Stagione 1
Episode 11: Mark Triplett
Episode 10: Kelly Martino
Episode 9: Election Results Recap
Episode 8: Tug Taviano
Episode 7: John Hollenbacher
Episode 6: Aaron Cunningham
Episode 5: Ryan Schott
Episode 4 - Mindy Molaski
Episode 3 - Paul Neff
In this episode, Matt sits down with Shawnee boys basketball head coach Mark Triplett to cover a wide range of topics, including his approach to the game, the challenges and rewards of developing young players, and what it means to be closing in on becoming the winningest coach in Shawnee history. Coach Triplett reflects on the 25–0 COVID season, leadership in high-pressure moments, and the values that continue to drive him in his tenth year at Shawnee. Originally posted on 11/20/2025
In this episode of The Local Exchange, Jon and Matt sit down with Kelly Martino, head of fundraising for the Shawnee Stadium Capital Campaign. Kelly shares the history behind the stadium project, how the effort began, and the challenges and teamwork that have kept it moving forward. The conversation covers how people can get involved, the growth of Shawnee’s youth football program, and the many school and community groups that now benefit from the new facility. Kelly also talks about what drives her passion for community involvement and how local support continues to make a difference for Shawnee athletes. We experienced an issue with Kelly’s video recording, but we’ve included helpful images throughout this episode to highlight many of the topics discussed. Originally posted 11/12/2025
In this episode of The Local Exchange, Jon and Matt break down the results of the recent Shawnee Township election — with Kenny Gross and Paul Neff set to take office as trustees in January. They look at voting trends, turnout, and how social media engagement stacked up against the final numbers. The conversation also turns toward what’s next for the community, including key questions around the Fire Chief position, dispatch services, and the new school project. Plus, updates on the upcoming Roundabout Christmas event, Shawnee’s playoff matchup at Wapak, and a message of gratitude and optimism for both outgoing and incoming township leaders. #northwestohio #communityconversation #communityleadership #election2025 #communityconversations
In this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Tug Taviano, a long time Lima native, community connector, and event organizer known for bringing people together through faith, music, and service. Tug shares his personal journey, from his early days in the community to building meaningful relationships with athletes, musicians, and community leaders through Unicent Marketing. We talk about the lessons he has learned from a life of service, his approach to event planning, and how faith continues to guide everything he does. We also dive into Tug’s family, his passion for giving back, and his excitement for upcoming local events including the Rhett Walker Family Christmas Tour coming to Lima 12/10/2025. Purchase your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rhett-walker-family-christmas-tour-tickets-1916537127139 Watch or listen to the full conversation to hear Tug’s perspective on what makes Northwest Ohio special, what our community can still improve on, and how staying grounded in purpose can open doors you never expected. Originally posted 11/4/2025 #LocalExchange #TugTaviano #LimaOhio #NorthwestOhio #CommunityConversation #faithinaction
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
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
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
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
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
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.