In honor of Read Across America Week and Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Susan and Ethics Commission Special Investigator David Sturman discuss the real-life ethics case of a school superintendent who illegally promoted his own book.

March 2026 Episode Transcript – Public Service By (or Buy?) the Book

Referenced and relevant materials

Informal Opinion 2007-INF-0830-1 (essay contest)

Informal Opinion 2008-INF-1002-4 (friend as business associate?)

Advisory Opinion No. 2011-04 (college royalties)

Stories? Show ideas? We're listening!

E-mail susan.willeke@ethics.ohio.gov

Trust us, your family member doesn't need you to commit a fourth-degree felony to know you care. Real-life nepotism stories highlight the pitfalls of mixing love and public jobs.

February 2026 Episode Transcript - Nepotism Is Not a Love Language

Referenced and relevant materials

Public Jobs & Family Fact Sheet Chapter Advisory Opinion 2010-03 (public jobs & family restrictions) Advisory Opinion 2025-01 (definition of “family”)

Stories? Show ideas? We're listening!

E-mail susan.willeke@ethics.ohio.gov

A paint discount costs a state employee his job in this cautionary tale of accepting illegal public service perks.

February 2026 Episode Transcript - Discussing Discouraging Discounts: Good Deals Gone Bad

Susan's Dad

Referenced and relevant materials

The Ohio Ethics Law & Discounts Fact Sheet Chapter Advisory Opinion 2001-08 (public officials/employees & discounts) Advisory Opinion 2011-08 (vendor discounts) Advisory Opinion 92-015 (law enforcement & discounts)

Stories? Show ideas? We're listening!

E-mail susan.willeke@ethics.ohio.gov

Ohio Ethics Commission Executive Director Paul Nick shares the story of a mentor with a "helpful" multi-level marketing opportunity. But helpful for whom?

January 2026 Episode Transcript - MLM Mentor

Referenced and relevant materials

Public Servants and Outside Businesses Fact Sheet Chapter Advisory Opinion No. 96-004 (public service & outside employment)

Stories? Show ideas? We're listening!

E-mail susan.willeke@ethics.ohio.gov

Raise a toast to ethics while you sip on these sobering stories of top-shelf bourbon and bottom-shelf behavior.

January 2026 Episode Transcript - Ethics on the Rocks

Referenced and relevant materials

Selling Goods and Services to Public Agencies Fact Sheet Chapter Advisory Opinion No. 90-005 (school district employees selling goods on “as needed” basis) Advisory Opinion No. 87-002 (public official selling property/services to own agency)

Stories? Show ideas? We're listening!

E-mail susan.willeke@ethics.ohio.gov

If your New Year offers new career opportunities and an exit from public service don't forget your "auld" acquaintance the Ohio Ethics Commission! This bonus mini episode highlights revolving door restrictions.

Bonus Mini Episode - To Auld Acquaintances Transcript

Referenced and relevant materials

Revolving Door Law Fact Sheet Advisory Opinion 2011-03 - general overview of Revolving Door and Post-Employment restrictions Advisory Opinion 2012-04 - exception example

Stories? Show ideas? We're listening!

E-mail susan.willeke@ethics.ohio.gov

Season's greedings! This holiday episode delivers NBA tickets, a trip to England, and other gifts that sleigh (the Ethics Law.)

December 2025 Episode Transcript - The 12 NBA Tickets of Christmas (and Other Illegal Gifts)

Referenced and relevant materials

Gifts and Other Things of Value Fact Sheet Advisory Opinion No. 2001-03 (gift prohibitions)

Stories? Show ideas? We're listening!

E-mail susan.willeke@ethics.ohio.gov

Unwrap the gift of precious Ohio Ethics Law knowledge in this bonus mini episode focusing on gift restrictions.

Bonus Mini Episode - Free Gift Inside! Transcript

Referenced and relevant materials

Gifts and Other Things of Value Fact Sheet Advisory Opinion 2001-03

Stories? Show ideas? We're listening!

E-mail susan.willeke@ethics.ohio.gov