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Everything Is Local — Government
Everything Is Local

Have you ever wondered what really goes on in local government? I’m Mike Burkons, your host and a former city council member. Some people loved me, some… well, let’s just say they weren’t fans but I’m here to pull back the curtain on the decisions that shape local communities. Every week, I’ll share insights from my time in office and break down local issues,controversies and dramas occurring in local governments in the area, not just in Beachwood, in a way that’s easy to understand and maybe even a little entertaining. Whether you’re interested andpassionate about small town politics and its drama that comes with it, and the local issues that affect your quality of life on a daily basis, this show is for you. We’ll cover these types of issues occurring in Beachwood and other local suburbs, chat with local experts and residents, and—who knows—go off-topic if the conversation gets interesting. Because here, it’s not just about government, it’s about what matters to you. So join me on “Everything is Local”—where understanding your community starts with listening.

Copyright: © 2024, Mike Burkons, All Rights Reserved

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 49 - Council Clashes, Political Hypocrisy, and Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about:

Mike’s return to the show, taking “umbrage,” and revisiting past council tensions, including debates over pickleball courts, playground costs, and what it really means to “slow things down.”
Transparency in local government, scripted talking points, and frustration over how the Sheetz proposal was communicated (or not communicated) to residents.
The Fairmount Temple development, 55+ housing debate, and why no one on council seems willing to publicly challenge leadership.
Holding your own political party accountable, the “bro sphere,” Joe Rogan debates, and why independent thinking matters more than party loyalty.
Comedy, cancel culture, and the fine line between offensive jokes and context—plus a broader conversation about how people interpret humor.
Local and national politics, including county council races, Max Miller, and whether voting strategy should prioritize party control or candidate integrity.
Race, privilege, and authenticity—what it really means to “walk the walk” versus performative allyship.
Passover reflections, identity, and a thoughtful (and complicated) conversation about Israel, war, and moral responsibility.

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Ep. 48 - Guest Host Energy, Local Politics, and the Afroman Lawsuit Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

This is a great episode where Shana is joined by guest co-host Kari Miller while Mike is away, and they talk about:

A guest-hosted episode filled with energy, friendship, and a 25-year history that brings a different dynamic to the show.
Spring break plans, parenting moments, and a hilarious deep dive into kids explaining Fortnite, Roblox, and internet culture.
Local and regional politics, including the Max Miller race, county council dynamics, and frustrations with endorsements, influence, and party strategy.
The lack of transparency, debate, and long-term planning in local government—and why more community engagement actually matters.
A bigger-picture conversation about Cleveland’s identity, regional fragmentation, and why comparing it to major cities misses the point.
The wild Afroman lawsuit story, police overreach, free speech, and how one artist turned a raid into a viral moment—and a legal win.
Pop culture, Netflix cancellations, Love Is Blind, and the launch of a new spinoff podcast concept.

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Ep. 47 - Real Estate, Broadway Shows, and the Future of Beachwood Housing Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana welcome their first guest in the new studio, local realtor Jeff Hoffman, and talk about:

The East Side housing market, what first-time buyers can expect to pay in places like South Euclid, Lyndhurst, Shaker Heights, and Beachwood, and why limited inventory keeps prices competitive.
Why Beachwood’s lack of available homes may be pushing families to neighboring communities—and what types of housing developments could attract new residents.
The debate over luxury “A+” construction versus more attainable new housing that could help fill the city’s elementary schools with young families.
Saks Fifth Avenue closing at Beachwood Place, the uncertain future of malls, and what redevelopment of major retail spaces could look like.
Broadway shows, Playhouse Square, upcoming theater trips to New York, and a passionate recommendation for the musical Ragtime.
Cleveland sports, the Browns stadium debate, and why public funding for a new stadium continues to divide fans.

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Ep. 46 - Mall Closures, Local Politics, and Reality TV Confessions Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about:

A weekend recap, including a charity dance event in Barberton that raised thousands for Ronald McDonald House and the start of baseball season traditions.
The announcement that Saks is closing at Beachwood Place, what it says about the department store model, and what the future of the mall could look like.
How major mall ownership groups make decisions, why Beachwood Place is still performing better than most malls, and the potential for residential or mixed-use development to replace big box retail.
Local political races, party endorsements, and the debate over how much influence political leaders should have in choosing candidates.
County council decisions, TIF debates, and why understanding the basics of public policy matters for elected officials.
Teen mall culture, public transit adventures growing up, and how things have (and haven’t) changed for kids hanging out at the mall today.
A deep dive into Love Is Blind, reality TV nostalgia, and the story of a former baseball teammate who once went on a network dating show with a million-dollar marriage prize.

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Ep. 45 - Love Is Blind, Olympic Gold, and the Sheetz Showdown Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about:

The Ohio season of Love Is Blind, the wild premise behind the pods, and whether love really can be blind when cameras and weddings are involved.
Team USA’s Olympic hockey gold, the men’s and women’s victories, locker room politics, and why the whole country actually felt united for once.
Presidential medals, State of the Union reactions, Dave Smith’s takes, and the ongoing culture war conversation around immigration and identity politics.
The continued Sheetz debate in Beachwood, the Porsche property “carrot,” zoning maneuvering, and whether city leaders are listening to residents and business owners.
TIF negotiations, executive sessions, and the bigger question of who local government decisions are really serving.
Gambling wins, playoff hopes, and why regular-season hockey just won’t hit the same after that gold medal game.

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Ep. 44 - Team USA, Sheetz Showdown, and the Fairmount TIF Fight Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about:

Team USA pride, Olympic Hockey, hometown star Layla Edwards, and the controversy surrounding Eileen Gu competing for China.
Why patriotism hits differently during the Olympics, and the fine line between criticism and toxic narratives.
A recap of the Beachwood public hearing on Sheetz, including strong opposition from local business owners and concerns about traffic, crime, and long-term development strategy.
The Porsche property “carrot,” what might happen in committee, and predictions about how the rezoning vote could unfold.
The Fairmount Temple TIF debate, school funding implications, and whether elected officials are truly representing residents’ voices.
Middle school dance season, parenting wins and losses, Guardians spring training, and a $10 parlay that turned into $415.

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Ep. 43 - Valentine’s Day, Vanishing Tax Dollars, and a Super Bowl Culture War Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about:

Valentine’s Day plans (or lack thereof), steaks in the oven, and why love doesn’t need a designated calendar date.
The upcoming zoning hearing for Sheetz and what’s at stake locally.
The hospital property purchase at Richmond and Chagrin, what happens when major properties come off the tax rolls, and how that shifts the burden onto other property owners.
TIFs, the Fairmount Temple development, and the bigger picture of how local tax decisions impact schools and county services.
The Super Bowl halftime show, Bad Bunny, culture war reactions, and what makes a truly great performance.
Olympic hockey, Cavs roster moves, and whether James Harden is the missing piece.
Epstein fallout, Pam Bondi’s congressional hearing moment, and what accountability should look like regardless of party.

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Ep. 42 - From Wild Bar Tabs to a Homegrown Podcast Studio Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about:

Wild college stories, including an infamous $400 bar tab and the kind of decisions that become legendary years later
Unfiltered memories about friendships, graduation week chaos, and the moments you definitely wouldn’t recommend repeating
The sudden shift to recording from home and what it took to keep the show going
How a five-year Lego City was lovingly cleared out and transformed into a brand-new podcast studio, thanks to some incredible family teamwork

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Ep. 41 - Fairmount Temple TIF, Rational America, Political Lines, and an Unexpected Hockey Detour Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

Ep. 41 of the “Everything is Local Podcast” starts with Mike and Shana discussing the TIF Mayor Berns is proposing for the Fairmount Temple property. When a developmemt would occur without a TIF (like this Fairmount Temple property that had 9 developers respond to the RFQ, competing to be the developer chosen to develop the property), issuing a TIF doesn’t create anything that wouldn’t have happened without it and just diverts millions of property tax dollars that would go to the Beachwood Schools, Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, cuyahoga county Health and Human services fund, Cuyahoga Community College, Cuyahoga County Public Library, and the Cleveland Metroparks.

This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about:

The idea of “Rational America” and how most people, regardless of political party, still share basic moral lines.
Political extremism, recent acts of violence, and the difference between disagreement and dehumanization.
Immigration, family separation, and how people can support policy while criticizing how it’s carried out.
A very adult and hilarious turn into hockey fandom, podcast recommendations, and a certain TV series that is definitely not safe to watch with kids.

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Ep. 40 - Happy New Year, Parenting Confessions, and the Sheetz Showdown Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

This is Mike and Shana’s first episode back after a two-month hiatus and a studio shakeup.

In this episode, they talk about:

1. Getting the podcast back up and running in a new DIY space.
2. Winter life updates, youth sports, and Mike’s controversial parenting moment involving sports betting.
3. Local politics and the ongoing debate over a proposed Sheetz location, including planning and zoning drama, traffic concerns, and community pushback.

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