Boiling Point Cincinnati

In hour one , Michelle sits down with Dave Baker , Business Manager for Ironworkers Local 44 . Dave shares stories from his years in the labor movement, offering an inside look at the skilled, demanding, and often dangerous work ironworkers perform to keep our cities standing. Together, they explore the culture of the trade, the challenges facing the industry, and why strong unions remain essentia...

In hour one , Michelle reflects on key insights from AFT President Randi Weingarten’s new book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education & the Future of Democracy . She unpacks Weingarten’s arguments about the central role educators play in defending democracy, the rising threats facing public schools, and why the fight for a fully funded, inclusive, and equitable public education system h...

In hour one , Michelle highlights the progressive victories she’s thankful for in an increasingly chaotic political climate. She spotlights recent wins for working-class people happening in states across the country—proof that meaningful progress is still being made, even in tough times. In hour two , Clayton sits down with Collin Docterman , chair of the Scioto County Democratic Party and candida...

In hour one , Michelle sits down with Tim Donoghue , president of the Northern Kentucky Labor Council . Tim reflects on his decades of organizing, his path into labor leadership, and the evolving challenges facing unions across Kentucky. Together, they unpack the fights ahead for working families and what it takes to build durable worker power in a politically difficult climate. In hour two , Mark...

In hour one , Michelle sits down with Will Minehart , Southwest Representative for the Ohio AFL-CIO , for a deep dive into life inside the labor movement. They discuss how unions shape economic stability, protect workers’ rights, and continue to serve as one of the most powerful tools for improving the lives of everyday Ohioans. In hour two , Mark and Clayton interview Dr. Amy Acton , candidate fo...

In hour one , Michelle sits down with Olivia Merrill , secretary of the Democratic Socialists of America–Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky chapter. They break down Zohran Mamdani’s historic victory , exploring why this race mattered nationally and locally. Together, they listen to key moments from Mamdani’s electrifying victory speech and offer analysis on the themes, strategy, and movement energ...

In hour one, Michelle shines a spooky spotlight on the “ghouls and monsters” haunting today’s labor movement —from corporate greed to political attacks on workers’ rights. She explores the biggest threats unions and working people are up against right now. In hour two, Clayton and Mark shift gears to Cincinnati’s upcoming elections , previewing key races, offering predictions, and sharing their fo...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Tamaya Dennard , Programs and Partnerships Manager at Represent Women . They reflect on Tamaya’s tenure at Cincinnati City Hall and her new role empowering more women to run for office and lead in political life. In hour two, Clayton and Mark provide the latest update on Ohio House Bill 186 , examining how the proposal could reshape funding for school districts...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Sara Bitter , board member for Sycamore Community Schools , to discuss her work at the Children’s Law Center and her role as a tireless advocate for children with disabilities . She shares how legal advocacy and public service can create meaningful change for students and families alike. In hour two, Mark and Clayton investigate ICE and its pattern of unlawful...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Pastor Lesley Jones , faith organizer for the AMOS Project , to explore what justice work looks like through the lens of community faith. Pastor Lesley shares how she mobilizes congregations to confront inequities and build power for social change. In hour two, Clayton and Mark turn their focus to state and local education issues. They break down Ohio House Bil...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Angela Heinz , founder of Lattes and Liberty , to explore what political engagement can look like for everyday citizens—whether or not they have a history of activism. They discuss why it’s vital for people to get involved and how small steps can build collective power. In hour two, Clayton and Mark are joined by Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent Shauna...

In this rare solo episode, Clayton investigates the pressing question: is free speech evolving or eroding in Trump’s America? He unpacks the state of public discourse in a polarized country, looking at the tension between protecting expression and curbing harmful rhetoric. Clayton also explores the digital battlefield—examining how the loosening of social media content moderation has accelerated t...

Clayton takes a close look at Trump’s trade war and how tariffs are rippling through the economy. He zeroes in on the rising costs of groceries and automobiles , showing how working-class families are bearing the brunt of policies pitched as tough on foreign competitors but costly at home. Send us Fan Mail

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Mike Moroski , Executive Director of the Human Services Chamber of Hamilton County . They talk about the current state of human services , the challenges facing providers, and Mike’s perspective from his time on the Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education . In hour two, Mark and Clayton dive into the Cincinnati city council race , examining the competing s...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Brandon Hill , an organizer with the Amazon Labor Union (ALU) at KCVG. Brandon shares what it’s like to build a new chapter of the ALU from the ground up, and reflects on his experiences with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) as part of a broader push for worker power. In hour two, Mark and Clayton talk with Judge Ginger Bock from the First District Co...

In hour one, Michelle brings listeners the latest on the UAW strike unfolding at General Electric in the Cincinnati area. She also shares highlights from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler’s 2025 Labor Day speech , offering national context to the ongoing fight for workers’ rights. In hour two, Mark takes a closer look at the Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education race . He breaks down the candida...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Celeste Treece , founder of Commen Strategies , to talk about her journey in community organizing . Celeste shares how she’s been able to energize everyday people, build grassroots power, and challenge entrenched systems. In hour two, Clayton and Mark turn their attention to PragerU , a conservative media company pushing to enter public school classrooms across...

In hour one, Michelle speaks with Micah Niemeier-Walsh , Vice President of AFGE Local 3840 , about the Trump administration’s assault on NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) and what it means for worker safety across the country. They discuss the critical role NIOSH plays in protecting workers and the risks of undermining it. In hour two, Mark and Clayton turn their attent...

In hour one, Michelle talks with Milli Schafer from the Cincinnati Urban Deer Advocates about the growing debate over urban deer hunting in city parks. They explore both the environmental and ethical considerations surrounding population control in urban green spaces. In hour two, Mark and Clayton dig into the newly signed lease agreement between the Cincinnati Bengals and Hamilton County . They e...

In hour one, Michelle speaks with Nancy Sullivan from Transformations CDC about the impact of Trump-era policies on working-class immigrants in Cincinnati. They explore how national politics are creating local hardships—and what can be done to support vulnerable communities. In hour two, Mark and Clayton break down the week’s biggest news stories from Cincinnati and across Ohio. Topics include ris...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Neil Kelly , Deer Park city councilman and passionate disability rights advocate . They talk about Neil’s journey in public service, his work to make communities more accessible, and how local leadership can drive real inclusion. In hour two, Mark and Clayton celebrate one year of Boiling Point ! They take listeners behind the scenes of producing a labor-focuse...

In hour one, Mark delivers a local news roundup featuring key updates from Cincinnati Public Schools as they face federal funding cuts , the unveiling of a new Charter Committee slate , and an unexpected leadership lesson for corporate executives inspired by the Bengals' offseason moves . In hour two, Mark takes a deep dive into the QAnon movement —tracing its origins, its merger with the MAG...

In hour one, Michelle speaks with Josh Spring , Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition , about the realities facing Cincinnati’s unhoused population. They discuss the root causes of homelessness and what community members—and local government—can do to create lasting solutions. In hour two, Mark and Clayton turn their attention to Elon Musk’s proposed 'America Party.&...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Judge Nicole Sanders and Keshia Jones from the Hamilton County Drug Court to explore how the court system can play a role in recovery rather than punishment . They break down how drug courts work and how they’re helping Hamilton County residents overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. In hour two, Mark and Clayton dig into the good, the bad, and the ugly of...

In hour one, Michelle talks with Judi LoPresti , owner of SPUN Bicycles in Northside, about biking culture in Cincinnati. They discuss grassroots advocacy, the city’s bike infrastructure, and what it will take to make streets safer and more accessible for cyclists. In hour two, Mark and Clayton weigh the potential consequences of U.S. involvement in another Middle East conflict . They dig into how...