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Six One Forward

Author: Betsy Goldstein

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What does it take to move a city forward? Hosted by Betsy Goldstein, this Central Ohio-based podcast features real conversations with community leaders shaping the future of our city. From developers and elected officials to grassroots changemakers, hear directly from those moving the needle on local issues. We’ll dive into the people, places, and projects driving growth in the region, discussing both the successes and the challenges along the way. If you care about where the city is headed and want to be part of the conversation, you’re in the right place.
11 Episodes
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In this episode of the Six One Forward, Betsy sits down with Artist Jeremy Mangerchine alongside Cheryl Stauffer of Crimson Design Group and Brandi Al-Issa of Habitat for Humanity Mid-Ohio for a conversation about art, community, and collaboration. Together, they talk about the power of creative partnership, the impact of working with a Habitat family on a custom piece, and what it looks like when art becomes something bigger than the canvas.After Cheryl and Brandi head out, Betsy and Jeremy continue the conversation and zoom out a bit. Jeremy shares how long he’s been creating, what the Columbus art scene has looked like from his perspective, how his path has evolved over the years, and what this upcoming show means to him.
In this episode, Betsy sits down with attorney and former Columbus City Council candidate Jesse Vogel for a conversation that picks up in the aftermath of an election and in the middle of a pivotal moment for our city.Jesse reflects on the close of his campaign, what the experience demanded of him, and how it reshaped the relationships and energy around local politics. While most candidates get a pause after Election Day, Jesse stepped straight into high-stakes work at CRIS, as Columbus began grappling with increased ICE activity and the fear and uncertainty that followed.They talk about what those early days felt like on the ground, how families are navigating detention, and how local leaders are coordinating to respond with urgency and care. The conversation closes with a forward-looking perspective on what comes next for Columbus, and how people across the city can stay engaged in shaping a community that looks out for one another.
In this episode I'm joined by Yohannan Terrell, AKA "Yogi." We talk through the experiences and early work that helped shape his creative direction, and how those lessons influence what’s being built today. That foundation opens a broader conversation about Columbus - its culture, its creative energy, and why the city is positioned to become a fashion capital in its own right. We also dive into The Loom, a new project led by Yogi designed to bring creators and retailers together under one roof, and what it means to invest intentionally in the future of your city.
In this episode, Betsy sits down with Mayor Jadwin to talk about Gahanna’s past, present, and future. They cover the history of Creekside, the vision behind the $100 million Creekside Reimagined project, Gahanna’s approach to housing, how Intel factors into the city’s growth, and what residents can expect from the new Civic Center and the city’s 10-year outlook.
In this episode, Betsy sits down with Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin to talk about his path in public service and the city he’s helping shape. Shannon reflects on growing up around City Hall, the milestones he’s proud of in his role, and his work bringing the LinkUS transit project to life.He also explores Columbus’s growth - celebrating new opportunities while addressing the challenges of displacement - and shares his vision for the city’s future. Plus, Betsy asks the question on everyone’s mind: Will he run for mayor?
In this episode, Betsy sits down with Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein to talk about his path to public service and the work his office is leading across the city. Zach discusses how his office works to strengthen communities, support residents, and collaborate with local partners, while sharing the programs that make a difference in people’s lives. And on a more personal note, he reflects on the role basketball has played throughout his life, both past and present, now coaching his daughter’s team with his mom by his side!
In this episode, Betsy sits down with Liz Brown, President & CEO of the YWCA, to talk about how the YWCA is living out its mission to eliminate racism and empower women while making a tangible impact in the lives of thousands of people each year.From operating childcare centers that serve over 1,200 children to providing housing and shelter for women and families, the YWCA is meeting immediate needs while also working to change the systems that create inequity. Liz shares candid insights on the growing challenges families face in finding stable housing, what it’s really like for kids going back to school while experiencing homelessness, and the importance of preserving existing housing in Columbus.Alongside this frontline work, Liz highlights how the YWCA is advancing racial equity and advocacy - equipping leaders and community members to build a city rooted in opportunity and justice for all. 
On this episode of Six One Forward, Former Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo joins us to share big news about her future and the vision she has for the state.Russo takes us through the path that led to her first election, the lessons she’s carried from her upbringing and her mom’s example, and the principles that drive her to keep showing up for the public. She offers candid advice for anyone considering a run for office, and speaks directly to Democrats who are ready to get involved.Personal and relevant for Ohio’s next chapter, this episode marks a defining moment in her career and in Ohio politics.
In this episode of Six One Forward, host Betsy Goldstein sits down with Michael Corey, Executive Director of the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County, for a frank conversation about the mounting pressures facing Central Ohio’s nonprofits.Michael shares his path to leading a network of over 200 organizations, and explains the growing challenges nonprofits face in 2025, from federal funding freezes and political targeting to rising demand and shrinking resources.They dig into how Columbus is responding, the ripple effects of disinvestment, and what everyday people can do to help.
Rick Wolfe, Executive Director of North Market, joins us to talk about one of Columbus’s most iconic landmarks, and where it’s headed next. From the historic roots of the 149-year-old market to the ambitious new Merchant Building project rising 32 stories above it, this episode covers the balance between honoring legacy and embracing growth. Rick shares updates on the expansion, how tourism and local business intertwine, and what it means to incubate new food and retail concepts in the heart of the city.
Jon Melchi, Executive Director of the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio, has been a leading voice in the region’s housing conversation for years. In this episode, he breaks down the policies, regulations, and challenges shaping our local housing supply, and what it’ll take to meet the growing demand in Columbus and beyond. If you’ve never heard Jon speak, this is your chance to learn why his perspective is so critical to the future of housing in Central Ohio.
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