Spoils of Akron Podcast

Episode 90.25 - Kids in Canton: A Night at the Museum

For this "in between" episode, Chris ventures a few minutes south to join hundreds of families for the Canton Museum of Art’s “Night at the Museum” event, in tandem with the “Avatars: Relics from the Future” exhibit. Joined by Danielle, he speaks with a number of kids about what items they treasure, along with their hopes for the future, and their favorite jokes and stories.

Episode 90 - What Rhymes With Akron?

Like a stream-of-consciousness verse, Akron’s poetry scene is steadily growing and taking shape, and Shane and Chris speak with three of the scene’s promising poets: Noor Hindi, Yoly and Mike Krutel. Yoly and Noor talk about the Poetry in Akron series, which enables local writers to perform their poems and spoken word, and Mike is one of the founders of the Big Big Mess Reading Series, which takes place monthly at Annabell’s. All three of the poets do a live reading, and Shane also busts out her poetry skills with an Akron-centric lyric (with promises of a Spoils of Akron rap in the near future).

Episode 89 - Katie Beck’s Wonderful Drama

Gum-Dip Theatre Founder Katie Beck has been using the arts to transform communities in Akron. Her projects combine community organizing with social empowerment, and her participants are able to tell their stories using theatre as their medium. Katie sits down with Shane and Chris to talk about "Nepali Applause: An Open Air Market/Performance Festival," a two-day event at North Hill’s Exchange House May 27 and 28, which features art, music, dance and the debut of an original play devised by six Bhutanese refugees based on their personal experiences. Among her many projects, she works with teen girls in the South Street neighborhood, along with collaborating with Firestone Park residents to help tell the story of Akron’s rubber industry heyday. Katie also talks about her ideal one-woman play and teaches Shane and Chris how to swear in Nepali. Find out more info at http://www.gumdiptheatre.com/.

Episode 88 - Animal Noises with Shane Wynn

It's Spoils of Akron 3.0. As the team tearfully wishes Liz a happy voyage to Key West, they introduce a brand new host (and popular past guest) Shane Wynn, a well known and talented Akronite. After officially introducing Shane, the other hosts re-introduce themselves and Shane shows off her impeccable array of animal calls. So, next time you hear what you think is a turkey or sheep, it's likely Shane with a camera.

Episode 87 - Let's Hear from the Kids

In this week's episode, Liz and Cody speak with a few of Akron's coolest kids (literally) to find out where they like to hang out, what they like to eat and why you shouldn't let your kids go to Cody's house. Special thanks to Shane Wynn and Lauren Ward for being such cool moms and letting us interview their children. 

Episode 86 - Arts Innovation in Akron

Adam Ganuza has a cool job. As Arts Program Officer with Knight Foundation, he travels to different cities meeting people and hearing about their ideas for improving the arts. And during his current visit to Akron, he’s informing residents about the Knight Arts Challenge, where a possible $1 million is up for grabs to fund arts-based project ideas. The challenge grant is open to anyone in Akron: nonprofits, businesses, groups or individuals. Adam talks about his background as a previous Knight Arts grantee in Miami and his appreciation of the arts and love of community. He'll be at a number of events this week to help answer questions about the Knight Arts Challenge, including coffee shop hours and evening presentations. Applications are open through April 28, and for the first round of applications, all you need to provide is a 150-word description of your project idea. For more info, visit www.knightarts.org.

Episode 85 - Jack Baker's Glass House

Akron Glass Works’ new location near the University of Akron is ideal for this glass blowing studio and gift shop, where everything is made by local artists, including the work of owner Jack Baker. On this episode (which also has an accompanying video - check out the Akronist's YouTube channel), Jack takes us through the inspiration behind Akron Glass Works, the building’s former life as a church and the company’s connection with artists, ending with a demonstration in the “hot shop,” where he creates a beautiful glass marble. To sign up for a glass-blowing workshop, contact http://www.akronglassworks.com.

Episode 84 - A Building With Many Stories

Akron’s historic buildings contain so many interesting stories of the city's past and its people, says Lauren Burge, who works as a historic architect. The firm Chambers, Murphy & Burge is responsible for restoring a number of important buildings in Akron, including its headquarters the Hermes Building. She talks about the “Akron Style,” which was known all over the country and can still be found in some of our churches, along with working in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, along with her most recent effort, a wine company called Bottle to Glass that she and her husband operate (headquartered at another historic building in downtown Akron).

Episode 83 - The Artist Chef

It’s apparent the artistry that goes into the day-to-day operations of downtown Akron’s Crave restaurant, which has been a staple for 12 years. Liz and Chris talk with owner Aaron Hervey about his background in acting, photography, painting and other creative endeavors, and he shares info about the upcoming opening of Crave Cantina in Cuyahoga Falls. Aaron also talks about why chefs eat tacos, and Liz shares some big news.

Episode 82 - A Culture of Entrepreneurs

Heather Roszczyk has one of the coolest jobs in Akron. As the Akron Entrepreneurship Fellow for the Fund for Our Economic Future, Heather gets to hear about and work with many of the area’s entrepreneurs, who are starting businesses and attempting to make their marks on Akron. She points out that many of our city’s startups are all about collaboration. Heather also oversees the website Akron is for Entrepreneurs (http://www.akronisforentrepreneurs.org/), which serves as a resource for local startups.