The Confluence Cast

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 almost irresponsible amount of self-confidence.

This is the second of two conversations I recorded with the Democratic candidates for Ohio Secretary of State. If you caught the first one with Dr. Bryan Hambley, welcome back. If not, it’s worth going back to — but this one stands on its own. Today I’m sitting down with State Representative Allison Russo.

The 2026 statewide races are officially underway in Ohio, and I sat down with both Democratic candidates for Secretary of State. Today you’re hearing the first of those two conversations.

With petitions filed and the 2026 statewide races now officially underway, a lot of the attention is on the governor’s race — and understandably so — but there’s a primary happening further down the ballot that deserves a real look: the Democratic primary for Ohio Secretary of State.

With petitions filed and the 2026 statewide races officially underway, Ohio’s political landscape is beginning to take shape. The governor’s race is already drawing national attention, with former Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton emerging as the sole Democratic candidate and Vivek Ramaswamy entering the Republican primary with endorsements from both Donald Trump and the Ohio Republican Party.

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. What’s far less visible is the quiet work that happens long before those moments: the data collection, forecasting, mapping, and analysis that help a region decide what it’s actually planning for.

We’re doing our unofficial year-in-review. Not the “best of” list, not the most important stories necessarily, just the ones people clicked on, shared, complained about, and wouldn’t stop talking about. We cover everything from parking issues and office buildings converted into apartments to restaurant closings, reopenings, arts leadership changes, and why some headlines travel much farther than others.

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 effective when it’s rooted in relationships; when institutions are visible, accountable, and deeply invested in the communities they serve.

When most people think about technology, they picture shiny new tools, big-budget builds, and teams of engineers working inside massive companies. But for Brad Griffith, founder of Buckeye Innovation, technology is only meaningful when it’s accessible, especially to the people and organizations who traditionally get left behind.

When we talk about regional planning, it’s easy to picture dusty binders, endless meetings, or vague talk about “growth.” But for William Murdock, executive director of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, the work is a lot more urgent and a lot more human. MORPC is the quiet engine behind how 90 Central Ohio communities prepare for what’s coming next, from housing pressures to transportation demand to environmental resilience.

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 Columbus City Council District 7.

As Columbus continues to grow, so do the questions about who the city truly works for and how well its leaders are listening.

When we talk about artificial intelligence, the focus is often on big tech or headline-grabbing breakthroughs. But for Cas Maxwell, co-founder and CEO of AI Owl, the story is much closer to home. His company is helping Ohio’s workforce, schools, and businesses go from AI curiosity to practical integration—backed by state funding and partnerships with Intel and Khan Academy. In this conversation, Cas and I talk about how AI can be a tool for empowerment rather than replacement, what it looks like to train employees and students in hands-on ways, and why the future of AI readiness in Ohio may hinge on meeting people where they are.

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 sit down with Executive Director Sarah Barr to explore her journey from art educator to leading multi-million-dollar cultural projects, and how Wild Goose fuels the work of emerging and established artists alike. We talk about their exhibitions, mentorship programs, and high school accelerator, the realities of nonprofit funding, and why deeper collaboration could unlock even more potential for the city’s arts scene. Plus, Sarah previews their “Made By Us” fundraiser, pairing local celebrities with artists for unique, one-of-a-kind creations.

How do we take a music community and turn it into a music economy?

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.

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).

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 director of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and Half Marathon. We discussed how the event evolved from a tourism initiative in 1980 to one of the country’s most respected independent races—and how Darris went from running it as an amateur to running it as a professional.

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.

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 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.

Daisy Perkins was Ohio’s first Black woman lawyer, a trailblazer who defied expectations and carved out a career in criminal defense at a time when both her race and gender made that nearly impossible. But her story is not one of simple triumph—it’s one of controversy, resilience, and ultimately, downfall.

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.

The results are in, and the people of Columbus have spoken! In this week’s episode, I sat down with Walker Evans, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Columbus Underground, to dive into the highlights of the Best of Columbus 2024 Readers’ Poll . From the city’s favorite new restaurants and bars to its most beloved cultural institutions and neighborhoods, we explored what makes Columbus shine.

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.

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.

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.

The future of Central Ohio is coming at us fast. But not too fast to manage. In this week’s episode, Columbus Underground co-founder and editor Walker Evans sat down with Jessica Kuenzli, the Chief Regional Planning Officer at MORPC, to explore how her team is tackling the region’s explosive growth, sustainability needs, and the big picture of community development. Jessica shares insights into new federal funding for electric vehicle infrastructure, the importance of data mapping, and the challenges of uniting over 15 counties under one regional vision.

We’re diving into the transit transformations shaping our city’s future. In this week’s episode, Columbus Underground co-founder and editor Walker Evans sat down with Parag Agrawal, the Chief Mobility and Infrastructure Officer and Senior Director of Programming at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. With a rich background in planning, land use, and transportation, Parag has returned to Columbus to help shape the future of our region.

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 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. According to Goodwolf, despite his efforts to alert the city, he faced a restraining order and legal challenges. In our discussion, he emphasized the need for better cybersecurity measures and proactive communication from the city.

We are diving into the most read stories shaping the landscape of the city. These are the top stories that have captured the attention of our community—not necessarily the most important or significant, but the ones that people just couldn’t stop reading.

Good comedy is a reflection of society. Next month, for five days, over 150 comedians will grace ten stages throughout the city for the inaugural Columbus Comedy Festival. On the occasion of the upcoming event, I sat down with Walker Evans, co-founder of Columbus Underground and the Comedy Festival, and Hannah Romes, co-owner of Hashtag Comedy. We discussed the impetus for and execution of the festival, the opportunities in the Columbus comedy scene, and their focus on increasing public awareness of the city’s abundant talent.

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. Tom also shares his thoughts on the importance of building the right team, having strong leadership processes, and how these factors were crucial to their success.

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 need for engaging and relevant learning experiences, and the importance of better communication and collaboration between parents, teachers, and the community as a whole.

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 supporting women transitioning out of incarceration or drug treatment. Tammy and I discuss her personal journey navigating her daughter’s battle with addiction, how it inspired her to help others, the organization’s volunteer-based support system, and where they are in their journey to grow capacity and combat stigma for those affected by the opioid epidemic.

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 decade of stories, sounds, and the shifting sands of the Columbus music and podcast scenes. We’ll explore the challenges of keeping a podcast fresh and engaging through life’s ups and downs, the importance of authenticity, and how to keep the creative fires burning.

With spring upon us in the capital city, we’re all about change. There’s a vibrancy in the air and that’s apparent in our latest roundup of the biggest stories on Columbus Underground. Co-founder and editor Walker Evans sat down to discuss everything from Liz Lessner’s influential legacy to the latest murmurs about when we’ll get passenger rail. There are plenty of renderings to peruse, too.

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 Snyder, a former Columbus resident whose journey through writing and theater has woven a rich tapestry of experiences both in and out of Ohio’s capital city. Mark reflects on the essence of Columbus — the kindness, scrappiness, and the collaborative spirit that defines its culture. He shares his journey of rediscovery in a city that continues to evolve and challenge its own identity.

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 services, Columbus Underground reporter Brent Warren sat down with both the outgoing and incoming CEOs of the Central Ohio Transit Authority (or COTA) to discuss the shift in leadership, the transportation projects set to be on the ballot this fall, and what’s next for the former Greyhound station in Downtown.

We’re exploring the evolution of Downtown with Michael Brown, who has been a cornerstone in the city’s development planning and worked both in and outside city government to cheer on its growth. Columbus Underground Co-Founder Walker Evans and Brown delve into the city’s challenges and triumphs, the synergy between projects, the balance between iconic and neighborhood-level public art investments, and the concerted efforts to address systemic issues like homelessness and affordable housing. Through anecdotes and insights, they highlight Columbus’ young, creative energy and the dynamic urban policies that continue to drive its growth.

There is often a complex interplay between preservation and progress. A year into his exploration, Columbus Underground reporter Jesse Bethea continues to sift through the story of how the removal of remains from what was once the North Market parking lot unfolded. From the contentious removal of centuries-old graves to the forensic analysis of unearthed remains, today’s episode navigates the ethical, legal, and emotional complexities surrounding the issue. In the quest to honor the past while embracing the future, we examine what lies beneath the surface of urban development and confront the ghosts of history that still shape our city today.

The capital city’s food scene is often heralded. However, its taco truck scene has been often overlooked. Elwood Ellis, a freelance writer for Columbus Underground and self-proclaimed Taco Connoisseur, is trying to change that. Listen in as Elwood shares his journey and criteria for evaluating the diverse and authentic taco scene, emphasizing the importance of not ranking trucks but appreciating their unique offerings. He also discusses adventurous and vegetarian options available at taco trucks, the significance of quality ingredients, and the need for authenticity in dishes like Al Pastor tacos.

This podcast was not generated by AI. But it may have been influenced by it. As all industries consider how to use artificial intelligence in their work, Walker Evans, Susan Post, and I discuss how it relates to journalism, disclosure, and transparency. We cover Columbus Underground’s updated policy on the matter, how content generation should and should not be used in a newsroom, what AI thinks about the Columbus food scene, and a lively debate on the ethical challenges of how this new tool will affect our lives.

Big cities have big city problems. Columbus’s newest school board member argues that the inequity of our schools shows that we certainly are a big city. Brandon Simmons, also the youngest school board member ever elected, is on a mission to face the challenges of the district head-on. In an interview two days after his first board meeting, we discuss the challenges that the district faces, the power and importance of public education, and how he navigated the city’s political landscape to get into office.

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 of stories, including the latest in transportation, climate change, local politics, and a dash of comedy here in the capital city.

As 2023 draws to a close and we stand on the brink of a new year filled with its own stories and surprises, it’s a time for reflection. In our latest podcast episode, we delve into a retrospective journey, revisiting the moments that defined the year for us. Join Walker Evans, Susan Post, and myself as we engage in a lively discussion about the most impactful, intriguing, and talked-about local stories that have unfolded over the past 365 days.

Just in time for the holidays, we’re taking out the trash. Columbus Underground Co-Founder Walker Evans sat down with Joe Lombardi, the executive director of the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio or SWACO. They discussed the strategies they are putting in place for a sustainable future, practical tips on reducing waste, and ways to celebrate sustainably this holiday season.

Access to transportation is not just about the journey but the opportunities it creates.

Ordering food on a delivery app? You may not know precisely where your dinner came from.

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.