What if a city theater could be a school, a launchpad and a celebration all at once? Well, ours is! We kick off the 2026 season of Link Ahead with director-producer-actor extraordinaire Joe Bishara and Coffman Boosters President Josh Mustard to reveal how Dublin’s Abbey Theater blends big-hearted storytelling with serious training—and why audiences keep packing the house.

We start with momentum from 2025: record box office, a stack of Broadway World nominations, and a programming philosophy that pairs joy with rigor. Then, Bruce and Lindsay walk us through the 2026 season: from the slapstick smarts of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors to the teen edition of Six: The Musical, you’ll hear how students work side by side with professionals and earn stage time the right way. March brings Olympus through the Bound for Broadway program—ten Saturdays that make this craft family-friendly. Additionally, a SpongeBob musical featuring local teachers returning to the stage to help fund future scholarships.

As the 2026 season progresses, The Pub’s Got No Beer mines 1963 Ireland for laughs and history. 1776 heads outdoors for America's 250th celebration, while this summer's 35mm merges photography and theater in a vivid chamber piece. Percy Jackson energizes page-to-stage fans in August, and Velocity of Autumn offers a moving study of aging, autonomy, and family love. Along the way, the Abbey expands offerings for ages six to nine, adding smaller productions, so younger actors grow on the same set with the same choreography.

Josh helps pull back the curtain on what boosters actually do—raising funds, volunteering and building feeder paths—so more kids can find their tribe. Joe shares how his team curates variety, honors audience trust and keeps education at the core without sacrificing fun. Want in? Watch for the DCRC brochure to check for upcoming auditions.   

If this season's guide sparks you, tell your neighbors, follow the show, share it with a theater-loving friend and leave a quick review.   Then, grab tickets and meet us at the Abbey!

We’re closing out 2025 with a 'Top 10 Countdown' of our most popular episodes of the year!  A blending of big-stage moments, behind-the-scenes storytelling, and the everyday work that keeps Dublin a local, regional and national leader. From rock legends to roundabouts, wellness shifts to waste tech, this highlight reel shows how a community grows when people, ideas, and partnerships align.

We revisit a State of the City address that centers on strategic planning and resident relationships.  Then, head straight to the table at Dublin Village Tavern and why it gets more mentions on Link Ahead than anyone or anything else!  Recreation and wellness leader Mollie Steiner helps us trade brittle resolutions for durable intentions and reframes wellness as a daily investment—physical, mental, and social. Director of Engineering Paul Hammersmith always makes safety a priority with roundabouts, shared-use paths, and a new pedestrian bridge that knits neighborhoods together.

On the culture front, Kansas frontman Ronnie Platt and 38 Special’s Don Barnes share how bands stay sharp, tours stay joyful, and crowds sing back the hits. The Abbey Theater's Joe Bishara celebrates a big award streak while pulling back the curtain on how a small venue builds big credibility.  And sustainability takes center stage as Rumpke’s Columbus facility—the largest and most advanced in North America—expands recycling to include clamshells and uses AI to supply Ohio manufacturers.  But you'll have to tune in to find out which episode was THE most popular of the year! 

Thanks for fueling a record year of Link Ahead downloads and conversations. Follow the show, share your favorite moment, and drop us a note with the guests and topics you want in 2026.

What if Dublin's strongest asset isn’t our great neighborhoods, parks, pathways or schools, but the way neighbors show up for each other? Lindsay and Bruce sat down with Brian Carr, the new executive director of One Dublin.  Together, they unpack how a hyperlocal safety net helps families and seniors weather sudden setbacks with dignity. From winter coat drives to emergency bill pay, Brian explains how focused programs reduce stress, restore stability, and remind people they belong.

We trace One Dublin’s journey from a small adopt-a-family effort to a community-powered hub serving thousands across the Dublin City Schools District. You’ll hear how backpacks and school supplies shape academic confidence, why the 'free shop' is about choice as much as clothing, and how a mattress program makes - “no one sleeps on the floor” - a real promise. Brian also shares the data that many miss about suburban needs: one in five students qualify for free or reduced lunch, and Dublin is home to one of Ohio’s largest immigrant communities. That diversity demands more than good intentions—it calls for smart, coordinated support.

Partnerships with the Dublin Food Pantry, libraries, and healthcare providers make it easier for families to navigate resources without hitting a wall of forms and websites. This conversation explores practical ways to help, whether it's a financial contribution or volunteering.  Brian’s vision is simple and ambitious: to grow capacity so that more neighbors are reached, and to make “One Dublin” feel true for everyone who calls our City home.

If this conversation moves you, share it with a friend, bring a coat to the free shop, or set up a donation bin at work.   Your voice ensures the right help reaches the right people! 

What makes a city full of trees feel cooler, safer and more alive?  How do you actually keep that canopy thriving? And what illnesses and diseases should you be looking out for?  Lindsay and Bruce welcome City Forester Jeff Myers, a Certified Master Arborist, to answer those questions and many more!  With nearly three decades serving our City, Jeff pulls back the curtain on how suburban forestry really works, from the science behind pruning to the system that tracks our 33,000 street trees.

We walk through the boundaries between city and resident responsibilities and why Dublin pairs sidewalk repairs with supervised root pruning. Jeff explains why late fall is your prime time for pruning, what 'live crown ratio' means for a tree’s stability, and how different species demand different pruning cycles. You’ll hear why topping weakens trees, how to use the three‑cut method, and what a good branch collar cut looks like.

We also get candid about current threats and trends. Anthracnose flared up after a cool, wet spring while emerald ash borer remains at low but watchful levels. Drought stress lingers into the next season, so Jeff lays out when watering helps and when the root zone is simply too big to make a difference. Along the way, he shares how GIS maps show live pruning zones plus why Dublin holds contractors to a higher bar with on‑site certified arborists on every job. 

If you care about your street, your shade and your safety, this conversation gives you clear, actionable guidance to protect the trees you love. Follow the show and share it with a neighbor who has 'that one problem maple'. We guarantee they'll thank you for it!  

Ambition meets action as we sit down with Operations Administrator/Sustainability lead Emily Goliver to unpack how Dublin is turning big goals into everyday progress. From electrifying the light‑duty fleet and expanding public EV charging to building rain gardens and rethinking zoning, we walk through four pillars guiding our new Sustainability Plan.  

Emily pulls back the curtain on zero waste operations at major events, including on‑site sorting teams, composting stations, and cleaner power options. We explore the three R's to reduce, reuse and recycle through real programs that not only conserve precious resources but beautify our neighborhoods too.   If you’ve wondered how to handle e‑waste, foam, or seasonal pumpkins, you’ll get the roadmap—plus a reminder that batteries never belong in the trash.

Equity sits at the heart of the strategy. We talk multifamily recycling for renters, affordable access to services, and future plans like curbside composting within three to seven years. The data keeps us honest and motivated: a 47% diversion rate (one of the highest in Ohio!), city facilities powered by 100% renewable energy, and EV charging that saves residents money while shrinking emissions. 

Ready to help Dublin lead among leaders? Follow our monthly City Manager Report and check-out the volunteer page to get involved.   If this conversation sparked an idea, subscribe, and share with a neighbor to keep our momentum going to be THE most sustainable global city of choice!

Trucks rumble, cones wobble and burgers sizzle—but the real story is how Dublin gets winter-ready long before the first snowflake. We’re live from Dublin’s SnowGo Roadeo where practice meets performance and friendly competition sharpens the skills to keep roads safe. You’ll ride along with veteran staff, hear how new drivers learn to maneuver massive plows through tight turns, and pick up practical tips that make leaf collection smoother for everyone on your street.

We talk with the Director of Public Service about snow school, route rehearsals and the rapid transition from a 10-week leaf program to full winter operations using the same vehicles. Our City Manager, Megan O'Callaghan, jumps into the big rig to feel the visibility challenges first-hand and shares how materials, equipment checks, and route familiarity all come together to protect the community. Then we geek out with the City’s Data and Analytics Manager to unpack the SnowGo and LeafGo systems: sensors and GPS, automated vehicle location feeds, turn-by-turn route guidance and how prioritizing arterials, collectors and residential streets reduces deadheading while speeding recovery during storms.

If you’ve ever wondered why your block gets plowed when it does, how the City tracks progress in real time, or what you can do to help crews move faster—like keeping leaf piles off the street and away from mailboxes—this conversation lays it all out. Preparation is quiet work, but when the storm hits, the results are loud and clear: safer streets, fewer delays and a community that understands the plan.

Enjoy the on-the-road energy, meet the people behind the plows and the data, and see how planning, training, and technology turn winter weather into a manageable mission. And don't forget to follow the show, share it with a neighbor and leave a review to help more residents find these valuable insights

Ever wonder how a city keeps world-class services humming with a 2% income tax? We sat down with our new CFO, Matt Rubino, to open the books—literally and figuratively—and walk through the choices that power Dublin’s awesome daily life. Matt brings a rare blend of financial rigor and public-service storytelling from Solon, Cleveland, Shaker Heights and Cuyahoga County, and he’s refreshingly clear about what matters: income tax as “pure energy,” transparent reporting that earns trust, and long-term planning that turns big ideas into real places.

We dig into the difference between operating and capital budgets and why moving them through City Council on a concurrent timeline strengthens accountability. Matt explains how benchmarking keeps us sharp and why parks, trails and green space are not line-item luxuries but core infrastructure for livability and economic strength. He lays out the planning horizons behind the West Innovation District and Metro Center, and how a mix of smart development, business retention and thoughtful services can expand revenue without raising the rate.

Along the way, we talk about the city’s unique position as Ohio’s only community with four AAA ratings, what that means for borrowing and resilience, and how fund balance targets guide steady decisions in busy budget seasons. You’ll also meet the human behind the ledger: a Cleveland sports fan, music diehard with a soft spot for Pearl Jam and Radiohead, a backyard birder and a strong advocate for pizza cut in slices, not squares.

If you care about how public dollars become public value, this conversation with Lindsay, Bruce and Matt is for you. Listen, share with a neighbor, and tell us what you think. Subscribe for more candid, behind-the-scenes looks at how Dublin plans, invests and grows — and leave a review to help others find the show, too!

We're facing a loneliness epidemic in America, and Dublin isn't immune. Our recent community health assessment revealed a startling statistic: 75% of Dublin residents feel disconnected from their neighbors. That's why we've launched Good Neighbor Week (September 18-28), a citywide initiative to strengthen the everyday connections that make our community thrive.

In this revealing conversation with Christine Nardecchia, Director of Outreach and Engagement, and Mollie Steiner, Recreation Administrator, we explore what it truly means to be a good neighbor. From heartwarming stories of neighborhoods rallying around families in crisis to practical ways anyone can foster connection, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable ideas.

The science is clear: Harvard's long time study on happiness shows that close relationships are crucial for wellbeing as we age. NextDoor's research reveals that knowing just six neighbors creates a meaningful sense of community belonging. Good Neighbor Week provides multiple pathways to build these vital connections through challenge cards featuring simple acts of kindness, a personal care donation drive benefiting the Dublin Food Pantry, and a neighborhood nomination program recognizing those who go above and beyond.

This initiative aligns perfectly with the broader work of the Dublin Wellness Alliance, addressing our community's top health priorities: healthcare navigation, transportation, youth behavioral health, and community connections. Whether you're new to Dublin or a longtime resident, Good Neighbor Week offers simple ways to strengthen your neighborhood bonds and combat isolation.

Visit DublinWellnessAlliance.org to learn more about Good Neighbor Week activities, download your challenge card, and discover resources for building meaningful connections right where you live. Because in Dublin, our vision is to be the most connected community – not just through fiber and infrastructure, but through people, neighborhoods, and shared experiences.

A fresh chapter begins at Dublin Arts Council as we welcome Merijn van der Heijden as our new Executive Director. With a distinguished career spanning continents—from her native Netherlands to various leadership roles at Denison University, University of Florida, and 20 years at The Ohio State University—Merijn brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for Dublin's artistic future.

What makes Dublin's art scene special? As Merijn explains, it's our "strong citywide commitment to public art and accessibility" that sets us apart in the Central Ohio region. Our community has created a unique balance between honoring historic works like Field of Corn (or 'Malcolm's Corn' as she affectionately calls it) while embracing innovation and new perspectives. This integration of art into public spaces and natural settings makes creativity part of our daily experience rather than something confined to gallery walls.

Looking forward, Merijn envisions Dublin as a creative hub for regional collaboration, with focus on deepening community connections through lifelong learning and embracing technology. Exciting upcoming events include Sundays at Scioto concert series starting September 14th, Chilean artist Alejandro "Mono" González's mural project at Riverside Crossing Park in October, and an exhibition by Japanese potter Masayuki Miyajima from our sister city Mashiko. At the heart of all these initiatives is Merijn's belief that art never exists in isolation; it thrives on engagement, creates spaces for meaningful conversation, and builds empathy and belonging through creativity.    We invite you to join us in this journey by attending events, volunteering, sharing your ideas, and being part of Dublin's vibrant artistic community.

A half-empty strip mall and old driving range transformed into an internationally acclaimed mixed-use marvel! That's the Bridge Park story, and it's only getting better.

Ten years into this groundbreaking development, Crawford Hoying executives Matt Starr and Jessica Rexer reveal the secret ingredients behind Dublin's dynamic 30-acre neighborhood that cities nationwide are eager to replicate. The recipe? Flexibility, community responsiveness, and a powerful public-private partnership that earned Bridge Park a gold award from the International Economic Development Council.

Currently home to 456,000 square feet of office space, nearly 750 residential units, and 200,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, Bridge Park continues to evolve beyond its original footprint. Two more major projects are now taking shape as Matt and Jessica dive into those details with Lindsay and Bruce.

The Link—the world's longest single-tower S-shaped suspension bridge—has become both a physical connector and symbolic centerpiece for Dublin, though interestingly, Bridge Park operated for three years before this architectural gem was completed. This carefully curated neighborhood continues to thrive with dynamic, year-round programming, from the Dublin Market (now in its seventh season with 125+ vendors every Saturday) to seasonal celebrations like Boo and Brew, Harvest Market, and holiday festivities.

What's next for this thriving destination? With ongoing expansion expected to continue for another five to seven years and a newly refreshed website at bridgepark.com, Bridge Park stands as a testament to what happens when visionary planning meets passionate execution. Come experience it for yourself!

Welcome to a fascinating glimpse into the future of public safety happening right now in Dublin. Deputy Chief Greg Lattanzi and Sergeant Andrew Clark join us to reveal how cutting-edge technology is transforming emergency response in our community.

Dublin has emerged as a national leader in technologically-enhanced policing, becoming the first law enforcement agency in the country to partner with both schools and the fire department for drone launch sites. The results are remarkable: drones can now be deployed anywhere in the city within 90 seconds, providing critical real-time information during emergencies. What started as a modest program with seven officers and three drones in 2020 has evolved into a sophisticated network of strategically placed docking stations that serve as force multipliers during major events and everyday emergencies alike.

But the innovations don't stop there. The City is deploying two 400-pound autonomous security robots that patrol the Rock Cress Parking Garage and Riverside Crossing Park around the clock. These highly visible robots, equipped with two-way communication capabilities to 911 dispatch, serve both as crime deterrents and as additional "eyes" in areas. Complementing these technologies are 22 license plate reading cameras strategically placed throughout Dublin, helping officers quickly identify stolen vehicles and individuals with outstanding warrants while providing valuable investigative data when crimes occur.

Behind all this technology stands Dublin's newly formed Business District Unit, focusing specifically on the unique needs of high-density areas like Bridge Park. Using data-driven approaches centered on deploying resources in the "right places, right times and for the right reasons," these specialized officers address everything from traffic concerns to emerging crime patterns.

The most powerful takeaway from our conversation? Technology serves the community, not the other way around. As Deputy Chief Lattanzi reminds us: "You're never bothering us. That's what we're here for. We're dedicated to service, fully engaged in public safety." Tune in to discover how Dublin is leading the way in balancing technological innovation with compassionate, community-focused policing.

The magic of dance comes alive in this captivating conversation with The Step Crew, the innovative dance ensemble that blends Ottawa Valley step dancing, Irish step dancing, and elements of tap into a mesmerizing performance style all their own. Brothers Jon and Nathan Pilatzky join Cara Butler (Jon's wife) to share the remarkable journey that brought them from separate dance traditions to creating a show that puts movement front and center.

Their connection with the Dublin Irish Festival runs deep. "Dublin was the first festival to hire us as The Step Crew way back in 2007," Cara explains, highlighting how the festival took a chance on their then-new concept. This marks their sixth appearance, underscoring the special relationship between these world-class performers and what they describe as a "professional yet organic" festival atmosphere.

The trio's performance credentials dazzle – from appearances on late-night television to sharing stages with music legends Emmylou Harris and Alison Krauss at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Nathan (affectionately nicknamed "Crazy Legs" for his rubber-like dancing ability) calls that performance "one of the highlights of my career." Their journey began with The Chieftains, where the brothers first met Cara and discovered how their different dance styles could complement each other.

Throughout the conversation, their warmth and humor shine through, especially during rapid-fire questions revealing personal quirks – from Cara's protein snack obsession to Nathan's love of hand-washing dishes and John's encyclopedic knowledge of Seinfeld episodes. But what truly resonates is their passion for performance and their genuine love for the Dublin Irish Festival community.

Don't miss your chance to experience The Step Crew's unique fusion of dance traditions at this year's Dublin Irish Festival. As Cara puts it, "You're just going to have so much fun.    Visit DublinIrishFestival.org for all the information you need.

Dublin stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey as City leadership works to implement the Envision Dublin Community Plan. At the heart of this transformation lies the West Innovation District—our western gateway and the largest tract of undeveloped land remaining in our city.

The proposed rezoning of 370 acres within this district represents both opportunity and responsibility. Having evolved over two decades from the Economic Advancement Zone to hosting institutions like Ohio University's College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nestle Quality Assurance Center and OSU Wexner Medical Center, this area is poised for thoughtful growth that supports Dublin's economic future while respecting community character.

Our planning process balances multiple priorities: private property rights for landowners (many who've held their land since the 1970s), economic development needs to attract high-growth employers who strengthen our tax base, and questions about traffic, infrastructure and land use compatibility. This balancing act doesn't happen by accident—it's the result of meticulous planning, multiple layers of review and genuine community engagement. Any development following rezoning would undergo Dublin's thorough review process that has consistently delivered the high-quality projects our community expects. Our transportation planning looks ahead to 2050, ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with growth before development occurs.

City Council has extended the rezoning ordinance hearing process to gather additional community input, with another reading scheduled for August. This approach mirrors successful processes used for transformative projects like the Bridge Street District and The Corners development.

Join the conversation at DublinOhioUSA.gov/west-innovation-district-rezoning/ where you'll find FAQs and resources or attend upcoming community conversations throughout July. Share your thoughts through the "We're Listening" button—because the best solutions emerge when we work together.

The legendary Don Barnes, co-founder and frontman of 38 Special, takes us on a riveting journey through five decades of rock and roll stardom. With his signature raspy voice and warm storytelling style, Barnes reveals the fascinating origin of the band's name—a police standoff where an officer threatened to "shoot the lock off" their rehearsal space with his 38 Special revolver.

Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida—what Barnes calls "the Liverpool of the South"—shaped the band's musical foundation as teenagers playing sailors' clubs alongside future members of Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers. This naval town connection forged their musical DNA and taught them the fundamentals of songwriting by covering popular hits.

Barnes shares a surprising revelation about 38 Special's true influences. Despite being categorized as Southern rock, the band drew heavy inspiration from British Invasion artists like The Beatles and Jeff Beck. After their first three albums "went straight over the cliff," they discovered their winning formula: stripping songs down to what Barnes calls "muscle and melody"—powerful guitar work paired with strong melodies and relatable stories drawn from real-life experiences.

Don also shares other passions with Lindsay and Bruce that include keeping sets of golf clubs on the tour bus. And speaking of that bus, it rolls into Dublin as 38 Special and Kansas headline another rockin' Independence Day celebration at Coffman Stadium!

What does it take to help lead a city where 99% of residents rate it as an excellent/very good place to live? In this illuminating conversation, we sit down with Mike Barker, Dublin's new Deputy City Manager, as he reflects on his first 100 days in this crucial role.

Barker brings a wealth of experience from his 11 years as Public Service Director in New Albany and his earlier career in Westerville and the private sector. His engineering background and problem-solving mindset prove valuable as he oversees Dublin's daily operations, including public service, engineering, transportation, and mobility.

Barker shares candid insights about his first Memorial Tournament experience from the city's perspective, noting the surprising scale of the event and the seamless collaboration across city departments that makes such world-class events possible. This sets the stage for his approach to other major initiatives, including the Capital Improvement Program, West Innovation District, and Sports Ohio Complex.

What stands out most is Barker's servant leadership philosophy. "That's really the leader I want to be," he explains, recounting formative experiences watching leaders who worked alongside their teams through challenges. This approach, combined with his commitment to maintaining Dublin's exceptional standards, offers a glimpse into how the city sustains its remarkable 99% resident satisfaction rating.

The conversation takes personal turns as Barker discusses his Youngstown roots, crediting his wife of nearly 24 years and colleagues as mentors who've helped him develop more open-minded perspectives. A father of two baseball-playing sons, he finds his greatest relaxation watching them play.   Plus, stay tuned to hear Mike share with Lindsay and Bruce, his go-to karaoke songs!

75 episodes is a milestone worth celebrating, and we've marked the occasion with quite possibly our most distinguished guest to date: Barbara Nicklaus, the 2025 Memorial Tournament Honoree and affectionately known as the "First Lady of Golf."

Barbara takes us back to 1957 when she met a young Jack Nicklaus on the steps of Mendenhall Lab at Ohio State University – a meeting that would change both their lives forever. With refreshing candor and warm humor, she shares how their relationship blossomed despite her initial unfamiliarity with golf. "I didn't know golf existed when I met Jack," she reveals with a smile, before recounting her first golf lesson that left her wondering why Jack practiced so much after she made several pars on her first outing.

Throughout the conversation with Lindsay and Bruce, Barbara offers fascinating glimpses into life beside one of sports' greatest champions. She speaks of their mutual commitment to family, with Jack vowing never to be away for more than two weeks at a time so their five children would never say, "I wish I knew my dad." She recalls Jack's extraordinary awareness of her presence, sharing the astounding moment when he noticed her missing from one specific hole among 40,000 spectators at the US Open. These stories reveal the deep connection that has sustained their partnership through decades of triumph and challenge.

Most moving is Barbara's account of their daughter Nan's health crisis. Sitting beside an oxygen tent, praying for their child's recovery, Jack and Barbara made a promise back then: "If we're ever able to help someone, we want it to be children." That commitment has since transformed countless young lives across 120 countries.

As Dublin prepares to celebrate the 50th playing of the Memorial Tournament with Barbara as the 2025 Honoree, we invite you to listen to this remarkable conversation that spans golf history, family values, philanthropy, and the growth of Dublin to the community we love and cherish today!

'In a word, our real estate market is wonky' says Brent Swander, CEO of Columbus Realtors and proud Dublin resident. From eye-popping statistics to practical advice for buyers and sellers, this episode delivers valuable insights for anyone interested in our community's real estate landscape.

Swander reveals surprising data about Dublin's position in the regional market, including our average home price of $642,000, our remarkable 34.8% condo market share (third highest in the region), and what makes our community so desirable. "I came to Dublin kicking and screaming," Swander confesses, "but now to get me out of Dublin, I will go kicking and screaming." His personal transformation mirrors what many residents discover – once you experience Dublin's exceptional quality of life, it's hard to imagine living anywhere else.

The conversation with Lindsay and Bruce also takes a fascinating turn as Swander shares stories from his previous career in politics, working in the President George W. Bush White House and on presidential campaigns – including a memorable encounter involving frosted tips, braces and a presidential quip. 

Whether you're considering buying or selling property, curious about Dublin's economic health, or simply want to understand the forces shaping our community, this episode delivers valuable insights wrapped in engaging conversation. Listen now and discover why Dublin's real estate market defies conventional wisdom while consistently delivering exceptional value.

Ronnie Platt's journey to becoming the lead vocalist of rock legends Kansas defies conventional music industry narratives. At 52, after decades behind the wheel of a Chicago delivery truck, he stepped into the spotlight previously occupied by one of rock's most distinctive voices, Steve Walsh. "Better late than never," he quips with characteristic humility that runs throughout his conversation with Lindsay and Bruce.

Now celebrating eleven years with the band, Platt opens up about the influences that shaped his powerful vocal style—Steve Walsh, Steve Perry, and Lou Gramm—analyzing their techniques and selecting vocalists whose approach matched his physical capabilities.

The conversation takes a more serious turn as Platt details his recent battle with thyroid cancer, from discovery to diagnosis to his triumphant return to the stage just one month after surgery. His concern extended beyond his health to the entire Kansas organization—band members, crew, venues, and support staff who would be affected by his absence from touring. This profound sense of responsibility, combined with extraordinary medical care, fueled his remarkably swift recovery.

It's only April but it's time to get excited about July 4th!  Kansas and 38 Special will headline this year's Independence Day celebration, culminating in the city's spectacular fireworks display. Community Events Director Alison LeRoy also joins to share details about the full day of festivities and the upcoming table reservation process.   It promises to be another rockin' unforgettable Fourth of July in the city we love!

Ever wondered what actually happens to your recycling after it leaves your curb? Amanda Pratt, Senior VP of Communications at Rumpke, pulls back the curtain on recycling operations at North America's largest and most technologically advanced recycling facility, which is right here in Columbus, Ohio.

The Rumpke Recycling and Resource Center, a $106 million investment that opened in 2024, processes an astonishing 60-70 tons of recyclables per hour using AI-powered optical scanners, advanced sorting technology, and a system designed to maximize recovery. The facility has expanded what Central Ohioans can recycle and now accepts those frustrating plastic clamshell containers alongside yogurt tubs, plastic cups and even greasy pizza boxes.

What makes this story particularly powerful is the economic impact. Approximately 80% of materials collected stay right here in Ohio, supplying manufacturers that create new products and jobs.

Beyond the industrial operation, Rumpke has partnered with COSI and OSU to create an immersive education center where visitors experience the complete lifecycle of recyclables—from consumer purchasing decisions to final products. School groups and community members can tour the facility and see firsthand how their recycling efforts make a difference.

Lindsay and Bruce also talk with Amanda about common recycling myths and answer resident questions about everything from aluminum foil to Amazon packaging. With Dublin's waste diversion rate nearly 20% higher than the national average, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical guidance for anyone looking to reduce their environmental footprint not just for April's Earth Month but any month!

The artistic heart of Dublin beats strongly through two remarkable conversations showcasing how creativity connects communities both locally and globally.

Dr. David Guion, retiring Executive Director of the Dublin Arts Council, reflects on transforming Dublin into a community with more than 70 public art installations ranging from large-scale commissioned works to interactive river boxes – artist-created vessels that combine geocaching with artistic treasure hunts. With a philosophy that "we do things with the community instead of for the community," David has fostered participatory experiences that encourage public dialogue with artists.

"Public art is controversial," he acknowledges candidly. "It comes down to whether someone likes or doesn't like something." This honesty about art's divisive nature hasn't deterred the Council but rather inspired them to create programming that fosters curiosity and creative exploration. From cultivating international relationships in Japan to developing Dublin's first Public Art Master Plan, David leaves a legacy of artistic growth that spans generations.

Writer Erin Boggs introduces us to "A Journey of Iceland - from Darkness to Light," an immersive exhibition at the Dublin Arts Council through April 25th. This multisensory experience combines Boggs' poetry with artwork by Icelandic artist Einar Orn and music by Kaktus Einarsson. The exhibition has gained impressive recognition, along with Erin's book appearing in Oscar nominee gift bags! Dublin residents can purchase signed copies at the Arts Council, complete with QR codes to download the music for a full immersive experience at home.

Whether exploring Dublin's river boxes with your family or experiencing Iceland through poetry and art, these creative endeavors remind us how art transcends cultural and geographic boundaries. Discover these artistic treasures and more by visiting in person or DublinArts.org today!

Did you know Dubin is the only city in the U.S. — the only one — with a AAA credit rating from four different evaluating services?  Hopefully, this impressive accolade gives you, our residents, peace of mind our City leaders are not only thoughtful managers of your tax dollars but excellent practitioners in putting those dollars to laser-efficient use.   Earlier this month, our leaders gathered at Bridge Park for a 'State of the City' presentation in front of hundreds of people.   City Manager Megan O'Callaghan led the discussion and covered a dynamic range of topics: $325 million in capital improvements in the next five years, expanding fiber internet to your home, refreshes to the Dublin Community Recreation Center and Metro Center, plus creating a top-tier athletic complex.  As Megan put it, 'Our success is built on the strength of our relationships with residents, regional leaders and entrepreneurs.  Together we are not just keeping pace with change.  We are shaping it.'     This episode is the audio version of that presentation.  Listen and get genuinely excited because the state of our city is strong!

The theme for Dublin's 2025 State of the City address is Leading the Way.   This episode is a dynamic preview of the SOTC (a little inside scoop for you!) from our elected officials who truly sweat the details — Dublin City Council members.   Lindsay and Bruce gathered all seven members for a dedicated conversation around these three questions:  How does Dublin lead the way?   What are you truly excited about?  Describe the state of our City?   

Council members' answers walk you through our history, how we became a national model of excellence and how we plan to keep it that way.   Council members also mirror the excitement that comes from you - our residents.  From a refreshed Metro Center, expansions at Bridge Park, Sports Ohio and our fiber to every home project, we continue to lead nationally through innovation, research, resident feedback and lasered execution.  Simply put, get excited about the State of the City because it's strong, it's here and it's real.    And please join us in person March 13th for the 2025 State of the City address and community reception from 6-8:30 p.m. at The Exchange at Bridge Park.   

Yes, we have a 100-foot bridge on order.  No, it's not coming from Amazon.   But, if you're curious about more than a dozen engineering projects happening all over Dublin from bridges to fiber optics to roundabouts, this is your episode!  Director of Engineering, Paul Hammersmith, is back with Lindsay and Bruce to discuss projects in and around your neighborhood:   U.S. 33 and Post Road, Emerald Parkway near the new Mount Carmel Hospital, a new roundabout, and a big update on the altafiber, fiber optics project, just to name a few.   Plus, we always have water and road maintenance projects that constantly improve and beautify our neighborhoods to tell you about.  Speaking of which, did you know our great City spends roughly the same on road maintenance as Dayton, which has nearly triple our population.  As Paul explains, it's a testament to not just building the amenities that are the envy of cities nationally but having the foresight, planning prowess and tax base to maintain those class-leading amenities.   And here's a bonus.  Paul's guest appearance means projects are ramping up again because the weather will get warmer and hopefully soon!   

They say luck is really when opportunity meets timing. No joke, on THE day we were scheduled to record this episode with the Abbey Theater's Joe Bishara, the Broadway World Awards were announced. For the third straight year, the Abbey was named 'Best Local Theater'. Joe, himself was also recognized as 'Best Director' for the fourth year in a row!  So, there's a lot to celebrate in this episode, but, as Joe, Lindsay and Bruce discuss, the success of the Abbey is about the success of the whole. It's everyone - from those working behind the scenes to the screenwriters, the performing artists and everyone in between. The 2025 season is maybe the Abbey's most ambitious yet, featuring classics like 'School House Rock Live' and 'Alice in Wonderland, Jr.' to bold productions on issues like evolution, creationism, sexuality and politics. There's even a two-man musical spoof starring Joe himself.  It's a season at the Abbey where kids, teens and adults can enjoy multiple productions starting right now. So, come see what the Broadway World Awards know and keep telling the world — that one of the best local theaters in the country is right here in Dublin! 

Dublin is known for our burgeoning restaurant scene, and there’s one local spot our guests can’t get enough of. Lindsay and Bruce have asked countless guests, 'What's your favorite lunch spot?' and the overwhelming top answer is, ’Dublin Village Tavern!’  So, we had a thought: let's invite DVT General Manager Geri Ziemba on the show! It turns out, 2025 marks DVT's 25th year in business, so Geri has plenty of stories and perspectives to share, plus her tips for cooking the best burgers.  Plus, we round out the foodie conversation with City Scene Lead Editor, Rachel Karas. Our dining scene is just exploding with new restaurants, markets and bars. If Happy Hour isn't your thing, no worries, because non-alcoholic 'mocktails' are the thing right now, and DVT has jumped on the bandwagon! You'll come away from this episode hungry and with a list of new places to try.