In this episode we chat with Joe Lombardi, who is the executive director of the SWACO, which manages Franklin County's landfill. I was really curious about what the future of the landfill looked like after reading an article saying it would be full in roughly 40 years. In this episode we talk about that, what goes in to managing a landfill, and much more.
Alissa Henry works as on air talent at ABC 6 (WSYX) here in Columbus, most recently she's moved to the traffic anchor role on Good Day Columbus in the morning. A CBus native, she's also able to do feature reporting on the communities she grew up in. She is also Columbus and the host of Ohio’s long-running lottery game show, Cash Explosion. In this episode we talk about about a lot of things, from her journey to TV to her thoughts on the future of Columbus.
Welcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.
Kathleen Day is the owner and founder of Katalina's, multiple cafes here in Columbus that have been featured in plenty of local media, and on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. In this episode Kathleen shares how she ended up in Columbus, and why she chose to make it her home, she also talks about how restaurants are facing a tough time right now, and much more. P.S. The pancake balls slap.
Welcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.
This episode highlights Columbus’ role in building the atomic bomb, and our focus of the story is Lyman Kilgore, a man from modest means who built one of Columbus’ largest black owned businesses. We look at the impact of his company’s work in building the atomic weapon, and the lingering effects that had.
Show notes:
https://digital-collections.columbuslibrary.org/digital/collection/african/id/6534/rec/1
https://www.energy.gov/lm/columbus-east-ohio-site
https://lmpublicsearch.lm.doe.gov/LMSites/7238-OH.26-5.pdf
https://www.ohioexploration.com/structures/btmetals/
https://www.stephensstephens.com/eeoicpa-claims/eeoicpa-facility-list/bt-metals/
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dispatch/name/cecil-campbell-obituary?id=26366960
Brett Langolf is the founder of contentEXP Group (CXG), and is the creative mind behind a new docu-series that’s in the works. The project “Lines of Hope” was awarded a financial grant from the Greater Columbus Arts Council. The series focuses on a group that helps veterans here in central Ohio get outdoors and the veterans they help, through things like fly fishing downtown on the Scioto. And while the documentary features central Ohio-based individuals, the goal is to make the film appeals nationwide.
Welcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.
Communities In Schools (CIS) of Ohio is a nonprofit here in Columbus that works directly inside schools to connect students with the resources and support they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. They focus on addressing barriers like food insecurity, mental health, and academic
challenges.Welcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.
Tiara Ross is one of the candidates running for Columbus City Council. She and Jesse Vogel will be the two names that will appear on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot for Columbus City Council District 7. In this episode she talks about her upbringing, shares why she is running for city council, and her hopes for the future of Columbus.
Welcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.
Jesse Vogel is one of the candidates running for Columbus City Council. He and Tiara Ross will be the two names that will appear on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot for Columbus City Council District 7. In this episode he talks about his upbringing, shares why he is running for city council, and his hopes for the future of Columbus.
Welcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.
Richard "Slimetimerich" Wright is a multitalented actor, director, and creator based here in Columbus. In this episode we talk about his upbringing in Columbus, why he came back to create in the city, how to get involved in the Columbus theatre & arts scene. In this episode he shares how he feels this city, like him, is hitting a new phase. He's one of Columbus’ main upcoming theatre actors, having performed in five productions so far in 2025, including two lead roles. He also recently released his fully Columbus-made EP Anywhere and Everywhere but Still Nowhere at All.
Welcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.
Chris Volpe is one of the lesser-known candidates on the running for senate in this upcoming election, where the frontrunners are Sherrod Brown on the Democrat side and John Husted on the Republican side. He’s the founder & president of Multivarious, a Founder & Executive Director of GDEX, an event focusing on video gaming in the midwest. He’s passionate about the gaming industry in the state. During this episode we talk about Ohio’s future, AI, how campaigning as a lesser-known candidate has been, his hopes for a primary debate, and much more.
Welcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.
Mounir Lynch is a public health educator, community advocate, and candidate for the Columbus City Schools Board of Education. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Mounir is a graduate of Columbus Alternative High School. In this episode he shares what he would do if he were elected to the board, issues facing the district now, and many other topics around education in Ohio and in Columbus. He also shares his thoughts on the future of the city, and his favorite places to eat. Welcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.
Joe Hartnett is the owner of JT's Pizza & Pub here in Columbus. Since opening their original location 18 years ago, Joe has seen Columbus grow and change. He opened a new place in Grandview just a few years ago, and have plans to open another soon in Jerome Village. In this episode we talk about what "Columbus-style" pizza is, his thoughts on a recent review from Dave Portnoy's "One Bite" series, Ohio State, the story of how JT's Pizza & Pub came to be, and much more.
Welcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.
BJ Lieberman is the chef and restaurateur who owns Metsi’s and Ginger Rabbit. He also owned Chapman’s Eat Market, which it has since closed - we talk about that in this episode too. BJ helped put Columbus on the culinary map when it made the New York Time’s restaurant list in 2021. In this episode BJ shares his story on how he became a chef and why, his thoughts on the culinary scene in Columbus and the growth of the city, and his favorite places to eat, drink, and hang out in the Columbus.
0:00 Intro
0:49 How BJ came to Columbus
2:09 BJ’s restaurants
3:30 Early years and BJ’s why
10:08 How BJ spots talent in the kitchen
13:33 BJ Lieberman: beer brewer?
15:19 Culinary school
18:16 Opening a restaurant
23:21 Chapman’s Eat Market
29:33 How Columbus received BJ & Chapmans
31:37 Ginger Rabbit
38:20 Metsi’s
43:06 Closing Chapman’s Eat Market
48:45 State of restaurants in Columbus, Ohio, and the nation
53:29 Columbus’ growth & future
59:30 Favorite places to eat, drink, and hangout
1:05:31 Closing thoughts
Welcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.
Munira Yasin Abdullahi is the representative for Ohio House District 9, which encompasses some of the more northern parts of Columbus. She’s the first Muslim woman to serve in the state house and one of the first two Somali American representatives in the state. In this episode we talk Ohio politics, her journey into public office, and much more.
0:00: Intro
0:35 Who is Munira Abdullahi?
4:10 Impact of Munira’s family on her life
6:18 Early years in Columbus, seeing inequities
10:31 After college
12:18 Deciding to run for office
17:02 Since taking office
19:27 Special interest in Ohio politics
22:08 Munira’s biggest issues she’s focusing on
25:49 Ohio House District 9
28:27 Concerns for Ohio’s future
31:48 Advice for those feeling disenfranchised
33:23 Excitement and concerns for the future of Columbus
39:29 Favorite places to eat, drink, hangout in Columbus
40:53 Closing thoughts
Welcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.
Chris Carter is one of the three founders of Honest Friend Brewing Company, a new brewery coming to Columbus. Chris is the former head brewer from Seventh Son Brewing Company. He’s spent over a decade making beer. This new brewery, located in Steelton Village on Columbus’ south end, is set to open this October (2025) after nearly five years of planning. In this episode we talk about his Chris’ journey, how one goes about creating a brewery, his favorite beers, what you can expect at Honest Friend Brewing Company, and much more.
0:00 Chris' intro
1:25 Who is Chris Carter?
4:07 The idea for Honest Friend Brewing Company
9:04 Developing Honest Friend for the last four years
11:35 Picking the location
14:23 History behind the name
17:00 the “vibe” they’re trying to create
20:21: Process from idea to creation
27:16: Chris’ music career
28:28 Chris’ favorite beer he’s brewed at Seventh Son
31:00 Beers to expect at Honest Friend Brewing Company
34:21 Official opening date for Honest Friend Brewing Company
35:19 Excitement and concerns for Columbus’ future
38:00 Favorite places to eat, drink, hangout in Columbus
40:10 Closing thoughts, how to find Honest Friend Brewing Company
Welcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.
Christian Rattin is the CEO of Five Star Home Services. Christian has experienced homelessness and drug addiction and since finding recovery, has become a huge advocate for second chance employment and non-profit work. In this episode we talk about his story, private equity in the home services space, Columbus' future, his faith, and more.
0:00 Christain's Intro
0:40 Who is Christian Rattain?
4:28 Finding recovery
9:35 Life after leaving treatment
11:22 Getting to Columbus
16:17 “Teaching” yourself to run a company
19:24 Second chance employment and profit on purpose
27:10 Private equity in the home services space
27:47 Growing a business in Columbus
29:40 Finding faith
31:48 Excitement and concerns about the future of Columbus
35:46 Favorite places to eat, drink, hangout in Columbus
36:40 Closing thoughts
Welcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.
Joey Aich (Joseph Holbert) is a Columbus-based hip-hop artist and rapper who's got a new album coming out this fall, which you can find on all streaming platforms. He's also got some great music already out. He's a big advocate for community. In this episode we talk about everything from his musical journey, venues he enjoys playing, other Columbus artists, favorite places to eat and drink in CBus, and much more
0:00 Joey's Intro
1:20 How Joey ended up in Columbus
2:30 Early years
4:47 importance of writing
6:03 Joey’s family’s influence
8:06 Time at Denison University
8:50 Moving to Columbus, establishing roots
13:19 Music career since moving to Columbus
14:51 Going “all in” on upcoming album
16:02 Favorite venues
16:50 Inspiration
20:08 Introducing The Headband
23:11 Biggest challenges
25:09 Message to new upcoming Columbus artists
29:06 Does Columbus have a hiphop scene?
31:31 Local artists that inspire Joey Aich
37:45 We Amplify Voices volunteer work
43:02 Excitement dance concern for the future of Columbus
45:36 Favorite places to eat, drink, hangout in Columbus
46:26 Closing thoughts
Welcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.
Zach Klein is Columbus' city attorney, an elected position here in the city. The city's website says the role "focuses on three fundamental principles: protecting public health and safety, strengthening our neighborhoods, and defending your civil rights." Before being elected as the city attorney in 2017, he was on Columbus City Council, and served as council president from 2016-2017. In this epsiode we talk about everything from Zach's upbringing, deciding to go into politics, issues facing the city now, his hope for the city's future, and even the time Larry Bird (yes, that Larry Bird) cursed him out.
0:00 Intro
0:56 How Zach Klein came to Columbus
3:02 Importance of his parents, family, wife
6:27 Life after graduation OSU
11:26 The decision to run for elected office
14:25 Reflections on time in Columbus City Council
18:33 Early political work, learning he was a democrat
20:25 An issue that’s underreported or deserves more attention in Columbus
23:26 Lawsuits against Trump
26:36 Nuisance properties
30:50 Why become city attorney after city council?
32:00 Any cases as city attorney that stick with you? And talking about common sense gun laws
34:02 Properties owned by out of start corporations
35:33 Growing responsibly in Columbus, ideas on how to grow
39:48 Concerns from the his POV as city attorney
42:05 Columbus data breach whistleblower gag order
42:35 Mayoral run?
43:52 Time as a basketball ref, the Larry Bird story
50:30 Excitement and concerns about the future of Columbus
52:08 Favorite places to eat, drink, and hangout
53:21 Closing thoughts
Welcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.
Jordan McLaughlin is the founder of Rookie Mage Games, a gaming company based in Columbus. Jordan is also leading the charge to see what can be done to limit how many homes private equity can buy here in Columbus
0:00 Jordan’s Intro
0:43 How Jordan ended up in Columbus, Founding Rookie Mage Games
5:07 How does a game go from idea to reality?
6:49 More about Rookie Mage Games
8:28 Why stay in Columbus?
10:40 Impact of tariffs
15:16 Why small game makers can’t manufacture in the U.S.
18:00 How Rookie Mage Games grew
20:20 Going full time
22:36 Evict Private Equity Columbus
31:13 Data about private equity and home ownership in Columbus
33:30 How to get involved
35:47 Excitement and concern for Columbus’ future
41:35 Best reuben in Columbus? And favorite places to frequent
44:19 Closing thoughts
Welcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.
Central Ohio Women Who Rock is a local group of women musicians who have come together to support each other and the Central Ohio/Columbus community. Leslie & Beth are two of the many folks who are part of this organization. They talk about Central Ohio's music scene, their stories, and their upcoming event to raise money for CHOICES, Franklin County’s only domestic violence emergency shelter.
Learn more about their upcoming event on Aug. 9 here:
https://www.rockforchoices2025.com/
Welcome to the Columbus Chronicle! This is a podcast dedicated to Columbus and central Ohio. Join host Connor Dunwoodie and meet the people, learn the places, and hear the stories from the people who make this city what it is.