Best Ideastream Public Media Podcasts (2025)

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Northeast Ohio food banks and pantries meeting increased need 50:53

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27m ago50:53

50:53

Thanksgiving is a holiday centered around food. But for many hardworking families and individuals in Northeast Ohio, there is growing uncertainty where to find that next meal. Then, we learn about Harry Houdini's war on spiritualism with Brad Ricca, local author of the new book "Lincoln's Ghost."By Ideastream Public Media

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Northeast Ohio entrepreneurs, makers and artists urge shoppers to stay local this holiday season 49:41

5h ago49:41

49:41

Shop local this holiday season After experiencing a large dip during the pandemic, holiday shopping has been steadily rising over the last few years, with a record 186 million people planning to shop from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday this year, according to the National Retail Foundation. While Black Friday is the most popular day to shop, 67 milli…

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Northeast Ohio chefs suggest inclusive Thanksgiving dishes for plant-based or gluten-free diets 50:30

3h ago50:30

50:30

2025 Annual "Sound of Ideas" Friendsgiving With Thanksgiving just days away, people may be in the midst of gathering ingredients to pull together that perfect holiday feast. But what happens when the people around the dinner table can't eat the traditional dishes? Monday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll host our annual "Friendsgiving" show where we i…

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Ohio lawmakers pass a flurry of bills, including property tax measures | Reporters Roundtable 50:25

4h ago50:25

50:25

Ohio lawmakers put the pedal to the metal in Columbus this week, passing dozens of bills on a variety of issues, chief among them, property tax relief. Four bills addressing rising property taxes are on the way to the governor. Proponents say collectively the bills will save taxpayers $2 billion in the coming years. We will begin Friday’s “Sound of…

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How to avoid 'phubbing,' or phone snubbing, your loved ones during the holidays 51:20

1h ago51:20

51:20

The holidays are upon us, bringing a time for more gatherings, more shared meals, and more chances to be present with the people we love. But in a world wired to our phones, how do we make sure that being together really means being together? Thursday on the "Sound of Ideas," we're diving into how children can stay safe on the internet, how adults …

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Inside the Bobby George domestic violence case plea deal with special prosecutor Jane Hanlin 50:30

27m ago50:30

50:30

In August 2024, the city of Cleveland raised allegations against Cleveland and Columbus business owner Bobby George, including charges of attempted murder, rape, strangulation, kidnapping and felonious assault. More than a year later, on Nov. 3, that case was resolved when George pleaded guilty to attempted strangulation of a woman he was dating at…

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Workers seeing health insurance rates rise may have to make difficult decisions 50:41

6d ago50:41

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On Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas, we'll explore the health insurance landscape, and why those who buy their insurance from the Affordable Care Act marketplace are seeing major spikes. Then, we will talk about public corruption and its impact. It's the focus of a cross-cultural dialogue happening in Cleveland this week. Health insurance premiums are ris…

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New sports betting rules in Ohio take shape following gambling scandal 50:34

1h ago50:34

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On Monday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll look at changes to sports betting in Ohio following the high-profile federal indictments of Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz on charges related to rigging bets on specific pitches, and explain the Cleveland Municipal Income Tax filing requirements that resulted in surprise audits for man…

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Indictment of two Guardians pitchers puts focus on betting in sports | Reporters Roundtable 49:42

38m ago49:42

49:42

The Guardians star closer Emmanuel Clase and starting pitcher Luis Ortiz were indicted this week, charged with throwing pitches that bettors wagered would happen and profiting from the bets. Clase is accused of engaging in the enterprise for years and even texting and talking on the phone with a co-conspirator about it during a game. The FBI took O…

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Food experts say veganism is becoming more popular and accessible in Northeast Ohio 50:45

15d ago50:45

50:45

Northeast Ohio plant-based food lovers discuss the growing popularity of vegan foods and goods in the newest installment of our biweekly series, "The Menu."By Ideastream Public Media

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Team NEO report finds engaging people at younger ages can help fill talent gap 50:24

1h ago50:24

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Connecting skilled workers with in-demand and available jobs in Northeast Ohio can be challenging for businesses. Each year, Team NEO, a private, non-profit economic development organization focuses attention on the demand and supply imbalance in the region's workforce. This year, Team NEO's "Aligning Opportunities" report looked specifically at K-…

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Drop in child vaccination rates prompts grandparents to advocate for immunization 51:37

15d ago51:37

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Retired Shaker Heights pediatrician and grandfather Dr. Arthur Lavin founded Grandparents for Vaccines to encourage child vaccination by sharing stories about deadly but preventable diseases.By Ideastream Public Media

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Local bookstores find their niche in a surge of independent sellers 51:25

18d ago51:25

51:25

A bevy of new bookstores have opened across Northeast Ohio over the past several years, in line with a national trend of growing demand for local retailers.By Ideastream Public Media

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Cleveland consolidation plan would close nearly 30 schools | Reporters Roundtable 49:45

21d ago49:45

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The Cleveland school board will decide, likely at its Dec. 9 meeting, whether to approve a massive consolidation plan presented this week by CEO Warren Morgan. The plan calls for closing 18 buildings, ending leases on five others and operating 29 fewer schools in the district. Some schools will relocate. Some, like Collinwood and Glenville high sch…

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American Heart Association shares updated CPR guidelines for choking, opioid-related emergencies 49:45

20d ago49:45

49:45

The American Heart Association has new guidance on choking response for infants, children and adults, and for treating individuals with suspected opioid overdose.By Ideastream Public Media

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Recapping the 2025 election and looking ahead to the 2026 midterms 50:11

22h ago50:11

50:11

We will recap the 2025 election results with some of the winners and discuss levy and school board results in Northeast Ohio districts.By Ideastream Public Media

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Ohio's Head Start programs grapple with federal funding cancellations 47:56

24d ago47:56

47:56

The ongoing federal shutdown means that some Head Start organizations have run out of money and are cutting services.By Ideastream Public Media

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Food banks, community leaders brace for rising demand as government shutdown continues 50:30

23d ago50:30

50:30

The future of food stamp benefits is uncertain as the federal government shutdown continues into its second month. We'll hear how leaders in Tuscarawas County are preparing for increased food insecurity.By Ideastream Public Media

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Vulnerable Ohioans prepare for SNAP benefits to be interrupted | Reporters Roundtable 50:38

21d ago50:38

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SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, for roughly 1.4 million Ohioans could run out on Nov. 1 if the government shutdown continues.By Ideastream Public Media

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Homelessness is rising. Safety nets providing medical respite face an uncertain future 49:51

23d ago49:51

49:51

We'll talk to a national advocate and a leader from Cleveland's Joseph & Mary's Home about the challenges people experiencing homelessness face, and the organizations serving them.By Ideastream Public Media

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Pros and cons of tariffs for Northeast Ohio business owners 51:12

24d ago51:12

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Not all tariffs are created equally. Northeast Ohio business owners and an economics professor discuss the pros and cons of tariffs in the region.By Ideastream Public Media

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Akron targets displaced federal workers in new initiative to rebuild public sector workforce 51:03

26d ago51:03

51:03

Akron recently became the third city nationwide to join Work for America's "Spotlight City" initiative, a program aimed to hire displaced federal workers for jobs in local government.By Ideastream Public Media

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Property tax reforms dominate in the Ohio Statehouse | Reporters Roundtable 48:31

1M ago48:31

48:31

This week, the Ohio House passed two property-tax related bills. Supporters say the bills will provide more than $2 billion in tax relief over the next three years and say the measures are the most significant property tax reform in decades. But according to others, the bills won't help all Ohio property owners and claim the bills do not go far eno…

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Incumbent Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb shares his vision for a second term 49:12

1M ago49:12

49:12

Bibb is running against community activist Laverne Gore who declined to participate in a candidate interview.By Ideastream Public Media

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Advocates celebrate benefits of afterschool programs despite uncertain funding 49:56

1M ago49:56

49:56

Millions of K-12 students participate in afterschool and out-of-school-time programs nationwide. But, according to the DC-based advocacy group Afterschool Alliance, for every 1 student enrolled in a program, five more are waiting to be able to join. The Alliance spotlights the work and achievements of afterschool and out of school time programs, wh…

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From tariffs to data centers, Ohio's farming industry is facing challenges 50:50

1M ago50:50

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The agriculture industry in Ohio is dealing with issues like an aging population, trade war over produce and big corporations wanting to buy up valuable farmland.By Ideastream Public Media

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Historians explore Northeast Ohio's haunted destinations, film enthusiasts discuss horror movies 50:39

1M ago50:39

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Just in time for Halloween, local historians chat about Northeast Ohio's many creepy corners, and cinephiles discuss their favorite horror films.By Ideastream Public Media

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Haslam Sports Group and Cleveland reach $100M stadium settlement | Reporters Roundtable 48:44

1M ago48:44

48:44

After a yearlong battle, the city of Cleveland and the Haslam Sports Group announced a deal this week in which the city ends its objections to the Browns move to Brook Park. The city will get $100 million over 15 years from the team, money to raze the existing stadium and to help Cleveland revitalize the lakefront without the Browns. The city dropp…

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University Hospitals urologist shares how to avoid getting painful kidney stones 51:43

1M ago51:43

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Kidney stones are a common ailment that affect 1 in 10 people in their lifetime.By Ideastream Public Media

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Cuyahoga County judges discuss rise in domestic violence deaths 52:43

1M ago52:43

52:43

The Ohio Domestic Violence Network recently reported a 37% increase year-over-year in domestic violence-related fatalities. Franklin and Cuyahoga counties lead with the most documented cases.By Ideastream Public Media

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CSU, Ideastream leaders address controversy over switch from student-run WCSB to JazzNEO 51:10

1M ago51:10

51:10

The two organizations entered into an operating agreement on Oct. 3 to switch the format of 89.3 WCSB to the new terrestrial home of Ideastream's 24/7 jazz service. The decision and communication to students has been criticized by fans of WCSB.By Ideastream Public Media

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U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown discusses ongoing federal shutdown 51:28

1M ago51:28

51:28

We'll discuss the latest impact of the shutdown on Northeast Ohioans with the congressmember and policy experts.By Ideastream Public Media

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Gov. DeWine temporarily bans sale of intoxicating hemp products | Reporters Roundtable 54:30

2M ago54:30

54:30

Gov. Mike DeWine took executive action this week to temporarily ban the sale of "intoxicating hemp" products in the state. DeWine said the products represent a consumer product emergency. The order bans the sale of unregulated products that contain THC derived from hemp including candies and drinks. THC is the psychoactive compound found in the can…

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As government shutdown drags on, Northeast Ohio is starting to feel ripple effects 51:00

2M ago51:00

51:00

Local federal workers could miss paychecks and area organizations could see funding cuts because of the standoff in Washington D.C.By Ideastream Public Media

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Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District says proposal would fix combined-sewer overflow at Edgewater 50:21

2M ago50:21

50:21

Over the summer, Edgewater Beach had to be closed to swimmers three times due to a discharge of untreated water and sewage into the lake after heavy rains. The release at the Edgewater outfall—a huge pipe at the back of the beach—happens when storm runoff and rain overwhelm the system. Cleveland’s system is a combined one where stormwater and sewag…

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Experts address online misinformation over seed oils, fad diets and other nutrition claims 51:56

2M ago51:56

51:56

By Ideastream Public Media

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Ohio lawmakers introduce anti-abortion bills, despite recent amendment protecting it 50:48

2M ago50:48

50:48

By Ideastream Public Media

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East Cleveland mayor pushes back on state receivership plan | Reporters Roundtable 49:41

2M ago49:41

49:41

Ohio Auditor Keith Faber this week formally requested the state attorney general begin legal proceedings to appoint a receiver to oversee the finances of East Cleveland. A new state law approved as part of the last budget, and which went into effect Tuesday, allowed the move. East Cleveland is pushing back, accusing the state of cutting off local g…

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Weight loss drugs are now being prescribed to teens struggling with obesity 51:47

2M ago51:47

51:47

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in five children in America has obesity. One new solution might be GLP-1 weight loss drugs.By Ideastream Public Media

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Southeast Side Stories preserves Union-Miles, Lee-Harvard and Mt. Pleasant neighborhoods' history 50:13

2M ago50:13

50:13

Last fall, the NuPoint Community Development Corporation (formerly the Union-Miles Development Corporation) launched a neighborhood history project called Southeast Side Stories. The idea is to document the stories of the Union-Miles, Mt. Pleasant and Lee-Harvard neighborhoods and those in between as well. Using a mix of first-person interviews and…

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Animal shelters and humane societies in Northeast Ohio are sounding alarm 49:28

2M ago49:28

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Shelters say that lives are at risk as overcrowding has persisted since the pandemic. They say they're out of space and out of time to help animals in their care, especially dogs.By Ideastream Public Media

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Students, health officials distribute free harm reduction supplies to Portage County community members 49:32

2M ago49:32

49:32

The harm reduction approach aims to reduce the negative impact of substance use disorder. In Portage County, health officials and Kent State University community members are working toward shared goals by distributing tools such as Naloxone.By Ideastream Public Media

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Cleveland City Council and mayor's administration clash over public records downloaded by aide| Reporters Roundtable 50:06

2M ago50:06

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A clash erupted this week between Mayor Justin Bibb's administration and Cleveland City Council, led by its president, Blaine Griffin. A council aide downloaded thousands of unredacted documents from a public records database, one he was allowed to access. The administration says some of those documents contained sensitive information, such as addr…

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Case Western Reserve University honors immigration advocate with top ethics prize 51:20

2M ago51:20

51:20

The university's Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence will award Oscar Chacón with the 2025 Inamori Ethics Prize for his work in human rights and immigration justice.By Ideastream Public Media

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Northeast Ohio experts discuss changes to vaccine recommendations 51:18

2M ago51:18

51:18

An advisory committee for the Centers for Disease Control made changes to vaccine recommendations in a meeting last week that was described in media reports as tense and chaotic. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices or ACIP changed advice on COVID vaccines to a "shared decision-making model." It also changed its recommendation regarding…

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Northeast Ohio experts say snoring and fatigue may signal sleep apnea. GLP-1s could help 52:26

2M ago52:26

52:26

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Zepbound for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. Local experts discuss other advances in treatment, including nerve stimulation devices placed under the skin.By Ideastream Public Media

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Gov. DeWine says no plans to call National Guard to Cleveland | Reporters Roundtable 51:31

2M ago51:31

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Northeast Ohio Congressman Max Miller, a Republican from Bay Village said in an opinion piece in the "Washington Times" that his constituents are afraid to come into the city because of crime. He wants the National Guard to deploy to Cleveland as it has done in Washington, D.C. and is being considered for other cities such as Chicago. But Gov. Mike…

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Employers continue to navigate how to discipline employees over social media posts 51:04

2M ago51:04

51:04

The shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has sparked a new debate over how employees are allowed to post on social media, and what repercussions should be.By Ideastream Public Media

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Canton For All People is working to turn empty lots and rundown buildings into homes 51:07

2M ago51:07

51:07

Canton For All People, started its work in 2021 with a goal of improving the rental and home ownership landscape for the city's lower- and middle-income families. The group is getting both regional and national attention for its work. We will begin Wednesday’s “Sound of Ideas” with a conversation with the executive director of Canton For All People…

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In DigitalC refresh, nonprofit expands internet access for Clevelanders, moves model to Detroit 51:27

2M ago51:27

51:27

DigitalC, a Cleveland-based nonprofit is expanding its internet access services to 450 public housing households across the Forest Park, Brewster Homes and Diggs Homes neighborhoods in Detroit.By Ideastream Public Media