That's So Cincinnati

Sharon Kennedy grew up in Colerain Township watching police dramas on television and dreaming of becoming a cop. 

She achieved that goal -- and much more. Kennedy is now in her second term as an Ohio Supreme Court justice. 

The Butler County resident talks about how her teachers and mentors, including former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, inspired her to run for statewide elected office. 

Kennedy is now exploring a run for chief justice in what could be Ohio's most intriguing race in 2022. 

Learn more about Kennedy's story on this week's "That's So Cincinnati."

Vivek Ramaswamy isn't really known in his own hometown. But that's likely going to change. 

The 35-year-old St. Xavier High School graduate is surging onto the political scene after recently leaving his lucrative career as a biotech executive. Ramaswamy is viewed in national political circles as a leader in shaping the debate about the future of the conservative movement.

The author of the upcoming book "Woke, Inc.," joined The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast to discuss how he went from suburban Cincinnati to successful entrepreneur to helping to shape the debate about whether conservatism has a place in the GOP's future.

Carl Lindner III sat down with The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast to reflect on the road to bringing Major League Soccer to Cincinnati and what his dad, Carl Lindner Jr., would think if he were still alive.

Can Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley lead a Democratic resurgence in Ohio? How did Indiana native go from chemistry major to running for Ohio governor? And what's it going to be like facing good friend John Cranley in the 2022 primary? 

Whaley has the answers and more on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast.

Total Quality Logistics isn't a household name in its hometown, but it has quietly become a booming nationwide success.

The Greater Cincinnati-based freight brokerage corporation is now looking to take on a higher profile at home. TQL is going big, too, with Wednesday's announcement that the company has purchased naming rights to FC Cincinnati's new West End stadium.

In an interview with The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast, TQL President Kerry Byrne offered insight into why his company is making a big branding splash.

Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco admittedly knew nothing about politics when the nationally renowned neuroradiologist was appointed Hamilton County coroner nine years ago.

But the Democrat is pretty good at the politics now.

An elected official can't get a major project done without having political savvy, and Sammarco has relentlessly led efforts to get a $55 million, 90,000-square-foot crime lab built in Blue Ash. The ribbon-cutting is scheduled for May 3. Sammarco has also emerged as a common-sense voice in the Hamilton County Democratic Party, having been outspoken about incivility and the divisive nature of identity politics.

As this week's guest on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast, Sammarco talked about her evolution in politics; being outspoken in the party; the new crime lab and how she copes with seeing so much death. 

The Cincinnati Fire Department is short staffed and working so much overtime firefighters are exhausted.

This year has brought a high number of fire deaths for residents – six so far compared to two in 2020.  

Both things mean the Cincinnati Fire Department needs resources: additional firefighters to staff the city's 26 firehouses and more than the current six fire specialists, who conduct safety inspections on properties.

In an interview on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast, Cincinnati firefighters union President Matt Alter outlined these concerns when asked whether his organization supports the affordable housing charter amendment known as Issue 3.

The charter amendment, which will be on the May 4 ballot, calls for at least $50 million out of the city budget each year to be diverted to funding affordable housing. It could result in "dire consequences" for basic public services, such as fire safety, Alter said.

"We're basically treading water," Alter said. "We're basically wearing floaties, doing what we can to keep our head above water. This just raises the tide. We will be drowning in high seas."

John Sadak was starting to make plans for this day to never come in his career. 

But it's here. Opening Day in Cincinnati, and Sadak will make his major league debut as the lead play-by-play announcer for Reds television broadcasts. 

What will the moment be like for Sadak when the New York City native calls his first pitch at 4:10 p.m. Thursday on Fox Sports Ohio? 

Sadak has been trying hard not to get caught up in the moment after 15 years of calling minor league baseball games. 

"For me personally, it's a realization of a dream," Sadak told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast. "But my job is to be a steward and an entertainer and facilitate our analysts and storytelling. Reds baseball is way bigger than me. I'm just the guy who's doing it now, and hopefully for many years."

That’s So Cincinnati: Holy Grail owner Jim Moehring talks 10-year at The Banks, the benefits of the new outdoor drinking district at The Banks and paying it forward after a Crosstown tip-off challenge windfall.

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is well positioned for "good things ahead" coming out of the pandemic, CEO Candace McGraw told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast this week. 

The airport has already announced new low-cost flights flights coming this spring from Allegiant Air, Alaska Air and Sun Country Airlines, reflecting a renewed demand for leisure travel.

As business travel gradually bounces back, McGraw said, CVG is planning to revisit the possibility of adding a new non-stop international flight to the airport's list of travel options.

She also gives an update on Amazon Air's cargo hub.