Boiling Point Cincinnati

Boiling Point Cincinnati

By Clayton Adams, Michelle Dunn & Mark NiehausNewsNews CommentaryPoliticsDaily News
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Boiling Point Cincinnati episodes

  • Episode 73: Building Ohio & Watching Ohio - Ironworkers, HB 56, and Police Surveillance

    In hour one, Michelle sits down with Dave Baker, Business Manager for Ironworkers Local 44. Dave shares stories from his years in the labor movement, offering an inside look at the skilled, demanding, and often dangerous work ironworkers perform to keep our cities standing. Together, they explore the culture of the trade, the challenges facing the industry, and why strong unions remain essential for protecting workers.

    In hour two, Clayton takes a deep dive into Ohio House Bill 56, a sweeping proposal that would impose heavy regulations on legal marijuana while rolling back key civil liberties for Ohioans. He breaks down what the bill would actually do, who it would impact, and why it’s raising serious concerns among advocates. Later, Clayton examines the Cincinnati Police Department’s new drone program, weighing the potential benefits against the privacy, civil rights, and accountability questions the technology brings.

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    1 hr 49 min
  • Episode 72: Weingarten’s Warnings & Ramaswamy’s Proposal

    In hour one, Michelle reflects on key insights from AFT President Randi Weingarten’s new book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education & the Future of Democracy. She unpacks Weingarten’s arguments about the central role educators play in defending democracy, the rising threats facing public schools, and why the fight for a fully funded, inclusive, and equitable public education system has never been more urgent.

    In hour two, Mark and Clayton break down Vivek Ramaswamy’s proposal to extend the school day and shift to a year-round school calendar. They examine the pros, the cons, the real-world costs, and the political motivations behind the idea—offering a grounded, labor-informed perspective on what such a policy would mean for students, families, and educators.

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    1 hr 50 min
  • Episode 71: Thankful for Progress & Organizing in Appalachian Ohio

    In hour one, Michelle highlights the progressive victories she’s thankful for in an increasingly chaotic political climate. She spotlights recent wins for working-class people happening in states across the country—proof that meaningful progress is still being made, even in tough times.

    In hour two, Clayton sits down with Collin Docterman, chair of the Scioto County Democratic Party and candidate for Ohio’s 90th State House District. They discuss what it means to organize in Appalachian Ohio, the challenges and opportunities facing Democrats in the region, and Collin’s vision for representing one of the state’s most unique and overlooked districts.

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    1 hr 41 min
  • Episode 70: Union Battles in NKY & School Board Leadership in Finneytown

    In hour one, Michelle sits down with Tim Donoghue, president of the Northern Kentucky Labor Council. Tim reflects on his decades of organizing, his path into labor leadership, and the evolving challenges facing unions across Kentucky. Together, they unpack the fights ahead for working families and what it takes to build durable worker power in a politically difficult climate.

    In hour two, Mark speaks with Jamie Rea, longtime political organizer and current Finneytown Local School District board member. Jamie shares stories from a life of civic engagement and offers insight into the key initiatives he’s championed on the school board—from strengthening local schools to navigating the pressures facing public education today.

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    1 hr 55 min
  • Episode 69: Labor Power & Dr. Amy Acton’s Vision

    In hour one, Michelle sits down with Will Minehart, Southwest Representative for the Ohio AFL-CIO, for a deep dive into life inside the labor movement. They discuss how unions shape economic stability, protect workers’ rights, and continue to serve as one of the most powerful tools for improving the lives of everyday Ohioans.

    In hour two, Mark and Clayton interview Dr. Amy Acton, candidate for Ohio Governor. Together, they explore Dr. Acton’s political vision, her approach to leadership, and how her platform aims to uplift working-class families across the state.

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    1 hr 47 min
  • Episode 68: Mamdani’s Win and Hamilton County’s Blue Wave

    In hour one, Michelle sits down with Olivia Merrill, secretary of the Democratic Socialists of America–Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky chapter. They break down Zohran Mamdani’s historic victory, exploring why this race mattered nationally and locally. Together, they listen to key moments from Mamdani’s electrifying victory speech and offer analysis on the themes, strategy, and movement energy behind his campaign.

    In hour two, Clayton and Mark are joined by Isaac Goff-Mitchell of RGM Strategies, who brings fresh insight from the campaign trail after working with multiple Democratic candidates who notched major wins across Hamilton County. The trio walk through the big takeaways from Election Night, unpacking the decisive races in Cincinnati, the surrounding suburbs, and across the county—and what these results mean for the region’s political future.

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    1 hr 55 min
  • Episode 67: Labor Nightmares, Election Dreams

    In hour one, Michelle shines a spooky spotlight on the “ghouls and monsters” haunting today’s labor movement—from corporate greed to political attacks on workers’ rights. She explores the biggest threats unions and working people are up against right now.

    In hour two, Clayton and Mark shift gears to Cincinnati’s upcoming elections, previewing key races, offering predictions, and sharing their forecasts for how the results could shape the city’s future.

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    1 hr 58 min
  • Episode 66: Women Lead, Teachers Speak

    In hour one, Michelle sits down with Tamaya Dennard, Programs and Partnerships Manager at Represent Women. They reflect on Tamaya’s tenure at Cincinnati City Hall and her new role empowering more women to run for office and lead in political life.

    In hour two, Clayton and Mark provide the latest update on Ohio House Bill 186, examining how the proposal could reshape funding for school districts across the state. Later, Clayton talks with Bethany Cole, a Cincinnati Federation of Teachers member and CPS teacher, about the realities of teaching in a low-income urban public school and the challenges educators face daily.

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    1 hr 48 min
  • Episode 65: Disability Rights and Immigration Wrongs

    In hour one, Michelle sits down with Sara Bitter, board member for Sycamore Community Schools, to discuss her work at the Children’s Law Center and her role as a tireless advocate for children with disabilities. She shares how legal advocacy and public service can create meaningful change for students and families alike.

    In hour two, Mark and Clayton investigate ICE and its pattern of unlawful and problematic behaviors. They explore the controversial tactics used by the agency and highlight how cities like Portland and Chicago are standing up to resist federal overreach.

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    1 hr 48 min
  • Episode 64: Faith in Action and Funding Under Fire

    In hour one, Michelle sits down with Pastor Lesley Jones, faith organizer for the AMOS Project, to explore what justice work looks like through the lens of community faith. Pastor Lesley shares how she mobilizes congregations to confront inequities and build power for social change.

    In hour two, Clayton and Mark turn their focus to state and local education issues. They break down Ohio House Bill 186, a so-called property tax relief bill that could devastate school district funding across the state. Later, they provide an update on Dohn Community School, following the Cincinnati Enquirer’s reporting on the school’s troubling financial misdeeds.

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    1 hr 51 min

About Boiling Point Cincinnati

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A labor-friendly radio show & podcast hosted by Mark Niehaus, Michelle Dunn and Clayton Adams. The trio look into political events and labor union topics happening in the past, present and…