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

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Tech Tuesday: Ohio State researchers want your baby teeth and toenail clippings Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

Ohio State University researchers want your baby teeth and toenail clippings, but the reason why is not what you may think.

Oilfield brine is a byproduct of oil and gas development and is used in some Ohio townships for ice melting and dust control on roadways.

Researchers want to know more about the health effects of this brine, and they can figure that out with the help of your baby teeth, toenail clippings, and soil samples.

We'll also discuss what technology meteorologists use to predict the weather and how reliable it is. Finally, Russell Holly is back to talk about his time at Disney’s big event – D23.

Guests:

Arbor Quist, assistant professor of epidemiology at Ohio State University
Ben Gelber, meteorologist for NBC4
Russell Holly, director of commerce content for CNET

Flock camera automated license plate recognition technology raises privacy concerns Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

We are being surveyed constantly. Propped up on hundreds of telephone poles, stop signs, and rods are automated license plate recognition technologies.

There are many types of surveillance technology, but Flock Safety is one making news as people in Columbus and across the country react to their use. These small devices capture license plate information, as well as bumper stickers and other items on your car.

In theory, they are meant to track cars after a crime has been committed, to find missing people, and to be a tool for law enforcement.

But, in recent months, this is not what has happened. Individuals have abused this technology. People are concerned about their privacy and how data from these are stored. And for some people, their safety has been compromised by these devices.

Guests:

Katie Geniusz, reporter with WOSU
Emmanuel V. Remy, Columbus City Councilmember and chair of Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee
Drew Harwell, technology reporter for The Washington Post

Celebrating the music of Columbus' South Side Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

An upcoming musical event on September 1, Southern Oracles, will celebrate the South Side, an area of Columbus that is historically and artistically rich, vibrant and diverse.

Through music and poetry, artists will pay tribute to beloved spots – from Boyd's Barbershop to Golden Donuts to Mae's Market.

Guests:

Scott Woods, poet, writer, author
Jason Rawls, musician, DJ, and assistant professor of hip hop at Ohio State University
Trek Manifest, musical artist and rapper

Weekly reporter roundtable: Hardin challenges Ginther in Columbus mayor's race Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

Columbus now has a contested race for mayor. City council president Shannon Hardin, tired of waiting his turn, wants to deny Mayor Andrew Ginther a fourth term.

Politically speaking – the gloves are coming off.

We're talking with Shannon Hardin about why now, his vision for the city, and whether this is really a good move for Columbus Democrats?

In other political news, Columbus City Council is considering changes to they way they are election, a Republican caucus memo warns that the data center issue could derail congressional candidates like U.S. Senator Jon Husted?

We'll discuss this and more on our Weekly Reporter Roundtable show.

Guests:

Shannon Hardin, Columbus City Council President and candidate for mayor in 2027
Mark Ferenchik, news director, WOSU Public Media
Megan Henry, reporter, Ohio Capital Journal
Shane Stegmiller, reporter, Hannah News Service

All Sides Weekend: Arts & Culture Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

Central Ohio students are headed back to class and that's a sure sign that summer is winding down. Despite the approaching change from summer into fall, the heat remains high among Columbus' creative community.

Join host All Sides Weekend Host Christopher Purdy and his guests for a preview of arts and cultural events in and around the Columbus area.

Included among this week's topics is a preview of the upcoming Columbus Comedy Festival.

Host:

Christopher Purdy, All Sides Weekend and Classical 101 morning host

Guests:

Karen Peeler, professor emerita, Ohio State University, Older Wiser Lifelong Scholars (OWLS) program
Walker Evans, founder, Columbus Underground/Columbus Comedy Festival sponsor
Alicia Hui, violinist, Columbus Symphony/director of community engagement, VIVO Music Festival

Fascinating Ohio: a soccer fundraiser, clean water advocate and art educator Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

Sports are a great equalizer: no one can cheat determination, teamwork and practice.

The Final Third Foundation’s mission is to give all kids an equal playing field (or pitch) both literally and figuratively.

Access to clean water can often be taken for granted. The clean water problem is oceanic, but Design Outreach is making waves to solve it.

Some people believe that art is for the select few, and that in order for art to be good, it must be highbrow. Pam Kravetz has made it her career goal as an artist and art educator to bring people together through art.

These topics are all part of this week's edition of Fascinating Ohio.

Guests:

Ben Levey, founder and director, The Final Third Foundation
Dr. Greg Bixler, co-founder/CEO, Design Outreach
Pam Kravetz, artist/educator/board member of the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center

What's behind Buc-ee's mascot beef with another Ohio convenience store? Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

Beware the beaver! Behind the smiling face of the cartoon beaver in the red baseball cap could be a rodent of ruthless ambition.

Buc-ee's convenience stores, known for their clean restrooms, brisket and fueling stations, are suing a small Ohio corner store in Beavercreek over their mascot.

From trademark legalities to corporate reputation, we're talking about the Ohio battle of the beavers.

Guests:

David Ferrara, breaking news reporter, Cincinnati Enquirer
Mark Bartholomew, trademark expert/professor of law, University of Buffalo
Brian Hipsher, senior lecturer, Fisher College of Business, Ohio State University

Columbus organization focused on empowering Black girls Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

Black Girl Rising Inc. is a Columbus-based nonprofit organization focused on research, advocacy and empowerment of Black girls.

The group's research has extended across Ohio. The organization hosts events that focus on the safety, empowerment and mental health of Black girls throughout Ohio through events, conversations and conferences.

Their first Think Tank started in 2015 and became a safe space for Black girls to express their concerns and goals. Members of the organization have attended many national conferences including the United Nations Adolescent Girls Leadership Town Hall in New York City.

We're talking to three members of the organization on this hour of All Sides.

Guests:

Fran Frazier, founder/executive director, Black Girl Rising Inc.
Dr. Lara Belliston Cobb, research analyst/leadership fellow, Black Girl Rising, Inc.
Kelli Shivers, charter member of BGR Think Tank/BGR consultant

Falling through the cracks: What led to the Siders family child endangerment case? Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

How could 16 siblings in the Siders family escape the notice of so many officials for so many years?

The case, while extreme, brings to the forefront one family's multi-generational story of poverty, child marriage and attempts to live under the radar.

But what about the larger questions the situation raises: Did the state fail this family? These children? How are child welfare advocates, state officials and others working to respond and repair the cracks in the system?

Guests:

Laura Bischoff, reporter, The Columbus Dispatch
Sheridan Hendrix, reporter, The Columbus Dispatch
Scott Britton, assistant director, Public Children Services Association of Ohio

photo: Thomas Billington / WOUB

Tech Tuesday: What role should AI play in kids' education? Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

They say experience is the best teacher. For teens in high school, it can be easy to let AI do all the thinking for them. Who can blame them? Learning is hard work and tedious.

Should kids learn the old-fashioned way, or is AI an unavoidable asset for education?

Some people are constantly chasing after the next new technology. They must have the newest iPhone, smartwatch, laptop: the fastest, the latest, the best.

But what about the people who look backwards instead of forwards. Vintage Computer collectors have made it their hobby to own and restore old technology.

For people who have a strong aversion to bad-tasting water, Ninja's HydraSense makes sense for you.

Are you a fan of a good fan? Switchbot makes a great one, but it comes at a high price.

We're discussing all of these topics on this week's Tech Tuesday.

Guests: