Best Communityconversation Podcasts (2025)

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Downstream Decisions: Is Ohio’s Water Future at Risk? 49:48

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5d ago49:48

49:48

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 coll…

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Joy Is Resistance: Queer Power in an Unequal World 54:50

12d ago54:50

54:50

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 isolat…

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How a Billion-Dollar Ballot Will Reshape Columbus 52:11

19d ago52:11

52:11

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 devel…

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Money Movers: The Bankers Fueling Columbus' Future 48:00

26d ago48:00

48:00

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 a…

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Strengthening Partnerships That Power Civic Engagement 39:56

1M ago39:56

39:56

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 tha…

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From Survey to Shovel: Let's Get Real About Regional Priorities 55:40

1M ago55:40

55:40

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. …

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Transforming Crisis Care in Central Ohio 50:42

2M ago50:42

50:42

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 …

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A Conversation with Ohio State University President Ted Carter 53:30

2M ago53:30

53:30

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 hou…

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The Next Wave: The New Leaders Shaping Ohio Politics 53:55

2M ago53:55

53:55

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 …

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Central Ohio’s AI Revolution 53:12

2M ago53:12

53:12

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 C…

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Navigating the New Era of College Sports: A Conversation with OSU's Ross Bjork 53:03

3M ago53:03

53:03

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 deal…

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A Downtown That Works and Lives 52:45

3M ago52:45

52:45

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 Columb…

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Three Million People, One City’s Future 51:08

3M ago51:08

51:08

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? Colum…

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Bold Threads, Big Dreams: The Fashion Innovation Shaping Columbus's Style Scene 54:43

3M ago54:43

54:43

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” Terrel…

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Annual State of Nonprofits 48:53

4M ago48:53

48:53

Central Ohio’s vast range of nonprofits care for children, families, animals, the environment, and just about everything in between. Our region’s nonprofit organizations – both large and small – are doing work that’s more important than ever, yet some are facing an uncertain future amid potential funding cuts and anxiety among the communities they …

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The New Franklin County Health Map 52:50

4M ago52:50

52:50

Franklin County’s new 2025 Health Map is here, offering an updated look at the region’s biggest health challenges—and signs of progress. What do the latest numbers tell us about healthcare access, infant mortality, adverse childhood experiences, and more? Featuring: Joe Mazzola, Franklin County Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika W. Roberts, Health Co…

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High-Tech Careers Mean High-Stakes Education 55:06

4M ago55:06

55:06

Central Ohio’s economic future is high-tech—but is our education system ready? With new semiconductor plants, clean energy facilities, and advanced logistics hubs rising across the region, the workforce of tomorrow will need advanced skills today. This week, the Columbus Metropolitan Club welcomes a panel of business and education leaders for a can…

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Unraveling Recovery: How Cutting Medicaid Threatens Ohioans in Crisis 52:54

5M ago52:54

52:54

Optimal Health Series Is Ohio headed for a crisis in health coverage, especially for mental health and addiction services? More than a decade ago, Ohio’s Medicaid expansion was a game changer, extending coverage to over 700,000 Ohioans and providing a lifeline to thousands of Ohioans in need of mental health and addiction treatment services. Expans…

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Tariff Tightrope: Ohio’s Balancing Act with Canada 49:58

5M ago49:58

49:58

Canada isn’t just a neighbor—it’s Ohio’s number one international trading partner. In this week’s Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, we explore what recent U.S.-Canada trade tensions could mean for jobs, industries, and the economic future of Central Ohio. Featuring: Colin Bird, Consul General of Canada in Detroit Allison Russo, Ohio State Represent…

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Taxed & Confused: Making Sense of Rising Property Taxes in Ohio 53:48

5M ago53:48

53:48

Why are your property taxes going up — and where is that money actually going? This week’s CMC forum tackles the property tax questions on everyone’s mind, with experts who understand the system inside and out. From home values to school funding, to mills and assessments, our panel helps make sense of it all. Featuring: Michael D. Cole, President, …

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Who Gets to Move Up? Rethinking Economic Mobility in Central Ohio 54:16

6M ago54:16

54:16

Central Ohio is prospering, but economic mobility remains out of reach for many families. This forum explores the stark racial and economic disparities in the Columbus region and asks what new policies and community actions are needed to ensure shared prosperity. Featuring: Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, Columbus City Councilmember Keith Jones, Presid…

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Bioscience Breakthroughs Are Saving Lives in Central Ohio 52:40

6M ago52:40

52:40

Bioscience breakthroughs are transforming lives in Central Ohio. From cutting-edge gene therapies to world-first medical devices, the region’s life sciences sector is booming—and saving lives. This week’s Columbus Metropolitan Club forum brings together scientific leaders and business innovators to explore how research, investment, and clinical dev…

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Advancing Together: Meet the Columbus Partnership’s New Leader 53:29

6M ago53:29

53:29

Jane Scott Legacy in Civic Engagement Forum Celebrating Community Leaders If “The Columbus Way” were a river, its source might just be The Columbus Partnership. In this one-on-one conversation, the Partnership's new President and CEO Jason Hall shares his vision for the influential coalition of regional CEOs. As Columbus grows, so does the importan…

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Why the Federal Reserve Matters to You 50:58

6M ago50:58

50:58

What does the Federal Reserve actually do—and why should it matter to Central Ohioans? Beth Hammack, the new president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, sits down with CMC to explain her role, how the Fed operates, and how it impacts your paycheck, your mortgage, and our regional economy. Featuring: Beth Hammack, President and CEO, Federal …

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Keeping the Columbus Promise 51:10

6M ago51:10

51:10

Columbus appears to be on track to keep an important promise: The Columbus Promise. The innovative education partnership launched in 2021 with the goal of sending more Columbus City School graduates to college, boosting their own life trajectories and helping Central Ohio supercharge its workforce. The Columbus Promise lets any graduate of Columbus…

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Central Ohio Builds BIG! 54:45

7M ago54:45

54:45

BIG things are happening in Central Ohio! With top leaders, we dig into some of the BIGGEST construction and development projects happening right now in our region, including the new $2B Columbus Airport terminal, the $200M reimagining of the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, defense contractor Anduril’s just-announced state-of-the-art plant, and the …

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A Conversation with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine 54:20

7M ago54:20

54:20

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s new proposed $218 billion two-year state budget promises to completely fund the state’s public education system, to deliver a tax credit for parents with minimum-wage jobs, and provides higher funding for children’s services, including childcare, literacy, and vision programs. With the Governor’s proposal in hand, Ohio l…

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All Amped Up: Can Ohio Meet Its Future Energy Needs? 55:24

7M ago55:24

55:24

Ohio’s energy demand is set to skyrocket with the rise of data centers, electric vehicles, and the shutdown of aging power plants. Can the state’s power generation keep pace, or will electricity shortages hinder Ohio’s growth? Major tech companies are establishing data centers in central Ohio, consuming a growing portion of the state’s power supply…

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State of the Performing Arts 54:07

7M ago54:07

54:07

Columbus is more than lucky: the city is home to a vast array of performing arts organizations that bring vibrancy, expression, and wonder to Ohio’s state capital through theater, dance, ballet, live music performances, and more. Artists, venues, and companies abound, plus scores of associated programs that seek to inspire young people to learn abo…

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Women's Wealth is Central Ohio's Growth 51:26

8M ago51:26

51:26

In partnership with The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, this CMC forum unveils the latest research featuring new data on the critical resources that women in Central Ohio need – and often lack – to build wealth. Women face distinct hurdles in accumulating personal wealth, and the implications are huge: according to the Federal Reserve, closing gender…

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The Power of Two Chambers 52:36

8M ago52:36

52:36

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce and The Ohio Chamber of Commerce both help drive Ohio’s economy. How do they collaborate to support businesses, and where do they see opportunities for growth in Central Ohio? This conversation explores the biggest challenges facing Ohio’s business climate and the initiatives and partnerships needed to ensure a stro…

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Insights From Congresswoman Joyce Beatty 54:10

8M ago54:10

54:10

This CMC forum features a 1:1 conversation with U.S Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, representing Ohio’s Third Congressional District since 2013. We’ll cover Congresswoman Beatty’s legislative priorities and unpack current events in Washington for an in-depth look at the state of federal politics and U.S. democracy. Featuring: Congresswoman Joyce Beatty…

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When Safety Nets Shrink 54:18

8M ago54:18

54:18

Looming federal budget cuts could mean significant reductions in safety-net services for Central Ohio’s most vulnerable populations, including immigrants and refugees. How will these changes affect our communities, and how are local nonprofit leaders responding? Our expert panel explores what’s at stake and what steps can be taken to mitigate the i…

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The Caregiver Crisis 47:23

9M ago47:23

47:23

In Partnership with WOSU Public Media While there’s growing focus on seniors and the care they need, far less attention is being paid to the family members who provide that care. According to AARP, in 2010, there were more than seven potential family caregivers for every person over 80; by 2030, that ratio will drop to 4:1, and by 2050, it will be …

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Ohio Higher Education Innovates for a New Era 53:06

9M ago53:06

53:06

Ohio’s system of higher education is reinventing itself for a new era in the state’s history. Will schools be ready? Among the challenges, the number of U.S. high school graduates is expected to peak next year at about 3.5 million students before dropping 15% in the next four years, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, with profound impl…

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Central Ohio Hospital CEO Roundtable 53:02

9M ago53:02

53:02

Optimal Health Series Central Ohio is growing rapidly, and the region’s four major hospital systems are following suit. Each of Columbus’ “Big Four” systems – OhioHealth, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Mount Carmel Health System, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital – are expanding rapidly, constructing new facilities and scrambling…

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The New Columbus Real Estate Scene 51:17

9M ago51:17

51:17

What was America’s most popular housing market in 2024, according to Realtor.com? Look no further than Columbus, Ohio. Homes for sale in Central Ohio were racking up far more online views than the national average, indicating off-the-charts levels of interest in available properties in the region. If it’s been a few years since you sold a home in C…

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Annual Blue Chip Economic Forecast 50:32

9M ago50:32

50:32

The Atlantic Magazine recently awarded the US economy “superstar status” – calling it the “Taylor Swift” of global economies – for its robust sustained performance. Closer to home, Central Ohio’s economy also appears to be roaring along, with the region leading the Buckeye State in growth. What’s in store for Central Ohio’s economy and our region i…

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From Vacant to Vibrant: The Future of Retail in Downtown Columbus 54:10

10M ago54:10

54:10

Can downtown retail make a comeback in Columbus? With a panel of downtown leaders and advocates, this forum explores efforts to re-energize retail downtown and examines what lies ahead for Columbus' urban core. Featuring: Nicholas J. Bankston, Columbus City Councilmember Amy Taylor, President, Downtown Columbus, Inc. Jim Merkel, CEO and Co-Founder,…

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Belonging Is Redefining the Modern Workplace 54:44

10M ago54:44

54:44

Ohio’s labor market remains incredibly tight, but Central Ohio organizations that are building strong cultures of belonging are attracting top talent from diverse backgrounds. Leading employers know from experience that cultivating a strong and authentic sense of belonging among employees can revolutionize recruitment, engagement, retention, produc…

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Columbus Eviction Rates Are Headed in the Wrong Direction 51:54

11M ago51:54

51:54

In 2023, Columbus saw nearly 24,000 eviction filings, marking a 12,000-case increase from the previous year. Early 2024 data shows this trend worsening, with evictions reaching a 20-year high in Franklin County. Across Ohio, landlords initiated almost 108,000 eviction cases in 2023 — the highest since 2015. A major driver behind the surge is sluggi…

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Benchmarking Central Ohio - Part 2 53:29

11M ago53:29

53:29

For the first time since 2019, the all-new Columbus Foundation Community Benchmarking Report has measured how Central Ohio compares to more than 20 peer regions across more than 50 metrics and indices. Building on a decade of community tracking, this newest research across a range of metrics offers a clear window to understanding how Central Ohio s…

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Benchmarking Central Ohio - Part 1 54:44

11M ago54:44

54:44

For the first time since 2019, the all-new Columbus Foundation Community Benchmarking Report has measured how Central Ohio compares to more than 20 peer regions across more than 50 metrics and indices. Building on more than a decade of community tracking, this newest research across a range of metrics offers a clear window to understanding how Cent…

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After the Election: Listening, Healing, and Moving Forward with The Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu 52:58

12M ago52:58

52:58

This extraordinary and historic forum welcomes The Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu as we gather following the election to reconcile and reflect on the common goal of preserving democracy, upholding justice, and to re-commit to listening to one another in good faith and with open minds and hearts. The Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu, daughter of Archbisho…

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Rx for Equity: Creating Access to Healthcare in Central Ohio 55:51

12M ago55:51

55:51

Optimal Health Series Central Ohio is home to global leaders in healthcare, but access to healthcare remains uneven in the region as it is for much of the country. What are the costs of uneven healthcare coverage to our region, and what are the factors that prevent many from getting the care they need? With a panel of passionate healthcare leaders,…

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Does Ohio Need Gerrymandering Reform? 52:27

1y ago52:27

52:27

With early voting already underway, Ohio voters are being asked to decide if a new approach to redrawing the state’s electoral districts is necessary. At stake is potentially nothing less than the future control of Ohio’s statewide legislative bodies. The nonprofit Citizens Not Politicians asserts that Ohio’s current electoral districts are gerryma…

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Are LGBTQ+ Rights Losing Ground? 50:41

1y ago50:41

50:41

An erosion of LGBTQ+ rights seems to be the latest casualty of America's deepening polarization. This week’s panel takes stock of the trajectory of LGBTQ+ rights and what the future may hold for LGBTQ+ Ohioans and their families. Featuring: The Honorable Nickie J. Antonio, Ohio State Senate Democratic Leader Karen Hewitt, Founder and CEO, K Hewitt …

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Outdated Funding, Lost Lives: Why Ohio’s Babies and Birthing Parents Deserve Better 54:59

1y ago54:59

54:59

Could fresh thinking about philanthropy help save the lives of mothers and babies in Central Ohio? This panel explores how participatory grantmaking, trust-based philanthropy, and low-barrier funding promise to improve the lives of Central Ohio’s mothers and babies. Featuring: Isi Ikharebha Green, President, Physicians CareConnection Kelley Griesme…

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Housing, Health, and Hope: Opening The Gates To Opportunity In Central Ohio 50:37

1y ago50:37

50:37

What would Central Ohio's future look like with safe, affordable mixed-income neighborhoods as a part of everyday life? How much healthier, stronger, and more equitable would our region be? For the most part, this is now just a dream for many central Ohioans. Our region is experiencing a severe housing shortage because we’ve built an average of onl…

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Open Every Door: Transforming Workforce Development in Central Ohio 51:43

1y ago51:43

51:43

Will an innovative new collaboration help Central Ohio attract and build the workforce it needs? The Central Ohio Workforce Development Network is a new large-scale collaborative between thirteen organizations that backers say will open a wide new pipeline funneling eager workers to employers. With a panel of employment advocates and regional leade…