The Clevelander

In this episode of The Clevelander, we’re teaming up with the Lay of the Land podcast to bring you more stories of innovation—and the people who make Greater Cleveland a great region on a Great Lake.

Today, we'll hear from John Nottingham, co-founder and co-president of Nottingham Spirk.

Nottingham Spirk may not be a household name – but their inventions are likely in your house. Swiffer Sweep+Vac, Crest Spinbrush, Dirt Devil, Jacuzzi, Little Tikes Playhouse, Duck Tape. These are just a few of the more than 1,500 patented products that the world's longest-standing design collaborative has created for clients in the consumer, business, and healthcare sectors.

Founded in 1972, the company has generated more than $50B in sales, with a 95% commercialization success rate, and they've done it all from right here in Cleveland.

For more stories of innovation and inspiration, be sure to subscribe to Lay of the Land wherever you get your podcasts, or visit layoftheland.fm.

Note: The conversation with John Nottingham was recorded in March 2022.

What does it take to return to the Moon—and push beyond to Mars?

In this episode of The Clevelander, we’re teaming up with the Lay of the Land podcast to bring you more stories of innovation—and the people who make Greater Cleveland a great region on a Great Lake.

We'll hear from Dr. Jimmy Kenyon, Director of NASA’s Glenn Research Center, on the history, impact, and future of one of Greater Cleveland's most important institutions. From its roots in aviation and manufacturing to its role in nearly every major space program, NASA Glenn has helped shape how we fly—and how we explore space.

Today, that work is central to the Artemis mission. Glenn is leading integration of the Orion spacecraft’s European Service Module—providing propulsion, power, life support, and communications for astronauts traveling around the Moon. The center has also conducted rigorous, full-scale testing of Orion in simulated space environments, helping ensure mission success and astronaut safety.

Looking ahead, NASA Glenn will continue to play a critical role as missions shift from short visits to sustained presence—developing the power, propulsion, and technologies needed to live and work on the lunar surface and beyond.

For more stories of innovation and inspiration, be sure to subscribe to Lay of the Land wherever you get your podcasts, or visit layoftheland.fm

A collapsing hillside. A critical shipping corridor at risk. And now, a 25-acre riverfront park that will help connect Greater Cleveland in an entirely new way.

Irishtown Bend is going from one of Cleveland’s biggest infrastructure risks to one of its most exciting public spaces — and a key link connecting a national park to one of our greatest natural resources.

We break down what happened, what’s next, and why it matters.

Cleveland is making some of the biggest entertainment and development bets in its modern history. In this episode, we explore two major projects that could reshape the region’s economy, identity, and future: a new riverfront amphitheater in Downtown Cleveland and the Cleveland Browns’ new $2.4 billion domed stadium in Brook Park, which has officially broken ground.

The 6,200-seat amphitheater along the Cuyahoga River is designed to bring major touring acts to Cleveland while anchoring a broader 35-acre riverfront redevelopment that includes housing, public spaces, and a new riverwalk.

Meanwhile, the Browns’ new stadium project aims to create a year-round destination. The enclosed 67,500-seat venue will anchor a new mixed-use district with hotels, retail, residential space, and entertainment.

Together, these projects represent a bold vision for Greater Cleveland — one focused on creating destinations, driving economic growth, and positioning the region as a year-round hub for culture, sports, and entertainment.

Cleveland just ranked ahead of cities like Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Columbus in economic growth, once again challenging the old Rust Belt narrative. In this episode, we break down the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s annual Growth Rankings and what the numbers actually show.

Business growth. Income growth. Record-low unemployment. A regional economy topping $293 billion. But there’s a twist: job growth is lagging — not because jobs aren’t available, but because talent is scarce.

We explore what’s driving Cleveland’s momentum, where the challenges remain, and whether this moment represents a temporary spike or a durable shift in the region’s trajectory. 

See the latest growth rankings: https://bit.ly/3Mz29UQ

When people talk about innovation, they usually think Silicon Valley or Boston. But some of the most meaningful problem-solving is happening right here in Cleveland. This week, we dig into Case Western Reserve University’s global recognition, the real-world impact behind the ranking, and how university-driven innovation is helping position Greater Cleveland for its next chapter.

TIME Rankings: https://time.com/7358185/top-universities-globally-2026/

More on CLEANR: https://greatercle.com/bibvcleanr/

2026 is shaping up to be a hinge year for Greater Cleveland. From a new stadium campus and a reimagined Rock Hall, to long-awaited riverfront and lakefront access, major projects are coming online at the same time — and starting to connect. This episode breaks down what’s happening, why it matters, and how it’s changing the way people experience the city.

2025 felt different in Greater Cleveland, and I wasn't because of one headline or one project.

In this episode of The Clevelander, we look back at a year where momentum became tangible. Major employers expanded, transformative projects moved forward, more graduates chose to stay, and the region rewrote the playbook on revitalization.

This year showed us what happens when long-term investments in industry, talent, and place start paying off at the same time.

See more in GCP's 2025 Year in Review video: https://youtu.be/F41GNcCZctU

2025 was Cleveland's big year on the big screen. We break down Superman’s strong run after its 2024 shoot here, the recent announcement of $17M in Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credits, and what that could mean for the Superman sequel. We also stop into the Cleveland History Center’s Hollywood on the Cuyahoga exhibit, and spotlight the nationwide release of "Lost & Found in Cleveland."

Making Metropolis - The real impact of the Superman film in Cleveland: https://greatercle.com/blog/gcp-news/making-metropolis-the-real-impact-of-the-superman-film-in-cleveland/

Learn more at GreaterCLE.com

Decades after helping define Cleveland’s industrial rise, the Cuyahoga River is now powering its next chapter. From new trails and parks to riverfront housing, transformative developments are creating a more connected, livable city for everyone.

Learn more at GreaterCLE.com