The Voice of Ethics

Ohio Ethics Commission

The Ohio Ethics Commission takes you behind the scenes of the Ohio Ethics Law and into a deeper conversation about integrity and transparency in government. Whether you’re a public employee or official, a concerned citizen, or just curious about the laws that promote impartiality and honesty in government, this podcast is for you!

  1. Jul 7

    We the People (Don’t Appreciate Corruption) – Book Review

    Susan reviews Thomas H. Keels’ book Sesqui!: Greed, Graft, and the Forgotten World's Fair of 1926.   July 2026 Episode Transcript – We the People (Don’t Appreciate Corruption) – Book Review   Stories? Show ideas? We're listening! E-mail susan.willeke@ethics.ohio.gov

  2. Jun 23

    Barking Up the Wrong Tree

    A heated dog bite dispute becomes a cautionary tale about abusing public positions. June 2026 Episode Transcript – Barking Up the Wrong Tree   Referenced and relevant materials Conflicts of Interest Fact Sheet Tiny dog shamelessly steals Uber Eats order off front porch (Video)   Stories? Show ideas? We're listening! E-mail susan.willeke@ethics.ohio.gov

  3. Jun 9

    Take Me Out to the Ballgame

    When Cubs fever swept Chicago in 2016, so did elected officials hoping to score World Series tickets at face value. Susan sits down with Chicago Board of Ethics Executive Director Steve Berlin to unpack how even access can throw an ethics curveball. June 2026 Episode Transcript – Take Me Out to the Ballgame   Referenced and relevant materials  Chicago Board of Ethics Advisory Opinion Case No. 16032.A Advisory Opinion No. 2020-03 Gifts and Other Things of Value Fact Sheet Advisory Opinion No. 96-003 (pages 7 – 9)   Stories? Show ideas? We're listening! E-mail susan.willeke@ethics.ohio.gov

  4. May 26

    Reverse Nepotism

    The Ethics Law doesn't just stop you from helping family members with your public position — it stops you from hurting them too. Susan, Molly Bruns, and David Sturman explore cases where blood was thicker than recusal.   May 2026 Episode Transcript – Reverse Nepotism   Referenced and relevant materials Advisory Opinion No. 2025-01 Informal Opinion 1989-INF-0406-1   Stories? Show ideas? We're listening! E-mail susan.willeke@ethics.ohio.gov

  5. May 12

    Side Hustle Main Event

    A jail superintendent's private bathroom renovation. A county official moonlighting as an Amazon delivery driver — in his county vehicle, on county time, badge dangling. Susan and Nick unpack Advisory Opinion 96-004, the Ethics Commission's go-to guide for keeping your public role and your outside business in separate corners. May 2026 Episode Transcript - Side Hustle Main Event   Referenced and relevant materials Advisory Opinion No. 96-004 Conflicts of Interest Fact Sheet   Stories? Show ideas? We're listening! E-mail susan.willeke@ethics.ohio.gov

  6. Apr 28

    Earned, Not Gifted: Summer Job Edition

    Summer is almost here! But before you help your kid land that lifeguard job at the city pool dive into this 50-SPF (Safeguard Public Fairness) episode on summer hiring and avoid getting burned by the Ethics Law.   April 2026 Episode Transcript – Earned, Not Gifted: Summer Job Edition   Referenced and relevant materials Advisory Opinion No. 2025-01 Public Jobs and Family Members Fact Sheet   Stories? Show ideas? We're listening! E-mail susan.willeke@ethics.ohio.gov

  7. Apr 14

    Smooth Asphalt, Slippery Ethics

    How much do you love when a solicitor knocks on your door? What if the sales pitch was free driveway paving? This township administrator overseeing a 1.5 million-dollar road budget opened the door to a potentially sticky situation.   April 2026 Episode Transcript – Smooth Asphalt, Slippery Ethics   Referenced and relevant materials The Private Sector Fact Sheet Gifts and Other Things of Value Fact Sheet   Stories? Show ideas? We're listening! E-mail susan.willeke@ethics.ohio.gov

  8. Mar 31

    Car Factory Caper

    Bob Smith, a 48-year veteran of the Ohio Auditor of State’s office, shares how a concept car factory that never left the drawing board still drove off with $300,000 in taxpayer money, courtesy of a conflicted county commissioner.   March 2026 Episode Transcript – Car Factory Caper   Referenced and relevant materials Public Contracts page Public Contracts Fact Sheet   Stories? Show ideas? We're listening! E-mail susan.willeke@ethics.ohio.gov

See All (26)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Ohio Ethics Commission takes you behind the scenes of the Ohio Ethics Law and into a deeper conversation about integrity and transparency in government. Whether you’re a public employee or official, a concerned citizen, or just curious about the laws that promote impartiality and honesty in government, this podcast is for you!

Information

  • Creator
    Ohio Ethics Commission
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Voice of Ethics

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