In 30 minutes, anyone could create a masterpiece. That was the ethos of artist Bob Ross and the idea behind The Joy of Painting . Creativity and wellness go hand-in-hand, whether it’s writing, dancing and – in Ross’s case – painting. Today on All Sides, we talk about the connection between creativity and wellness and Ross’s impact. Support 89.7 NPR News during our fall membership drive and receive a special thank-you gift: a Bob Ross painting class. Guests: Rachel Weaver, CEO and owner of

Columbus, Ohio was incorporated in 1816, but settlers and natives were living on this land long before the 1800s. All this history means the capital city has more than a few ghost stories. Today on All Sides, we talk haunted landmarks in Central Ohio. Support 89.7 NPR News and receive a special thank you gift, two tickets for a WOSU Public Media exclusive "Haunted Tour of Green Lawn Cemetery." Guests: Doreen Uhas Sauer, Education and Outreach Coordinator for Columbus Landmarks Randy Rogers ,

The U.S. stock market dropped 800 points in one day last August, leaving some fearing for a possible recession. Investors might see these as the normal ups and downs of the stock market, but those on the precipice of retirement might be more concerned. Today on All Sides, personal financial advisor Jonathan Pond offers guidance for those about to retire and those decades away. Support 89.7 NPR News and receive a special thank you gift, a copy of Jonathan Pond’s book, “Money Smarts: Can’t Miss

A new culinary arts center has opened at Columbus State Community College in an 80,000-square-foot building that will include a culinary theater, teaching kitchens, and also house a restaurant and bakery cafe. But Mitchell Hall - named for lead donor and restaurant mogul Cameron Mitchell - is more than just a wanna-be chef’s dream; it reflects a growing interest in the culinary trades as a profession. Today on All Sides: U.S. culinary schools, the business model and their growing popularity.

Ohio has lost 43% of its newspaper journalists since 2012, leaving the newsroom survivors to cover everything from City Council to the Statehouse with fewer human resources. Studies have shown that cities without newspapers have lower civic engagement and less efficient governments. Today on All Sides: the decline of newspaper journalists and the impact on local communities. Guests: Caitlin Johnson, director of communications, Policy Matters Ohio David Mindich , media historian, chai r of

Attorney General Dave Yost has had a bill drafted that would empower his office to take over local-government opioid lawsuits. The prospects for such an endeavor. The measure has not been introduced, but already opponents are lining up against the plan. Today on All Sides with Ann Fisher: who controls the opioid-related lawsuits in Ohio.

Four hundred years ago, slavery officially began in America. It started with the sale of 20 humans in Virginia. According to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database, 12.5 million Africans were shipped to the New World before slavery was declared over in 1865. Although slavery might be an afterthought for most these days, it’s lasting impact touches nearly every aspect of our society, from social identity and culture to housing and healthcare. Today on All Sides, recounting the history of slavery

Outside consultants paid to review the Columbus Division of Police identified what what they called a clear and discernable difference in the incidence of use of force between minority and white residents in the city. For example, black people accounted for half of the police use-of-force incidents in 2017, but make up less than 30% of the city’s population. Today on All Sides with Ann Fisher, the use of force in the Columbus Division of Police.

Ohioans ages 18-29 showed up at the polls for the midterm elections last year, increasing their turnout by roughly 16% from the previous midterms in 2014. But their Baby Boomer counterparts are still more likely to cast a ballot. Today on All Sides with Ann Fisher: mobilizing the youth vote. Guests: Jen Tolentino, Vice President of Impact & Innovation Rock The Vote Jen Miller, Executive Director, Leauge of Women Voters of Ohio Jan Leighley, Professor, Department of Government American

Every year, roughly 8 million metric tons of plastic is dumped into the oceans. Sometimes, the waste forms into floating islands. And, over time, the plastics break down into microplastics that are even harder to remove. Many are looking for ways to kick the plastic habit. Will McCallum, who is Head of Oceans at Greenpeace UK, has written a book about how the process of giving up plastic. Today on All Sides with Ann Fisher: Will McCallum talks about the challenges of giving up plastic Guests: