Podcasts about columbus foundation

When communities face urgent challenges—from housing instability and food insecurity to family crisis—nonprofits often respond first and stay the longest. Yet many organizations are being asked to do more while navigating outdated funding systems, delayed reimbursements, and growing financial pressures. This week, leaders from philanthropy, government, and the nonprofit sector explore how funding models can evolve to better support the organizations that help communities thrive. What would it look like to fund nonprofit work in ways that are more flexible, responsive, and sustainable? And what role do government, philanthropy, businesses, and community partners play in making a better future possible? Featuring: Lindsay Baker, Vice President and Director of Philanthropy and Engagement - Central Ohio, The Huntington National Bank Emmalyn Jerome, CEO, Lower Lights Ministries Hannah Jones, Deputy Director, Department of Development, City of Columbus Phil Washburn, President & CEO, The Furniture Bank of Central Ohio The host is Sheldon K. Johnson, Executive Director, Partners Achieving Community Transformation (PACT). The presenting sponsors of this forum are The Columbus Foundation, Huntington Bank, and Nationwide. This forum is also sponsored by Bath & Body Works, Benefactor Group, Columbia Gas of Ohio, Cramer & Associates, Encova Insurance, Installed Building Products, and Mollard Consulting. 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 would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Reimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy: Unlocking the Full Potential of a Vital and Complex Sector by Vu Le (2026). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on June 17, 2026.

Columbus is getting a National Women's Soccer League team—and with it, a powerful new chapter in the region's sports story is beginning. Set to begin play in 2028, the franchise brings major-league momentum, prominent ownership, and growing excitement around the future of women's sports in Central Ohio. How did Columbus land the bid, and how can the region make the most of the opportunity? How are leaders navigating both the opportunities and tensions surrounding the project? As anticipation builds, we examine not just what it took to win a team—but how Columbus can turn its win into lasting and equitable public value. Featuring: Andrew J. Ginther, Mayor, City of Columbus Linda Logan, CEO & President, The Greater Columbus Sports Commission Mary Shepro, President of Business Operations, Columbus Crew The host is Kristen McFarland, former professional soccer player and News Reporter, WBNS 10TV. This forum was sponsored by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and Osborn Engineering. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading The Fast Track by Jane McManus (2025). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on June 10, 2026.

Ohio's Medicaid program covers more than three million people, but major policy and funding changes now underway could reshape how care is delivered across the state. This week, healthcare leaders, policy experts, and lawmakers examine what proposed Medicaid changes could mean for hospitals, providers, and the families who rely on the program every day. From healthcare access and rising costs to the long-term sustainability of Ohio's healthcare system, we unpack one of the most consequential public policy debates facing Ohio today. Featuring: State Senator Louis W. Blessing, III (R-Colerain Township) John McCarthy, Founding Partner, Speire HealthCare Strategies, and former Director of the Ohio Department of Medicaid Amy Rohling McGee, President, Health Policy Institute of Ohio Dr. Buhari Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer, Heart of Ohio Family Health The host is Laura A. Bischoff, Ohio Politics and State Government Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch. The presenting sponsors of CMC's long-running Optimal Health Series are Nationwide Children's Hospital, OhioHealth, and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. This forum was also sponsored by Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio. 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. If you'd like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Your Money or Your Life: Debt Collection in American Medicine, by Luke Messac (2024).  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on June 3, 2026.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine returns to the Columbus Metropolitan Club for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, policy, and Ohio's future. In discussion with veteran Statehouse News Bureau journalist Jo Ingles, Governor DeWine reflects on his long career in public service while exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping Ohio today and tomorrow—from education and literacy to economic development, public safety, technology, and support for children and families. Featuring: Mike DeWine, Governor, State of Ohio The host is Jo Ingles, Journalist and Producer, The Statehouse News Bureau. This forum was sponsored by Ian Alexander Photography, The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, The Ohio State University, The Robert Weiler Company, and The United Way of Central Ohio. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Profiles in Achievement: The Gifts, Quirks, and Foibles of Ohio's Best Politicians, by William L. Hershey (2021). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on May 20, 2026.

The AI economy in Central Ohio is creating entirely new businesses. At the same time, it's reshaping nearly every existing business. The key to both these upheavals? Visionary leadership of the human kind.  Will Columbus lead, follow, or just watch the AI revolution from the sidelines? Innovative leaders are determined to do just that - lead - and are racing to harness the power of AI to stay ahead of the competition. Can key players team up in Central Ohio to create a fertile business ecosystem that fuels AI innovation and nurtures the next generation of AI thinkers? Featuring: Shereen Agrawal, Executive Director, Center for Software Innovation, The Ohio State University Alex 'Fro' Frommeyer, Founder and CEO, Stack Health, and Chairman, Beam Benefits Tim Grace, Managing Director, Techstars Columbus The host is Carrie Ghose, Senior Reporter, Columbus Business First. This forum was sponsored by Roetzel & 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. If you'd like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading AI Startup Strategy by Adhiguna Mahendra (2023). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on May 13, 2026.

As Central Ohio grows, the question isn't just how fast—but who benefits. In this timely conversation, leaders from economics, community development, and education explore what truly drives economic mobility, why generational poverty persists, and what it will take to create more equitable pathways to opportunity. From systemic barriers to promising solutions, we examine how Columbus can ensure prosperity is shared more broadly across the region. Featuring: Dr. Joyce J. Chen, Professor of Economics in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, The Ohio State University Will Crossley, Executive Vice President, The Woodson Center and President, The Piney Woods School Stephanie Hightower, President and CEO, The Columbus Urban League, and Co-Chair, The Equity Now Coalition The host is Rodney Dunigan, Evening Manager and Anchor, WSYX ABC6. This forum was sponsored by The Oakwood Management Company and The Robert Weiler Company. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc., The National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and by Tom Bolon and Keith Jones.  If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "Poverty, by America," written by Matthew Desmond (2023). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on May 6, 2026.

What if the way we move is shaping the way we live — but not for the better? Join us with the authors of the new national bestselling book, Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile, and the hosts of the acclaimed podcast "The War on Cars" for a bold conversation about how automobiles have transformed cities, communities, and the climate — and what it might take to imagine a future beyond car dependency. Drawing on decades of advocacy, journalism, and urbanist insight, Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon unpack the costs of car culture — from divided neighborhoods and environmental impacts to public health and social inequity. We'll explore how transportation reform is central to building a more connected and livable society, and share stories of communities already leading the way. Featuring: Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon, Co-Hosts, "The War on Cars" Podcast and Co-Authors, Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile (Published 2025 by Thesis, An Imprint of Penguin Random House) Devayani Puranik, Mobility Development Program Director, Central Ohio Transit Authority The host is D'Laveance Bert-Sims, Board Member, Transit Columbus. This forum was sponsored by Burgess and Niple, COSI, COTA, Ian Alexander Photography, and REALM Collaborative.  CMC's forum partners were The Center for Urban and Regional Analysis at The Ohio State University, Columbus Underground, and the 2026 COSI Science Festival. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you finish Sarah and Doug's book Life After Cars, and you'd like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library also recommend reading Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World, by Henry Grabar (2023). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on April 29, 2026.

Central Ohio has become a magnet for data center development, drawing global tech companies and fueling economic growth. But as these massive facilities expand, communities are grappling with big questions about energy demand, land use, infrastructure strain, and environmental impact. Leaders from industry, government, and academia explore the real trade-offs—and what it will take to balance growth with sustainability in one of the region's fastest-growing sectors. Featuring: Ryan Augsburger, President, The Ohio Manufacturers' Association Dr. Jeffrey Bielicki, Associate Faculty Director of Research, The Ohio State University Sustainability Institute Timothy Chadwick, Area Operations Manager for Ohio, Google Christopher Wyche, Columbus City Councilmember The host is Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, The Statehouse News Bureau. This forum was sponsored by The Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, The Ohio Chamber of Commerce, and The Ohio Manufacturers' Association. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading The Dark Cloud: The Hidden Costs of the Digital World by Guillaume Pitron (2023). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on April 22, 2026.

Across Central Ohio, more older adults are facing housing instability as rents outpace fixed incomes and affordable housing falls short. A local experimental program offering just $330 a month in rental support showed striking results—improved financial stability, health, and overall well-being. Can simple, cost-effective solutions like this scale up to prevent homelessness and strengthen Central Ohio communities? Featuring: Shannon Isom, President and CEO, The Community Shelter Board Tiara Ross, Columbus City Councilmember Marisa Sheldon, Director, Age-Friendly Innovation Center, The Ohio State University College of Social Work The host is Katie White, Director, Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging. This forum was sponsored by Community Shelter Board. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "And Housing for All The Fight to End Homelessness in America," by Maria Foscarinis (2025). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on April 15, 2026.

It's no secret that Ohio is a fierce—and successful—economic competitor. But the state now faces pressing questions about its ability to remain competitive in a rapidly changing national and global landscape.  With slowing population growth, workforce shortages, trade and tariff uncertainty, and the added strain of constricted international immigration, Ohio's economic trajectory is at a crossroads.  We'll unpack the powerful forces shaping the state's economic future—from talent pipelines and demographic shifts to infrastructure demands and the race to secure high‑growth industries—as we take on a trillion‑dollar question: can Ohio stay ahead of the economic pack? Featuring: J.P. Nauseef, President and CEO, JobsOhio Steve Stivers, President and CEO, The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Your host is Angela An, News Anchor and "Boomtown" Series Host, WBNS 10TV. The presenting sponsor of this forum was Huntington Bank. This forum was also sponsored by JPMorganChase, KeyBank, Public Sector Consulting, and Roetzel & Andress. 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 is also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "Abundance" by Ezra Klein (2025).

AI is getting smarter. But are we? What if the future doesn't belong to people who can out-calculate machines—but to people who can out-imagine them? In a world dominated by algorithms and automation, what makes us irreplaceably human?  According to this week's special forum guest, the answer isn't logic—it's something more powerful: imagination, intuition, and emotional resilience. Featuring: Angus Fletcher, Professor, Department of English and Story Science, The Ohio State University, and Author, "Primal Intelligence" (Penguin Random House, 2025) Your host is Suraj Hinduja, Managing Director, RTRX. This forum's promotional partner was The Columbus Futurists. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you finish Angus Fletcher's "Primal Intelligence," and you'd like to keep exploring this week's topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library also recommend reading "The Atomic Human What Makes Us Unique in the Age of AI," by Neil Lawrence (2024).  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on April 1, 2026.

What did the Vietnam War reveal about race, democracy, and the unfinished struggle for equality in America? In this powerful Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, acclaimed journalist, professor, author, and Columbus native Wil Haygood discusses his new best-selling book, The War Within a War: The Black Struggle in Vietnam and at Home, and examines the experiences of Black Americans who fought for freedom overseas while demanding justice at home. Through vivid storytelling and deep historical insight, this conversation connects the legacy of Vietnam to the racial and political reckonings that continue to shape our country today. Featuring: Wil Haygood, Journalist, Professor, and Author, The War Within a War: The Black Struggle in Vietnam and at Home (Penguin Random House, 2026)The host is Algenon L. Marbley, U. S. District Judge, Southern District of Ohio. This forum was sponsored by Bricker Graydon Wyatt, Larry and Donna James, and The Robert Weiler Company. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic (and you've already finished Wil Haygood's new book), our friends at The Columbus Metropolitan Library also recommend reading Until the Last Gun is Silent: A Story of Love, the Vietnam War, and the Fight to Save America's Soul, by Matthew F. Delmont (2026). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on March 25, 2026. 

This candid 1:1 conversation features Mitch Menchaca, the newly appointed CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council, as he shares his unexpected journey from the stages of Arizona to leading arts policy in Phoenix—to now shaping the creative future of Columbus. Once a visitor who thought there might be "nothing to do" in Columbus, Mitch returns to a transformed city he's fallen in love with, ready to build on GCAC's momentum at a time of challenge and opportunity. With decades of national leadership experience, a passion for public art, and a vision for equitable cultural investment in every neighborhood, we'll explore how the arts can drive Columbus' economic vitality, create community identity, and deepen everyday civic life. Featuring: Mitch Menchaca, President and CEO, The Greater Columbus Arts Council The host is Sophia Fifner, President and CEO, The Columbus Metropolitan Club. This forum was made possible by Carol A. McGuire Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund — Celebrating Arts and Culture. It was sponsored by CK Construction and The Columbus Museum of Art. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "What Art Does: An Unfinished Theory," by Brian Eno (2025). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on March 18, 2026.

Behind every report card is a bigger story. For many Central Ohio students, poverty, trauma, food insecurity, housing instability, and citizenship status create barriers to learning that schools can't solve alone. In this Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, leaders in education and student support unpack what's driving chronic absenteeism, why it matters for graduation and workforce readiness, and what it takes to keep students connected to school. Featuring: Valerie Kunze, Chief of Family Engagement and School Partnerships, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Adero Robinson, CEO, Communities in Schools of Ohio Dr. Sharee Wells, Superintendent, Whitehall City Schools Shaniya Williams, Communities in Schools Alumna and Student, The Ohio State University The host is Michelle M. Brown, President and CEO, Children's Hunger Alliance. This forum was sponsored by Battelle, Columbus State Community College, Communities in Schools of Ohio, and The United Way of Central Ohio. 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 recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on March 11, 2026.

A new study, Women in the Workplace 2025, reports a troubling reversal: stalled early advancement, declining company commitment, and a new ambition gap as fewer women aspire to promotion than men for the first time in a decade. In a fast growing Central Ohio economy, this Columbus Metropolitan Club forum asks: are women being left behind just as opportunity expands? New research from McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.org shows that only 80% of women now aspire to promotion, compared with 86% of men—a reversal of long-standing trends. Yet the data tells a more hopeful story as well: when women receive the same sponsorship, support, and clarity about advancement as their male peers, the ambition gap disappears entirely. The problem, it turns out, may not be women's ambition—but workplaces that make ambition harder to sustain. Leaders from business and the nonprofit sector discuss what is driving the ambition gap, why it disappears when women receive equal sponsorship and support, and what leaders can do to build workplaces where women can advance. Featuring: Michelle Bryant, Partner, McKinsey and Company Dr. Pamela Gregory, Owner and CFO, National Center for Urban Solutions Kelley Griesmer, President and CEO, The Women's Fund of Central Ohio Lillian Morales Laster, Executive Director, Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy The host is Margaret D Finley, President, Central Ohio Belonging Consortium. This forum was made possible by the Mary Lazarus Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund and was sponsored by Advanced Drainage Systems, Event Marketing Strategies, and The New Directions Career Center. 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. If you'd like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our friends at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading This Isn't Working: How Working Women Can Overcome Stress, Guilt, and Overload to Find True Success by Meghan French Dunbar (2025). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus Ohio on March 4, 2026.

Hair is never just hair—it's history, artistry, and identity woven together. Inspired by the upcoming production of Jaja's African Hair Braiding (at the Contemporary Theatre of Ohio, March 5–22, 2026), this forum invites you into a conversation about the cultural, economic, and social significance of African hair braiding and the stories braided into every strand. Jaja's African Hair Braiding, written by Ohio State University graduate Jocelyn Bioh, follows West African women building lives inside a Harlem salon. African hair braiding is more than a beauty practice; it is a tradition deeply rooted in Black communities, symbolizing heritage, creativity, and belonging. In Columbus, braiding salons—often owned and operated by Black women—are more than businesses. They're spaces of empowerment, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange, where clients and stylists alike find connection and community. Community leaders, artists, scholars, and business advocates discuss how beauty culture reflects resilience, creativity, and economic opportunity—and why these community spaces matter now more than ever. Featuring panelists: Juanita Brent, Representative, Ohio State House District 18 Sarai Brooks, Braid Artist, Author, and Owner of Haven 626 by RaiStyles J. Averi Frost, Executive Director, Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce Dr. Treva B. Lindsey, Professor of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, The Ohio State University The host is Lachandra "La" Baker, Founder and Lead Consultant, Lachandra B. Baker Edutainment LLC. This forum was presented in partnership with The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus Inc and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture," by Emma Dabiri (2020). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on February 25, 2026.

Women's health is at a pivotal moment in Ohio. From maternal care deserts and rising maternal mortality, to oncology advances and long-overdue conversations about menopause and postpartum mental health, this Columbus Metropolitan Club forum explores what our region is getting right—and where the system is still failing Ohio's women. Featuring Panelists: Jatu Boikai, Founder and CEO, Central Ohio Postpartum Extended Respite Center Dr. Kamilah Dixon, Director of the General Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Dr. Shilpa Padia, Co-Medical Director of Oncology, Mount Carmel Health System Dr. Mona Prasad, System Chief, Maternal Fetal Medicine, OhioHealth Physicians Group Your host is Tracy Townsend, News Anchor and Medical Correspondent, WBNS 10TV. The presenting sponsors of CMC's long-running Optimal Health Series are Nationwide Children's Hospital, OhioHealth, and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. This forum was also sponsored by Mount Carmel Health System. 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 would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "The New Rules of Women's Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Any Age" by Meghan Rabbitt (2026). This forum was recorded before a live audience at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The state of Central Ohio's childcare industry impacts parents, employers, the region's overall economy, and of course, the children who depend on quality childcare facilities and professionals. With so much riding on the state of childcare, we unpack the new 2025 Action for Children's Central Ohio Child Care Provider Survey. This comprehensive survey collects vital information from licensed child care providers about the local landscape of child care, and is the only continuing study of its kind in Ohio. Join CMC as a panel of experts and leaders unpacks this newest data to better understand the current state of childcare and the critical trends that will impact us all. Featuring panelists: Dr. Katherine Glenn-Applegate, Director of Child Care and Education Initiatives, Action for Children Hannah Halbert, Executive Director, Policy Matters Ohio Kara Wente, Director, The Ohio Department of Children and Youth Rhonda West, Owner and Administrator, Rhonda's Daycare Service Opening remarks by Tasha Booker, CEO, Action for Children.  Closing remarks by Franklin County Commissioner Erica Crawley.  The host is Jennifer Bullock, Anchor, NBC4. This forum was sponsored by The Care Economy Organizing Project, The Franklin County Board of Commissioners, Mollard Consulting, PNC, and The United Way of Central Ohio. 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 would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "The Daycare Myth: What We Get Wrong About Early Care and Education (and What We Should Do About It)" by Dan Wuori, 2024. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on February 11, 2026.

Artificial intelligence is transforming cybersecurity at unprecedented speed. From state government to public transit to global business, leaders are confronting new risks while deploying new tools to defend critical systems. This forum examines how AI is changing cyber threats, what organizations can do to stay ahead, and why cybersecurity has become a leadership issue for every sector in Central Ohio. Featuring: Kirk Herath, Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor to Governor Mike DeWine and Chair, CyberOhio Sophia Mohr, Chief Innovation and Technology Officer, COTA Michael Wyatt, Global Identity Offering Leader, Cyber and Strategic Risk, Deloitte The host is Padma Sastry, Adjunct Faculty at The Ohio State University College of Engineering. This forum was sponsored by COTA and Deloitte. 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 would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "FAIK: A Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI Generated Deceptions," by Perry Carpenter (2025). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus Ohio on February 4, 2026.

Baraka Books, the Before Columbus Foundation, and City Lights celebrate the publication of BLIND PERSISTENCE: The History of the Before Columbus Foundation – Edited by Ishmael Reed and Justin Desmangles (with Carla Blank and Tennessee Reed), published by Baraka Books. You can purchase copies of BLIND PERSISTENCE: The History of the Before Columbus Foundation here: https://citylights.com/poetry-criticism-biographies/blind-persistence-before-columbus-found/ Originally held at City Lights and broadcast via Zoom on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Hosted by Peter Maravelis. Made possible by support from the City Lights Foundation: citylights.com/foundation

Tucked into neighborhoods across Central Ohio are thousands of Haitian refugees and their families who've built lives, businesses, and communities—many under a federal designation called Temporary Protected Status (TPS). With that protection set to expire on February 3, their futures hang in the balance. This conversation dives into the shifting terrain of U.S. immigration policy and how it's playing out in real time across Central Ohio. We unpack the legal pathways available to immigrants and refugees, the challenges of navigating a system marked by long backlogs and limited resources, and the broader implications for citizenship, deportation, and belonging. Featuring: Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, Columbus City Councilmember Emily Brown, Immigration Clinic Director, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. Sophia Pierrelus, Entrepreneur and Former Secretary of the Mouvement Patriotique des Haïtiens Conscients (MPHC) Angela Plummer, Executive Director, Community Refugee and Immigration Services. The host is Danae King, Underserved Communities Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch. Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin makes opening remarks. This forum was sponsored by Columbus City Council. 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. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Raiding the Heartland: An American Story of Deportation and Resistance by William D. Lopez (2025). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on January 21, 2026.

What does it mean to be a Black man in Central Ohio in 2026? In Central Ohio, Black men face a unique and often underexamined set of challenges — and opportunities — shaped by generations of systemic inequities and the evolving dynamics of a rapidly growing region. Black men continue to be disproportionately affected by disparities in health, education, income, and incarceration. We explore the realities of navigating mental health stigma, economic exclusion, and more — while spotlighting the resilience, innovation, and leadership that define the community. Featuring: Jason Jenkins, Chief Diversity Officer and Executive Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, City of Columbus Duwain Pinder, Partner, McKinsey & Company Marshall Shorts, Founder and Principal, Artfluential, and Creative Director, Ohio Organizing Collaborative The host is Corey Favor, Senior Director of Community Engagement, Orange Barrel Media. This forum was sponsored by Otterbein University and McKinsey & Company. 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 would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power by Courtney B. Vance (2023). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on January 14, 2026.

What will power Central Ohio's economy in 2026—and what's keeping business leaders up at night? With changing tariffs, reduced immigration, and transformative tech like AI reshaping industries, the economic road ahead is anything but clear. Yet Central Ohio continues to outperform much of the Midwest—thanks to population growth, public investment, and a rapidly diversifying economy. What trends will define the year ahead for our region's employers, workers, and entrepreneurs? And what are the risks no one's talking about yet? Featuring the release of the 2026 Regionomics Columbus Economic Forecast, this week's forum aims to help Central Ohio's civic and business leaders understand what's coming next—and how to prepare. Featuring: Kathy Bostjancic, Chief Economist, Nationwide Financial Dr. Aravind Chandrasekaran, Dean, Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University Dr. Bill LaFayette, Owner, Regionomics (who also presents opening remarks) The host is Ben Lanka, Business Editor, The Columbus Dispatch.  This forum was sponsored by The Columbus Partnership, Ian Alexander Photography, PNC, The Robert Weiler Company, and Smoot Construction. The presenting sponsor of our livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. Our livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading In This Economy? How Money and Markets Really Work by Kyla Scanlon (2024). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on January 7, 2026.

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

In a rare joint appearance, the mayors of Columbus, Findlay, Lima, and Toledo—Andrew J. Ginther, Christina Muryn, Sharetta Smith, and Wade Kapszukiewicz—take the stage for a powerful conversation on the future of urban leadership in Ohio. Together, these four leaders represent more than a million Ohioans—nearly 10% of the state's population. From economic growth and urban development to transit, public safety, and civic engagement, they share strategies for building stronger, more connected, and more resilient cities. Featuring: Andrew J. Ginther, Mayor, City of Columbus Christina Muryn, Mayor, City of Findlay Sharetta Smith, Mayor, City of Lima Wade Kapszukiewicz, Mayor, City of Toledo Your host is Stacia Naquin, News Anchor, WBNS 10TV. This forum was sponsored by The Ohio State University, The Ohio Mayors Alliance, and The Robert Weiler Company. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you'd like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "Silicon Heartland: Transforming the Midwest from Rust Belt to Tech Belt," by Rebecca A. Fannin (2023).  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on December 10, 2025.

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

The best team cultures realize that recruiting isn't transactional. It's transformational and impacted by how we lead, serve and compete as a team. Episode Summary: Is "transformational recruiting" dead in the age of the Transfer Portal and NIL? In this episode, Jason sits down with college basketball legend and CBS Sports analyst Clark Kellogg to dismantle the idea that leadership has become purely transactional. They explore why culture remains the ultimate competitive advantage for any team—whether on the court or in the corporate boardroom. Clark shares his personal philosophy on being a "faithful presence" amidst chaos, the rise of servant leadership in modern coaching, and how to maintain deep human connection in a fast-paced world. Tune in for a masterclass on stewardship, influence, and building teams that last. Key Takeaways & Timestamps: [00:05:26] Beyond the Analyst Desk: Clark reveals the side of him most fans don't see—including his "silly" side and his obsession with order and details. [00:07:48] The "Faithful Presence" Philosophy: Clark breaks down his personal definition of success: being a faithful presence of the "fruit of the spirit" (patience, kindness, self-control) in every room he enters, from the airport to the studio. [00:13:20] Servant Leadership Defined: Why the most effective leaders today aren't "top-of-the-pyramid" authoritarians, but influencers who focus on moving their people "up and forward." [00:19:00] Examples of Excellence: A look at modern coaching cultures that win by putting people first, featuring insights on Ryan Day (Ohio State), Kelvin Sampson (Houston), and Shaka Smart (Marquette). [00:22:54] The Great Debate: Transactional vs. Transformational: Jason and Clark push back on the narrative that recruiting is now solely transactional. They discuss why high-performers still choose culture and development over a quick paycheck. [00:30:28] The Gonzaga Case Study: How a commitment to culture transformed a small school in Spokane into a national powerhouse and 4x'd the university's budget. [00:36:31] The Power of Connection: Clark discusses his current passion for connecting good people to good causes through his work with the Columbus Foundation. Quotable Moments: "Leadership really is influence... committed to the responsibility you have to elevate and serve those entrusted to your care." "Culture is your greatest competitive advantage." Mentioned in this Episode: Clark Kellogg, CBS Sports Analyst & Columbus Foundation Governing Committee Thermostat Cultures by Jason V. Barger The Columbus Foundation Connect with Jason: Visit JasonVBarger.com for more resources on developing leaders and setting the temperature of your team's culture. Please rate and review the podcast to help amplify these messages to others! For full show notes visit https://jasonvbarger.com/podcast/transformational-recruiting-clark-kellogg/ Jason Barger is a husband, father, speaker, and author who is passionate about business leadership and corporate culture. He believes that corporate culture is the "thermostat" of an organization, and that it can be used to drive performance, innovation, and engagement. The show features interviews with business leaders from a variety of industries, as well as solo episodes where Barger shares his own insights and advice. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonVBarger Make Your 2025 Effective!  Book Jason with your team at https://www.jasonvbarger.com Like or Follow Jason

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

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

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

Columbus has rhythm, talent, and venues—but can it build a music industry that rivals Nashville, Austin, or Chicago? We explore Columbus' $1.3 BILLION local music economy and what it'll take to elevate it to national prominence. From local legends to industry insiders, we stagedive into strategy, investment, and how the city can turn homegrown talent into household names.  Featuring: Bruce Garfield, Executive Director, Music Means Business Inc. Amy Holihan, Deputy Director, Music Columbus Natalie Jackson, Co-Founder, Natalie's Grandview Rashad Thomas, CEO, Elev8tor Music The host is Chris DeVille, Managing Editor, Stereogum, and Author of Such Great Heights: The Complete Cultural History of the Indie Rock Explosion. This forum was sponsored by Music 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 onsite book sales partner for this forum was Gramercy Books. Ready for even more rock reading? Our partners at the Columbus Metropolitan Library recommends checking out "Love, Death & Photosynthesis" (2021) by Bela Koe-Krompecher, founder of Anyway Records. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on November 5, 2025.

In a time marked by policy uncertainty, economic volatility, and social fragmentation, the nonprofit sector faces a critical strategic question: will it lead systemic change, or be passively led by external forces? This forum invites a candid, future-focused conversation about the role of nonprofits in navigating — and shaping — what comes next. Drawing on insights from leadership theory, recent research, and provocative findings from the Philanthropy Roundtable, we'll examine if nonprofits can increase their resilience and impact by reducing dependency on government funding and reclaiming greater strategic autonomy. What do nonprofits control? What can they influence? Can the sector mobilize to drive meaningful change rather than react to it? Would less reliance on government grants strengthen nonprofits? Together, we'll explore what it means to lead with courage, build organizational independence, and maintain a steadfast commitment to dignity and equity — even in uncertain times. Featuring: Ann Bischoff, CEO, Star House Elizabeth Brown, President & CEO, YWCA Columbus Rachel Lustig, President & CEO, Lutheran Social Services Densil Porteous, Executive Director, Stonewall Columbus. The host is Brandi AL-Issa, President & CEO, Habitat for Humanity MidOhio. This forum was presented by Nationwide and sponsored by COTA and the YWCA 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. If you'd like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at the Columbus Metropolitan Library suggest reading Chasing Success: The Challenge for Nonprofits by Judith Van Ginkel (2023). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in downtown Columbus, Ohio on October 29, 2025.

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.

Les Wexner earned the nickname “King of Columbus” because of the immense economic, cultural, and political footprint he left on the city of Columbus, Ohio. As the founder of The Limited in 1963, which later became L Brands, Wexner transformed a single women's clothing store into a retail juggernaut that included brands like Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, and Express. His success generated enormous wealth, much of which he funneled back into his hometown through philanthropy, real estate development, and civic influence. Wexner's donations helped shape major institutions, including Ohio State University and the Columbus Foundation, while entire areas of Columbus' expansion were tied to his investments and leadership. This combination of business dominance and local control made him, for decades, the city's unofficial monarch — the “King of Columbus.”In recent years, however, Les Wexner has steadily reduced his financial footprint in L Brands, the company that built his empire. By mid-2021, he had sold off a massive portion of his holdings — unloading approximately $2.7 billion worth of stock — leaving him with only about a 2 percent stake in the company he once commanded. The sales came amid L Brands' restructuring and the eventual separation of Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works into standalone companies. With those divestments, Wexner's era as a retail titan effectively closed, signaling a retreat from the empire he had ruled for nearly six decades.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Artificial intelligence is transforming everything—from how Central Ohioans work to how companies make decisions. But can innovation happen without leaving people behind? This week's Columbus Metropolitan Club forum explores Central Ohio's rapidly evolving AI ecosystem with experts who are shaping the future of tech in the region.  Featuring: Mike Cohn, Vice President of Network Operations, CoverMyMeds Nathan Craig, Associate Professor, Operations and Business Analytics, The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business Nicole Jackson, Principal AI Consultant and AI Practice Lead, Optimum Technology Guru Vasudeva, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Property & Casualty, Nationwide The host is John Hrusovsky, Managing Director, Synexis Consulting This forum was sponsored by The Ohio State University and Improving 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 August 6, 2025.

Episode 133 features our incredible conversation with Dr. Amy Acton, who's running as the Democratic candidate for governor of Ohio. She left us feeling so hopeful about the future of our home state - and we think you'll feel the same after listening!Dr. Amy Acton grew up in Youngstown, Ohio under difficult circumstances. But that made Amy tough – and now, Amy is running for governor to fight for every Ohio family that's struggling today.After putting herself through medical school, Amy did a residency at Children's Hospital and Ohio State University where she trained in pediatrics and preventive medicine and created the first ever residency rotation in child advocacy.Amy began her career as the Director of Project L.O.V.E where she managed public private partnerships between Columbus area hospitals and key community stakeholders to keep our children healthy. Amy then joined the faculty at Ohio State University where she became an award winning professor of maternal and child health and global public health.In 2019 Governor DeWine asked Amy to serve in his administration as the Director of the Ohio Department of Public Health. Working closely with Governor DeWine, Amy's widely acclaimed leadership and inspiring guidance were experienced in daily news conferences as COVID exploded in the spring of 2020, earning her a Profile in COVID Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation in 2021. In 2022 she was named Woman of the Year for Ohio by USA Today for her efforts.Following her service in the DeWine administration, Amy returned to the Columbus Foundation and helped found the Center for Human Kindness. She worked with CEO's, Mayor's, and community advocates to launch Rapid 5, a nonprofit to promote the region's health and economic wellness. Amy also partnered with WKYC on a new multi-platform series on Health, Hope & Healing–where she spoke to Ohioans about the challenges they face and the innovative solutions they're using to move themselves forward.Now, Amy's running for Governor because she refuses to look away from Ohioans who are struggling.Amy lives in Bexley, Ohio with her husband, Eric, who has coached and taught in Bexley City Schools since 1987. Together they have six kids and enjoy traveling, exploring nature, and spending time with their good friends and growing family.Resources: * Acton for Governor Website* Donate to Dr. Acton's Campaign* Connect with Dr. Acton's on Social Media:* Instagram* Bluesky* Facebook* X/TwitterConnect with USS:* Substack* Instagram* TikTokThis episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram Get full access to United SHE Stands at www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

What happens when the most valuable college athletics program in the country enters the name-image-and-likeness, or NIL, era? At this Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, Ohio State University Athletics Director Ross Bjork sits down with NBC4's Matt Barnes for an inside look at how the Buckeyes are managing massive change—from multimillion-dollar deals to evolving expectations around recruitment, education, and fairness. Featuring: Ross Bjork, Athletics Director, The Ohio State University The host is Matt Barnes, Morning Co-Anchor, NBC4 Today This forum was sponsored by Aloft Columbus University District, Encova Insurance, GBQ, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, and LEARFIELD/Ohio State Sports Properties. 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 July 30, 2025.

What kind of downtown do we want to build? Some of Columbus' iconic downtown buildings are getting a dramatic makeover, transforming from office towers into places to live and gather. This week's forum dives into the bold moves shaping the future of Downtown Columbus—where people live, work, and connect. Featuring: Greg Davies, CEO, Downtown Columbus, Inc. Brad DeHays, Founder & President, Connect Real Estate and Connect Construction Mindy Justis, Advocacy Chair, Downtown Residents Association of Columbus Michael Stevens, Director of Development, City of Columbus The host is Rodney Dunigan, Evening Managing Editor & Anchor, WSYX ABC 6. This forum was sponsored by Downtown Columbus, Inc., The Edwards Companies, Marker Construction, and MKSK. 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 and was recorded in front of a live audience on July 23, 2025.

Is Columbus ready to hit three million residents? Ready or not, it's a milestone that's just 25 years away, according to estimates. While the surge brings enormous opportunity—more jobs, greater diversity, and increased investment—it comes with high-stakes questions: Is the region truly prepared for what's ahead? And what happens if it isn't? Columbus is now one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, with its metro population expected to rise by 35% and surpass 3 million by 2050. This growth is fueled by millennial migration, international immigration, and a strong economy attracting both businesses and talent. This forum tackles the most urgent issues shaping the future of a larger, more complex Columbus: how to build a workforce that meets growing demand, how to expand and modernize public transportation, and how changing demographics will redefine the region's cultural and civic landscape. Featuring:  Rob Dorans, President Pro Tem, Columbus City Council;  Monica Tellez-Fowler, President & CEO, COTA;  Michael Wilkos, Vice President of Community Engagement, United Way of Central Ohio.  The host is Jordan Laird, Politics and Government Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch.  This forum was sponsored by Columbus City Council, COTA, and Downtown Columbus, Inc.  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 recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on July 16, 2025. 

When it comes to fashion, Columbus has the talent. It has the retail giants, the design schools, the logistics, and the creative minds. What it hasn't had—until now—is the fashion infrastructure to stitch those pieces together. With the launch of the new Fashion Innovation Center in the heart of Downtown's Discovery District, Yohannan “Yogi” Terrell and the Columbus Fashion Alliance are betting big on a bold vision: to make Columbus not just a great place for fashion, but a city defined by it. Could Columbus become the next fashion capital—not just of the Midwest, but of the nation? What does it take to build a thriving cultural and economic district from scratch? And what role can fashion play in shaping a more creative, inclusive, and opportunity-rich city?  Featuring  Yohannan “Yogi” Terrell, CEO, Warhol & WALL ST, and Director, Columbus Fashion Alliance Erica Crawley, Board President and Commissioner, Franklin County Board of Commissioners Madison Hilson and Valentina Thompson, Co-Founders, SENIQ The host is Kat DePizzo, President, Justice Design Lab. This forum was sponsored by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and Taft.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 July 9, 2025.

The former Director of Ohio's Department of Health, Amy Acton, M.D., MPH was the first Democratic candidate to announce a campaign for Ohio Governor. Dr. Acton was nominated Director of Ohio's Department of Health by Governor Mike DeWine in February 2019. She quickly became a household name, joining Governor DeWine during his daily afternoon press conferences in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.rnrnDr. Acton began her career as the Director of Project L.O.V.E, managing public-private partnerships between Columbus area hospitals and key community stakeholders. Amy then joined the faculty at Ohio State University, and eventually joined the Columbus Foundation, where she worked to improve the community's health and well-being, particularly in the area of women's health and youth homelessness.rnrnDr. Acton received her medical degree from Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine and completed her internship and residency training in pediatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, and at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus. Dr. Acton lives in Bexley, Ohio with her husband Eric, and together they have six kids.