Everything Is Local

In Episode 76 of Everything Is Local, Mike and Shana break down the latest developments surrounding Beachwood’s proposed library project, local spending and the community’s future, along with a heated conversation about consent and college culture. • Why the proposed $30 million Beachwood library could mean fewer recreational fields, expensive engineering work and major safety concerns near Fairmo...

In this episode of Everything Is Local, Mike and Shana dig into several local issues before getting into a much bigger national conversation: • Why Beachwood teenagers were reportedly told they could not use the Fairmount fields when the fields were not being used, and what the school district's facility-use policy actually says about community access. • The frustration over changing explanations...

In this episode of Everything Is Local, Shana, Mike and Matt break down the latest developments surrounding Beachwood’s proposed new library and the controversial Fairmount Temple property: • The latest library plans, including the proposed auditorium, private study spaces, maker room and the impact the project could have on Beachwood’s remaining youth sports fields. • Why the school district’s pl...

In this episode, Mike, Shana, Matt take a deep dive into the proposed new Beachwood library and the questions surrounding the project: • The latest presentation for the proposed library and why the new plans for the surrounding sports fields are raising even more questions. • The massive amount of dirt and engineering that could be required to level the property, and the unanswered question of who...

This is another great episode where Shana and Matt talk about: • The controversial TIF proposal in Orange Village and why they believe the plan could divert tax revenue that voters intended for schools and other public services. • The growing criticism of Orange City Council, including questions about whether council members are doing enough to challenge the mayor and scrutinize major decisions. •...

With Mike currently away with family, this is another great episode where Shana and Matt talk about: • The history and controversy surrounding Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including the Green Line, Areas A, B and C, and how the Oslo Accords divided the territory. • Why hundreds of thousands of Israelis live beyond the Green Line and the different political, religious and economic reasons...

With Mike currently away with family, this is another great episode where Shana and Matt talk about: • The ongoing debate over moving the Beachwood library and what that could mean for the school fields and students who currently use the library after school. • The problems with the Hilltop and Halcyon roundabout and how Matt finally got the confusing stop and yield signs addressed after years of...

This is a great episode where Mike, Shana, and Matt Hildebrand talk about: • The three property tax increases Beachwood residents are facing in 2027 and why the average homeowner could see a net increase of about $887. • Why Beachwood City Council quietly increased the city's inside mills from 1.6 to 4 mills, generating millions of dollars in additional revenue. • Beachwood's spending, the mayor's...

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about: • The proposed new Beachwood library and why the plan to build it on the community's main sports fields has become such a controversial issue. • Why the current library's existing meeting space, the proposed auditorium, and the nearly $30 million price tag have Mike and Shana questioning whether the project is actually necessary. • The lack...

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about: The ongoing debate over parking at the Beachwood pool and playground, including whether residents should have priority parking and the challenges created by the new $4 million playground. Their thoughts on pickleball, the movie The Dink , and whether the sport has officially become the new “easy tennis.” The upcoming preliminary hearing in t...

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about: Mike getting called for jury duty on a double murder case and the comments that quickly got him dismissed from the jury pool. The growing controversy surrounding proposed automated traffic cameras in Beachwood and whether they are really about safety or generating revenue. Frustration with city council transparency, emergency legislation, an...

With Mike away, this is a great episode where Shana and the crew talk about: • Amy Acton’s campaign for Ohio governor, her stance on data centers, and what voters want to hear from candidates heading into election season. • The state of Democratic politics, Sherrod Brown, campaign messaging, and the challenge of connecting national political strategies with what actually matters to local voters. •...

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about: • The growing concerns surrounding The Vantage apartments, ongoing code violations, and what the City of Beachwood can (and can't) do to help residents. • The future of Beachwood Place Mall, changing retail trends, and what the loss of major department stores could mean for the city's economy. • The debate over tax increment financing (TIFs)...

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about: • Why the proposed Fairmount Temple TIF has become one of the most controversial issues currently facing the city. • The debate surrounding Beachwood's inside mill levies, sewer frontage assessments, and how taxpayer dollars are being spent. • The University Heights home synagogue case headed to the U.S. Supreme Court and what the decision c...

Mike is back, and Episode 62 covers everything from birthday gifts and backyard chaos to one of the biggest debates happening inside the Democratic Party today. This week's conversation includes:  Mike's return to the podcast after missing last week's episode, along with stories from his "bachelor week" while Nikki was away.   A heartbreaking local driving accident and a thoughtful...

With Mike away at a baseball tournament, Shana is joined by Matt Hildebrand for a wide-ranging discussion that goes far beyond local politics. This is a fascinating episode where they talk about: The Trump administration's new Memorandum of Understanding with Iran and whether it is a meaningful agreement or simply an agreement to keep talking. The ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, Hezbollah...

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about: The City of Beachwood's proposed vote to re-levy charter mills and what it could cost the average homeowner each year. Why Mike believes City Council should publicly justify any tax increase and let residents vote on it instead of approving it directly. Beachwood's growing revenues compared to neighboring cities and whether the city truly ne...

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about: Jack’s eighth-grade graduation, winning Athlete of the Year, and the emotions that come with watching your kids grow up. The impact of great coaches, why Coach Perk has become a local legend, and how strong mentorship can shape kids far beyond the playing field. Travel baseball tournaments, sports-parent culture, and the friendships that dev...

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana are joined by Beachwood resident Joanna Henze to talk about: The mysterious early morning shooting in Beachwood, the confusing details surrounding the incident, and why many residents feel communication from the city was lacking. The rumors, theories, and neighborhood reactions after shell casings, police tape, and investigators flooded the area. Questi...

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about:  Mike getting called for jury duty on a double murder case and the comments that quickly got him dismissed from the jury pool. The growing controversy surrounding proposed automated traffic cameras in Beachwood and whether they are really about safety or generating revenue. Frustration with city council transparency, emergency legislati...

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about:  The disastrous Cleveland Cavaliers playoff performance, Dan Gilbert sending buses of fans to support the team, and why Cleveland sports continue to emotionally destroy everyone involved.  Parenting teenage athletes, handling failure on the baseball field, body language, leadership, and the brutal reality of youth sports pressure....

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about:  Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaking in Cleveland, free speech, media outrage, and the debate over controversial public figures and public health messaging.  Vaccines, autism claims, political “kookiness,” and whether people in positions of authority should be held to a different standard when discussing science and medicine.  Musi...

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about:  A big win at a local fundraiser, including a second “basket of booze” victory, and why timing that win right before COVID turned out to be perfect.   The upcoming Sheetz vote, behind-the-scenes conversations with council leadership, and predictions on how the decision will ultimately play out.   A candid discussion...

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana are joined by returning guest Matt Hildebrand, and they talk about:  The heated battle over the proposed Sheetz location, why residents and businesses are pushing back, and predictions on how the city council vote could unfold.   Transparency in local government, whether council members should publicly state their positions before voting,...

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about:  A local restaurant shutdown over health violations, what actually matters when it comes to food quality, and why soggy egg rolls might be the real dealbreaker.   New restaurant spots, rising dining costs, and why eating at home is starting to feel like the better (and cheaper) option.   Family dynamics, getting olde...