• Episode 111: Safeguarding Our Children and Our Elections
    Oct 8 2026

    In hour one, Michelle sits down with Pamela Miller, Senior Law and Policy Analyst at the Child Maltreatment Policy Resource Center, for an important conversation about protecting children from abuse and neglect. Pamela shares insights into the challenges facing vulnerable children and families, the role of public policy in preventing child maltreatment, and the work being done to support children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

    In hour two, Mark and Clayton examine growing concerns surrounding potential interference in the 2026 midterm elections. The duo explores what election interference could look like under President Trump, how Democrats and allied organizations are preparing for possible challenges, and what safeguards exist to protect the integrity of the electoral process. They also discuss the importance of maintaining public confidence in elections and ensuring that every eligible voter can participate without intimidation or interference.

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    1 hr and 52 mins
  • Episode 110: Labor Under Trump + Making Sense of Ohio’s School Report Cards
    Oct 1 2026

    In hour one, Michelle takes a deep dive into the article “The Toll of an Anti-Union President,” examining the impact of President Trump’s second term on organized labor and working-class Americans. She explores how changes in federal labor policy, workers’ rights, and the balance of power between employers and employees are affecting working people across the country.

    In hour two, Mark and Clayton take a closer look at the latest Cincinnati Public Schools report card and ask a bigger question: What are Ohio’s school report cards actually measuring? The pair breaks down the factors that determine a district’s rating, examines what those scores can—and cannot—tell us about the quality of a school, and discusses why urban districts like CPS often face challenges that extend far beyond the classroom.

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    1 hr and 56 mins
  • Episode 109: Healthcare for All + The Race for Ohio House District 29
    Sep 25 2026

    In hour one, Michelle sits down with universal healthcare advocate Robin Dickman for a conversation about the current state of healthcare in America. The pair examine the challenges facing patients and families under the existing system and discuss the case for universal healthcare, including how expanding access to affordable care could improve health outcomes and reduce the financial burden of healthcare for working people.

    In hour two, Mark sits down with Ohio Statehouse candidate Johnathan Bradner to discuss his campaign to represent Ohio's 29th House District. Bradner shares his vision for the district, outlines the issues he hopes to prioritize in Columbus, and explains what he believes sets him apart from his opponent.

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    1 hr and 54 mins
  • Episode 108: Public Schools, $5,000 Checks, and the November Election
    Sep 17 2026

    In hour one, Michelle sits down with CFT President Julie Sellers to discuss Issue 4, the Cincinnati Public Schools levy appearing on the November ballot. The pair break down why CPS is seeking additional funding, what the levy would support, and why they believe its passage is critical not only for Cincinnati's students and educators, but for the strength and future of the entire community.

    In hour two, Mark and Clayton take a closer look at the proposed "Trump Dividend." The duo examines President Trump's promise of $5,000 payments to American adults if Republicans retain control of Congress, where the money would supposedly come from, and whether such a proposal could realistically become law. They also explore the politics behind the promise and what it could ultimately mean for working people.

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    1 hr and 53 mins
  • Episode 107 - Judge Kari Bloom and Manisha Kotian: Inside Hamilton County's Courts
    Sep 10 2026

    In hour one, Michelle sits down with Judge Kari Bloom of the Hamilton County Juvenile Court for a conversation about her career in law and her work on the bench. Judge Bloom discusses the unique role of Juvenile Court, the responsibilities that come with serving as a judge, and how the court's work impacts young people, families, and the broader Hamilton County community.

    In hour two, Mark and Clayton sit down with Manisha Kotian, candidate for the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas. Manisha reflects on her career practicing law, shares what inspired her to run for judge, and lays out her vision for the kind of fair, thoughtful, and effective judge she hopes to be if elected.

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    1 hr and 44 mins
  • Episode 106: Justice on the Bench, Merit Pay in the Classroom
    Sep 4 2026

    In hour one, Michelle sits down with Judge Chris Jenkins of the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas for a conversation about his career in law and his work on the bench. Judge Jenkins explains the role of the Common Pleas Court, reflects on his experiences within the justice system, and discusses how decisions made in the courtroom can have a very real impact on the everyday lives of Hamilton County residents.

    In hour two, Mark and Clayton take a closer look at teacher merit pay, an education policy proposal put forward by Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The pair examine the arguments for and against tying teacher compensation to performance, the challenges of determining how teacher effectiveness should be measured, and what a merit-pay system could mean for educators and public schools across Ohio.

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    1 hr and 49 mins
  • Episode 105: Labor Gets Out the Vote
    Aug 27 2026

    Mark sits down with Will Minehart, Stephanie Hernandez, and Brian Griffin for a conversation about organized labor’s get-out-the-vote efforts across Southwest Ohio. The group discusses why the upcoming election is so important for working people, how unions are mobilizing their members, and the role that door knocking and grassroots organizing will play in turning out voters. They also share what they’re hearing from voters on the ground and why organized labor can make a difference at the ballot box.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Episode 104: A Conversation with Elizabeth Tye + Back to School at CPS
    Aug 20 2026

    In hour one, Michelle sits down with Elizabeth Tye, candidate for Hamilton County Probate Court, to discuss her career as an attorney and the experiences that inspired her to seek a seat on the bench. Elizabeth shares her perspective on the role of the Probate Court, what it means to serve the community as a judge, and why she believes she is prepared to take on the responsibility.

    In hour two, Clayton and Mark welcome CFT Field Representative Brad Smith for a special back-to-school conversation. The trio discusses the mood among educators as Cincinnati Public Schools begins a new school year, the issues CFT members are facing in their buildings, and what students, families, and educators can expect in the months ahead.

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    1 hr and 44 mins