Love in the Land with Austin Love

Love in the Land with Austin Love – Featuring Bridget LintonOn this episode of Love in the Land, Austin Love welcomes Bridget Linton, a familiar face and voice to Cleveland sports fans. Bridget is best known as the in-game host for the Cleveland Browns, but her story goes far beyond the sidelines. She’s a seasoned media personality, accomplished Irish dancer, former Miss Ohio Teen USA, spokesperson, influencer, and all-around champion of all things Cleveland.Bridget sits down with Austin to share her journey through the media world, from TV to radio and ultimately to becoming the high-energy presence inside Huntington Bank Stadium on game day. She pulls back the curtain on what it takes to deliver a world-class fan experience on Sundays, why she’s proud to call Cleveland home, and even bonds with Austin over their shared love of local dive bars.It’s a fun, insightful conversation you won’t want to miss.Follow Bridget online at @bridget_linton8, and don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more Love in the Land!

On this episode of the Love in the Land Podcast with Austin Love we’re thrilled to welcome TV executive Adam Miller.  Adam is currently the Vice President of On‑Air Talent Strategy at TEGNA and a former Senior Producer for TODAY. A seasoned veteran of the news industry, Adam’s career began right here in Northeast Ohio, where he knew from an early age that television news production was his calling. Adam is a proud alumnus of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University . After sharpening his skills in journalism, he started at TODAY at the ground level and rose through the ranks to become a senior producer. From there, he took on leadership as News Director at WKYC in Cleveland and then advanced to his current role overseeing on‑air talent strategy across TEGNA’s nationwide stations.In this episode, Austin sits down with Adam to explore his journey, his vision for the future of television journalism, and how he now shapes the industry by recruiting the next generation of on-air talent. Adam shares what he looks for in journalists—and reveals what he believes gives a personality that elusive “it” factor. He also recounts his entertaining and unforgettable 2016 World Series adventure with the legendary Al Roker. And as a fun bonus, the two team up to build their very own “Mount Rushmore” of favorite TV journalists.Enjoy this fun and insightful conversation on Love in the Land. Don’t forget to connect with Adam on LinkedIn or follow him on Instagram at @AmintheAm—and be sure to like, subscribe, and share for more!

On this week’s episode of Love in the Land with Austin Love — Michael Allio!You may know Michael as “Michael A.” from The Bachelorette Season 17 and Bachelor in Paradise Season 8. But beyond reality TV, Michael is a devoted father, entrepreneur, philanthropist, influencer, and proud Akron native.In this episode, Michael sits down with Austin to open up about life, new love, his growing medical venture, Saint James Therapeutics, and what it’s like living the dad life in Akron. He also shares how he found himself on national TV searching for love — and how he’s now working to reclaim his last name!Plus, you’ll hear how Austin and Michael bonded over The Notorious B.I.G. and the B-52s at a wedding — and so much more.We hope you enjoy this candid, hour-long conversation with Michael Allio. To keep up with Michael, follow him on Instagram at @michael_alliol4. And as always, don’t forget to like, follow, and share The Love in the Land Podcast. You can follow Austin at @austinlovetv. Cheers!

Today on The Love in the Land Podcast with Austin Love: singer, songwriter, and smooth crooner Hayden Grove!Fresh off his appearance on NBC’s The Voice as a member of Team Adam, Hayden is no stranger to the spotlight. Before hitting the national stage, he was a familiar face in Cleveland—both as a sports reporter for Cleveland.com and as a regular on the local music scene.In this episode, Austin sits down with Hayden to talk about his bold leap from a steady job in media to fully pursuing his passion for music. Hayden opens up about his experience on The Voice, shares behind-the-scenes moments from the show, and reflects on a time he walked away from singing altogether—only to rediscover his love for it.Huge thanks to Hayden for joining the show. Stay connected with everything he’s doing (or even book him for your next event!) at haydenfrankgrove.com. Enjoy the episode!

On this episode of the Love in the Land podcast, we’re joined by serial entrepreneur and cultural architect, Kumar Arora.Kumar has made a lasting impact on Cleveland through a wide range of ventures spanning fashion, food, tech, and the creative economy. His resume includes Ilthy, a fashion-forward streetwear brand that blends art and activism; Sora, a stunning modern sushi restaurant in the heart of the Flats; and FutureLand, a groundbreaking conference that celebrates innovation, entrepreneurship, and diversity—designed to empower the next generation of creators, technologists, and business leaders right here in Cleveland.Needless to say, Kumar hasn’t just influenced the city—he’s helped shape its cultural identity.In this episode, Kumar sits down with Austin to share his journey growing up in Cleveland as the son of a scientist and an artist. He discusses how that unique mix of logic and creativity formed the foundation of his entrepreneurial mindset. From his early pivot away from pre-med (to the surprise of his parents) to building brands that define Cleveland’s creative spirit, Kumar opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the value of meaningful partnerships, and what’s next for Ilthy.To keep up with all things Kumar, visit Kumar-Arora.com.Enjoy the episode!

Today on the podcast: Michelin-starred chef Dante Boccuzzi!A true pioneer of Cleveland’s culinary scene, Dante has been shaping the city’s food culture since opening his flagship restaurant in Tremont back in 2008. But his journey began long before that — at just 14 years old, he took his first job as a dishwasher at a local restaurant in Parma. From those humble beginnings, Dante’s passion for food and hospitality took him across the globe, cooking in world-class kitchens in New York, San Francisco, and Italy, to name a few.His career highlights are as impressive as they come: a two-time James Beard “Rising Star” nominee and a Michelin star earned as Executive Chef at Aureole in New York City.On this episode of Love in the Land, Dante joins Austin to talk about his roots, his global culinary adventures, and what ultimately inspired him to bring it all back to Cleveland. They dive into the influences behind his cooking style, what it’s like to cook for celebrities like Robert De Niro, and the story behind his new cookbook.Please enjoy this conversation with Chef Dante Boccuzzi.For more on Dante, including details on his restaurants and his new cookbook Cooking in Harmony, visit DanteBoccuzzi.com.Enjoy the episode!

Today on Love in the Land, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Jon Lampley!Jon is an accomplished musician, trumpet player, singer, and sousaphone player whose journey started in Akron, Ohio. A proud “kid from Akron,” Jon has gone from marching in local bands to performing on some of the biggest stages and arenas in the world.In college, he lived out a lifelong dream by joining The Ohio State University Marching Band, where he had the rare honor of "dotting the i" multiple times. From there, his career took off—he became a core member of the renowned jam band O.A.R., playing trumpet and singing for the group for over 15 years. He’s also a founding member of Huntertones, a high-energy instrumental band known for its unique sound and electric live performances. And if that’s not enough, you can catch Jon playing nightly as part of The Late Show Band on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.In this episode, Jon sits down with Austin to talk about his Akron roots, his passion for music, and the defining moments that shaped his career. He shares his bold decision to forgo a traditional 9-to-5 job and instead chase his dream, putting faith and passion at the center of his journey. His story is one of perseverance, energy, and an unwavering belief in seizing opportunities.Jon has also launched a solo career, recently releasing his album Night Service. To stay up to date with Jon and catch him live, visit jonlampley.com and follow him on social media @jonlampleymusic.Enjoy the show!

Today on Love in the Land, Stephanie Haney joins the show! In the world of media, Stephanie has done it all. Currently, she’s the Digital Anchor and Legal Analyst for WKYC-TV, but her journey has taken her through major media hubs like Los Angeles and New York. She’s worked on shows and networks including Undercover Boss, E!, Spike, the History Channel, Daily Mail, and even made a quick cameo on Vanderpump Rules. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Austin to share her story, from her early days growing up in Canton, OH—where she hosted mock trials with friends—to becoming an attorney and now delivering in-depth legal analysis on WKYC. Beyond media and law, she opens up about her Cleveland Magazine feature, her upcoming wedding to comedian Mike Polk, and offers valuable advice for young women pursuing their dreams. Follow Stephanie on social media and catch her daily on WKYC and WKYC.com. Enjoy the episode!

Fred Geis: Cleveland’s Visionary Developer Fred Geis is one of the most influential figures in Cleveland's development and redevelopment story. As a former partner of Geis Companies, Fred—along with his family—has played a pivotal role in shaping some of Northeast Ohio's most iconic real estate projects, including The 9, Heinen’s Grocery Store, Midtown Tech Park, Cuyahoga County Headquarters, and more. In this episode of Love in the Land, Austin sits down with Fred to discuss his incredible journey, from his early days as the son of German immigrants to becoming a trailblazer in Cleveland’s real estate scene. Fred shares how moving to Cleveland at 11 years old—without knowing the language or culture—shaped his perspective and resilience. He opens up about taking over his family’s business, pushing its boundaries, and developing a passion for tackling ambitious projects that others thought were impossible. Fred’s story is one of determination, vision, and a deep love for the city of Cleveland. Whether you’re into real estate, business, or inspiring stories, this episode is for you! 🎧 Tune in now to Love in the Land! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more Cleveland-based stories and content! #LoveInTheLand #ClevelandPodcast #FredGeis #ClevelandDevelopment #RealEstate #ClevelandStories

This week on the Love in the Land podcast, we’re joined by Cleveland native and entrepreneur, Bobby Rutter! By day, Bobby is an insurance lawyer and partner at Rutter & Russin LLC. By night, he serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Forward Hospitality, the powerhouse behind some of Cleveland’s most iconic bars and nightclubs, including FWD Day + Nightclub, Welcome to the Farm, and Good Night John Boy. What began as a local venture has rapidly expanded, with Forward Hospitality now making waves nationally. In this episode, Austin sits down with Bobby to dive into his journey as an entrepreneur, from how his family influenced his business mindset to the early challenges of launching his first nightclub alongside friend Dante Deiana. Bobby shares the story of how they transformed a vacant lot in the then-desolate Flats East Bank into Cleveland’s hottest nightlife destination and how they’ve continued to create innovative, successful concepts. Bobby also opens up about his thoughts on Cleveland’s evolving entertainment scene, including the Browns’ potential move from downtown and its broader implications. Stay connected with Bobby on Instagram at @bobby_rutter and follow his company, @forwardhospitality, for the latest updates. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the Love in the Land podcast with Austin Love, available on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. Enjoy the episode!

On today’s episode of Love in the Land, we’re joined by the dynamic Brent Zimmerman, co-founder and CEO of Saucy Brew Works—one of Cleveland’s favorite and fastest-growing breweries. Brent’s journey from the boardroom to the brewery is anything but traditional. After a successful career in finance, navigating the high-stakes world of hedge funds in Boston and New York, he decided to bring his business acumen back to Cleveland, transforming Saucy Brew Works into a beloved local brand. His entrepreneurial drive has even led him to collaborate with Ohio State’s legendary coach, Urban Meyer, launching Urban Meyer’s Pint House, a unique taproom experience that has Cleveland buzzing. In this conversation, Brent sits down with Austin to share his journey, from his small-town Ohio roots and the gritty work ethic instilled by his entrepreneurial parents, to his pivot from finance to brewing. Brent offers insights into the highs and challenges of growing a brand, the importance of community in Saucy’s mission, and the story behind his partnership with Coach Meyer. Follow Brent on Instagram @zimmerbc and connect with him on LinkedIn, and keep up with Saucy Brew Works on Instagram @saucybrewworks. Tune in and don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring episodes of Love in the Land with Austin Love!

On today’s episode of Love in the Land, we’re joined by Craig Hassall, the newly appointed President and CEO of Playhouse Square! Craig has brought a fresh wave of energy and vision to Cleveland’s iconic theater district and the wider Northeast Ohio arts community. A native of Australia, Craig’s impressive career in the arts includes leading roles at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions. His journey began with the renowned Sydney Theatre Company, which opened doors for him in London, where he eventually became CEO of the legendary Royal Albert Hall. In this episode, Craig sits down with Austin to share the remarkable path that took him from Australia to London, and, unexpectedly, to Cleveland, Ohio. He reflects on how a primary school teacher ignited his lifelong passion for theater, shaping his career and personal identity. Craig also talks about the bold leap of faith it took to move across the globe, his leadership style that’s fueled his success, and his exciting vision for the future of Playhouse Square. To top it off, he even quizzes Austin on his knowledge of baseball, as Craig geared up for his first Guardians playoff game. Tune in for this captivating conversation with Craig Hassall. To learn more about Craig and Playhouse Square or to catch a show, visit playhousesquare.org and follow them on Instagram @playhousesquare. Enjoy the episode! 

On this edition of Love in the Land, we welcome the beloved Chef Rocco Whalen. He's the owner and head chef of Fahrenheit, with locations in both Cleveland, Ohio, and Charlotte, North Carolina. A Northeast Ohio native, Rocco’s passion for food was sparked in his home kitchen, where he learned the art of cooking from his mom and grandmother at an early age. Since then, food has become his life and his restaurants are his legacy. In this episode, Austin Love sits down with Rocco as he shares his culinary journey, from his early food adventures that led him to culinary school, to working on the West Coast under renowned celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. Rocco then talks about his return to Cleveland and his decision to go out on his own at a young age, starting Fahrenheit in Tremont, expanding to Fahrenheit Charlotte and ultimately building another Fahrenheit in the heart of downtown Cleveland. Enjoy this episode of Love in the Land featuring Chef Rocco Whalen. You can follow Rocco on Instagram at @rock1chef, as well as his restaurants @fahrenheitcleveland and @fahrenheitclt. To book a reservation, visit www.Fahrenheitrestaurants.com. Cheers!

This week on the podcast, Austin sits down with Benj Gershman, the bassist of O.A.R! Starting as a garage band in their youth, O.A.R. has turned childhood dreams into a lifelong career, spending the last 28 years together. From their humble beginnings to becoming global sensations, the band has captivated thousands of fans, one show at a time. Benj has been there every step of the way. In this episode, recorded just hours before O.A.R‘s sold-out show in Cleveland, Benj shares an inside look at life on the road—discussing the highs, the lows, and everything in between. He reflects on the band’s nearly three-decade journey, exploring how they’ve managed to stay together through it all. Benj also opens up about a serious health scare in early 2020 that threatened his ability to play bass. He discusses how this physical challenge led to a profound impact on his mental health, sparking his advocacy work and the launch of his own podcast, What Could Be Bad. Join us for this wide-ranging conversation with Benj Gershman of O.A.R. You can follow Benj on social media @benjgershman and check out his podcast @whatcouldbebadofficial. Be sure to follow O.A.R. on social media @ofarevolution and visit LiveOAR.com to stay updated. Enjoy the episode!

On today's episode, we feature Dan Whalen, a fast-rising star in the development world of Cleveland. Dan has a history of making big things happen in Northeast Ohio, from his days as a standout quarterback at Willoughby South High School and Case Western Reserve University to leading the development of one of Cleveland’s most unique buildings, Intro Cleveland in Ohio City. Now, he is blazing his own trail with his new venture, Places Development, a real estate development and investment firm.  In this episode, Austin sits down with Dan to discuss his new venture, the hotel they plan to bring to Ohio City, and how he hopes to continue shaping Northeast Ohio. Dan also shares insights from his athletic career, the lessons he took away from his playing days, and how he leveraged those experiences into a successful career in development.   You can follow Dan on social media at @dwhalen5 and connect with him and his new company, Places Development, on LinkedIn. Enjoy the episode!

On the podcast today is the Big Wig of the Cleveland Metroparks, Brian Zimmerman! Over the past 14 years, Brian has led the Metroparks through a period of remarkable transformation, making it one of the premier park systems in the country. While many parks and recreation agencies remain stagnant, Brian’s dynamic approach has revitalized the Cleveland Metroparks and had a significant impact on Northeast Ohio. In this episode, Brian shares his experiences as CEO, the major challenges he has faced, and his exciting vision for the future of the parks, including ambitious plans for The Flats of Cleveland. Brian also opens up about his personal journey, from developing a strong work ethic in rural Wisconsin to finding his way to Cleveland. You can follow Brian on social media at @ceo_clemetparks and the Cleveland Metroparks at @clevemetroparks. Enjoy the conversation!

This week on the "Love in the Land" podcast, Austin welcomes DJ Eidson, a dynamic Cleveland-based entrepreneur and the Co-Founder and President of Limitless Minds. Alongside Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson, DJ's venture is revolutionizing the business world by applying the mental conditioning and mindset strategies of elite athletes to corporate leadership. With clients like Amazon, Johnson & Johnson, and US Bank, Limitless Minds has proven its impact on the global stage. In this episode, DJ discusses his life and career journey, emphasizing the critical role that mindset plays in achieving success. He also shares how transformative connections, including his partnership with Russell Wilson, have shaped his path. Stay connected with DJ by following him on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. For more insights into his innovative approach, follow Limitless Minds on social media and explore their offerings at [limitlessminds.com](http://limitlessminds.com).

This week on the "Love in the Land" podcast, we are thrilled to feature Doug Trattner, a distinguished writer, editor, and author based in Cleveland. Doug has achieved notable success in the literary world, earning three New York Times Best-Selling Author accolades through his contributions to Michael Symon's "Carnivore," "5 in 5," and "Fix it With Food." His expertise as a dining editor has also been recognized nationally, winning the title of "Best Food Writing" in the United States. Locally, he is revered as the foremost authority on Cleveland's dining scene, serving as the food reporter for Cleveland Scene Magazine. In this episode, Doug joins Austin to delve into his career, life, and passion for food. Interestingly, Doug’s journey into the culinary world was not straightforward; he initially practiced law for nearly a decade. Throughout the conversation, he shares insights into his career transition, highlighting how his legal expertise contributed to his success in food journalism. In addition, Doug recounts the beginning of his collaboration with renowned Chef Michael Symon, a partnership that has spawned several best-selling books and fostered his affection for various Cleveland restaurants.  Doug's latest articles are featured in Cleveland Scene Magazine, and his cookbooks are available at book retailers everywhere. Follow him on social media at @dougtrattner to stay updated on his endeavors. Enjoy the episode!

When the Cleveland Guardians are on the air, Matt Underwood is the voice you're hearing. Since 2007, he has been the cornerstone of Cleveland baseball broadcasting, providing play-by-play commentary on television alongside color analyst Rick Manning. Prior to this, Matt honed his skills in the radio booth for seven years. His broadcasting career took off at the local ABC affiliate WEWS-TV5, where he spent 17 years and made a mark as one of the nation's youngest sports directors in a major market. In today's episode of the Love in the Land podcast, Matt sits down with host Austin to delve into his life, career, and passion for baseball. Matt describes his role as a dream come true, a position where he gets to indulge his love for professional baseball daily. However, this career path might have remained undiscovered if not for a pivotal college football injury. During the conversation, Matt reflects on the importance of mentorship, curiosity, and the desire to learn, which were crucial in navigating his journey to success. He also shares his treasured memories of Cleveland baseball, his bond with Tito Francona, and his anticipation for the upcoming season.  With over two decades of experience in baseball commentary, Matt's repertoire of stories is vast and vibrant. Fans can catch Matt LIVE on Bally Sports, covering every game of the Guardians' season. To stay updated and connect with Matt, follow him on social media @mattu12cle.

In this episode of “Love in the Land,” we are thrilled to welcome the charismatic Tony Polcari, better known as Tony P in D.C.! With his ‘day in the life of a 25-year-old bachelor in D.C.’ video series, Tony P has rapidly captured the hearts of viewers, skyrocketing to nearly 200,000 followers on social media. His engaging content has not only garnered millions of views but has also caught the attention of notable publications such as the Washington Post.  Join us as Austin sits down with Tony to peel back the layers of his life, exploring his professional endeavors, his flourishing presence on social media, and how he skillfully juggles these aspects of his life. Originally aiming for a career in broadcast journalism, Tony shares his journey of opting for the “safer” path into the business world—a decision that ultimately fueled his passion for creating content that resonates deeply with young adults navigating their twenties. Through his videos, Tony champions a concept he passionately refers to as ‘vibrant masculinity,’ aiming to guide and inspire his audience.  Dive into Tony P’s compelling journey and explore the insights and stories he has to share by following him on social media at @_tonypindc. Don’t miss out on this captivating episode of “Love in the Land,” where personal growth, ambition, and the journey through one’s twenties take center stage.