Then What Happened

Columbus Dispatch Opinion and Engagement Editor Amelia Robinson speaks with Shannon Isom, President and CEO of Community Shelter Board, on the latest episode of the “Then What Happened?” podcast. During this edition they talk about homelessness in Columbus, what efforts are being done to curb this, and why affordable housing for all is so important. Next, we discuss the burden and pride of being a black women in America, the new normal that Columbus faces, and what homelessness actually looks like.

Columbus Dispatch opinion and engagement editor Amelia Robinson speaks with the newly appointed Columbus Metropolitan Club CEO and president Sophia Fifner on the latest episode of the Then What Happened podcast. During this episode Sophia explains her exciting plans for the organization’s next chapter as it works to be more impactful and inclusive. Next, Sophia and Amelia talk about rhinestones, sequins, and crowns; the importance of listening to people you don’t think you have anything in common with; her passion for central Ohio and the challenges and opportunities that come with leadership.

Columbus Dispatch opinion and engagement editor Amelia Robinson speaks with WOSU "All Sides" host Ann Fisher on the latest episode of the “Then What Happened?” podcast. During this edition we talk about making the switch from print to radio journalism, being shipped all over the place, and Jimmy Carter. Next Ann shares the bad habit and good skills that led her to a life as a reporter, discuss why listening is so important, democracy dangling on the edge of a cliff and hear about Ann’s next adventures in her upcoming retirement.

Dispatch opinion and engagement editor Amelia Robinson talks with Columbus Zoo and Aquarium CEO Tom Schmid on the latest edition of the “Then What Happened podcast?” During this episode we talk about Tom’s favorite Columbus Zoo critters - one very big and the other very, very small. Who he thinks will be the next "Jack Hanna," how reindeer donated by the Wolf family helped started it all for the zoo, and why the zoo's tagline is changing from "empowering people" to "saving wildlife."

Columbus Dispatch opinion and engagement editor Amelia Robinson speaks to the dynamic women being honored as YWCA’s 2023 Women of Achievement on this live discussion panel.

Columbus Dispatch opinion and engagement editor Amelia Robinson speaks with former state senator Eric Kearney on the latest episode of the 'Then What Happened' podcast. Kearney is director of diversity and inclusion for the Ohio Chamber and the CEO and president of the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce. During this edition we talk about why creating opportunities for Black-owned businesses is important, Ohio’s future with Intel and Honda coming to the area and explain why DEI has to be more than just a training class and a trend.  Read More: The more talent pools Ohio draws from, the better off it will be| Eric Kearney

Columbus Dispatch opinion and engagement editor Amelia Robinson and Lisa Patt-McDaniel talk about standing up for yourself, why stepping down might be a better look than reaching back, making the big migration from Cleveland and why you probably should tell your co-worker how much you make. 

In this episode of the Then What Happened Podcast Dispatch opinion and engagement editor Amelia Robinson speaks with Emily Quick Schriver, CEO of The Matriots. During this edition we talk about why females have an important place in politics, why she believes democracy must win, and shares why she thinks politics has a negative connotation right ahead of the November 8, 2022, midterm election. Finally, she explains what Ohio politics is and how it’s broken up into five political regions.

In this episode of the Then What Happened podcast host Amelia Robinson speaks with Dispatch executive editor Edwina Blackwell Clark to discuss why she thinks journalism must win. During this edition the Springfield native with decades of experience in news said there are many reasons the Cap City should toot its own horn. Finally, we discuss where journalism is headed and the important role it must play in drawing people out of their bubbles, the value of representation but also enabling voices and being told you can and doing it.

In this episode of the Then What Happened Podcast Opinion and engagement editor Amelia Robinson speaks with founder of Black Girls Rising Fran Frazier. During this edition Columbus Black girls say they have to work twice as hard to be viewed as even a fraction of good. In letters to the city, they say they deserve love. They also share what they expect from the city of Columbus and what they want to see changed going forward.

In this episode of the Then What Happened podcast show host Amelia Robinson speaks with Columbus City Councilwoman Lourdes Barroso de Padilla. The former latchkey kid and current city councilwoman took me on a 10-speed adventure through her childhood growing up on Columbus’ East side where Mrs. Gamble was the unofficial neighborhood reporter. Lourdes tells me why everyone should earn more money, why she is a proud daughter of immigrants on a mission to change hearts and how her superpower, laughter and determination help her through the challenge of being in the room where decisions are made. 

With Roe v. Wade overturned nationally and the so-called "heartbeat bill" now law in Ohio, does abortion have a future in here or will it soon be a thing of the past?  Amelia Robinson posed that question and asked your during a during “The Dispatch presents Columbus Conversations: What is the future of abortion in Ohio?" The panelists were: Cindi Boston, vice president of Heartbeat International Allie Frazier, executive director of Right to Life of Northeast Ohio Kellie Copeland, executive director of Pro-Choice Ohio Desiree Tims, president and CEO of Innovation Ohio  Rep. Allison Russo, Ohio House minority leader (D-Upper Arlington) Dr. Alison Norris, co-principal investigator of Ohio Policy Evaluation Network (OPEN) and an associate professor in the Ohio State University College of Public Health Jessie Balmert of the USA TODAY Ohio Bureau 

"Then What Happened" host Amelia Robinson sat down with Ohio State Associate Professor Pranav Jani for a conversation about boarding a plane after the Sept. 11 terror attacks, the Founding Fathers and their flaws, being called Gandhi in New Jersey and asked about Indian food in Ohio, Asian American unity, eggplant parmesan and how the label “model minority” is not exactly a compliment. The Then What Happened podcast is a project of Columbus Dispatch Opinion.

On the newest episode of the Then What Happened podcast Amelia Robinson interviews Deidre Hamlar, Director of the Aminah Robinson Legacy Project at the Columbus Museum of Art. During this edition we talk about how and why Hamlar opened an art gallery in an empty space in the building that housed her father's dental practice. Finally, Deidre also shares her experience returning home to Columbus to help her father run his business and take care of her ailing mother who also suffered from alcoholism.

This episode of the "Then What Happened" podcast features unabashed Columbus cheerleader Gregg Dodd. Raised in Toledo, the Columbus Metropolitan Library marketing chief tells host Amelia Robinson that he fell in love with Ohio's capital 20 years ago. The romance has only gotten better. From restaurants to the art scene to the city's diverse neighborhoods, Dodd says Columbus has a sophisticated vibe and "grit." Add in the friendliness of its residents, and Columbus offers newcomers an inviting place to chase their dreams. But Dodd does see areas where the city could improve, especially in transportation — he wants to see rail now — and affordable housing.