Shows
Everything Is LocalEp. 39 - Mike and Shana Are Back!!This is Mike's and Shana's first podcast in over a month since the owner of the studio we were using had health issues.This is a great episode where they talk about:The upcoming city council election.Some recent and past school district administration issues and controversies.How at Monday night's Council meeting "the administration" (which is the Mayor), is asking Council to approve replacing Mayor Justin Bern's city owned 2022, with only 38,400 miles, for a new one costing $53,460.Subscribe for more episodes like this one!
2025-11-011h 07Everything Is LocalEp. 38 - Cleveland Heights in Chaos and Mollie's MargaritasWalk into a stranger's house? Check. Withhold information from city council? Check. Vilify the police chief? Check. This week on Everything is Local, we go deep on the political dumpster fire that is Cleveland Heights. Former councilwoman Josie Moore sits down to give us an insider's account of Mayor Kahlil Seren's administration, detailing the paranoia, the empowered first lady, and the shocking decision that cost the city its bond rating. We discuss the grassroots recall effort, the upcoming vote, and what happens next for a city in crisis. It's a case study in managerial incompetence and a...
2025-08-261h 07Everything Is LocalEp. 37 - Campaign Trails & Dubai Chocolate: A Chat with Judge Candidate In Son Loving and Angel WashingtonJoin us for a lively and insightful conversation with In Son Loving, a candidate for Cleveland Municipal Judge, as she shares her unique journey from a military kid with a fascinating name origin to her passion for justice and community service. We dive into the challenges of judicial elections, the importance of diverse voices on the bench, and why name recognition isn’t always enough.Joined by her campaign partner (returning guest Angel) In Sun Loving and the crew dive into grassroots campaigning, authenticity in politics, and why Sydney Sweeney’s jeans ad controversy might be overblown. Whet...
2025-08-191h 25Everything Is LocalEp. 36 - Shade Junkies & Political Drama: Aging, Apartments, and a Mayor’s Wife Gone RogueIt’s finally August, and the weather is (mercifully) less scorching—but the drama in local politics is heating up. In this episode, we unpack:The Sun vs. Age 40+: Why does the sun feel like kryptonite now? Floppy hats, umbrellas at baseball games, and the tragic downfall of sunscreen loyalty.Beachwood’s Apartment Boom: Do 451 new one-bedrooms actually attract young families—or just more shade-seeking residents? Plus, the shady ties between developers and former city employees.Cleveland Heights’ Unhinged Saga: A mayor’s wife walks into a stranger’s house (yes, really), a police chief gets thrown under the bus, and r...
2025-08-051h 04Everything Is LocalEp. 35 - Studio Apartments = Baby Factories? Beachwood’s Contradictory PrioritiesThis week, Mike and Shana dive into Beachwood’s contentious housing policies after Councilman Pete Smith’s eyebrow-raising claim that one-bedroom apartments attract young families—because "young people meet each other and make families." Spoiler: Mike isn’t buying it. The duo breaks down why rezoning for 55+ communities and studio-heavy developments contradicts the city’s stated goal of attracting young families, especially when existing data shows almost zero examples of singles-turned-families staying in Beachwood long-term.Plus, Ethan shares some stories from his Niagara Falls vacation and Mike and Shana talk about their double date, Tune in for an extra f...
2025-07-291h 15Everything Is LocalEp. 34 - Flamingo Parties & Failing Priorities: Beachwood’s Broken PromisesIn this episode of Everything is Local, we're celebrating Shana’s newfound age (and hopefully wisdom)! Mike and Shana discuss her boy-free birthday bash before moving on to the local news. The duo then dive deeper into Pete Smith’s emphasis on the importance of bringing young families into Beachwood. They discuss what these new residences might cost the families in question, as well as the (sometimes oversold) merits of living in Beachwood. Also in local news, Shana provides an update on the fight for teacher retention in our local schools, listen in to hear the details!If y...
2025-07-1535 minEverything Is LocalEp. 33 - Rabble-Rousing & Rezoning: Inside Beachwood’s Messy Council EndorsementsIn this lively episode, Mike and Shana dive into a whirlwind of topics, from solo parenting adventures ("Boys' Week") to heated local politics—including candid takes on city council endorsements, social media rabble-rousing, and the surprising bombshells from a recent Democratic Club meeting. They also debate the merits of Disney trips (are they worth the hype or an overpriced headache?), share a wild golf-cart-in-a-storm story, and rave about Two Brothers Pizza’s wings. Plus, a mysterious fire alarm brings Beachwood’s finest to Mike’s door—with interesting results. Tune in for laughs, rants, and a peek into the ch...
2025-07-011h 01Everything Is LocalEp. 32 - Fifty Festivities, School Board Slam, and Browns RundownIn this triumphant return of Everything is Local, we unpack the whirlwind of current events—from fiery local politics and heated school funding debates to national protests and the ever-shifting media landscape. We explore the complexities of democracy, the highs and lows of community leadership, and the cultural changes redefining our world.But it’s not all serious—get the inside scoop on recent escapades, including a wild baseball tournament, a memorable trip to Cincinnati, and some laugh-out-loud updates on what’s coming next. Whether you're here for the political deep dive, the sports stories, or just some gre...
2025-06-2456 minEverything Is LocalEp. 31 - Dental Daze and How the School Pays: A Follow Up On Last Week's EpisodeIn this episode of Everything is Local, join Mike (now with one less tooth) and Shana as we follow up on the explosive reception of their recent episode with Missy. We dive into recent school district negotiations, the surprising $27 million settlement, audience feedback, and the importance of standing by your principles—especially in politics and education. Plus, Shana shares his excitement for the Savannah Bananas game, and we clear the air on Mike's fight song blunder.Tune in for a classic Mike and Shana episode full of local politics, laughter, and the occasional one-liner from Ethan. Please re...
2025-06-1051 minEverything Is LocalEp. 30 - Retaining Teachers, Building Community: A Deep Dive into Beachwood’s School ContractIn this special episode, Mike and Shana sit down with Missy, a dedicated educator with 16 years at Beechwood High School, to shed light on the ongoing negotiations surrounding the district’s teacher contract. They explore the challenges of salary schedules, retention of young teachers, and the importance of community support for educators. Plus, insights into teaching history in a divided era, the significance of personal relationships in education, and what the community can do to help make Beachwood an even better place for teachers and students alike. Tune in for an honest conversation about education, community engagement, and...
2025-06-0345 minEverything Is LocalEp. 29 - Local Politics, Local Law, and the Cost of Accountability — A Deep DiveIn this episode, we unpack a whirlwind week filled with local politics, legal controversies, and reflections on leadership and accountability. From the Beechwood Schools Foundation scholarships to the Cleveland Heights body cam controversy, we explore how law, politics, and integrity intersect—and what it takes to hold those in power accountable. Join us for candid conversations, sharp insights, and a look at how community leaders' decisions ripple through our lives. Plus, a special nod to the importance of bravery and transparency in public service. Tune in for an unfiltered (and slightly buzzed) discussion you won’t want to miss!
2025-05-271h 19Everything Is LocalEp. 28 - Stadium Dreams and Budget NightmaresJoin us for a candid and chaotic deep dive into Cleveland's ongoing stadium saga, city budgeting nightmares, and the bizarre adventures with raccoons in the attic. We vent about the city’s reckless spending, the potential impact of a new stadium in Brook Park, and the true cost of infrastructure projects. Plus, personal stories about mice, raccoons, and the quest for the perfect date night. Whether you're a local resident or just love a good rant, this episode is packed with honest opinions, local politics, and a little bit of everything—because sometimes, life in Cleveland is just...
2025-05-2043 minEverything Is LocalEp. 27 - Nothing and Everything: Tales of Pain, Politics, and ParenthoodIn this episode, we dive into a mix of candid stories—from navigating dental pain and the addictive grip of opioids, to the surprising world of high fashion at the Met Gala, and the intricacies of local politics and community events. Join us as we discuss the realities of pain management, reflect on the legacy of Justice Souter, share family updates, and poke fun at the quirks of our town’s shred day. It's a little bit of nothing, a lot of everything—perfect for those who enjoy honest conversations, humor, and a touch of chaos.W...
2025-05-1329 minEverything Is LocalEp. 26 - Beachwood's Fairmount Temple Flip & The Deer DilemmaWelcome back to Everything is Local! Join us as we dive deep into Beachwood's controversial purchase and proposed development of the Fairmount Temple property, including revelations from public records requests, concerns about density, and the debate over TIFs. Plus, we tackle the surprisingly heated topic of deer management in the city, from culling to sterilization, and share some personal (and potentially embarrassing) stories along the way. Mike and Shana bring on Matt Hildebrand for a classic locally sourced episode!
2025-05-0648 minEverything Is LocalEp. 25 - Between the Lines: Navigating Debate, Free Speech, and the Israel-Palestine ConflictHosts Shana and Mike did some Podcast-based research this week! Our intrepid hosts take a critical look at Isreal-Palestine debate featured on Joe Rogan. Tune in as they explore themes of nuance, responsibility, and the importance of allowing divergent perspectives in the wake of societal contention.Our hosts grapple with the controversial figures and ideas presented in modern media, highlighting insightful moments from podcasts featuring comedians-turned-commentators like Dave Smith and Andrew Schultz. They discuss the power of protest, the impact of historical narratives, and the necessity for civil dialogue amidst rising tensions even if ultimately, we can't...
2025-04-291h 04Everything Is LocalEp. 24 - Stitching Kindness, US Marshall Madness, Healing with Hockey, and Crap Cakes with Dr. Goldschmidt and Blair ArbuckleWelcome to a special episode of Everything is Local! This week, Mike and Shana shine a spotlight on the incredible work of Dr. Matt Goldschmidt, a renowned plastic surgeon and passionate do-gooder. He shares his inspiring journey of how he combines his medical expertise with a heartfelt mission to improve the lives of children with cleft palates in underserved communities around the world.Listen in as Dr. Goldschmidt discusses his nonprofit organization, Beautiful Faces, and the annual charity hockey tournament he organizes with Blair Arbuckle to fund life-changing surgeries in countries with limited medical resources. Discover the...
2025-04-2243 minEverything Is LocalEp. 23 - Pepper Pike Politics: A Deeper Dive on a Community ControversyWelcome back to Everything is Local, in this episode your hosts Mike and Shana dive into Pepper Pike with new insights and fresh information. This week, we unpack the hot-button issues surrounding the proposed charter amendments that have divided the community with special guest John Currid.Join Mike, Shana, and John as they discuss the implications of the recent charter proposals, focusing on accountability, the role of the mayor, and the political processes that seem to prioritize speed over proper procedure. Tune in as we share candid thoughts on the dynamics of local politics, the need for...
2025-04-1548 minEverything Is LocalEp. 22 - Mike’s Triumphant Return: Sidewalk Politics and a Hint of Spring!Welcome back to Everything is Local! Join Mike and Shana for a return-to-format as your co-hosts sift through the contrasting opinions surrounding city governance, and explore the real-life implications for everyday residents. We’ll discuss how small-town drama can affect the community, from sidewalk proposals, to budget mismanagement, while emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and keeping oneself in the loop!But it's not all serious talk! Mike reminisces on his recent trip to Arizona where he and his family were able to get in some spring training. We'll also preview exciting upcoming events, including a fundraising ni...
2025-04-0841 minEverything Is LocalEp. 21 - Shana Flies Solo with Kim Dettmer! Navigating Fear and Hope in AmericaIn this solo episode, your Shana steps into the spotlight while partner Mike enjoys his spring training adventures in Arizona. Join her as she welcomes the incredible Kim Dettmer, an artist using her creativity as a means of activism during these tumultuous times. Together, they dive deep into the current landscape for women in America, touching on the anxiety surrounding political decisions, social norms, and the impact of recent legislation like the controversial Bible-infused curriculum in schools.In a candid conversation, they explore the necessity of self-expression through art, discuss the challenges of finding one’s voice am...
2025-04-0130 minEverything Is LocalEp. 20 - Mike's Pre-Vacation TrainingWelcome back to Everything is Local! Join Mike and Shana in this free-flowing episode as he gears up for an exciting spring break trip to Arizona. With plans to soak up the sun, catch a spring training game, and even explore the Grand Canyon, Mike shares his anticipations both good and bad.Plus, get ready for a range of topics ranging from balancing tight schedules with family commitments, to the perils of high school sports, and unexpected celebrity gossip. From discussions on the latest in sports—from the staggering acquisition of the Boston Celtics to the undiscussed zu...
2025-03-2537 minEverything Is LocalEp. 19 - Do you have a license for that? Spring Events, Beachwood Wrestling Glory, and Budgetary BlundersWelcome back to Everything is Local! In this episode we go back to our roots with a classic Mike and Shana 1, 2 punch! Our beloved hosts kick off the conversation with a little spring fever as they look forward to the events and holidays that accompany the improved weather before shifting their sights to local news. From Caleb Greenwood’s Ohio State victory and impeccable sportsmanship, to more questionable stories coming from the Beachwood government where Mike and Shana dissect the state of the budget and Beachwood's new (and now former) engineer. They then bring the conversation to a tight cl...
2025-03-1833 minEverything Is LocalEp. 18 - From Culver to Parliament: (Inter)National Politics, Hockey, and the Promise of Canada with Tige MeltonIn this exciting episode of Everything is Local, we dive into the world of Canadian politics with our special guest, Tige Melton, who is aiming for a shot at Parliament in Windsor, Ontario! Join us as Tige and Mike reminisce about their days at Culver Academies, where they bonded over sports and youthful mischief, before we delve into Tige's inspiring journey from humble beginnings to aspiring politician.With spring break on the horizon and the weather still feeling like a rollercoaster, Mike, Tige, and Shana tackle topics ranging from the chaotic climate of current Canadian politics to...
2025-03-1154 minEverything Is LocalEp. 17 - Chills, Thrills, and Music Skills feat. Jesse Jukebox!This week our favorite hosts return with a toe-tapping edition of Everything is Local! We finally hear the details of Shana’s polar plunge, Mike celebrates his son’s basketball success, and we find out what shirt Mike is wearing (more interesting than it sounds I swear).Post pre-show banter, Mike brings in musical guest Jesse Jukebox, local children’s musician and family to Shana. Jesse talks about how he got started in music, the power of Kindie Rock, the local music scene, and gives us the inside scoop on what it's like to attend the Grammys in per...
2025-03-0455 minEverything Is LocalEp. 16 - Justice Denied: The Story of Tony Viola and the Fight Against MisconductIn this riveting episode of Everything is Local, hosts Shana and Mike sit down with Tony Viola, a man whose life was turned upside down by a flawed justice system. After a decade of wrongful imprisonment stemming from one of the largest mortgage fraud cases in U.S. history, Tony shares his harrowing journey through federal court, exploring the prosecutorial misconduct that led to his conviction. From the shocking details of a government task force’s attempt to vilify him to the fight for justice that ensued after his release, Tony’s story reveals the dark underbelly of t...
2025-02-2555 minEverything Is LocalEp. 15 - "The Worst Super Bowl Halftime Show of All Time" with Angel WashingtonWe're back, and this week for a lively discussion sparked by the Super Bowl halftime show. For the first time in Everything is Local history, Mike and Shana take a call-in guest, their friend and peer Angel Washington!Join us as we unpack Mike's initial reaction to Kendrick Lamar, the song "Not Like Us," and the cultural significance of the diss track. We explore the broader implications of celebrating these kind of lyrics, and also touch on the importance of diverse perspectives. We'll also dive into the challenges and triumphs of navigating different worlds, and hear Angel's...
2025-02-181h 00Everything Is LocalEp. 14 - With Your Host Shana: The Bar Mitzvah in Retrospect, Girl Scout Cookie Season, and a Dash of PoliticsIn Episode 14 of Everything is Local, Shana takes the reins from Mike (despite his misgivings) and we find ourselves navigating the heartfelt highs and humorous lows of life as we explore relationship dynamics amidst parenting, tradition, and community. Mike and Shana reminisce about a recent bar mitzvah, reflecting on the emotional weight of family rituals, and sharing moments of proud parenthood that tug at the heartstrings.Discover the unspoken yearnings for deeper connections and how, despite busy lives, the bonds of friendship and family are what matter most. Listen in as they dissect a personal decision not...
2025-02-111h 05Everything Is LocalEp. 13 - Bar Mitzvahs, Budgets, and Baseball with Matt HildebrandIn this episode of Everything is Local, host Mike Burkons dives into a mix of personal milestones, local politics, and sports talk. First up, Mike shares the excitement of his oldest son’s bar mitzvah, celebrating this significant family event while giving a shoutout to his wife for her incredible planning skills. But it’s not all celebrations—Mike and his guests tackle some serious local issues, including a deep dive into the city budget, tax increases, and the importance of holding leaders accountable.The trio take a quick trot past the corner of Trump and Elon before...
2025-02-0450 minEverything Is LocalEp. 12 - Imitation is Flattery: Food Feuds, The Frontlines of Education, and New CompetitionIn Episode 12, we dive into a potpourri of discussions ranging from the excitement of NBA updates to the heart-wrenching realities of policy changes affecting our youth. We celebrate the Kelsey brothers' recent chat with LeBron James, vent about the rollercoaster ride of Cleveland sports (and the controversial plight of our beloved teams), and take a deep dive into the new state legislation that could reshape conversations in our schools around gender identity and parental rights.As we grapple with community dynamics, one listener shares their frustration over a proposed Parents’ Bill of Rights that mandates schools to in...
2025-01-2146 minEverything Is LocalEp. 11 - Facebook, Fact-Checking, and FireIn this episode, Mike and Shana explore some of today's most rousing issues. Join them as they discuss Facebook's decision to stop fact-checking, the debate around climate change and its impact on California's devastating wildfires, antisemitism on campus, and more! Expect an enlightening fencing match between friends as the conversation also touches on privilege, with stances rooted in personal experience. So tune in, as this dynamic duo navigates these complex discussions and challenges each other's perspectives.
2025-01-1446 minEverything Is LocalEp. 10 - New Beginnings and Burrs in the Budget: A New Year ConversationHappy New Year! In this milestone 10th episode, we dive into our mixed feelings about 2025, recounting our New Year's celebrations—from a low-key family affair watching Wicked to debates about the year's prospects. We touch on everything from hockey puns to deeper societal concerns, all while navigating through the complexities of school funding and community mental health. As we unpack the latest budget revelations, we question the wisdom of unencumbered funds and explore the implications of overspending in municipal budgets. Join us for an enlightening discussion on the mental health priorities for our youth, a candid look at...
2025-01-0747 minEverything Is LocalEp. 9 - Navigating Budget Battles, Community Spirit, and Pizza PoliticsWelcome back to another episode of Everything is Local! It’s Episode 9, and we're feeling the excitement as we gear up for double digits next week! Join Mike and Shana as they dive deep into the latest happenings in local politics, community initiatives, and the undeniable power of pizza (thanks to Jets Pizza and its generous owner, Robert Ferns!). In this episode, we sit down with Wynn, a committed city council member, who shares insights on the significant budgeting challenges facing University Heights and Cleveland Heights. The trio discusses the critical responsibility of local councils in overseeing bud...
2024-12-2455 minEverything Is LocalEp. 8 - The Truth Behind Local Developments: Unpacking Community Concerns and SafetyIn this episode of the Everything Local Podcast, we're back with co-host Shana, fresh from her vacation, ready to dive into critical discussions surrounding community issues. We start with a heated conversation about the recent developments regarding the Fairmount Temple property, where Shana highlights the discrepancies in the city's communication about their intentions. We explore the ramifications of misleading statements, the role of crisis management, and the implications for the community.Then, we welcome Sarah Schwartz, a passionate advocate for school safety and gun control, who shares her personal connection to the Parkland tragedy and discusses her...
2024-12-1752 minEverything Is LocalEp. 7 - Navigating East Side Real Estate: Insights from Local ExpertsWelcome back to the "Everything is Local" podcast with Mike Burkons! In this exciting episode, we're diving deep into the world of East Side real estate, tackling burning questions about housing prices, buying decisions, and market trends. Joining Mike are two seasoned experts, Geoff Hoffman from Howard Hanna and Amanda Pohlman from Keller Williams Living, who bring over 30 years of combined experience to the table.With many listeners eager for insights on the current real estate landscape—including neighborhoods like Beachwood, Shaker Heights, and Solon—this episode serves as a valuable resource for first-time buyers and anyone inte...
2024-12-1036 minEverything Is LocalEp. 6 - Turkey Talk and Bathroom Tales: A Thanksgiving Special with Ellie!In Episode 6 of Everything is Local, we've got a twist for you. Shana is off busy shopping for Black Friday deals at Ace Hardware in Aurora while getting ready for her cruise, but don’t worry—we have a very special guest joining us today: my ten-year-old daughter, Ellie Burkons! Ellie has been eagerly waiting for her moment on the podcast, especially since Shana has had her turn. We dive into some light-hearted, family-friendly banter about dad jokes (Ellie might not find them funny anymore), touch on the true love-hate relationship we all have with Thanksgiving turkey (spoil...
2024-12-0311 minEverything Is LocalEp. 5 - City Chats: Building Communities and Bridging Divides in SolonWelcome back to Everything is Local! In our fifth episode, we’re excited to have Council Member Jeremy Zelwin from Solon join us for an insightful conversation about community, local politics, and the importance of representation. Join hosts Mike and Shana as they dive into Jeremy’s journey—from his roots in Solon to becoming an elected official—exploring how his experiences shaped his vision for a city that caters to young families without losing sight of its diverse demographics. Discover what makes Solon a standout community, from its evolving recreational facilities to its strategic partnerships with schools...
2024-11-2640 minEverything Is LocalEp. 4 - Deer Dilemmas, Housing Debates, and Beachwood’s Soccer TriumphsIn this lively episode of Everything is Local, host Mike Burkons welcomes special guest Shana Wallenstein to dive into the quirks and controversies of Beachwood. They debate innovative deer population control methods (tranquilizers and all), dissect the complexities of housing development plans, and explore the city’s financial challenges.The duo also celebrates the Beachwood soccer team’s incredible achievements, featuring star athletes breaking records and inspiring the community. With humor, insight, and a dash of local pride, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the stories that shape their hometown. Tune in to hear how...
2024-11-1927 minEverything Is LocalEp. 3 - Agree To DisagreeMike and Brian breakdown recent election results, the uniqueness of local politics, what figures can make a difference, and why we all need to learn to get along on social media!
2024-11-1227 minEverything Is LocalEp. 2 - An Unspeakable Tragedy In Our BackyardLongtime Beachwood residents John & Linda Edwards join the podcast to talk about the tragic death of their son, why the facts have never seen the light of day, where local officials went wrong, what can be done to help, and much, much more. A story that deserves to be heard and shared.
2024-11-0549 minEverything Is LocalEp. 1 - Community MattersMike kicks things off by revealing his history in Northeast Ohio, why there is such a sense of civic pride, the changes he would like to make, the rivalries between towns, and much much more!
2024-10-2337 min2024-10-2300 min
Weed + GrubSmoke, Sip & Savor with Rachel BurkonsRachel Burkons (Altered Plates) serves up gems of weed wisdom and culinary passion to Mike and Mary Jane. Rachel gets real about her role in the food and cannabis biz, being a parent who smokes weed, why she loves storytelling and Instagram Reels, and what the link is between Bugs Bunny and Monet. But first, Mike and MJ talk about toe hands, skeletons, black holes, tardigrades and 4/20.
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2021-04-141h 10
Roadkill With GeraldoRoadkill 5/7/20It's been almost two months of staying at home and the toll the damage done to the economy is taking its toll. Geraldo and Erica open up the podcast with a conversation about the recent state budget cuts with Beachwood City Councilman Mike Burkons. Cleveland City Councilman Basheer Jones joins the program to talk about how inmates are being affected by the pandemic. Geraldo and Erica have an unexpected conversation about how a family's income level influences how they deal with COVID-19.
2020-05-0735 min
High on the Hog The PotcastCannabis Cuisine!: Cooking with WeedDoes cannabis and food mix? We don't just mean with pizza, nachos and beer. But fine, highly quality cannabis with ultra gourmet cooking by Michelin award winning chef and master cannabis cook Holden Jagger (@chefholdenjagger @alteredplates) and cannasseur Rachel Burkons (@smokesipsavor)! It's an amazing new world of taste sensations. And we bring it to you here on High on the Hog: The Potcast. Get out your finest napkins and dinner ware -- and get ready to taste food like you've never tasted it before. The Chef is at the mike -- as High on the Hog rolls on!
2019-02-1300 min