livefromtable1's podcast: Recent Episodes
Peter Witte, Local Businessman and Political Nut
Political leaning, but not always, local interview podcast. Featuring guests who are making an impact on our region in someway. “I got somebody I want you to meet.”
Tom Brinkman is the author of Issue 3, the reform initiative for City Hall. Here he is discussing Issue 3 and why he thinks he can help City Hall as a council member.
Long time community activist and all around great guy Jeff Cramerding. Now running for Cincinnati City Council.
Demetrius Hill is all around this city. He has worked in City Hall. He is in touch with a broad spectrum of people. Hear him speak about some ideas to address the spike in gun violence. And his ideas for addressing the issue of so many young people/minors involved in these shootings.
Matt Kyle is the Cincinnati Executive Director of Idea Public Schools. He sits down on Live From Table 1 to discuss Idea Public Schools expansion into Ohio.
https://ideapublicschools.org/regions/cincinnati/
We restart our podcast with a good buddy who I knew would make me comfortable as we get going again. But anyway, we have the prognostications of Gary Jeff Walker.
Greg Hartmann has been around local political scene for a while. A former Hamilton County Commissioner. Close friend and advisor to Alex Triantifilou, chair of Hamilton County GOP and Joe Deter, Hamilton County Prosecutor. Hear his take on what's going in world of politics and learn a little about this nice guy.
Arnie Barnett is not necessarily a famous guy, but once you get to know him you understand how many famous people know him. Hear this guy's take on things and see if you can figure out why all those famous people know him!
Janice Hisle joins me at table 1 to discuss her books, including Submerged Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system. She is busy writing more and has some other insightful thoughts on writing, and fake news.
Jonathan Dever talks his family background, his years in Columbus as State Rep and his disdain for Issue 7.
Alicia Reece was first elected in 1999. She has stayed busy every year since. Hear her background and how she is battling in a tough Democrat Primary for Hamilton County Commission.
Nikki Foster is running for 1st Congressional District in Ohio. She is a military veteran and has corporate work experience and she is bringing a perspective as an elected official from Warren County. Find out her qualifications and why she wants Dem votes for the March 17 primary.
Issue 7 is the biggest thing on the March 17 ballot. Well except for those other pesky races. But seriously this issue will completely change the public transportation system in Hamilton County if passed. Listen to Pete Metz, one of the campaign leaders, explain what Issue 7 will accomplish if passed and what does it cost.
Damon Lynch III is well known for a lot of things. Now get to know him as an investor in the medical marijuana business located inside the City of Cincinnati. As the pastor of the New Prospect Baptist Church he leads a large congregation playing a major role in hist community. Hear that and more as we sit down at Price Hill Chili.
Bruce Hoffbauer is currently a Lieutenant with Cincinnati Police Department. He wants to be your Sheriff. Hear his lineage in public safety and why he thinks he can run the Hamilton County Sheriff Department better.
Cindy Abrams represents the westside of Hamilton County as state rep. And I can attest that this transplant has bought into the westside hook, line and sinker. Listen as she talks her path to being a State Rep for the 29th Ohio House District. And hear how she has jumped right into her seat and started making waves.
Gabe Davis is running for Hamilton County Prosecutor. He has a tough primary and after that an even tougher general election. Hear his background. He is a hometown guy with great academic background and prosecutor experience. But does he have the political moxy to pull it off. Nice guy I was pleased to meet.
Dale Mallory loves the West End like I love Price Hill. And I love him for it! Hear him talk how the West End has changed during his life there. Politics, Housing, and the Soccer Stadium. He talks about all of it. He also talks about his urban agriculture initiative that I think is a great idea.
Leslie Mattie Rich is the Executive Director of Westwood Works, an organization she help found. How did she and others take this upstart community group from a single project to a major player in the direction of Westwood? Listen here as she talks about the growth of Westwood Works and how she and her husband are putting their money where their mouth is and opening their own small business in the heart of the neighborhood. Did anyone say Galaga?
Dave Linnenberg is an interesting guy. No one expects a big wig at the Cincinnati Art Museum to be from the westside. Well guess what? He is! Listen to Dave talk about The Cincinnati Art Museum as well as his side gig, Green Township Trustee.
Chip Hart is with out a doubt living his best life. Great family, cool business (Hart Productions) and a long running radio show call the The Big Outdoors. This guy lives the life and it shows.
Brigid Kelly is the kind of lawmaker we should all want. As an Ohio State Representative she is level headed, able to keep the discussion civil and understands the nuance of passing bills while in the minority party in the Ohio Statehouse.
Heather Couch has been working in public schools as her profession. She understands the dynamics of what goes on and she hopes to make a difference on Cincinnati Public School Board.
Ben Lindy is running for Cincinnati Public School Board. If you haven't heard then you must not be following the local teacher's union, because they sure don't like him. He seems pretty reasonable to me. Hear him discuss his background and schools.
Sit down with me to meet newest State Senator Bill Blessing. His family has history in politics, but he is carving his own path. Hear him talk about what is going on in Columbus.
Raise your hand if you have lived in Zambia. I see one hand, Kate Schroder. Listen to Kate talk about her background in public health and her calling to public service. She has a story that includes her own battle with cancer. She has a story to tell. And did I mention she is a candidate for the 1st Congressional District in Ohio.
Running for Cincinnati School Board as an outsider is tough. And being a non endorsed candidate running for school board is really tough. Steve Megerle thinks he has what it takes. Meet this first time school board candidate and learn his background and a few reasons he is interested to be on school board.
Ozie Davis is a a legend in Avondale. He is also well known all over town. Why? Because this guy is passionate about a variety of subjects. Listen to this episode and find out all subjects he loves. Incumbent Cincinnati Public School Board member and now a write-in candidate to preserve his seat.
Cam Hardy is genuinely passionate about the bus system in Cincinnati and Hamilton County. So much so he might be the father of the new bus system if SORTA is able to pass a new sales tax to pay for the upgrades. Hear what drives his passion and what makes him tick. One of the founders of The Better Bus Coalition he is thriving as community leader.
Mike Davis is Mr. Entertainment! This unique Delhi Township Trustee has been entertaining for decades, has whole repertoire and turns around and holds public office and a great job at Bayley in Delhi. He drips Delhi township and is a true citizen minded elected official. Listen as he talks leading a large township, serving the senior community and playing Elvis on the side.
Matthew Wahlert is the most down to earth uber smart guy I know. A professor, teacher, highly educated guy and all around good man. Listen to Matt talk about his education and how it is working as an educator at Elder High School and at Miami University. Political activist turned candidate turned councilman turned candidate again. Hear his strive to lose weight and make Hamilton County more conservative thinking.
347-1111. A number that will stick in my head for the rest of my life. LaRosa's Pizzeria has remained a dominant player in an every growing industry. Mike LaRosa, CEO of the family business talk about many of the reasons why LaRosa's stays in forefront of the local pizza battle. Hear him talk growing up as a LaRosa with his local icon father Buddy and how he and his brother Mark have continued to expand their family business all the while remaining down to earth and true to their roots.
Dusty Rhodes is the longest serving elected official in Hamilton County. The longtime Democrat is maybe more popular with Republicans than Democrats! He has carved his own political path for decades. But I think what is more fascinating is his long radio career that put him on the local map. Hear him discuss radio, local politics and where did Dusty come from as we sit down at table 1.
Laura Brunner has a BIG job. As President and CEO, Laura Brunner is tasked with creating jobs in the region and economic development in neighborhoods. Not an easy job. But she is part of the growing number of females playing major roles in making our region grow and thrive. She is committed to diversify economic opportunities and creating more minority investment in ownership of projects. Hear her background and what The Port is doing to fulfill it's mission.
Charlie Luken has been a name in our area for decades. Cincinnati Councilmember, Cincinnati Mayor multiple times, news anchor, congressman. Let's find out about what this guy thinks of his career as he looks back. Listen to a name association back and forth we do.
Kristen Schlotman is the Executive Director of Film Cincinnati. And after this interview if you aren't a fan of Kristen and Film Cincinnati then you have no spirit. What Kristen and Film Cincinnati have done on behalf of our region to create jobs, grow an industry and make our beautiful city the backdrop of major motion pictures is amazing. Listen to her talk passionately about this business she loves, and our region benefits. I think you will be a believer.
Mark Policinski is the CEO of the Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of Governments. Often referred to as OKI. A lot people don't know what OKI does. Listen to this episode and you will learn how often your life interacts with OKI's work. In Greater Cincinnati if you drive on highways, ride the bus, see loaded barges float down river, cross a bridge, drive under a freight train passing overhead on an overpass. Guess what? OKI probably has touched that activity you experienced in some way.
Listen as this South Bender from Indiana ended up running a pretty important entity locally for 15 years now.
Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil is the most soft spoken elected official I know. Simple, easygoing which belies his role as a top law enforcer in our region. He his head jailer, but even more impressive is his commitment to be a great father to two young boys he and his wife are adopting. Listen to him talk jail space, addiction treatment, and being the simple guy in a big role here in Hamilton County.
Gary Jeff Walker is one of the hardest working people in local radio. I mean seriously, the guy is on the radio all week long, any time of day! Hear this local radio legend talk about his career, talk radio, Newport, local politics, national politics. We sit down in the bar he works at, Huddles Cafe in Newport. 700 WLW talk show host extraordinaire!
My conservative friends think he is too liberal. My pro public transportation friends think he is a amazing. In the end, I think he is just a fair professional covering Cincinnati City Hall and the local political scene. Chris Wetterich writes for the Cincinnati Business Courier. Hear his take on Cincinnati politics and otherwise.
Greg Johnson is the CEO of the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority. Hear his story of how he grew up a resident of public housing only to end up running public housing as a professional administrator. Where is affordable/subsidized housing going next and how does a local housing authority adapt to an ever changing climate in Washington DC?
Jim Kiefer is self proclaimed King of the Westside. I'll let he and John Eby battle over that title! Many refer to him as Wesside Jim. Daily caller to local talk radio. He has become a darling of conservative radio and Hamilton County Republicans. He sits down at Table 1 to talk life, politics, Roger Bacon, and his growing up Wesside Jim.
Patrick Duhaney is one cool cucumber. But I just think he is a cool guy. The current Cincinnati City Manager has defused bombs in his previous military service. Now he defuses bombs inside Cincinnati City Hall. Well to be honest, let's just say some bombs in City Hall are "indefuseable"! Anyway, he has cool story. A twinge of a Jamaican accent. Hear where that comes from!
Plain and Simple. Cincinnati City Councilmember Greg Landsman has decided to speak his mind, and not be Mr. Polite! Listen as Greg talks City Hall, Texts, FC, West End, Streetcar and more. Glad to have him with me at Table 1
What can I say? This tough guy comes down to Cincinnati from Cleveland. Serves as a police officer for 25+ years. Buys early in OTR, and runs for city council. Transportation. Population growth. Investing in East Price Hill (heavily) and fun to hang out with over cocktails. He has many detractors. I know because I will hear from them with this episode! But he has supporters too. Hear him here as we sit down at Table 1 @ Price Hill Chili.
Xavier University has a talented government affairs person in Sean Comer. But more importantly they have a smart young guy teaching political basics and civility to future leaders. I appreciate the talented graduates I have met working throughout government and politics. Listen to his perspective on the 2018 elections, and hear his background.
Jeff Pastor may be the most Republican guy I know after listening to his story of supporting Republican Politics for so long through the push back of so many around him. Listen as he talks Republican politics, City of Cincinnati Politics and converting to Judaism.
Honestly City Hall should maybe fear Brian Shrive from the Finney Law Firm more than local media. This guy is a hound dog on open government. He promotes a government that isn't doing backroom deals or dealing in secret. He has become a local icon of staunch Republicans as he isn't afraid to take on anyone. His current claim to fame is the relentless pursuit of Aftab Pureval campaign finance complaints, and City of Cincinnati City Council text scandal.
Check this out. Judge Charles "Chip" Miller survived a plane crash. It involved opposing counsel as the pilot. Listen to that story. And hear more about this interesting guy who is fighting to keep his job as Hamilton County Appeals Court Judge.
Frank LaRose loves Cincinnati Chili. He joined us at one of his favorite Cincinnati chili parlors... Price Hill Chili. Born in Akron. He had a calling to serve his country as both a veteran of the Army and now as an elected official since 2011. This young man is smart, disciplined and a good conversation. Listen here as he discusses many subjects including his run for Secretary of State of Ohio.
Does Jason Williams get your blood boiling some times? Do you think he is too liberal or too conservative? Do you think he should keep his mouth shut? As Cincinnati Enquirer Columnist he touches nerves and lays it out there. Well guess what? He is all that and a bag of chips. Listen in to his unfiltered comments on the local scene, but more importantly hear him talk about him a little.
Being a judge is no different than other jobs when it comes to raising a family. Balancing work and home like the average family has to. But Hamilton County Common Please Court Judge Lisa Allen loves it. As she runs to retain her seat, she lets us know a little bit about herself.
Pavan Parikh is Cincinnati through and through. Born and raised here, he loves his community. A candidate for Common Pleas Court Judge in Hamilton County. Listen to Pavan talk about why growing up as a minority of Asian decent when there weren't a big population in Greater Cincinnati. He is a great interview.
Pierre Bergeron is a big Reds fan. Born down south but close enough to hear them on radio. He also knows arguing appeals. In fact it's his specialty. And that leads us to his desire to be on the Hamilton County Court of Appeals. Hear what makes a born and raised Tennessee guy a true buckeye now.
Common Pleas Court Judge Curt Hartman is a Navy man. And not just a Navy man but a submarine Navy guy. Hear what it is like to live underwater, and how does he end up a lawyer then a judge. He knows the law, and some other things as well!
Jill Schiller is holding her own against incumbent Brad Wenstrup in the race for Ohio 2nd Congressional District. Listen to Jill talk about her background and why female representation needs a boost in the USA. Born in Philly she feels right at home here in Ohio.
Pamela Miller is passionate about her work. She pours her heart and soul into it. She is working as a social worker and civil rights advocate. Very passionate about immigration and the current national debate. Listen to her and her work. Happy to have her join me at Table 1.
If you don't know Bob Dehner then you aren't a city politics insider! This guy has institutional memory, long standing supporter of the Charter Committee of Greater Cincinnati and behind the scenes power player. Quietly he has done his thing with little attention. Well we are blowing doors of his secret lair. Listen in to his vast insight and see some of the Charter Committee mindset. His opinions are his own.
Mortar is trying to spread the bug. The entrepreneurial bug in the minority community. In fact, this is their mission statement....
“Our mission is to enable under-served entrepreneurs and businesses to succeed; creating opportunities to build communities through entrepreneurship”
Hear these cools guys talk about what they have been up to and where can Cincinnati go from here in creating new opportunities for a segment of the population with barriers. Derrick Braziel and William Thomas II join me at Table 1.
http://wearemortar.com/#mission
Westside Brewing has quickly made a mark on Westwood and the Westside in general. It has become a popular neighborhood hot spot attracting guests from far and wide. Hear one of the founders, Joe Mumper, talk about how this all started and where can they go from here. A micro brewery competing now in all facets of the game, taproom, wholesale barrels and retail. Interesting to hear about the origins and the process and the ever changing beer market in U.S.
Steve Driehaus has lived an interesting adulthood. Peace Corps stint in Africa raising a family. Government policy adviser. Founder of Good Government Group. And oh yeah US Congressman. He is passionate about immigration and its impact on our local economy. Agree or disagree on immigration doesn't change the fact that it is omnipresent and real locally. Hear his take on all of the above.
She's small but she has a big voice. Denise Driehaus stood up to the male dominated Ohio Statehouse scene. Hear how she did it plus what is this Hamilton County Commissioner up to nowadays. Long time community volunteer, small business owner and elected official Denise Driehaus is a fun conversation.
Willie Cunningham from 700 WLW is a loud mouth. And he brags about it. LOL Loud, proud and sassy conservative talk show host who has been a pioneer in his industry. Love him or hate him people listen. They listen a lot. Hear him here as I get a little deeper into this ultra-personal guy. Why is he an attorney? Hear that answer and more. Bill Cunningham.
p.s. by the end of the interview, he isn't as big a loud mouth. I get him to calm down a little!
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Pat DeWine reads a lot. I mean he really reads a lot. Goes with the job apparently. Yeah he went to University of Michigan Law School, but this guy is all Buckeye. Listen to his political path to the Supreme Court. Cincinnati City Council member, Hamilton County Commissioner, Court of Appeals Judge, Ohio Supreme Court Justice. Follow that path here.
Who doesn't like a good story? Shawn Braley and Chris Ashwell tell good stories. Real stories. Our community stories. Cincy Stories is a cool operation stoking out the stories of the people and places that make our neighborhoods our neighborhoods. Listen to how they got started and a glimpse where they might go with this cool not for profit.
https://www.cincystories.net/
FC Cincinnati is the biggest thing since sliced bread. What's it like to be a part of this growing club? Well let's ask a player....Matt Bahner. Hometown guy goes beyond Cincinnati to start his professional soccer career and low and behold professional soccer was sprouting in his backyard. Hear his experiences through youth soccer to the modern marvel of FC Cincinnati. He has a great attitude, smart guy with engineering degree, and obviously a gifted athlete.
Winning in a first run for office is not an easy feat. Tamaya Dennard did it. 34k doors knocked. Check. $125k raised as an African American candidate. Check. Willing to meet people from all sides of issues in all parts of the city. Check. Hear what poverty in our city drives her to do. Cincinnati City Council member Tamaya Dennard. Check.
Walnut Hills is a neighborhood headed in the right direction. Well part of that right direction came from this guy Wright. Kevin Wright is co-founder of Yard and Company which is an urban growth company. But he sunk his teeth into Walnut Hills to figure out what was the best path for growth and renewal. Hear some of his points on what the playbook is for urban neighborhood growth.
David Pepper loves sports. In fact he breaks it down by the numbers. Just like he does politics. But how does a guy with such a numbers brain stir up writing fiction in the same brain? Hear him talk politics, writing and being a sports fan in Cincinnati.
David's two books
The People's House
The Wingman
If you ask me what Christopher Smitherman values most, I would answer...family. He is both the product of a strong family and seems to have carried that on to his own immediate family. Hard working husband, father, council member, small business owner, and City of Cincinnati supporter. Listen to his thoughts on all of the above.
"AFTAB" in the voice of the Aflac duck. Remember that infamous political ad? Aftab Pureval pulled off one of the biggest upset wins in Hamilton County history when he defeated incumbent Clerk of Courts Tracy Winkler. Now he looks to pull an even bigger upset over Congressman Steve Chabot. How will a short stay in the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts office and his other life experiences give him a chance?
If they took a vote in the Ohio Statehouse for the funniest, most opinionated, smartest, or life of the party. Let's just say Ohio State Rep Bill Seitz might just win any one of those categories! Listen here as Bill Seitz gives us the thoughts of a long time state elected official who finds himself always in a leadership role
Laura Mitchell has the responsibility for 35,000 kids everyday during a school year. 35,000! Hear how she handles being the Superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools. The daily job, the bigger vision, the evolving role of CPS in the daily lives of kids.
More times than not, Brad Wenstrup drives to his job. Yes I know you are thinking to yourself....what? Yes he is a United States Congressman from the 2nd District of Ohio. And yes he drives to and from work most often. Listen and hear how.
I met him initially in his unsuccessful run for mayor of Cincinnati, but I think he ended up in a good place.
Steve Leeper has the greatest job in the world. His words not mine, but I would love his job as well! The President and CEO of the 3CDC (Cincinnati City Center Development Corporation) has changed the game in the Cincinnati core. Hear how he landed in Cincinnati and why he isn't leaving anytime soon. A great interview. And hear his first experience of the Westside of Cincinnati. Hint: Men in dresses and it's not a drag queen pageant.
https://www.3cdc.org/about-3cdc/
Proud Xavier University Grad comes home to run one of the largest Healthcare Systems in Ohio. Mark Clement has traveled in his career, but has landed back in his hometown to run TriHealth as President and CEO. This guy is in charge of the very hospital he was born in-Good Samaritan. Hear his take on what it's like managing a full comprehensive network of medical care in an ever changing environment. He talks access, reach, diversity and TriHealth's major investment into Xavier University.
It's no joke, the first person I see when I wake up on a weekday is Katherine Nero from WCPO Channel 9 Good Morning Tri-State. She is a local news icon as her talent and longevity have made her a household name. Hear how she came to be the local mainstay she is. Breast cancer survivor and volunteer on community causes. She is a great local personality and a fun interview.
Who doesn't read Paul Daugherty's article in the Cincinnati Enquirer? Heck I think he is the most read writer in the local paper. His Morning Line Blog is a daily ritual for many. He is more than sports, but you should know that by now.
https://www.cincinnati.com/blog/themorningline/
What's Chris Seelbach up to these days? Besides having strong opinions about City Hall, find about his groundbreaking work with Living With Change Foundation as it's Executive Director. Chris talks about city government. Listen to him call it like he sees it.
His work with transgender youth and the Living With Change Foundation. The foundation founded by Chris and Jessica Cicchinelli. http://livingwithchange.org/
PG Sittenfeld has been top voter every election he has run for Cincinnati City Council. Judge for yourself, how does he do it? Community Learning Centers in schools. What are the issues in Cincinnati that drive him? How was it running for US Senator? Listen and learn.