Behind The Barrels

It's Clay Day! Nov 27, 2023

Environmental Specialist, Brittany Muncy does more than just work with dirt, she plays with it too! Pottery is her past time, and we were all too excited to hear about what she's got heating up in the kiln.

Do you want to tell us your story on a future episode? Do you have questions, comments or want to request a transcript of this episode?

Email us at podcast@dot.ohio.gov

Here's what's cooking at the Central Office cafe! Sep 25, 2023

This month's episode is so figgin' good! After months of pop up restaurants and food trucks, Central Office finally has a new, permanent resident in our cafeteria. Bleu & Fig opened at ODOT in April of 2023 and we sit down with owner, Chef Brooke to find out what it takes to make it in the food industry as a woman-owned small business!

Find out more about Bleu & Fig by visiting the lower level cafeteria or by going to www.bleuandfig.com.

Do you want to tell us your story on a future episode? Do you have questions, comments or want to request a transcript of this episode?

Email us at podcast@dot.ohio.gov

The Buzz on Beekeeping Aug 29, 2023

This month we headed to district 12 to speak to Todd Dykes and Brent Kovacks. These guys were the bees knees when it came to talking about their passion for beekeeping and were just sweet as honey to spend so much time with us, sharing their stories.

Do you want to tell us your story on a future episode? Do you have questions, comments or want to request a transcript of this episode?

Email us at podcast@dot.ohio.gov

A Country Girl Can Rock! Jul 03, 2023

This month we talk to aspiring singer and songwriter, Jen Spriggs from the Office of Statewide Planning and Research. Jen is on a journey to become an independent recording artist, while also learning the guitar.

Do you want to tell us your story on a future episode? Do you have questions, comments or want to request a transcript of this episode? Email us at podcast@dot.ohio.gov

No Wrong Way to Write May 29, 2023

A family game that was born out of a love of music and sports was the inspiration for the book, "The Bracket". The author of that book is District 10's Eric Reed. Hit play and listen to his story and maybe you'll be inspired to do something you never thought you would do before.

Do you want to tell us your story on a future episode? Do you have questions, comments or want to request a transcript of this episode? Email us at podcast@dot.ohio.gov

Pound for Pound... It's Not What You Gain, It's What You Lose! May 01, 2023

In this episode, we talk to Jeff Rogers from District 3 about his amazing weight loss transformation and how it has improved his life in many ways.

Do you want to tell us your story on a future episode? Do you have questions, comments or want to request a transcript of this episode? Email us at podcast@dot.ohio.gov

To Boldly Go... with Kathie Fleck Mar 27, 2023

Kathie Fleck is the Chief of Staff here at ODOT. She's also the newest member of the executive leadership group. But it was clear from the Central Office Annual Meeting survey that not everyone knows who Kathy is yet. We hope to change that. This was a fun conversation that went from women in sports commentary to Star Trek and Harry Potter fandom. And of course, what her favorite pizza place is.

Do you want to tell us your story on a future episode? Do you have questions, comments or want to request a transcript of this episode? Email us at podcast@dot.ohio.gov

Life Is A Marathon Feb 27, 2023

This month we're talking to District 8 IT manager, Amber Krieger. Amber tells us what is was like to be a runner in the 2013 Boston Marathon, the year of the bombing.

Do you want to tell us your story on a future episode? Do you have questions, comments or want to request a transcript of this episode? Email us at podcast@dot.ohio.gov

Bob Says "It's A Great Place To Work" Jan 30, 2023

We were honored to sit down with Robert (Bob) Nacci to discuss his combined 49 years (and counting) at ODOT, and what he did in between those years.

Do you want to tell us your story on a future episode? Do you have questions, comments or want to request a transcript of this episode? Email us at podcast@dot.ohio.gov

Holiday Message 2022 Dec 26, 2022

No interview this month, we just want to wish all of our ODOT brothers and sisters a wonderful holiday season. We did talk about out some of our holiday traditions. We'd also love to hear about yours.

Do you want to tell us your story on a future episode? Do you have questions, comments or want to request a transcript of this episode? Email us at podcast@dot.ohio.gov

Take a Hike! Nov 28, 2022

This month we're talking to Zach Porter from District 2 about his Appalachian adventures.

Do you want to tell us your story on a future episode? Do you have questions, comments or want to request a transcript of this episode? Email us at podcast@dot.ohio.gov

Get To Know Your Hosts Oct 31, 2022

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves and interview all the lovely people of ODOT, we thought it might be nice to let you all know a bit more about us. Listening, you'll see very quickly why we thought we were a good match.

Enjoy, and Happy Halloween!

Play Ball! Sep 26, 2022

On this first episode of Behind The Barrels, we’re talking to Chasen Graley, an intern out of Central Office who enjoys playing America’s favorite pass time, with rules from a time that has passed.

For more info on vintage base ball, visit the links below.

Columbus Capitals (Facebook Page)

Vintage Base Ball Association

The Ohio Cup

Ohio Village Muffins

Do you want to tell us your story on a future episode? Do you have questions, comments or want to request a transcript of this episode? Email us at podcast@dot.ohio.gov

Return To The Ohio State Fair Aug 01, 2022

After a three year hiatus, the Ohio State Fair is back, which means so is the ODOT booth in the Bricker Building.

But that's not all! This episode also introduces our new co-host, Caraline Griffith!

The Ohio State Fair is open now through August 7th.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com for traffic updates.

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

The Four Pillars of Strategic Advance - Pillar 4 Positioned for the Future Benefit of Ohio May 23, 2022

We conclude our four part series, led by Director Jack Marchbanks, on the four pillars of ODOT’s strategic advance. This week, Director Marchbanks, talks about the ways that ODOT is Positioned for the Future Benefit of Ohio.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com for traffic updates.

If you have question, comments or ideas, or would like to request a transcript of this episode, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

The Four Pillars of Strategic Advance - Pillar 3: Well Maintained May 16, 2022

We’re closing in on the end of our special series on the four pillars of ODOT’s strategic advance. This week is Pillar 3, which is Well Maintained. Director, Jack Marchbanks, talks about everything from the funding to the smart pavement management that is needed to keep our roads well maintained.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com for traffic updates.

If you have question, comments or ideas, or would like to request a transcript of this episode, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

The Four Pillars of Strategic Advance - Pillar 2: Accessible May 09, 2022

We continue our special series on the four pillars of ODOT’s strategic advance with Pillar 2, Accessible. ODOT Director, Jack Marchbanks, talks about how accessible transportation is important for Ohio and its citizens.

Come back next week for Pillar 3, Well-Maintained.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com for traffic updates. (that’s O-H-G-O.com)

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

The Four Pillars of Strategic Advance - Pillar 1: Safe Apr 26, 2022

This month we begin a four part series, led by Director Jack Marchbanks, on the four pillars of ODOT’s strategic advance.

ODOT leadership from around the state developed Four Pillars by which we will advance the department. And with these Four Pillars, come brand-new objectives that we call our Strategic Advance.

We start this series off, with Safe. Director, Jack Marchbanks, addresses specific safety concerns not just on state roads, but local roads as well.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com for traffic updates.

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

2022 Civil Rights Transportation Symposium Mar 28, 2022

This month we are spotlighting the annual Civil Rights Transportation Symposium.

00:51 Lynn Stevens from the Office of Outreach tells how you can attend this year’s Civil Rights Transportation Symposium and what to expect from the event that runs April 25th and 26th.

05:22 To get us in the mood for the Civil Rights Transportation Symposium, Division of Opportunity Diversity and Inclusion deputy director Lauren Purdy as well as office administrators Deborah Greene, Katie Laplace and Lynn Stevens tell us what opportunity, diversity and inclusion mean to them.

07:16 Lauren tells us who can benefit from working with ODI and Deborah, Katie and Lynn expand on that by telling us who can benefit from working with their specific offices.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com for traffic updates.

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Black History Month 2022 Feb 28, 2022

February is black history month and we’re celebrating with two very special segments. We’ll hear from Director Jack Marchbanks from a recent Compto event and I speak to Traci Bell-Thomas from the Ohio Department of Medicaid about the importance of Historically black colleges and universities.

00:00 - Intro
00:40 - COMPTO Black History Month Webinar
10:44 - Benefits of an HBCU
28:45 - Outro

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com for traffic updates.

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Jerry Wray Building Dedication Dec 27, 2021

This month we focus on former ODOT Director, Jerry Wray. Earlier this month, the building that houses ODOT’s central office headquarters was renamed in Director Wray’s honor.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com for traffic updates. If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Ohio Advanced Air Mobility Showcase Nov 29, 2021

Welcome to the November 2021 edition of Transcript Radio. I’m Mike Lovins from ODOT’s central office communications team, and I’ll be your host. The sky’s the limit this month as we focus on the Ohio Advanced Air Mobility Showcase, which happened earlier this month in Springfield, Ohio. We’re going to follow along with ODOT’s Matt Bruning, as he talks to various contributors about the future of air travel.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com for traffic updates.

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Look for your next career at www.careers.ohio.gov

75th OTEC / National Disability Employment Awareness Month Oct 25, 2021

This month we celebrate the 75th Ohio Transportation Engineering Conference, or OTEC for short. Then we switch focus to the wonderful work that disabled workers do for ODOT and other agencies in Ohio, through special service contracts with Goodwill and similar organizations.

To find out more about the job opportunities with Goodwill Easterseals of Miami Valley, visit GESMV’s recruiting site by clicking this link: Jobs - GESMV (recruitingbypaycor.com). You may also go to gesmv.org and then click on “Jobs” at the top right-hand corner, and then click on “business services” on the next landing page.

General GESMV phone numbers are: 937-461-4800 or toll free 877-363-3303

Seasonal Jobs at ODOT / 33 Smart Mobility Corridor Sep 27, 2021

This month we’re talking about the seasonal employment opportunities you can find at ODOT and how ODOT is involved in the 33 smart mobility corridor, the nation’s longest connected highway.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com (that’s O-H-G-O.com) for traffic updates.

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Look for your next career at www.careers.ohio.gov

Walk Bike Ohio / Light’s, Camera, ODOT! Aug 30, 2021

This month we’re talking about what ODOT and the state of Ohio is doing for those who use walking and biking as their mode of transportation and what happens when Hollywood comes calling?

Cait Harley, ODOT’s Safe Routes to School and Active Transportation Manager, discusses ODOT’s Walk Bike Ohio initiative and also how it plays into the safe routes to school program.

Then I talk to Bill Garvey, the future President of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, along with ODOT's Amanda McFarland and Rhonda Pees, about how ODOT helps when Hollywood comes calling.

00:00 - Intro

Walk Bike Ohio
00:38 - Cait Harley

Hollywood Seeks Help From ODOT
14:29 - Bill Garvey
23:28 - Amanda McFarland
29:18 - Rhonda Pees
38:34 - Outro

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com (that’s O-H-G-O.com) for traffic updates.

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Chip Seal / Bridge Upcycling Jul 26, 2021

This month we’re talking about ways that ODOT helps save taxpayers money. From an often misunderstood road treatment to bridges that have county engineers beaming!

First. I talked to Chris Hughes, the district deputy director out at district 1, about a process called chip seal, that is routinely used to add life to a road before it degrades to the point of replacement.

Then, Muskingum county engineer, Mark Eicher, tells us about the benefits of bridge upcycling, the process of building new bridges with previously used beams.

00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Chip Seal
16:04 - Bridge Upcycling
23:57 - Outro

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com (that’s O-H-G-O.com) for traffic updates.

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Spotlight: District 11 Jun 28, 2021

This month I’m focusing on ODOT’s District 11, introducing you to some of its leadership and letting you know about projects in the area and fun events that you can take advantage of this summer.

First, I interviewed District Deputy Director Tom Corey and, as a former truck driver, we talked about what’s driven his career.

Then, I caught up with Public Information Officer Lauren Barrell, to talk about what makes District 11 so special.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com (that’s O-H-G-O.com) for traffic updates.

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Ohio Find It Here! / The Map Man / Unusual Town Names May 24, 2021

May is Scenic Byways month, and that’s the perfect occasion to start planning your Ohio summer road trips. In this episode I talk to Matt Maclaren, director of Ohio Find It Here, about some of the best places to road trip to in Ohio. Then I chat with Bruce Hull, the designer of the official Ohio map. Last, I talk about some of my favorite strange Ohio town names.

00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Ohio Find It Here
15:12 - The Map Man
26:00 - Unusual Town Names
28:32 - Outro

If you have questions or story ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Rides to Community Immunity / In the Blink of a Fly / Safety First in Auglaize County Apr 26, 2021

Here’s what we’re talking about this month. We find out about a statewide program called Rides to Community Immunity, which helps those without means of travel get the Covid vaccine. We share a story about how distracted driving affected an Ohio family and they’re doing to spread the word about paying attention on the road. And finally, how an Ohio county garage keeps safety a top priority.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Please, DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE!

00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Rides to Community Immunity
07:44 - In The Blink of a Fly
15:40 - Safety First in Auglaize County
22:01 - Outro

If you have questions or story ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Civil Rights Symposium / Dist 6 Deputy Director Lori Duguid / Ohio’s Litter Problem Mar 22, 2021

This month we have a civil conversation about the Civil Rights Transportation Symposium, we meet District Six’s first female deputy director and we talk some trash about Ohio’s litter problem.

00:00 - Intro

00:38 - Civil Rights Transportation Symposium

11:15 - Meet District 6 Deputy Director, Lori Duguid

17:47 - Talking trash about Ohio’s litter problem

28:18 - Outro

If you have questions or story idea, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks / Crash Trends in Ohio Feb 22, 2021

Welcome to the February 2021 edition of Transcript Radio. I’m Mike Lovins from ODOT’s central office communications team, and I’m happy to be your host. This month I’m talking to ODOT Director, Jack Marchbanks about the importance of diversity and inclusion, followed by Highway safety program manager, Michelle May, who discusses the alarming crash trends we’re seeing here in Ohio.

00:00 - Intro

00:38 - Interview with Director Jack Marchbanks

14:03 - Crash Trends in Ohio with Michelle May

33:52 - Outro

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

The Premier! Jan 25, 2021

In this premier episode, I talk to Matt and Erin of The Loop, our newest AD, Mitch Blackford and Tik Tok sensation, Sir Yacht.

00:00 - Intro
00:33 - The Loop
12:39 - ODOT Assistant Director Mitch Blackford
20:37 - Sir Yacht
39:29 - Outro

If you have questions, comments or ideas for the podcast, please send them to michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

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