The Conversation

For Memorial Day, Rachel and John sat down with Mason Farr, Education and Outreach Manager at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, for a conversation about honoring the stories and sacrifices of those who have served. Together, they explore how the museum takes visitors on a powerful narrative journey through the individual experiences and collective history of Veterans across generations. T...

On this episode of The Conversation , Bethany Bell, Career and Community Resource Coordinator at Columbus City Schools, reflects on how her unique career journey has shaped her perspective and brought a deeper sense of joy and gratitude to the work she does each day. She also shares how she channels that passion into helping students explore possibilities and take meaningful steps toward their own...

On this episode of The Conversation , hosts John and Rachel chat with Marnie Hallet Szymanski, a history teacher at Margaretta High School who attended the 2025 Smithsonian National Education Summit. She’ll share the insights she gained from the conference and how those strategies are transforming learning for her students. Welcome to Season 3 of The Conversation ! This season we’re exploring how...

Spring is right around the corner which means prom season is about to commence! On this episode of The Conversation , John and Rachel sit down with ESC Intervention Specialists, Kathy Meterko and Rachel Junge to talk about the ESC’s Campus-Based Transition Program and their main event—prom! They'll dive into the planning and logistics behind the event, this year’s theme, and why their prom is such...

On this episode of The Conversation , hosts John and Rachel sit down with Olentangy Local Schools English teachers Andrea Vescelius and Hannah Rust to explore how their practice of not grading reshaped mindsets and renewed hope for both students and educators. Welcome to Season 3 of The Conversation ! This season we’re exploring how educators can rediscover joy, cultivate hope, and reconnect with...

Welcome to Season 3 of The Conversation ! This season we’re exploring how educators can rediscover joy, cultivate hope, and reconnect with the educational journey. Join us for a season filled with inspiring stories and meaningful insights that celebrate the power of education. On this episode of The Conversation , hosts John and Rachel sit down with Adam Philpott, a science teacher from Pickeringt...

On this episode of “ The Conversation” , John and Rachel sit down with Andreya Veintimilla, Design Research Lead at Smart Columbus, to explore the world of human-centered design. Together, they discuss how this approach shapes project development, the importance of designing with people in mind, and how it drives innovation within communities.   This episode of “The Conversation” is a continuation...

On this episode of "The Conversation", John and Rachel chat with Ted Angel at the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE). Together they'll dive into the next transportation revolution: flying cars! Ted Angel is the Director of Aerospace Affairs for the Dayton Development Coalition. He is charged with executing Aerospace and Defense strategy in the Dayton Region. Prior to his...

On this episode of “ The Conversation” , Rachel and Christina, sit down with Jake Miller, a Personalized Learning and EdTech Specialist at Summit ESC and the ESC of the Western Reserve. Together, they explore the real-world impact of AI in education, discussing how both students and teachers can leverage this technology for learning, creativity, and innovation. Tune in for insights, practical appl...

On this episode of “The Conversation”, John and Rachel chat with Dr. David Staley, a history professor at The Ohio State University and a futurist. Together, they’ll learn about rapid technology advancements and the impacts they’re having on our local industries, our economy and our daily lives. Let’s dive in!   This episode of “The Conversation” is the start of a new series “Emerging Technologies...

On this episode of “The Conversation”, John and Rachel chat with the new CEO of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Lauren Hagan, and their Chief Community Engagement Officer, Donna Zuiderweg. Together, they discuss the library's upcoming goals, explore some of their current programming, and highlight the vital role partnerships play in its continued success. Let’s dive in!   This episode of “The C...

On this episode of “The Conversation”, John and Rachel chat with Jill Snyder, the Visitor Engagement Manager and Public Information Officer at Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks. Together, they’ll explore the exciting array of current park activities, discuss upcoming events, and learn about a new facility designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind.     This episode of “The Conversa...

On this episode of The Conversation, John and Christina (filling in for Rachel) have an insightful conversation about the wide range of resources the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services offers. They chat with Gerrie Cotter, Manager of the Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program, and Dalen Hill, a former student whose career has been transformed by these impactful programs.   Th...

On this episode of “The Conversation”, John and Rachel sit down with Shea Kaltmann, the Director of Kitchen of Life, to explore how the organization is transforming lives through the culinary arts. Discover how Kitchen of Life fosters resilience and strengthens interpersonal skills by bringing people together in the kitchen. Join us for an inspiring discussion about the power of food to create com...

*Please note: the introduction of this podcast incorrectly refers to the high school as "Village Springs". The correct name of the school is "Village High School". On this episode of The Conversation, John and Rachel sit down with Village High School teachers Susan Nolan and Dan Takacs. Together, they dive into the teacher’s thought-provoking course, Voices in Conflict , which challenges students...

Tune in to the exciting conclusion of Episode 1 of The Conversation ! In this episode, John and Rachel dive deeper into David Strausbaugh’s thought-provoking American Political Thought and Radicalism course at Worthington Kilbourne High School. Hear firsthand how this unique class has shaped the values and civic engagement of a former student. This episode is a part of our Democracy Starts in the...

Season 2 of The Conversation is here! This two-part episode is a part of our Democracy Starts in the Classroom series which will cover civic engagement topics to keep you informed and engaged this voting season. On this episode of The Conversation, John and Rachel chat with David Strausbaugh, a Social Studies teacher at Worthington Kilbourne High School. John and Rachel will learn about David’s Am...

The final episode of Season 1 of "The Conversation, is here!  Tune in as John chats with Opal Brant from One Columbus about their groundbreaking efforts to support and engage businesses with our region’s K-12 pipeline. Learn how they’re shaping the future workforce and creating opportunities for our youth. Don’t miss this inspiring discussion! Make sure to keep an eye out for Season 2 of The Conve...

Service based learning experiences are crucial to connecting with and understanding the needs of your school community. On this episode of The Conversation, John and Rachel chat with Angela Ullum, Chief Academic Officer at Grandview Heights Schools. Angela shares how a services learning simulation impacted and created change in their school community.    Angela Ullum is the Chief Academic Officer...

Student and teacher well-being is crucial to the success of your district. On this episode of The Conversation, Rachel and John chat with Tami Cole-Santa, Executive Director of Student Services at Westerville City Schools. They’re also joined by Westerville City Schools’ Director of Student Well-Being, Jessie Martin, to explore the district’s inclusive approach to well-being.     Tami Cole-Santa i...

Recognizing Ohio teachers starts with you! Nominations for the 2025 Ohio Teacher of the Year are now open. On this episode of The Conversation, Rachel and John chat with Jonathan Juravich, 2018’s Ohio Teacher of the Year winner. They’re also joined by Angela Dicke, the State Coordinator for the Ohio Teacher of the Year Program, to learn more about this rewarding experience.    Jonathan Juravich is...

Episode 4 of The Conversation has dropped! Filling in for Rachel Daniels, Christina Grady-Watts and John Hambrick chat with Lisa Floyd Jefferson and Schyvonne Ross from Reynoldsburg City Schools. Tune in to learn about their efforts around equity and racial justice in the classroom.    Lisa Floyd-Jefferson’s 31 years of experience as a Black Educator, include serving in a multitude of capacities t...

As the two-year anniversary of Russia invading Ukraine approaches, The Conversation spoke with US Together, a non-profit organization providing services for immigrants and refugees in Ohio. Filling in for Rachel Daniels, Christina Grady-Watts and John Hambrick learn about US Together’s efforts to provide education and workforce services to Ukrainian immigrants and refugees affected by the Russia-U...

Join us on Episode 2 of The Conversation to learn about SproutFive’s efforts to revolutionize our country’s approach to early childhood education. Don't miss this motivational episode!   Colin Page McGinnis , by his own admission, hasn’t had a conventional path through school or career. At 24, he assumed the role of CEO of SproutFive (formerly South Side Early Learning), a century-old early childh...

Join us on Episode 1 of The Conversation to learn about his remarkable journey and impactful work in food, education and community advocacy. Don't miss this inspiring episode! Meet our guest, Trevor Horn . He's not your typical culinary expert. Trevor, currently the Farm Director at the Mid Ohio Food Collective, began his journey working in kitchens for 13 years and earning a degree from Le Cordon...