S2 Ep50: That's So Cincinnati: Reds shouldn't fire Thom Brennaman, LGBTQ leader says
One of Greater Cincinnati's leading influencers in the LGBTQ community wants to give embattled Reds broadcaster Thom Brennaman a chance to redeem himself. And there's no better place for Brennaman to do that than the television booth, community leader Ryan Messer told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast. "I don't think he should be fired," said Messer, vice president of the Cincinnati...
1hr 36m Sep 02, 2020
1hr 36m
S2 Ep49: That's So Cincinnati: Ohio GOP leader Jane Timken on the hype about suburban women voters
The election is all about suburban women voters. You've inevitably heard that many times in 2020. Ohio GOP Chairwoman Jane Timken joined The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast to discuss the battle for suburban women voters and whether Trump's message of safety amid nationwide protesting is working with that voting bloc.  "I am that demographic," said Timken, 53, who grew up in Cincinnati...
55m Aug 26, 2020
55m
S2 Ep48: That's So Cincinnati: Republican Greg Hartmann on criticizing Donald Trump and the Bengals' future
Cincinnati's Greg Hartmann is among a handful of Republicans who can vouch for how costly it can be to publicly criticize Donald Trump. Hartmann made national headlines in late 2015, when the then-Hamilton County commissioner called Trump "the most offensive public figure I've seen." (https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/elections/2015/12/09/gop-leader-party-should-reject-trump/77032...
1hr Aug 18, 2020
1hr
S2 Ep47: That's So Cincinnati: Householder scandal scares 'good people' away from running for office, Ohio lawmaker says
Ohio Rep. Brigid Kelly joins The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast to discuss the Larry Householder scandal; the dangers of dark money in politics; how the House moves forward; and what Hamilton County office she may run for in the future.  The Hyde Park Democrat says she's concerned the alleged $60 million Statehouse bribery scandal against the now-former House Speaker could deter "good...
56m Aug 11, 2020
56m
S2 Ep46: That's So Cincinnati: Ex-mayor takes aim at Reds and Bengals on The Banks project
Former Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken has emerged as a leading critic on the city and county's embattled riverfront development project, also known as The Banks.  And the former Congressman and local TV anchor didn't hold back in his criticism of The Banks on That's So Cincinnati this week, calling for new leadership on the project. Luken is a member of the city-county Joint Banks Steering Com...
53m Aug 04, 2020
53m
S2 Ep45: That's So Cincinnati: Attorney Chris Finney talks Larry Householder scandal, COVID-19 orders, ballot initiatives
Cincinnati Attorney Chris Finney talks about his challenges of going against energy company-led efforts to reject a ballot initiative last year on Larry Householder's House Bill 6. Finney also discusses his legal battles against Gov. Mike DeWine's coronavirus-related orders.  Also this week: Co-hosts Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge breakdown the scandal in Columbus and discuss a leisure tri...
1hr Jul 29, 2020
1hr
S2 Ep44: That's So Cincinnati: New Cincinnati city manager, surprise parks levy, take the stairs
On this week's episode: -- New Cincinnati City Manager Paula Boggs Muething talks about her personal and professional journey. -- What's up with the under-the-radar Hamilton County parks levy -- Taking the stairs at Eden Park
57m Jul 23, 2020
57m
S2 Ep43: That's So Cincinnati: Whatever happened to Downtown marina project?
It's been four years since Cincinnati Parks leaders announced that the long-awaited riverfront marina was finally going to be built. Nothing has happened since, though. What happened?  New Cincinnati Parks Director Kara Kish told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati Podcast that the Parks Board earlier this year requested and got an extension until 2023 for the $1.5 million state grant being u...
51m Jul 16, 2020
51m
S2 Ep42: That's So Cincinnati: GOP candidate explains his idea for selling Paul Brown Stadium
The burden of paying for future maintenance and upgrades to Paul Brown Stadium continues to loom large for Hamilton County taxpayers.  As the bill is coming due in a few years on deferred costs, Republican commissioner candidate Andy Black is proposing a solution:  Sell the stadium.  It's not a new idea, but Black is well-intentioned and has gathered a team of experts to work on a plan.  Th...
1hr 10m Jul 08, 2020
1hr 10m
S2 Ep41: That's So Cincinnati: Dusty Rhodes makes no apologies, doubles down on 'Black Lives Matter' comments
Dusty Rhodes says Democrats can censure him "until the cows come home," but the long-time Hamilton County auditor isn't going to apologize for his recent tweet asking why Black Lives Matter (https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2020/06/22/hamilton-county-auditor-dusty-rhodes-tweet-abortion-and-black-lives-matter-draws-backlash/3235525001/) isn't also focusing on children lost to abortions and ...
53m Jun 30, 2020
53m
S2 Ep40: That's So Cincinnati: Local TV veteran Courtis Fuller on 40 years of covering protests and the idea of possibly running for mayor again
It's moments like this in our history when a journalist's experience, perspective and credibility are critical for viewers and readers.  WLWT-TV anchor and reporter Courtis Fuller has been a trusted voice for Greater Cincinnati for nearly four decades, and his institutional knowledge really pays off in major news events like the recent racial inequality protests.  He was on the streets coveri...
1hr 27m Jun 16, 2020
1hr 27m
S2 Ep39: That's So Cincinnati: Police leader details his takeaways after crossing barrier, listening to protesters
It'd be hard to find a law enforcement officer anywhere who understands police-community relations better than Cincinnati assistant police chief Paul Neudigate. The 30-year policeman last week climbed over a barrier during a racial equality protest and took the opportunity to talk with and listen to peaceful protesters. And he quickly realized: There's work to be done to bridge the relationship...
51m Jun 10, 2020
51m
S2 Ep38: That's So Cincinnati: Top Cincinnati restaurateur worries about Over-the-Rhine's future
Cincinnati chef and restaurateur Jose Salazar chuckles about a conversation he had with his wife in early March.   "Everything was just starting to click," Jose Salazar said about his three restaurants, the most popular being Salazar in Over-the-Rhine. "My wife about two weeks before the shutdown said, 'I feel great. I feel like for the first time in years I'm not worried whether I'm going to m...
59m May 26, 2020
59m
S2 Ep37: That's So Cincinnati: Councilman Chris Seelbach talks streetcar, text message scandal and FC Cincinnati
Before the streetcar was shut down to passengers to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, there was a plan on the table to make it fare-free. Yes, free. Finally. Supporters have long said such a move would bolster weak ridership. Cincinnati City Councilman Chris Seelbach told The Enquirer’s That’s So Cincinnati podcast that the Cincinnati Bell Connector was going to be free to ride starting Ju...
1hr 1m May 19, 2020
1hr 1m
S2 Ep36: That's So Cincinnati: Police union boss Dan Hils ready to 'call out stupid' at City Hall
Concerns are growing inside the Cincinnati Police Department about the possibility of officers being laid off as City Hall faces a monumental $80 million budget deficit in the upcoming fiscal year. Police union President Dan Hils, never one to back down from a political fight, is ready to "call out stupid" if City Council attempts to prioritize any pet projects at the expense of public safety. ...
1hr May 13, 2020
1hr
S2 Ep35: That's So Cincinnati: First family of goetta, and protesters need to get a life
Supermarkets are limiting meat purchases as outbreaks of the new coronavirus has shutdown meat-processing plants across the U.S. But never fear, Greater Cincinnatians. "There won't be a shortage of goetta," Glier's Goetta CEO Dan Glier told That's So Cincinnati podcast. Glier's Northern Kentucky-based plant is equipped with a state-of-the-art sanitation system the company installed last year.  ...
1hr 14m May 05, 2020
1hr 14m
S2 Ep34: That's So Cincinnati: Top GOP lawmaker dishes on DeWine, Acton, reopening economy, November election
Bent on reopening the economy, Ohio Republican lawmakers are returning to Columbus next week united around one message:  Convincing Republican Gov. Mike DeWine to start listening more to elected officials in the Statehouse and less to non-elected state medical Director Amy Acton.  Ahead of the Legislature returning to session on Tuesday for the first time in six weeks, Ohio House Majority Leade...
1hr 9m Apr 30, 2020
1hr 9m
S2 Ep33: That's So Cincinnati: Jerry Springer sounds off on Donald Trump and networks for airing president's daily pressers
Jerry Springer knows television and politics — and the proud liberal can't stand Donald Trump. So how do you get "Judge Jerry" fired up?  Ask Springer whether the networks should be airing Trump's daily coronavirus press conferences. "There is no excuse now that we know what they're like for just turning on the cameras," Springer told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast (https://podcast...
1hr 12m Apr 21, 2020
1hr 12m
S2 Ep32: That's So Cincinnati: All you need to know about the strangest of elections
Some 50,000 absentee ballots have been cast in Hamilton County since the coronavirus sent the Ohio primary election to the mailbox. Thousands more are still expected to participate before this unprecedented vote-by-mail only election ends on April 28. And lots of confusion and questions remain about how to vote and how to make sure your vote is counted.  The Enquirer has you covered right here....
1hr 1m Apr 15, 2020
1hr 1m
S2 Ep31: That's So Cincinnati: 'The handshake is dead,' don't forget about another crisis, top Cincinnati public health expert says
Dr. O'dell Owens wants us all stay focused on a public health crisis.  He's talking about the opioid crisis, Greater Cincinnati's leading public health expert wants everyone to know hasn't gone away amid the coronavirus pandemic.  "It’s falling off of people’s thought patterns," Owens told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast. "That’s what bothers me. This issue was so big that the life ...
1hr 6m Apr 09, 2020
1hr 6m
S2 Ep30: Rob Portman talks Trump, Dr. Fauci, donating salary and helping Ohio companies fight coronavirus
U.S. Sen. Rob Portman hasn't been holding daily press conferences to update Ohioans on the novel coronavirus, but the Greater Cincinnati Republican has been doing critical work to help fight the pandemic. Portman has President Trump's ear, a relationship that's helped major Ohio companies quickly clear bureaucratic hurdles in efforts to make and receive critical products to combat the novel cor...
1hr 12m Apr 02, 2020
1hr 12m
S2 Ep29: That's So Cincinnati: Gov. DeWine on his phone call with Trump, lessons from Haiti, looking back on election decision
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and two of his granddaughters were walking into a Columbus pub to grab a carryout meal on St. Patrick's Day – and what would've been Ohio's primary Election Day – when his cellphone rang.  It was President Trump calling. In an interview with The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast, DeWine said the president called to discuss the governor's decision to delay the electio...
1hr 4m Mar 26, 2020
1hr 4m
S2 Ep28: That's So Cincinnati: Cranley's crisis experience, 'media-induced panic,' delayed election, covering coronavirus
Leading in a time of crisis is nothing new for John Cranley.  The Cincinnati mayor told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast that he's reflected on his experience of helping the city through the 2001 riots while leading the city's response to the new coronavirus.  Cranley was a member of city council in 2001, when civil unrest occurred after an unarmed black man was shot and killed by a ...
1hr 11m Mar 20, 2020
1hr 11m
S2 Ep27: That's So Cincinnati: Primary preview, Betsy Sundermann on the West Side, working with City Council colleagues
Cincinnati's heavily populated West Side finally has a representative on Cincinnati City Council, and Betsy Sundermann has a message for Westwood and the Price Hill neighborhoods:  "I'm listening to you," the Republican said on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast this week.  Sundermann was appointed to council last week to replace Amy Murray, who left for a job in the Trump administrati...
1hr 4m Mar 11, 2020
1hr 4m
S2 Ep26: That's So Cincinnati: Overhauling City Hall, COAST's Curt Hartman, Dem council contenders, road ahead for Tamaya Dennard
The "R" word has been mentioned a lot in Cincinnati politics the past week: Reform.  Should Cincinnati voters implement a recall provision in the city charter? Should City Council have a mandated attendance policy?  Should each City Council members' $65,000-a-year salary be cut?  Should city law be changed on how open council seats are filled?  Few people know city law better than COAST attorne...
1hr 13m Mar 04, 2020
1hr 13m
S2 Ep25: That's So Cincinnati: Dennard's possible replacement; all you need to know about Issue 7
Democrats could have an open seat on Cincinnati City Council soon, with the possibility of Tamaya Dennard either resigning or being removed from office amid legal troubles. Who could be in line to fill the seat?  Cincinnati.com City Hall reporter Sharon Coolidge and political columnist Jason Williams broke down potential candidates on their That's So Cincinnati podcast this week. Here are some ...
52m Feb 27, 2020
52m
S2 Ep24: A Keating and a coffee shop owner: Looking at 5 Republicans vying for big local seat
No one knows Cincinnati politics better than Pete Witte, who some jokingly call the "Mayor of the West Side." The West Price Hill resident and small business owner is plugged in with both Republicans and Democrats and he offers his insight and analysis on That's So Cincinnati about: The candidates to replace Republican Amy Murray on Cincinnati City Council  Who he thinks should be the front-run...
1hr 7m Feb 19, 2020
1hr 7m
S2 Ep23: That's So Cincinnati: Mann's mayoral flirtation, original 'Gang of Five,' Amy Murray tribute
David Mann sure sounds like he's going to run for Cincinnati mayor.  But the city councilman isn't quite ready to go all in just yet. "My wife and I are having a lot of conversations, and I'm talking to other people," Mann said on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast this week. "There seems to be some interest (from the community), and I'm continuing to look at it very actively." Asked a...
46m Feb 12, 2020
46m
S2 Ep22: That's So Cincinnati: 'Mad Hitchhiker,' calling ICE, scuba diving in the Ohio River
Some say long-time Hamilton County trial Judge Robert Ruehlman is controversial. There's no doubt he's tough – and can be tough-talking from the bench. Ruehlman has been in the news a lot in the past year, notably for his public lambasting of Cincinnati City Council's so-called "Gang of Five" Democrats and for not hesitating to call ICE on suspected illegal immigrants.  But there's also a human...
55m Feb 05, 2020
55m
S2 Ep21: That's So Cincinnati: King of waffles, addiction in restaurant industry, waterless fire hydrants, 'shock the world'
It's a double-feature of guests this week on That's So Cincinnati. Jean-François Flechet, owner of Taste of Belgium: He tells the unique story of how he went from crunching data at Nielsen to building a Cincinnati waffle-making empire. He offers a candid assessment of The Banks, where Flechet has one of his four restaurants. Flechet also discusses his efforts to help the restaurant industry ove...
1hr 8m Jan 29, 2020
1hr 8m
S2 Ep20: That's So Cincinnati: 700 WLW's Bill Cunningham on advising Trump, retirement and an apology
It's hard to believe Bill Cunningham was once a Democrat who aspired to be elected judge in Hamilton County.  He's long since become one of the Midwest's top conservative voices, closing in on 40 years of calling 'em like he sees 'em weekdays on 700 WLW. Cunningham's powerful mic has helped to thrust him into a new role in recent years – unofficial adviser to President Donald Trump.  "He'll cal...
59m Jan 22, 2020
59m
S2 Ep19: That's So Cincinnati: Crossroads' commitment to racial healing, 'Mayor' Mingo, goetta first-timer, 'The Farm'
Crossroads' Chuck Mingo is on the frontline of working to bring racial reconciliation to Greater Cincinnati.  Thousands have gone through the megachurch's six-week "Undivided" program, which emphasizes people of different races and backgrounds to build long-term relationships. Mingo joins That's So Cincinnati podcast to chat about the successful program he started; race relations in the city; C...
56m Jan 15, 2020
56m
S2 Ep18: That's So Cincinnati: Why Brian Shrive fights for City Council's texts, the streetcar and open government
Happy New Year, That's So Cincinnati listeners.  Your favorite local podcast is out of the gate in 2020 with an insightful interview with attorney Brian Shrive, who's become a major player on the local political scene for his work on exposing the text-message scandal Cincinnati City Hall. Shrive talks about overcoming personal tragedy and struggles with addiction to go onto a successful law car...
1hr 10m Jan 08, 2020
1hr 10m
S2 Ep17: That's So Cincinnati: Deters, Willie, Driehaus, leaders share their 2020 resolutions for region
What do Greater Cincinnati's political, business, media, entertainment and other top leaders want for the region in 2020?  Nearly 20 regional leaders, including Joe Deters, Bill Cunningham, Alicia Reece and John Morris Russell, share what their New Year's resolutions are for Greater Cincinnati. You won't want to miss this special short but engaging New Year's episode of That's So Cincinnati.
24m Dec 31, 2019
24m
S2 Ep16: That's So Cincinnati: Counting down the top political stories of 2019
Where did the City Hall text message scandal and the riverfront music venue end up on That's So Cincinnati's rankings of the top political stories of 2019?  Find out in this special Christmas week episode.
36m Dec 27, 2019
36m
S2 Ep15: That's So Cincinnati: Cincinnati Ballet's Victoria Morgan, the dog that inspired 'Nutcracker,' watchdog journalism, 1,000 cheese coneys
The Nutcracker isn't unique to Cincinnati. But Victoria Morgan's version of the ballet classic certainly is. Morgan's dog, Cammy, inspired the poodle character in Morgan's revamping of the Cincinnati Ballet's version of The Nutcracker in 2011. “I really wanted it to be fresh, and I really wanted it to feel new,” Morgan, the ballet's artistic director, said on That's So Cincinnati podcast. “And ...
55m Dec 18, 2019
55m
S2 Ep14: That's So Cincinnati: Estimable John Morris Russell, Cincinnati's Grammy nomination, Meg Whitman and 'Yes, Virginia,'
John Morris Russell's passion and energy is unparalleled year-round – and especially at Christmastime. The Cincinnati Pops conductor joins That's So Cincinnati podcast to discuss all sorts of things, including: The Pops' recent Grammy nomination and his celebration on an airplane World renowned violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter and smartphone usage at concerts The importance of including all people ...
52m Dec 11, 2019
52m
S2 Ep13: That's So Cincinnati: Fire chief talks faulty hydrants and massive blaze in North Avondale
Cincinnati Fire Chief Roy Winston talks about the Downtown building collapse, how his department responded and how tragedies impact first responders. The Enquirer's Amber Hunt discusses the launch of season three of the popular "Accused" podcast.  And fake or real? As in Christmas tree.
56m Dec 04, 2019
56m
S2 Ep12: That's So Cincinnati: Across the color line, Freestore Foodbank, goat yoga
Cincinnati cares, and the Freestore Foodbank is proof of that. Freestore CEO Kurt Reiber discusses the work one of the region's top nonprofit organizations is doing this holiday season. He also talks about:  The importance of remembering that people are struggling with hunger year-round Tear-jerking stories about children in need -- and about children who are helping to address the issue of hun...
1hr 5m Nov 27, 2019
1hr 5m
S2 Ep11: That's So Cincinnati: No death penalty, a father's lessons, 'whitesplaining' at City Hall, visiting Mason High
Hamilton County prosecutor candidate Fanon Rucker highlights the major differences between him and long-time prosecutor Joe Deters. Top among those differences: Rucker is opposed to the death penalty. "I cannot see a circumstance, with all the inequities that we have in the system, that I would pursue a death penalty case," the Democrat told That's So Cincinnati. Find out more about Rucker's st...
1hr 4m Nov 20, 2019
1hr 4m
S2 Ep10: That's So Cincinnati: Sherrod Brown talks Trump Country, presidential field, not running for president, his beloved Cleveland Indians
How can Democrats appeal to rural and working-class Trump Country voters?  U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown is among few Democrats who knows the answer.  The only Democrat to hold a prominent statewide office in Ohio joined That's So Cincinnati podcast to talk about:  The presidential field and why he's not endorsing anyone Why he's staying out of the race, despite people continuing to ask him to jump i...
1hr 4m Nov 13, 2019
1hr 4m
S2 Ep9: That's So Cincinnati: The Banks unity, slamming the door on slumlords, new name/same old arena, chili survey
Cincinnati City Councilman Greg Landsman came bearing news on That's So Cincinnati podcast this week, saying Mayor John Cranley and Commissioner Todd Portune had brokered a deal on The Banks. Landsman also discussed:  The future of The Banks Joint Steering Committee City-county relations His legislation to help prevent evictions And his assessment of Council nearly halfway into his first term A...
54m Nov 06, 2019
54m
S2 Ep8: That's So Cincinnati: ID deadline, skipping lines, 'FAKENWS', Trump era vanity plates
Ohio BMV Registrar Charlie Norman joins That's So Cincinnati this week. The Cincinnati native, hired this year by Gov. Mike DeWine, talks about:  New customer-friendly ideas to reduce the pain of waiting in long lines at the BMV Visiting the license plate factory inside the Lebanon Correctional Facility How the BMV handles requests for politically charged specialized plates Also this week, Enqu...
1hr Oct 30, 2019
1hr
S2 Ep7: That's So Cincinnati: Jeff Ruby talks Bengals future, Trump, new book, expansion plans, Cincinnati's 'tourist trap'
What makes Jeff Ruby a true Cincinnati treasure? Well, besides his world-renowned steakhouses, he's never one to mince words. The famous restaurateur joined That's So Cincinnati to discuss:   The possibility of opening a restaurant in Las Vegas His take on The Banks riverfront development Working on a new book called "Art of the Meal" How his Downtown restaurant was originally envisioned as a N...
1hr 5m Oct 23, 2019
1hr 5m
S2 Ep6: That's So Cincinnati: Should the Bengals stay or go? Enquirer columnists Paul Daugherty and Jason Williams discuss
You've read their columns on The Banks-Bengals deal. Now listen to The Enquirer's Paul Daugherty and Jason Williams discuss the issue on That's So Cincinnati podcast. They address the Bengals' future, The Banks and the idea of a new referendum on the stadium tax.  Plus, the That's So Cincinnati crew breaks down the 2020 Hamilton County prosecutor's race in the wake of Democrat Fanon Rucker anno...
1hr 3m Oct 16, 2019
1hr 3m
S2 Ep5: That's So Cincinnati: Denise Driehaus talks Bengals future, The Banks, John Cranley, new hotel
The Banks needs help from a team of development experts. That's what Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus told That's So Cincinnati podcast this week in response to a question about whether the riverfront project needs a master developer. That question comes amid the highly controversial decision to build a music venue and rework the Bengals' stadium lease.  The Banks have been without ...
1hr 3m Oct 09, 2019
1hr 3m
S2 Ep4: That's So Cincinnati: The Blink that binds us
Blink starts next Thursday, and event co-founder Steve McGowan joins That's So Cincinnati to discuss the marvel of a city covered in lights and art. McGowan -- owner of Downtown-based creative services firm, Brave Berlin -- talks about transforming the light spectacle from Lumenocity at Washington Park into a citywide and now regional event. Blink, which started in 2017, heads across the Robeli...
56m Oct 03, 2019
56m
S2 Ep3: That's So Cincinnati: Todd Portune on Bengals' future, John Cranley, county-city relations and The Banks
Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune, who recently announced he's not running for re-election in 2020, joins That's So Cincinnati podcast for a candid discussion about his long political career, critical county projects and the Bengals' future.
59m Sep 25, 2019
59m
S2 Ep2: That's So Cincinnati: Museum Center magnificence, Apollo 11's last stop, posturing for Portune's seat
Cincinnati Museum Center CEO Elizabeth Pierce joins That's So Cincinnati to talk about the Apollo 11 exhibit opening, Neil Armstrong's legacy and the museum center's magnificent makeover. Also in this episode, TSC co-hosts Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge pay tribute to Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune as he battles cancers and prepares to retire.  Jason and Sharon breakdown who coul...
52m Sep 18, 2019
52m
S2 Ep1: That's So Cincinnati: Cranley's crusade vs. The Banks plan, Chabot's problems, RRG, Diner en Blanc, marching bands
John Cranley never shies away from a fight -- and he's battling The Banks music venue like he's never opposed a project before. Why is Cincinnati's mayor so opposed to the plan? He explains in-depth in a don't-miss episode of That's So Cincinnati. Plus, TSC co-hosts Sharon Coolidge and Jason Williams discuss Congressman Steve Chabot's campaign problems. And in the fun segment: Snakes and yoga a...
1hr 11m Sep 11, 2019
1hr 11m