All Sides with Ann Fisher Podcast - All Sides with Ann Fisher

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Travel writer, author Mike Oswald discusses visiting America's national parks in new book Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

Whether it’s glaciers, sand dunes, mountains or beaches, America’s National Parks are home to some of the most beautiful landscapes to be found in America.

Travel writer Mike Oswaldhas spent a great deal of time traversing and documenting all of them. He’s journeyed thousands of miles over hundreds of visits and distilled what he’s learned into books.

His latest book is titledPublic Land: 1,000 Western Wonders. In addition to the national parks, the book also explores national forests and monuments as well as state and regional parks.

Guest:

Mike Oswald, travel writer/author, Public Land: 1,000 Western Wonders

Support WOSU 89.7 NPR News during our spring membership drive and you can receive a copy of Mike Oswald's Public Land: 1000 Western Wonders Book as a thank you gift.

Ohio Garden Sage Deb Knapke shares spring gardening tips Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

Spring has officially sprung and now it’s time to spruce up our gardens and beautify our spaces with flowers, vegetables, plants and trees.

Ohio's Garden Sage Deb Knapke is back with expert advice on what to plant and when.

Guest:

Deb Knapke, Ohio’s Garden Sage

Support WOSU 89.7 NPR News during our spring membership drive and you can receive a ticket to WOSU's "Drinks and Dirt" event on May 5 as a thank you gift.

The evolution of Columbus in 50 maps Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Columbus is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. It’s growing faster than any other city in the Midwest. The state capital has come a long way from its humble beginnings.

On this edition of All Sides, we’re talking with author Brent Warren about the evolution of Columbus, which is documented in his book Columbus in 50 Maps.

Support WOSU 89.7 NPR News during our spring membership drive and receive Brent Warren's book Columbus in 50 Maps as a thank-you gift. Make a gift now at https://www.wosu.org/pledge.

Guests:

Brent Warren, reporter for Columbus Underground and author of Columbus in 50 Maps

America The Bountiful creator and host Capri Cafar Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

We are shifting the focus away from celebrity chefs and big-city restaurants as we highlight the untold food stories in rural and small-town America.

Hear from cookbook author and the host of "America the Bountiful" Capri Cafaro.

She’ll discuss her travels through America’s backroads while exploring the nation’s diverse cultures, all while using food as a guide.

Guest:

Capri Cafaro, creator/host/executive producer, America The Bountiful

Support WOSU 89.7 NPR News during our spring membership drive and you can receive a copy of "America the Bountiful: A Recipe Journey" as a thank you gift. Give now at https://www.wosu.org/pledge.

Tech Tuesday: New flip phone could help consumers embrace 'digital minimalism' Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

People want to be more present, and smartphones are largely responsible for taking us out of the moment.

Consumer Reports home and technology reporter Courtney Lindwall recently bought the Nokia 2780 Flip in an effort to embrace “digital minimalism,” a movement that largely began to reclaim mental calmness from the chaotic digital realm.

With new technologies like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency becoming more widespread, so is their use in scams. We will talk about how you can stay vigilant against scammers.

Soon, it’s possible that the next Lyft you call won’t have a driver. Google’s self-driving car, Waymo, is expanding into new cities.

With the right hardware, you might soon be able to order your next take-out delivery meal with your Alexa.

Guests:

Courtney Lindwall, tech reporter, Consumer Reports
Kenyetta Bagby, manager, Office of Consumer Affairs, Ohio Department of Commerce
Russell Holly, director of commerce content, CNET

The lingering shadow of Jeffrey Epstein Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Despite his death seven years ago, the specter of Jeffrey Epstein still looms large. Association with the sex trafficker and disgraced financier has resulted in the downfall and damaged reputations of many rich and powerful men.

On this hour of All Sides, we delve into who Jeffrey Epstein was and why so many supposedly savvy people get ensnared by questionable people.

Guests:

David Enrich, deputy investigations editor, The New York Times
Holly Peterson, Wall Street Journal "Earn Your Luck" columnist
Ronald Riggio, professor, leadership and organizational psychology, Claremont McKenna College

What are the best ways to handle difficult conversations? Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

Communication is key, but the looks are changing. In our digital age of texting and emails, less spoken language means less emotion, tone and social cues.

A study from the University of Missouri-Kansas City shows that each year we speak about 300 fewer words. As political polarization increases and arguments and debates dominate our dialogue, how do we re-learn the art of communication?

Navigating sensitive topics and confronting others is difficult, but an essential skill in all facets of life, whether it's family, friends or the workplace. And, inevitably many people are using AI for advice.

We’ll learn about difficult conversations, how to approach them, and tools to strengthen our dialogue skills.

Guests:

Matt Abrahams, lecturer in organizational behavior, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Maggie Hallett, associate director, Mental Health America of Ohio
Aaron Yarmel, associate director, Ohio State University's Center for Ethics and Human Values/founding director, Philosophy Counseling and Consulting

Weekly Reporter Roundtable: What's next after the jury was undecided in the FirstEnergy trial? Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

What’s next in the state’s largest corruption case, following a hung jury in the trial of two former FirstEnergy executives?

Weeks of testimony and more than a week of deliberations yielded no verdict. Former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and former FirstEnergy Senior Vice President Michael Dowling were charged with bribery and corruption. A hearing on Wednesday could determine the next steps in the case.

While the case is in flux, so are customers’ electric bills.

From rising costs to accelerating demand, consumers are fighting back, perhaps at the ballot box.

If you’re not registered to vote in the May primary, today is the last day to do so.

We're talking about all of these subjects on this week's Reporter Roundtable.

Guests:

Karen Kasler, bureau chief, Ohio Public Radio Statehouse News Bureau
Laura Hancock, politics and policy reporter, Cleveland.com
Susan Tebben, reporter, Ohio Capital Journal

Fascinating Ohio: an allergist, conservation manager and mentor Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Allergy season is in full swing and more than 80 million Americans suffer with seasonal allergies.

How does this year compare to years in the past? Are people going to be sniffling more, or is this year going to finally be a downturn in pollen?

We'll get the answers from a local allergist.

Conservation can take on many forms. It can involve protecting animals, plants, forests or any of Earth’s natural resources.

We are going to meet a woman who has dedicated herself to protecting and preserving wildlife areas, including The Dawes Arboretum in Newark.

For many young people, a little guidance and mentorship can be life changing.

When someone dedicates themselves to being that change, their community grows and prospers.

We'll talking with an individual who has worked for decades to teach and help young people to reach their full potential through various initiatives and programs.

It's all coming up on this week's edition of Fascinating Ohio.

Guests:

Dr. Summit Shah, allergist/founder, Premier Allergy & Asthma
Holly Latteman, director of science and research, Dawes Arboretum
David Bush, founder, Madd Poets Society/commissioner of youth civic engagement, City of Toledo

If you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

The growing focus on women's sports Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

The city’s women’s volleyball team, Columbus Fury, has new owners.

Married entrepreneurs Andrea Mitchell and Andy Sandler acquired100% of the team from the previous ownership group, which included Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and his parents.

This comes at a time when The Greater Columbus Sports Commission is putting a greater emphasis on women’s sports, including trying to get a women’s soccer team in the city.

Women’s sports are on the rise with increased viewership of the women’s bracket in March Madness and more focus on women in the recent Winter Olympics.

Guests: