Let's Be Clear: Recent Episodes
Let's Be Clear
It’s a new way to cover newsmakers. You want transparency, right? Let's be clear, then. The "Let's Be Clear" Podcast is all about transparency. WKYC-TV in Cleveland has a clear, mobile newsroom that we're taking across the state to talk to those making headlines in Ohio. Whether you agree with the guest, disagree, or are a fan of them, we know you have questions for them. So you’re going to be the one asking the questions. Write in what you want to know and our host Will Ujek will pose it to them… live. You can tweet questions with #3LetsBeClear or leave them on the WKYC Facebook page. This podcast includes behind-the-scenes details of our interview show, and the full, unedited conversation in case you missed the livestream.
We kicked off Season 2 with former Cleveland Cavaliers forward Channing Frye, who recently retired at the end of the NBA regular season. Frye talked about his favorite Cleveland spots, his plans for retirement and the state of the current Cavaliers.
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with ESPN anchor Hannah Storm, who was in town to emcee the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards. With ESPN since 2008, Storm is an anchor for the network’s flagship show, SportsCenter, and has hosted other events across the sports-media giant’s various platforms. In addition to her work at ESPN, Storm has worked for CNN (1989-1992) and NBC Sports (2002-2007). During her time with CNN, she became the first female host of CNN Sports Tonight. Also, Storm, the first woman in American television history to solo host a broadcast network’s sports series coverage during NBC’s Major League Baseball coverage, worked at CBS News as a host of “The Early Show,” where she covered the 2004 presidential election, the Iraqi War and Hurricane Katrina.
Earlier this year we spoke with Kaitlin Bennett, best known for her viral photos on Kent State University's campus, where she posed with her gun and graduation cap. Since then, she's become a controversial figure on social media. Since her viral graduation photo gained traction, Bennett has become the host of several videos in which she takes to the streets to interview strangers about polarizing viewpoints, like gun control and abortion. Bennett recently joined InfoWars, another polarizing and controversial outlet, headed by radio host Alex Jones.
Twin brothers Jeff and Tom Heinen are the owners of Heinen’s Fine Foods, a grocery store empire started by their grandfather in Shaker Heights 90 years ago. They have nearly 20 locations in Ohio and four more outside Chicago. Their customer base is large and loyal, something the twins cultivate with award-winning stores and their own Two Brothers line of specialty products. We talked to the brothers Tuesday outside their Chagrin Falls Plaza Drive location and discussed how they're keeping business going in the day and age of Amazon Prime. They also discussed the future of their stores, and whether shoppers can expect expansions into more markets.
We sat down with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine from inside the state house. Due to the frigid weather, we couldn't use the Let's Be Clear truck, but we still took viewer questions for the governor. DeWine discussed the latest update on the closure of the General Motors Lordstown plant, arming school teachers and his stance on recreational marijuana.
We sat down with Gina DeJesus, the Cleveland woman who escaped Ariel Castro's house of horrors in 2013 alongside Amanda Berry and Michelle Knight. DeJesus filled us in on her work helping families of missing people, recalled the day she escaped from Castro's home and told us how she likes to spend her time.
For this interview we took the clear truck down to Otterbein University, where we sat down with former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who discussed what he's been up to since leaving office, what he thinks is the nation's greatest obstacle and the future of the Lordstown General Motors plant. Kasich's remained busy since his term ended and Mike DeWine took over. Earlier this year, he joined CNN as a political commentator, though he's remained mum on whether he'll make a 2020 presidential run.