Episodes

  • The "Smither-vent" - Episode 100 - The Fight for Justice and Safety

    The "Smither-vent" - Episode 100 - The Fight for Justice and Safety
    Jul 21 2025
    Christopher Smitherman joins us to confront the alarming increase in violence affecting Cincinnati's 52 neighborhoods, casting a spotlight on recent tragedies like the early morning shooting in Rapid Run Park. We dissect the rift between city leadership and community needs while advocating for proactive policing and closer state collaboration. With local elections on the horizon, we highlight promising candidates like Steve Goodin and Linda Matthews, who appear ready to tackle these issues. Our discussion underscores the necessity for community and family involvement in curbing youth violence and echoes the call for leaders genuinely committed to cultivating a safer city.

    Turning to the controversial Epstein case, we demand transparency and accountability from the highest levels of power. The episode scrutinizes the lack of disclosure surrounding Epstein's mysterious death and the possible cover-ups involving high-profile figures, including Hunter Biden. With Ghislaine Maxwell's imprisonment raising further questions, the dialogue stresses the public's right to know the full extent of these alleged crimes. As frustration mounts, we emphasize the bipartisan demand for truth and transparency, underscoring the urgency of these critical issues and the need for justice for the victims.
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    20 mins
  • The "Smither-vent" - Episode 99- Where is the response to the gun violence?

    The "Smither-vent" - Episode 99- Where is the response to the gun violence?
    Jul 15 2025
    Gun violence and public safety are not just urban buzzwords but daily realities in cities like Cincinnati. With former vice mayor Christopher Smitherman joining us, we tackle these critical issues head-on, probing into the complex racial dynamics of crime statistics and the unsettling inertia of city leadership. Why do socioeconomic struggles often get blamed for the violence, and what can be done to bridge the gap between civic responsibility and public security? Join us as we question prevailing narratives and urge a reevaluation of leadership and voter expectations.
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    25 mins
  • The "Smither-vent" - Episode 98- The Mayor is M.I.A

    The "Smither-vent" - Episode 98- The Mayor is M.I.A
    Jul 7 2025
    21 mins
  • The "Smither-vent" - Episode 97- Speaking Out on City Violence

    The "Smither-vent" - Episode 97- Speaking Out on City Violence
    Jun 30 2025
    Former Vice Mayor of Cincinnati, Christopher Smitherman, brings his unfiltered perspective on the city's escalating safety issues, placing a spotlight on the recent rise in violence, including downtown drive-by shootings. Smitherman challenges the current city leadership, questioning the visibility and commitment of the mayor and council members in addressing these urgent concerns. He passionately argues for stronger public support of law enforcement, emphasizing the necessity for visible and proactive policing during critical hours when curfews are often broken. The conversation takes a hard look at the political climate within the Democratic Party and its impact on public safety policies, with Smitherman cautioning against trends like reimagining or defunding the police, which he believes contribute to rising crime rates.

    Listeners will gain insight into the broader political dynamics that influence urban safety, as Smitherman critiques the mayor's focus on political aspirations over immediate safety concerns. He draws comparisons with past Democratic leaders who took active roles in crime reduction efforts, suggesting that the current administration's priorities are misaligned. As the discussion unfolds, Smitherman points to examples from other cities, illustrating the potential consequences of electing leaders who do not support law enforcement. This episode serves as a clarion call for citizens concerned about urban safety and the critical role of political leadership in fostering secure communities.
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    21 mins
  • The "Smither-vent" - Episode 96- Nothing to see here. . . . All is well

    The "Smither-vent" - Episode 96- Nothing to see here. . . . All is well
    Jun 23 2025
    City leaders are asleep at the wheel while Cincinnati's youth continue to kill each other. Cincinnati is at a crossroads, and the lack of decisive action is putting lives at risk. We dive into the alarming rise in downtown violence and the pressing need for effective policing and strong leadership. Tragically, young lives are being lost, and the disconnect between City Hall's priorities and the community's safety concerns is glaring. Frustration is mounting as officials seem distracted by issues beyond local borders, ignoring the urgent need for proactive policing and visible support for law enforcement.

    In this episode, we scrutinize the challenges law enforcement officers face amid increasing scrutiny and legislative changes that threaten their immunity protections. The stress of policing in racially charged incidents, coupled with the potential impact of legislative changes, is discouraging new recruits and adding pressure to an already strained force. We emphasize the urgent need for city leaders to visibly back law enforcement and prioritize community safety over distractions. Society's broader factors contributing to youth violence are also on the table, as we urge city officials to address these root causes to foster a safer, more confident downtown Cincinnati.
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    21 mins
  • The "Smither-vent" - Episode 95- Impact of Dred Scott and Juneteenth. Thank You Republicanas!

    The "Smither-vent" - Episode 95- Impact of Dred Scott and Juneteenth. Thank You Republicanas!
    Jun 16 2025
    The aftermath of the tragic events in Minnesota raises urgent questions about the potency of political rhetoric and media portrayal. Christopher also explores how these elements can dangerously fuel unrest and incite violence, underscoring the growing hostility in political discourse.
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    22 mins
  • The "Smither-vent" - Episode 94- Our city leaders are failing at keeping us safe!

    The "Smither-vent" - Episode 94- Our city leaders are failing at keeping us safe!
    Jun 9 2025
    Cincinnati's tragedy reveals critical failures in public safety and governance. How does a veteran end up murdered in his own home while a suspect roams free, unmonitored, without consequences? We pull back the curtain on the tragic story of Patrick Heringer and the glaring inadequacies in Cincinnati's justice system. This episode doesn't just recount Patrick's personal tragedy; it questions the leadership that allowed a suspect to remove his ankle bracelet months before the murder, leaving a widow to mourn and a community to question its safety. We extend our deepest sympathies to Sarah Heringer and strive to challenge a broken system that demands urgent reform. The question of personal protection arises, igniting a heated debate on firearms and the fundamental right to feel secure in one's own home.

    But the issue runs deeper. When city officials focus on global resolutions instead of addressing local crises, communities suffer. We scrutinize the governance priorities that put international affairs above Cincinnati's dire need for effective law enforcement and infrastructure maintenance. Our conversation urges voters to critically assess these leadership failures and their impact on crime and safety when heading to the polls. Drawing parallels with Los Angeles, we caution against the nationwide ripple effects of neglectful governance. Let's shift the focus back to where it belongs—on community safety and the role of city officials in ensuring it.
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    20 mins
  • The "Smither-vent" - Episode 93 - Justice or Privilege? The Sittenfeld Saga

    The "Smither-vent" - Episode 93 - Justice or Privilege? The Sittenfeld Saga
    Jun 2 2025
    Political hypocrisy and favoritism are alive and well in Cincinnati, as the unexpected pardon of PG Sittenfeld, a former council member, has proven. Christopher Smitherman joins us to unpack this stunning move by President Trump. Once convicted for trading money for votes, Sittenfeld has managed to elude lasting consequences through the strategic hiring of a Trump lawyer. This episode dissects the complex web of power, privilege, and the potential for a future political comeback for Sittenfeld, all while examining the contrasting fates of fellow council members Jeffrey Pastor and Tamaya Denard, who weren't as fortunate in their legal battles.

    Beyond the scandal, we shift our gaze to the broader systemic issues of political favoritism and racial inequality, wherein wealth and connections skew justice. Smitherman provides a candid critique of the justice system's bias, which disproportionately affects marginalized communities, leaving us questioning the silence from political parties on these matters.

    Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that's bound to leave you reconsidering the true nature of justice and equality.
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    23 mins