Everything Is Local

In this episode, we dive into a mix of candid stories—from navigating dental pain and the addictive grip of opioids, to the surprising world of high fashion at the Met Gala, and the intricacies of local politics and community events. Join us as we discuss the realities of pain management, reflect on the legacy of Justice Souter, share family updates, and poke fun at the quirks of our town’s shred...

Welcome back to Everything is Local! Join us as we dive deep into Beachwood's controversial purchase and proposed development of the Fairmount Temple property, including revelations from public records requests, concerns about density, and the debate over TIFs. Plus, we tackle the surprisingly heated topic of deer management in the city, from culling to sterilization, and share some personal (and...

Hosts Shana and Mike did some Podcast-based research this week! Our intrepid hosts take a critical look at Isreal-Palestine debate featured on Joe Rogan. Tune in as they explore themes of nuance, responsibility, and the importance of allowing divergent perspectives in the wake of societal contention. Our hosts grapple with the controversial figures and ideas presented in modern media, highlighting...

Welcome to a special episode of Everything is Local! This week, Mike and Shana shine a spotlight on the incredible work of Dr. Matt Goldschmidt, a renowned plastic surgeon and passionate do-gooder. He shares his inspiring journey of how he combines his medical expertise with a heartfelt mission to improve the lives of children with cleft palates in underserved communities around the world. Listen...

Welcome back to Everything is Local, in this episode your hosts Mike and Shana dive into Pepper Pike with new insights and fresh information. This week, we unpack the hot-button issues surrounding the proposed charter amendments that have divided the community with special guest John Currid. Join Mike, Shana, and John as they discuss the implications of the recent charter proposals, focusing on ac...

Welcome back to Everything is Local! Join Mike and Shana for a return-to-format as your co-hosts sift through the contrasting opinions surrounding city governance, and explore the real-life implications for everyday residents. We’ll discuss how small-town drama can affect the community, from sidewalk proposals, to budget mismanagement, while emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and keepi...

In this solo episode, your Shana steps into the spotlight while partner Mike enjoys his spring training adventures in Arizona. Join her as she welcomes the incredible Kim Dettmer, an artist using her creativity as a means of activism during these tumultuous times. Together, they dive deep into the current landscape for women in America, touching on the anxiety surrounding political decisions, soci...

Welcome back to Everything is Local! Join Mike and Shana in this free-flowing episode as he gears up for an exciting spring break trip to Arizona. With plans to soak up the sun, catch a spring training game, and even explore the Grand Canyon, Mike shares his anticipations both good and bad. Plus, get ready for a range of topics ranging from balancing tight schedules with family commitments, to the...

Welcome back to Everything is Local! In this episode we go back to our roots with a classic Mike and Shana 1, 2 punch! Our beloved hosts kick off the conversation with a little spring fever as they look forward to the events and holidays that accompany the improved weather before shifting their sights to local news. From Caleb Greenwood’s Ohio State victory and impeccable sportsmanship, to more qu...

In this exciting episode of Everything is Local, we dive into the world of Canadian politics with our special guest, Tige Melton, who is aiming for a shot at Parliament in Windsor, Ontario! Join us as Tige and Mike reminisce about their days at Culver Academies, where they bonded over sports and youthful mischief, before we delve into Tige's inspiring journey from humble beginnings to aspiring pol...

This week our favorite hosts return with a toe-tapping edition of Everything is Local! We finally hear the details of Shana’s polar plunge, Mike celebrates his son’s basketball success, and we find out what shirt Mike is wearing (more interesting than it sounds I swear). Post pre-show banter, Mike brings in musical guest Jesse Jukebox, local children’s musician and family to Shana. Jesse talks abo...

In this riveting episode of Everything is Local, hosts Shana and Mike sit down with Tony Viola, a man whose life was turned upside down by a flawed justice system. After a decade of wrongful imprisonment stemming from one of the largest mortgage fraud cases in U.S. history, Tony shares his harrowing journey through federal court, exploring the prosecutorial misconduct that led to his conviction. F...

We're back, and this week for a lively discussion sparked by the Super Bowl halftime show. For the first time in Everything is Local history, Mike and Shana take a call-in guest, their friend and peer Angel Washington! Join us as we unpack Mike's initial reaction to Kendrick Lamar, the song "Not Like Us," and the cultural significance of the diss track. We explore the broader implications of celeb...

In Episode 14 of Everything is Local , Shana takes the reins from Mike (despite his misgivings) and we find ourselves navigating the heartfelt highs and humorous lows of life as we explore relationship dynamics amidst parenting, tradition, and community. Mike and Shana reminisce about a recent bar mitzvah, reflecting on the emotional weight of family rituals, and sharing moments of proud parenthoo...

In this episode of Everything is Local , host Mike Burkons dives into a mix of personal milestones, local politics, and sports talk. First up, Mike shares the excitement of his oldest son’s bar mitzvah, celebrating this significant family event while giving a shoutout to his wife for her incredible planning skills. But it’s not all celebrations—Mike and his guests tackle some serious local issues,...

In Episode 12, we dive into a potpourri of discussions ranging from the excitement of NBA updates to the heart-wrenching realities of policy changes affecting our youth. We celebrate the Kelsey brothers' recent chat with LeBron James, vent about the rollercoaster ride of Cleveland sports (and the controversial plight of our beloved teams), and take a deep dive into the new state legislation that c...

In this episode, Mike and Shana explore some of today's most rousing issues. Join them as they discuss Facebook's decision to stop fact-checking, the debate around climate change and its impact on California's devastating wildfires, antisemitism on campus, and more! Expect an enlightening fencing match between friends as the conversation also touches on privilege, with stances rooted in personal e...

Happy New Year! In this milestone 10th episode, we dive into our mixed feelings about 2025, recounting our New Year's celebrations—from a low-key family affair watching Wicked to debates about the year's prospects. We touch on everything from hockey puns to deeper societal concerns, all while navigating through the complexities of school funding and community mental health.  As we unpack the...

Welcome back to another episode of Everything is Local! It’s Episode 9, and we're feeling the excitement as we gear up for double digits next week! Join Mike and Shana as they dive deep into the latest happenings in local politics, community initiatives, and the undeniable power of pizza (thanks to Jets Pizza and its generous owner, Robert Ferns!).  In this episode, we sit down with Wynn, a c...

In this episode of the Everything Local Podcast, we're back with co-host Shana, fresh from her vacation, ready to dive into critical discussions surrounding community issues. We start with a heated conversation about the recent developments regarding the Fairmount Temple property, where Shana highlights the discrepancies in the city's communication about their intentions. We explore the ramificati...

Welcome back to the "Everything is Local" podcast with Mike Burkons! In this exciting episode, we're diving deep into the world of East Side real estate, tackling burning questions about housing prices, buying decisions, and market trends. Joining Mike are two seasoned experts, Geoff Hoffman from Howard Hanna and Amanda Pohlman from Keller Williams Living, who bring over 30 years of combined exper...

In Episode 6 of Everything is Local , we've got a twist for you. Shana is off busy shopping for Black Friday deals at Ace Hardware in Aurora while getting ready for her cruise, but don’t worry—we have a very special guest joining us today: my ten-year-old daughter, Ellie Burkons!  Ellie has been eagerly waiting for her moment on the podcast, especially since Shana has had her turn. We dive in...

Welcome back to Everything is Local! In our fifth episode, we’re excited to have Council Member Jeremy Zelwin from Solon join us for an insightful conversation about community, local politics, and the importance of representation.  Join hosts Mike and Shana as they dive into Jeremy’s journey—from his roots in Solon to becoming an elected official—exploring how his experiences shaped his visio...

In this lively episode of Everything is Local , host Mike Burkons welcomes special guest Shana Wallenstein to dive into the quirks and controversies of Beachwood. They debate innovative deer population control methods (tranquilizers and all), dissect the complexities of housing development plans, and explore the city’s financial challenges. The duo also celebrates the Beachwood soccer team’s incre...

Mike and Brian breakdown recent election results, the uniqueness of local politics, what figures can make a difference, and why we all need to learn to get along on social media!