Everything Is Local

In Episode 14 of Everything is Local, Shana takes the reins from Mike (despite his misgivings) and we find ourselves navigating the heartfelt highs and humorous lows of life as we explore relationship dynamics amidst parenting, tradition, and community. Mike and Shana reminisce about a recent bar mitzvah, reflecting on the emotional weight of family rituals, and sharing moments of proud parenthood that tug at the heartstrings.Discover the unspoken yearnings for deeper connections and how, despite busy lives, the bonds of friendship and family are what matter most. Listen in as they dissect a personal decision not to hold a bar mitzvah for their son, only to have his experience reframe their perspective, leading to heartfelt discussions around identity, community, and the significance of these rites of passage.Amidst laughter and joyful banter, the conversation takes some unexpected turns— from contemplating the impact of local school policies to pondering the complexities of finding teacher-student connections in our education system. And as always, there are lively light-hearted moments, as Shana guides us through some hilarious personal anecdotes about college days and the ridiculousness of brand marketing.After diving into these life lessons with a dash of humor, this episode reminds us that community and connection can thrive, even amidst the chaos of everyday life. So grab your favorite pen (hopefully not the Bic for women), sit back, and join us for another rollercoaster ride of relatable stories and insightful musings.Subscribe for more episodes every Tuesday!

In this episode of Everything is Local, host Mike Burkons dives into a mix of personal milestones, local politics, and sports talk. First up, Mike shares the excitement of his oldest son’s bar mitzvah, celebrating this significant family event while giving a shoutout to his wife for her incredible planning skills. But it’s not all celebrations—Mike and his guests tackle some serious local issues, including a deep dive into the city budget, tax increases, and the importance of holding leaders accountable.The trio take a quick trot past the corner of Trump and Elon before shifting to lighter fare with predictions for the Super Bowl, thoughts on the Browns’ future, and the gang's new favorite topic: random food. Whether you’re here for the local insights, the sports banter, or just the laughs, this episode has something for everyone.Tune in for an engaging discussion that blends personal stories, community issues, and a love for the game. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share Everything is Local for more great conversations!

In Episode 12, we dive into a potpourri of discussions ranging from the excitement of NBA updates to the heart-wrenching realities of policy changes affecting our youth. We celebrate the Kelsey brothers' recent chat with LeBron James, vent about the rollercoaster ride of Cleveland sports (and the controversial plight of our beloved teams), and take a deep dive into the new state legislation that could reshape conversations in our schools around gender identity and parental rights.As we grapple with community dynamics, one listener shares their frustration over a proposed Parents’ Bill of Rights that mandates schools to inform parents of students identifying as a different gender. Together, we explore the delicate balance between safeguarding children's identities and ensuring parents are involved in their kids' lives, recognizing that the stakes are high for both supportive and non-supportive families.Join us as we also touch on the school systems, our favorite fast food spots (Arby's vs. Sheetz?), and the role of local podcasts in fostering community connections. Tune in for insights, laughter, and perhaps a few heated debates on what it means to create a space where every voice matters and every story counts. Can a simple podcast spark change? We think so. Don't miss Episode 12 of our ongoing journey through the unique tapestry of life's trials, tribulations, and triumphs in Cleveland.

In this episode, Mike and Shana explore some of today's most rousing issues. Join them as they discuss Facebook's decision to stop fact-checking, the debate around climate change and its impact on California's devastating wildfires, antisemitism on campus, and more! Expect an enlightening fencing match between friends as the conversation also touches on privilege, with stances rooted in personal experience.  So tune in, as this dynamic duo navigates these complex discussions and challenges each other's perspectives.

Happy New Year! In this milestone 10th episode, we dive into our mixed feelings about 2025, recounting our New Year's celebrations—from a low-key family affair watching Wicked to debates about the year's prospects. We touch on everything from hockey puns to deeper societal concerns, all while navigating through the complexities of school funding and community mental health. As we unpack the latest budget revelations, we question the wisdom of unencumbered funds and explore the implications of overspending in municipal budgets. Join us for an enlightening discussion on the mental health priorities for our youth, a candid look at the evolving landscape of community support, and a touch of humor as we dig into the local politics and our hopes for the future. Listeners will walk away informed and entertained, with a clear understanding of the intricacies of local governance, and maybe a few laughs along the way. Don't miss this dynamic episode filled with real-life anecdotes, statistics, and our hopes for societal healing in 2025 and beyond!

Welcome back to another episode of Everything is Local! It’s Episode 9, and we're feeling the excitement as we gear up for double digits next week! Join Mike and Shana as they dive deep into the latest happenings in local politics, community initiatives, and the undeniable power of pizza (thanks to Jets Pizza and its generous owner, Robert Ferns!). In this episode, we sit down with Wynn, a committed city council member, who shares insights on the significant budgeting challenges facing University Heights and Cleveland Heights. The trio discusses the critical responsibility of local councils in overseeing budgets, how communication (or lack thereof) impacts community trust, and the often overlooked but vital role of transparency. They tackle the tough conversations about tax increases, spending cuts, and how city councils can—and should—engage citizens in meaningful dialogue about finances. Plus, hear firsthand accounts of how some councils are responding to their communities’ needs without increasing taxes, and the challenges they face in doing so.And of course, you won’t want to miss the personal anecdotes, hilarious moments, and even some heartfelt reflections on community service. So grab your favorite slice of Jets Pizza, settle in, and join us for another enlightening and entertaining episode! Don't forget to like, follow, and share your thoughts with us on social media. Find us wherever you get your podcasts! 

In this episode of the Everything Local Podcast, we're back with co-host Shana, fresh from her vacation, ready to dive into critical discussions surrounding community issues. We start with a heated conversation about the recent developments regarding the Fairmount Temple property, where Shana highlights the discrepancies in the city's communication about their intentions. We explore the ramifications of misleading statements, the role of crisis management, and the implications for the community.Then, we welcome Sarah Schwartz, a passionate advocate for school safety and gun control, who shares her personal connection to the Parkland tragedy and discusses her family's ongoing efforts to promote change in school safety practices. We cover essential topics such as the necessity for robust safety protocols, the impact of mental health, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for students.Join us for a thought-provoking discussion filled with insights, perspectives, and hope for community unity amidst challenges. Don’t forget to like, share, and rate our podcast to help us reach more listeners!

Welcome back to the "Everything is Local" podcast with Mike Burkons! In this exciting episode, we're diving deep into the world of East Side real estate, tackling burning questions about housing prices, buying decisions, and market trends. Joining Mike are two seasoned experts, Geoff Hoffman from Howard Hanna and Amanda Pohlman from Keller Williams Living, who bring over 30 years of combined experience to the table.With many listeners eager for insights on the current real estate landscape—including neighborhoods like Beachwood, Shaker Heights, and Solon—this episode serves as a valuable resource for first-time buyers and anyone interested in the Northeast Ohio market. From understanding the intricacies of different housing options to discussing the unique demographics and community factors that influence buying decisions, our conversation is both informative and engaging.Mike moderates the discussion, sharing his own experiences and curiosity while Geoff and Amanda provide expert perspectives on everything from property taxes to the charm of vintage homes. Whether you're looking to invest in your first home or simply curious about the East Side real estate market, you won't want to miss this episode! Tune in to gain insider knowledge, personal anecdotes, and practical advice that will empower your next real estate move. Don't forget to like, follow, and share this podcast with your friends!

In Episode 6 of Everything is Local, we've got a twist for you. Shana is off busy shopping for Black Friday deals at Ace Hardware in Aurora while getting ready for her cruise, but don’t worry—we have a very special guest joining us today: my ten-year-old daughter, Ellie Burkons! Ellie has been eagerly waiting for her moment on the podcast, especially since Shana has had her turn. We dive into some light-hearted, family-friendly banter about dad jokes (Ellie might not find them funny anymore), touch on the true love-hate relationship we all have with Thanksgiving turkey (spoiler: we don't really like it), and Ellie’s big investigative reporting adventure at her school’s bathroom—a story that’s as hilarious as it is… well, let’s say “eye-opening.”Plus, we chat about the holiday spirit, the unseen struggles of lunch ladies, why traditional Thanksgiving dishes might not be as beloved as we pretend, and the booming podcasting scene here in Northeast Ohio as we prepare for the busy holiday season. So grab your leftovers, settle into your cozy spot, and join us for a quick yet entertaining episode filled with turkey truths, family stories, and a little bit of childhood mischief. Remember, everything is local! Don’t forget to rate, review, and share the podcast—your support means the world to us!

Welcome back to Everything is Local! In our fifth episode, we’re excited to have Council Member Jeremy Zelwin from Solon join us for an insightful conversation about community, local politics, and the importance of representation. Join hosts Mike and Shana as they dive into Jeremy’s journey—from his roots in Solon to becoming an elected official—exploring how his experiences shaped his vision for a city that caters to young families without losing sight of its diverse demographics. Discover what makes Solon a standout community, from its evolving recreational facilities to its strategic partnerships with schools, and the exciting future developments planned for the city.The trio also reflects on the unique dynamics of local governance, tackling everything from the benefits of community engagement to grassroots campaigning. Plus, hear their humorous take on a bit of wildlife wisdom and the occasional rivalry comedy between neighboring cities!Tune in for this engaging discussion that highlights how our local leaders are working to improve everyday life for residents, and the valuable lessons other communities can learn from Solon’s growth.

In this lively episode of Everything is Local, host Mike Burkons welcomes special guest Shana Wallenstein to dive into the quirks and controversies of Beachwood. They debate innovative deer population control methods (tranquilizers and all), dissect the complexities of housing development plans, and explore the city’s financial challenges.The duo also celebrates the Beachwood soccer team’s incredible achievements, featuring star athletes breaking records and inspiring the community. With humor, insight, and a dash of local pride, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the stories that shape their hometown. Tune in to hear how even the smallest issues—like deer or soccer—make everything truly local.

Mike and Brian breakdown recent election results, the uniqueness of local politics, what figures can make a difference, and why we all need to learn to get along on social media!

Longtime Beachwood residents John & Linda Edwards join the podcast to talk about the tragic death of their son, why the facts have never seen the light of day, where local officials went wrong, what can be done to help, and much, much more. A story that deserves to be heard and shared.

Mike kicks things off by revealing his history in Northeast Ohio, why there is such a sense of civic pride, the changes he would like to make, the rivalries between towns, and much much more!

A sneak peek at what's ahead...