful negotiations, expanding and diversifying OEA membership, enhancing political advocacy, safeguarding equitable funding for public schools, opposing unchecked voucher expansion, defending collective bargaining rights, and promoting safe and supportive schools.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 May 4, 2026.

According to Ohio State Highway Patrol's crash database, since Jan. 1, there have already been more than 8,000 traffic crashes in Franklin County. Officials say that's a decrease from last year.In 2021, the City of Columbus launched its multi-year Vision Zero Action Plan, an initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities by 2030.The results might be promising for highway traffic, however Columbus streets remain a significant risk for pedestrians and cyclists, especially on wide, high traffic roads like Morse Road and High Street.We will learn more about what changes the city is trying to make to improve traffic safety on this hour of All Sides.Guests:Katherine Swidarski, Vision Zero coordinatorAngela Harden, research and assistant professor, Ohio State University's School of Health and Rehabilitation SciencesGinger Tornes, founder, Friends and Families for Safe Streets Columbus

OEA Locals can amplify the impact of their members' dues dollars through OEA grant programs - especially now, with the new Local Capacity Grants that are available just for completing a Local Capacity Toolkit assessment. The Tallmadge Teachers Association let the needs identified in that self-assessment drive their decisions not only to create a political action committee for their local, but also to create Action Plans to address needs in several other areas. Those Action Plans allowed them to access more Local Capacity Grant funding to support those new projects. TTA leaders join us for this episode to talk about how their Local Capacity and Wellness grants-fueled initiatives have strengthened member, student, and community engagement with their association.  GRANT FUNDING IN ACTION | Watch this short video to see photos from a few of the many grant-supported projects the Tallmadge Teachers Association members mention in this episode!CATCH UP | Click here to listen to our conversation with OEA Secretary-Treasurer Rob McFee from earlier this season about the OEA grants that are available and the changes that have been made to make this funding more accessible and impactful for local associations. Your Dues Dollars at Work: What you need to know about OEA's Local Affiliate GrantsJUMP AHEAD | Helpful timecodes to hear about some of Tallmadge TA's initiatives and projects:4:00 - Starting a political action committee, based on needs identified in the Local Capacity Grant toolkit assessment10:00 - Cultural events at the middle and high schools16:00 - Improving association visibility with kindergarten graduation t-shirts19:45 - OEA Wellness Grant-funded Survival Bags21:00 - Bagel-fed and Bracelet-bound, thanks to OEA Wellness Grant funding21:45 - Promoting Leadership with New TeachersLEARN MORE ABOUT THE OEA GRANTS: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.For more information about the OEA Wellness Grants, click here. For details about the Special Projects and Effective Local grants, click here. The application form is available here.Click here to learn more about the OEA Foundation Grants.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: Becky Miller, Tallmadge Teachers Association PresidentBecky Miller taught 5 years in Cuyahoga Falls and 30 in Tallmadge, where she is a second grade teacher. She is a past OEA Board member and past NEA Trainer of the Trainers. She currently serves as TTA president, with her term ending June 1st. Audrey Cunert, Tallmadge Teachers AssociationAshley Graham, Tallmadge Teachers Association memberAshley Graham is a School Psychologist who worked for five years in Akron Public Schools before moving to Tallmadge schools four years ago. This year, she has also taken on the responsibility as the coordinator for the English as a Second Language program, though primarily, she still serves as a school psychologist. This is her first year in a leadership position with TTA and she is currently a building rep at Tallmadge Middle School.  Lianna Dauberman, Tallmadge Teachers Association Secretary-ElectNow in her 12th year as a school counselor -- all 12 of which have been in a K-5 setting -- Lianna Dauberman has been in Tallmadge schools for eight years now. She has been a building representative for TTA for the elementary for two years. This summer, she will start her new role as TTA Secretary. Brooke Nagy, Tallmadge Teachers AssociationBrooke Nagy is a kindergarten teacher at Tallmadge Elementary School.  She has been teaching for 25 years and has been a building rep on Tallmadge Teachers Association for the last 17 years.  Jon Bryan, Tallmadge Teachers Association Vice PresidentJon Bryan is currently a fifth-grade teacher in Tallmadge, Ohio, and is finishing his 32nd year in education.  He holds his master's in education from Kent State and is a Nationally Board-Certified Teacher.  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 an...

According to Zillow, the U.S. housing market is expected to plummet along geographic lines with most of the decline happening in the sun belt.East of the Mississippi River, the Midwest is becoming one of the country's hottest markets.We're looking at the central Ohio real estate market during this hour of All Sides.Guests:Qiana Jones, secretary, Columbus RealtorsNate Kinkopf, producing branch manager, Neighborhood Loans

Tiffin Columbian High School teacher Chris Monsour is the first person to tell you he never thought he'd be a teacher. Now, 27 years later, he's the Ohio Teacher of the Year. In that role, he has spent the 2025-2026 school year traveling around the state and the country, representing Ohio's public school educators, lifting up the positive stories about the power of our public schools, and sharing his message about the importance of staying the course. He joins us for this episode to catch us up on some of the many things he has done and lessons he has learned during his Ohio Teacher of the Year term so far.STAY THE COURSE | Click here to watch a recent Ohio School Spotlight video with Chris Monsour sharing his story of perseverance and dedication as he continues to push his students and fellow educators to “stay the course” and reach their full potential. Click here to check out other features in OEA's Ohio School Spotlight video library. STRONG UNIONS MAKE STRONG PUBLIC SCHOOLS | As part of OEA's ongoing statewide media campaign, Chris highlighted how his local association, the Tiffin Education Association, has been able to keep class sizes managable so they can individualize instruction and improve student outcomes. Click here to watch that TV commercial, and click here to see all of the other locals' stories that are being shared across the state this year. OHIO SCHOOLS | Chris Monsour was featured as the cover story in the December 2025/January 2026 issue of the Ohio Education Association's Ohio Schools magazine. Click here to read the piece. 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, including YouTube. Click here for links for other platforms 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: Chris Monsour, Tiffin Education Association member, 2026 Ohio Teacher of the YearChristopher Monsour teaches a variety of advanced science courses, including College Credit Plus (CCP) Environment and Society, CCP Oceanus, CCP Anatomy and Physiology, Honors Biology, and AP Biology at Columbian High School in Tiffin City Schools. Over the years, he has taught six different CCP courses while serving as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Findlay, Heidelberg University, and Terra State Community College.Monsour's 26 years of teaching experience also includes four years as a student study session consultant for AP Biology, ten summers of teaching at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, where he served as both an instructor and the Academic Dean for Science and Math, and two summers teaching English as a Second Language at Tianjin Normal University in the People's Republic of China.With plans as an undergraduate to pursue a career in environmental biology, Monsour earned his bachelor's degree through Heidelberg University. Since then, he has pursued graduate work in biology, ecology, and inquiry, earning two master's degrees: a Master of Arts in Education from Heidelberg University and a Master of Science from Montana State University. In addition to his education and teaching experience, Chris has participated in numerous global expeditions, both on land and at sea, which enhances his ability to keep students engaged and excited about the sciences. Monsour's dedication to teaching has also earned him the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching and Outstanding Biology Teacher of the Year from the National Association of Biology Teachers.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 April 8, 2026.

Today in history, Duke & Amazon make a historic deal, Central Ohio's all-time best HSFB player, Quick Hitters: A Super Bowl could be coming to Cleveland, Calais Campbell's 19th season, Howard hires John Wall & the Enhanced Games are coming soon, has Ohio State underachieved under Ryan Day?, Urban Meyer's reaction to Michigan hiring Kyle Whittingham, we've got the Kentucky Derby tomorrow night and closing out the week with AJ Hawk.