The Local Exchange Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 7: John Hollenbacher May 16, 2026

Show notes

In Episode 7 of Local Exchange, we sit down with John Hollenbacher, a Shawnee resident whose family has been deeply involved in local government for generations.

John has been an advocate for positive communication, community engagement, and leading with kindness. He talks about his ties to Shawnee, his experience helping organize the recent Town Hall Meeting, and why he believes in the power of constructive, respectful conversation — even when opinions differ. John also shares what “Be Nice” means to him and how that mindset can strengthen our community.

Originally posted 10/30/2026

#LocalExchange #ShawneeTownship #NorthwestOhio #CommunityLeadership #benice

Episode 6: Aaron Cunningham May 16, 2026

Show notes

In Episode 6, we sit down with Aaron Cunningham, a graduate of Shawnee High School who fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a firefighter.

After a lifetime of public service, Aaron is now focused on giving back to his community as a candidate for the Elida School Board. He talks about his family, his commitment to the community, and the issues currently facing the Elida School District. Aaron shares how growing up in Shawnee and raising a family in Elida has shaped his perspective on education, communication, and leadership. He also reflects on lessons learned through years in the fire department — lessons about teamwork, trust, and accountability that he believes are essential for the board to move forward. T

his conversation offers a thoughtful look at how service, both personal and professional, can help strengthen our schools and our community.

Originally posted 10/28/2025

Local Exchange — where Northwest Ohio comes to talk. #LocalExchange #ElidaSchools #SchoolBoard #CommunityLeadership #NorthwestOhio

Episode 5: Ryan Schott May 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Schott, a 26-year veteran of the Shawnee Township Fire Department and lifelong resident of Shawnee. Ryan recently retired in July 2025 and joins us to share insights from his decades of experience as a firefighter.

He offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to serve the community, how the department operates day to day, and the challenges of staffing, overtime, and equipment readiness.

Ryan also provides his perspective on the culture within the department and what he believes is currently happening at the Shawnee Fire Department following recent events. We discuss the role of leadership, the importance of communication, and the path forward for maintaining a strong and trusted fire service in Shawnee Township.

Note: Ryan Schott is no longer employed by the Shawnee Township Fire Department. The views shared in this episode are based on his past experience and are his own.

Originally Posted 10/24/2025

Local Exchange — where Northwest Ohio comes to talk. #LocalExchange #ShawneeTownship #FireDepartment #PublicSafety #CommunityConversation #NorthwestOhio

Episode 4 - Mindy Molaski May 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Mindy Molaski, candidate for Shawnee Township Trustee.

Mindy talks about what makes this community special, from friends and family to the Friday night lights that bring everyone together. She shares lessons from her experience working for Shawnee Schools and volunteering for local levy campaigns and explains how those experiences have shaped her commitment to teamwork, transparency and community involvement.

Local Exchange – Where Northwest Ohio Comes to Talk Subscribe for more local conversations and upcoming interviews with community leaders and candidates shaping our area.

#LocalExchange #MindyMolaski #ShawneeTownship #CommunityConversations #NorthwestOhio #Election2025

Episode 3 - Paul Neff May 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Paul Neff, a lifetime resident of Shawnee Township whose family has called this community home for generations. Paul recently announced his retirement and is now focusing his time and energy on serving the community that’s shaped his life.

We talk about his background as a third-generation farmer, the work ethic and lessons that come from a life in agriculture, and how those experiences influence his approach to leadership. Paul has attended numerous trustee meetings across townships and brings a thoughtful perspective on what makes local government effective.

He shares his vision for keeping Shawnee a great place to live and his support for all township departments — including fire, police, cemetery, and the road crew — that keep the community running each day. Listen on Spotify:

Local Exchange – Where Northwest Ohio Comes to Talk Subscribe for more local conversations and upcoming interviews with other Shawnee Township candidates.

Originally Posted - 10/22/2025

Episode 2: Chad Meyers May 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Chad Meyers candidate for Shawnee Township Trustee, to talk about his background, his work as a local business owner, and his vision for the future of Shawnee Township.

Chad shares his thoughts on leadership, transparency, and communication, as well as his perspective on community engagement and supporting first responders. We also talk about his experience with Sacred Ground MX, his approach to teamwork, and how he hopes to bring a collaborative mindset to local government. This is part of our ongoing series of conversations with candidates and community members shaping Northwest Ohio.

Local Exchange – Where Northwest Ohio Comes to Talk Subscribe for more local conversations and upcoming interviews with other Shawnee Township candidates.

Episode 1: Kenny Gross May 16, 2026

Show notes

In this first full episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Kenny Gross, candidate for Shawnee Township Trustee, to talk about his background, why he decided to run, and his vision for the future of Shawnee Township.

Kenny shares his thoughts on accountability, transparency, community engagement, economic growth, and public safety, which are the core priorities of his campaign. We also discuss the importance of local leadership and how decisions made at the township level impact all of us here in Northwest Ohio.

We hit a small bump with our camera overheating toward the end, but the full audio sounds great and the conversation is well worth a listen. If you care about the issues shaping Shawnee Township and want to hear directly from the people running to represent you, this is a great place to start.

Local Exchange – Where Northwest Ohio Comes to Talk Subscribe for more local conversations and upcoming interviews with other Shawnee Township candidates.

Originally posted 10/19/2025

Episode 21: The DeLong Family Adventures May 14, 2026

Show notes

Meet 5-Year-Old Liam DeLong – Quarter-Finalist in the 2026 National Jr. Ranger Champion Competition!

Join us for a fun, heartwarming conversation with Liam DeLong and his parents, Alison and Rob, as they share what it’s like to compete in the exciting 2026 Jr. Ranger contest presented by Ranger Rick and the National Wildlife Federation.

At just 5 years old, Liam is a passionate little explorer from Lima, Ohio, who loves hiking, collecting rocks, spotting animals, and dreaming of visiting every National Park. He’s currently 2nd place in the Quarter-Finals and every daily vote helps him advance toward the chance to win $20,000, appear in Ranger Rick magazine, and go on an unforgettable wildlife adventure with Jeff Corwin!

In this episode, Alison and Rob open up about:

What goes into competing, from submitting photos and profiles to rallying friends and family for daily votes
The family’s favorite outdoor adventures
How the contest is inspiring Liam’s love for nature, dinosaurs, and other animals

Whether you’re a nature-loving parent, a Ranger Rick fan, or just enjoy hearing from adorable kids with big dreams, this episode is full of smiles, inspiration, and practical ways to raise the next generation of wildlife stewards.

🎉 Vote daily for Liam (it’s free!) and help this little explorer go all the way: 🔗 https://jr-ranger.org/2026/liam-11d4

Voting for Semi-Finalists ends Thursday, May 21 at 7PM PDT. Every vote counts and supports the National Wildlife Federation’s mission to protect wildlife and wild places.

Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes with more young adventurers and their families! #JrRanger #RangerRick #NatureKids #OutdoorFamily #LimaOhio

Episode 19: Chief Austin Miller May 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, I sit down with Shawnee Township Fire Chief Austin Miller to talk about the upcoming fire levy renewal on the May 5 ballot. We keep it straightforward: what the levy actually pays for, how much it costs the average homeowner, and why the department needs it.

Chief Miller also shares what it’s been like stepping in as a first-time chief, handling big calls on I-75 and local fires, the new HAAS Alert system, firefighter mental health, and what’s coming next for the department.

Let me know what you think in the comments.

#ShawneeTownship #FireLevy #LimaOhio

Episode 20: Andrew Benchic May 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode we sit down with Andrew Benchic — local attorney at Huffman Kelley & Brock, parent, coach, and husband of a Bath teacher.

Andrew is a strong advocate for the upcoming Bath School Levy and a member of the Community Action Team (CAT) that helped shape the project. He explains in depth why he supports the 5.95-mill bond for a new high school, the real costs and benefits for residents, and how it addresses aging facilities while planning for the future.

We also talk about the type of law he practices, his career path, movies, the growth and activity in Downtown Lima, and more.

This episode pairs perfectly with our earlier conversation with Bath School Board member Stephanie Ernest (Episode 17). Go back and check that one out here: https://youtu.be/Hso3HuBMqus?si=cwP0v1m2zicyaiVb

Whether you're voting on May 5 or just want to hear a thoughtful local perspective on education and community, this one’s for you.

✅ Drop your thoughts in the comments!

✅ Learn more about the levy at BathBuildingProject.com If you enjoyed the show, please follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode:

🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7JQMSOYzwbuJg4nMYAgqyl?si=OhegeB8sQZm0Z72SSC33SQ

📺 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@TheLocalExchange #BathSchools #BathLevy #AndrewBenchic #LocalAttorney #LimaOhio #May5Election #CommunityMatters