Boiling Point Cincinnati

In hour one, Michelle takes a closer look at Indianapolis’ ongoing experiment with privatizing public education. She examines how privatization efforts have reshaped schools in the city, fueled segregation, and impacted students, teachers, and school staff. The conversation explores the broader consequences of treating public education as a marketplace rather than a public good.

In hour two, Clayton and Mark sit down with Jeff Demar...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Susan VonderHaar of Citizens for Rights of the Ohio River Watershed (CROW) for a conversation on the environmental challenges facing the Ohio River and the broader environmental movement. The two discuss water quality, environmental stewardship, and the importance of protecting the natural world through a lens of compassion, sustainability, and care for all living beings.

In hour two, Clayton and...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with consultant and author Peter Block for a wide-ranging conversation on organizing, citizenship, and building stronger communities. The two explore what it takes to create deeper human connection in modern society, the importance of civic engagement, and Peter’s perspective on how patriarchy continues to shape institutions and culture in the West.

In hour two, Clayton and Mark are joined by treasure...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Bryan Georgilis, Jayme Scott, and Connor Malloy of IBEW Local 212 for a conversation about life in the labor movement and the value of union membership. The group discusses the role the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers plays in supporting tradespeople, while Bryan also shares why he’s running to become president of Local 212 and the vision he has for the union’s future.

In hour two...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Brennan, Tim, and Patience from the Cincinnati Interfaith Workers' Center to discuss how the organization supports working-class people across the region. They highlight the resources and advocacy they provide, while also previewing their upcoming May Day celebration on May 1st and what it represents for workers locally and beyond.

In hour two, Mark takes a closer look at the growing childca...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Alison Kromer and Andrea Baker from Communities United for Action (CUFA) to discuss the organization’s role in the Greater Cincinnati community. They break down how CUFA is advocating for residents and influencing policy decisions around sewer and stormwater infrastructure—issues that directly impact neighborhoods across the region.

In hour two, Mark and Clayton react to the recent Hamilton Count...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Sue Bilz, a retired Cincinnati Public Schools math teacher and board member of the West Price Hill Community Council. Sue reflects on her career in education and discusses how she’s stayed actively engaged in her community after retirement, continuing to advocate for students and neighborhoods alike.

In hour two, Clayton and Mark examine how the war in Iran is hitting working people here at home....

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Chuck Lohre of the Greater Cincinnati Earth Coalition for a thoughtful conversation on sustainability in today’s world. They explore green energy, sustainable construction and architecture, and the importance of LEED certification—while also discussing what individuals and communities can do to reduce their ecological footprint.

In hour two, Mark and Clayton dive into two increasingly contentious...

In hour one, Michelle takes a closer look at the billionaire influence shaping education reform across the country. She unpacks who is funding these initiatives, how their policies are making their way into public schools, and what the real impact is on students, educators, and local communities.

In hour two, Clayton and Mark are joined by Christy Pember of Coffee. Compassion. Action. to discuss grassroots political organizing and l...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Dave Baker, Business Manager for Ironworkers Local 44, to reflect on his journey in the labor movement and the real value of union membership. From wages to benefits, job security to training opportunities, Baker explains why being in a union offers far more than just a paycheck.

In hour two, Clayton and Mark are joined by State Representative Karen Brownlee of Ohio’s 28th House District. Brownle...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Bryan Hambley, Democratic candidate for Ohio Secretary of State, for a wide-ranging conversation on the power and responsibility of the office. They break down what the Secretary of State actually does and how Hambley would expand access to the ballot box and strengthen election integrity for voters of all political backgrounds.

In hour two, Mark and Clayton turn their attention to the growing fi...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Alex Gainer, a former U.S. diplomat and employee of United States Agency for International Development. The two walk through the timeline surrounding the dismantling of the agency and examine why the loss of USAID significantly weakens American diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and global development efforts.

In hour two, Clayton and Mark take a critical look at the controversial SAVE Act currently mo...

In hour one, Michelle takes a closer look at a growing local effort to reshape Cincinnati Public Schools through the group School Board Partners. She examines the group’s goals and political strategy, and discusses why many educators and community members believe their push toward privatization could have serious consequences for CPS students, teachers, and public education in Cincinnati.

In hour two, Clayton and Mark sit down with ...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Jim Cole, Political Director for the Northern Kentucky AFL-CIO, for a candid conversation about how politics and government decisions shape the labor movement—for better and for worse. They discuss legislation, elections, and the real-world impact public policy has on union strength, worker protections, and organizing efforts across the country.

In hour two, Mark breaks down the key issues and ca...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Don Hoffragge, President of APWU Local 164, as well as Marquita "Ms. Nickie" Wilson, APWU Local 164's legislative representative. The trio discuss the challenges currently facing the United States Postal Service. They explore workforce pressures, policy threats, and why the future of the postal system remains deeply connected to public service, labor protections, and reliable mail...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Cyan Perez, volunteer with the Working Families Party, for a conversation about the organization’s history, mission, and political strategy. They explore how the party operates, what it hopes to accomplish, and how grassroots organizers can influence elections and public policy from the ground up.

In hour two, Mark speaks with Julie Sellers, President of the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers, abo...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Ellen Vera, co-director of Co-op Cincy, a nonprofit that supports a growing network of worker-owned cooperatives across Greater Cincinnati. They break down how co-ops actually function, why democratic ownership matters, and how worker-led businesses can build wealth locally instead of shipping profits out of the community.

In hour two, Clayton and Mark welcome Caleb Price, candidate for Ohio’s 30...

In hour one, Michelle takes a deep dive into President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Great Society” agenda—examining the origins of landmark programs like Medicare, Medicaid, federal education funding, and anti-poverty initiatives. She explores how those policies reshaped the country and makes the case for why many of those social safety net programs remain essential for supporting everyday Americans today.

In hour two, Clayton and Mark sit ...

In hour one, Michelle sits down with Samantha Searls, Program Director at Ignite Peace, to explore the organization’s history and mission. They discuss the long tradition of nonviolent action in the face of injustice and why disciplined, community-based resistance remains one of the most powerful tools for social change.

In hour two, Mark and Clayton turn to international politics and economic fallout, examining Donald Trump’s renew...