For eight seasons, Mike Mayers competed at the highest level of professional baseball — pitching for organizations including the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, and Kansas City Royals. Life on the mound demanded preparation, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Today, that same mindset fuels a very different pursuit.
In this episode of Inside Northwest Columbus, I sit down with Mike, owner of The Designery Columbus, to talk about his transition from Major League Baseball to the world of home design and remodeling — and why his new showroom at 329 W. Bridge Street in Dublin represents more than just a retail space. It represents clarity in an industry often defined by overwhelm.
We discuss identity shifts, leadership, and the surprising parallels between professional sports and building kitchens, baths, and everyday living spaces. From real-time 3D design renderings and virtual walkthroughs to a culture rooted in teamwork and accountability, Mike shares how The Designery is redefining the remodeling experience for homeowners across Central Ohio.
If you’ve ever felt anxious about making big design decisions — or wondered how someone pivots from the mound to managing a design-build firm — this episode offers perspective, honesty, and inspiration.
Mike Mayers
 Owner, The Designery Columbus
The Designery Columbus is a Central Ohio design and remodeling firm offering cabinetry, countertops, and full-service design-build solutions for kitchens, baths, closets, laundry rooms, home offices, and more. Their new showroom opens March 12 at 329 W. Bridge Street in Dublin. www.thedesignerycolumbus.com

As the days get longer and homeowners begin thinking about how they want to live outside this season — and for years to come — outdoor living has become more than a backyard upgrade. It’s become an extension of the home itself.
In this episode of Inside Northwest Columbus, I sit down with Mike Chekanoff, owner of The Exterior Living Company, to talk about the evolution of outdoor living in our community. What was once a simple deck or patio is now being designed with the same intention as a kitchen renovation or great room addition — focused on connection, flow, and long-term livability.
We talk about Mike’s roots in the building trades, how he built his company right here in Northwest Columbus, and why thoughtful design — not just features — is driving today’s biggest outdoor trends. From seamless indoor-outdoor transitions and elevation strategy to motorized screens, phased outdoor kitchens, and four-season comfort, this conversation explores how outdoor spaces are becoming calmer, more functional, and truly integrated with the home.
If you’ve ever looked at your backyard and imagined something more — or wondered what makes an outdoor space feel cohesive instead of chaotic — this episode offers clarity, insight, and inspiration for designing spaces that are built to last.
Visit & Connect with The Exterior Living Company
Mike Chekanoff
 Owner, The Exterior Living Company
The Exterior Living Company is a Northwest Columbus–based design-build firm specializing in custom decks, sunrooms, and outdoor living spaces. With decades of hands-on experience in the building trades, Mike is known for his thoughtful, design-forward approach that prioritizes cohesion with the home, long-term functionality, and timeless materials.
Website: www.exteriorliving.co

You may know the name High Road Gallery — you may have driven past it, attended an opening, or heard it mentioned in conversation — but most people don’t truly understand what this gallery is, who it exists for, or why it matters.
In this episode of Inside Northwest Columbus, I sit down with resident artists and gallery stewards Nicky Robie and Beth Heisey to explore the deeper story behind High Road Gallery. This nonprofit space was created to showcase local artists, foster meaningful connection, and make art accessible — all within a nearly 200-year-old historic building that has become a quiet anchor in our community.
We talk about the gallery’s founding vision, how artists stepped into stewardship of both a creative mission and a historic space, and what it actually takes to keep local art visible, supported, and thriving. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the role community-supported art plays in shaping a place — and why supporting spaces like High Road Gallery is about investing in culture, creativity, and connection.
If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a local gallery, why community art spaces matter, or how supporting local artists strengthens the fabric of where we live, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and a renewed appreciation for a true local gem.
Visit & Connect with High Road Gallery
Gallery Location: 12 E Stafford Ave, Worthington, OH 43085
Gallery Hours:
Friday – Saturday | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
(Hours may vary — check ahead before visiting)
Website: https://www.highroadgallery.com
Email: [email protected]
Whether you visit, attend an exhibition, share their story, or choose to support their mission, High Road Gallery is one of those places that becomes even more meaningful once you understand what it’s all about.

By day, Barrel & Bloom is a welcoming coffee house designed for connection, conversation, and community. At 2pm, the space transforms into Endeavor Brewing — a craft distillery producing small-batch gin, whiskey, and bourbon across two locations.
In this episode of Inside Northwest Columbus, we sit down with owners Jen Gerhard and Scott Talmage to explore how intentional design, time-based experiences, and community-driven events shape everything they do. From morning rituals to evening spirits, this conversation goes beyond what’s in the cup or glass — and into how modern businesses can become true gathering places.
A lot of people don’t realize that some of the most meaningful community spaces today aren’t churches, offices, or traditional venues — they’re thoughtfully designed local businesses.
In this conversation, Jen and Scott break down:
1. Why they intentionally created a space that evolves throughout the day
2. How coffee, spirits, and events each serve different community needs
3. What it takes to host inclusive, welcoming gatherings
4. How small-batch craft and shared experiences build real connection
Whether you’re a regular customer, a creative entrepreneur, or someone who values local community, this episode reframes what hospitality can look like.
Please visit Barrel & Bloom (and their amazing Bischoff Lattes!!) from 8:30am - 2:00pm at 2365 Dublin Granville Rd in Linworth.  After 2pm Barrel & Bloom becomes Endeavor Brewing serving their locally made Gin, Whiskey, Bourbon and more! 
To learn more about Barrel & Bloom and Endeavor Brewing please visit www.endeavorbrewing.com

What if healing didn’t stop where traditional medicine draws the line? This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt like they were told, ‘This is as good as it gets.’
In this powerful episode of Inside Northwest Columbus, host Lisa Federico sits down with Rebecca Milnes, founder of The Avenu Wellness Center, to unpack two therapies more people should know about: hyperbaric oxygen therapy and PEMF.
Rebecca’s journey into wellness didn’t start with a business plan—it started with her daughter’s medical crisis and a desperate search for hope. What she discovered changed everything. Together, we talk about how oxygen at a cellular level supports healing, why PEMF is often paired with hyperbaric therapy, and why so many patients are never told these options exist.
This episode is about more than technology—it’s about patient advocacy, asking better questions, and refusing to accept “this is as good as it gets” as the final answer.
If you or someone you love is navigating recovery, chronic inflammation, pain, or unexplained symptoms—or if you simply want to understand what’s possible when healing is supported from the inside out—this conversation is for you.
🎙️ Listen now and discover why awareness is often the first step toward healing.
To learn more about Rebecca Milness and The Avenu Wellness Center visit www.theavenuwellness.com

Most people have never heard of neurofeedback — and if they have, they often assume it’s “out there,” experimental, or too good to be true. But for families who have watched their children finally focus, adults who’ve seen anxiety loosen its grip, or individuals recovering from trauma and brain injury, the results can be life-changing.
On this episode of Inside Northwest Columbus, we’re sitting down with Joe Matessa, founder of BrainTune Columbus, to demystify neurofeedback and explain what it actually does — without hype, without gimmicks.
Joe’s journey into neurofeedback began as a personal search for answers when traditional approaches weren’t delivering meaningful change. What he discovered was a powerful, non-invasive technology that helps the brain regulate itself — often producing noticeable improvements in focus, emotional regulation, sleep, and resilience.
In this conversation, Joe breaks down how neurofeedback works, who it’s best suited for, and why it’s gaining traction among parents, professionals, and healthcare practitioners alike. We also address skepticism head-on — because informed curiosity is the first step to real understanding.
If you’ve ever wondered whether there are options beyond medication or talk therapy — or if you simply want to better understand how the brain can be trained to function more efficiently — this episode will expand your perspective.
To learn more about BrainTune Columbus, visit www.braintunecolumbus.com

If better sleep is on your wellness list this year — you’re going to love this episode.
In our January Health & Wellness issue of Northwest Columbus City Lifestyle, we featured Rich and Kim Hanschu, owners of Sandman Sleep, a locally owned mattress showroom with a completely different approach to helping people sleep well. If you missed the article, you can read it at:
  https://www.citylifestyle.com/northwestcolumbus/issues/2026-01
Today, we’re taking that story even further.
Most people walk into a big-box mattress store and leave more confused than when they arrived. Too many choices… too much sales pressure… and a whole lot of guessing. Rich and Kim built Sandman Sleep to fix all of that. They’ve created a showroom where you can test every mattress they carry — in one place — without the overwhelm, without the gimmicks, and without feeling rushed.
In this episode, we dig into:
Why your current mattress may be the hidden cause of back pain, poor sleep, and low energy
The biggest mistakes people make when choosing a mattress 
How Sandman’s unique “try everything in one place” model helps customers avoid costly mistakes
Why mattress shopping doesn’t have to feel like car shopping
Their journey as local business owners and what inspired them to build Sandman Sleep
What Columbus customers are most surprised to learn when they visit their showroom
If you want to wake up feeling rested, supported, and genuinely comfortable — this conversation will give you the clarity you’ve been missing.
Visit Sandman Sleep:
 Showroom: 5929 Sawmill Rd, Suite 200, Dublin, OH
 Showroom Hours:
 – Monday–Friday: 10am–6pm
 – Saturday: 10am–5pm
 – Sunday: 12pm–4pm
 Phone: 614-547-7664
Website: https://sandmansleep.net/showroom-columbus/

Yes it’s cold and gray right now in Columbus — which means it’s the perfect time to start dreaming about vacations, sunshine and your travel bucket list. If you’ve ever spent hours scrolling travel blogs, juggling flight options, second-guessing hotel reviews, or wondering if the “deal” you found online is actually a trap — this episode is for you.
This week on Inside Northwest Columbus, I’m talking with Alexa Geno, founder of The Maison Voyage, a boutique travel planning service built for travelers who want more than cookie-cutter itineraries. Alexa designs highly personalized, immersive travel experiences that go far beyond what you can piece together on Google or Instagram.
A lot of people don’t understand fee-based travel planners — and that’s exactly why you need to hear this. Alexa brings clarity to what curated travel really means: access to vetted partners around the world, hidden-gem experiences, tailor-made itineraries, stress-free planning, and the kind of insider knowledge that saves you time, money, and headaches.
We dig into:
 – Why most DIY travelers overpay or miss out on upgrades without realizing it
 – What a curated itinerary actually looks like
 – How a travel advisor protects your investment when things go wrong
 – Why fee-based planning delivers better value than “free” agents tied to commissions
 – Examples of unforgettable trips Alexa has created for clients
Whether you’re planning a milestone trip, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or you simply want your next getaway to feel effortless, this episode will change the way you think about travel.
If you want to learn more about Alexa’s approach — visit The Maison Voyage at www.themaisonvoyage.com and connect with her directly.
Tune in… your next unforgettable trip may start right here.

January is the month when so many of us finally decide it’s time to take our health seriously — to stop pushing through pain, stop ignoring the warning signs, and actually do something about the discomfort we’ve been living with. And if back pain, shoulder issues, or knee trouble has been slowing you down, this episode is exactly where you should start.
This week on Inside Northwest Columbus, I’m talking with Dr. Nikhil Verma, founder of Essential Sports & Spine, whose entire practice is built around one mission: helping people find real, lasting pain relief without surgery, endless prescriptions, or assembly-line medical visits.
Dr. Verma’s approach is modern, thoughtful, and refreshingly patient-first. He blends non-invasive therapies, evidence-based rehab protocols, medical acupuncture, hands-on diagnostics, and functional movement to get to the root cause of pain — not just mask it.
In this episode, we explore:
– Why so many people are misdiagnosed or rushed into unnecessary procedures
– The most common reasons for back, knee, and shoulder pain — and what you can do today
– How non-invasive treatments can deliver powerful results
– Why he left the traditional system to build a practice where patients actually get the time and attention they deserve
– The small everyday habits that make pain worse (and how to fix them)
If your goal this year is to feel stronger, move better, and reclaim your quality of life, you don’t want to miss this conversation. It’s the perfect episode to launch your year of health and wellness with real, actionable insight from a doctor who actually listens.
To learn more about Dr. Verma and his approach, visit www.essentialsportsspine.com
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This week on Inside Northwest Columbus, I’m sitting down with someone who is changing the way women experience midlife. Courtney Shihabuddin, founder of Empowered Wellness, has built a practice that speaks directly to women who feel like their bodies are shifting and no one is really listening.
If you’ve ever wondered whether the exhaustion, mood swings, sleep issues, weight changes, or “something just feels off” moments are normal — you’re not alone. And you’re definitely not imagining it. Courtney specializes in helping women navigate perimenopause and midlife health with real answers, compassion, and a completely personalized approach.
What makes her practice stand out is her telehealth model — designed for women who don’t have time to sit in waiting rooms or repeat their story to providers who dismiss their symptoms. With Courtney, you get thoughtful, evidence-based care that actually fits into your life.
In this episode, we dig into the symptoms women often overlook, why so many feel dismissed by the traditional healthcare system, what hormone therapy really is (and isn’t), and how to reclaim your energy, confidence, and well-being during the years when your body is changing the most.
If you’re in your 30s, 40s or 50s — or you love someone who is — this conversation will give you clarity, comfort, and a much-needed sense of empowerment. Tune in… you’ll walk away feeling seen, understood, and supported.
To learn more about Courtney you can read our interview in this month’s issue of Northwest Columbus Magazine at https://www.citylifestyle.com/northwestcolumbus/issues/2026-01.  
To schedule an online consultation with Courtney or for more information on Empowered Wellness you can visit Courtney’s website at www.empoweredwellnessforher.com