Having internet access is one thing, having consistent internet access that allows you to telecommute or your child to download homework is something totally different. But those differences don’t mean much to the millions in the Ohio Valley’s unserved and under-connected communities. Whether it be the terrain, the distance between homes, the lack of funds, etc., diagnosing the problem is easy  - implementing a productive solution… not so much.
 
On this episode of #457SEO Liz Shaw of the Citizens Connectivity Council explains how you can “cast your hook” and help shape actual broadband solutions that could help you and your neighbors thrive throughout the #457SEO.
 
And to paraphrase Mrs. Shaw: If you plan to catch fish with your fishing pole but never put your hook in the water, well…  

Episode 014: Community Hooks for the Net

457SEO: Where stories, information, and observations about our Southeast Ohio communities are shared and explored.

News & Politics

Ohio’s medical marijuana program is still in its infancy as dispensaries continue to open their doors.
Some around the region are working to make sure the #457SEO gets in on the money that can be made at grow operations, testing facilities, processing facilities and dispensaries. In this episode:
Hemp Industry Daily’s Kristen Nichols discusses the trends she’s seen in other states with medical marijuana programs in terms of economic growth, job opportunities and whether medical marijuana is a gateway to recreational marijuana.
And Meigs County Commissioner Randy Smith sees the medical marijuana program is an opportunity to turn the county’s stigma surrounding the drug into an economic stimulus.

Episode 027: Can Marijuana Grow the #457SEO’s Economy?

’Tis the season for election races and ghosts.  #457SEO makes a brief return from hiatus with an attempt to cut through the BS.
 
Cleveland Plain Dealer Editorial Board Member, columnist and assistant professor at Ohio University Tom Suddes, Ph. D. joins the WOUB News to talk about the governor's race, Issue 1 and local school levies.
 
WOUB Arts and Culture reporter Emily Votaw stops by to tell us about all the supposed hauntings in southeast Ohio. Also, Atish has his own ghost story.

Episode 026: Midterm Election Preview | The 457 Is Pretty Haunted

Voters will make statewide and local decisions at the polls on May 8 during the Primary.
 Cleveland Plain Dealer Editorial Board Member, columnist and assistant professor at Ohio University Tom Suddes, Ph. D. joins the WOUB News team to look ahead at the election.
 
Topics include: the interesting race for governor, the statewide issue regarding voting maps, campaign finance, and the importance of a single vote.

Episode 025: 2018 May Primary Election Preview

What is the role of white people in ending racism?
 
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) believes it is “to undermine white support for white supremacy and to help build a racially just society” as part of a multi-racial movement.  
 
Katherine Jellison is a member of the core organizing committee for the SURJ SE Ohio chapter. She talks with the WOUB News team about how the group started and how they are working for a racially just society in southeast Ohio.
 
Chris Riddle is back to talk about his recent “Amazing Adventure” overseas. He learned about historic vehicles, good chocolate and how much people hate a man named John Terry.

Episode 024: SURJing in the #457SEO

The opioid epidemic has impacted every fabric of the social construct in southeast Ohio. And it has increased the risk of bloodborne diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.
 
Roxy Todd bring us the story she filed for the Ohio Valley ReSource about how the stigma surrounding HIV has impacted those seeking help in rural areas.
 
The WOUB News team talks with Roxy about her reporting and what’s next in the series on HIV from the Ohio Valley ReSource.
 
Susan and Aaron visit with Dr. James Gaskell of the Athens City/County Health Department to discuss how bloodborne diseases are impacting southeast Ohio. And they talk about the department’s harm reduction program.
 
WOUB Culture reporter Emily Votaw visits the news team to talk about the busy spring season.
 
She bring us part of her sit-down interview with Evan Shaw, who put together the upcoming “Our Town: Athens” documentary debuting on March 25.
 
She also fills the news team in on the upcoming festivals.
 
Listen on Soundcloud, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, NPR One and woub.org/listen.
 
Leave us a review and let us know what you want to hear in future episodes.

Episode 014: Community Hooks for the Net

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