Spoils of Akron Podcast Spoils of Akron

This week, we catch up with Keith Johnston, and frankly, we’re a little out of breath. That’s because he started Running2bWell, a running group open to all fitness levels that offers free training and is geared toward people in recovery. He talks about the science behind how physical activity improves mental well-being, along with the health benefits of connections,  and this group offers both of these things, as inclusiveness is the main focus of activities. Also, those who show up to three running meetups get a new pair of running shoes, he adds.
The group is hosting the Buzzard Beach 5K Saturday, July 20 at Munroe Falls Metro Park, 521 S. River Road, in Munroe Falls. To register, visit http://bit.ly/2H77qPV. Registration is open until the event starts. 

This week, we visit Rock Mill Climbing (and Yoga and Fitness) in downtown Akron to check out their climbing wall, which is geared toward a number of ages and skill levels. We speak with Nicholas Muffet, director of marketing and community for Rock Mill Climbing, who offers a number of pointers for “bouldering” (like using your legs more than your arms to support yourself), along with how to properly fall from the climbing wall. Be sure to visit our Facebook page or the Akronist's YouTube channel for a video from our visit. For info, visit rockmillclimbing.com.

Yes, we're back from a bit of a hiatus, but fear not, because we cover months of ground in this single episode: what we've been up to, and what Akron's been up to. We offer some perspective to all the construction and orange barrels downtown, and we talk about the amazing placemaking efforts happening, the importance of local sourcing, and some of the many recent Akron events, like the opening of the first floor Generator Space at Bounce Innovation Hub. Speaking of Bounce, this episode is sponsored by HAZEL TREE DESIGN STUDIO, which is behind Bounce's incredible new look and redesign. Visit www.hazeltreeinteriors.com for info. 

This week we welcome Jillian Smith, founder of the ChickLits Book Club Akron, which offers a space where local women can connect through literature in an unconventional environment. The group meets monthly at Annabell’s in Highland Square, and meetups are often paired with signature drinks, food and activities to benefit local charities, along with entertainment. For example, a recent event included a body positive burlesque performance. She speaks with Shane and Chris about what inspired this group, along with her love of hot dogs and horror movies, and her favorite things to do in Akron. ChickLits meets on the third Tuesday of the month. The next meetup is Tuesday, Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m. at Annabell’s. You can find the group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/chicklits/, or Instagram (@chicklits_akron).

It’s going to be a busy month for Devil Strip Publisher Chris Horne. This Saturday, Aug. 11 is the second annual Signal Tree Fest, which will celebrate so many things that make us uniquely Akron: music, food, vendors, children’s activities, yoga and a long list of Akron staples at Lock 3 and Lock 4 in downtown Akron. Chris also is on his way to Stanford University in California, where he’s been awarded a prestigious John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship. Shane and Cody speak with Chris about these well-earned accolades, and we meet Rosalie Murphy, the Devil Strip magazine’s new editor in chief. Signal Tree Fest will run from noon till 10 p.m. For info, visit https://www.signaltreefest.com/.

On Saturday, Aug. 4, an estimated 1,000 people will gather under the giant awning of the Trolley Barn in downtown Akron for Akron Ale Fest, which celebrates some of the area’s best craft breweries, which organizer Mathias King says are at once chemists and artists when concocting their ale recipes. Chris and Cody talk with Mathias about the intricacies of hosting a large-scale event like this, whose proceeds will benefit Crafty Mart. Tickets and volunteer opportunities are available by visiting www.akronalefest.com.