The heart of a hometown isn’t a map; it’s the people who keep its stories alive. Lauren joins us to chart New Albany’s journey from fields and single-campus days to a thriving, intentionally planned community where a preserved mill becomes a brewery, a new roundabout reroutes semis, and a Friday night crowd can still feel like family. Her path runs through athletics—cross country, basketball, track, high jump—and a Hall of Fame induction, but the real wins come from team chemistry, mentorship, and the way a student section can lift a program for years.

We dig into the details that define place: Ely House tours, Maplewood Cemetery names, taco pizza after reunions, and the great debate over how to pronounce Bevelheimer. Lauren breaks down how youth sports look now—specialization, facilities that need to catch up, and the simple fix that a second track could bring. She’s honest about coaching culture shifts and the rising focus on mental health, especially for girls navigating pressure in an always-on world. Through it all, the one-campus model keeps New Albany feeling close, even as class sizes balloon.

The conversation turns to service and why it matters. Real estate, for Lauren, is a vehicle to invest in neighbors, not a highlight reel of listings. She launched She Rises, a women-led gathering built on resilience and tangible giving, channeling funds to Buddy Up For Life and next year to children’s health at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. It’s local, visible impact that honors loss with action, and it rests on a simple credo: service to others is the rent we pay for our room on earth. Come for the sports and small-town lore, stay for the blueprint on how to grow without losing your soul. Subscribe, share with a New Albany friend, and tell us: what tradition would you protect first?

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A few rows of tomatoes. That’s all it took to spark a movement that now feeds families across Central Ohio with fresh, organic produce grown by neighbors who care. Catherine Duffy joins us to share how she and her husband Sean turned pandemic downtime into Garden for All, a year-round operation that donates tens of thousands of pounds of food to local pantries while building a stronger, kinder community.

We get into the origin story—three 25-foot rows, a kitchen scale, and a simple promise to help—and follow the growth to a dual-site model: a third-acre garden beside All Saints and a three-acre organic farm near Johnstown. Catherine explains how high tunnels keep lettuce, kale, and collards coming through winter; why cut-flower beds exist for pollinators and for dignity; and how a “grow to request” approach ensures pantries receive culturally familiar foods people actually want. The conversation tackles rising food insecurity even in affluent zip codes, the ripple effects of budget cuts on fresh produce supply, and the health impact of getting real vegetables onto dinner tables.

We also dig into the nuts and bolts: organic practices without certification, tractors and efficiency at small-farm scale, cold storage logistics, and coordinating deliveries across partners with different schedules. Along the way, Catherine highlights municipal composting as an easy on-ramp to sustainability and shares how companies, families, and students can plug in. No green thumb required—there are roles for harvesting, packing, arranging bouquets, and leading with heart.

If you’ve driven by the garden and wondered what’s happening behind the fence, this is your invitation. Join a tour, bring your team for a volunteer day, donate backyard surplus, or contribute funds that turn seeds into meals. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who loves community impact, and leave a review to help more neighbors discover Garden for All.

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What happens when 7,500 cyclists, 3,000 volunteers, and tens of thousands of spectators come together for a common cause? Something truly extraordinary.

Joe Apgar, CEO of Pelotonia and a cancer survivor himself, takes us behind the scenes of the organization that has raised over $320 million for cancer research at The James Cancer Hospital. His personal journey from testicular cancer diagnosis during his senior year of college to leading one of the most successful fundraising movements in cancer research exemplifies the full-circle impact Pelotonia creates.

The magic of Pelotonia lies in its unique funding structure – corporate sponsors underwrite all operational costs, ensuring 100% of participant-raised dollars go directly to research. This model has funded breakthroughs ranging from life-saving drugs to the country's first FDA-approved telehealth clinical trial, which allows patients anywhere to participate without relocating near a research hospital.

New Albany has been instrumental to Pelotonia's success since its earliest days, consistently producing more participants and fundraising than almost any other zip code. The community's embrace of the event – from decorated streets to emotional "spirit stations" where patients thank riders – creates powerful moments that transcend the physical challenge of cycling.

As Pelotonia expands beyond its flagship Ride Weekend to include gravel rides, hiking events, and kids' rides across twelve communities, the organization maintains its laser focus on excellence while evolving to engage more people in its mission. The recent recruitment of Dr. Kimron Rathmel, former director of the National Cancer Institute, to lead The James signals even greater possibilities ahead for cancer research in Columbus.

Ready to be part of something bigger than yourself? Visit pelotonia.org to discover how you can contribute to groundbreaking cancer research through riding, volunteering, or donating to this remarkable community movement.

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What does it take to build a thriving art gallery from the ground up? Hayley's journey offers a masterclass in following your passion against all odds.

Growing up on Long Island with its breathtaking beaches, Hayley developed an early love for beauty and creativity through museum visits with her art-teacher sister. While her corporate marketing career took her around the world, art remained her true passion—using paychecks to buy paintings while friends splurged on luxury cars and vacations.

Life took a dramatic turn when she received a lifetime achievement award in her mid-forties. Reflecting on her father's passing at 47 and her constant travels away from her young children, Hayley realized something needed to change. A synagogue fundraiser where she organized an art auction revealed an unexpected truth: New Albany residents loved buying original art. Just like that, a business plan was born.

The Hayley Gallery opened on November 8, 2007—her father's birthday—with an overwhelming response of 500 attendees. Then came the 2008 recession. Hayley cashed in retirement accounts, sold jewelry, and made countless sacrifices to keep her dream alive, driven by commitment to the artists who trusted her with their work.

Today, the gallery represents 90 diverse artists, each with remarkable stories—from Adam Culp, who creates art inspired by his experience of blindness before cornea transplants, to Sean Augustine, who found healing through art after military service. The gallery has become more than a business; it's a community where artists' stories of transformation inspire visitors and collectors alike.

Come visit the Hayley Gallery, where you'll be greeted by Maddie the gallery dog and surrounded by beautiful, meaningful art in an inviting atmosphere that breaks down the intimidation often associated with art spaces. As Hayley tells visitors, "You're standing in my dream."

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What if the solution to a complex challenge isn't what experts assume, but what users actually need? Aaron Westbrook discovered this truth firsthand, born without his right hand in a world where representation for people with limb differences was practically non-existent.

Aaron's story begins in New Albany, where his family has deep roots going back to the 1940s. As a tech-savvy teenager who served as unofficial tech support for family members, Aaron's life changed when he gained access to his high school's 3D printer. With remarkable initiative, he approached a teacher he'd never met, explaining his research and asking for help. By the end of his sophomore year, Aaron had created his first 3D-printed prosthetic arm—and discovered his life's purpose.

Just three months after high school graduation, Aaron founded Form 5, a nonprofit organization creating adaptive products for people with limb differences. Now celebrating its eighth anniversary, Form 5 has pioneered an approach fundamentally different from the prosthetics industry. Rather than developing expensive, high-tech devices that look impressive but offer limited practical value, Aaron listens to what users actually need for specific activities.

This philosophy led to Form 5's innovative COFAB (Collaboration and Fabrication) workshops, where individuals with limb differences collaborate with college students and industry mentors to develop custom solutions. The results have been transformative—from helping a marching band member hold a trumpet to enabling a woman to ride a bike for a cancer fundraiser.

Form 5's signature innovation, the Bike Arm Adapter, represents a paradigm shift in adaptive technology. Unlike traditional prosthetics that attach to the person, the adapter connects to the bicycle handlebar and features a sizing system similar to shoes. This approach makes the product more affordable, adaptable, and sustainable—outgrown adapters can be returned and repurposed.

Aaron's vision extends beyond those missing limbs to include people with neuromuscular diseases, stroke, arthritis, and Parkinson's. Through Form 5, he's become "the person I needed growing up," creating representation and tools that were missing from his own childhood.

Connect with Form 5 at their finish line celebration on September 13th at North High Brewing in Westerville as Aaron completes his 190-mile fundraising ride from Indianapolis to Columbus, and help them reach their $100,000 goal to expand their life-changing work nationwide.

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What if technology could bridge equity gaps instead of widening them? In this thought-provoking conversation with Brad Griffith, founder of Buckeye Innovation, we explore how purposeful technology is transforming lives in unexpected ways.

Brad takes us on a journey from his early days as one of the first tenants in New Albany's business incubator to building applications that help students with disabilities find meaningful employment and assist justice-involved individuals in clearing their records. His passion for using technology to solve real human problems shines through in every project he describes.

The discussion tackles AI head-on, offering a refreshingly balanced perspective. "Is AI a threat? Yes, but there are so many other threats to business," Brad explains. Rather than fearing technological evolution, he embraces it while recognizing where humans still maintain the creative edge. "AI is built to give you the most likely answer. It's not saying 'I'm going to look at a totally different industry and see how it applies here.'"

Perhaps most intriguing is Brad's successful implementation of a four-day work week at Buckeye Innovation. When he announced plans to grow revenue by 25% while cutting work hours by 20%, skeptical colleagues questioned his logic. His response? "The behaviors that enable us to cut our work week back by 20% are the same behaviors that will enable us to grow." This philosophy of intentional rest and focused productivity challenges conventional wisdom about how we structure our work lives.

The conversation weaves together business innovation, family life, and community involvement, revealing how technology can enhance human connection rather than diminish it. Whether you're a business leader, technology enthusiast, or simply curious about creating more purpose-driven work, you'll find valuable insights in Brad's approach to technology that serves humanity.

Ready to rethink how technology can be used for good? Subscribe now and join our community of innovators making a difference through purposeful work.

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Have you ever wondered what makes a service dog so extraordinary? In this eye-opening conversation with Matt from Canine Companions, we uncover the remarkable journey these dogs take from puppyhood to becoming life-changing partners for people with disabilities.

Nestled on 16 acres in New Albany sits one of the country's most impactful nonprofits that many locals don't even realize exists. For nearly 50 years, Canine Companions has been breeding, raising, and training service dogs that transform lives through their ability to perform dozens of specialized tasks. From retrieving dropped items to opening doors, turning on lights, and even helping veterans with PTSD navigate challenging situations, these dogs enable independence in ways that seem almost magical.

What makes this organization truly special is their commitment to providing these $50,000+ service dogs completely free of charge to recipients. Matt walks us through the fascinating process - from the careful breeding of Labs and Goldens in California to the dedicated volunteer puppy raisers who socialize the dogs for 18 months before professional trainers teach them 45 specific commands. We learn about the meticulous matching process that pairs each dog with the perfect recipient based on their unique needs and lifestyle.

The stories Matt shares are nothing short of incredible. A veteran stranded in an empty parking lot when his keys fell under his Jeep, only to have his service dog retrieve them without even being commanded. Children in schools who couldn't be calmed by teachers or administrators but immediately settled when a service dog entered the room. College students gaining independence through their canine partners. These aren't just dogs - they're life partners providing freedom, confidence, and connection.

Want to witness these amazing animals in action? Join Canine Companions at their annual Dog Fest on September 21st from 1-4pm at their New Albany campus. This family-friendly event welcomes both humans and pets to explore the facilities, meet service dogs and their recipients, and learn more about how these extraordinary animals are changing lives every day. Whether you're considering becoming a volunteer puppy raiser, supporting their mission, or simply fascinated by what dogs can achieve through specialized training, this is an organization that deserves the spotlight.

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Three identical brothers, one million YouTube views, and a rapidly growing podcast that's capturing their community's attention. Meet Houston and Alexander, two-thirds of the triplet team behind "Anything Flies," a podcast that transformed from casual lunch table debates into a media platform with impressive reach.

What started as six high school friends discussing sports has evolved into a polished production featuring the three brothers and their friend Nash. With 870 subscribers and climbing, these young content creators have tapped into the power of consistent, quality content centered around their community. Their journey illustrates how dedication to craft and willingness to experiment can turn a simple idea into something truly special.

The brothers share how they approached their high school baseball coach with a bold proposal to provide game coverage—complete with live commentary, highlight reels, and behind-the-scenes content. Their persistence paid off, creating not just entertaining content but a valuable service for families who couldn't attend games in person. This initiative perfectly demonstrates how podcasting can bridge gaps in community connection.

As they prepare to attend Cedarville University together where they'll continue their golf careers (they've been playing since age four), the brothers reflect on production techniques, content strategies, and how they'll maintain their creative momentum through college. Their entertaining formats like "Beard or No Beard" and blind rankings of everyday items showcase their knack for engaging audiences beyond just sports talk.

Whether you're interested in starting your own podcast, building a YouTube presence, or simply appreciate stories of young entrepreneurs finding their voice, this conversation offers practical insights and genuine enthusiasm for the power of storytelling. Listen now to discover how three identical voices created a unique media presence that's just getting started.

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