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PODCAST

Everything Is Local

Have you ever wondered what really goes on in local government? I’m Mike Burkons, your host and a former city council member. Some people loved me, some… well, let’s just say they weren’t fans but I’m here to pull back the curtain on the decisions that shape local communities. Every week, I’ll share insights from my time in office and break down local issues,controversies and dramas occurring in local governments in the area, not just in Beachwood, in a way that’s easy to understand and maybe even

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All Episodes

67:40

Ep. 39 - Mike and Shana Are Back!!

Everything Is Local ·

2025/11/01

This is Mike's and Shana's first podcast in over a month since the owner of the studio we were using had health issues.This is a great episode where they talk about:The upcoming city council election.Some recent and past school district administration issues and controversies.How at Monday night's Council meeting "the administration" (which is the Mayor), is asking Council to approve replacing Mayor Justin Bern's city owned 2022, with only 38,400 miles, for a new one costing $53,460.Subscribe for

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67:23

Ep. 38 - Cleveland Heights in Chaos and Mollie's...

Everything Is Local ·

2025/08/26

Walk into a stranger's house? Check. Withhold information from city council? Check. Vilify the police chief? Check. This week on Everything is Local, we go deep on the political dumpster fire that is Cleveland Heights. Former councilwoman Josie Moore sits down to give us an insider's account of Mayor Kahlil Seren's administration, detailing the paranoia, the empowered first lady, and the shocking decision that cost the city its bond rating. We discuss the grassroots recall effort, the upcoming vote,

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85:44

Ep. 37 - Campaign Trails & Dubai Chocolate: A Chat...

Everything Is Local ·

2025/08/19

Join us for a lively and insightful conversation with In Son Loving, a candidate for Cleveland Municipal Judge, as she shares her unique journey from a military kid with a fascinating name origin to her passion for justice and community service. We dive into the challenges of judicial elections, the importance of diverse voices on the bench, and why name recognition isn’t always enough.Joined by her campaign partner (returning guest Angel) In Sun Loving and the crew dive into grassroots campaigning,

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64:44

Ep. 36 - Shade Junkies & Political Drama: Aging,...

Everything Is Local ·

2025/08/05

It’s finally August, and the weather is (mercifully) less scorching—but the drama in local politics is heating up. In this episode, we unpack:The Sun vs. Age 40+: Why does the sun feel like kryptonite now? Floppy hats, umbrellas at baseball games, and the tragic downfall of sunscreen loyalty.Beachwood’s Apartment Boom: Do 451 new one-bedrooms actually attract young families—or just more shade-seeking residents? Plus, the shady ties between developers and former city employees.Cleveland Heights’

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75:31

Ep. 35 - Studio Apartments = Baby Factories?...

Everything Is Local ·

2025/07/29

This week, Mike and Shana dive into Beachwood’s contentious housing policies after Councilman Pete Smith’s eyebrow-raising claim that one-bedroom apartments attract young families—because "young people meet each other and make families." Spoiler: Mike isn’t buying it. The duo breaks down why rezoning for 55+ communities and studio-heavy developments contradicts the city’s stated goal of attracting young families, especially when existing data shows almost zero examples of singles-turned-families

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35:38

Ep. 34 - Flamingo Parties & Failing Priorities:...

Everything Is Local ·

2025/07/15

In this episode of Everything is Local, we're celebrating Shana’s newfound age (and hopefully wisdom)! Mike and Shana discuss her boy-free birthday bash before moving on to the local news. The duo then dive deeper into Pete Smith’s emphasis on the importance of bringing young families into Beachwood. They discuss what these new residences might cost the families in question, as well as the (sometimes oversold) merits of living in Beachwood. Also in local news, Shana provides an update on the fight

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61:21

Ep. 33 - Rabble-Rousing & Rezoning: Inside...

Everything Is Local ·

2025/07/01

In this lively episode, Mike and Shana dive into a whirlwind of topics, from solo parenting adventures ("Boys' Week") to heated local politics—including candid takes on city council endorsements, social media rabble-rousing, and the surprising bombshells from a recent Democratic Club meeting.They also debate the merits of Disney trips (are they worth the hype or an overpriced headache?), share a wild golf-cart-in-a-storm story, and rave about Two Brothers Pizza’s wings. Plus, a mysterious fire alarm

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56:03

Ep. 32 - Fifty Festivities, School Board Slam, and...

Everything Is Local ·

2025/06/24

In this triumphant return of Everything is Local, we unpack the whirlwind of current events—from fiery local politics and heated school funding debates to national protests and the ever-shifting media landscape. We explore the complexities of democracy, the highs and lows of community leadership, and the cultural changes redefining our world.But it’s not all serious—get the inside scoop on recent escapades, including a wild baseball tournament, a memorable trip to Cincinnati, and some laugh-out-loud

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51:10

Ep. 31 - Dental Daze and How the School Pays: A...

Everything Is Local ·

2025/06/10

In this episode of Everything is Local, join Mike (now with one less tooth) and Shana as we follow up on the explosive reception of their recent episode with Missy. We dive into recent school district negotiations, the surprising $27 million settlement, audience feedback, and the importance of standing by your principles—especially in politics and education. Plus, Shana shares his excitement for the Savannah Bananas game, and we clear the air on Mike's fight song blunder.Tune in for a classic Mike

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45:38

Ep. 30 - Retaining Teachers, Building Community: A...

Everything Is Local ·

2025/06/03

In this special episode, Mike and Shana sit down with Missy, a dedicated educator with 16 years at Beechwood High School, to shed light on the ongoing negotiations surrounding the district’s teacher contract. They explore the challenges of salary schedules, retention of young teachers, and the importance of community support for educators.Plus, insights into teaching history in a divided era, the significance of personal relationships in education, and what the community can do to help make

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79:50

Ep. 29 - Local Politics, Local Law, and the Cost of...

Everything Is Local ·

2025/05/27

In this episode, we unpack a whirlwind week filled with local politics, legal controversies, and reflections on leadership and accountability. From the Beechwood Schools Foundation scholarships to the Cleveland Heights body cam controversy, we explore how law, politics, and integrity intersect—and what it takes to hold those in power accountable. Join us for candid conversations, sharp insights, and a look at how community leaders' decisions ripple through our lives. Plus, a special nod to the

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43:03

Ep. 28 - Stadium Dreams and Budget Nightmares

Everything Is Local ·

2025/05/20

Join us for a candid and chaotic deep dive into Cleveland's ongoing stadium saga, city budgeting nightmares, and the bizarre adventures with raccoons in the attic. We vent about the city’s reckless spending, the potential impact of a new stadium in Brook Park, and the true cost of infrastructure projects.Plus, personal stories about mice, raccoons, and the quest for the perfect date night. Whether you're a local resident or just love a good rant, this episode is packed with honest opinions, local

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29:07

Ep. 27 - Nothing and Everything: Tales of Pain,...

Everything Is Local ·

2025/05/13

In this episode, we dive into a mix of candid stories—from navigating dental pain and the addictive grip of opioids, to the surprising world of high fashion at the Met Gala, and the intricacies of local politics and community events. Join us as we discuss the realities of pain management, reflect on the legacy of Justice Souter, share family updates, and poke fun at the quirks of our town’s shred day. It's a little bit of nothing, a lot of everything—perfect for those who enjoy honest conversations,

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48:53

Ep. 26 - Beachwood's Fairmount Temple Flip & The Deer...

Everything Is Local ·

2025/05/06

Welcome back to Everything is Local! Join us as we dive deep into Beachwood's controversial purchase and proposed development of the Fairmount Temple property, including revelations from public records requests, concerns about density, and the debate over TIFs. Plus, we tackle the surprisingly heated topic of deer management in the city, from culling to sterilization, and share some personal (and potentially embarrassing) stories along the way. Mike and Shana bring on Matt Hildebrand for a classic

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64:42

Ep. 25 - Between the Lines: Navigating Debate, Free...

Everything Is Local ·

2025/04/29

Hosts Shana and Mike did some Podcast-based research this week! Our intrepid hosts take a critical look at Isreal-Palestine debate featured on Joe Rogan. Tune in as they explore themes of nuance, responsibility, and the importance of allowing divergent perspectives in the wake of societal contention.Our hosts grapple with the controversial figures and ideas presented in modern media, highlighting insightful moments from podcasts featuring comedians-turned-commentators like Dave Smith and Andrew

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43:29

Ep. 24 - Stitching Kindness, US Marshall Madness,...

Everything Is Local ·

2025/04/22

Welcome to a special episode of Everything is Local! This week, Mike and Shana shine a spotlight on the incredible work of Dr. Matt Goldschmidt, a renowned plastic surgeon and passionate do-gooder. He shares his inspiring journey of how he combines his medical expertise with a heartfelt mission to improve the lives of children with cleft palates in underserved communities around the world.Listen in as Dr. Goldschmidt discusses his nonprofit organization, Beautiful Faces, and the annual charity

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48:54

Ep. 23 - Pepper Pike Politics: A Deeper Dive on a...

Everything Is Local ·

2025/04/15

Welcome back to Everything is Local, in this episode your hosts Mike and Shana dive into Pepper Pike with new insights and fresh information. This week, we unpack the hot-button issues surrounding the proposed charter amendments that have divided the community with special guest John Currid.Join Mike, Shana, and John as they discuss the implications of the recent charter proposals, focusing on accountability, the role of the mayor, and the political processes that seem to prioritize speed over

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41:21

Ep. 22 - Mike’s Triumphant Return: Sidewalk Politics...

Everything Is Local ·

2025/04/08

Welcome back to Everything is Local! Join Mike and Shana for a return-to-format as your co-hosts sift through the contrasting opinions surrounding city governance, and explore the real-life implications for everyday residents. We’ll discuss how small-town drama can affect the community, from sidewalk proposals, to budget mismanagement, while emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and keeping oneself in the loop!But it's not all serious talk! Mike reminisces on his recent trip to Arizona

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30:03

Ep. 21 - Shana Flies Solo with Kim Dettmer!...

Everything Is Local ·

2025/04/01

In this solo episode, your Shana steps into the spotlight while partner Mike enjoys his spring training adventures in Arizona. Join her as she welcomes the incredible Kim Dettmer, an artist using her creativity as a means of activism during these tumultuous times. Together, they dive deep into the current landscape for women in America, touching on the anxiety surrounding political decisions, social norms, and the impact of recent legislation like the controversial Bible-infused curriculum in

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37:27

Ep. 20 - Mike's Pre-Vacation Training

Everything Is Local ·

2025/03/25

Welcome back to Everything is Local! Join Mike and Shana in this free-flowing episode as he gears up for an exciting spring break trip to Arizona. With plans to soak up the sun, catch a spring training game, and even explore the Grand Canyon, Mike shares his anticipations both good and bad.Plus, get ready for a range of topics ranging from balancing tight schedules with family commitments, to the perils of high school sports, and unexpected celebrity gossip. From discussions on the latest in

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