Sound of Ideas

Ideastream Public Media
  • 4.7 (32)
  • NEWS COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED DAILY

The "Sound of Ideas" is Ideastream Public Media's weekday morning news and information program focusing on Northeast Ohio.

  1. 1H AGO

    Northeast Ohio movie lovers discuss 2025’s best films, Oscars predictions

    The 2026 Oscars The 98th Academy Awards are this Sunday. Conan O’Brien returns as host for a second-annual ceremony, and this year's Oscars could break historic records. "Sinners" leads the field with 16 nominations, while "One Battle After Another" has 13. Both films could challenge the record for most Oscars won in a single night, which currently stands at 11. Ryan Coogler, nominated for Sinners, could become the first Black director to win Best Director. Chloé Zhao, nominated for "Hamnet," could become the first woman to win the award twice. Who will take home the biggest awards of the night? And looking back at the past year in film, which movies deserved a little more love than they received? Thursday on the "Sound of Ideas," a panel of local cinephiles will share their thoughts. Guests: - Ygal Kaufman, Multiple Media Journalist, Ideastream Public Media - George Thomas, Staff writer, Akron Beacon Journal - Bilgesu Sisman, Director of Cinematheque, Cleveland Institute of Art - Nat Dinga, Producer/Instructor, Tri-C Film Academy Shuffle Later in the hour, a new installment of "Shuffle." After decades of writing and performing folk songs across the region, Ashley Brooke Toussant found a new source of inspiration: Kids. On this week's installment, Ideastream Public Media's Amanda Rabinowitz talked with Toussant about how elementary students contribute to her songwriting. Guests: - Amanda Rabinowitz, Host and Producer, "Shuffle" and "All Things Considered" - Ashley Brooke Toussant, Singer-songwriter

    52 min

  2. 1D AGO

    Middle East war, rising oil prices increase uncertainty for summer travelers

    Tips for travelers making spring, summer plans With spring break here and the peak summer travel season approaching, a whopping 90% or more of Americans say they plan to travel for vacation this year. But travel planning is being complicated by uncertainty due to several factors including current global instability due to the war in the Middle East.That conflict has led to a spike in oil prices impacting flight fares and gas prices. The ongoing partial government shutdown has also led to longer wait times for security lines as the Transportation Security Administration deals with staffing shortages. TSA workers are currently being asked to work without pay. Links mentioned in the discussion State Dept. Travel Advisories STEP Program from the U.S. Dept. of State CDC Travel Advisories CDC Polio Global Health Advisory We begin the show on Wednesday with travel experts to talk about the current stressors on the travel market and answer questions you may have if you have travel plans. Guests: - Phil Ridolfi, Owner, The Exceptional Traveler - Zach Wichter, Consumer Travel Reporter at USA Today Could research into animal Alzheimer's help humans? Alzheimer's Disease affects around 7 million Americans and is the sixth-leading cause of death in the US. It's a very real consequence of humans' long lives compared to other animals. But other animals, like dogs, cats, pigs and chimpanzees can get Alzheimer's and researchers are studying how it affects them. Today we'll hear a discussion about how the Alzheimer's affects chimpanzees and how that can help treat humans. Plus, we'll learn about lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's Disease. Guests: - Jeff St. Clair, Host, Ideastream Public Media - Takhar Kasumov, Ph.D., School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University - Melissa Edler, Ph.D., Assistant Professor - Anthropology, Kent State University

    51 min

  3. 6D AGO

    Mayor Bibb says homicide investigation has ‘shocked’ city | Reporters Roundtable

    A 28-year-old mother was charged late Thursday in the aggravated murders of her daughters. Cleveland police found the remains of the children inside two suitcases that were partially buried in a field on the East Side. The tragedy has gripped the community. The ongoing investigation begins our “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” Burke Lakefront Airport could be decommissioned to make way for trails and open space connecting the city to Lake Erie. But it could also be too expensive, environmentally complicated, or economically daunting to close the airport. Another option: keep a single runway while adding some new development. All of these ideas were discussed at a Sound of Ideas Community Tour forum inside the airport terminal this week. Data centers consume a lot of power. Should they cover the cost, or receive tax breaks? Neighbors are raising concerns, and lawmakers are considering next steps. And don’t forget to spring forward: clocks move ahead one hour on Sunday, which means showing up an hour late to everything on Monday. Guests:- Zaria Johnson, Environmental Reporter, Ideastream Public Media- Michelle Jarboe, Reporter, News 5 Cleveland- Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

    50 min

  4. MAR 5

    Akron’s first-ever civic assembly gives residents power to address housing issues

    Akron Civic Assembly to propose housing solutions to city officials Monday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll discuss a new effort to tackle housing challenges in Akron that is giving residents the decision-making power. Unify America, a national nonprofit focused on problem-solving and civic engagement, has created Northeast Ohio's first-ever civic assembly, called Unify Akron. The inaugural group of 65 residents was selected by a random lottery last week. From now until May, the delegates will meet to review research, hear from experts and share their own experiences before voting on potential solutions. Those recommendations will be presented to Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, city council and other elected officials. Organizers say the goal of the program is to encourage collaboration among residents and inspire leaders to consider implementing fresh ideas. Guests: - Morgan Lasher, Chief, U.S. Democracy Leagues, Unify America - J. Cherie Strachan, Ph.D., Director, Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, University of Akron - Michael Jarzenski, Delegate, Akron Civic Assembly Summit County Prosecutor & Sheriff expand the Take Me Home program More than 480 children on the autism spectrum were reported missing to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 2024. Of the 12 accidental deaths reported that same year, all were the result of drowning. That sobering reality is part of what continues to drive the Take Me Home program in Summit County — a joint effort between the Prosecutor's Office and the Sheriff's Office. Later in the hour, we'll discuss how this program is helping save lives and reunite missing individuals with their loved ones. Launched in 2007, the program created a database where parents and caregivers can voluntarily submit information to law enforcement about individuals with communication difficulties - with the goal of bringing those in danger home safely. Last month, the program expanded to include individuals living with mental health conditions, behavioral disorders and substance use disorders. Guests: - Elliot Kolkovich, Prosecutor, Summit County - Kelly Clark, Community Training Specialist, Autism Society of Greater Akron The Menu: Meet Mallorca's Owner Laurie Torres According to the Ohio Hospitality Alliance, at least 500 restaurants across the state closed last year. That's not all that surprising when you look at industry trends, and the razor thin margins that restaurants run on, with the average lifespan of a restaurant being less than10 years. When a local restaurant makes it to 15 years, 20 years or longer, that's something special. That's the case with Mallorca, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Downtown Cleveland. That establishment specializes in Spanish and Portuguese food and was just nominated by the James Beard Foundation. To end the hour, we're joined by Laurie Torres, owner of Mallorca. Torres was recently interviewed by Cleveland Magazine as part of their "Word of Mouth" series, and joins "The Menu" today. "The Menu" is our bi-weekly series produced in conjunction with Cleveland Magazine where we explore Northeast Ohio's food scene. Guest: - Laurie Torres, Owner, Mallorca

    47 min

  5. MAR 4

    Younger people are increasingly victims of online scams due to AI technology

    Protecting yourself from scamsThe Ohio Department of Commerce estimates that Ohioans collectively lose $150 million to scammers. Last year, in Cuyahoga County alone, the losses to scams were more than $5 million. Senior citizens have long been the focus of consumer protection efforts due to scammers preying on them using fear and high-pressure techniques to get at their money and personal information. But the rise of artificial intelligence and people spending more time online, has helped to reshape the narrative as increasingly, even younger, digital savvy people are also becoming victims. According to the Better Business Bureau of Cleveland, younger adults are scammed more often but older adults suffer larger money losses. Cuyahoga County Scam Squad This week the focus is on consumer protection and educating people on how to spot scams through National Consumer Protection Week, but the awareness is needed year round. Experts say it is becoming more difficult to determine what is real and what is a scam. We're going to talk about scams and how to protect your money and personal information to begin today's show. Call the Cuyahoga Scam Squad at 216-443-SCAM (7226) to talk with an investigator 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Guests:-Sheryl Harris, Director, Dept. of Consumer Affairs, Cuyahoga County-Katie Hills, Marketing Director, Better Business Bureau Cleveland The Future of Burke LakefrontBurke Lakefront Airport is full of contradictions. Corporate executives fly in and out on private jets, yet it's partially built with dredged up dirt and trash from the Cuyahoga River. It was hailed in 1947 when it opened as the nation's downtown airport, but usage has been steadily declining for years. The Cleveland International Airshow is a large economic driver, but only occupies the airport a few days each Labor Day weekend. There's been a long-running debate over what to do with the airport, with Mayor Justin Bibb saying it's a goal of his to close Burke and transform the land. Wednesday night, the next "Sound of Ideas Community Tour" tackles what to do with Burke. Next in the hour, we'll look back at the history of the airport and discuss what's currently underway. Guest:- Steve Litt, Freelance Reporter covering art, architecture and economic development, Ideastream Public Media

    51 min

  6. MAR 3

    US, Israeli war on Iran widens in Middle East

    U.S. and Israeli war on Iran continues The U.S. is now four days into its war against Iran, jointly with the Israeli military, and without congressional approval. Casualties so far include some U.S. service members and hundreds of Iranians, including the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei ruled for 36 years and built Iran into a powerful anti-U.S. adversary, while suppressing opposition at home with digital surveillance, mass arrests and lethal force. Following the U.S. strike on Iran, the conflict has spread to other Middle East countries, including Lebanon and Cyprus, causing the International Committee of the Red Cross to say civilian lives across the region are in grave danger. The Trump administration has sent mixed messages over its basis for attacking Iran, with President Donald Trump on one hand, urging the Iranian people to take over their government, while on the other, insisting this war was not about a regime change, but about nuclear and ballistic missile capability. Trump said Monday, "An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be an intolerable threat to the Middle East but also to the American people. Our country itself would be under threat and it was very nearly under threat." We'll start Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas" talking about the war with Iran, including how we got here and what happens next. Guest: - Avi Cover, Law Professor & Director, Institute for Global Security Law & Policy, Case Western Reserve University Remembering WAKC Thirty years ago, Akron lost its only TV newsroom. After struggling for years to compete with Cleveland television, WAKC was sold and the new owners dropped local programming. The close-knit staff from WAKC, and WAKR radio, gather each year to reminisce about their time covering the Rubber City. Ideastream Public Media's Kabir Bhatia visited their reunion in 2016, and turned it into an audio postcard. Guest: - Kabir Bhatia, Senior Arts Reporter, Ideastream Public Media

    50 min

  7. MAR 2

    What guard rails are journalists putting in place regarding AI use?

    AI and the future of journalism In February, "Ideastream Explores: Artificial Intelligence" covered the myriad ways AI is rapidly evolving and changing our lives. It's impacting how students learn, reshaping the workforce, and we're learning more and more about the environmental costs of data centers and the massive processing power needed for generative AI programs. Ideastream hosted a "Sound of Ideas Community Tour" at the Idea Center and took part in another live event as well, about the intersection of journalism and artificial intelligence and concerns the public has about how we might be using it and what guardrails we’re setting in place. The Akron Press Club has pulled together a panel today to talk about the choices newsroom are making and what the next generation of journalists are being taught about AI. Guests: - Andrew Meyer, Deputy Editor, Ideastream Public Media - Phil Trexler, Editor-in-Chief, The Marshall Project - Cleveland - Mizell Stewart, Professor-in-Residence, Kent State University Colorectal Cancer Rates Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths among people younger than 50 in the United States, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. The recent deaths of actors James Van Der Beek and Catherine O'Hara have brought renewed attention to the disease. While most cases still occur in people over 50, rates among younger adults are rising. Screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society adopted in 2018 now recommend that average-risk adults begin screening at 45 instead of 50. Colorectal cancer is highly treatable when detected early, and experts say screening options, including colonoscopies and at-home stool tests, are saving lives. Guests: - Joshua Sommovilla, M.D., Colon and Rectal Surgical Oncologist, Cleveland Clinic - Mengdan Xie, M.D., Gastroenterology, MetroHealth - Amy Fogerty, Teacher, Shaker Heights High School

    51 min

  8. FEB 27

    Cleveland survey seeks public input on lakefront land usage | Reporters Roundtable

    The city of Cleveland and the North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation this week opened an online survey to get public input on how to use Burke Lakefront Airport's acreage if the airport is decommissioned. Planners say they're open to all ideas for how to use the 450 acres of prime real estate. But closing the airport, which Mayor Justin Bibb is pushing for, is not a done deal. City Council is holding committee hearings and needs to agree, and the feds must sign off. The story begins our “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” It will also be the topic of our next Community Tour on March 4 at Burke Lakefront Airport. A Republican lawmaker has introduced a bill that would punish colleges and universities that don't comply with Senate Bill 1 by withholding their state money. The law went into effect last June to remove what supporters say is “liberal bias" on campus. Among the law's many provisions is a ban on most diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. This new bill is touted as an accountability measure to assure schools are actually complying and not just checking a box. Ohio is on track to join a number of states that have banned ranked choice voting. The House this week voted on a bill that prevents local governments from using the system. We got more details this week about how the Akron School District will slash $11 million from its budget this year, with more to come, after the superintendent briefed the board of education this week. The courts are still deciding whether Ohio can fund sports facilities, including the new Browns stadium, from the state's unclaimed funds account. But since the legislature voted to create a pool to fund not only the Browns stadium but others, the line is already out the door with sports teams seeking cash. Guests: -Glenn Forbes, Deputy Editor for News, Ideastream Public Media -Anna Huntsman, Akron-Canton Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

    51 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

The "Sound of Ideas" is Ideastream Public Media's weekday morning news and information program focusing on Northeast Ohio.

Information

  • Creator
    Ideastream Public Media
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    475
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ideastream
  • Show Website
    Sound of Ideas

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