The Local Exchange Podcast

In this episode, Jon sits down with Jake Eilerman - lifelong Lima resident, Director of Communications at 419 Live, and the man behind the camera who live-streamed the Shawnee Trustee town hall and Chief Miller’s first hearing, bringing vital transparency to the community.Jake recently stepped away from 13 years in stand-up comedy to focus on his next chapter. We dive into his journey on stage and hear some great stories from his time in comedy, including his character Jake Hill.Today, Jake is a passionate force for good in the Lima area - driving 419 Live events, cornhole leagues and tournaments, fundraisers, and unique community gatherings that bring people together. He’s also a dedicated advocate for Lima, providing marketing and social media support to help local causes and businesses thrive.We talk about what fuels his commitment to the community, his big dreams for events in Northwest Ohio, the legacy he wants to build, and why he believes in lifting up the 419.Whether you’re into local government, comedy, events, or just love seeing passionate people make Lima better - this episode is for you!👍 Like | 📲 Subscribe for more local conversations #TheLocalExchange #LimaOhio #419Live #ShawneeTownship #CommunityPodcast

Episode 23: Evan SkilliterIn this episode, Jon is joined by Matt — back for his first podcast since Episode 17 — as they sit down with Jon’s brother-in-law, Evan Skilliter. Evan is a Bluffton University alumnus, Assistant Professor of Sport Management, and Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at his alma mater in Bluffton, Ohio.Evan shares his insights on the current culture of youth sports in America and what inspired him to write his popular 5-part guest column series for The Lima News earlier this year. The conversation covers the pressures of early specialization, commercialization, social media influence, and adult behavior — plus practical ideas for making youth sports healthier and more fun again.They also talk about growing up in Bluffton, Evan’s lifelong passion for sports, and even get into a few lighter topics… including birds.A fun, insightful, and thought-provoking conversation with someone who lives and breathes sports at every level — from the classroom to the sidelines and the local community.

A long time ago in a podcast studio not too far away, Jon sat down with Marc Bowker - Lima’s own comic-book store owner, certified Heroic Coach, and real-life superhero of downtown revitalization.In this epic crossover, Marc steps out from behind the counter at Alter Ego Comics (the beloved downtown Lima institution he’s run since 2005) to talk about building a business that’s survived recessions, pandemics, and plenty of real-world challenges. From his days as Director of Communications at the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce to going all-in on entrepreneurship, Marc shares the origin story of turning a side-hustle comic passion into a 20-year local landmark.We dive into how political decisions ripple straight into small businesses like Alter Ego - tariffs, regulations, and the daily realities of running a Main Street shop. Marc also opens up about his personal journey with anxiety, depression, OCD, and his 2016 nervous breakdown - and how Stoic wisdom, a superhero mindset, and the Heroic coaching framework helped him rewrite his story and now helps others do the same.Whether you’re a comic fan, a small business owner, or someone working on your own mental health and personal growth, this is one of the most inspiring conversations yet.Tune in for great stories, real talk, and practical wisdom you can actually use.The Force is strong with this one.Subscribe to the Local Exchange Podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLocalExchangeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033e39gbtqYgIrGfz1BWB1?si=cd24163217d148e3iHeartMedia: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-local-exchange-podcast-333142184Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-local-exchange-podcast/id1896525502

In this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Stephanie Ernest, a member of the Bath Local School District Board of Education, to talk about the proposed Bath High School project that is going to be on the ballot in May. We discuss how the project came together, the planning process so far, and the role the school board plays in long-term facilities and financial decisions. Stephanie shares insight into what the board is hearing from the community, common questions residents have raised, and the importance of transparency throughout the process. She also encourages residents to attend board meetings, share their thoughts, and ultimately come out and vote so the board can clearly understand how the community feels about a potential new high school. This conversation is intended to help listeners better understand the project, the process behind it, and the decisions facing the district as Bath Local Schools looks toward the future.Originally Posted 2/2/2026

Matt and I react to the outcome of Chief Austin Miller’s termination hearing, where all charges were dismissed with prejudice. We share our thoughts on what the decision means for the fire department, the township, and the community moving forward.Originally Posted 12/16/2025

Originally posted 12/13/2025We share our thoughts on the federal lawsuit filed by Shawnee Township Fire Chief Austin Miller and discuss what it could mean for the township, the fire department, and the community. The conversation focuses on potential implications, the legal process, and why the situation matters moving forward.

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Cross, Treasurer of Shawnee Schools, to discuss the financial landscape of the district. We cover the history behind Shawnee’s past deficit spending, the plan now in place to stabilize the budget, and what the community should understand about how school funding works. Chris walks us through the challenges of maintaining aging buildings, the findings of past facility studies, and what decisions may shape the future of Shawnee’s school buildings. We also talk about property taxes, state funding formulas, transportation costs, and long-term financial planning.Originally Posted 12/4/2025

In this episode we sit down with Todd Washam, Vice President of the Shawnee School Board, to discuss the key issues facing Shawnee Schools. We talk about efforts to improve academics, classroom sizes, staffing challenges, the condition of current school facilities, and how the board approaches long-term planning for the district’s future.Originally Posted 11/29/2025

We recap tonight’s emergency meeting regarding Shawnee Township Fire Chief Austin Miller. We walk through what happened, what questions remain, and how this situation may impact the township moving forward.Originally Posted 11/26/2025

In this episode, Matt sits down with Shawnee boys basketball head coach Mark Triplett to cover a wide range of topics, including his approach to the game, the challenges and rewards of developing young players, and what it means to be closing in on becoming the winningest coach in Shawnee history. Coach Triplett reflects on the 25–0 COVID season, leadership in high-pressure moments, and the values that continue to drive him in his tenth year at Shawnee. Originally posted on 11/20/2025

In this episode of The Local Exchange, Jon and Matt sit down with Kelly Martino, head of fundraising for the Shawnee Stadium Capital Campaign. Kelly shares the history behind the stadium project, how the effort began, and the challenges and teamwork that have kept it moving forward. The conversation covers how people can get involved, the growth of Shawnee’s youth football program, and the many school and community groups that now benefit from the new facility. Kelly also talks about what drives her passion for community involvement and how local support continues to make a difference for Shawnee athletes. We experienced an issue with Kelly’s video recording, but we’ve included helpful images throughout this episode to highlight many of the topics discussed. Originally posted 11/12/2025

In this episode of The Local Exchange, Jon and Matt break down the results of the recent Shawnee Township election — with Kenny Gross and Paul Neff set to take office as trustees in January. They look at voting trends, turnout, and how social media engagement stacked up against the final numbers. The conversation also turns toward what’s next for the community, including key questions around the Fire Chief position, dispatch services, and the new school project. Plus, updates on the upcoming Roundabout Christmas event, Shawnee’s playoff matchup at Wapak, and a message of gratitude and optimism for both outgoing and incoming township leaders. #northwestohio #communityconversation #communityleadership #election2025 #communityconversations

In this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Tug Taviano, a long time Lima native, community connector, and event organizer known for bringing people together through faith, music, and service. Tug shares his personal journey, from his early days in the community to building meaningful relationships with athletes, musicians, and community leaders through Unicent Marketing. We talk about the lessons he has learned from a life of service, his approach to event planning, and how faith continues to guide everything he does. We also dive into Tug’s family, his passion for giving back, and his excitement for upcoming local events including the Rhett Walker Family Christmas Tour coming to Lima 12/10/2025. Purchase your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rhett-walker-family-christmas-tour-tickets-1916537127139 Watch or listen to the full conversation to hear Tug’s perspective on what makes Northwest Ohio special, what our community can still improve on, and how staying grounded in purpose can open doors you never expected. Originally posted 11/4/2025 #LocalExchange #TugTaviano #LimaOhio #NorthwestOhio #CommunityConversation #faithinaction

In Episode 7 of Local Exchange, we sit down with John Hollenbacher, a Shawnee resident whose family has been deeply involved in local government for generations. John has been an advocate for positive communication, community engagement, and leading with kindness. He talks about his ties to Shawnee, his experience helping organize the recent Town Hall Meeting, and why he believes in the power of constructive, respectful conversation — even when opinions differ. John also shares what “Be Nice” means to him and how that mindset can strengthen our community. Originally posted 10/30/2026 #LocalExchange #ShawneeTownship #NorthwestOhio #CommunityLeadership #benice

In Episode 6, we sit down with Aaron Cunningham, a graduate of Shawnee High School who fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a firefighter. After a lifetime of public service, Aaron is now focused on giving back to his community as a candidate for the Elida School Board. He talks about his family, his commitment to the community, and the issues currently facing the Elida School District. Aaron shares how growing up in Shawnee and raising a family in Elida has shaped his perspective on education, communication, and leadership. He also reflects on lessons learned through years in the fire department — lessons about teamwork, trust, and accountability that he believes are essential for the board to move forward. This conversation offers a thoughtful look at how service, both personal and professional, can help strengthen our schools and our community. Originally posted 10/28/2025Local Exchange — where Northwest Ohio comes to talk. #LocalExchange #ElidaSchools #SchoolBoard #CommunityLeadership #NorthwestOhio

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Schott, a 26-year veteran of the Shawnee Township Fire Department and lifelong resident of Shawnee. Ryan recently retired in July 2025 and joins us to share insights from his decades of experience as a firefighter. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to serve the community, how the department operates day to day, and the challenges of staffing, overtime, and equipment readiness. Ryan also provides his perspective on the culture within the department and what he believes is currently happening at the Shawnee Fire Department following recent events. We discuss the role of leadership, the importance of communication, and the path forward for maintaining a strong and trusted fire service in Shawnee Township. Note: Ryan Schott is no longer employed by the Shawnee Township Fire Department. The views shared in this episode are based on his past experience and are his own. Originally Posted 10/24/2025Local Exchange — where Northwest Ohio comes to talk. #LocalExchange #ShawneeTownship #FireDepartment #PublicSafety #CommunityConversation #NorthwestOhio

In this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Mindy Molaski, candidate for Shawnee Township Trustee. Mindy talks about what makes this community special, from friends and family to the Friday night lights that bring everyone together. She shares lessons from her experience working for Shawnee Schools and volunteering for local levy campaigns and explains how those experiences have shaped her commitment to teamwork, transparency and community involvement. Local Exchange – Where Northwest Ohio Comes to Talk Subscribe for more local conversations and upcoming interviews with community leaders and candidates shaping our area. #LocalExchange #MindyMolaski #ShawneeTownship #CommunityConversations #NorthwestOhio #Election2025

In this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Paul Neff, a lifetime resident of Shawnee Township whose family has called this community home for generations. Paul recently announced his retirement and is now focusing his time and energy on serving the community that’s shaped his life. We talk about his background as a third-generation farmer, the work ethic and lessons that come from a life in agriculture, and how those experiences influence his approach to leadership. Paul has attended numerous trustee meetings across townships and brings a thoughtful perspective on what makes local government effective. He shares his vision for keeping Shawnee a great place to live and his support for all township departments — including fire, police, cemetery, and the road crew — that keep the community running each day. Listen on Spotify: Local Exchange – Where Northwest Ohio Comes to Talk Subscribe for more local conversations and upcoming interviews with other Shawnee Township candidates.Originally Posted - 10/22/2025

In this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Chad Meyers candidate for Shawnee Township Trustee, to talk about his background, his work as a local business owner, and his vision for the future of Shawnee Township. Chad shares his thoughts on leadership, transparency, and communication, as well as his perspective on community engagement and supporting first responders. We also talk about his experience with Sacred Ground MX, his approach to teamwork, and how he hopes to bring a collaborative mindset to local government. This is part of our ongoing series of conversations with candidates and community members shaping Northwest Ohio. Local Exchange – Where Northwest Ohio Comes to Talk Subscribe for more local conversations and upcoming interviews with other Shawnee Township candidates.

In this first full episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Kenny Gross, candidate for Shawnee Township Trustee, to talk about his background, why he decided to run, and his vision for the future of Shawnee Township. Kenny shares his thoughts on accountability, transparency, community engagement, economic growth, and public safety, which are the core priorities of his campaign. We also discuss the importance of local leadership and how decisions made at the township level impact all of us here in Northwest Ohio. We hit a small bump with our camera overheating toward the end, but the full audio sounds great and the conversation is well worth a listen. If you care about the issues shaping Shawnee Township and want to hear directly from the people running to represent you, this is a great place to start. Local Exchange – Where Northwest Ohio Comes to Talk Subscribe for more local conversations and upcoming interviews with other Shawnee Township candidates.Originally posted 10/19/2025

Meet 5-Year-Old Liam DeLong – Quarter-Finalist in the 2026 National Jr. Ranger Champion Competition!Join us for a fun, heartwarming conversation with Liam DeLong and his parents, Alison and Rob, as they share what it’s like to compete in the exciting 2026 Jr. Ranger contest presented by Ranger Rick and the National Wildlife Federation.At just 5 years old, Liam is a passionate little explorer from Lima, Ohio, who loves hiking, collecting rocks, spotting animals, and dreaming of visiting every National Park. He’s currently 2nd place in the Quarter-Finals and every daily vote helps him advance toward the chance to win $20,000, appear in Ranger Rick magazine, and go on an unforgettable wildlife adventure with Jeff Corwin!In this episode, Alison and Rob open up about:What goes into competing, from submitting photos and profiles to rallying friends and family for daily votesThe family’s favorite outdoor adventuresHow the contest is inspiring Liam’s love for nature, dinosaurs, and other animalsWhether you’re a nature-loving parent, a Ranger Rick fan, or just enjoy hearing from adorable kids with big dreams, this episode is full of smiles, inspiration, and practical ways to raise the next generation of wildlife stewards.🎉 Vote daily for Liam (it’s free!) and help this little explorer go all the way: 🔗 https://jr-ranger.org/2026/liam-11d4Voting for Semi-Finalists ends Thursday, May 21 at 7PM PDT. Every vote counts and supports the National Wildlife Federation’s mission to protect wildlife and wild places.Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes with more young adventurers and their families! #JrRanger #RangerRick #NatureKids #OutdoorFamily #LimaOhio

In this episode, I sit down with Shawnee Township Fire Chief Austin Miller to talk about the upcoming fire levy renewal on the May 5 ballot. We keep it straightforward: what the levy actually pays for, how much it costs the average homeowner, and why the department needs it. Chief Miller also shares what it’s been like stepping in as a first-time chief, handling big calls on I-75 and local fires, the new HAAS Alert system, firefighter mental health, and what’s coming next for the department. Let me know what you think in the comments. #ShawneeTownship #FireLevy #LimaOhio

In this episode we sit down with Andrew Benchic — local attorney at Huffman Kelley & Brock, parent, coach, and husband of a Bath teacher. Andrew is a strong advocate for the upcoming Bath School Levy and a member of the Community Action Team (CAT) that helped shape the project. He explains in depth why he supports the 5.95-mill bond for a new high school, the real costs and benefits for residents, and how it addresses aging facilities while planning for the future. We also talk about the type of law he practices, his career path, movies, the growth and activity in Downtown Lima, and more. This episode pairs perfectly with our earlier conversation with Bath School Board member Stephanie Ernest (Episode 17). Go back and check that one out here: https://youtu.be/Hso3HuBMqus?si=cwP0v1m2zicyaiVb Whether you're voting on May 5 or just want to hear a thoughtful local perspective on education and community, this one’s for you. ✅ Drop your thoughts in the comments! ✅ Learn more about the levy at BathBuildingProject.com If you enjoyed the show, please follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode: 🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7JQMSOYzwbuJg4nMYAgqyl?si=OhegeB8sQZm0Z72SSC33SQ 📺 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@TheLocalExchange #BathSchools #BathLevy #AndrewBenchic #LocalAttorney #LimaOhio #May5Election #CommunityMatters

In this episode, I talk with Cory Parent, a Shawnee Township resident, Shawnee High School alumnus, cloud engineer, and former U.S. Army intelligence trainee. We discuss his investigative series on Project BOSC, the massive data center planned for Allen County near Lima, Ohio. Cory explains the conflicting stories around the project, issues of transparency, infrastructure without reciprocity, and how big developments are bypassing local township governance. We also cover the proposed 25 MW ballot initiative and what better development could look like for rural Ohio. Read Cory’s full series here: https://substack.com/@coryparent