The Local Exchange Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Schott, a 26-year veteran of the Shawnee Township Fire Department and lifelong resident of Shawnee. Ryan recently retired in July 2025 and joins us to share insights from his decades of experience as a firefighter. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to serve the community, how the department operates day to day, and the challenges of staffin...

In this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Mindy Molaski, candidate for Shawnee Township Trustee. Mindy talks about what makes this community special, from friends and family to the Friday night lights that bring everyone together. She shares lessons from her experience working for Shawnee Schools and volunteering for local levy campaigns and explains how those experiences have shaped her...

In this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Paul Neff, a lifetime resident of Shawnee Township whose family has called this community home for generations. Paul recently announced his retirement and is now focusing his time and energy on serving the community that’s shaped his life. We talk about his background as a third-generation farmer, the work ethic and lessons that come from a life...

In this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Chad Meyers candidate for Shawnee Township Trustee, to talk about his background, his work as a local business owner, and his vision for the future of Shawnee Township. Chad shares his thoughts on leadership, transparency, and communication, as well as his perspective on community engagement and supporting first responders. We also talk about his...

In this first full episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Kenny Gross, candidate for Shawnee Township Trustee, to talk about his background, why he decided to run, and his vision for the future of Shawnee Township. Kenny shares his thoughts on accountability, transparency, community engagement, economic growth, and public safety, which are the core priorities of his campaign. We also discuss...

Meet 5-Year-Old Liam DeLong – Quarter-Finalist in the 2026 National Jr. Ranger Champion Competition! Join us for a fun, heartwarming conversation with Liam DeLong and his parents, Alison and Rob, as they share what it’s like to compete in the exciting 2026 Jr. Ranger contest presented by Ranger Rick and the National Wildlife Federation. At just 5 years old, Liam is a passionate little explorer fro...

In this episode, I sit down with Shawnee Township Fire Chief Austin Miller to talk about the upcoming fire levy renewal on the May 5 ballot. We keep it straightforward: what the levy actually pays for, how much it costs the average homeowner, and why the department needs it. Chief Miller also shares what it’s been like stepping in as a first-time chief, handling big calls on I-75 and local fires,...

In this episode we sit down with Andrew Benchic — local attorney at Huffman Kelley & Brock, parent, coach, and husband of a Bath teacher. Andrew is a strong advocate for the upcoming Bath School Levy and a member of the Community Action Team (CAT) that helped shape the project. He explains in depth why he supports the 5.95-mill bond for a new high school, the real costs and benefits for reside...

In this episode, I talk with Cory Parent, a Shawnee Township resident, Shawnee High School alumnus, cloud engineer, and former U.S. Army intelligence trainee. We discuss his investigative series on Project BOSC, the massive data center planned for Allen County near Lima, Ohio. Cory explains the conflicting stories around the project, issues of transparency, infrastructure without reciprocity, and...