Spoils of Akron Podcast

Episode 81 - Shakespeare and Fairy Tales

Those attending Rubber City Shakespeare Company’s “Cymbeline,” which opens this Friday, Feb. 10 at the Well CDC, will get to see an evil stepmother, a poison apple and a young heroine who takes her destiny into her own hands. It's a fairy tale adventure, written long before Disney came along. Dane Leasure and Casey Robinson stop in to talk to Cody and Chris about this lesser known Shakespearean play, along with what it takes to put on productions in a former church sanctuary in Akron’s Middlebury neighborhood. The company offers unique takes on the Bard’s body of work, including an upcoming twist on King Lear. Visit www.rubbercityshakes.com/tickets for info.

Episode 80 - Blue Green is Bringing Back Broadcast

Blue Green joins the Spoils of Akron crew to talk about his new show "Around Akron with Blue Green," on Western Reserve PBS. Blue is on a mission to bring broadcast TV back to Akron. Cities of comparable size have multiple television stations, so if Blue has his druthers, we'll see more original TV content coming from Akron. His show profiles some of the best people, businesses and places Akron has to offer.

Episode 79 - A Night(light) at the Cinema

This week, Spoils of Akron is on location at the Nightlight Cinema in downtown Akron, where Executive Director Kurtiss Hare leads Ryan and Liz (and Chris behind the camera) on a tour of the theater, from the concession area, where specialty drinks are served in tandem with the featured movies, to the cinema’s brand new comfortable seats, which were recently installed thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign. Stop in to see a movie here and you’re sure to enjoy it, because the movies shown at this small arthouse cinema have been handpicked by Kurtiss and his team.(Check out the accompanying video for this podcast at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEw-Sket0g8&feature=youtu.be)

Episode 78- Create Like Kids

Jennifer Davis, from smART Studio, joins Liz and Chris to talk about the joys of teaching art to children, who are imaginative and eager to learn how to create. Along with the kids’ art opportunities, smArt Studio offers craft and maker sessions for adults, bringing out their inner creative child. Jen talks about growing up as an artist in Akron and the path that led her to become an educator, along with a new collaborative venture, Akron Craft + Social Club. This episode also features a special guest, the youngest guest in Spoils of Akron history.

Episode 77 - A Tale of Two Kevins

Liz and Chris welcome two talented Kevins this week: Kevin Richards and Kevin Smalley, who have collaborated for an art exhibit at the Mustard Seed Market & Cafe in Montrose. They talk about the artistic process, the coolness that is the University of Akron's art program at Folk Hall, the recent Mariah Carey New Year's Eve meltdown and some strange performance art ideas, most of which involve not wearing pants.

Episode 76 - Fire Monkeys, Princess Leia and New Year’s Resolutions

Why has 2016 been such a crappy year for many of us? Liz thinks it may be because this year is the Year of the Fire Monkey, according to the Chinese zodiac. She speaks with Chris and Ryan about the recent loss of Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia in the iconic Star Wars movies) and singer George Michael, along with a recent electrical fire in downtown Akron, which affected Liz and Jason’s living situation. They also discuss the Hale Farm holiday celebration, Weathervane Playhouse and New Year’s resolutions for 2017.

Episode 75 - A Handful of Hosts

The Core Four has regrouped for the 75th episode, but they also welcome a fifth host, a blast from the past, if you will. They talk about Ryan’s new job at the Akron Zoo and his trip to New York City for Thanksgiving (including the time he checked out the derriere of the Red Power Ranger). They also point out the many holiday happenings in Akron, including a number of local places to shop, and Cody and Ryan argue about Christmas trees. Special thanks to Ben Arrington, one of the original hosts, for making a return.

Episode 74 - Saving the Whales in Summit Lake

Liz and Chris get serious and discuss social issues in this episode. They also talk about Blu Jazz's electric piano and the benefits of shopping local during the holiday season.

Episode 73 - Karen Starr Wears Many Hats

To say Karen Starr’s a busy person is a vast understatement. Co-owner of Hazel Tree Interiors, Karen is a successful interior designer, sings in the band RoxxyMoron, helps lead sustainability group GAINS and is launching into a new project with photographer Shane Wynn to tell the stories of historical Akron wallpaper, among other activities. Regardless of what she's doing, one thing’s for sure: she loves Akron. Karen stops in to speak with Liz and Chris about these and other cool projects she’s involved with.

Episode 72 - The Barber of Highland Square

Michael Altomare has been a staple of Highland Square. As the owner of Highland Barber Shop, he’s seen a lot of changes. And he cut Jeffrey Dahmer’s hair one time, too. Chris and Liz also interview a bonus guest: Joanna Wallfisch, who is performing at BLU Jazz+ on Wednesday. A British singer-songwriter who lives in New York, Joanna shares her thoughts on Akron and plays a beautiful song on her ukulele.