The Local Exchange Podcast | Podcast in RSS.com

The Local Exchange Podcast

The Local Exchange Podcast

di Jon Keske

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Episode 27: Joe Wassink

Episode 27: Joe Wassink – LifeWise, Faith, and the Lifewise 5K In this episode of The Local Exchange, Jon sits down with Joe Wassink of Lima, Ohio. Joe serves with ACTS / TV44 and has been deeply involved with LifeWise Academy in Allen County for years. We talk about the upcoming Lifewise 5K and 1K Fun Run, how LifeWise first got started in the area, and what the program actually looks like for local families and schools. Joe also shares openly about his faith, his family, and his love for the Lord, along with his role at TV44 and his enjoyment of running - including participating in the very event he helps organize. Whether you’re curious about LifeWise, follow local community efforts, or just enjoy a conversation about faith and service in Northwest Ohio, this episode gives a clear and personal look at the work Joe and others are doing.

Episode 26: Sov Savors

In this episode of The Local Exchange, I sit down with Sov Savors — the Lima-area food reviewer who’s been making serious noise across greater Northwest Ohio. We dig into how he chooses the next restaurant, his process for creating high-quality review videos, and what it takes to stay honest while covering local spots. Sov also opens up about his passion and experience as a filmmaker outside of the food content, the hard life experiences that shaped him, and the importance of family in his life. We talk about the upcoming 1st Annual Rib Fest coming to downtown Lima, the re-opening of A Touch of Europe on Main Street, and how Sov has become a real advocate for the community — helping drive thousands of new customers through the doors of local eateries. Whether you’re a foodie, a local business owner, or just someone who cares about the people building up Lima, this conversation is worth a listen.

Episode 25: Dalton Smith

Dalton J. Smith (attorney who was part of the legal team representing Shawnee Township Fire Chief Austin Miller during last year’s proceedings) joins us to discuss the current situation. In this conversation we cover what can be shared publicly about the ongoing investigation and suspension of Fire Chief Austin Miller, where things stand in the process, what may come next, timelines, public disclosure rules, and much more. Important note: This interview presents one side of the story from Chief Miller’s legal perspective. There are multiple sides to these matters - please don’t jump to conclusions. Ask questions, seek information from multiple sources, and support stability for our township and fire department. If representatives from the township or other involved parties would like to share their perspective, the invitation is always open. 👍 Like if you found this helpful 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications for more local conversations that matter 💬 Drop your respectful thoughts in the comments Thank you for watching and for being part of a community that seeks understanding.

Episode #24: Jake Eilerman | 419 Live

In this episode, Jon sits down with Jake Eilerman - lifelong Lima resident, Director of Communications at 419 Live, and the man behind the camera who live-streamed the Shawnee Trustee town hall and Chief Miller’s first hearing, bringing vital transparency to the community. Jake recently stepped away from 13 years in stand-up comedy to focus on his next chapter. We dive into his journey on stage and hear some great stories from his time in comedy, including his character Jake Hill. Today, Jake is a passionate force for good in the Lima area - driving 419 Live events, cornhole leagues and tournaments, fundraisers, and unique community gatherings that bring people together. He’s also a dedicated advocate for Lima, providing marketing and social media support to help local causes and businesses thrive. We talk about what fuels his commitment to the community, his big dreams for events in Northwest Ohio, the legacy he wants to build, and why he believes in lifting up the 419. Whether you’re into local government, comedy, events, or just love seeing passionate people make Lima better - this episode is for you! 👍 Like | 📲 Subscribe for more local conversations #TheLocalExchange #LimaOhio #419Live #ShawneeTownship #CommunityPodcast

Episode 23: Evan Skilliter

Episode 23: Evan Skilliter In this episode, Jon is joined by Matt — back for his first podcast since Episode 17 — as they sit down with Jon’s brother-in-law, Evan Skilliter. Evan is a Bluffton University alumnus, Assistant Professor of Sport Management, and Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at his alma mater in Bluffton, Ohio. Evan shares his insights on the current culture of youth sports in America and what inspired him to write his popular 5-part guest column series for The Lima News earlier this year. The conversation covers the pressures of early specialization, commercialization, social media influence, and adult behavior — plus practical ideas for making youth sports healthier and more fun again. They also talk about growing up in Bluffton, Evan’s lifelong passion for sports, and even get into a few lighter topics… including birds. A fun, insightful, and thought-provoking conversation with someone who lives and breathes sports at every level — from the classroom to the sidelines and the local community.

Episode 22: Marc Bowker

A long time ago in a podcast studio not too far away, Jon sat down with Marc Bowker - Lima’s own comic-book store owner, certified Heroic Coach, and real-life superhero of downtown revitalization. In this epic crossover, Marc steps out from behind the counter at Alter Ego Comics (the beloved downtown Lima institution he’s run since 2005) to talk about building a business that’s survived recessions, pandemics, and plenty of real-world challenges. From his days as Director of Communications at the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce to going all-in on entrepreneurship, Marc shares the origin story of turning a side-hustle comic passion into a 20-year local landmark. We dive into how political decisions ripple straight into small businesses like Alter Ego - tariffs, regulations, and the daily realities of running a Main Street shop. Marc also opens up about his personal journey with anxiety, depression, OCD, and his 2016 nervous breakdown - and how Stoic wisdom, a superhero mindset, and the Heroic coaching framework helped him rewrite his story and now helps others do the same. Whether you’re a comic fan, a small business owner, or someone working on your own mental health and personal growth, this is one of the most inspiring conversations yet. Tune in for great stories, real talk, and practical wisdom you can actually use. The Force is strong with this one. Subscribe to the Local Exchange Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLocalExchange Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033e39gbtqYgIrGfz1BWB1?si=cd24163217d148e3 iHeartMedia: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-local-exchange-podcast-333142184 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-local-exchange-podcast/id1896525502

Episode 21: The DeLong Family Adventures

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 20: Andrew Benchic

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

Episode 19: Chief Austin Miller

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 18: Cory Parent

In this episode, I talk with Cory Parent, a Shawnee Township resident, Shawnee High School alumnus, cloud engineer, and former U.S. Army intelligence trainee. We discuss his investigative series on Project BOSC, the massive data center planned for Allen County near Lima, Ohio. Cory explains the conflicting stories around the project, issues of transparency, infrastructure without reciprocity, and how big developments are bypassing local township governance. We also cover the proposed 25 MW ballot initiative and what better development could look like for rural Ohio. Read Cory’s full series here: https://substack.com/@coryparent

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