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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. 39 - Mike and Shana Are Back!! Nov 01, 2025

Show notes

This is Mike's and Shana's first podcast in over a month since the owner of the studio we were using had health issues.

This is a great episode where they talk about:

The upcoming city council election.

Some recent and past school district administration issues and controversies.

How at Monday night's Council meeting "the administration" (which is the Mayor), is asking Council to approve replacing Mayor Justin Bern's city owned 2022, with only 38,400 miles, for a new one costing $53,460.

Subscribe for more episodes like this one!

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Ep. 38 - Cleveland Heights in Chaos and Mollie's Margaritas Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

Walk into a stranger's house? Check. Withhold information from city council? Check. Vilify the police chief? Check. This week on Everything is Local, we go deep on the political dumpster fire that is Cleveland Heights. Former councilwoman Josie Moore sits down to give us an insider's account of Mayor Kahlil Seren's administration, detailing the paranoia, the empowered first lady, and the shocking decision that cost the city its bond rating.
We discuss the grassroots recall effort, the upcoming vote, and what happens next for a city in crisis. It's a case study in managerial incompetence and a community's fight for accountability. All that, plus we kick things off with a Beechwood football update and a mission to support Mollie Wohl and her fight with cancer through Bar Italia.
Donate to Mollie's Go Fund Me Here and Visit Bar Italia to try your own Mollie's Margarita

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Ep. 37 - Campaign Trails & Dubai Chocolate: A Chat with Judge Candidate In Son Loving and Angel Washington Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

Join us for a lively and insightful conversation with In Son Loving, a candidate for Cleveland Municipal Judge, as she shares her unique journey from a military kid with a fascinating name origin to her passion for justice and community service. We dive into the challenges of judicial elections, the importance of diverse voices on the bench, and why name recognition isn’t always enough.
Joined by her campaign partner (returning guest Angel) In Sun Loving and the crew dive into grassroots campaigning, authenticity in politics, and why Sydney Sweeney’s jeans ad controversy might be overblown. Whether you're curious about local politics, love a good campaign story, or are looking for more food debates, this episode has a little bit of everything. A heartfelt thank you from the Everything is Local team goes out to In Son Loving for being such a good sport, sharing fascinating info on the judicial system, and remind us all of the importance of local elections!
Follow In Son Loving's Campaign at loving4judge.com and meet her at the Verbena on West 129th August 22nd 6-8pm.

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Ep. 36 - Shade Junkies & Political Drama: Aging, Apartments, and a Mayor’s Wife Gone Rogue Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

It’s finally August, and the weather is (mercifully) less scorching—but the drama in local politics is heating up. In this episode, we unpack:

The Sun vs. Age 40+: Why does the sun feel like kryptonite now? Floppy hats, umbrellas at baseball games, and the tragic downfall of sunscreen loyalty.
Beachwood’s Apartment Boom: Do 451 new one-bedrooms actually attract young families—or just more shade-seeking residents? Plus, the shady ties between developers and former city employees.
Cleveland Heights’ Unhinged Saga: A mayor’s wife walks into a stranger’s house (yes, really), a police chief gets thrown under the bus, and recall efforts spiral into chaos.
A Wild Solution: What if Beachwood built senior housing in Chagrin Highlands instead of bulldozing office space? (Spoiler: It makes too much sense to happen.)

Tune in for rants, revelations, and a surprise cameo from a Safety Town counselor who may or may not have finished her homework.

Like, subscribe, and pray for cloud cover.

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Ep. 35 - Studio Apartments = Baby Factories? Beachwood’s Contradictory Priorities Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

This week, Mike and Shana dive into Beachwood’s contentious housing policies after Councilman Pete Smith’s eyebrow-raising claim that one-bedroom apartments attract young families—because "young people meet each other and make families." Spoiler: Mike isn’t buying it. The duo breaks down why rezoning for 55+ communities and studio-heavy developments contradicts the city’s stated goal of attracting young families, especially when existing data shows almost zero examples of singles-turned-families staying in Beachwood long-term.
Plus, Ethan shares some stories from his Niagara Falls vacation and Mike and Shana talk about their double date, Tune in for an extra fun episode of Everything is Local and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

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Ep. 34 - Flamingo Parties & Failing Priorities: Beachwood’s Broken Promises Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Everything is Local, we're celebrating Shana’s newfound age (and hopefully wisdom)! Mike and Shana discuss her boy-free birthday bash before moving on to the local news. The duo then dive deeper into Pete Smith’s emphasis on the importance of bringing young families into Beachwood. They discuss what these new residences might cost the families in question, as well as the (sometimes oversold) merits of living in Beachwood. Also in local news, Shana provides an update on the fight for teacher retention in our local schools, listen in to hear the details!
If you are looking for the latest in Beachwood news served with a dash of levity and slice of life discussions, you won’t want to miss this episode of your favorite show! As always, please like, subscribe, and rate us five stars. It means a lot!

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Ep. 33 - Rabble-Rousing & Rezoning: Inside Beachwood’s Messy Council Endorsements Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

In this lively episode, Mike and Shana dive into a whirlwind of topics, from solo parenting adventures ("Boys' Week") to heated local politics—including candid takes on city council endorsements, social media rabble-rousing, and the surprising bombshells from a recent Democratic Club meeting.
They also debate the merits of Disney trips (are they worth the hype or an overpriced headache?), share a wild golf-cart-in-a-storm story, and rave about Two Brothers Pizza’s wings. Plus, a mysterious fire alarm brings Beachwood’s finest to Mike’s door—with interesting results. Tune in for laughs, rants, and a peek into the chaos of midlife parenting and small-town politics.

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Ep. 32 - Fifty Festivities, School Board Slam, and Browns Rundown Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

In this triumphant return of Everything is Local, we unpack the whirlwind of current events—from fiery local politics and heated school funding debates to national protests and the ever-shifting media landscape. We explore the complexities of democracy, the highs and lows of community leadership, and the cultural changes redefining our world.
But it’s not all serious—get the inside scoop on recent escapades, including a wild baseball tournament, a memorable trip to Cincinnati, and some laugh-out-loud updates on what’s coming next. Whether you're here for the political deep dive, the sports stories, or just some great conversation, this episode has it all. Tune in as we navigate the chaos together—with insight, humor, and a few surprises along the way!

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Ep. 31 - Dental Daze and How the School Pays: A Follow Up On Last Week's Episode Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Everything is Local, join Mike (now with one less tooth) and Shana as we follow up on the explosive reception of their recent episode with Missy. We dive into recent school district negotiations, the surprising $27 million settlement, audience feedback, and the importance of standing by your principles—especially in politics and education. Plus, Shana shares his excitement for the Savannah Bananas game, and we clear the air on Mike's fight song blunder.
Tune in for a classic Mike and Shana episode full of local politics, laughter, and the occasional one-liner from Ethan. Please reach out to us with your thoughts, we'd love to open the dialogue!

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Ep. 30 - Retaining Teachers, Building Community: A Deep Dive into Beachwood’s School Contract Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode, Mike and Shana sit down with Missy, a dedicated educator with 16 years at Beechwood High School, to shed light on the ongoing negotiations surrounding the district’s teacher contract. They explore the challenges of salary schedules, retention of young teachers, and the importance of community support for educators.

Plus, insights into teaching history in a divided era, the significance of personal relationships in education, and what the community can do to help make Beachwood an even better place for teachers and students alike. Tune in for an honest conversation about education, community engagement, and the future of our schools.

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