The Confluence Cast

As Columbusites, we examine the evolution and identity of the city from a singular point of view. That’s not a bad thing, but an outsider’s perspective is always helpful. Today, we hear from Mark Snyder, a former Columbus resident whose journey through writing and theater has woven a rich tapestry of experiences both in and out of Ohio's capital city. Mark reflects on the essence of Columbus — the kindness, scrappiness, and the collaborative spirit that defines its culture. He shares his journey of rediscovery in a city that continues to evolve and challenge its own identity. The post A City of Doers appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

The city’s transit system is going through a transformation. At least that’s the intention. On the occasion of an impending transfer of power and a sales tax issue on the ballot this fall to bulk up services, Columbus Underground reporter Brent Warren sat down with both the outgoing and incoming CEOs of the Central Ohio Transit Authority (or COTA) to discuss the shift in leadership, the transportation projects set to be on the ballot this fall, and what’s next for the former Greyhound station in Downtown. The post COTA Bus Transfer appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

We’re exploring the evolution of Downtown with Michael Brown, who has been a cornerstone in the city’s development planning and worked both in and outside city government to cheer on its growth. Columbus Underground Co-Founder Walker Evans and Brown delve into the city’s challenges and triumphs, the synergy between projects, the balance between iconic and neighborhood-level public art investments, and the concerted efforts to address systemic issues like homelessness and affordable housing. Through anecdotes and insights, they highlight Columbus’ young, creative energy and the dynamic urban policies that continue to drive its growth. The post Downtown with Michael Brown appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

There is often a complex interplay between preservation and progress. A year into his exploration, Columbus Underground reporter Jesse Bethea continues to sift through the story of how the removal of remains from what was once the North Market parking lot unfolded. From the contentious removal of centuries-old graves to the forensic analysis of unearthed remains, today’s episode navigates the ethical, legal, and emotional complexities surrounding the issue. In the quest to honor the past while embracing the future, we examine what lies beneath the surface of urban development and confront the ghosts of history that still shape our city today. The post Grave Matters: Unearthing the North Graveyard appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

The capital city’s food scene is often heralded. However, its taco truck scene has been often overlooked. Elwood Ellis, a freelance writer for Columbus Underground and self-proclaimed Taco Connoisseur, is trying to change that. Listen in as Elwood shares his journey and criteria for evaluating the diverse and authentic taco scene, emphasizing the importance of not ranking trucks but appreciating their unique offerings. He also discusses adventurous and vegetarian options available at taco trucks, the significance of quality ingredients, and the need for authenticity in dishes like Al Pastor tacos. The post Tacos by the Truck appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

This podcast was not generated by AI. But it may have been influenced by it. As all industries consider how to use artificial intelligence in their work, Walker Evans, Susan Post, and I discuss it relates to journalism, disclosure, and transparency. We cover Columbus Underground’s updated policy on the matter, how content generation should and should not be used in a newsroom, what AI thinks about the Columbus food scene, and a lively debate on the ethical challenges of how this new tool will affect our lives. The post This Title Was Not Generated by AI appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Big cities have big city problems. Columbus’s newest school board member argues that the inequity of our schools shows that we certainly are a big city. Brandon Simmons, also the youngest school board member ever elected, is on a mission to face the challenges of the district head-on. In an interview two days after his first board meeting, we discuss the challenges that the district faces, the power and importance of public education, and how he navigated the city's political landscape to get into office. The post Columbus’ Youngest Elected Official, Brandon Simmons appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Columbus Underground co-founder and editor Walker Evans discusses a myriad of stories, including the latest in transportation, climate change, local politics, and a dash of comedy here in the capital city. The post News in the New Year appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

As 2023 draws to a close and we stand on the brink of a new year filled with its own stories and surprises, it's a time for reflection. In our latest podcast episode, we delve into a retrospective journey, revisiting the moments that defined the year for us. Join Walker Evans, Susan Post, and myself as we engage in a lively discussion about the most impactful, intriguing, and talked-about local stories that have unfolded over the past 365 days. The post Year in Review appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Just in time for the holidays, we’re taking out the trash. Columbus Underground Co-Founder Walker Evans sat down with Joe Lombardi, the executive director of the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio or SWACO. They discussed the strategies they are putting in place for a sustainable future, practical tips on reducing waste, and ways to celebrate sustainably this holiday season. The post Taking Out the Trash with SWACO appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Access to transportation is not just about the journey but the opportunities it creates. This week, Columbus Underground Co-Founder Walker Evans sat down with the staff at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission to discuss the plan for LinkUS, Central Ohio’s strategic transportation initiative. The post LinkUS Columbus appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Ordering food on a delivery app? You may not know precisely where your dinner came from. Columbus Underground Associate Editor Susan Post went down the rabbit hole of ghost kitchens and virtual brands in the restaurant industry. In today's episode, we explore the burgeoning scene of ghost kitchens in Columbus, unraveling their advantages, and the complex challenges they bring to the table. But it's not all about convenience. We'll discuss the transparency issues these virtual brands pose, how they can be misleading to customers, and the implications for food origin disclosure. The post Ghost Kitchens and Virtual Brands appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

There’s a balance to be struck between storytelling and getting to the heart of what matters in writing. That’s especially true when writing about the arts. Since 2015, Grant Walters has been writing about comedy and music for Columbus Underground, and he has stories behind the stories. The post Beyond the Beat appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Today’s guest, longtime host, writer, comedian, and filmmaker Dino Tripodis has a creative journey that is uniquely his own, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Our conversation here takes an eagle-eye view of his career path, the value of being a multi-hyphenate creator, his approach to creativity, and the importance of authenticity. The post Host and Creator Dino Tripodis appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

From context comes an understanding of everything. Today’s guest, well-known Central Ohio journalist, politician, and author Michael Curtin, seems to have understood that from his early days as a reporter to his time as a legislator. In our interview, Mike discusses his career, the future of journalism, the importance of compromise, and how we view issues largely depends on the vantage point with which we view them. Our conversation provides an understanding that context is not just about seeing the bigger picture. It’s about appreciating the stories, decisions, and efforts that create that picture. The post Journalist, Legislator, and Author Michael Curtin appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Shared experience enhances our sense of space. Over the summer, I had the opportunity to attend the annual Franklinton Board of Trade Gala, held at COSI. That night's keynote speaker was the well-known Central Ohio journalist, legislator, and author Michael Curtin. His remarks that evening struck a chord with me, and I asked him to recite them again here for Confluence Cast listeners. Mike's speech touches on the impact Franklinton had on him, the local figures who ascended in their careers despite humble beginnings, and the role that Franklinton has had in molding the broader Columbus community. I hope this episode instills in listeners what it did for me: A greater sense of the city's rich history and our opportunity to find a place in that history. The post Franklinton’s Past, Present and Future appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Can a city that doesn’t know it’s history properly tell its own story? This week, I sat down with Columbus Underground staffers Walker Evans and Susan Post to discuss what’s been going on in the capital city. We talked about the upcoming election, new and upcoming restaurants, the relevance of history in reporting, and the city’s changing retail landscape. The post October News Roundup appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Mayor Andrew Ginther is ready for round three. After serving the city of Columbus from the top political position for the past eight years, he's ready for four more. In today’s interview, Ginther talks more about police reform, housing development, zoning updates, and economic development. The post Candidate Andrew Ginther appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Joe Motil wants your support to become the 54th mayor of the 14th largest city in America. And he's going door-to-door and person-to-person in a grassroots effort to ask for that support. In today’s interview, Motil talks about his history in Central Ohio politics and his campaign platform. The post Candidate Joe Motil appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

When Lourdes Barroso de Padilla first won her seat on Columbus City Council in 2021, she was the first Latina to serve in the role — a role that she plans to continue as she runs unopposed for reelection to Council District 8 this November. In today’s interview, she talks about her background and goes a lot deeper into the conversations around growth, transportation and opportunity. The post Candidate Lourdes Barroso de Padilla appeared first on The Confluence Cast.