The Confluence Cast

The Confluence Cast The Confluence Cast, presented by Columbus Underground is a weekly, Columbus-centric podcast focusin

When we talk about artificial intelligence, the focus is often on big tech or headline-grabbing breakthroughs. But for C...
08/21/2025

When we talk about artificial intelligence, the focus is often on big tech or headline-grabbing breakthroughs. But for Cas Maxwell, co-founder and CEO of AI Owl, the story is much closer to home. His company is helping Ohio’s workforce, schools, and businesses go from AI curiosity to practical integration—backed by state funding and partnerships with Intel and Khan Academy. In this conversation, Cas and I talk about how AI can be a tool for empowerment rather than replacement, what it looks like to train employees and students in hands-on ways, and why the future of AI readiness in Ohio may hinge on meeting people where they are.

When we talk about artificial intelligence, the focus is often on big tech or headline-grabbing breakthroughs. But for Cas Maxwell, co-founder and CEO of AI Owl, the story is much closer to home.

Columbus’ creative community often comes alive at the intersection of art, risk, and meaning; a space where organizatio...
08/21/2025

Columbus’ creative community often comes alive at the intersection of art, risk, and meaning; a space where organizations like Wild Goose Creative are working to make their mark. In this episode, I sit down with Executive Director Sarah Barr to explore her journey from art educator to leading multi-million-dollar cultural projects, and how Wild Goose fuels the work of emerging and established artists alike. We talk about their exhibitions, mentorship programs, and high school accelerator, the realities of nonprofit funding, and why deeper collaboration could unlock even more potential for the city’s arts scene. Plus, Sarah previews their “Made By Us” fundraiser, pairing local celebrities with artists for unique, one-of-a-kind creations.

Columbus’ creative community often comes alive at the intersection of art, risk, and meaning; a space where organizations like Wild Goose Creative are working to make their mark.

How do we take a music community and turn it into a music economy?I sat down with Walker Evans, editor and co-founder of...
08/21/2025

How do we take a music community and turn it into a music economy?

I sat down with Walker Evans, editor and co-founder of Columbus Underground, to break down the findings of a new study commissioned by the Columbus Music Commission. We dig into the $1.3 billion valuation of our local music ecosystem, what’s working, what’s missing, and what it might mean to create a “music district” in the city. We also talk about how music fits into Columbus’s broader identity and whether a more focused approach could help the scene grow.

How do we take a music community and turn it into a music economy?

When you think about economic development, you might picture a groundbreaking, a ribbon-cutting, or a shiny new district...
08/21/2025

When you think about economic development, you might picture a groundbreaking, a ribbon-cutting, or a shiny new district. But more often, it looks like slow, steady puzzle-building.

This week, I sat down with Padmini Roy-Dixon, Economic Development Director and Regional Innovation Officer at Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), who’s been quietly assembling some of the most important pieces for Central Ohio’s future. She shared what it means to shift from transactional deals to long-term planning, why our new Economic Development District designation matters, and how MORPC is helping communities get ready before opportunity knocks.

We talked about the need for equitable access to not just resources, but decision-making power. We explored the Economic Development Academy, a new training ground for the next generation of civic leaders. And we got honest about what’s still missing: enough housing, enough coordination, and enough resources to match the scale of Central Ohio’s growth.

When you think about economic development, you might picture a groundbreaking, a ribbon-cutting, or a shiny new district. But more often, it looks like slow, steady puzzle-building.

Regional planning isn’t just about roads and rails. It’s about building the future of a place, one decision, one partner...
08/21/2025

Regional planning isn’t just about roads and rails. It’s about building the future of a place, one decision, one partnership, and one policy at a time. In this week’s episode, we sat down with Joe Garrity, Senior Director of Government Affairs and Community Relations at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC).

We talked about how MORPC helps shape the long-term trajectory of Central Ohio through strategic collaboration with local governments, state legislators, and congressional partners. Joe shared how the region’s rapid growth is both a challenge and an opportunity, and why he believes the “clay is still wet” when it comes to defining what Central Ohio can become.

We explored the region’s push for better transit, the unique nature of Columbus as a non-legacy city, and why now might be the moment to close the gap on passenger rail finally. Joe also gave us a window into the next generation of public service and why solving significant issues, such as housing and infrastructure, will require new voices at the table.

Regional planning isn’t just about roads and rails. It’s about building the future of a place, one decision, one partnership, and one policy at a time. In this week’s episode, we sat down with Joe Garrity, Senior Director of Government Affairs and Community Relations at the Mid-Ohio Regional P...

Marathons are more than just races—they’re complex productions, community rituals, and, at times, catalysts for civic pr...
08/21/2025

Marathons are more than just races—they’re complex productions, community rituals, and, at times, catalysts for civic pride. In this week’s episode, I sat down with Darris Blackford, longtime race director of the The Columbus Marathon and Half Marathon. We discussed how the event evolved from a tourism initiative in 1980 to one of the country’s most respected independent races—and how Darris went from running it as an amateur to running it as a professional.

We explored the behind-the-scenes logistics of staging a 15,000-person race through multiple municipalities, what makes Columbus’s marathon structurally and financially unique, and how technology—from GPS watches to real-time runner tracking—has reshaped the race experience without replacing the purity of putting one foot in front of the other. Darris also shared insights on elite runners, nonprofit partnerships, and why fireworks beat flyovers every time.

Marathons are more than just races—they’re complex productions, community rituals, and, at times, catalysts for civic pride.

Sometimes, the things that stir the most debate aren’t sweeping policy changes, but whether or not you have to pay a dol...
04/02/2025

Sometimes, the things that stir the most debate aren’t sweeping policy changes, but whether or not you have to pay a dollar to park near Brassica.

This week, and explore what’s resonating most in local media and what those stories reveal about the larger systems we’re all navigating.

From the rise of protests at the Statehouse to the ripple effects of new zoning policies, we covered how housing, development, and drone factories are shaping the future of Columbus. We unpacked the tension between growth and preservation, the impact of private equity on everything from chicken sandwiches to shopping malls, and why local progress sometimes depends on who’s still in the smoky back room.

Whether you care about affordable housing, have feelings about paid parking, or just want to understand why Columbus works the way it does, this conversation is a reminder that the local stories matter, because they’re not just local.

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Sometimes, the things that stir the most debate aren’t sweeping policy changes, but whether or not you have to pay a dollar to park near Brassica.

Leadership is more than just a title—it’s about influence, impact, and the ability to drive meaningful change. In this w...
02/25/2025

Leadership is more than just a title—it’s about influence, impact, and the ability to drive meaningful change. In this week’s episode, we sat down with Kate Bauer, the new Executive Director of Leadership Columbus, to discuss the launch of this year’s Signature Program and the vision for the future of leadership in our city.

Leadership is more than just a title—it’s about influence, impact, and the ability to drive meaningful change. In this week’s episode, I sat down with Kate Bauer, the new Executive Director of Leadership Columbus, to discuss the launch of this year’s Signature Program and the vision for the ...

Transitions can be transformative, but they’re often filled with uncertainty. In this week’s episode, I sat down with Ma...
12/11/2024

Transitions can be transformative, but they’re often filled with uncertainty. In this week’s episode, I sat down with Matt Slaybaugh, an achievement skills coach, playwright, and former artistic director of Available Light Theatre. We explored Matt’s journey from leading a theater company to becoming a coach, helping people navigate change and pursue what matters most.

Transitions can be transformative, but they’re often filled with uncertainty. In this week’s episode, I sat down with Matt Slaybaugh, an achievement skills coach, playwright, and former artistic director of Available Light Theatre. We explored Matt’s journey from leading a theater company to b...

Holden Ellis, a creative studio in Columbus, just celebrated its 10-year anniversary—a milestone that founder and CEO Jo...
11/19/2024

Holden Ellis, a creative studio in Columbus, just celebrated its 10-year anniversary—a milestone that founder and CEO Josh Fitzwater describes as a testament to resilience, creativity, and teamwork. I sat down with Fitzwater to discuss the journey of Holden Ellis, from its humble beginnings to becoming a sought-after agency specializing in healthcare branding and digital experiences. Building a business from the ground up taught him lessons about prioritizing his team, navigating cash flow challenges, and staying true to the agency’s mission of “making people curious.” In our conversation, he shared insights on the evolving role of creativity in healthcare and why staying small and nimble remains central to his vision.

Holden Ellis, a creative studio in Columbus, just celebrated its 10-year anniversary—a milestone that founder and CEO Josh Fitzwater describes as a testament to resilience, creativity, and teamwork. I sat down with Fitzwater to discuss the journey of Holden Ellis, from its humble beginnings to bec...

In July, the City of Columbus experienced a massive data breach, which officials at the time referred to as “some type o...
10/10/2024

In July, the City of Columbus experienced a massive data breach, which officials at the time referred to as “some type of incident.” Months later, the scope, damage, and cost of the incident are still coming into focus. I sat down with Connor Goodwolf, a cybersecurity engineer, to discuss the data breach and his role in the ongoing efforts to understand what happened and how to recover from it. According to Goodwolf, despite his efforts to alert the city, he faced a restraining order and legal challenges. In our discussion, he emphasized the need for better cybersecurity measures and proactive communication from the city.

In July, the City of Columbus experienced a massive data breach; what officials at the time referred to as “some type of incident.” Months later, the scope, damage, and cost of the incident are still coming into focus. I sat down with Connor Goodwolf, a cybersecurity engineer, to discuss the dat...

Every piece is important. For Tom Krouse, the outgoing CEO of Donatos Pizza, this tagline is more than just a catchphras...
07/02/2024

Every piece is important. For Tom Krouse, the outgoing CEO of Donatos Pizza, this tagline is more than just a catchphrase. With his departure this fall, we sat down to discuss his journey at Donatos. We’ll explore the key strategies behind their expansion, including the decision to focus on franchising and the early adoption of online ordering technology.

Every piece is important. For Tom Krouse, the outgoing CEO of Donatos Pizza, this tagline is more than just a catchphrase. With his departure this fall, we sat down to discuss his journey at Donatos. We'll explore the key strategies behind their expansion, including the decision to focus on franchis...

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