The Local Exchange Podcast

Phil White is a member of the Bath Local Schools Board of Education. He’s a chemical engineer and Engineering Manager at INEOS, moved to the Lima area in 1997, built his house in Bath in 2000, and was re-elected to the board in 2025. He reached out after reading notes from a Shawnee school board meeting because he wanted to talk about something he sees as a common problem: most people don’t really understand what a school board actually does, what it doesn’t do, and how the different layers of local government fit together.In this episode we get into the role of a school board member versus the superintendent and administration, why public meetings often look quieter than people expect, and where the biggest misunderstandings tend to happen. We also talk about Bath’s high school bond levy that failed by a wide margin earlier this year, what comes next on facilities, the recent hiring of a new superintendent, how a change in leadership affects the board, the shift toward career and trades pathways alongside college prep, and how school funding actually works from a board member’s perspective. We close with how Phil researches smaller county and state races ahead of the November election.It’s a straightforward conversation about how school boards function, what the public often misses, and how that gap in understanding affects local decisions.

Adam Preston, treasurer of the Vote No on Cable Rd campaign, joins us to break down the November ballot issue facing Lima voters. We cover who gets to vote, what the project actually proposes (center median, lane changes, sidewalks), the city’s crash data and safety argument, the $6+ million in outside funding, business concerns along the corridor, and what alternatives could look like if the current plan is rejected.A straightforward look at one of the biggest local issues on the ballot this fall.

Justin Davis has spent his life playing, promoting, and spreading music. From performing as Davis Unplugged across Northwest Ohio to organizing community events, he has dedicated himself to keeping live music alive and accessible.In this episode of The Local Exchange, we sit down with Justin to talk about the journey that brought him here, from his roots in the Delphos/Ottoville area and time in the Air Force to his ongoing passion for music. We also dive into why he is launching the Loud Music Fest in Delphos, Ohio on August 7, 2027, how the idea has evolved, and his mission to help the next generation discover and fall in love with music.Whether you are a longtime local music fan or just hearing about the festival for the first time, this conversation highlights the heart behind the event and the people working to make it happen.Follow Justin and stay updated on the Loud Music Fest and Davis Unplugged: https://www.facebook.com/LoudMusicFestOhio #LocalExchange #JustinDavis #LoudMusicFest #DelphosOhio #DavisUnplugged #LiveMusic #NorthwestOhio

Episode 31: Carl Taylor – Lima Bean Chorus Carl Taylor has spent most of his life in barbershop and men’s singing groups and picked up multiple contest wins along the way. He talks about the Lima Beane Chorus, the Lima chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society that has been together since 1946, four-part harmony, life on the risers, and what it takes to keep that sound alive. He also my first guest to perform on my podcast!

Jeff Givan is a first-time candidate for the Ohio House in District 78, which covers Allen County and part of northern Auglaize County. He is a co-founder of the Lima Pride Alliance. We talk about how the Ohio House works, school funding, healthcare, and why he decided to run. https://jeffgivan4ohio.com/ https://www.facebook.com/JeffGivan4ohio

Matt is back on The Local Exchange. We start with a little Shawnee football, then get into recent issues around Shawnee Schools. After that we talk through where things stand after the first round of the Chief Austin Miller hearing.The Local Exchange Where Northwest Ohio Comes to Talk

Lew Modic is the Democratic candidate for Allen County Commissioner, running against incumbent Brian Winegardner in the November 3, 2026 general election.In this episode of The Local Exchange, Lew talks about what a county commissioner actually does, why he’s running, and the issues he says matter most for Allen County families: jobs, schools, population loss, and getting the county, city, and townships working in the same direction.This interview is part of an open invitation we sent to both the Allen County Democrats and the Allen County Republicans to talk with any candidates, or anyone who can help voters understand the races and issues on the ballot this fall. Lew was one of the first to respond.Learn more about Lew:Website: https://voteforlew.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lew-Modic-for-Commissioner/61579423242067/Donate page: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/modic-for-commissioner#TheLocalExchange #AllenCounty #LimaOhio #OhioPolitics #CountyCommissioner #LewModic

Episode 27: Joe Wassink – LifeWise, Faith, and the Lifewise 5KIn this episode of The Local Exchange, Jon sits down with Joe Wassink of Lima, Ohio. Joe serves with ACTS / TV44 and has been deeply involved with LifeWise Academy in Allen County for years.We talk about the upcoming Lifewise 5K and 1K Fun Run, how LifeWise first got started in the area, and what the program actually looks like for local families and schools. Joe also shares openly about his faith, his family, and his love for the Lord, along with his role at TV44 and his enjoyment of running - including participating in the very event he helps organize.Whether you’re curious about LifeWise, follow local community efforts, or just enjoy a conversation about faith and service in Northwest Ohio, this episode gives a clear and personal look at the work Joe and others are doing.

In this episode of The Local Exchange, I sit down with Sov Savors — the Lima-area food reviewer who’s been making serious noise across greater Northwest Ohio.We dig into how he chooses the next restaurant, his process for creating high-quality review videos, and what it takes to stay honest while covering local spots. Sov also opens up about his passion and experience as a filmmaker outside of the food content, the hard life experiences that shaped him, and the importance of family in his life.We talk about the upcoming 1st Annual Rib Fest coming to downtown Lima, the re-opening of A Touch of Europe on Main Street, and how Sov has become a real advocate for the community — helping drive thousands of new customers through the doors of local eateries.Whether you’re a foodie, a local business owner, or just someone who cares about the people building up Lima, this conversation is worth a listen.

Dalton J. Smith (attorney who was part of the legal team representing Shawnee Township Fire Chief Austin Miller during last year’s proceedings) joins us to discuss the current situation. In this conversation we cover what can be shared publicly about the ongoing investigation and suspension of Fire Chief Austin Miller, where things stand in the process, what may come next, timelines, public disclosure rules, and much more. Important note: This interview presents one side of the story from Chief Miller’s legal perspective. There are multiple sides to these matters - please don’t jump to conclusions. Ask questions, seek information from multiple sources, and support stability for our township and fire department. If representatives from the township or other involved parties would like to share their perspective, the invitation is always open.👍 Like if you found this helpful🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications for more local conversations that matter💬 Drop your respectful thoughts in the commentsThank you for watching and for being part of a community that seeks understanding.