yes, Columbus

92.3 WCOL (WCOL-FM)
  • 4.0 (12)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Go behind the scenes in Columbus to learn about some of the best-kept secrets of things to see and do….and meet the people that make it happen.

  1. 1d ago

    Celebrating The Refectory’s 50th Anniversary

    What does it take for a restaurant to become a Columbus institution? In this episode of Yes, Columbus, Boxer and Sarah sit down with Chef Richard Blondin and owner Kamal Boulos of The Refectory as they celebrate the restaurant’s 50th anniversary. Together, they reflect on the passion, craftsmanship and hospitality that have made The Refectory a beloved dining destination for generations. Richard Blondin - Executive ChefOver three decades ago, Chef Richard Blondin embarked on a journey from Lyon, France, arriving in Ohio as a young, ambitious chef eager to explore new culinary horizons stateside. More than thirty years later, his indelible presence continues to define The Refectory.While the Columbus dining scene has undergone remarkable transformations over those decades, The Refectory's unwavering reputation as the city's preeminent fine dining destination has remained steadfast. This enduring acclaim is a direct testament to Chef Blondin’s impeccable French technique, his masterful creation of exquisite sauces, and his consistently artistic presentations. His culinary artistry has been instrumental in earning the restaurant a coveted and astonishing array of accolades including, Best Chef in Columbus, Best Restaurant in Columbus, Best Fine Dining, and Best Romantic Restaurant, all won multiple years. Under his seasoned guidance, The Refectory continues to set the standard for culinary excellence in Columbus and beyond.“It is an honor to create culinary experiences for our guests. Much of life is experienced over food–engagements, anniversaries, milestones, and important conversations. Ourguests have been gracious enough to allow our offerings to enhance those experiences on every level.”-Chef Richard Blondin Kamal Boulos – Owner, The Refectory RestaurantKamal Boulos is the owner of The Refectory Restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, one of the region’s most celebrated fine dining establishments. A lifelong restaurateur, Kamal grew up immersed in the world of hospitality, learning firsthand the values of exceptional food, gracious service, and genuine care for guests that have defined The Refectory for more than five decades.The Refectory has become a Columbus institution known for its refined French cuisine, world-class wine program, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Under Kamal’s leadership, the restaurant continues to honor its traditions while evolving with the city’s vibrant culinary scene.Kamal is deeply committed to the idea that a restaurant is more than a place to dine; it is a place where memories are made. Over the years, he has had the privilege of welcoming generations of guests celebrating life’s milestones, from engagements and anniversaries to family gatherings and business celebrations.“The most important memories of the Refectory are not about the food, although we are avid fans of Chef Blondin's menus (the lamb chops and pear tart simply cannot be found elsewhere, and the mussel soup is legendary!),” said Mark and Dana Gillis, longtime guests of The Refectory. “Our fondest memories of our Refectory experiences are those in which Kamal stops by at the end of the evening. Always humble and gracious, we are ever honored by his masterful storytelling. We have been fortunate to be included in important events in Kamal's life and take great joy in the anecdotes and personal accounts he chooses to share with us. But more vital are the life lessons Kamal has taught us and continues to teach his staff and his guests. Be kind. Work hard. Do your best. Be honest. Make others feel important. Treat everyone with respect. Love and honor your parents. These are not served on the Refectory menu, but we have been grateful to receive them as part of our dinner service for many, many years.”Known for his humility and dedication to his team, Kamal credits The Refectory’s longevity to its talented Chef, exceptional Associates, a committed Family, and loyal Guests who have supported the restaurant throughout the years. His goal remains the same today as itwas when he first began: to create an extraordinary dining experience that reflects both culinary excellence and genuine hospitality.

    32 min
  2. Celebrating the Columbus Symphony’s 75th Anniversary

    1d ago

    Celebrating the Columbus Symphony’s 75th Anniversary

    What role does music play in bringing a community together? In this episode of Yes, Columbus, Boxer and Sarah welcome Maureen O’Brien, President and CEO of the Columbus Symphony, to celebrate the organization’s 75th anniversary. Together, they discuss the Symphony’s rich history, its impact on Columbus’ cultural landscape and the ways it continues to inspire audiences through performance, education and community engagement.Maureen O'Brien, Columbus Symphony, CEO  With a distinguished background in arts leadership and a deep-rooted passion for community engagement, Maureen O'Brien joined the Columbus Symphony as CEO in July 2025. In her new leadership role, O'Brien oversees all dimensions of CSO's operations and is spearheading an ambitious campaign to build a new home for the orchestra.Previously, she held various roles at New World Symphony in Miami, most recently as Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement where she led a comprehensive $150 million campaign and oversaw fundraising, marketing, communications, audience engagement and guest services. Prior to that, O'Brien was part of the founding team of the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix and has also held positions in New York City at Midori & Friends and Orchestra of St. Luke’s.A passionate musician herself, O'Brien's roots in music - from learning piano from her mother (a piano teacher), to playing the flute and singing in choirs - shape her leadership style.  She holds a double major in Music and French, is an avid learner of Spanish, and enjoys dancing Argentine tango. A Certified Fund-Raising Executive, she has taught atArizona State University and Prescott College and as part of New World Symphony and Sphinx LEAD's Fellowship curricula. She was a featured speaker at the Association Francaise des Fundraisers' conference in Paris, a presenter at the CASE Winter Institute for Chief Development Officers, a panelist with Philanthropy Miami and CFO Arts Conference, and a speaker with Leadership Miami, a program of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. Recognized by the Phoenix Business Journal as a member of the 2015 “40 Under 40” class, she is also a graduate of Valley Leadership Class 33

    29 min

  3. May 15

    Celebrating 150 Years of the North Market

    For 150 years, North Market has been at the heart of Columbus’ food scene — supporting local businesses, entrepreneurs and community through unforgettable food. In this episode of Yes, Columbus, Boxer and Sarah sit down with Rick Harrison Wolfe, Executive Director of North Market, to celebrate the market’s milestone anniversary and discuss its lasting impact on the city. From the evolution of the Downtown market to Bridge Park and the future Merchant Building, Rick shares how North Market continues to grow while staying true to the spirit that has made it a Columbus staple for generations. Rick Harrison Wolfe, Executive Director, is responsible for leading North Market Downtown + North Market Bridge Park and developing their position within the communities they serve. Rick focuses on long term strategic planning, creative direction, fundraising, community liaison activities and business development. Prior to joining North Market in May 2013, Rick created an independent branding consulting agency, The Wolfe Group LTD. Along with that, he moved to Columbus via Los Angeles bringing “The Cheesy Truck,” an LA style gourmet mobile food truck that he created and founded. While in Los Angeles, Rick held the position of Vice President of Brand Development at Skechers USA, and also worked in sales and management for Cole Haan and Donald J Pliner. Rick attended the University of Cincinnati, majoring in Communication and resides in downtown Columbus and Hocking Hills.

    31 min

  4. May 15

    Celebrating 50 Years of the Memorial Tournament

    For 50 years, the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday has helped shape Greater Columbus into a world-class sports destination. In this episode of Yes, Columbus, Boxer and Sarah sit down with Jack Nicklaus II, president of Nicklaus Design, and veteran golf journalist Dave Shedloski to reflect on the tournament’s legacy, evolution and impact. In this episode, hear stories about the tournament’s earliest days to and unforgettable moments at Muirfield Village Golf Club. This conversation celebrates the traditions, people and experiences that continue to make the Memorial one of the most iconic events on the PGA TOUR.Jack William Nicklaus, II - Jack Nicklaus II followed in his father’s footsteps in more than just his name. Following a successful collegiate career at the University of North Carolina, Jack II enjoyed competitive success first on the amateur circuit and then the professional circuits. Jack II not only has a passion for the game of golf, but as a former University of North Carolina team alum and professional golfer, Jack has a deep understanding of the commitment both collegiate and progressional athletes take on both physically and mentally.In the late 1980’s Jack II decided on a career in golf course design, designing his first golf course in 1991. A leading force in Nicklaus Family Design, he serves as President of the firm and works as both a solo designer and in collaboration with his father.In 2000, Jack II was named in Golfweek’s “40 Under 40,” a list of 40 individuals under the age of 40 from the golf industry that the magazine felt would “most likely shape the game – and the business of the game, for the next 10,20 or 30 years.” The same year, Jack 11 was accepted into the prestigious American Society of Golf Course Architects, of which his father is also a member.Jack II has designed and directed nearly 55 golf courses and communities, both nationally and internationally. He has received numerous accolades for his design work and many of his designs or co-designs have hosted touring professional events or high-profile amateur championships, including the Club at Twin Eagles and Heritage Course at Ibis Golf and Country Club. He is Chairman of Muirfield Village Golf Club and The Memorial Tournament. Recently he was elected a member of The Captains Club. As an active leader in the community, he has served on several Boards of Directors, including Meeder Financial, U.S. Army War College, WorldServe, The Benjamin School and Nicklaus Children’s Healthcare Foundation.Located in South Florida, Jack II is the first of five children born to Jack and Barbara Nicklaus. He is married to Allison Nicklaus, and is a father of five: Jack III, Christie, Charlie, Casey and Will. He is most proud of his 5 children and 2 grandchildren. David Shedloski has been a sports journalist for more than 40 years and holds the distinction as the only writer in golf history to have co-written books with Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.A Cleveland native and 1984 graduate of Miami (Ohio) University, Shedloski worked in daily newspapers, covering golf, Ohio State football and Cincinnati Reds baseball among other subjects. In 1995 he turned his attention solely to golf, contributing to a number of outlets. Today he serves as a contributing editor to Golf Digest and as editorial director of The Memorial, the official magazine of the Memorial Tournament. He has covered more than 500 golf tournaments worldwide and is the recipient of 17 writing awards in golf.Shedloski’s author credits begin with “Golden Twilight,” published in 2001, a critically acclaimed chronicle of Nicklaus’ final championship season in 2000. He also co-wrote “Memories and Mementos” with Nicklaus in 2005, and in 2015 he helped Arnold Palmer write his final memoir, “A Life Well Played,” which debuted in October 2016 on The New York Times bestseller list. His ninth book will be published in time for the 50th anniversary of the Memorial Tournament, titled: "Memorial Memories: The History of the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide and Muirfield Village Golf Club."Shedloski lives in New Albany, Ohio, and is the father of two children, Alexander and Elizabeth.

    50 min

  5. May 15

    Celebrating America 250 & the Palace Theatre’s 100th Anniversary

    What does it look like when a city comes together to celebrate history, art and community? In this episode of Yes, Columbus, Boxer and Sarah kick off the “A Celebration of US” series with Chris Hurtubise of the America 250-Ohio Commission and Jim Fischer of the Columbus Association for Performing Arts. Together, they explore how Ohio and Columbus are bringing America’s 250th anniversary to life through statewide experiences, events and local collaboration — including the Palace Theatre’s 100th anniversary. From arts and culture to community pride, this episode highlights how milestone moments help tell the story of Columbus. Jim Fischer, Communications Manager, CAPA - BioJim is the Communications Manager for CAPA. Previously, he was an arts writer in Columbus for about 30 years, primarily working with various Columbus Dispatch-related properties, including ThisWeek Newspapers and Columbus Alive. A native of Pittsburgh, he is a graduate of Otterbein College (yes, College, he knows it’s a university now) and has made his home in central Ohio for 35 years. He is a Columbus Blue Jackets season ticket holder since the inaugural season, and is a co-founder of Beer & Hymns – Delaware, Ohio. Chris Hurtubise, Communications Director for America 250-Ohio - BioChris Hurtubise, Communications Director for America 250-Ohio, is an experienced senior marketing and communications leader with extensive experience including non-for-profit museum marketing, professional services and consumer packaged goods. She served as COSI's Senior Director of Marketing and Communications and in other roles for 24 years immersing her in attraction marketing, travel and tourism, mission-based messaging, and community-based initiatives. More recently she worked for two local start-ups - one focusing on global humanitarian engineering and the other an MBE-owned entertainment discovery platform. Chris is a native Ohioan from the Dayton area, a graduate of The Ohio State University and lives in Gahanna with her husband Larry and dog Maxi. Her two young adult children are pursuing their careers in healthcare and law. She enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, camping, and kayaking and is excited to help Ohio celebrate our contribution to the richness of America's story in 2026.

    29 min

  6. 07/03/2025

    2025 Forbes Under 30 Summit Preview with Brett Cohen, Executive Director of Production and Partner Experience at Forbes

    Columbus is set to take center stage as the host of the 2025 Forbes Under 30 Summit — one of the world’s premier gatherings of young innovators and changemakers. In this episode, Boxer and Sarah sit down with Brett Cohen, Executive Director of Production and Partner Experience at Forbes, to talk about what this year's event will be like, what the Summit means for the city, and how Forbes is bringing its global platform to life right here in Central, Ohio. From immersive experiences and headline speakers to long-term community impact, Brett shares what to expect when the nation’s brightest young leaders gather in Columbus this fall.

    25 min

  7. 06/27/2025

    Vintage Vibes, Modern Impact: A Conversation with HOMAGE Founder & CEO, Ryan Vesler

    From starting in a basement nearly 20 years ago with little more than a dream and some vintage tees, to moments like these — organic, authentic, and without a blueprint — is something Ryan and his team never take for granted. HOMAGE began with vintage tees and a kiosk — and today, it’s a cultural force worn by icons like LeBron James and Taylor Swift and backed by investors like Ryan Reynolds and Kevin Durant. In this episode of Yes, Columbus, Boxer and Sarah sit down with Ryan Vesler, Founder and CEO of Columbus-based HOMAGE, to explore how a passion for storytelling and nostalgia grew into a beloved national brand. From unexpected collaborations to staying true to his local roots, Ryan shares what it takes to build something authentic — and what’s next for HOMAGE.

    26 min

  8. 06/20/2025

    Next at Bat: A Conversation with Columbus Clippers, President & GM, Tyler Parsons

    Huntington Park isn’t just a ballpark — it’s a summer staple, a community hub, and now, one of the top-ranked Minor League stadiums in the country. In this episode, Boxer and Sarah sit down with Tyler Parsons, the new President and General Manager of the Columbus Clippers, to talk about his journey to Columbus, the legacy of longtime leader Ken Schnacke, and what’s next for the team. From innovative fan experiences to deepening community connections, Tyler shares his vision for the future of Clippers baseball — and how he’s saying “yes” to Columbus.

    29 min
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4
out of 5
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About

Go behind the scenes in Columbus to learn about some of the best-kept secrets of things to see and do….and meet the people that make it happen.

Information

  • Creator
    92.3 WCOL (WCOL-FM)
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 92.3 WCOL (WCOL-FM)
  • Show Website
    yes, Columbus