The Local Exchange Podcast | Podcast on RSS.com

The Local Exchange Podcast

The Local Exchange Podcast

by Jon Keske

Government Relationships

Season 1

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

Episode 17: Stephanie Ernest

In this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Stephanie Ernest, a member of the Bath Local School District Board of Education, to talk about the proposed Bath High School project that is going to be on the ballot in May. We discuss how the project came together, the planning process so far, and the role the school board plays in long-term facilities and financial decisions. Stephanie shares insight into what the board is hearing from the community, common questions residents have raised, and the importance of transparency throughout the process. She also encourages residents to attend board meetings, share their thoughts, and ultimately come out and vote so the board can clearly understand how the community feels about a potential new high school. This conversation is intended to help listeners better understand the project, the process behind it, and the decisions facing the district as Bath Local Schools looks toward the future. Originally Posted 2/2/2026

Episode 16: Chief Miller’s Hearing Results

Matt and I react to the outcome of Chief Austin Miller’s termination hearing, where all charges were dismissed with prejudice. We share our thoughts on what the decision means for the fire department, the township, and the community moving forward. Originally Posted 12/16/2025

Episode 15: Chief Miller Lawsuit Reaction

Originally posted 12/13/2025 We share our thoughts on the federal lawsuit filed by Shawnee Township Fire Chief Austin Miller and discuss what it could mean for the township, the fire department, and the community. The conversation focuses on potential implications, the legal process, and why the situation matters moving forward.

Episode 14: Chris Cross

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Cross, Treasurer of Shawnee Schools, to discuss the financial landscape of the district. We cover the history behind Shawnee’s past deficit spending, the plan now in place to stabilize the budget, and what the community should understand about how school funding works. Chris walks us through the challenges of maintaining aging buildings, the findings of past facility studies, and what decisions may shape the future of Shawnee’s school buildings. We also talk about property taxes, state funding formulas, transportation costs, and long-term financial planning. Originally Posted 12/4/2025

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