
Sound of Ideas
Local News
The "Sound of Ideas" is Ideastream Public Media's weekday morning news and information program focusing on Northeast Ohio.
Location:
Cleveland, OH
Description:
The "Sound of Ideas" is Ideastream Public Media's weekday morning news and information program focusing on Northeast Ohio.
Twitter:
@WCPN,soundofideas
Language:
English
Contact:
1375 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44115-1835 216-916-6301
Email:
news@wcpn.org
Episodes
Students, teachers protest Cleveland Metropolitan Schools' staffing cuts | Reporters Roundtable
4/17/2026
Despite protests from students and families, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board of Education approved cuts affecting hundreds of teachers and administrators as part of a cost-reduction plan. The price tag for building a new jail in Cuyahoga County came into focus this week as county officials worked toward an agreement to move the project forward. A developer held an open house in Stark County, where neighbors raised questions and concerns about a proposed data center in Perry Township. Projects such as this are increasingly drawing pushback. And Lyme disease cases in Ohio have surged, with experts saying current weather patterns are doing little to deter tick survival. These are some of the stories we’ll discuss this week on the Reporters Roundtable. Guests:- Andrew Meyer, Deputy Editor of News, Ideastream Public Media- Zaria Johnson, Environment Reporter/Producer, Ideastream Public Media- Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV
Duration:00:54:05
Michelin Guide could put Cleveland's food scene on the international map
4/16/2026
Michelin Guide in ClevelandNext time you go to your favorite Cleveland restaurant, scan the crowd for a single diner, chewing their food in deep concentration. They could be one of the anonymous Michelin Guide inspectors, who have already begun scouring Cleveland and other Midwest cities, including Detroit, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Indianapolis and Minneapolis, for impressive culinary talent to be featured in next year's new American Great Lakes Edition. What will Cleveland joining the Michelin Guide mean for restaurants, all vying for that coveted and elusive star rating? A 2025 Ernst and Young study found 82% of chefs said they saw an increase in profits after receiving a star, with 60% saying they were able to recruit new talents. On Thursday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll hear from chefs and others connected to the food scene about what sets Cleveland apart on the international stage. Could this make The Land a destination dining location? And how will this impact native customers experience? Guests:- Jeremy Umansky, Chef & Co-owner, Larder Delicatessen & Bakery- Liu Fang, Chef & Owner, Abundance Culinary- Christina Rufo, Reporter, Cleveland Magazine- Emily Lauer, Vice President, Public Relations, Destination Cleveland The Menu: Filipino FoodNortheast Ohio is home to a vibrant Filipino population, supported by organizations like the Philippine American Society of Ohio and the Filipino American Historical Society, which help connect people through food, history and shared experience. Clevelanders will soon have multiple chances to explore a variety of Filipino cuisines all in one place. On April 25, Brewnuts Donuts and Beer are hosting a mini market showcasing local entrepreneurs. The weekend of May 16, the annual Cleveland Asian Festival returns, where Filipino food will be part of a broader showcase of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month through performances, music and, of course, plenty to eat. We're talking Filipino food on this installment of "The Menu," our biweekly series about Northeast Ohio's food scene, in partnership with Cleveland Magazine. Guests:- Flora Grk, Owner, Tita Flora's- Mariel Bernarte, Owner, Maki Halo- Rhea Doria, Founder and CEO, hi raya!
Duration:00:49:40
From Phil Collins to Wu-Tang Clan, Rock Hall unveils 2026 inductees
4/15/2026
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum announced the Class of 2026, which features many artists from the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Duration:00:50:47
Two former Ohio Supreme Court justices are speaking out to protect the rule of law
4/14/2026
"Rule of law" is the phrase describing the idea that every person, organization and government entity in the United States must follow the same laws, no matter where you live, how much money you have, or what title you may hold. The equal application of the law requires an independent judicial system, with judges who are expected to be an impartial and nonpartisan check on the executive and legislative branches of government. Even though judges are instrumental when it comes to upholding the law as it is written, there are things everyday Americans can do to support that effort. On Tuesday, "Sound of Ideas" host Stephanie Haney will be moderating a conversation about the rule of law at the City Club of Cleveland with retired Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor, who is a Republican, and former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Mike Donnelly, who is a Democrat. They've come together to speak out about the importance of the rule of law to preserving democracy as our form of government. The justices join the "Sound of Ideas" on Tuesday for a preview of the event, in the latest installment of our "Law of The Land" series, where we look at legal issues that affect our everyday lives. Guests: - Maureen O'Connor, Retired Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice - Michael Donnelly, Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice
Duration:00:51:11
Akron releases plans for transformation of defunct innerbelt
4/13/2026
Akron has taken another step forward in redeveloping several miles of decommissioned highway with the release of a master plan.
Duration:00:51:25
Cleveland proposes new rules for short-term rentals | Reporters Roundtable
4/10/2026
Cleveland City Council is reviving legislation aimed at placing restrictions on short-term rental properties in the city. Council members say complaints over noise, partying and violence continue to escalate. Conservative Ohio lawmakers, supported by faith-based and mental health advocates, are seeking to overhaul Ohio's sports gambling laws. Sports betting outside of casinos, proposition bets on individual player performance, and any gambling on college games would be banned if two bills they introduced are passed. Northeast Ohio's air is cleaner, as several counties now meet the federal Environmental Protection Agency's standards outlined in the Clean Air Act. Cleveland restaurants will soon be eligible for inclusion in a newly launched Great Lakes edition of the Michelin Guide, giving local dining spots a chance to earn a Michelin star. College-bound students in Ohio may soon have another option for entrance exams beyond the ACT and SAT. It's called the Classic Learning Test, or CLT. These are some of the stories this week on the Friday Reporters Roundtable. Guests:- Abbey Marshall, Local Government Reporter, Ideastream Public Media- Conor Morris, Education Reporter, Ideastream Public Media- Karen Kasler, Chief, The Statehouse News Bureau
Duration:00:54:36
Amid backlash from Trump, Supreme Court debates birthright citizenship
4/9/2026
The United States Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in the Trump v. Barbara case, which deals with the principle of birthright citizenship.
Duration:00:50:12
Ban on ‘intoxicating’ hemp, THC beverages, receives opposition from Ohio business owners
4/8/2026
Ohio law sees backlash from business owners As THC and CBD-infused drinks grow in popularity, especially among people looking for alternatives to alcohol, Ohio's new law restricting hemp-derived products is changing how and where those beverages can be sold. After voters approved recreational cannabis use in 2023, a number of small businesses across the state began selling THC drinks, with some seeing demand rival traditional beer and wine. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll discuss Senate Bill 56, signed in December and enacted in March, which makes selling hemp products like these illegal. At first, the law included a provision allowing THC beverages to continue being sold by breweries and retailers for a limited time. But Governor Mike DeWine used a line-item veto to remove that carveout, saying it could create confusion around how the products are regulated. The change has prompted legal challenges and created uncertainty for businesses that invested in the drinks, with some pulling products, cutting staff, shifting operations out of state or closing completely. And with a similar federal law set to take effect in November, the future of hemp products—and the businesses built around them—remains uncertain. Guests:- Brent Zimmerman, Founder and CEO, Saucy Brew Works- Steven Pauwels, Co-CEO, Great Lakes Brewing Company- Sarah Donaldson, Reporter/Producer, Statehouse News Bureau- Nick Marie, Owner, Buddy's Bud Co. How racial discrimination shapes the mental and physical health of youth of color Studies from the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry show that 90% of youth of color report encountering racial discrimination in their lifetime. Its impacts can shape their mental and physical health outcomes, but many families have found ways to help their children navigate those experiences by talking more openly about vulnerable topics and going to therapy. But experts say there are still gaps between how those conversations happen at home and how they are supported in clinical settings. A local lecture presented by the Case Western Reserve University Schubert Center for Child Studies will explore how families, providers and even new technologies can play a role in helping young people cope with race-related stress, and what more can be done to support their mental health. Later in the show, we'll get a preview of that conversation from this year's Kessler Freedheim Lecture speaker, Riana Elyse Anderson. Joining her for the conversation is Habeebah Rasheed Grimes, an expert in trauma-informed care and culturally responsive leadership. The two will be at the Tinkham Veale University Center Tuesday from noon to 1:30 pm. Register for the event at case.edu/schubertcenter. Guests:- Riana Elyse Anderson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Columbia University, School of Social Work- Habeebah Rasheed Grimes, Founder/Principal Consultant, Habeebah Rasheed Grimes LLC
Duration:00:51:01
AquaMissions hopes to prevent drownings by teaching Cleveland students to swim
4/7/2026
AquaMissions Every year in the United States there are over 4-thousand drowning deaths, making it the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Northeast Ohio, due to the proximity to Lake Erie and Cuyahoga River, there is even more reason to teach young people to swim. According to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, in 2025 there were 19 drownings in Lake Erie. With summer fast approaching, the likelihood of accidental drownings increases. The nonprofit program, AquaMissions, now located at Cleveland State University, teaches kids ages 7 to 11 how to swim to help prevent accidental drownings. The "Sound of Ideas" is partnering with Cleveland State University student journalists this semester. On Tuesday's show, we'll highlight the work of Aquamissions with a segment produced by CSU's "Broadcast Pre-Production" class. Guests: - Lynne Nagy, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Director, AquaMissions - Ronqesha Robinson, Assistant Principal, Rhodes College & Career Academy, Cleveland Metropolitan School District & Board Member, AquaMissions - Devyn Etling, AquaMissions Intern and Instructor & Senior, Cleveland State University - Misa Colon, AquaMissions Student & Fourth Grader, Garfield Elementary, Cleveland Metropolitan School District Artemis II Moon Mission On April 1, NASA launched its first moon-related mission since the 1970s, a 10-day mission with four crew members set to slingshot around the moon, and return to Earth. Monday, astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen completed their lunar fly by, and with that, the Artemis II mission crew has traveled farther from Earth than any human in history. Now the four astronuats aboard the Orion multi-purpose crew vehicle, which they have nicknamed "Integrity," are making their way back for a splash down in San Diego planned for Friday night. As they say at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, "the road to the moon goes through Ohio." We'll talk to NASA Glenn's human exploration chief on Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas" to talk about this mission and the Artemis program in general. Guest: - Aaron Weaver, Ph.D., Chief of Human Exploration and Space Operations Projects, NASA Glenn Research Center CIFF Turns 50 The 50th Cleveland International Film Festival kicks off this Thursday. While the event has remained one of Northeast Ohio's cultural touchstones, it's also undergone several big changes in the past few years, most notably shifting home venues. And while the festival continues to evolve with this year's 50th iteration, it once again offers hundreds of screenings to cinephiles who will be in attendance. Guest: - Kabir Bhatia, Senior Arts Reporter, Ideastream Public Media
Duration:00:49:44
Endometriosis, PCOS in women often goes undiagnosed for years
4/3/2026
Women's Hormonal HealthEndometriosis can be a painful and sometimes debilitating chronic disease in which tissue from the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. According to the Yale school of medicine, even though it is one of the most common women's health conditions, affecting 1 in 10 women worldwide, it is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed. It can take between four and 11 years for women to receive a correct diagnosis, according to the American Medical Association, and it has no cure. There are a host of other conditions that women navigate that experts say are under researched and misunderstood, including polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, which is a common hormonal disorder, impacting 10% to 13% of women, that can lead to irregular or painful periods, weight gain, among other issues. According to the Society for Women's Health Research, almost half of women saw three or more clinicians before being diagnosed. And it is estimated that up to 70% of women with PCOS do not know they have it. Both endometriosis and PCOS are associated with fertility challenges. On Thursday's "Sound of Ideas," an expert in women's health helps us better understand these conditions and others. We'll learn why it can be so difficult to receive a diagnosis, as well as what treatment options are available. We'll hear directly from patients, who will share how these diseases have, in some cases, completely upended their lives. Guests:- Rachel Pope, M.D., OB/GYN & Chief of Female Sexual Health, University Hospitals- Megan Clarke, Patient with endometriosis- Megan Gallager, Patient who had thyroid removed twice- Sarah Lackney, Patient with uterine fibroids The Menu: New foods at Progressive FieldTomorrow is Opening Day for the Cleveland Guardians, and at Progressive Field, fans will find more than just a new roster. The stadium is rolling out a new lineup of food, local partnerships and updated spaces. It's also drawing national attention, ranking fourth on USA Today's "10 Best" list for baseball stadium food. Voters highlighted Cleveland favorites, from pierogi and sausages to the Slider Dog topped with Froot Loops, bacon and mac and cheese. This season also brings expanded collaborations with local spots like Good Company, STEAK, Aladdin's, and Sauce the City. Concession areas are getting a refresh as well, with the Arcade Marketplace shifting to a grab-and-go format and the former Fat Head's space reopening as The Landing, a self-checkout market and gathering spot. "The Menu" is our biweekly segment on Northeast Ohio's food scene, produced in collaboration with Cleveland Magazine. Guests:- Dillon Stewart, Editor, Cleveland Magazine- Julia Licastro, Vice President of Operations and Partner, Hangry Brands- Rachelle Murphy, Culinary Director, Seasoned Brands
Duration:00:50:51
Jury unable to reach verdict against two former FirstEnergy executives | Reporters Roundtable
4/3/2026
Summit County Judge Susan Baker Ross declared a mistrial in the state bribery case against two former FirstEnergy executives after a jury failed to reach a verdict. The trial began in January with jury selection and included weeks of testimony and exhibits. The jury deliberated over the course of nine days before telling the judge they were hopelessly deadlocked. The judge declared a mistrial the next day. The state has already said it plans to retry the case. The story begins our discussion of the week’s news on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” The families of two innocent bystander women killed in separate high-speed pursuits by the former Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Downtown Safety Patrol have sued the county. According to a report from the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, by the end of last year, 14 of the state's 88 counties had agreements to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement efforts or the U.S. Marshalls Service. The crew of Artemis II is on its third full day of its 10-day mission, lifting off from Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday. The mission is another step toward an anticipated lunar landing in 2028 with a goal of establishing a permanent lunar base. Get ready, drivers. The official state flower of Ohio, the Orange Barrel Blossom, are blooming on roads everywhere. The Ohio Department of Transportation announced a slate of highway projects, including $3.4 billion in new ones and the continuation of several multi-year projects. Pothole season is well underway and it's busy. On April 2, a giant hole on Interstate 90 kept poaching tires. Off the highways, Cleveland's roads are more of a minefield than ever. Ideastream Public Media Reporter Abbey Marshall crunched numbers and found more than 1,500 pothole repair requests this year, up 50% from last year. A grassroots effort to ban data centers in Ohio cleared another procedural hurdle yesterday when the Ohio Ballot Board approved proposed amendment language. The group now needs to gather more than 400,000 valid signatures, drawn from at least half of Ohio’s counties to make the November ballot. Guests: - Glenn Forbes, Deputy Editor of News, Ideastream Public Media - Gabriel Kramer, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV
Duration:00:53:56
Experts answer Ohio primary questions and how the SAVE Act may impact voting access
4/1/2026
Early voting for the May primary and the SAVE Act The Ohio Primary will be decided May 5 when voters choose the party candidates for a number of races including Ohio governor where Vivek Ramaswamy is the leader on the Republican ticket and Amy Acton is running unopposed on the Democratic ticket, while Don Kissick is running on the Libertarian ticket. Other statewide offices as well as federal, statehouse and judicial races are on the ballot. And voters in some areas will also decide school and other issues. The voter registration deadline is Monday, April 6. Early voting, both in-person and by mail, begins on April 7. And now is the time for voters to check on their registration and decide how they plan to vote. Ohio Secretary of State web siteDirectory of Ohio county boards of electionsEarly voting calendar and hours During this primary cycle, there is also talk in Washington of hardening voter registration and voting rules, including adding a proof of citizenship requirement. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or SAVE Act is being discussed in the U.S. Senate. It's already passed the U.S. House. While we don't know if that legislation will pass or if lawmakers will hammer out changes to it, the media coverage may have confused some voters for this primary. On Wednesday's "Sound of Ideas," we will talk about registering and voting in the May primary and how the SAVE Act could impact access to voting if it passed. Guests:- Jen Miller, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of Ohio- Aaron Ockerman, Executive Director, Ohio Association of Election Officials
Duration:00:52:33
Iranian Americans in Northeast Ohio grapple with Middle East war from afar
3/31/2026
Northeast Ohio Iranian community members react to ongoing war, talks of a ceasefire The war in Iran began just over a month ago, when airstrikes launched by the U.S. and Israel killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had led the country for more than three decades. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was named successor soon after. At least 1,900 Iranians have been killed since the war began, according to Iran's Health Ministry. On the U.S. side, 13 service members were killed, and more than 300 have been injured. Efforts to end the conflict remain uncertain. The U.S. has proposed a 15-point ceasefire plan, but Iranian officials have rejected it, calling the terms unrealistic. Last weekend, Pakistan's foreign minister announced that his country is willing to facilitate peace talks between the two nations. But beyond the headlines, the war is being felt deeply in Northeast Ohio. The region is home to a vibrant and longstanding Iranian American community that shares its culture through traditions such as local Ramadan festivities and One World Day. This year, Cleveland also hosted its first Nowruz, or Persian New Year, celebration at City Hall. Tuesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll turn to members of that community to hear how they are processing this moment — balancing ties to their heritage, concern for loved ones abroad and life here in the U.S. Due to the sensitive nature of this topic, one of our guests will be referenced by their first name only. Guests:- Mohammad Sohrabi, Northeast Ohio Resident- Hengameh Arjomandi, MBA Candidate, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University- Manouchehr, Northeast Ohio Resident Tax deadline nears Tomorrow is April, which in addition to the anticipated "April showers," means that Tax Day is approaching on April 15 — and there are some changes to take note of. For instance, a growing number of filers are facing tax refund delays amid the Internal Revenue Service's decision to phase out paper checks. And we'll talk about the change to "no tax on tips" in which some filers will be able to deduct up to $25,000 of tips from federal income taxes. Guest:- Alexis Kim, Tax Lawyer & Partner, Thompson Hine LLP
Duration:00:50:35
How Ohio is failing to stop drug smuggling and overdose deaths in state prisons
3/30/2026
How Ohio is failing to stop drug smuggling and overdose deaths in state prisons Drug-related prison rule violations doubled in Ohio, from 2020 to 2024. It's a problem that leaders say is representative of the greater communities we all live in, but the outside world isn't subject to the same controls that incarcerated people are supposed to be subject to. A year-long investigation by journalists with the Marshall Project Cleveland and the Columbus Dispatch has revealed the alarming extent to which Ohio prison officials are failing at stopping drugs from being smuggled inside, and how those drugs are leading to inmate deaths. On the "Sound of Ideas" on Monday, we talk with those journalists and hear from some of their interviewees, including people who are currently serving sentences for their roles in Ohio's prison drug trade. Guests:- Doug Livingston, Staff Writer, Marshall Project Cleveland- Laura Bischoff, Ohio Politics and State Government Reporter, Columbus Dispatch- Alex Krotulski, Ph.D., Director of Toxicology & Chemistry, Center for Forensic Science Research and Education How prison gerrymandering impacts voting districts and what rights incarcerated people have when it comes to voting Voting rights experts say people who are incarcerated have been incorrectly represented by their governments for decades due to a practice called "prison gerrymandering," by which the Census counts individuals as residents of correctional facilities, rather than their homes prior to incarceration. Research shows this tends to boost the political power of districts that contain prisons, often in rural areas, and decrease the political power of urban communities and communities of color. On the "Sound of Ideas" on Monday, we dive into the issue of prison gerrymandering and voting rights for incarcerated people, in the latest installment of our "Law of The Land" series. Guests:- Emilia Sykes, Democrat, U.S. Representative for Ohio's 13th District- Kareem Crayton, the Brennan Center for Justice's Vice President for Washington, D.C.
Duration:00:51:29
Two concepts unveiled for Burke Lakefront's potential redevelopment | Reporters Roundtable
3/27/2026
Preliminary ideas were released this week by the North Coast Waterfront Development Corp. outlining possible uses for Burke Lakefront Airport if it is decommissioned, a move supported by the mayor and county executive. A large lakefront park. Walking trails. A downtown campground. Hotels. Perhaps a nine-hole golf course. Are these transformative ideas? Nothing close to a formal proposal has emerged. In Akron, a master plan is now in place for redevelopment of the abandoned Innerbelt, which bisected a once-thriving Black neighborhood decades ago. The plan would restore the area as a neighborhood, with 4,500 new homes and space for local businesses. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are now patrolling terminals at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, deployed as funding for the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration remains in flux amid a congressional dispute. However, Hopkins has not experienced the disruptions seen at other airports, such as Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson. It is also unclear what role the agents are playing in Cleveland. The Ohio House voted to ban drag performances in locations where children may be present, effectively ending events such as library drag story hours. Meanwhile, the Ohio Supreme Court will consider the constitutionality of House Bill 68, which bans gender-affirming medications and non-surgical treatments for transgender minors. The law passed in 2023 and took effect in 2024 after the Legislature overrode Gov. Mike DeWine’s veto. Guests: - Zaria Johnson, Environment Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Josh Boose, Supervising Producer - Newscasts, Ideastream Public Media - Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public/Radio TV
Duration:00:53:32
Female anger boils over in Cleveland photographer's 'rage project'
3/26/2026
Cleveland photographer captures women expressing rage in public Many psychological studies have shown that when men outwardly express anger, it's generally perceived as showing strength and power. But when women do it, it's often viewed as being difficult or out of control, so many women have learned to bottle their rage, for fear of social repercussions. During a personal struggle, photographer Christina Ramirez felt like she couldn't voice her frustrations, and realized if she felt stifled, others might too, so she invited others who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) regardless of how they identify today to join her in what became "the rage project." On Thursday's episode of the "Sound of Ideas," we're exploring "the rage project" sessions where Ramirez takes photos of her subjects displaying their anger in public places. She's now in the process of photographing round four of the project. Guests:- Christina Ramirez, Photographer, Creator of Cleveland's "the rage project"- Carrie Williams, "the rage project" subject- Samantha Cocco, "the rage project" subject- Shayla Redding, "the rage project" subject Playhouse Square announces 2026-27 Broadway season Cuba, Hogwarts and Greece are just a few of the places you can go next season with Playhouse Square. The 2026-2027 KeyBank Broadway Series unveiled Wednesday includes a pair of jukebox musicals and a revival alongside some of the Great White Way's most popular shows from the past decade. Thursday on the "Sound of Ideas," Ideastream Public Media's Kabir Bhatia previews what you can snag tickets to, while they're still available, with Playhouse Square's Senior Vice President of Programming David Greene. Guests:- Kabir Bhatia, Senior Arts Reporter, Ideastream Public Media- David Greene, Senior Vice President, Programming, Playhouse Square Two Northeast Ohio musicians bring unfinished ideas to life Two longtime Northeast Ohio folk artists, Gretchen Pleuss and Adam Reifsnyder, are reuniting to take care of some unfinished business. On this week’s "Shuffle," Ideastream Public Media’s Amanda Rabinowitz shares the story of their creative partnership. Guests:- Amanda Rabinowitz, Host and Producer, "Shuffle" and "All Things Considered," Ideastream Public Media- Gretchen Pleuss, Artist- Adam Reifsnyder, Artist
Duration:00:50:52
How to become a foster parent in Northeast Ohio to address the growing need
3/25/2026
Foster parents needed in Cuyahoga, Summit Counties There are more than 14,000 children currently in foster care across Ohio, down from a record high of 17,000 in 2020, according to the state Department of Children and Youth. Foster care can play a critical role in supporting children and families during times of crisis, but the number of available foster parents has declined in recent years. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we're talking about what's driving that trend — including economic pressures like the ongoing affordability crisis — and what it takes to become a foster parent in Cuyahoga and Summit counties. We'll also hear about existing support systems for foster families and the impact they can have on children in need. Guests:- Karin Austin, Social Program Administrator, Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services- Traci Foley, Director, Placement Services Department, Summit County Children Services- Kathleen Paydo, Foster Parent, Summit County- Kathy DiVincenzo, Executive Director & Founder, Honey from the Rock (Cleveland Foster Care Closet) Cleveland Humanities Festival: FREEDOM to Play Recreation and play are essential to children’s health and development, but not all communities have equal access to safe, well-resourced spaces. As part of the 2026 Cleveland Humanities Festival, an upcoming panel conversation titled “FREEDOM to Play” will examine how these disparities, along with the over-policing of Black and brown youth, shape childhood experiences. The discussion will also explore how recreational freedom influences children’s mental and emotional health and their overall sense of self. This year’s festival is co-sponsored by the Schubert Center for Child Studies and the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities. Guest:- Harrison Pinckney IV, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Recreation, Parks and Tourism Management, Penn State University
Duration:00:51:03
Assessing Trump's Board of Peace in wake of US-Iran war| Talking Foreign Policy
3/24/2026
On Jan. 22, the Trump Administration held a ceremony to launch the Board of Peace, a new international organization designed to implement peace in Gaza and other conflict areas. Some have described the organization as President Donald Trump’s alternative to the United Nations, which he has repeatedly criticized. So far, 24 countries have signed up, although none of the signatories are America’s traditional allies. On Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll hear the latest installment of "Talking Foreign Policy," our quarterly series in collaboration with Case Western Reserve University, host Michael Scharf and a panel of experts discuss the implications of President Trump's Board of Peace. They'll also discuss how the current war with Iran impacts the mission of the Board of Peace. Does that conflict stand in contrast with President Trump's attempts at a global peace? Guests:- Michael Scharf, President, The American Branch of the International Law Association; Former Dean, Case Western Reserve University School of Law- Harold Hongju Koh, Professor & Former Dean of Yale School of Law; Former Assistant Secretary, The U.S. Department of State- Milena Sterio, Distinguished University Professor, Cleveland State University College of Law; Managing Director, The Public International Law & Policy Group- Leila Sadat, Professor, Washington University School of Law; Board Chair, The American Branch of the International Law Association- Jessica Peake, Director, The International and Comparative Law Program, UCLA School of Law
Duration:00:49:23
Netflix's 'Age of Attraction,' 'Love Is Blind' participants from Canton and Cleveland talk TV dating
3/23/2026
Canton native seeks to find out if a relationship with a younger man can work for her on Netflix's age-based dating show, "Age of Attraction" When it comes to love, is age just a number? A new Netflix dating show, "Age of Attraction," is trying to answer that question by giving people the opportunity to connect while at a beautiful resort in Canada, without revealing their ages. On Monday's episode of the "Sound of Ideas," we'll talk with participant and Canton native Vanessa Drozda, 50, about her experience with this social experiment. According to the Pew Research Center, heterosexual married couples are trending toward becoming closer in age. But just because it might not be resulting in marriage for most people, doesn't mean Americans aren't exploring relationships with people in different age brackets. An Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of Cougar Life in 2024 showed that many American adults have been in relationships with an age-gap of 10 or more years. That was Vanessa's experience while starring on the show, as she turned 50 a few months ago, and is seen on the show dating Logan Goodrid, who is twenty years younger than her. Guest:- Vanessa Drozda, Salon owner and "Age of Attraction" participant Clevelanders test theory that love can bloom without initial physical attraction on Netflix's "Love Is Blind" Netflix's "Love Is Blind " is a long -running dating show where people get a chance to try to connect without seeing each other in person, and two Clevelanders gave it a shot on the most recent season featuring an all-Ohio cast. What happens when you like what you hear from someone, before you can put a face to their name? On Monday's edition of the "Sound of Ideas," we'll talk with Clevelanders Michael Gibney and Ashley Carpenter who lived this reality, and neither ended up saying "I do" to their matches on the show after coming face to face. Guests:- Michael Gibney, Sales manager, "Love Is Blind" participant- Ashley Carpenter, Claims manager, "Love Is Blind" participant First 50 years of Apple technology explored by Shaker Heights native and journalist David Pogue in latest book As the Apple company approaches 50 years in business on April 1, a new book by Shaker Heights native and author David Pogue explores its ongoing legacy. The CBS News Sunday Morning correspondent returns to the "Sound of Ideas" on Monday to talk about his book, "Apple: The First 50 Years," which covers how Apple launched from humble beginnings in Cupertino, California and went on to shape our relationship with technology through the iPod and iPhone devices. Pogue will be discussing his book at the City Club of Cleveland this Friday. Guest:- David Pogue, Author, "Apple: The First 50 Years"
Duration:00:49:39
Meteor captures attention across Northeast Ohio | Reporters Roundtable
3/20/2026
Northeast Ohioans got an unexpected free show in the sky this week when a meteor streaked across the region and broke up over Medina County. According to NASA, the space rock weighed 17,000 pounds and was 6 feet in diameter. It broke apart, traveling more than 40,000 miles per hour creating a wave of pressure and a loud "boom" heard across much of the area. Some cameras were able to catch the streaking ball of fire as it made its descent through the atmosphere. We will talk about the meteor and the scramble for pieces of it left behind on the "Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable." But first, over the last few months, we've been talking about the pushback on data centers in the state due to concerns including noise, water use and demand on the electrical grid. Now some people in rural southern Ohio want voters to decide whether the state should stop rolling out the welcome mat for data centers. The group wants to put it to a vote with a proposed constitutional amendment. The plan to develop a "mega site" in Lorain County hit a snag on Tuesday. Russia Township trustees unanimously voted against an application to rezone 600 acres from agricultural to industrial use. County officials back the plan which supporters have described as a "once in a generation" opportunity. But people living near the project are strongly opposed to the plan. A new Ohio law that bans intoxicating hemp goes into effect today, after efforts to block it fell short. This includes a ban on hemp-infused THC drinks and candies. Changes to Ohio's dangerous dog law are now in effect. Those changes are collectively known as "Avery's Law," named after a teenage girl near Columbus who was attacked by two pitbulls while she was visiting a friend's house for a playdate. Ohio became the 19th state in the nation to ban an election format known as ranked choice voting. The city of Canton has reversed course and will now allow water access for residential properties in Perry Township. The city had stopped approving new requests and service transfers in early February due to an ongoing dispute with Perry Township trustees over a Joint Economic Development District, or JEDD agreement. The monitor overseeing the implementation of a federal consent decree focused on policing reforms in Cleveland has cast doubt on the push to bring process to an end. In mid-February the city and the Department of Justice asked a judge to bring an end to the federal decree which has been in place for more than a decade. Guests: - Matt Richmond, Criminal Justice Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Abbey Marshall, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public/Radio TV
Duration:00:50:58