Sound of Ideas

Ideastream Public Media
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"Sound of Ideas" is Ideastream Public Media's daily flagship public affairs program focusing on Northeast Ohio.

  1. 6h ago

    From school levies to data center bans, Ideastream reporters are covering a range of election issues

    Election Preview November's midterm election will have wide-ranging impacts on communities across Ohio. Not only are state-wide seats like governor to be decided on, but municipalities across the state will be voting on issues that deal with school funding, property taxes and even data centers. Several Ideastream reporters join the "Sound of Ideas" with Stephanie Haney on Thursday to discuss some of the issues they're following ahead of the midterms. That includes everything from using income taxes to fund school systems, to paying for county boards of developmental disabilities. Guests: - Sean McDonnell, Cleveland Government Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Conor Morris, Education Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Amanda Pirani, Regional Reporter, Ideastream Public Media High school students create election podcasts For the past few weeks, as part of our Listen, Engage, Vote election initiative, Ideastream has reported on how consequential this midterm election is, especially for Ohioans — from deciding who will lead the state as the next governor, to statewide and federal races that could determine the balance of power in Congress, to the makeup of our state Supreme Court, to how our local schools and social services are funded. But what do young people think of the midterms? Is it on their radar? As of the voter registration deadline a few weeks ago, only 35% of 18-year-olds were registered to vote in Ohio, which is 10% below the national average. What will it take to get more young people to the polls? And for those who can't vote yet, how engaged are they in what's happening this election cycle? Our team got a chance to sit down with a group of passionate high school students from Hawken Schools in Gates Mills, in Cuyahoga County, who were tasked with covering the election in the elective course called "Campaign Headquarters." Groups of students created podcasts that focused on competitive races in Ohio and elsewhere. Guests: - Birk Farinacci, Senior, Hawken School - Maya Wadhawan, Senior, Hawken School - Grayson Rezaee, Senior, Hawken School "The Menu: All City Candy" Halloween is Saturday, and with the cost of just about everything going up, some folks are getting creative with their costumes — maybe DIY-ing a look at home, or repurposing clothes already in their closets. Other families are rethinking how much candy they can afford to hand out, if at all. Candy prices are up more than 15% for consumers this year, according to an analysis from progressive think tanks the Groundwork Collaborative and the Century Foundation. But Halloween is still a big moment for the candy business, including right here in Northeast Ohio. Thursday on “The Menu,” our biweekly segment in collaboration with Cleveland Magazine, we’re checking in with All City Candy, a small business serving up sweet treats on Halloween and all year round. Guests: - Yuta Hsu, e-Commerce & Customer Service representative, All City Candy

  2. 19h ago

    John Scalzi's "Monsters of Ohio" unites humor and horror in small town Ohio

    "Monsters of Ohio" book explores concept of cryptids in the Buckeye State Halloween is in a few days, and some of the holiday's longest-running spooky costumes celebrate the lore of Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. These creatures are known as cryptids, or animals who some assume to exist though that has not been scientifically proven. In some cases, what were once considered cryptids have turned out to be animals we recognize today, including the giant squid and the platypus. Ohio is thought by some to be home to some of these kinds of creatures, including Northeast Ohio's Grassman and Lake Erie Bessie. State Representatives Tristan Rader and Jean Schmidt have even been working to pass House Bill 821 that would name the Loveland Frogman as the state's official cryptid. On Wednesday's edition of 'Sound of Ideas' hosted by Stephanie Haney, we'll talk through these ideas with John Scalzi, an Ohio-based science fiction author known for his "Old Man's War" series and one off books like "Starter Villain," has taken the plunge into the world of cryptids with his new book called "Monsters of Ohio," which comes out on Tuesday, Nov. 3. You can find tickets to his book tour here. Guest:- John Scalzi, Author, "Monsters of Ohio"

  3. 1d ago

    Political campaign ads put national spotlight on Ohio races | Law of The Land

    Political ads shine brighter spotlight on pivotal Ohio races With less than one week until Election Day, Ohio continues to be part of the national conversation not only for the potential impact of pivotal races, but also for its especially nasty campaign ads. One ad in particular has divided the Republican party, being praised as "powerful" by President Donald Trump with Vice President JD Vance saying he's "disgusted" by Republicans "whining" about it, while Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has called for the ad to be taken down, describing it as "deeply, deeply troubling." The ad came from the campaign of Republican governor candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. It shows the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent Dr. Amy Acton calling her daughter a lifelong liar. Backstory not included in the ad is that Acton hasn't seen her mother since 1978, when she was removed from her custody at the age of 12 following a grand jury indicting her mother's husband, Acton's stepfather, for allegations that he had been sexually assaulting her for several years. This is just one ad we'll analyze in the Wednesday edition of “Sound of Ideas” hosted by Stephanie Haney, in our “Law of The Land” series where we look at how the law affects our everyday lives. This as has brought up the question of what's legally permissible from a First Amendment free speech perspective in political ads, as well as the difference between what can be done and what should be done by campaigns. The "should" part of the conversation will look at not only the human moral element, but also strategy concerns, as we know the goal of campaign ads is to reach voters and influence the results of an election. Our experts weighing in today include R Strategy Group president and CEO Jeff Rusnak who has written and produced political ads for several decades for candidates at all levels, including Sherrod Brown who is currently running for U.S. Senate, and Marcy Kaptur, who is seeking re-election in the U.S. House, Jack Lucas Consulting's Dave Warren who is a veteran of four presidential campaigns, and helped lead Republican efforts in Northeast Ohio from 2015–2019, and First Amendment attorney David Marburger who has represented journalists in public figure defamation cases for decades. In addition to hosting 'Sound of Ideas,' Stephanie is licensed to practice law in both Ohio and California. Guests: - Jeff Rusnak, Democratic Political Strategist, R Strategy Group - Dave Warren, Republican Political Strategist, Jack Lucas Consulting - David Marburger, First Amendment Attorney, Marburger Law 'Monsters of Ohio' book explores concept of cryptids in the Buckeye State Halloween is in a few days, and some of the holiday's longest-running spooky costumes celebrate the lore of Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. These creatures are known as cryptids, or animals who some assume to exist though that has not been scientifically proven. In some cases, what were once considered cryptids have turned out to be animals we recognize today, including the giant squid and the platypus. Ohio is thought by some to be home to some of these kinds of creatures, including Northeast Ohio's Grassman and Lake Erie Bessie. State Representatives Tristan Rader and Jean Schmidt have even been working to pass House Bill 821 that would name the Loveland Frogman as the state's official cryptid. On Wednesday's edition of 'Sound of Ideas' hosted by Stephanie Haney, we'll talk through these ideas with John Scalzi, an Ohio-based science fiction author known for his "Old Man's War" series and one off books like "Starter Villain," has taken the plunge into the world of cryptids with his new book called "Monsters of Ohio," which comes out on Tuesday, Nov. 2. Guest: - John Scalzi, Author, "Monsters of Ohio"

  4. 2d ago

    Economy, 'political homelessness' is top of mind for Ohio voters | Slice of Politics

    Warren is like many Northeast Ohio cities trying to remake themselves. The county seat of Trumbull has seen steel mills close, automakers and other industries leave and people move away for better opportunities. In this election year, we’re taking a closer look at Warren and what concerns voters there. Four people who live in and around Warren sat down to chat with WKSU Host Amy Eddings back in 2024, and again this past year, before the midterm elections. They spoke about what issues they're most concerned with as they get ready to vote. From data centers, to affordability, nasty campaign ads, and the feeling of not being aligned with either of the major political parties. We’ll share that conversation on Tuesday’s “Sound of Ideas hosted by Stephanie Haney. Guests: - Riley DeCavitch - Paul Ringold - Julie Stout - Michael Scharfenberg - Amy Eddings, Host, Morning Edition, Ideastream Public Media

  5. 3d ago

    Patrick Ryan's "Buckeye" explores post-war family drama in Ohio

    "Buckeye" by Patrick Ryan has been called sweeping, pastoral, and epic yet intimate. The book tells the story of two couples, Cal and Becky Jenkins and Margaret and Felix Salt, whose paths cross on the home front during World War II and whose families remain intertwined for decades afterward. The author is a Bowling Green State University graduate, who sets the novel in a fictional Ohio town, located somewhere between Toledo and Dayton. The book topped many 'Best Of' lists back in 2025, was praised by Tom Hanks, and picked by Jenna Bush Hager as one of her book club books. Patrick Ryan spoke with Drew Maziasz on the "Sound of Ideas" ahead of 'Buckeye' being released in paperback. He talked about spending his college years here in Ohio at BGSU, the inspiration for the book, as well as the praise he's received.

  6. 3d ago

    One year later, how is Cleveland's pay transparency law working?

    Cleveland's Pay Transparency Law For many looking for employment - navigating online job applications can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Job titles and experience can vary in the same field, and many employers don't disclose what a job actually pays, which could mean wasted time and effort going through an interview process for a salary that doesn't match the candidate's expectations. One year ago, Cleveland joined several major cities, as well as 18 states, in passing a pay transparency law that requires employers with 15 or more employees to include salary ranges in job postings and bars them from asking applicants about their salary history. The aim was to give workers more negotiating power, and help reduce the wage gap for women, and workers of color. According to the National Women's Law Center, full-time working women make 81 cents on the dollar compared to their white male counterparts, and the gap is larger for mothers and women of color. But how is that new law in Cleveland faring so far? And what more could be done to help reduce the pay gap? We'll start the hour talking with experts including the organization in charge of enforcing the ordinance on Monday's "Sound of Ideas," guest hosted by Drew Maziasz. Guests: - Alfie Chatman-Walter, Program Manager, Fair Employment Wage Board, Mayor's Office of Equal Opportunity, City of Cleveland - Katie Soditch, HR Director Consultant, Connected HR - Joyce Chen, Ph.D., Professor of Economics in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, The Ohio State University "Buckeye" Book "Buckeye" by Patrick Ryan has been called sweeping and epic 'master stroke' of American literature. The book tells the story of two couples, Cal and Becky Jenkins and Margaret and Felix Salt, whose paths cross on the home front during World War II and whose families remain intertwined for decades afterward. Ryan is a Bowling Green State University grad, who set the novel in a fictional Ohio town — somewhere between Toledo and Dayton. The book topped many 'Best Of' lists back in 2025, was praised by Tom Hanks, and picked by Jenna Bush as one of her book club books. Coordinating producer Drew Maziasz spoke with Ryan recently, ahead of the book's paperback release. He talked about spending his college years in Ohio at BGSU, inspiration for the book, as well as the praise he's received. Guest: - Patrick Ryan, Author, "Buckeye"

  7. 6d ago

    Ramaswamy attack ad draws national scrutiny | Reporters Roundtable

    What everyone is talking about this week, and what leads the Friday Reporters Roundtable, is the deeply personal attack ad by Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign featuring the estranged mother of his opponent for governor, Dr. Amy Acton. And not just the ad, which gave voice to the woman who stayed married to the man Acton accused of sexually abusing her as a child, but the reaction. Bipartisan repudiation from across the country. Still, will the October surprise benefit Ramaswamy, or backfire spectacularly? Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield still doesn't have a deal with the Cleveland Clinic, meaning the Clinic's advertised "world class care" may not be available next year to those insured by Anthem. Big counties that want to increase sales taxes would have to get voter approval under a law proposed by State Sen. Tom Patton in response to discussions about an unvoted hike in Cuyahoga to cover stadium repairs. And after major renovations, orangutans at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo can bask in the sunshine. Those stories and more on this week's Reporter's Roundtable. Guests: - Glenn Forbes, Deputy Editor, Ideastream Public Media - Matt Richmond, Reporter - Criminal Justice, Ideastream Public Media - Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

  8. 6d ago

    CWRU professor visits Saudi Arabian tech conference

    LEAP Conference in Saudi Arabia An earlier conversation on Thursday's "Sound of Ideas" featured an expert from the Middle East Institute talking about how the growth of artificial intelligence is reshaping the economy of Middle Eastern countries, and how the U.S. war on Iran is impacting the region's ambitions to become an AI hub. Host Stephanie Haney spoke with a Cleveland professor and our resident tech-guru who recently traveled to the Middle East to attend the biggest technology conference in the world, LEAP, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, joining an estimated 200,000 other attendees. Guest: - Jared Bendis, Digitization and New Media Specialist, Case Western Reserve University

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About

"Sound of Ideas" is Ideastream Public Media's daily flagship public affairs program focusing on Northeast Ohio.

Information

  • Creator
    Ideastream Public Media
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    642
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ideastream
  • Show Website
    Sound of Ideas

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