Now You Know Akron

And they're off! On this week's edition of the Now You Know Akron podcast, host Craig Webb is joined by All-American Soap Box Derby President and CEO Mark Gerberich to talk about the return of the Derby in 2021 following last year's cancelation due to the pandemic. Gerberich talks about the challenges and differences in this year's race as compared to previous years and how he balances tradition with new ideas in the nearly 90-year-old event. 

On this edition of the Now You Know Akron podcast, host Craig Webb is joined by Beacon Journal reporter Amanda Garrett, who has been reporting on the hot real estate market in the Akron area and how it's not only impacting those looking for a new home, but also those attempting to find an apartment. Cuyahoga Falls mayor Don Walters also joins the discussion to talk about how his zip code has become a particularly hard place for potential homebuyers and renters.

In this week's edition of the Now You Know Akron podcast, host Craig Webb and Beacon Journal reporter Phil Keren are joined Army Lt. Col. Barnard Kemter. The retired colonel talked about how he wanted to inform people about a lesser known aspect of Memorial Day history during a speech in Hudson, Ohio, and how his recent time in the national spotlight was a "humbling" experience.

In this edition of the Now You Know Akron podcast, host Craig Webb is joined by recent "Jeopardy" contestant and winner Katie Sekelsky. The graphic designer and Kent, Ohio native talks about her experience on the show, strategies that helped her win and the dreaded "opera" category. 

In this week's Now You Know Akron podcast, host Craig Webb and Beacon Journal sports columnist Marla Ridenour are joined by Don Padgett, the executive director of the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship at Firestone Country Club in Akron. They talk about the tournament's relationship with the community, Summerfest at Firestone and Concerts After Play, the Champions Tour and handicap this year's event. 

In this week's episode, host Craig Webb is joined by Beacon Journal reporter Stephanie Warsmith and Akron Police Detective Sandra Ridgeway-Williams to discuss the Akron Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) which uses new investigative techniques such as DNA to help solve sexual assault cold cases.

In this week's Now You Know Akron podcast, host Craig Webb is joined by Beacon Journal reporters Betty Lin-Fisher, Doug Livingston and Columbus Dispatch reporter Jacklyn Borchardt for a roundtable discussion on COVID-19: Where we’re at today, where we have been, and where we’re going. 

In this week’s Now You Know Akron podcast, host Craig Webb and Beacon Journal education reporter Jennifer Pignolet are joined by I Promise Program graduate, Cheyenne Cunningham, and LeBron James Family Foundation Director of Strategy, Tony Montgomery. James started his charitable work with Akron school kids in 2011 with a goal to keep them in class and on a path toward a college degree. Those third graders from 2011 are now graduating as part of the I Promise Program’s first senior class, and the program along with Cunningham's achievements are highlighted in this week’s episode.

In this week's Now You Know Akron podcast, host Craig Webb is joined by Akron Zoo president and CEO Doug Piekarz to discuss the zoo's new Wild Asia exhibit, how the zoo stayed afloat during the pandemic and what's in store for the future.  

In this week’s episode, host Craig Webb and Beacon Journal education reporter Jennifer Pignolet are joined by outgoing Akron superintendent, David James, who is retiring after 13 years at the helm and 30 years at the district. James discusses the challenges of teaching remotely amid the pandemic and the effort to get students back into the classroom. He reflects on his lenghty career.