People
Long conversations with Columbusites worth an hour of your time.
113 episodes
The Currency of Connection: Jacquie Mahan and The Awesome Company
Most entrepreneurs will tell you their business started with a plan. Jacquie Mahan will tell you hers started with a hunch, a deep affection for the autism community, and what she admits was an…
Where Data Meets Decision Making in Central Ohio
Most people experience regional planning only after decisions have already been made. When a new development breaks ground, a transit project is announced, or new housing pops up in our neighborhood.…
Banking on Relationships at FC Bank
When most people think about banking, they picture massive institutions, rigid rules, and transactions that feel anything but personal. But for Jenny Saunders, President of FC Bank, banking is only…
City Council Candidate Tiara Ross
What does it take to ensure that Columbus grows in a way that benefits everyone? That question is at the heart of this week’s episode of The Confluence Cast , featuring Tiara Ross, candidate for…
City Council Candidate Jesse Vogel
As Columbus continues to grow, so do the questions about who the city truly works for and how well its leaders are listening.
Inside Wild Goose Creative: Art, Risk, and Meaning in Columbus
Columbus’ creative community often comes alive at the intersection of art, risk, and meaning; a space where organizations like Wild Goose Creative are working to make their mark. In this episode, I…
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.
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…
Why the Columbus Marathon Works
Marathons are more than just races—they’re complex productions, community rituals, and, at times, catalysts for civic pride. In this week’s episode, I sat down with Darris Blackford, longtime race…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
City Data Breach
In July, the City of Columbus experienced a massive data breach, which officials at the time referred to as “some type of incident.” Months later, the scope, damage, and cost of the incident are…
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.…
Doodles & Digits
Passions can take you on different paths. That’s true for Carolyn Farkas who transformed her passion for teaching into a successful series on PBS. We sat down to discuss the future of education, the…
OpenDoor Women’s Recovery Alliance
Personal struggles can open our eyes to the needs of others. That is true for Tammy Adler Foeller, the co-founder of OpenDoor Women’s Recovery Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to…
The Sounds of Bustown
Not all art is created for an audience. Sometimes, it’s made for the artist. That’s true for William Mount, the host and producer of the music podcast The Sounds of Bustown. Today, we’re unpacking a…
A City of Doers
As Columbusites, we examine the evolution and identity of the city from a singular point of view. That’s not a bad thing, but an outsider’s perspective is always helpful. Today, we hear from Mark…
COTA Bus Transfer
The city’s transit system is going through a transformation. At least that’s the intention. On the occasion of an impending transfer of power and a sales tax issue on the ballot this fall to bulk up…
News in the New Year
As we ease into 2024, we’re taking a quick look back into some happenings that you may have missed as the year turned over. Columbus Underground co-founder and editor Walker Evans discusses a myriad…
Beyond the Beat
There’s a balance to be struck between storytelling and getting to the heart of what matters in writing. That’s especially true when writing about the arts.
Host and Creator Dino Tripodis
How much of ourselves should we put in our work?
Journalist, Legislator, and Author Michael Curtin
From context comes an understanding of everything.
Franklinton’s Past, Present and Future
Shared experience enhances our sense of space.
Candidate Andrew Ginther
Mayor Andrew Ginther is ready for round three. After serving the city of Columbus from the top political position for the past eight years, he’s ready for four more. In today’s interview, Ginther…
Candidate Joe Motil
Joe Motil wants your support to become the 54th mayor of the 14th largest city in America. And he’s going door-to-door and person-to-person in a grassroots effort to ask for that support. In today’s…
Candidate Lourdes Barroso de Padilla
When Lourdes Barroso de Padilla first won her seat on Columbus City Council in 2021, she was the first Latina to serve in the role — a role that she plans to continue as she runs unopposed for…
Candidate Shayla Favor
Under the new City Council district system, District Seven encompasses Downtown, The Short North, German Village, Olde Towne East, Franklinton, Fifth by Northwest, and everything in between.…
Candidate Melissa Green
Despite the challenges that the city faces, Melissa Green, council candidate for District Six, remains optimistic about the future of Columbus. In today’s interview, Green talks about her background…
Candidate Nick Bankston
Nick Bankston, incumbent candidate for Columbus City Council District Five, discusses what brought him to public service, how he thinks about policy changes, and the importance of tax incentives for…
Candidate Farxaan Jeyte
Today, Farxaan Jeyte, candidate for Columbus City Council District Five, discusses his background, how he believes council can help better the city’s distressed neighborhoods, and the value of having…
Candidate Emmanuel Remy
Today, Emmanuel Remy, incumbent and candidate for Columbus City Council District Four, discusses his work as a neighborhood advocate, the importance of a diverse council, and the appointment process…
Candidate Adrienne Hood
Perhaps no candidate running for City Council this November is better suited to talk about safety, crime and police reform in Columbus than Adrienne Hood. Her son Henry Green was shot and killed by…
Candidate Rob Dorans
In today’s interview, Rob Dorans, unopposed city council candidate for District Three, discusses zoning, workforce training, and how to help the city continue to grow.
Candidate Luis Gil
Luis Gil, candidate for District Two, is the only candidate running this November for a seat on Columbus City Council that identifies as a Republican. And while the race is nonpartisan, that…
Candidate Nancy Day-Achauer
Nancy Day-Achauer, candidate for District Two, discusses her background, why zoning updates are key to Columbus’s future, and how neighborhoods can fill gaps in social safety nets.
Candidate Christopher Wyche
In today’s interview, Christopher Wyche, an unopposed candidate for District One, discusses his background, the issues that he believes face Columbus going forward, and why he is running for office.
Candidate Shannon Hardin
In the first interview among Columbus candidates for fall 2024, Council President Shannon Hardin sat down to discuss the state of council today, what successes and regrets he is reflecting on, and…
Eastland Mall
Eastland Mall, once a thriving hub of retail activity in Columbus, has closed its doors for good. Historian Doug Motz takes a look back at the history of the mall and examines its impact on the local…
The Columbus Beer Scene
Sours, IPAs, and stouts, oh my! Dan Whalen, a reporter for Columbus Underground, has quickly become well-versed in the local brewery and beer scene, despite only living in Columbus for two years. We…
Franklin County Children Services
The children of our community need advocates in order to ensure that they are safe, stable, and able to thrive. When it comes to homes and families, that is the role of Franklin County Children…
Franklin County Commissioner Erica Crawley
The role of our elected officials is largely known to us. That is less true for our county commissioners. Franklin County Commissioner Erica Crawley joins the Confluence Cast this week to discuss…
Making Columbus Festivals
It has been said that festivals are one of the best things about our community. By extension, the folks who conceive and orchestrate them are making the city measurably better. This week, on the…
Columbus Memes & Inside Jokes
Columbus has a lot of character to it. From Comfest to COSI, there are a myriad of topics, issues, inside jokes, and even memes that every Columbusite should be aware of. 614 enthusiast Doug Powhida,…
Housing
As the Assistant Director of Housing Strategies for the City of Columbus, Erin Prosser wakes up every day thinking about housing in the city. In today’s episode, we discuss strategies for combatting…
Council President Shannon Hardin
As a growing city, we have growing city problems. No one knows that better than Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin. With the influx of new residents and new jobs, President Hardin…
Department of Development
At a time when the city seems close to a boom in terms of economic development, it also faces challenges with that growth. This week, Columbus’s Director of Development Michael Stevens discusses the…
Multidisciplinary Artist Lisa Mclymont
Art and artists have the power to change perceptions. In this week’s episode, multidisciplinary artist, graphic designer, & social justice advocate Lisa Mclymont discusses her background, work, her…
The Future of Transit
Columbus is the largest city in the country without any form of rail service. That might not be changing anytime soon but plans are coming together for an alternative by way of the LinkUS Columbus…
Upper Arlington
Communities around Central Ohio are facing rapid change. That’s apparent in Upper Arlington where Steve Schoeny serves as City Manager. In this week’s episode, we discussed the role of a city…
Homeport
54,000 households in Central Ohio pay 50% of their income for housing. Homeport, along with other Columbus-based organizations, are working to fix that. This week, Homeport President and CEO Bruce…
Greater Columbus Arts Council
What’s the difference between being an arts advocate and an artists’ advocate? Look to the policies and missions of the Greater Columbus Arts Council for an idea. This week, I spoke with Jami…
Poet Maggie Smith
Everyone has the opportunity to document their lives in their own ways. On the eve of the release of her latest collection of work, I spoke with Columbus-based poet Maggie Smith. We discussed how she…
Futurist Rebecca Ryan
As we navigate change, how can we create actionable plans for the future? Futurist Rebecca Ryan has a few ideas. Based in Madison, Wisconson, her past work in Columbus led to the advent of the city’s…
Architecture & Design Firm JBAD
The work of architects has an impact on our lives every day. But how does that work get done? This week, we’re talking architecture and development with the principal of architecture and design firm…
Creative & Marketing Agency treetree
How will businesses pivot when things get “back to normal?” Becca Apfelstadt, the co-founder of creative and marketing agency treetree, has a couple of ideas. In this episode, we discuss how the firm…
Wexner Center for the Arts
Contemporary art and the presentation of it has traditionally been a class-based endeavor. The Wexner Center for the Arts is trying to change that through its programs and the type of work that they…
Nina West
Take your broken heart and turn it into art. This week, I sat down with Andrew Levitt, AKA Nina West, Columbus’s predominant drag queen and champion. It’s been 20 years since Andrew became Nina; high…
The Beatles Marathon
The annual Beatles Marathon, now in its eleventh year, has become a holiday tradition in Columbus. Normally gathering thousands of people throughout the day at the Bluestone, the event will be…
The History of 400 Square
There’s a rich history in Franklinton. This week, we dive into the origins of 400 West Rich and the larger 400 Square with the curator of their 400 History Show and Mini-Museum, Zach Henkel. We…
Cleve Ricksecker
With the threat of protests and the coronavirus raging, what’s going to happen to Downtown Columbus? On the occasion of his recent retirement, we spoke with the former executive director of the two…
Matter News
What makes news in Columbus? From gentrification to policing to protests, Matter News is approaching issues with an approach meant to build trust while avoiding bias. In this week’s episode, Matter…
Cartoonist Jeff Smith
The work of an artist isn’t much different from other pursuits. You have to plan, react to change, and it doesn’t hurt if you’re in the right place at the right time. This week, we talk with…
Can’t Stop Columbus
In this time of consistent change and challenge, we look at how the Columbus community is standing up. Can’t Stop Columbus is a community-wide movement that tries to address some of the problems that…
Test City, USA
Is the Columbus startup scene ready for its closeup? In this episode, independent creator Jay Clouse talks about his documentary film, Test City, USA , which paints a portrait of the Columbus tech…
Real Estate at Ohio State
Much like the rest of our city, the land controlled by and surrounding The Ohio State University is continually evolving. Reporter Brent Warren spoke with Ohio State’s Vice President of Planning,…
Ohio Capital Journal
How should news outlets negotiate the changing digital landscape? David Dewitt, the editor of the newly-launch Ohio Capital Journal, sat down to discuss their nonprofit news model, the importance of…
Governor Ted Strickland
Is Ohio woke enough? Why aren’t we a swing state anymore? What’s it going to take to turn things around before the 2020 election? These questions and more were addressed by former Governor Ted…
Development in Reynoldsburg
The City of Reynoldsburg is in for some big changes in the coming years. How they go about that change and get buy-in from their residents is key to their success. Reporter Brent Warren sat down with…
Artist Laura Alexander
When artist Laura Alexander came back to Columbus after graduate school, she thought she’d stick around for a couple months. That was ten years ago. Laura sat down to talk about why Columbus is the…
Real Girls F.A.R.T.
After a nervous breakdown and mental health diagnosis, Achea Redd needed help. She found it by finding her voice through writing on her blog, Real Girls F.A.R.T. (Fearless, Authentic, Rescuer, &…
Streetlight Guild & Scott Woods
Who should be taking ownership over the uniqueness that is Columbus culture? Scott Woods has some ideas about that and how we should be defining it. Among his many hats (poet, organizer, journalist,…
The Columbus Festival Scene
Two years ago, when the Independents’ Day Festival wrapped up after 10 years, it left a gap in the Columbus festival scene that’s slowly been filled by other independent event producers. Festival and…
Artist & Educator Charlotte Belland
Honing any craft takes practice. That’s the philosophy of educator, illustrator, and animator Charlotte Belland. In this week’s episode, she discusses her background, her role at the Columbus College…
Storyteller Donte Woods-Spikes
Who should we have at the table when trying to address the challenges and opportunities in Columbus? Storyteller and filmmaker Donte Woods-Spikes talks about that, being a young Black man in…
Crawford Hoying
The test of an organization is how it responds to adversity. Such was true for development organization Crawford Hoying during the recession. With multiple developments built and thriving since then,…
Ohio v. the World
Ohio’s place in history is often relegated to a few events or trivial facts. Local attorney Alex Hastie and his podcast, Ohio v. the World, are seeking to change that. With in-depth interviews on…
COTA’s Joanna Pinkerton
With nearly a year into her role as president and CEO of COTA, Joanna Pinkerton sat down with Columbus Underground reporter Brent Warren to talk about how she came into her role, the interdependence…
Muralist Adam Hernandez
Being a working artist isn’t easy. Thankfully, there are plenty of folks in Columbus to show you the way. Muralist Adam Hernandez talks about how he found his way here, the importance of mentors, and…
Barbara Fant
Slam brought poetry out of academia in the early 1990s. Since then it has grown and become an outlet for performers around the globe. Local poet and performance artist Barbara Fant sat down to talk…
The Confluence Cast
With a little over two years of episodes out in the world, it’s high time to give a little more behind the scenes on how the Confluence Cast gets made. This is a rebroadcast of an episode I recorded…
Columbus Open Studio & Stage
How do artists work, both alone and together? I sat down with organizer and artist Stephanie Rond to preview this weekend’s Columbus Open Studio and Stage and learn how she herded cats to get here.
Artist April Sunami
Art and artists don’t evolve in a vacuum. That’s certainly true for Columbus-based mixed media artist April Sunami. We sat down to discuss her work, how she translates the identities of women of…
Irvine for Ohio
Sometimes comedians make the best politicians. I sat down with Travis Irvine, Ohio’s libertarian gubernatorial candidate, for a live interview at the Columbus Podcast Festival, to talk about his rich…
RJD2
Once they find success, how do artists choose the right commercial and creative collaborations? I sat down with Ramble Jon Krohn, better known as RJD2, to talk about his journey from 8-year-old…
Drew Hanson
What’s it like to be a local media personality? I sat down with Drew Hanson, former WNCI DJ and self-proclaimed “D-List Celebrity,” for a freewheeling conversation about his experience in Columbus…
ProMusica Chamber Orchestra
What is the role of a conductor in helping an orchestra perform to the best of its ability? I sat down with David Danzmayr, music director of ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, for an engaging conversation…
2017 Year in Review
What has 2017 meant for those of us living in and around 270? I sat down with Anne and Walker Evans, the owners of Columbus Underground, for our year-end roundup of the website’s top ten stories. We…
Volunteering with Besa
How do we make the best use of our time and resources to make the biggest impact in our neighborhoods and in our city? I sat down with Matthew Goldstein, Executive Director of Besa, to talk about…
Performing Arts at the Wexner Center for the Arts
How do cultural art centers decide what’s worthy of presentation? I sat down with Lane Czaplinski, the Wexner Center for the Arts’ new director of performing arts to talk about his journey from…
Composer Mark Lomax, II
Music is many things to many people but Mark Lomax would argue that it’s not enough. The Columbus-based composer and drummer has some ideas for how we should hear music, incorporate it into our…
Artist Stephanie Rond
The Columbus Arts Festival is quickly approaching and their Sign Your Art installation is making a comeback. I sat down with organizer and artist Stephanie Rond to talk about the project, her work…
Entrepreneurship with Jay Clouse
Project manager, community builder, and writer Jay Clouse has experienced most stages of an entrepreneurial business in a short time. We sat down to talk about his experience, the similarity between…
Create Columbus Commission
This week, we’re talking about young professionals in Columbus. Specifically, the Create Columbus Commission. The group was originally chartered by Mayor Michael B. Coleman ten years ago to provide…
Tech Elevator
The disparity between the tech job openings in Columbus and qualified candidates to fill them is vast. To help bridge that gap, coding bootcamps have been popping up around town. Tech Elevator…
Columbus Department of Neighborhoods
As we embark on our semi-regular neighborhoods series, we went to the person tasked with creating a one-stop-shop for neighborhoods to access city-government services. In this week’s episode,…
Musician Angela Perley
On the occasion of their upcoming showcase at SXSW, I sat down with Angela Perley of Angela Perley and the Howlin’ Moons to talk about their career trajectory, listen to a few tracks, and discuss why…
Arnold Sports Festival
Let’s get pumped up! The Arnold Sports Festival is coming to town and I sat down with the organization’s president, Bob Lorimer, to learn about how it got started, how Bob is carrying on the legacy…
Blockfort
How do you build a community around what you’re passionate about? This week, Adam Brouillette sat down to discuss Blockfort, the new gallery and studio space Downtown, and why he thinks Columbus is…
Six Word Memoirs
We all want to tell stories. Larry Smith, the creator of Six Word Memoirs helps people do that. We sat down to talk about the project, Larry’s background as a journalist and storyteller, and why he…
2016 Year in Review
To wrap up the year, I sat down with the co-founders of Columbus Underground to talk about the best-read stories of the year on the site, how they do their work, and why they got rid of the…
400 West Rich
The terrible fire in Oakland, California sparked discussions in Columbus about the safety of our artist communities. Chris Sherman, the development director for the largest of those communities, 400…
Shopping Locally
This week, we’re shopping local. On the occasion of the holiday season, we sat down with two people immersed in the movement. First up, Timothy Wolf Starr discusses the recently rebranded Small…
Comedy in Columbus
Stop asking why and start asking how. That’s the lesson from comedians Amber Falter and Brian Doney. We talk this week about the Columbus comedy scene, how they work, and their current tour.
Shadowbox’s Amy Lay
Columbus is home to the nation’s largest resident theater company, Shadowbox Live. Meta-performer Amy Lay sits down to talk about her craft, the importance of play, and why she chose Columbus.
Compton Construction
Starting a business isn’t easy. Truly knowing your role in it is harder. Compton Construction CEO Blake Compton talks about the lifecycle of being a business owner and the virtue of coaches and…
Artist Bryan Christopher Moss
How can we make Columbus a true hub for visual art? We tackle that and more with artist and educator Bryan Christopher Moss in this week’s episode, recorded live at Independents’ Day.
Restauranteurs
What’s it like to own a restaurant and what drives people to do it?
Robert Mason Company
How do you rebuild after you lose everything? We sit down with Robert Grimmett, the founder and CEO of Robert Mason Company , to discuss day-to-day operations, how Robert Mason got started, how it…
