Episode 96: Privatized Schools and Safer Streets

Episode 96: Privatized Schools and Safer Streets

In hour one, Michelle takes a closer look at Indianapolis’ ongoing experiment with privatizing public education. She examines how privatization efforts have reshaped schools in the city, fueled segregation, and impacted students, teachers, and school staff. The conversation explores the broader consequences of treating public education as a marketplace rather than a public good. In hour two, Clayton and Mark sit down with Jeff Demaree, a Cincinnati Public Schools teacher and pedestrian safety advocate. Jeff provides an update on his efforts to organize teens around pedestrian safety and traffic calming initiatives throughout Cincinnati, while discussing the importance of safer streets and youth engagement in local advocacy work. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2406595/fan_mail/new]

Episode 95: From the Ohio River to Garden of Joy

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Susan VonderHaar of Citizens for Rights of the Ohio River Watershed (CROW) for a conversation on the environmental challenges facing the Ohio River and the broader environmental movement. The two discuss water quality, environmental stewardship, and the importance of protecting the natural world through a lens of compassion, sustainability, and care for all living beings. In hour two, Clayton and Mark are joined by social worker Ali Rizvi, Executive Director of Garden of Joy Culinary Academy. Ali shares his journey in social work and explains how Garden of Joy empowers at-risk youth through cooking, gardening, and hands-on learning that builds confidence, life skills and community connection. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2406595/fan_mail/new]

Episode 94: Peter Block and Michael Gustin on Community and Public Schools

In hour one, Michelle sits down with consultant and author Peter Block for a wide-ranging conversation on organizing, citizenship, and building stronger communities. The two explore what it takes to create deeper human connection in modern society, the importance of civic engagement, and Peter’s perspective on how patriarchy continues to shape institutions and culture in the West. In hour two, Clayton and Mark are joined by treasurer Michael Gustin to discuss the financial health of Cincinnati Public Schools and the growing fiscal challenges facing the district. Gustin also gives listeners an inside look at the day-to-day responsibilities of a school treasurer and how long-term financial forecasting impacts public education. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2406595/fan_mail/new]

Episode 93: Building Power on the Job and at the Ballot Box

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Bryan Georgilis, Jayme Scott, and Connor Malloy of IBEW Local 212 for a conversation about life in the labor movement and the value of union membership. The group discusses the role the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers plays in supporting tradespeople, while Bryan also shares why he’s running to become president of Local 212 and the vision he has for the union’s future. In hour two, Clayton talks with Jack Cunningham, lead organizer for the Cincy Precinct Project, about the group’s organizing efforts and how its endorsed candidates performed in Tuesday’s primary election. The conversation expands into a broader breakdown of several key local races, election results, and what they could mean moving forward politically in Hamilton County. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2406595/fan_mail/new]

Episode 92: Cincinnati Interfaith Workers’ Center + The Childcare Crisis

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Brennan, Tim, and Patience from the Cincinnati Interfaith Workers' Center to discuss how the organization supports working-class people across the region. They highlight the resources and advocacy they provide, while also previewing their upcoming May Day celebration on May 1st and what it represents for workers locally and beyond. In hour two, Mark takes a closer look at the growing childcare crisis facing working-class families. He breaks down the rising cost of care, the strain it places on households, and how access to affordable childcare is directly tied to people’s ability to work, earn a living, and stay afloat in today’s economy. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2406595/fan_mail/new]