A Different Lens on Economic Development
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.
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Category: People
The Politics and Promise of a Growing Region
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).
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Why the Columbus Marathon Works
Marathons are more than just races—they’re complex productions, community rituals, and, at times, catalysts for civic pride.
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Ability Matters
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.
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An Off the Rails Roundup
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.
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Leadership Columbus
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.
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So You Want to Join City Council?
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.
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Navigating Transitions with Matt Slaybaugh
Transitions can be transformative, but they’re often filled with uncertainty. In this week’s episode, I sat down with Matt Slaybaugh, an achievement skills coach, playwright, and former artistic director of Available Light Theatre. We explored Matt’s journey from leading a theater company to becoming a coach, helping people navigate change and pursue what matters most.
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Crafting Curiosity with Holden Ellis
Holden Ellis, a creative studio in Columbus, just celebrated its 10-year anniversary—a milestone that founder and CEO Josh Fitzwater describes as a testament to resilience, creativity, and teamwork. I sat down with Fitzwater to discuss the journey of Holden Ellis, from its humble beginnings to becoming a sought-after agency specializing in healthcare branding and digital experiences. Building a business from the ground up taught him lessons about prioritizing his team, navigating cash flow challenges, and staying true to the agency’s mission of “making people curious.” In our conversation, he shared insights on the evolving role of creativity in healthcare and why staying small and nimble remains central to his vision.
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Empowering Communities with MORPC
Disparate problems can sometimes be addressed with common solutions. Like affordable housing and climate change. In this week’s episode, Columbus Underground co-founder and editor Walker Evans sat down with Robert Williams, the Senior Director of Residential Services at MORPC. Together, they unpack the organization’s grassroots efforts to keep families in their homes, lower energy costs, and reduce environmental impact. From essential home repairs to comprehensive weatherization programs, this conversation reveals how a community-driven approach can make a lasting impact on Central Ohio’s housing crisis and sustainability goals.
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City Data Breach
In July, the City of Columbus experienced a massive data breach; what officials at the time referred to as “some type of incident.” Months later, the scope, damage, and cost of the incident are still coming into focus. I sat down with Connor Goodwolf, a cybersecurity engineer, to discuss the data breach and his role in the ongoing efforts to understand what happened and how to recover from it.
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Donatos CEO Tom Krouse
Every piece is important. For Tom Krouse, the outgoing CEO of Donatos Pizza, this tagline is more than just a catchphrase. With his departure this fall, we sat down to discuss his journey at Donatos. We’ll explore the key strategies behind their expansion, including the decision to focus on franchising and the early adoption of online ordering technology.
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