Podcasts about The Columbus Dispatch

We discuss what the federal government shutdown means for SNAP, problems at Central State University and how Ohio's congressional map could change for 2026.

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy recaps the victory over Ohio University on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this edition, we break down what we learned we learned from this exhibition game and much more.

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy takes stock on the Anthony Thompson commitment on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this edition, we talk more about Thompson’s commitment to Ohio State and preview this weekend’s scrimmage against Ohio.

We discuss lawmakers' latest efforts to regulate marijuana and hemp and how the Ohio House wants to cut $2 billion in property taxes.

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy talks about how Anthony Thompson commits to Ohio on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this edition, we break down what this new commitment means for the Buckeyes and the upcoming roster.

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy previews the upcoming secret scrimmage against Tennessee on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this edition, we talk about what we’d like to see on the court during this scrimmage and much more.

In an era of media consolidation, vanishing local newsrooms, and viral misinformation, the future of trusted journalism is at a crossroads. What happens to a community when its news megaphone splinters—when public media fights for survival, editorial independence is under pressure, and social media algorithms reward outrage over truth? Featuring: Philip Bump, Former National Columnist, The Washington Post, and Author, The Aftermath: The Last Days of the Baby Boom and the Future of Power in America Michelle Everhart-Sullivan, Chief Audience Officer, Signal Ohio Tareya Palmer, Co-Creator, Columbus Can't Wait Podcast The moderator is Mike Thompson, Director of Radio, WOSU Public Media.  This forum was sponsored by 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. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Ready to continue exploring this week's forum topic? The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommends reading What Works in Community News by Ellen Clegg and Dan Kennedy (2024). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on October 22, 2025.  

Ohio's water is one of its most valuable resources—critical for the state's health, environment, and economy. From reducing toxic algal blooms in Lake Erie to improving aging sewer and pipe systems and addressing polluted runoff, the stakes are immense. H2Ohio—a bipartisan clean water initiative launched in 2019—has made clear progress through collaboration with farmers, conservationists, and local governments.  But a budget reduction this year to the initiative of nearly 40% could slow or scale back some of these projects, prompting discussion among policymakers, environmental groups, and community leaders about the best path forward. What's at stake isn't just clean water—it's Ohio's health, environment, and long-term economic future.  Featuring: Dontavius Jarrells, Representative, 1st District, Ohio State House of Representatives Paula Powell, Senior Vice President, Research and Development, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Adam Sharp, Executive Vice President, The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Bill Stanley, State Director, The Nature Conservancy in Ohio The host is Carol Kauffman, CEO, The Ohio Environmental Council This forum was sponsored by Burgess & Niple, Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, The Alliance for the Great Lakes, The Green Funds of The Columbus Foundation, The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, The Nature Conservancy, and The Ohio Environmental Council. 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. Want to keep learning about this topic? Check out "The Last Drop: Solving the World's Water Crisis" by Tim Smedley, recommended by our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library.

Queer joy—the radical act of celebrating identity, love, and community—is powerful and political. In the face of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation, joy becomes both a lifeline and a form of resistance. For some, queer joy is possible through financial stability, civic recognition, the support of allies, or safe communities—yet others face isolation, poverty, or exclusion. This forum brings together LGBTQ+ leaders, advocates, and civic changemakers to explore what defines queer joy, how queer joy is cultivated, who still struggles to access it, and what it will take to make joy—and justice—more widely available to LGBTQ+ community members in Columbus and beyond. Featuring: Dr. Melanie Corn, President, The Columbus College of Art & Design Karen Hewitt, Founder and Principal Consultant, K Hewitt Consulting & The Culture of You, and Co-Founder and COO, The Ohio REST Collective Dr. Karen Williams, Founder and CEO, The International Institute of Humor and Healing Arts The host is Ronald Murray, CEO, PEACE OF MIND, Inc., and Community Engagement Liaison, Stonewall Columbus. This forum was made possible by the Lynn Greer Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund Celebrating Inclusion & Equity for the LGBTQ Community and was sponsored by Huckleberry House. 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. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on October 8, 2025.

On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Columbus voters will weigh in on the largest bond package in city history—$1.9 billion to fund neighborhood investments, infrastructure, affordable housing, public safety, and more. At stake is $250 million for safety, health and infrastructure, $250 million for recreation and parks, $500 million for neighborhood development and affordable housing, $400 million for public service, and $500 million for public utilities. City leaders say the package will allow Columbus to meet the demands of rapid growth without raising taxes, continuing a legacy of responsible borrowing and long-term planning. With civic leaders, advocates, and experts as we unpack what's at stake in the November vote—and what it means for the future of Columbus. Featuring: Andrew J. Ginther, Mayor, City of Columbus   Nick Bankston, Columbus City Councilmember   Carlie Boos, Executive Director, Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio  The host is Mark Ferenchik, News Director, WOSU 89.7 NPR News. 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.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on October 1, 2025. 

Bob and Ryan Rowland-Smith are joined by Mariners General Manager Justin Hollander live at T-Mobile Park to get his thoughts on last night's playoff clinching win, the Mariners path through the playoffs, the state of their pitching staff, what Josh Naylor has brought to the offense, and Cal Raleigh’s leadership, and they get you ready for UW’s game against Ohio State with Joey Kaufman of the Columbus Dispatch. 

We discuss the Legislature's plan to tackle high property taxes, Ohio's first redistricting meeting and how Republicans are touting unity for the 2026 election.

Interview with Benny Coleman of The Quasi Kings About The Quasi Kings: Formed in Columbus, OH in the Spring of 2016, the The Quasi Kings have quickly “cemented [their] place as the sprawling, multi-instrumental next generation of Columbus reggae.” (Columbus Dispatch). The band, led by brothers Zach (vocals, saxophone, percussion) & Benny Coleman (vocals, bass), varies in age, musical backgrounds, and taste, leading to a worldly & distinctive collage. Their premier offering, 2018's Throwaway Culture EP, features catchy hooks, tight vocal harmonies, and a unique blend of reggae, rock, and hip-hop. Their latest album, Eye of the Storm, takes things a step further with songs like “Booze”, a raucous Sabbath inspired tune, and the dubby, horn driven “Cut It Out”. Their live shows are high energy, captivating and ever-evolving. The Quasi Kings have had the privilege to play with the likes of Stick Figure, Rebelution, Sublime, Steel Pulse, Tropidelic, Badfish, Fortunate Youth, Third World, Israel Vibration, Dark Star Orchestra & more. Visit thequasikings.com for tour dates & more info. https://www.thequasikings.com     Tickets for HR of Bad Brains with C-Level, and Benny Coleman of The Quasi Kings at The Winchester Lakewood OH Oct-10-25 : https://thewinchestermusictavern.com/tm-event/hr-of-bad-brains-w-c-level-benny-coleman-of-quasi-kings/

Rates, regulation, and rapid innovation are reshaping banking—and Columbus is at the center of it. This week, regional banking leaders discuss lending trends, financial inclusion, and how Central Ohio's banks fuel growth from small businesses to major projects. They also share what they're watching next and how our region's financial trends might affect your wallet. Featuring: Becky Griffin, Head of Home Lending Servicing & Support Operations, JPMorgan Chase & Co. Brian McDonald, Market Executive, Bank of America Jordan Miller, Chairman & CEO, Adelphi Bank And Ilaria Rawlins, CEO, Fortuna Bank The host is Derrick Clay, President and CEO, The Columbus Chamber of Commerce. This forum was sponsored by Meaden & Moore, Carlile Patchen & Murphy, JPMorgan Chase & Co., TAFT, and Bank of America. 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. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on September 24, 2025.

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy talks about the release of this year’s basketball schedule on the newest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this episode, we break down how the schedule shook out and what this means when the Buckeyes face conference opponents. Finally, we provide some conference tournament news.

We discuss the fallout from Charlie Kirk's assassination, union endorsements in the 2026 election and the latest lawsuit involving Ohio's teacher pension system.

Civic engagement is the backbone of a thriving democracy—but in the era of polarization and stretched resources, no single sector will strengthen it alone. From public media to philanthropy, business to education, Central Ohio's leading institutions are working together to rebuild trust, expand participation, and connect people to the decisions that shape their lives. This forward-looking conversation brings together cross-sector leaders forging partnerships that make civic life stronger, more inclusive, and more impactful. What models are working? Where are the gaps? And how can our region's most influential organizations inspire—and sustain—a deeper culture of civic participation? Featuring: Dr. Frederic Bertley, President & CEO of COSI, and Interim CEO of The National Veterans Memorial and Museum Meghan Cummings, President & CEO, Philanthropy Ohio Sandy Doyle-Ahern, President, EMH&T The host is Sophia Fifner, President and CEO, The Columbus Metropolitan Club. This forum was sponsored by Downtown Columbus, Incorporated. 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. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in downtown Columbus on September 17, 2025.

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy talks about the Buckeyes' frontcourt on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this episode, we break down what the frontcourt will look like and discuss what this means for the upcoming season.

Central Ohio residents have spoken: housing, childcare, and better jobs are top priorities. This forum moves from data to action, bringing together leaders in housing finance, early childhood policy, workforce and small-business support, and regional planning to chart what should happen next—and how to measure results residents will actually feel. If you care about where Central Ohio invests, builds, and hires over the next few years, this conversation is your roadmap. Featuring: Lynanne Gutierrez, President & CEO, Groundwork Ohio Ian Labitue, President & CEO, Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County Sangeeta Lakhani, Executive Director, Service! Relief for Hospitality Workers William Murdock, Executive Director, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. The host is Dr. Harvey Miller, Director, Center for Urban and Regional Analysis (CURA), The Ohio State University. Opening remarks by Padmini Roy-Dixon, Economic Development Director & Regional Innovation Officer, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. This forum was sponsored by The Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County, The Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation, and The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. 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 Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on September 10, 2025.

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy talks to special guest Joey Lane on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this edition, we preview the upcoming 2025-26 season and much more.

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy talks recruiting on the latest episode of BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this edition, we preview the recruits who will attend Saturday’s home football game against the Texas Longhorns at Ohio Stadium.

Joey Kaufman of the Columbus Dispatch stops by the Longhorn Confidential podcast to share his insights on a remodeled Ohio State backfield, the defending champ's new coordinators and what it is like to cover the Buckeyes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Friday Five for August 29, 2025: Ritter Summits Takeaways & Shoutouts What I'm Watching Right Now Apple “Awe Dropping” Event Announced Spotify Slips Into the DMs Judge Grants Stay on Many 2025 ACA Final Rule Provisions   Get Connected:

Central Ohio is reimagining crisis response. From the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to a new Crisis Care Center and community-led safety campaigns, Franklin County is building a more effective, compassionate system for people in crisis. This forum brings together city leaders, health providers, and advocates to explore what's working, what's still needed, and why these changes matter to every family in the region. Featuring: Melissa Green, Columbus City Councilmember Erika Clark Jones, CEO, The Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) Dr. Brian Stroh, CEO & Medical Director, Netcare Chana Wiley, Co-Chair, Columbus Safety Collective Campaign The host is Samantha Henrickson, Medical Business and Health Care Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch. The presenting sponsors of CMC's long-running Optimal Health Series of forums are OhioHealth, Nationwide Children's Hospital, and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. This forum was supported by The Jeffrey Family Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund - Promoting a Thriving, Equitable and Sustainable Community, and sponsored by The Osteopathic Heritage Foundation, Cardinal Health, The Community Shelter Board, Ian Alexander Photography, and Star House. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner and promotional partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on August 27, 2025. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy speaks with special guest George Howard on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra Basketball podcast. During this edition, we talk about recruiting, AAU basketball, and much more.

Crime novelist and former Columbus Dispatch reporter Robin Yocum joins us to discuss his book The Last Hitman. Plus host Christopher Purdy and guests as they discuss books and offer their recommendations for your next book club selection or nightstand read.

Crime novelist and former Columbus Dispatch reporter Robin Yocum joins us to discuss his book The Last Hitman. Plus host Christopher Purdy and guests as they discuss books and offer their recommendations for your next book club selection or nightstand read.

"McElroy & Cubelic In The Morning" airs 7am-10am weekdays on WJOX-94.5!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday's 9am hour of Mac & Cube got underway with more feedback & conversation on Auburn now claiming 9 national titles; later, Bill Rabinowitz, who covers Ohio State for the Columbus Dispatch, tells us how close the QB competition was for Julian Sayin, what could cause the Buckeyes to miss the CFP, and his upcoming book about the recent championship run; and finally, we go back to football for our Bad Box Score of the Day. "McElroy & Cubelic In The Morning" airs 7am-10am weekdays on WJOX-94.5!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy discusses how John Mobley earns a camp invite on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra Basketball podcast. During this edition, we also discuss how Marcus Johnson is staying in Ohio.

Uncertainties around research grants, student visas, and dramatic changes to the country's DEI climate are only some of the issues that have shaped Ted Carter's first year and a half on the job as the 17th president of The Ohio State University. But as a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral with 38 years of military service and more than 6,300 flying hours, Carter is no stranger to leadership under trying circumstances. Join us as CMC welcomes President Ted Carter for a look back at his first year and a half on the job, and a look forward at what's on the horizon for Ohio's flagship university. Featuring: Ted Carter, President, The Ohio State University. The host is Sheridan Hendrix, Higher Education Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was made possible by The Joseph and Carol Alutto Civic Engagement Fund - Focusing on Higher Education. This forum was sponsored by The Ohio State University, The United Way of Central Ohio, and  Columbus Business First. 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. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in downtown Columbus on August 20, 2025.

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy talks this season’s nonconference schedule on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this edition, we share our thoughts on how this non-conference schedule could help the Buckeyes in March Madness.

They've grown up in an era of student debt, climate anxiety, social media, and political gridlock—and now, they're shaping the future of Ohio politics. From Gen Z newcomers to younger members of Gen X, a new wave of elected officials is stepping up to the mic. What motivates them to lead—and how are they challenging traditional power structures to create a more inclusive democracy? This candid conversation with rising political leaders spotlights what it means to serve—and shake things up—in today's political climate. Featuring: Munira Abdullahi (D), Ohio State House Representative, 9th District Shaquille Alexander, Treasurer, City of Whitehall Dani Isaacsohn (D), House Minority Leader and Ohio State House Representative, 24th District Michele Reynolds (R), Ohio State Senator, 3rd District David Thomas (R), Ohio State House Representative, 65th District The host is Haley BeMiller, State Government & Politics Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch This forum was sponsored by The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority and Frost Brown Todd. The partners for this CMC forum were The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus, The Matriots, and The Columbus Dispatch. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation.  This forum was also supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on August 13, 2025.

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy talks fan submitted over-unders on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this edition we provide our analysis on the 2024-25 over-unders and our thoughts regarding these.

We discuss a viral street fight in Cincinnati and how it became a talking point for Ohio politicians.

This week, we talk about the Blackhawk helicopter crash report, the damage an unfortunate rumor about a college student caused, and the frightening prospect of necessary, useful data being stifled or simply going away. Then, for our main segment, Ben and Kenny go over the infamous Columbus poltergeist case, an incident from 1984 involving, you guessed it, a young woman with some issues who was suddenly haunted by a mysterious force. Tina Resch was consistently underestimated by "experts" who looked into the case after some photos of a flying phone rocketed Tina's adopted family into the national spotlight. The Amazing Randi was not allowed on the property, but we have information from plenty of other sources, including Resch herself, that she was faking the incidents. Still, this self-debunked case has much to teach us about how the sensationalism around a supposed supernatural event can take over lives.

Ohio State men’s basketball beat writer Adam Jardy talks about John Mobley Jr. and what his summer has been like and what that could potentially mean for the fall season, in this latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast.

Ohio State men’s basketball beat writer Adam Jardy talks about what he saw during practice on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this edition, we break down the standout players during summer practice.

We discuss why political outsiders, from JD Vance to Vivek Ramaswamy, are becoming more popular with Ohio voters.

We discuss why Ohio will draw a new congressional map, the latest with a lawsuit over school vouchers and how the Ohio House voted on Gov. Mike DeWine's budget vetoes.

We discuss Gov. Mike DeWine's budget vetoes, a lawsuit over Browns stadium money, what President Trump's "big, beautiful bill" means for Ohio and how LGBTQ advocates are trying to change the state constitution.

Dispatch sports columnist Michael Arace speaks with Columbus Crew beat reporter Brianna Mac Kay on the latest episode of the Soccer Speakeasy podcast. During this edition, we recap the recent match against the Seattle Sounders and look ahead to Saturday’s Hell is Real matchup FC Cincinnati.

Dispatch sports columnist Michael Arace speaks with Columbus Blue Jackets beat reporter Brian Hedger on the latest episode of the Cannon Fodder podcast. During this edition, we recap what happened during the NHL draft and discuss the players the Blue Jackets acquired during this time.

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy recaps the latest interview with AD Ross Bjork on the latest episode of BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this edition, we provide our takeaways from this and discuss some news from a busy summer offseason.

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy recaps his takeaways from Jake Deibler’s press conference on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this edition, we provide news and nuggets on what we've learned about the current roster and discuss player Devin Royal.

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy recaps “Vet Week” on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this edition, we break down what we learned and provide some takeaways from this event.

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy talks about team camp on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this edition we also mention Ohio State’s revenue sharing plans after a settlement approval, and more.

Products often tell you exactly how they're intended to be used. But why leave it at that? As a culture, we have long had a knack for finding ingenious, off-label uses for things. In this episode, we take a close look at a few examples of products that are ostensibly meant for one thing, but are better known for something else entirely. We explore Q-tips, which we are explicitly told not to put into our ears; the Hitachi Magic Wand, the iconic sex toy marketed as a body massager; the musical washboard; and the children's electrolyte solution Pedialyte that many adults swear by as a hangover cure. You'll hear from Hallie Lieberman, author of Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy; Jacqui Barnett of the Columbus Washboard Company; Christopher Wilson, curator and chair of the Division of Home and Community Life at the Smithsonian; musician and educator Súle Greg Wilson; zydeco musicians C.J. Chenier and Steve Nash; Shaughnessy Bishop-Stall, author of Hungover: The Morning After and One Man's Quest for the Cure; as well as writers Roberto Ferdman, Dan Brooks, and Kaitlyn Tiffany. Decoder Ring is produced by Willa Paskin, Max Freedman, Katie Shepherd, and Evan Chung, Decoder Ring's supervising producer. We had additional production from Sofie Kodner. Merritt Jacob is Senior Technical Director. Special thanks to Kate Sloan, Dr. Carol Queen, Bryony Cole, Amber Singer, Molly Born, Laura Selikson, and Nell McShane Wulfhart. If you have any cultural mysteries you want us to decode, please email us at DecoderRing@slate.com, or leave a message on our hotline at 347-460-7281. Sources for This Episode Bishop-Stall, Shaughnessy. Hungover: The Morning After and One Man's Quest for the Cure, Penguin, 2018. Brooks, Dan. “Letter of Recommendation: Pedialyte,” New York Times Magazine, Jan. 26, 2017. Comella, Lynn. Vibrator Nation: How Feminist Sex-Toy Stores Changed the Business of Pleasure, Duke University Press, 2017. Dodson, Betty. “Having Sex with Machines: The Return of the Electric Vibrator,” Dodson and Ross, June 9, 2010. Feran, Tim. “Pedialyte Is Not Just For Kids,” Columbus Dispatch, July 19, 2015. Ferdman, Roberto A. “The strange life of Q-tips, the most bizarre thing people buy,” Washington Post, Jan. 20, 2016. Kushner, David. “Inside Orgasmatron,” Village Voice, March 26, 1999. Lieberman, Hallie. Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy, Pegasus Books, 2017. Lieberman, Hallie. “Selling Sex Toys: Marketing and the Meaning of Vibrators in Early Twentieth-Century America,” Enterprise & Society, June 2016. Russel, Ruth. “Hangover Remedies? I'll Drink to That!,” Idaho Statesman, Jan. 1, 1978. Sloan, Kate. Making Magic, 2024. Tiffany, Kaitlyn. “How Pedialyte got Pedialit,” Vox, Sep. 10, 2018. Williams, Dell. “The Roots of the Garden,” Journal of Sex Research, August 1990. Wulfhart, Nell McShane. “The Best Hangover Cure,” Slate, Aug. 29, 2013. Want more Decoder Ring? Subscribe to Slate Plus to unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of the Decoder Ring show page. Or, visit slate.com/decoderplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Products often tell you exactly how they're intended to be used. But why leave it at that? As a culture, we have long had a knack for finding ingenious, off-label uses for things. In this episode, we take a close look at a few examples of products that are ostensibly meant for one thing, but are better known for something else entirely. We explore Q-tips, which we are explicitly told not to put into our ears; the Hitachi Magic Wand, the iconic sex toy marketed as a body massager; the musical washboard; and the children's electrolyte solution Pedialyte that many adults swear by as a hangover cure. You'll hear from Hallie Lieberman, author of Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy; Jacqui Barnett of the Columbus Washboard Company; Christopher Wilson, curator and chair of the Division of Home and Community Life at the Smithsonian; musician and educator Súle Greg Wilson; zydeco musicians C.J. Chenier and Steve Nash; Shaughnessy Bishop-Stall, author of Hungover: The Morning After and One Man's Quest for the Cure; as well as writers Roberto Ferdman, Dan Brooks, and Kaitlyn Tiffany. Decoder Ring is produced by Willa Paskin, Max Freedman, Katie Shepherd, and Evan Chung, Decoder Ring's supervising producer. We had additional production from Sofie Kodner. Merritt Jacob is Senior Technical Director. Special thanks to Kate Sloan, Dr. Carol Queen, Bryony Cole, Amber Singer, Molly Born, Laura Selikson, and Nell McShane Wulfhart. If you have any cultural mysteries you want us to decode, please email us at DecoderRing@slate.com, or leave a message on our hotline at 347-460-7281. Sources for This Episode Bishop-Stall, Shaughnessy. Hungover: The Morning After and One Man's Quest for the Cure, Penguin, 2018. Brooks, Dan. “Letter of Recommendation: Pedialyte,” New York Times Magazine, Jan. 26, 2017. Comella, Lynn. Vibrator Nation: How Feminist Sex-Toy Stores Changed the Business of Pleasure, Duke University Press, 2017. Dodson, Betty. “Having Sex with Machines: The Return of the Electric Vibrator,” Dodson and Ross, June 9, 2010. Feran, Tim. “Pedialyte Is Not Just For Kids,” Columbus Dispatch, July 19, 2015. Ferdman, Roberto A. “The strange life of Q-tips, the most bizarre thing people buy,” Washington Post, Jan. 20, 2016. Kushner, David. “Inside Orgasmatron,” Village Voice, March 26, 1999. Lieberman, Hallie. Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy, Pegasus Books, 2017. Lieberman, Hallie. “Selling Sex Toys: Marketing and the Meaning of Vibrators in Early Twentieth-Century America,” Enterprise & Society, June 2016. Russel, Ruth. “Hangover Remedies? I'll Drink to That!,” Idaho Statesman, Jan. 1, 1978. Sloan, Kate. Making Magic, 2024. Tiffany, Kaitlyn. “How Pedialyte got Pedialit,” Vox, Sep. 10, 2018. Williams, Dell. “The Roots of the Garden,” Journal of Sex Research, August 1990. Wulfhart, Nell McShane. “The Best Hangover Cure,” Slate, Aug. 29, 2013. Want more Decoder Ring? Subscribe to Slate Plus to unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of the Decoder Ring show page. Or, visit slate.com/decoderplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Products often tell you exactly how they're intended to be used. But why leave it at that? As a culture, we have long had a knack for finding ingenious, off-label uses for things. In this episode, we take a close look at a few examples of products that are ostensibly meant for one thing, but are better known for something else entirely. We explore Q-tips, which we are explicitly told not to put into our ears; the Hitachi Magic Wand, the iconic sex toy marketed as a body massager; the musical washboard; and the children's electrolyte solution Pedialyte that many adults swear by as a hangover cure. You'll hear from Hallie Lieberman, author of Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy; Jacqui Barnett of the Columbus Washboard Company; Christopher Wilson, curator and chair of the Division of Home and Community Life at the Smithsonian; musician and educator Súle Greg Wilson; zydeco musicians C.J. Chenier and Steve Nash; Shaughnessy Bishop-Stall, author of Hungover: The Morning After and One Man's Quest for the Cure; as well as writers Roberto Ferdman, Dan Brooks, and Kaitlyn Tiffany. Decoder Ring is produced by Willa Paskin, Max Freedman, Katie Shepherd, and Evan Chung, Decoder Ring's supervising producer. We had additional production from Sofie Kodner. Merritt Jacob is Senior Technical Director. Special thanks to Kate Sloan, Dr. Carol Queen, Bryony Cole, Amber Singer, Molly Born, Laura Selikson, and Nell McShane Wulfhart. If you have any cultural mysteries you want us to decode, please email us at DecoderRing@slate.com, or leave a message on our hotline at 347-460-7281. Sources for This Episode Bishop-Stall, Shaughnessy. Hungover: The Morning After and One Man's Quest for the Cure, Penguin, 2018. Brooks, Dan. “Letter of Recommendation: Pedialyte,” New York Times Magazine, Jan. 26, 2017. Comella, Lynn. Vibrator Nation: How Feminist Sex-Toy Stores Changed the Business of Pleasure, Duke University Press, 2017. Dodson, Betty. “Having Sex with Machines: The Return of the Electric Vibrator,” Dodson and Ross, June 9, 2010. Feran, Tim. “Pedialyte Is Not Just For Kids,” Columbus Dispatch, July 19, 2015. Ferdman, Roberto A. “The strange life of Q-tips, the most bizarre thing people buy,” Washington Post, Jan. 20, 2016. Kushner, David. “Inside Orgasmatron,” Village Voice, March 26, 1999. Lieberman, Hallie. Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy, Pegasus Books, 2017. Lieberman, Hallie. “Selling Sex Toys: Marketing and the Meaning of Vibrators in Early Twentieth-Century America,” Enterprise & Society, June 2016. Russel, Ruth. “Hangover Remedies? I'll Drink to That!,” Idaho Statesman, Jan. 1, 1978. Sloan, Kate. Making Magic, 2024. Tiffany, Kaitlyn. “How Pedialyte got Pedialit,” Vox, Sep. 10, 2018. Williams, Dell. “The Roots of the Garden,” Journal of Sex Research, August 1990. Wulfhart, Nell McShane. “The Best Hangover Cure,” Slate, Aug. 29, 2013. Want more Decoder Ring? Subscribe to Slate Plus to unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of the Decoder Ring show page. Or, visit slate.com/decoderplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices