Thomas Edison, Toni Morrison, Lebron James, Halle Berry, Neil Armstrong, Gloria Steinem, eight U.S. presidents, Dean Martin, Dave Chappelle, The Wright brothers — The list of noteworthy people from Ohio is as long as it is diverse.
Bob Hope, Steven Spielberg, Phyllis Diller, Jonathan Winters, John Glenn, Cy Young, John D. Rockefeller, George Steinbrenner, Ted Turner, The Isley Brothers, Lillian Gish — It’s not just long, some find it exhausting … unless you’re From Ohio.
For whatever reason, the Buckeye State has delivered a veritable treasure trove of talented and inspiring people, some who are universally known, others who should be. But all have helped shape culture, impacted society in profound ways and contributed to the betterment of the human condition. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles did it on a four-inch beam performing on a world stage. George “Shotgun” Shuba did it with a simple handshake.
But they all have one thing in common — they are all From Ohio.
As a proud Ohioan, and a self-diagnosed Ohio-file, it is my privilege to present From Ohio, a podcast dedicated to the some of the greatest people and stories in the state’s rich history. Each episode comes in as an insightful 17 minutes of inspiration, education and fun. Why 17 minutes? It’s, of course, a nod to Ohio being the 17th state to join the union!
On From Ohio, we link up with a featured guest to discuss their stories and their Ohio roots. How did it shape who they became? Do they still live there or go back for visits? What’s their relationship with the state now? What inspiration do they draw from their upbringing. Just what is their Ohio story?
The goal is to appreciate our Ohio heroes, catalog their stories and inspire the next generation of creators From Ohio.
The state motto is "With God All Things Are Possible.” From Ohio's guests are proof.
We hope you enjoy the show!
Phil Smrek
17. Al Bright
As the only Black boy on his championship little league baseball team, artist and educator Al Bright was the subject of a gut wrenching racist event. The story was told in the bestselling book Caste and its film adaptation, Origin. It would not, however, keep Al from leaving behind a beautiful body of knowledge and work.
16. Irving Lev
100-year-old Irving Lev is one of the last living jewels of the Greatest Generation. Irv flew combat missions on D Day during WWII. It was, however, his unheralded missions after the war that may have had the most impact.
15. Sweet Memories Vintage Tees and Candy
From Akron’s Dum Dumbs to Youngstown’s Good Humor Ice Cream, owner and operator Linda Barton exalts Ohio’s iconic brands.
14. Emily Fedner
Line cook turned foodie influencer Emily Fedner has more stewing than a large “byte” sized following. Co-host and celebrity chef Jordan Andino helps parse her secret sauce.
13. Cameron Granger & Jacob Mason-Macklin
Two artists under 30 discuss their Ohio art influences, education, and paths to MoMA PS 1.
12. Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini
My hometown hero talks all things Youngstown and his evolution from world title boxer to local film producer for a national audience.
11. From Cleveland For Cleveland
Three leading local entertainment professionals discuss their interactive event series, bringing Hollywood talents like Lili Reinhart, Monica Potter, and Tom Hanks back to their Ohio roots.
10. Our Team
Author Luke Epplin talks about his book, Our Team: The Epic Story Of Four Men And The World Series That Changed Baseball. Set against a 1948-bustling Cleveland, where the unlikely alchemy of Larry Doby, Bob Feller, Satchel Page, and team owner Bill Veek led the Indians to a norm-shattering Championship pennant.
9. Michael Feinstein
Multi-platinum selling Grammy & Emmy-nominated artist Michael Feinstein tells his journey from Columbus piano bars to Carnegie Hall and beyond!
8. Adele Bertei
Multi-disciplinary artist: author, singer, songwriter, film director—Adele Bertei tells the tale of growing up a ward of the state to her barrier-breaking success as an LGBTQ+ creative, alongside pop culture's biggest signifiers. Photo credit: Jasmine Hirst.
7. Myesha Evon Gardner
The creative eye behind Nordstrom's Black Owned Everything campaign, photographer and art director Myesha Evon Gardner talks growing up with five sisters and its impact on her distinctive vision exulting feminine beauty.
6. Mike DeCapite
Cold temps means Jacket Weather … the reading kind! Mike DeCapite talks about his latest book: re-finding the love of his life in NYC and an evening of bliss on a snowy December evening in Cleveland.
5. Todd Stephens
In part three of his Sandusky trilogy, Swan Song, filmmaker Todd Stephens tells the story of a local firebrand Mr. Pat, played by Udo Kier, who reminds us it's never too late to be fabulous!
4. George “Shotgun” Shuba
A simple handshake with Jackie Robinson by Youngstown’s own George Shuba showed the country Black Lives mattered long before it became a slogan. Hear his groundbreaking story as told by his son Mike.
3. Austin Pendleton
Broadway Bound in both directions. Perhaps America’s most unheralded national treasure in the arts, Austin Pendleton is the awe of Meryl Streep, the late Philip Seymour Hoffman and other theatrical luminaries. Here he talks about growing up in Warren bound for Broadway, film, and television; and his return home to perform Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound.
2. Jaysin McCollum
A Lion King from The Queen City! Actor, singer, dancer Jaysin McCollum tells the story of how leaving the football playing field lead to playing on a Broadway stage in The Lion King. And a special evening singing backup for Sir Elton John.
1. Naked Cowboy - Robert Burck
A hustler’s hustler and a living NYC icon , Robert Burck tells how his rebellious upbringing outside Cincinnati led to the motivation- seeking, self-improvement driven, mantra-backed incarnation of the Naked Cowboy.