Hey! Michelle with a Mic!

Michelle Jones
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Places & Travel

Hey! Michelle with a Mic is where real conversations, good people, and great stories come together. Hosted by Michelle, this podcast dives into the heart of our community—highlighting the people, businesses, food, culture, and everyday moments that make our region special.  From local entrepreneurs and changemakers to hidden gems, hometown favorites, and the stories behind the people building something meaningful, every episode brings connection, curiosity, and a whole lot of fun. Through honest conversations, expert insights, and powerful personal stories, Michelle creates a space where community meets conversation, where big ideas, real life, and plenty of laughter all have a seat at the table. Whether we’re talking business, advocacy, family, food, or the moments that shape us, each episode is designed to inspire, celebrate, and remind listeners that community is built one conversation at a time. Whether you’re here for inspiration, connection, a new favorite local spot, or just a voice that feels like home, this is your place. Because sometimes, all it takes is one conversation… and one mic. 🎙️

  1. 2d ago

    Hey! Michelle with a Mic: Beyond Grief: Finding Healing, Hope, and Connection

    What happens when life changes in an instant? And how do we find our way forward after unimaginable loss? On this episode of Hey! Michelle with a Mic, Michelle welcomes grief coach Christina Rose for an honest, heartfelt conversation about love, loss, healing, and learning to embrace life again. After tragically losing both of her parents in 2016, followed by her beloved uncle just four months later, Christina found herself navigating a journey she never expected. What began as her own search for understanding and healing eventually became a calling to help others move through grief and rediscover joy. Together, Michelle and Christina explore why grief looks different for everyone, how loss impacts our emotional and physical well-being, and why the words we choose when comforting someone matter more than we realize. They also discuss the importance of keeping loved ones' memories alive, finding connection after loss, and permitting ourselves to experience happiness again. From navigating unexpected loss to celebrating the people we love while they're still here, this conversation is a powerful reminder that grief and joy can coexist, and that moving forward doesn't mean leaving anyone behind. Because while loss changes our lives, love continues to remain. Learn more about Christina Rose, her grief coaching services, and her resources for navigating loss at RoseChristina.com.

  2. Oct 23

    Hey! Michelle with a Mic: Beyond the Labels: Drew & Lea Lachey on the Power of Being Seen

    What if the very things that make us different could be the things that bring us together? On this episode of Hey! Michelle with a Mic, Michelle sits down with Cincinnati's own Drew and Lea Lachey, the husband-and-wife creative team behind LABEL•LESS, a groundbreaking musical that's become so much more than a theatrical production. It's a movement rooted in empathy, authenticity, and the power of human connection. The couple takes Michelle behind the curtain of their New York City run, including an unforgettable performance on the TODAY show, the emotional impact of watching their cast step into the spotlight, and their vision for taking the message of LABEL•LESS far beyond the stage. Along the way, they reflect on their decades-long partnership, balancing family and creative ambition, and why, despite careers that have taken them around the world, Cincinnati will always be home. It's a conversation about creativity, courage, community, and what happens when we stop defining people by their differences and start celebrating everything that connects us. Because sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is make someone feel seen. Learn more about LABEL•LESS at labellessmusical.com.

  3. Oct 15

    Hey! Michelle with a Mic: Raising the Steaks: Chef Kayla Robison, Commander & Beef

    What does it take to build a culinary career, create something of your own, and make an impact along the way? On this episode of Hey! Michelle with a Mic, Michelle sits down with Chef Kayla Robison, the creative force behind Commander & Beef, to talk about her journey in the culinary world, her passion for food, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives her forward. From navigating the challenges of the restaurant industry to building a brand rooted in creativity and connection, Kayla shares her perspective on what it means to pursue your passion, take risks, and carve out your own path. Tune in for a conversation about food, entrepreneurship, community, and the power of turning what you love into something bigger.

  4. Oct 2

    Hey! Michelle with a Mic: How the Lanni Brothers Built a Cincinnati Restaurant Empire

    What does it take to turn a family legacy in the restaurant business into some of Cincinnati’s most recognizable dining experiences? Michelle sits down with brothers Joe and John Lanni, the team behind Thunderdome Restaurant Group, for a conversation about growing up in the industry, taking chances, building brands, and creating restaurants that have become part of the fabric of Cincinnati. From their family’s Great Steak beginnings to Currito, Bakersfield, The Eagle, Krueger’s Tavern, Maplewood, CityBird, Pepp & Dolores, and The Davidson, Joe and John share the stories, memories, and sometimes unexpected decisions behind the concepts. They talk about betting on Over-the-Rhine before its resurgence, creating restaurants with distinct personalities, navigating growth, and building a company around great food, hospitality, and strong teams. Plus, they give Michelle a look at what’s next: The Eagle’s new Deerfield location, the upcoming Pepp & Dolores, new menu additions and experiences, and Currito’s major franchise expansion. And, naturally, Michelle gets them to reveal their go-to late-night fast food order. It’s a conversation about family, food, entrepreneurship, Cincinnati, and what happens when you’re willing to take a risk on an idea you believe in.

  5. Sep 23

    Hey! Michelle with a Mic: Go Touch Grass: The Science of Nature as Medicine with Dr. Barbara Walker

    What if one of the best things you could do for your mind and body was as simple as… going outside? On this episode of Michelle with a Mic, Michelle sits down with Dr. Barbara Walker, an integrative health and performance psychologist at UC Health’s Osher Center for Integrative Health and director of its Nature as Medicine program, to talk about the science behind forest bathing, forest therapy, and our connection to the natural world. And no, forest bathing does not require a bathtub. Dr. Walker explains how intentionally slowing down and immersing our senses in nature can help reduce stress, restore our attention, and support our mental and physical well-being. They talk about everything from cortisol and anxiety to birdsong, green and blue spaces, putting down our phones, and why even 20 minutes outside can make a difference. Plus, Dr. Walker takes Michelle inside an actual forest therapy session — where the goal isn't how many miles you walk, but how much you notice along the way. You don't need to be an outdoorsy person. You don't need a trip to Yosemite. And you don't even necessarily need a forest. Sometimes, you just need to go outside, slow down, take a deep breath, and listen to the birds.

  6. Sep 9

    Hey! Michelle with a Mic: Prost to 50 Years: Chelsea York on the Magic of Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

    Prost! Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is celebrating 50 years, and Chelsea York is helping make this milestone year one to remember. Michelle sits down with Chelsea York, Events & Experiences Director at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Cincinnati’s most beloved traditions and the largest Oktoberfest celebration in North America. From its humble beginnings in a downtown parking lot to the massive riverfront celebration it is today, Chelsea shares how Oktoberfest has grown while holding onto the traditions, community, and pure fun that have kept Cincinnati coming back for five decades. They talk about what’s new for the 50th anniversary, including a 30-foot-tall, human-powered Glockenspiel, a new VIP experience, a special anniversary lager, expanded shopping, and plenty of surprises. Plus, Chelsea gives Michelle the scoop on the traditions you can’t miss: the World’s Largest Chicken Dance, Running of the Wieners, stein-holding competitions, German music, incredible food and, of course, plenty of beer. But at the heart of Oktoberfest is something bigger: community. Chelsea shares why these festivals feel like a giant Cincinnati reunion—a place where strangers become friends, generations come together, and everyone is invited to raise a stein and join the celebration. Grab your lederhosen, practice your chicken dance, and get ready to say “Prost!” to 50 years of Oktoberfest Zinzinnati.

  7. Aug 26

    Hey! Michelle with a Mic: Mo Egger on Cincinnati Sports, Radio & Rooting Through the Pain

    On this episode of Hey! Michelle with a Mic, Michelle sits down with longtime Cincinnati sports radio personality Mo Egger for a conversation about sports, radio, and the city that keeps us coming back for more. Mo shares how a childhood spent listening to the radio turned into a career behind the mic, from getting his foot in the door at WLW at 19 to becoming one of Cincinnati’s most recognizable sports voices. Along the way, he and Michelle talk Bengals expectations, the heartbreak of being a Reds fan, Bearcats basketball and football, the Crosstown Shootout, unforgettable Cincinnati sports moments, and why Opening Day still hits differently. Plus, Mo reveals his biggest sports pet peeve, the Cincinnati athlete he’d love to sit down with, his completely rational, or maybe not, fear of snakes, and why, after a career spent talking about this city, he still can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. It’s sports, stories, Cincinnati pride, and plenty of laughs with Mo Egger on Hey! Michelle with a Mic.

  8. Aug 19

    Hey! Michelle with a Mic: Ready, Set, BLINK! with Leslie Mooney

    In this episode of Hey! Michelle with a Mic, Michelle sits down with Leslie Mooney, Executive Director of BLINK, to talk about the people, creativity and downright magic behind one of Cincinnati’s most unforgettable experiences. From 30 city blocks spanning two states to artists representing nearly 50 countries, BLINK transforms Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky into a massive celebration of light, art, and connection. Leslie takes us behind the scenes of what it actually takes to bring an event of this scale to life, and what drew her to the challenge after more than a decade leading the Clifton Cultural Arts Center. They talk projection mapping, larger-than-life installations, new murals, drone shows, hidden gems, the brand-new Ready, Set, BLINK! opening celebration, and even a few insider tips for making the most of the weekend. But beyond the lights, this conversation is about something bigger: what happens when a city comes together. For Leslie, BLINK is about creating shared experiences, those rare moments when strangers stop, look up, talk to each other, and experience a sense of wonder together. It’s about discovering a street you’ve never walked down, seeing a familiar building in a completely different way, and feeling proud of the place you call home. Plus, Leslie shares what’s new for 2026, what she hopes millions of visitors take away from the experience, and why the ultimate reaction she wants to hear at the end of it all is simple: “Wow.” BLINK returns October 8–11, 2026. Get your walking shoes ready. Charge your phone. Wear something that lights up. And prepare to see Cincinnati in a whole new way.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hey! Michelle with a Mic is where real conversations, good people, and great stories come together. Hosted by Michelle, this podcast dives into the heart of our community—highlighting the people, businesses, food, culture, and everyday moments that make our region special.  From local entrepreneurs and changemakers to hidden gems, hometown favorites, and the stories behind the people building something meaningful, every episode brings connection, curiosity, and a whole lot of fun. Through honest conversations, expert insights, and powerful personal stories, Michelle creates a space where community meets conversation, where big ideas, real life, and plenty of laughter all have a seat at the table. Whether we’re talking business, advocacy, family, food, or the moments that shape us, each episode is designed to inspire, celebrate, and remind listeners that community is built one conversation at a time. Whether you’re here for inspiration, connection, a new favorite local spot, or just a voice that feels like home, this is your place. Because sometimes, all it takes is one conversation… and one mic. 🎙️

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Jones
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hey! Michelle with a Mic!
  • Show Website
    Hey! Michelle with a Mic!

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