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Debbie Higgins- Carson Strong Foundation (Ep. 25)

Off Air with Kristi Capel

Release Date: 01/29/2025

Wayne Dawson- Wayne Dawson- "My Cancer Journey" (Ep. 48)

Off Air with Kristi Capel

Wayne Dawson is a Cleveland television legend. A Cleveland native and Kent State graduate, Wayne has spent an incredible 45 years at WJW–FOX 8, serving on the morning show for more than four decades. For the past 14 years, I’ve had the honor of co-anchoring alongside him. An 11-time Emmy winner, Broadcasters Hall of Fame member, and 2014 NATAS Silver Circle inductee, Wayne is also deeply committed to his community through the NAACP, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the Annie L. Dawson Foundation. He’s an ordained minister and pastor of Grace Tabernacle Baptist Church in...

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Marisa Guterman & Keith Gerchak- Marisa Guterman & Keith Gerchak- "Lost & Found in Cleveland" Film (Ep. 47)

Off Air with Kristi Capel

Lost & Found in Cleveland, directed by Keith Gerchak and Marisa Guterman, is a love letter to Cleveland told through five residents and the meaningful objects they bring to a fictional, Antiques Roadshow–style TV show. Inspired by Guterman’s childhood obsession with the series, the film explores memory, identity, and the stories we attach to the things we keep. Set during the holidays and featuring Jon Lovitz, Martin Sheen, and Dennis Haysbert, it was filmed at iconic spots like Playhouse Square, University Circle, and the West Side Market—making Cleveland the true star.   This...

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Christmas Memories from the Podcast Family (Ep. 46) show art Christmas Memories from the Podcast Family (Ep. 46)

Off Air with Kristi Capel

This Christmas, the Grinch is taking over my mic! 🎄  Past guests return to the podcast to share their favorite Christmas memories—heartwarming, hilarious, and everything in between. From childhood traditions to unforgettable holiday moments, this special episode proves that even the Grinch can’t resist a good Christmas story. A huge thank you to all my guests. Two years and 45 episodes later, it has been a true joy to share so many great conversations about your careers and the paths that led you to where you are today—conversations that have been inspiring in more ways than one....

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"You Have 4 Minutes"- Michael Mackie (Ep. 45)

Off Air with Kristi Capel

Michael Mackie swears there’s real magic in living smack-dab in the middle of the map. As an entertainment reporter in Kansas City, he’s learned that if you hang around long enough, the famous folks eventually come to you. To this day, he’s not entirely sure how he landed interviews with Jennifer Lopez, Samuel L. Jackson, Cameron Diaz, or John Travolta. In You Have 4 Minutes, Michael pulls back the curtain on the wild world of celebrity interviews—why “The Bionic Woman” herself, Lindsay Wagner, left him starstruck, and why Andrew Dice Clay… well, didn’t. Beyond the red carpets...

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Jenn Thomas - National Food Stylist (Ep.44) show art Jenn Thomas - National Food Stylist (Ep.44)

Off Air with Kristi Capel

Jenn Thomas has loved cooking since before she was tall enough to see over the counter. She spent seventeen years sharpening her sense of style and design while working in her aunt’s flower shop, a foundation that now fuels her culinary creativity. After earning her degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Jenn relocated to Chicago to pursue her passion professionally. Her work has taken her everywhere from Rachael Ray to national commercial sets—where she’s mastered the behind-the-scenes magic of food styling, like keeping whipped cream from melting under...

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"World Renowned Saxophonist" - Greg Banaszak (Ep. 43)

Off Air with Kristi Capel

Greg Banaszak- Described by The New York Times as “a saxophone tour de force” and hailed by Rolling Stone as “The Greg Banaszak Juggernaut,” Greg Banaszak stands among today’s leading saxophonists, captivating audiences across the globe. Renowned for his versatility, Banaszak is one of the rare artists equally celebrated in both the classical and jazz worlds. His career seamlessly bridges these genres through concerto performances, solo and chamber recitals, and appearances at major jazz festivals. He has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and beyond, gracing such...

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Ms. Julie- Ms. Julie- "Ms. Julie's World" (Ep. 42)

Off Air with Kristi Capel

"Ms. Julie’s World" is a vibrant new kids’ show that brings learning to life through music, dance, and real-world adventures! Ms. Julie is a real teacher with both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Her show is backed by educational research, and her thoughtfully designed curriculum nurtures skills in reading, math, science, and social-emotional learning.  As a mom, Ms. Julie is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and shine with confidence.  So parents—take a break from the flashcards and let Ms. Julie make learning fun!  I...

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Vegan Vicki- Award Winning Vegan Chef (Ep. 41) show art Vegan Vicki- Award Winning Vegan Chef (Ep. 41)

Off Air with Kristi Capel

Sonia Steele, lovingly known as “Vegan Vicki,” is the 2023 Vegan Women Summit Top Chef Global Competition winner. Her journey into veganism began in 2008 after being diagnosed with bronchioloalveolar carcinoma mucinous, a rare non-small cell form of lung cancer. Following surgery to remove part of her lung, Sonia committed to transforming her health through food and compassion. As friends and family raved about her creations, Sonia knew she had found her purpose: to share the joy and love of vegan food with others. Every dish she prepares is made with heart, proving that eating vegan can...

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Mike Swiger- True Freedom Ministries (Ep. 40) show art Mike Swiger- True Freedom Ministries (Ep. 40)

Off Air with Kristi Capel

Mike Swiger is the founder and Executive Director of True Freedom Ministries,  Ohio's largest prison ministry. While attending Case Western Reserve University, Mike was convicted as an accomplice in a crime committed by his older brother and served 17 years for involuntary manslaughter. During his incarceration, he earned two associate degrees and later graduated summa cum laude from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Business Administration.  Mike also holds a degree in theology from Reformed Theological Seminary.  Plus, he's an award-winning author of the Innocents Series -...

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Oksana Baiul - Olympic Gold Medalist & World Champion Figure Skater (Ep. 39) show art Oksana Baiul - Olympic Gold Medalist & World Champion Figure Skater (Ep. 39)

Off Air with Kristi Capel

Oksana Baiul captured the world’s heart at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympic Winter Games, where she won the Gold Medal in ladies’ singles figure skating. Her victory was a testament to her determination and unyielding spirit. In the years that followed, Oksana faced personal struggles with alcohol, but through resilience and surrounding herself with positive influences, she emerged stronger than ever. Today, Oksana continues to inspire—sharing her perspective on the war in Ukraine and reflecting on the tragic loss of fellow figure skaters in the American Airlines plane crash. She is also the...

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It's a heartbreaking and inspiring podcast this week.  The Higgins family founded the CarsonStrong Foundation in 2017, one year after losing their son and brother to cancer. Carson Higgins was first diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma at the age of three. After taking part in an experimental protocol at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Carson miraculously exhibited no signs of cancer. On Thanksgiving 2015, the cancer returned. This time, it was terminal passing away at the age of 12. 

Debbie shares how Carson faced adversity with peace and grace. In his short life, he inspired so many to be kind and generous, regardless of the circumstances. He was always “paying it forward”, and it is in this spirit that CarsonStrong was formed.

Carson Strong Website Here

Newsletter Sign Up Here

Carson's Story Here

Gift of Time Together Here

Purse Bingo Tickets 

Donate Here

X Page Here

Instagram Here

LinkedIn Here

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