Best Communityconversation Podcasts (2025)

1
Bioscience Breakthroughs Are Saving Lives in Central Ohio 52:40

2d ago52:40

52:40

Bioscience breakthroughs are transforming lives in Central Ohio. From cutting-edge gene therapies to world-first medical devices, the region’s life sciences sector is booming—and saving lives. This week’s Columbus Metropolitan Club forum brings together scientific leaders and business innovators to explore how research, investment, and clinical dev…

1
Advancing Together: Meet the Columbus Partnership’s New Leader 53:29

10d ago53:29

53:29

Jane Scott Legacy in Civic Engagement Forum Celebrating Community Leaders If “The Columbus Way” were a river, its source might just be The Columbus Partnership. In this one-on-one conversation, the Partnership's new President and CEO Jason Hall shares his vision for the influential coalition of regional CEOs. As Columbus grows, so does the importan…

1
Why the Federal Reserve Matters to You 50:58

16d ago50:58

50:58

What does the Federal Reserve actually do—and why should it matter to Central Ohioans? Beth Hammack, the new president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, sits down with CMC to explain her role, how the Fed operates, and how it impacts your paycheck, your mortgage, and our regional economy. Featuring: Beth Hammack, President and CEO, Federal …

1
Keeping the Columbus Promise 51:10

24d ago51:10

51:10

Columbus appears to be on track to keep an important promise: The Columbus Promise. The innovative education partnership launched in 2021 with the goal of sending more Columbus City School graduates to college, boosting their own life trajectories and helping Central Ohio supercharge its workforce. The Columbus Promise lets any graduate of Columbus…

1
Central Ohio Builds BIG! 54:45

1M ago54:45

54:45

BIG things are happening in Central Ohio! With top leaders, we dig into some of the BIGGEST construction and development projects happening right now in our region, including the new $2B Columbus Airport terminal, the $200M reimagining of the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, defense contractor Anduril’s just-announced state-of-the-art plant, and the …

1
A Conversation with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine 54:20

1M ago54:20

54:20

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s new proposed $218 billion two-year state budget promises to completely fund the state’s public education system, to deliver a tax credit for parents with minimum-wage jobs, and provides higher funding for children’s services, including childcare, literacy, and vision programs. With the Governor’s proposal in hand, Ohio l…

1
All Amped Up: Can Ohio Meet Its Future Energy Needs? 55:24

1M ago55:24

55:24

Ohio’s energy demand is set to skyrocket with the rise of data centers, electric vehicles, and the shutdown of aging power plants. Can the state’s power generation keep pace, or will electricity shortages hinder Ohio’s growth? Major tech companies are establishing data centers in central Ohio, consuming a growing portion of the state’s power supply…

1
State of the Performing Arts 54:07

2M ago54:07

54:07

Columbus is more than lucky: the city is home to a vast array of performing arts organizations that bring vibrancy, expression, and wonder to Ohio’s state capital through theater, dance, ballet, live music performances, and more. Artists, venues, and companies abound, plus scores of associated programs that seek to inspire young people to learn abo…

1
Women's Wealth is Central Ohio's Growth 51:26

2M ago51:26

51:26

In partnership with The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, this CMC forum unveils the latest research featuring new data on the critical resources that women in Central Ohio need – and often lack – to build wealth. Women face distinct hurdles in accumulating personal wealth, and the implications are huge: according to the Federal Reserve, closing gender…

1
The Power of Two Chambers 52:36

2M ago52:36

52:36

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce and The Ohio Chamber of Commerce both help drive Ohio’s economy. How do they collaborate to support businesses, and where do they see opportunities for growth in Central Ohio? This conversation explores the biggest challenges facing Ohio’s business climate and the initiatives and partnerships needed to ensure a stro…

1
Insights From Congresswoman Joyce Beatty 54:10

2M ago54:10

54:10

This CMC forum features a 1:1 conversation with U.S Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, representing Ohio’s Third Congressional District since 2013. We’ll cover Congresswoman Beatty’s legislative priorities and unpack current events in Washington for an in-depth look at the state of federal politics and U.S. democracy. Featuring: Congresswoman Joyce Beatty…

1
When Safety Nets Shrink 54:18

3M ago54:18

54:18

Looming federal budget cuts could mean significant reductions in safety-net services for Central Ohio’s most vulnerable populations, including immigrants and refugees. How will these changes affect our communities, and how are local nonprofit leaders responding? Our expert panel explores what’s at stake and what steps can be taken to mitigate the i…

1
The Caregiver Crisis 47:23

3M ago47:23

47:23

In Partnership with WOSU Public Media While there’s growing focus on seniors and the care they need, far less attention is being paid to the family members who provide that care. According to AARP, in 2010, there were more than seven potential family caregivers for every person over 80; by 2030, that ratio will drop to 4:1, and by 2050, it will be …

1
Ohio Higher Education Innovates for a New Era 53:06

3M ago53:06

53:06

Ohio’s system of higher education is reinventing itself for a new era in the state’s history. Will schools be ready? Among the challenges, the number of U.S. high school graduates is expected to peak next year at about 3.5 million students before dropping 15% in the next four years, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, with profound impl…

1
Central Ohio Hospital CEO Roundtable 53:02

3M ago53:02

53:02

Optimal Health Series Central Ohio is growing rapidly, and the region’s four major hospital systems are following suit. Each of Columbus’ “Big Four” systems – OhioHealth, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Mount Carmel Health System, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital – are expanding rapidly, constructing new facilities and scrambling…

1
The New Columbus Real Estate Scene 51:17

4M ago51:17

51:17

What was America’s most popular housing market in 2024, according to Realtor.com? Look no further than Columbus, Ohio. Homes for sale in Central Ohio were racking up far more online views than the national average, indicating off-the-charts levels of interest in available properties in the region. If it’s been a few years since you sold a home in C…

1
Annual Blue Chip Economic Forecast 50:32

4M ago50:32

50:32

The Atlantic Magazine recently awarded the US economy “superstar status” – calling it the “Taylor Swift” of global economies – for its robust sustained performance. Closer to home, Central Ohio’s economy also appears to be roaring along, with the region leading the Buckeye State in growth. What’s in store for Central Ohio’s economy and our region i…

1
From Vacant to Vibrant: The Future of Retail in Downtown Columbus 54:10

4M ago54:10

54:10

Can downtown retail make a comeback in Columbus? With a panel of downtown leaders and advocates, this forum explores efforts to re-energize retail downtown and examines what lies ahead for Columbus' urban core. Featuring: Nicholas J. Bankston, Columbus City Councilmember Amy Taylor, President, Downtown Columbus, Inc. Jim Merkel, CEO and Co-Founder,…

1
Belonging Is Redefining the Modern Workplace 54:44

5M ago54:44

54:44

Ohio’s labor market remains incredibly tight, but Central Ohio organizations that are building strong cultures of belonging are attracting top talent from diverse backgrounds. Leading employers know from experience that cultivating a strong and authentic sense of belonging among employees can revolutionize recruitment, engagement, retention, produc…

1
Columbus Eviction Rates Are Headed in the Wrong Direction 51:54

5M ago51:54

51:54

In 2023, Columbus saw nearly 24,000 eviction filings, marking a 12,000-case increase from the previous year. Early 2024 data shows this trend worsening, with evictions reaching a 20-year high in Franklin County. Across Ohio, landlords initiated almost 108,000 eviction cases in 2023 — the highest since 2015. A major driver behind the surge is sluggi…

1
Benchmarking Central Ohio - Part 2 53:29

5M ago53:29

53:29

For the first time since 2019, the all-new Columbus Foundation Community Benchmarking Report has measured how Central Ohio compares to more than 20 peer regions across more than 50 metrics and indices. Building on a decade of community tracking, this newest research across a range of metrics offers a clear window to understanding how Central Ohio s…

1
Benchmarking Central Ohio - Part 1 54:44

6M ago54:44

54:44

For the first time since 2019, the all-new Columbus Foundation Community Benchmarking Report has measured how Central Ohio compares to more than 20 peer regions across more than 50 metrics and indices. Building on more than a decade of community tracking, this newest research across a range of metrics offers a clear window to understanding how Cent…

1
After the Election: Listening, Healing, and Moving Forward with The Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu 52:58

6M ago52:58

52:58

This extraordinary and historic forum welcomes The Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu as we gather following the election to reconcile and reflect on the common goal of preserving democracy, upholding justice, and to re-commit to listening to one another in good faith and with open minds and hearts. The Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu, daughter of Archbisho…

1
Rx for Equity: Creating Access to Healthcare in Central Ohio 55:51

6M ago55:51

55:51

Optimal Health Series Central Ohio is home to global leaders in healthcare, but access to healthcare remains uneven in the region as it is for much of the country. What are the costs of uneven healthcare coverage to our region, and what are the factors that prevent many from getting the care they need? With a panel of passionate healthcare leaders,…

1
Does Ohio Need Gerrymandering Reform? 52:27

7M ago52:27

52:27

With early voting already underway, Ohio voters are being asked to decide if a new approach to redrawing the state’s electoral districts is necessary. At stake is potentially nothing less than the future control of Ohio’s statewide legislative bodies. The nonprofit Citizens Not Politicians asserts that Ohio’s current electoral districts are gerryma…

1
Are LGBTQ+ Rights Losing Ground? 50:41

7M ago50:41

50:41

An erosion of LGBTQ+ rights seems to be the latest casualty of America's deepening polarization. This week’s panel takes stock of the trajectory of LGBTQ+ rights and what the future may hold for LGBTQ+ Ohioans and their families. Featuring: The Honorable Nickie J. Antonio, Ohio State Senate Democratic Leader Karen Hewitt, Founder and CEO, K Hewitt …

1
Outdated Funding, Lost Lives: Why Ohio’s Babies and Birthing Parents Deserve Better 54:59

7M ago54:59

54:59

Could fresh thinking about philanthropy help save the lives of mothers and babies in Central Ohio? This panel explores how participatory grantmaking, trust-based philanthropy, and low-barrier funding promise to improve the lives of Central Ohio’s mothers and babies. Featuring: Isi Ikharebha Green, President, Physicians CareConnection Kelley Griesme…

1
Housing, Health, and Hope: Opening The Gates To Opportunity In Central Ohio 50:37

7M ago50:37

50:37

What would Central Ohio's future look like with safe, affordable mixed-income neighborhoods as a part of everyday life? How much healthier, stronger, and more equitable would our region be? For the most part, this is now just a dream for many central Ohioans. Our region is experiencing a severe housing shortage because we’ve built an average of onl…

1
Open Every Door: Transforming Workforce Development in Central Ohio 51:43

8M ago51:43

51:43

Will an innovative new collaboration help Central Ohio attract and build the workforce it needs? The Central Ohio Workforce Development Network is a new large-scale collaborative between thirteen organizations that backers say will open a wide new pipeline funneling eager workers to employers. With a panel of employment advocates and regional leade…

1
What Would It Take To End Hunger in Central Ohio? 51:29

8M ago51:29

51:29

According to Hunger Ohio, our state has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the country, with over 400,000 children across the state living in food-insecure households. What would it take to end hunger once and for all in Central Ohio? This forum brings together passionate experts to spotlight hunger in our midst and discuss actionable s…

1
Advocacy Without Animosity: Restoring Civility to Public Institutions 53:15

8M ago53:15

53:15

In today’s polarized landscape, can we still have constructive bipartisan dialogue, especially with a contentious election season underway? Are good-faith discussions across divides even possible in America’s white-hot political climate? Our panelists say not only are they possible, they’re essential if our democracy is to survive and thrive. By fo…

1
The Invisible Problem Everywhere: Confronting the Gender Data Gap 52:51

8M ago52:51

52:51

Central Ohio’s women face unique barriers compared to men in the creation and accumulation of their personal wealth. The cost of the disparity is enormous: the Federal Reserve estimated that closing gender and racial wealth gaps could have increased Ohio's GDP by $67 billion between 2005 and 2019. This week’s forum digs into the challenges Central …

1
Real News, Fake News, and How Journalism Can Save Democracy 55:07

8M ago55:07

55:07

The free press and democracy draw strength from each other. When one fails, or is deliberately targeted for destruction, the other is likely to also be a casualty. This week’s forum dives into the importance of a free press and the role journalism plays in keeping democracy vigorous. Featuring: Rita McNeil Danish, CEO of Signal Ohio Dr. Kelly Garre…

1
Is Central Ohio Ready for Retirement? 52:32

9M ago52:32

52:32

Get ready for retirement, because it’s coming: while not everyone in Central Ohio is ready to clock out for the last time, the region will soon have more residents reaching the age of 65 than starting kindergarten. It’s a situation with enormous implications for employers, school districts, healthcare providers, and taxpayers. The 65+ age group of …

1
Crafting the New Columbus Brand 53:28

9M ago53:28

53:28

Columbus, Ohio has been stacking up impressive accolades for some time. The city is home to some of the country’s top attractions, world-class sports, a great restaurant and bar scene, and a growing and diversifying population that’s significantly younger than the statewide average. Recently, Experience Columbus – the destination marketing organiza…

1
Ohio Mayors Address Challenges Together 55:43

9M ago55:43

55:43

More than 1.5 million Ohioans – over 13% of the state’s population – lives in the cities governed by our three July 24 forum panelists. We welcome the current mayors of Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland, Ohio for an extraordinary program as these three dynamic leaders discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing their 21st century citie…

1
Ohio State University President Ted Carter 55:34

10M ago55:34

55:34

Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. was appointed as the 17th president of The Ohio State University by its Board of Trustees last August. He began his tenure at Ohio State on January 1 of this year. As president, Carter leads the state’s premier public research university with six campuses in Ohio and a student body of more than 65,000. Carter also served as …

1
Zone In: The Proposed Zoning Overhaul That Will Reshape Columbus 51:25

10M ago51:25

51:25

A proposed major overhaul of Columbus’ 70-year-old zoning code will bring big changes to Columbus. If passed, the new code will dramatically reshape parts of the city by unlocking current density and height restrictions, allow more mixed-use developments, and much more. Proponents argue a zoning code overhaul is critical to help Columbus fix its wo…

1
Why Charitable Giving Matters 54:39

10M ago54:39

54:39

The state of charitable giving has a profound impact on hundreds of nonprofit organizations throughout Central Ohio, ranging from mighty arts, healthcare, and higher education institutions to local civic clubs and direct service providers. Trends in giving affect all of them — from the decline of giving among “everyday households,” increasing depen…

1
Annual State of Nonprofits 50:33

11M ago50:33

50:33

Healthy nonprofit organizations are critical to any community. They address unmet needs, enrich our cultural life, and build social capital. With a panel of passionate leaders and advocates, we unpack the state of Central Ohio nonprofits at one of CMC’s most popular forums of the year. The panelists are: Suzan Bradford, Executive Director, The Linc…

1
Journey of Justice: The Civil Rights Act at 60 53:46

11M ago53:46

53:46

As our country heads into a pivotal 2024 election, we unpack the creation and the legacy of one of the most significant legislative achievements in American history, the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The 60-year-old Civil Right Act – bold, imperfect at creation, and controversial – demanded a fundamental fairness in American life that today remains an unf…

1
Hiring Heroes: Why Ohio’s Workforce Needs Veterans 52:25

12M ago52:25

52:25

Only five other states are home to more veterans than Ohio. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Buckeye State is home to 729,645 veterans. Only California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas have more veterans than Ohio. With the state’s unemployment rate well below historic averages, many employers are turning to veter…

1
Thriving Minds: Solving Ohio's Mental Health Crisis 55:31

12M ago55:31

55:31

Ohio’s mental healthcare needs are as acute as they’ve ever been, but Ohioans’ struggle with mental health has also achieved a new and higher level of visibility, thanks to the persistent dedication of mental health advocates. Mental health struggles are touching every part of Ohio’s population: children, adults, employers, and employees, and those…

1
State of the State with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine 56:57

12M ago56:57

56:57

On April 10, 2024, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine delivered his “State of the State” address to a packed Ohio statehouse audience. Now in his second term, the Governor’s remarks were notably focused on key initiatives aimed to benefit the state’s youth, with special emphasis on improving the health and education of Ohio’s children and students. His rema…

1
Green Is The New Growth: Central Ohio's Sustainable Future 52:38

1y ago52:38

52:38

Imagine what economic growth looks like on a graph and you may picture a line slanting upwards from left to right. Have you ever wondered where the line stops? On a planet – or a region – with finite resources, it has to end somewhere. This realization is helping a very different model of economic growth to gain traction: the circular economy. Circ…

1
How Immigrants Revitalize Communities 56:01

1y ago56:01

56:01

A leading factor behind population growth in Central Ohio are immigrants and refugees; in recent years, of the newcomers moving to Central Ohio from outside the state, half are international immigrants. The United States is home to the highest number of immigrants in the world. Some 50 million Americans —about 15% of the country’s population, were …

1
Pathways to Prosperity: Breaking the Poverty Cycle in Central Ohio 54:55

1y ago54:55

54:55

What are the chronic factors that are keeping so many Columbus families – more than one in ten – locked in a multi-generational cycle of poverty, and what new resources are needed to help these families break free of the poverty cycle once and for all? Central Ohio is a rapidly growing, vibrant community, generating the lion’s share of Ohio’s overa…

1
From Solitude to Solidarity: Healing Ohio's Loneliness Epidemic 54:58

1y ago54:58

54:58

Optimal Health Series Human beings are wired for social connections, but when those connections are few, our health pays the price. The U.S. is suffering from a loneliness epidemic, and the toll it takes on our health is both enormous and measurable. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness and isolation a “public health emergency,” sa…

1
It’s Time to Close the Gender Wage Gap in Columbus 54:46

1y ago54:46

54:46

Mary Lazarus Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund Celebrating Women in Society The gender pay gap is unfair, inequitable, and even illegal – paying women less than men for the same work has been against the law in the US since 1963. And yet, based on today’s full-time, year-round wage gap, women entering the workforce stand to lose $398,160 over the cou…

1
Shaping Columbus: Influencers and the Power of Community Narratives 40:20

1y ago40:20

40:20

This dynamic conversation challenges the conventional understanding of influence, delving into the profound impact of social media influencers on the identity and evolution of Columbus, Ohio. By examining their roles in shaping the cultural and social fabric of Columbus, we’ll uncover the subtle yet powerful ways in which our community is being red…

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