The results are in, and the people of Columbus have spoken! In this week’s episode, I sat down with Walker Evans, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Columbus Underground, to dive into the highlights of the Best of Columbus 2024 Readers’ Poll. From the city’s favorite new restaurants and bars to its most beloved cultural institutions and neighborhoods, we explored what makes Columbus shine.

With nearly 1,700 votes cast by engaged locals, this year’s poll celebrates the city’s best spots to eat, drink, and experience. Walker and I discussed the stories behind the rankings, the trends shaping the scene, and even a few surprises from the lists. Whether you’re looking for your next favorite pizza place, curious about the hottest new bar, or just love all things Columbus, this episode offers something for everyone.

Shownotes

• Top 10 New Restaurants
• Top 25 Bars
• Top 10 Arts & Cultural Institutions
• Top 10 Neighborhoods
• Top 10 Pizzas

Full transcript on page 2.

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Transitions can be transformative, but they’re often filled with uncertainty. In this week’s episode, I sat down with Matt Slaybaugh, an achievement skills coach, playwright, and former artistic director of Available Light Theatre. We explored Matt’s journey from leading a theater company to becoming a coach, helping people navigate change and pursue what matters most.

From the principles of positive psychology to the creation of his new audiobook, Ready for the Quest, we explored how practical tools and mindset shifts can empower individuals to overcome resistance and take meaningful steps forward. Whether it’s a career pivot, a personal goal, or simply creating healthier habits, Matt shares insights in the hopes of inspiring others to embrace their quests and unlock their potential.

Shownotes

• Ready for the Quest
• Available Light Theatre

Full transcript on page 2.

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Holden Ellis, a creative studio in Columbus, just celebrated its 10-year anniversary—a milestone that founder and CEO Josh Fitzwater describes as a testament to resilience, creativity, and teamwork. I sat down with Fitzwater to discuss the journey of Holden Ellis, from its humble beginnings to becoming a sought-after agency specializing in healthcare branding and digital experiences. Building a business from the ground up taught him lessons about prioritizing his team, navigating cash flow challenges, and staying true to the agency’s mission of “making people curious.” In our conversation, he shared insights on the evolving role of creativity in healthcare and why staying small and nimble remains central to his vision.

Shownotes

• Holden Ellis
• Josh Fitzwater
• Holden Ellis on Instagram

Full transcript on page 2.

The post Crafting Curiosity with Holden Ellis appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Disparate problems can sometimes be addressed with common solutions. Like affordable housing and climate change. In this week’s episode, Columbus Underground co-founder and editor Walker Evans sat down with Robert Williams, the Senior Director of Residential Services at MORPC. Together, they unpack the organization’s grassroots efforts to keep families in their homes, lower energy costs, and reduce environmental impact. From essential home repairs to comprehensive weatherization programs, this conversation reveals how a community-driven approach can make a lasting impact on Central Ohio’s housing crisis and sustainability goals.

Shownotes

• MORPC’s Residential Services Program

Full transcript on page 2.

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The future of Central Ohio is coming at us fast. But not too fast to manage. In this week’s episode, Columbus Underground co-founder and editor Walker Evans sat down with Jessica Kuenzli, the Chief Regional Planning Officer at MORPC, to explore how her team is tackling the region’s explosive growth, sustainability needs, and the big picture of community development. Jessica shares insights into new federal funding for electric vehicle infrastructure, the importance of data mapping, and the challenges of uniting over 15 counties under one regional vision.

Shownotes

This episode is sponsored by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. MORPC is Central Ohio’s voice. As a regional council with nearly 90 local governments and community partners, they provide nonpartisan data analysis, community resources, and long-range planning. Together, they drive the future prosperity and sustainability of the Central Ohio region.

Full transcript on page 2.

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We’re diving into the transit transformations shaping our city’s future. In this week’s episode, Columbus Underground co-founder and editor Walker Evans sat down with Parag Agrawal, the Chief Mobility and Infrastructure Officer and Senior Director of Programming at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. With a rich background in planning, land use, and transportation, Parag has returned to Columbus to help shape the future of our region.

Shownotes

This week’s episode is sponsored by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. MORPC is Central Ohio’s voice. As a regional council with nearly 90 local governments and community partners, they provide nonpartisan data analysis, community resources and long-range planning. Together, they drive the future prosperity and sustainability of the Central Ohio region.

Transcript on page 2.

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In July, the City of Columbus experienced a massive data breach, which officials at the time referred to as “some type of incident.” Months later, the scope, damage, and cost of the incident are still coming into focus. I sat down with Connor Goodwolf, a cybersecurity engineer, to discuss the data breach and his role in the ongoing efforts to understand what happened and how to recover from it. According to Goodwolf, despite his efforts to alert the city, he faced a restraining order and legal challenges. In our discussion, he emphasized the need for better cybersecurity measures and proactive communication from the city.

Shownotes

• Sign up for credit monitoring
• Connor Goodwolf

Full transcript on page 2.

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We are diving into the most read stories shaping the landscape of the city. These are the top stories that have captured the attention of our community—not necessarily the most important or significant, but the ones that people just couldn’t stop reading.

We’ll be counting down the top 15 stories from the past quarter, ranging from local business closures and new developments to the latest updates in the city’s infrastructure. Whether it’s a historic building being demolished, new restaurants opening up, or the ever-evolving skyline of downtown Columbus, we’ve got it all covered.

1. Roll Bikes Closing 
2. High Ramp Closure / Highway Work 
3. Easton & Polaris Properties Sold
4. Top 10 Brewery Patios
5. Giant Trolls Repost
6. Dispensaries Prep for Recreation Marijuana
7. 7 Big Projects
8. Local Cantina Short North Closes
9. Skinny Tower in Franklinton
10. Updated Downtown Tower
11. Film Production in Dublin
12. Capital Grille
13. Homefield Grandview
14. Bakery Building Demolished
15. Ohio Village Construction

Full transcript on page 2.

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Good comedy is a reflection of society. Next month, for five days, over 150 comedians will grace ten stages throughout the city for the inaugural Columbus Comedy Festival. On the occasion of the upcoming event, I sat down with Walker Evans, co-founder of Columbus Underground and the Comedy Festival, and Hannah Romes, co-owner of Hashtag Comedy. We discussed the impetus for and execution of the festival, the opportunities in the Columbus comedy scene, and their focus on increasing public awareness of the city’s abundant talent.

Shownotes

• Columbus Comedy Festival

Full transcript on page 2.

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Every piece is important. For Tom Krouse, the outgoing CEO of Donatos Pizza, this tagline is more than just a catchphrase. With his departure this fall, we sat down to discuss his journey at Donatos. We’ll explore the key strategies behind their expansion, including the decision to focus on franchising and the early adoption of online ordering technology. Tom also shares his thoughts on the importance of building the right team, having strong leadership processes, and how these factors were crucial to their success.

Shownotes

• Donatos
• Tom Krouse
• Smart Columbus
• Music Columbus
• GCAC

Shownotes on page 2.

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