ConnecTED Columbus

Laney and Dani interview Franklin County judge, Judge Sheryl Munson. Judge Munson has recently introduced a new specialty docket called the R.I.S.E docket. In this episode, Judge Munson will share the importance of caring for the mentally ill members of our society, and her strong belief in going "off-script" to make real change. Her success as a judge is truly inspirational, and her passion for justice is moving.

Laney and Arushi interview Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano. Auditor Stinziano and his office are leading a groundbreaking campaign to address redlining in Franklin County. In this episode, Auditor Stinziano explains the effects of redlining on Columbus communities and outlines the new and inventive ways his office is trying to make appraisals more equitable. These efforts are laying the groundwork for other auditor offices in Ohio and could be revolutionary in creating a more equitable housing market.

Imani and Irene sit down to talk to Lydia Simon. Lydia Simon is the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Columbus Museum of Art. Before her role at the Museum, Lydia was Executive Director of Wild Goose Creative, a local arts non-profit voted #1 Best Arts Organization in 2021 by Columbus Underground. She’s also a lecturer in the Business, Math, and Entrepreneurship Department at Columbus College of Art and Design and serves as the co-chair of Marketing for Columbus Arts Marketing Association.

Lydia received her BA in Arts Management and MA in Advanced Chinese Language and Culture from The Ohio State University. She’s fluent in Mandarin Chinese with experience working for internationally recognized galleries and museums in America and China, as well as two years of extensive research regarding cultural policy and creative industries.

Irene and Arushi interview William Murdock, the Executive Director of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). In this episode, we look back at the history of Columbus that shaped our current landscape and the way we interact with it. Then, we discuss how MORPC envisions transportation, sustainability, and the natural landscape through a lens of social justice and equity.

Sumedha and Imani interview Johnny Riddle of the Franklinton Arts District to find out more about upcoming events, artist programs, and the development of the area.

Lindsay and Irene interviewed Jeremy Hollon and Audrey Montgomery about the new young American population and initiatives to support them. 

Imani and Sumedha interview Rachel Friedman and Faith Huddleston of TENSPACE to find out more about the future of experiential retail in the Short North.

Allie and Lindsay interview Luke Howard, founder of The Bee Collective to learn more about the role The Bee Collective plays in supporting the population of pollinators and increasing pollinator habitats in Columbus, Ohio.