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

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The state of justice and accountability in the US Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

It’s no secret that 250 years later, we are still trying to define “liberty and justice for all,” the values at the foundation of America’s creation.

The dark parts of our nation’s history are charged with racism, corruption, police brutality, and inequality. Many of our institutions are still shaped by the same history.

On a national level, a president who avoided punishment for his felony convictions, hundreds of unwarranted ICE arrests with no investigation, and more than 3 million pages of incriminating information against our nation's wealthiest with no arrests to date.

Now more than ever, accountability seems to be different depending on your racial, political, or economic status.

But this lack of accountability doesn’t stop at the federal level. It trickles down into our local institutions.

We're talking about the topic on this hour of All Sides.

Guests:

Jillian Snider, adjunct lecturer, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Sarah Chayes, author, On Corruption in America, former NPR reporter
Kyle Strickland, attorney, former CCPRB member
Daniel Weiner, senior director, Brennan Center’s Elections & Government Program

photo: J. Scott Applewhite / AP

Jane Fonda's life is the subject of a new book Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

What makes an activist? What propels someone to get off the sidelines and get involved?

For decades, 88-year-old actress and activist Jane Fonda has been either a guiding light or a lightning rod, depending on your views.

A new book, written by an Ohio University professor, examines Jane Fonda's life through the lens of protest and movement-building, acting choices and, yes, the volatile Vietnam years.

Marilyn S. Greenwald, Ohio University professor emerita of journalism, joins us on this hour of All Sides to discuss her new bookJane Fonda: There's A Great Deal To Say.

Guest:

Marilyn S. Greenwald, Ohio University professor emerita of journalism/author, Jane Fonda: There's A Great Deal To Say

photo: CJ Rivera/Invision AP

Weekly Reporter Roundtable: DeWine declares emergency after severe weather hits Ohio Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

Cleanup efforts continue after violent storms blew across Ohio last week, prompting Gov. Mike DeWine to declare a state of emergency and to deploy the Ohio National Guard.

The weather is said to have caused at least one person's death.

The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down on Columbus' south side on Tuesday, yet no sirens or warnings alerted residents. Why?

DeWine delays executions set for January of 2027 after he leaves office.

We're also talking about sports betting in Ohio. Why is prop betting still going strong despite a push to end it?

What could a federal change mean for Head Start?

It's all coming up on this week's Reporter Roundtable.

Guests:

Sarah Donaldson, reporter, Ohio Public Radio Statehouse News Bureau
Susan Tebben, reporter, Ohio Capital Journal
Jake Zuckerman, reporter, Signal Ohio

All Sides Weekend: Books Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

Summer is still in full swing central Ohio.

As temps remain high, the weather (at times) can be unpredictable like the plot in a fantastic book.

Now is the perfect time to embark on your next literary adventure.

On This edition of All Sides Weekend, Host Christopher Purdy and his guests will share some titles that you may want to add to your list of must reads.

Host:

Christopher Purdy, Classical 101 Morning Host

Guests:

Kassie Rose, WOSU book critic
Kris Hickey, youth services manager, Whetstone Branch, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Thao Thai, author, The Seekers of Deer Creek

Related Link:

All Sides Weekend Book List - Aug. 14, 2026

Fascinating Ohio: a comedian, immigration center executive and behavioral health therapist Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

Since he was just a boy at Hilliard Davidson High School, comedian Fumi Abe used his jokes to ease the alienation of being one of the only Asians in his class.

Years later, his comedy took him to Stephen Cobert, James Corden and Jimmy Fallon. Now, he’s coming back home to Columbus for his tour.

After spending a month in Russia as a teenager, Emelia Sheeley decided she wanted to pursue a career of international service.

For almost 10 years, she has been involved with the Riverview International Center, assisting new Americans in the Riverview Drive neighborhood with their basic needs.

We’ll meet the executive director of PBJ Connections, an organization providing professional behavioral health therapy for families through several forms of counseling, including horses.

The discussions are all part of this week's Fascinating Ohio.

Guests:

Fumi Abe, comedian
Emelia Sheeley, executive director, Riverview International Center
Holly Jedlicka, executive director, PBJ Connections, Inc.

Are climate change and affordability drawing people back to Midwest states? Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

A confluence of factors from climate change to affordability are bringing residents back to the Midwest.

Regions that saw an exodus of manufacturing and population are now seeing an influx of tech jobs, and residents.

On this hour of All Sides, we're talking with a panel of experts about whether we're seeing the end of the Midwestern exodus.

Guests:

Bradley Schurman, demographic strategist, author, founder/CEO of Human Change
Bart Elmore, environmental and business history professor, Ohio State University
Jason Reece, city and regional planning professor, Knowlton School of Architecture

Tech Tuesday: How to best protect your home from potential natural disasters Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

Houses come with many inherent dangers, often involving wind, water, and fire.

Today, we will talk about preventative measures you should take to protect yourself and your home, as well as what to do in an emergency.

Ohio State is at the forefront of quantum science, embracing the new technology through research, a new partnership and forthcoming classes.

Recently, it has seemed like almost everything is rising in price. Gas, electricity, and now PC Motherboards. In other gaming news, the return of Grand Theft Auto with its 6^thgame will debut a preview on Netflix on August 27.

Then, we will discuss the unveiling of the new Google Pixel 11, which will be happening this week.

And, there are new ways to keep your home safe, specifically your outdoor gates and garage. Learn more about these outdoor alarm systems, as well as other tech news.

Guests:

Paul Hope, home expert and deputy content editor, Consumer Reports
Jay Gupta, physics professor, Ohio State University
Shawnta Jackson, executive director, QuSTEAM Consultant
Russell Holly, director of commerce content, CNET

Examining Kroger's plan to purchase Giant Eagle Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

Cincinnati-based grocery-giant Kroger recently announced plans to purchase Giant Eagle.

However, there are concerns that this purchase will change the supermarket landscape in Ohio, western Pennsylvania and beyond.

We’ll look at the purchase and what it could mean for consumers and the supermarket industry.

Guests:

Dan Eaton, reporter, Columbus Business First
Christine Bartholomew, law professor, University at Buffalo School of Law
Ricky Volpe, professor of agribusiness, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

New PBS Kids special focuses on children's social acceptance Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

A new PBS Kids Back-to-School special features a group of young children on their first day of kindergarten.

The children are from diverse backgrounds and were inspired by the characters from Jacqueline Woodson's best-selling picture book The Day You Begin.

The hour-long special and the book focus on finding the courage to connect with others even when you feel like an outsider.

Join All Sides for a conversation about belonging and what it feels like to make connections with others as a child and an adult.

Guests:

Jacqueline Woodson, author, The Day You Begin
Pat Enciso, professor, Ohio State University's Department of Teaching and Learning
Greg Walton, professor of psychology, Stanford University

Weekly Reporter Roundtable: Ohio Congressman Max Miller refuses to quit reelection campaign Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

Today is the deadline to replace a candidate on November's ballot. But, Ohio Congressman Max Miller, under intense pressure to resign, remains defiant. He says he's not dropping out despite allegations of abuse from his ex-wife.

Congress launched an ethics investigation in the case, at Miller's request, while Ohio's other Republican senator, Jon Husted joined the chorus for Miller to go. It looks like voters may have the final say.

Residents in one Pickaway County city take their case against data centers to the Ohio Supreme Court and win.

Meanwhile, how are candidates navigating the thorny issue on the campaign trail: green-light all, press pause, or outright bans?

In a new opinion piece, Republican candidate for governor Vivek Ramaswamy pledges free electricity and lower property taxes as part of his data center policy plan.

We're discussing all of it on this week's Reporter Roundtable.

Guests:

Karen Kasler, bureau chief, Ohio Public Radio Statehouse News Bureau
Marty Schladen, reporter, Ohio Capital Journal
Noah Blundo, executive editor, Hannah News Service

photo: Joe Maiorana/AP

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