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Everything Is Local

Mike Burkons
Everything Is Local
Latest episode

65 episodes

  • Everything Is Local

    Ep. 64 - The Vantage Crisis, Beachwood Mall's Future & The Politics Shaping Our Community

    07/14/2026 | 1h 26 mins.
    This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about:
    • The growing concerns surrounding The Vantage apartments, ongoing code violations, and what the City of Beachwood can (and can't) do to help residents.
    • The future of Beachwood Place Mall, changing retail trends, and what the loss of major department stores could mean for the city's economy.
    • The debate over tax increment financing (TIFs), redevelopment projects, and how public incentives should be used.
    • Local politics, the upcoming election, and why voters should pay close attention to the issues affecting their own communities.
    • Summer travel, Tim McGraw, Hersheypark, baseball season, Joey Fatone, and plenty of laughs along the way.
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  • Everything Is Local

    Ep. 63 - Beachwood's Tax Fight, Fairmount Temple Controversy & The Supreme Court Case That Could Change Local Zoning

    07/07/2026 | 1h 3 mins.
    This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about:
    • Why the proposed Fairmount Temple TIF has become one of the most controversial issues currently facing the city.
    • The debate surrounding Beachwood's inside mill levies, sewer frontage assessments, and how taxpayer dollars are being spent.
    • The University Heights home synagogue case headed to the U.S. Supreme Court and what the decision could mean for local zoning laws.
    • Akron Children's Hospital's plans for the former Notre Dame College campus.
    • Summer baseball, fireworks, city services, and why local residents should pay closer attention to local government decisions.
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  • Everything Is Local

    Ep. 62 - Retirement, Driving Disasters, and the Democratic Party's Identity Crisis

    06/30/2026 | 55 mins.
    Mike is back, and Episode 62 covers everything from birthday gifts and backyard chaos to one of the biggest debates happening inside the Democratic Party today.
    This week's conversation includes:
    Mike's return to the podcast after missing last week's episode, along with stories from his "bachelor week" while Nikki was away.
    A heartbreaking local driving accident and a thoughtful discussion about driver's education, road safety, and the lifelong consequences of tragic mistakes.
    Stories about casinos, poker, sports betting, bourbon gifts, electric vehicles, and why Mike's greatest poker victory may have been pure luck.
    A deep dive into Michigan's Senate race, Chris Van Hollen's endorsement of Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic Party's growing divide over Israel, progressive politics, and how candidates navigate controversy.
    A broader conversation about the future of the Democratic coalition, foreign aid, U.S.-Israel relations, and the shifting priorities of Democratic voters.
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  • Everything Is Local

    Ep. 61 - Iran Deal Drama, Michigan's Senate Race, and the Future of Israel

    06/23/2026 | 1h 8 mins.
    With Mike away at a baseball tournament, Shana is joined by Matt Hildebrand for a wide-ranging discussion that goes far beyond local politics. This is a fascinating episode where they talk about:
    The Trump administration's new Memorandum of Understanding with Iran and whether it is a meaningful agreement or simply an agreement to keep talking.
    The ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, Hezbollah, and the broader implications for American foreign policy and Middle East stability.
    The changing relationship between the United States and Israel, the growing partisan divide surrounding support for Israel, and what the future may hold for both Israelis and Palestinians.
    Michigan's high-profile U.S. Senate race, Abdul El-Sayed's campaign, AIPAC's influence in Democratic primaries, and how younger voters are reshaping the political landscape.
    The challenges of balancing humanitarian concerns, national security, and political realities in one of the world's most complex conflicts.
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  • Everything Is Local

    Ep. 60 - Tax Hikes, New Cars, and Beachwood Budget Battles

    06/16/2026 | 28 mins.
    This is a great episode where Mike and Shana talk about:
    The City of Beachwood's proposed vote to re-levy charter mills and what it could cost the average homeowner each year.
    Why Mike believes City Council should publicly justify any tax increase and let residents vote on it instead of approving it directly.
    Beachwood's growing revenues compared to neighboring cities and whether the city truly needs additional tax dollars.
    The proposed replacement of Mayor Justin Berns' city vehicle and broader concerns about city spending priorities.
    Discussions about a possible new Beachwood Police Station and whether renovations would make more sense than a costly replacement.
    Mike and Shana's thoughts on government transparency, public accountability, and how major spending decisions should be explained to residents.
    A lighter conversation about Mike's upcoming trip to Columbus, Nikki and Ellie's trip to Los Angeles, and Mike's concerns about handling baseball uniform laundry while they're away.
    Subscribe for more episodes like this one!
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About Everything Is Local
Have you ever wondered what really goes on in local government? I’m Mike Burkons, your host and a former city council member. Some people loved me, some… well, let’s just say they weren’t fans but I’m here to pull back the curtain on the decisions that shape local communities. Every week, I’ll share insights from my time in office and break down local issues,controversies and dramas occurring in local governments in the area, not just in Beachwood, in a way that’s easy to understand and maybe even a little entertaining. Whether you’re interested andpassionate about small town politics and its drama that comes with it, and the local issues that affect your quality of life on a daily basis, this show is for you. We’ll cover these types of issues occurring in Beachwood and other local suburbs, chat with local experts and residents, and—who knows—go off-topic if the conversation gets interesting. Because here, it’s not just about government, it’s about what matters to you. So join me on “Everything is Local”—where understanding your community starts with listening.
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