So, Let’s Talk Columbus with Michael Wilkos

United Way of Central Ohio

A podcast about Columbus: where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re headed.

Columbus is changing—fast. From neighborhoods and schools to jobs, housing and opportunity, the city’s future is taking shape right now. So, Let’s Talk Columbus is your insider guide to understanding what’s happening and why it matters.

Hosted by Michael Wilkos, Vice President of Community Engagement at United Way of Central Ohio.

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12 episodes
Updated Tuesday

Episodes12

Newest first

Tuesday · 53 min
Episode 12: Closing the Gap Between Hard Work and Stability: A Conversation with Lisa Patt McDaniel
Send us Fan Mail Don't miss this timely conversation with Lisa Patt McDaniel, CEO of Aspyr Workforce Innovation, as Michael digs into the big question of our moment: why are so many hardworking people still struggling to get ahead? From wages and workforce pipelines to practical solutions for building more pathways to stability, this episode of So, Let's Talk Columbus is packed with insight, urgency and hope for central Ohio’s future. United is the Way. liveunitedcentralohio.org
July 14 · 29 min
Episode 11: Stuff the Backpack: A Conversation with Jenn Kiser
Send us Fan Mail Stuff the Backpack, a partnership between NBC4 and United Way of Central Ohio, celebrates the power of our central Ohio community that shows up for kids in a big way. In this episode, host Michael Wilkos talks with Jenn Kiser of NBC4 about the importance of volunteers, partners and neighbors coming together to provide backpacks and school supplies for more than 240,000 students over the years. Tune in to find out why this simple act makes such a meaningful difference on the first day of school and how you can get involved. Go to liveunitedcentralohio.org to donate or volunteer!
June 30 · 40 min
Episode 10: Behind the ALICE Numbers: A conversation with Melanie Hill
Send us Fan Mail More than one in three households in Franklin County is working hard but still struggling to cover the basics. In this episode of So, Let’s Talk Columbus, Melanie Hill of United Way of Central Ohio helps unpack the ALICE data and what it reveals about the hidden financial hardship shaping our community. It’s a powerful conversation about the real cost of living, the people behind the numbers, and what it will take to make Columbus a place where more families can thrive.
June 16 · 28 min
Episode 9: Beyond the Shelter Door: A Conversation with Shannon Isom (Part 2)
Send us Fan Mail This is the second half of this important conversation. If you missed part one, be sure to go back and listen first. In this episode of So, Let’s Talk Columbus, Michael talks with Shannon Isom, President and CEO of Community Shelter Board. Shannon Isom brings a powerful mix of candor, compassion and deep expertise to a conversation that cuts to the heart of what Columbus is facing. Shannon helps Michael unpack the real drivers behind homelessness, the strain on our shelter system, and why this issue is about more than individual circumstances. It’s about housing, systems and the kind of community we choose to build. Join Michael and Shannon for part one of a thoughtful, eye-opening discussion that will challenge assumptions and deepen your understanding of what it will take to move forward.
June 2 · 31 min
Episode 8: Beyond the Shelter Door: A Conversation with Shannon Isom (Part 1)
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of So, Let’s Talk Columbus, Michael talks with Shannon Isom, President and CEO of Community Shelter Board. Shannon Isom brings a powerful mix of candor, compassion and deep expertise to a conversation that cuts to the heart of what Columbus is facing. Shannon helps Michael unpack the real drivers behind homelessness, the strain on our shelter system, and why this issue is about more than individual circumstances. It’s about housing, systems and the kind of community we choose to build. Join Michael and Shannon for part one of a thoughtful, eye-opening discussion that will challenge assumptions and deepen your understanding of what it will take to move forward. Stay tuned for part two of this conversation on June 16.
May 19 · 42 min
Episode 7: Beyond the Books: A Conversation with Dr. Cheryl Wyatt
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of So, Let’s Talk Columbus, Michael talks with Dr. Cheryl Wyatt of Success by Third Grade about how early literacy is about more than reading. It’s about the community coming together to strengthen the systems, supports and partnerships that help children thrive. Whether you’re new to Success by Third Grade or a longtime champion of the movement, this conversation offers fresh insight into the exciting work happening across Franklin County to create stronger futures for our students.
May 5 · 30 min
Episode 6: Stable Homes, Brighter Futures: A Conversation with Samantha Stewart
Send us Fan Mail On this episode of So, Let’s Talk Columbus with Michael Wilkos, Michael explores how housing stability shapes a child’s ability to learn, grow and thrive, through a powerful conversation with Samantha Stewart of the YMCA of Central Ohio. It’s a human-centered look at the families doing everything they can to stay afloat, and the community partnership that is helping stabilize families, and keeping kids in school and hope within reach.
April 21 · 43 min
Episode 5: A Place to Call Home: A Conversation with Erin Prosser
Send us Fan Mail Don't miss this episode of So, Let's Talk Columbus with Michael Wilkos! Michael sits down with Erin Prosser, Deputy Director of Housing Strategies for the City of Columbus, to move beyond the problem and into the solutions. Together, they explore the strategies the city is using right now to expand housing access, preserve affordability and ensure Columbus remains a place where opportunity is within reach for everyone. Tune in to hear from someone working on the front lines of one of our region's most pressing challenges and to understand what it will actually take to make sure a growing Columbus is a Columbus that works for all its residents.
April 7 · 20 min
Episode 4: Housing - The Foundation of Columbus’s Future
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of So, Let’s Talk Columbus with Michael Wilkos, Michael takes you inside one of the most important issues shaping our region’s future: housing. He explores why Columbus is growing faster than its housing supply, what that means for affordability and stability, and why housing is about much more than buildings. It’s about whether the people who make our community work can afford to stay here. Tune in to better understand the forces behind Columbus’s housing challenges and what it will take to keep our city vibrant and accessible for every resident. **Bonus story at the end of the podcast!
March 24 · 34 min
Episode 3: What Welcome Looks Like: A Conversation with Emelia Sheeley
Send us Fan Mail Don’t miss this episode of So, Let’s Talk Columbus with Michael Wilkos! Michael sits down with Emelia Sheeley, executive director of Riverview International Center, a nonprofit partner of United Way of Central Ohio. Together, they move from data to lived experience, exploring what it looks like on the ground to welcome and support New American neighbors in our community. Tune in to hear how one small but mighty organization is helping translate demographic change into opportunity, connection and community resilience. Whether you listened to the last episode or are just joining the conversation, you’ll come away with a more human, hopeful understanding of what it means to build a stronger Columbus.
March 10 · 17 min
Episode 2: The New Americans Shaping Columbus
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of So, Let’s Talk Columbus with Michael Wilkos, Michael explores how New Americans are driving the population and economic growth that is reshaping Columbus and Franklin County. He unpacks the data behind recent trends, showing that nearly all net growth in the city is coming from diverse communities, with international migration now the primary engine of change. Tune in to better understand how global stories are becoming Columbus stories. Whether you’re a civic leader, a person of faith or simply curious about where Columbus is headed, this episode offers a clear, compelling look at the people shaping our next chapter.
February 23 · 34 min
Columbus' Biggest Fan
Send us Fan Mail In this debut episode of So, Let’s Talk Columbus with Michael Wilkos, United Way of Central Ohio President & CEO Lisa S. Courtice, Ph.D., sits down with Michael to find out what makes him one of Columbus’ most trusted voices on where our community has been and where it’s headed. As United Way’s vice president of community engagement, Michael is a sought-after speaker across central Ohio, known for blending data, storytelling and deep local insight in ways that resonate with leaders across sectors. Tune in now to learn about Michael’s enthusiastic passion for the people, places and possibilities that shape Columbus. The conversation dives into connection, civic pride and seeing our community through the eyes of someone who truly knows and loves it. Whether you’re new to Columbus or a lifelong resident, you are certain to gain a fresh perspective and learn something unexpected about our community.

So, Let’s Talk Columbus with Michael Wilkos

Episode 12: Closing the Gap Between Hard Work and Stability: A Conversation with Lisa Patt McDaniel

Episode 11: Stuff the Backpack: A Conversation with Jenn Kiser

Episode 10: Behind the ALICE Numbers: A conversation with Melanie Hill

Episode 9: Beyond the Shelter Door: A Conversation with Shannon Isom (Part 2)

Episode 8: Beyond the Shelter Door: A Conversation with Shannon Isom (Part 1)

Episode 7: Beyond the Books: A Conversation with Dr. Cheryl Wyatt

Episode 6: Stable Homes, Brighter Futures: A Conversation with Samantha Stewart

Episode 5: A Place to Call Home: A Conversation with Erin Prosser

Episode 4: Housing - The Foundation of Columbus’s Future

Episode 3: What Welcome Looks Like: A Conversation with Emelia Sheeley

Episode 2: The New Americans Shaping Columbus

Columbus' Biggest Fan