The Confluence Cast

With petitions filed and the 2026 statewide races officially underway, Ohio’s political landscape is beginning to take shape. The governor’s race is already drawing national attention, with former Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton emerging as the sole Democratic candidate and Vivek Ramaswamy entering the Republican primary with endorsements from both Donald Trump and the Ohio Republican Party. But beyond the top-line names, there are deeper dynamics at play—primary challenges, party infrastructure, grassroots pushback, fundraising strategy, and the broader question of whether this election cycle presents a real opportunity for Ohio Democrats. To help us unpack it all, I sat down with David DeWitt, editor-in-chief of the Ohio Capital Journal. We walk through who’s running, what the Republican primary could mean for the general election, why Democrats cleared the field for Acton, and how historical midterm patterns might shape the outcome. We also zoom out to look at the other statewide races—Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor—and why those offices matter more than many voters realize, especially when it comes to redistricting, ballot access, and how Ohio’s laws are defended in court. Shownotes Ohio Capital Journal Amy Acton (D) Vivek Ramaswamy (R) Casey Putsch (R) Heather Hill (R) Renea Turner (R) Donald Kissick (L) Transcript on page 2. The post Who’s Running for Ohio Governor? appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Most people experience regional planning only after decisions have already been made. When a new development breaks ground, a transit project is announced, or new housing pops up in our neighborhood. What’s far less visible is the quiet work that happens long before those moments: the data collection, forecasting, mapping, and analysis that help a region decide what it’s actually planning for. In this episode, I sat down with Dave Dixon, Director of Data Analytics and Strategy at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), to talk about how that behind-the-scenes work happens and why it matters more than most people realize. Shownotes Data Day MORPC Data Resources Full transcript on page 2. The post Where Data Meets Decision Making in Central Ohio appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

We’re doing our unofficial year-in-review. Not the “best of” list, not the most important stories necessarily, just the ones people clicked on, shared, complained about, and wouldn’t stop talking about. We cover everything from parking issues and office buildings converted into apartments to restaurant closings, reopenings, arts leadership changes, and why some headlines travel much farther than others. Along the way, we talk about how people actually consume local news, the difference between what’s popular and what’s meaningful, and what all of this says about where Columbus is right now: financially, culturally, and just vibes-wise. It’s not polished, it’s not scripted, and it’s definitely not a formal recap. It’s just two people who spend a lot of time paying attention to this city, trying to make sense of the year it just had. We also look ahead a bit, including Columbus Underground hitting 25 years and what Walker’s thinking about next for the community, events, and staying relevant without losing the plot. Shownotes Photos: Inside the $250 Million Tunnel Being Constructed Under Columbus Columbus Trivia Night with teamtim trivia Full transcript on page 2. The post What Columbus Paid Attention to in 2025 appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

When most people think about banking, they picture massive institutions, rigid rules, and transactions that feel anything but personal. But for Jenny Saunders, President of FC Bank, banking is only effective when it’s rooted in relationships; when institutions are visible, accountable, and deeply invested in the communities they serve. Jenny’s path from a small town in Ohio to leading a community bank in Central Ohio has been shaped by advocacy, brand-building, and a belief that banks can, and should, play a meaningful role beyond balance sheets. In this conversation, Jenny and I talk about why relationship banking still matters in an era of mega-banks and neobanks, how FC Bank built real community presence and brand recognition in a crowded market, what women in leadership face inside financial services, and why issues like affordable housing, mass transit, and regulatory stability will shape the future of Columbus and community banking alike. Shownotes FC Bank Transcript on page 2. The post Banking on Relationships at FC Bank appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

When most people think about technology, they picture shiny new tools, big-budget builds, and teams of engineers working inside massive companies. But for Brad Griffith, founder of Buckeye Innovation, technology is only meaningful when it’s accessible, especially to the people and organizations who traditionally get left behind. For more than 16 years, Brad and his cross-functional team have been helping small businesses, nonprofits, and local governments across Central Ohio get the same caliber of design, development, and strategy usually reserved for enterprise-level budgets. In this conversation, Brad and I discuss why equitable access to technology matters, how integrating designers, developers, and content strategists into a single collaborative unit changes everything, and why building “simple, lovable, complete” products often beats building something technically impressive but practically unusable. Shownotes Buckeye Innovation Transcript on page 2. The post From WordPress to AI Workflows: Inside Buckeye Innovation appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

When we talk about regional planning, it’s easy to picture dusty binders, endless meetings, or vague talk about “growth.” But for William Murdock, executive director of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, the work is a lot more urgent and a lot more human. MORPC is the quiet engine behind how 90 Central Ohio communities prepare for what’s coming next, from housing pressures to transportation demand to environmental resilience. In this conversation, William and I dig into the big swings—why LinkUS is finally moving from aspiration to implementation, how passenger rail could reshape the entire region, and what it really takes to support fast-growing communities with limited staff and resources. We also talk about the nuts and bolts: the data, the policy work, and the behind-the-scenes coordination that helps local governments make smarter decisions. And at a moment when Central Ohio is feeling both the excitement and strain of rapid growth, William makes a compelling case for why this region can get better as it gets bigger, if we’re willing to plan like it. Shownotes MORPC William Murdock The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is Central Ohio’s voice. As a regional council with nearly 90 local governments and community partners, we provide nonpartisan data analysis, community resources and long-range planning. Together, we drive the future prosperity and sustainability of the Central Ohio region. Transcript on page 2. The post How MORPC Shapes the Future of Our Region appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

What does it take to ensure that Columbus grows in a way that benefits everyone? That question is at the heart of this week’s episode of The Confluence Cast, featuring Tiara Ross, candidate for Columbus City Council District 7. Ross, an attorney and Deputy Chief of the City Attorney’s Property Action Team, brings a deep background in public service to her candidacy. In her conversation with host Tim Fulton, she reflects on how her upbringing in Columbus and her years working to address housing and safety issues have shaped her vision for the city’s future. She discusses the intersections of housing, transportation, and community development, and how collaboration between city departments, schools, and residents can create more equitable access to opportunity. Ross also shares her perspective on public safety, job growth, and the importance of empathy in policymaking. This episode is part of The Confluence Cast’s continuing coverage of the District 7 race, following last week’s conversation with Jesse Vogel. Together, the two interviews offer listeners a well-rounded look at the candidates and their priorities for Columbus’s next chapter. Shownotes Tiara Ross Full transcript on page 2. The post City Council Candidate Tiara Ross appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

As Columbus continues to grow, so do the questions about who the city truly works for and how well its leaders are listening. I sat down with Jesse Vogel, a candidate for Columbus City Council District 7, to talk about what is working, what is not, and why he believes the city needs to rethink how it represents its residents. Vogel’s path to politics began in eviction court. During the pandemic, while studying law at Ohio State, he helped organize a grassroots effort to support tenants facing eviction when the city reopened its courts. That experience, he says, opened his eyes to how fragile housing stability can be and how much leadership matters when people are struggling. Now an immigration attorney, Vogel argues that Columbus has both the means and the responsibility to do more for working people. From protecting affordable housing to improving access to transportation and early education, he is calling for more creativity and accountability in how the city uses its resources. “We have the benefit of a strong credit rating and real resources,” Vogel says. “But we need to target those investments toward the people most in need, the ones the market is not serving right now.” A key part of the conversation centers on Columbus’s new district system, where candidates must live in the district they represent but are still elected citywide. Vogel says that structure undermines neighborhood representation and incentivizes large fundraising operations instead of direct engagement. “People across the city can vote on who represents District 7,” he notes. “That means the incentive is not to listen to your neighbors. It is to raise the most money and run a citywide campaign.” Throughout the interview, Vogel discusses his policy priorities, responds to questions about campaign fundraising and endorsements, and explains how his lived experiences as a gay, Jewish attorney working with marginalized communities shape his approach to public service. This episode offers a thoughtful look at the future of city leadership, housing policy, and community representation in Columbus. And stay tuned. Tomorrow’s episode features Tiara Ross, Vogel’s opponent in the District 7 race, offering the other side of the conversation. Shownotes Jesse Vogel Full transcript on page 2. The post City Council Candidate Jesse Vogel appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

When we talk about artificial intelligence, the focus is often on big tech or headline-grabbing breakthroughs. But for Cas Maxwell, co-founder and CEO of AI Owl, the story is much closer to home. His company is helping Ohio’s workforce, schools, and businesses go from AI curiosity to practical integration—backed by state funding and partnerships with Intel and Khan Academy. In this conversation, Cas and I talk about how AI can be a tool for empowerment rather than replacement, what it looks like to train employees and students in hands-on ways, and why the future of AI readiness in Ohio may hinge on meeting people where they are. Shownotes AI Owl Future Problem Solvers Transcript on page 2. The post AI in Ohio appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Columbus’ creative community often comes alive at the intersection of art, risk, and meaning;  a space where organizations like Wild Goose Creative are working to make their mark. In this episode, I sit down with Executive Director Sarah Barr to explore her journey from art educator to leading multi-million-dollar cultural projects, and how Wild Goose fuels the work of emerging and established artists alike. We talk about their exhibitions, mentorship programs, and high school accelerator, the realities of nonprofit funding, and why deeper collaboration could unlock even more potential for the city’s arts scene. Plus, Sarah previews their “Made By Us” fundraiser, pairing local celebrities with artists for unique, one-of-a-kind creations. Shownotes Wild Goose Creative Made By Us Transcript on page 2. The post Inside Wild Goose Creative: Art, Risk, and Meaning in Columbus appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

How do we take a music community and turn it into a music economy? I sat down with Walker Evans, editor and co-founder of Columbus Underground, to break down the findings of a new study commissioned by the Columbus Music Commission. We dig into the $1.3 billion valuation of our local music ecosystem, what’s working, what’s missing, and what it might mean to create a “music district” in the city. We also talk about how music fits into Columbus’s broader identity and whether a more focused approach could help the scene grow. Shownotes Columbus Music Industry StudyColumbus Music CommissionSkully’s Music-DinerAce of CupsNatalie’sRambling HouseRumba CaféThe BluestoneThe BasementA&R Music BarNewport Music HallKEMBA Live!The SummitWoodlands Full transcript on page 2. The post The Columbus Music Commission’s Big Gig appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

When you think about economic development, you might picture a groundbreaking, a ribbon-cutting, or a shiny new district. But more often, it looks like slow, steady puzzle-building. This week, I sat down with Padmini Roy-Dixon, Economic Development Director and Regional Innovation Officer at MORPC, who’s been quietly assembling some of the most important pieces for Central Ohio’s future. She shared what it means to shift from transactional deals to long-term planning, why our new Economic Development District designation matters, and how MORPC is helping communities get ready before opportunity knocks. We talked about the need for equitable access to not just resources, but decision-making power. We explored the Economic Development Academy, a new training ground for the next generation of civic leaders. And we got honest about what’s still missing: enough housing, enough coordination, and enough resources to match the scale of Central Ohio’s growth. Shownotes Regional Economic Development AcademyMid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC)US Economic Development AdministrationOne Columbus Full transcript on page 2. The post A Different Lens on Economic Development appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Regional planning isn’t just about roads and rails. It’s about building the future of a place, one decision, one partnership, and one policy at a time. In this week’s episode, we sat down with Joe Garrity, Senior Director of Government Affairs and Community Relations at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). We talked about how MORPC helps shape the long-term trajectory of Central Ohio through strategic collaboration with local governments, state legislators, and congressional partners. Joe shared how the region’s rapid growth is both a challenge and an opportunity, and why he believes the “clay is still wet” when it comes to defining what Central Ohio can become. We explored the region’s push for better transit, the unique nature of Columbus as a non-legacy city, and why now might be the moment to close the gap on passenger rail finally. Joe also gave us a window into the next generation of public service and why solving significant issues, such as housing and infrastructure, will require new voices at the table. Shownotes MORPCJoe GarrityMORPC Internship Program Full transcript on page 2. The post The Politics and Promise of a Growing Region appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Marathons are more than just races—they’re complex productions, community rituals, and, at times, catalysts for civic pride. In this week’s episode, I sat down with Darris Blackford, longtime race director of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and Half Marathon. We discussed how the event evolved from a tourism initiative in 1980 to one of the country’s most respected independent races—and how Darris went from running it as an amateur to running it as a professional. We explored the behind-the-scenes logistics of staging a 15,000-person race through multiple municipalities, what makes Columbus’s marathon structurally and financially unique, and how technology—from GPS watches to real-time runner tracking—has reshaped the race experience without replacing the purity of putting one foot in front of the other. Darris also shared insights on elite runners, nonprofit partnerships, and why fireworks beat flyovers every time. Shownotes: Columbus Marathon WebsiteNationwide Children’s Hospital Marathon2025 Marathon Mile Champions2023 Columbus Marathon recap Transcript on page 2. The post Why the Columbus Marathon Works appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

What does it take to build a more inclusive world—one where individuals with disabilities are supported not just in care, but in community and experience? In this week’s episode, I sat down with Kristyn Butler, founder and CEO of Ability Matters, an agency that provides personalized services for individuals with disabilities, with a particular emphasis on autism. We discussed how Kristyn transitioned from public education to entrepreneurship after parents came to her in search of something better for their children—and how she built a growing organization committed to active inclusion, high-quality care, and international travel experiences for those it serves. From workforce challenges and the limits of Medicaid waivers to rewarding staff with global adventures, Kristyn shares how Ability Matters is redefining what full, supported lives can look like. Whether you’re interested in disability services, community inclusion, or building mission-driven organizations, Kristyn’s story offers insight into how compassion, quality, and ambition can come together to change lives. Shownotes Ability Matters Full transcript on page 2. The post Ability Matters appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Sometimes, the things that stir the most debate aren’t sweeping policy changes, but whether or not you have to pay a dollar to park near Brassica. This week, we explore what’s resonating most in local media and what those stories reveal about the larger systems we’re all navigating. From the rise of protests at the Statehouse to the ripple effects of new zoning policies, we covered how housing, development, and drone factories are shaping the future of Columbus. We unpacked the tension between growth and preservation, the impact of private equity on everything from chicken sandwiches to shopping malls, and why local progress sometimes depends on who’s still in the smoky back room. Whether you care about affordable housing, have feelings about paid parking, or just want to understand why Columbus works the way it does, this conversation is a reminder that the local stories matter, because they’re not just local. Shownotes Columbus Underground on YouTubeOhio Gov. DeWine signs higher ed bill regulating classroom discussion and banning diversity efforts (Ohio Capital Journal)Easton Town Center Converting 7 Parking Lots from Free to Paid (Columbus Underground)Joe DeLoss gets back to work (Columbus Business First)Defense Contractor Facility to Bring 4,000 Jobs to Columbus Area (Columbus Underground)Council to Vote on Zoning Changes for 161 Corridor (Columbus Underground)Trump’s Actions Already Having “Ripple Effects” on Columbus Development Projects (Columbus Underground)Columbus Sues Trump, DOGE, Over Tree Money (Columbus Underground)By the Numbers: Central Ohio Population Growing, More Housing Needed (Columbus Underground) Full transcript on page 2. The post An Off the Rails Roundup appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Leadership is more than just a title—it’s about influence, impact, and the ability to drive meaningful change. In this week’s episode, I sat down with Kate Bauer, the new Executive Director of Leadership Columbus, to discuss the launch of this year’s Signature Program and the vision for the future of leadership in our city. We explored what makes this program a cornerstone for professional and civic development in Columbus, how it equips emerging leaders with the skills and connections to create lasting change, and the role Leadership Columbus plays in shaping the city’s future. From fostering collaboration across industries to tackling pressing community challenges, Kate shares insights on what’s next for Leadership Columbus and how you can get involved. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a seasoned professional, or simply someone passionate about the growth of Columbus, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the impact of leadership development. Shownotes Leadership ColumbusThe Signature ProgramCentral Ohio Leadership Academy Full transcript on page 2. The post Leadership Columbus appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Daisy Perkins was Ohio’s first Black woman lawyer, a trailblazer who defied expectations and carved out a career in criminal defense at a time when both her race and gender made that nearly impossible. But her story is not one of simple triumph—it’s one of controversy, resilience, and ultimately, downfall. In this week’s episode, I sat down with Jesse Bethea, a freelance features writer at Columbus Underground and the author of Daisy’s Way: The Wild and Tragic Career of Ohio’s First Black Woman Lawyer, a four-part series that unpacks Perkins’ complex legacy. We explored her rise to prominence, her high-profile legal battles, and the perjury conviction that ended her career. From courtroom drama and political ambition to police misconduct and systemic bias, we discussed the forces that shaped Perkins’ fate and what her story reveals about justice—then and now. Whether you see her as a legal maverick, a victim of discrimination, or a cautionary tale, Daisy Perkins’ story is one that demands to be told. Shownotes Daisy Perkins series on Columbus UndergroundOhio Channel video on Daisy Perkins Full transcript on page 2. The post Ohio’s First Black Woman Lawyer Daisy Perkins appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Cities don’t run on autopilot. Every decision—every budget, every policy, every vote—is shaped by the people who step up to lead. A few months ago, I decided to see what it would take to be one of those people, and I wasn’t alone. Densil Porteous and I were two of the many candidates who applied for an open Columbus City Council seat. The process was eye-opening—not just in terms of how appointments work, but in how civic engagement and political power actually play out in real time. In this episode, Densil and I talk about what we experienced, what we learned, and what it says about how leadership is chosen in our city. If you’ve ever wondered how decisions get made—or even considered getting involved yourself—this episode offers a rare look inside the process. Shownotes Densil PorteousColumbus City Council Districts Full transcript on page 2. The post So You Want to Join City Council? appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

The results are in, and the people of Columbus have spoken! In this week’s episode, I sat down with Walker Evans, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Columbus Underground, to dive into the highlights of the Best of Columbus 2024 Readers’ Poll. From the city’s favorite new restaurants and bars to its most beloved cultural institutions and neighborhoods, we explored what makes Columbus shine. With nearly 1,700 votes cast by engaged locals, this year’s poll celebrates the city’s best spots to eat, drink, and experience. Walker and I discussed the stories behind the rankings, the trends shaping the scene, and even a few surprises from the lists. Whether you’re looking for your next favorite pizza place, curious about the hottest new bar, or just love all things Columbus, this episode offers something for everyone. Shownotes Top 10 New RestaurantsTop 25 BarsTop 10 Arts & Cultural InstitutionsTop 10 NeighborhoodsTop 10 Pizzas Full transcript on page 2. The post The Best of Columbus 2024 appeared first on The Confluence Cast.