Link Ahead with the City of Dublin, Ohio

Hosted by City of Dublin, Ohio

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101

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The City of Dublin, Ohio is home to nearly 50,000 residents and more than 4,000 businesses at the forefront of technological innovations and advancements. Our City is full of energetic problem-solvers who make a difference and provide a broad source of expertise and talent. Join Dublin City leaders and passionate Dublin residents as we connect conversations from street to street, neighbor to neighbor and business to business. Together, we'll link our commonalties, our shared experiences, and highlight Dublin programs and services that support us all. Welcome to the Link Ahead podcast!

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60 recent

June 10, 202649 min

A Candid Conversation with Cameron Mitchell: Culture, Pivotal Moments and What’s Next for Bridge Park

Our 100th show called for a guest who’s built something real, lasting — and let’s be honest - delicious. Lindsay and Bruce sat down with culinary and restaurant visionary Cameron Mitchell at his Valentina’s location in Bridge Park.Together, they unpack what it really takes to launch a new restaurant concept— from early collaboration and inspiration trips to the hard work of dialing in the menu, service, and financial model. As Cameron shares, it can take years to get a single location right.He also takes us back to the beginning: a turbulent teenage life, washing dishes for a few dollars an hour, and the “light switch” moments that pushed him to write down goals and pursue the restaurant business with intensity. The conversation explores pivotal detours along the way, including being initially turned down by the Culinary Institute of America—and how those early challenges shaped his leadership style and long-term commitment to hospitality education.From there, the focus turns to values-driven leadership and restaurant culture. Cameron explains why he puts associates first, how that approach leads to better guest experiences, and why profit only matters if you protect quality and people. He also reflects on the darkest days of COVID-19 in the restaurant industry, a costly real estate mistake, and the service mindset that continues to power strong partnerships here in Dublin.The conversation also highlights Cameron’s role in shaping Bridge Park as a regional dining destination, pulling back the curtain on his next project—a revealing story behind a concept that marks a first for Cameron and something long on his professional bucket list. Not a bad way to mark 100—big stories, hard-earned lessons, and what’s next from one of the best in the business.Subscribe, share with a friend who leads people, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.

May 26, 202626 min

Jack Nicklaus on The Memorial Turning 50

Fifty years of the Memorial Tournament sounds like a sports anniversary, but the real story is what happens when a golf event is built to serve communities. Lindsay and Bruce are joined by the greatest to ever pick up a golf club — Jack Nicklaus. They talk about how Muirfield Village and the Memorial helped put Dublin, Ohio on the map, why the City relationship has lasted for decades, and what “give first” truly looks like.Jack also shares the most personal reason behind the tournament’s charitable legacy: a frightening moment when his daughter Nan was a baby and Nationwide Children’s Hospital saved her life. That experience shaped a lifelong commitment to children’s health, from the Memorial’s fundraising impact in central Ohio to the growth of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and clinics across South Florida. Then, Bruce and Lindsay lighten it up with rapid fire: Jack's walk-up song, the pressure putt that taught him to believe in himself, favorite milkshake flavor, and a behind the scenes Happy Gilmore cameo with an ad lib that made the final cut.From golf history to philanthropy and leadership, this conversation delivers with Jack's signature wisdom, wit and vision for a better world. Subscribe for more, share this with a golf fan, and leave us a review with your biggest takeaway.

May 19, 202627 min

Memorial Day With Meaning. Meet Dublin's Keynote Speaker Col. Andrew Powers

Memorial Day can look like cookouts and a long weekend, but the truth underneath it is far more demanding. We invited Colonel Andrew Powers, Commander of the 121st Air Refueling Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard and keynote speaker for Dublin’s Memorial Day Ceremony, to talk about what the day is meant to honor: Americans who died in military service, and the responsibility we carry when we remember them well.Colonel Powers shares the recent loss of six service members in an aircraft crash, including three airmen from his wing. We talk about who they were as people, what it means to lead a unit through grief while the mission continues worldwide, and why supporting the families of the fallen must be measured in years, not days. If you’ve ever struggled to put words to military sacrifice, this conversation offers language that feels honest and grounded.We also go inside the mission many Central Ohio residents may not realize operates right here at Rickenbacker: the KC-135 Stratotanker and the critical role of aerial refueling. From global power projection to humanitarian response, the 121st supports far more than fuel, including aeromedical evacuation, base defense, logistics, and medical readiness. We close with reflections on national resilience as America approaches its 250th birthday and a reminder that freedom is never guaranteed without each generation choosing to protect it.Subscribe for more conversations about Dublin’s people and public service, share this with someone observing Memorial Day, and leave a review with how you teach remembrance in your family.

May 6, 202623 min

Quieter Streets & Safer Paths. New Rules For E-Bikes, Exhaust Noise and More

Revved engines at midnight. A bass line that rattles your windows. A mini motorcycle flying past walkers on a shared use path. These are the moments that turn everyday travel into a quality-of-life challenge. And this is exactly what Lindsay and Bruce tackle in the episode with updated rules on noise ordinances and micromobility rules.We’re joined by Deputy Chief of Police Nick Tabernik and Director of Transportation & Mobility Jeannie Willis to explain what’s changing and how it actually works in real life. We break down the new Dublin Ohio decibel limits for vehicle exhaust based on speed zones and the 80-decibel standard for stereo sound. Just as importantly, we talk about how officers determine excessive noise with a decibel reader and what residents should do when they need to report a problem using the non-emergency line.Then we shift to micromobility, where new devices are showing up faster than most of us can keep track. Jeannie walks us through what counts as micromobility, how e-bike Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 differ, and where each can legally ride. We also cover safe parking that keeps curb ramps clear for accessibility and the updated helmet requirement for riders under 16. Throughout the conversation, we keep coming back to the same goal: safer streets, clearer expectations, and education first with enforcement as a secondary step when behavior doesn’t change.If you care about road safety, shared path etiquette and practical local rules that keep Dublin moving, listen now. Subscribe, share this with a neighbor and leave a review with the next question you want us to answer.

April 23, 202635 min

A Doctor’s Path To City Hall. Meet Council Member Dr. Greg Lam

A city can add miles of trails, a world-class rec center, and recruit global companies, yet still miss the simplest ingredient of public health: belonging. Lindsay and Bruce sit down with Dr. Greg Lam, a cardiologist and new Dublin City Council member.They talk candidly about why he chose local government after years in statewide health policy and nonprofit leadership, and what he learned by knocking on more than 1,600 doors in Ward 3. Dr. Lam shares why being the first Asian American elected to Council matters to the AAPI community, and why diversity and cultural inclusion are essential to Dublin’s identity as a connected, sustainable, resilient global city of choice. Then we zoom in on the research: strong social relationships can dramatically improve longevity, while social isolation raises risks for heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, and anxiety. That brings us back to City Hall, where parks, walkable districts, and intergenerational programming are powerful public health tools. The episode closes with a fun first for Link Ahead as his 16-year-old son Ryan joins to share a teen perspective on Dublin, social media, and what younger residents want leaders to understand.If you care about Dublin, City Council, community wellness, and how local policy shapes everyday life - subscribe, share, and leave a review.

April 8, 202621 min

How Dublin Turns One Saturday Into 70 Volunteer Projects

One Saturday can change how you feel about your hometown. We’re gearing up for Dublin, Ohio Community Service Day on Saturday, May 2, and we brought in two people who help make it happen: Jenny Amorose, COO of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, and Christine Nardecchia, Director of Outreach and Engagement for Dublin. Together, with Lindsay and Bruce, we unpack why this day has become a can’t-miss tradition for families, students, and local businesses.We trace the origin story back 26 years to a Leadership Dublin class project and follow how it grew into a community-wide volunteer event with 70+ service sites. You’ll hear how projects are selected through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and city teams, plus a concrete example of impact at the Giving Garden.We get practical too: where to register (DublinChamber.org), how volunteers are matched with a site lead, what happens if the weather turns, and why you don’t need special skills to help. Along the way, we share the small details that make volunteers want to return, from the social side of serving to a boost in wellness that comes from doing something real for someone else.If you’ve been looking for volunteer opportunities in Dublin or a simple way to meet good people fast, this is your sign. Subscribe for more local stories, share this with a friend who should come with you, and leave a review to help more neighbors find Link Ahead.

March 25, 202637 min

How Riverview Village Will Bring Entrepreneurial Flair, Historic Legacy and Family Fun

Step onto The Dublin Link and cross into a first-of-its kind neighborhood. Riverview Village — where historic homes, river views and a thriving startup scene come together in the heart of Historic Dublin. Lindsay and Bruce welcome COhatch CEO Matt Davis and Dublin Economic Development Director Jeremiah Gracia to unpack how a public-private partnership is transforming our western riverbank.Walk the plan with us: restored houses reimagined as off-site retreats during the week, a gleaming new headquarters for COhatch, plus art strolls, kayaking and great food on the weekends. It’s all supported by $11 million in City infrastructure—streets, sidewalks, lighting, utilities and stormwater—that powers year-round activation and makes the district genuinely walkable. We explore why this model favors a thousand small companies over a single anchor tenant, and how that diversity strengthens local businesses, fills vacancies and keeps dollars circulating here at home.Beyond buildings, Matt talks about bringing a magnetic culture to Riverview. Think entrepreneurial fairs, kid-led markets and local showcases designed to spark real connections. He shares how “engineering collisions” through intentional design — like one central coffee spot at COhatch — turn everyday hellos into mentors, customers and collaborators. From city-building and adaptive reuse to co-working done right and how public-private partnerships reduce time, risk and money for everyone, this conversation is packed with insights. Subscribe, share with a neighbor, and leave a review to tell us what part of Riverview Village you can’t wait to visit.

March 11, 202623 min

The State of Our City: Strong, Supportive and Shaping the Future

A city built with care can feel both rooted and forward-looking. That’s Dublin.A city familiar to those who grew up here and exciting to those just arriving. That’s Dublin.A city defined by civic pride, volunteerism and a shared commitment to community. That’s Dublin.You’ll hear how those qualities shape our future in this episode featuring Dublin’s annual State of the City Address.The first voice you’ll hear is Mayor Chris Amorose Groomes, whose pride in Dublin reflects both her role as mayor and her family’s long ties to the community. From there, City Manager Megan O’Callaghan walks through the State of the City, highlighting the ideas, investments and partnerships helping Dublin plan, connect and prosper.Infrastructure plays a major role in that story. Projects like the U.S. 33 and S.R. 161 interchange help keep our region moving, while the city’s 30th roundabout continues Dublin’s leadership in improving traffic safety.Innovation and economic growth are also front and center. The West Innovation District is emerging as a hub for research, higher education and high-quality jobs. At the same time, the Metro Center Revitalization Plan is reimagining legacy office space as a vibrant mixed-use district designed for today’s workforce.Community health and well-being remain a priority as well. The Dublin Wellness Alliance gathers insight from residents about mental health and belonging, while expanded hospital capacity from Mount Carmel and OhioHealth reinforces Dublin’s growing role as a regional health care hub.And of course, there’s the fun that brings the community together. Signature events like the Dublin Irish Festival, the Dublin Independence Day Celebration and the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday help create an events calendar that draws visitors from near and far.If this vision resonates with you, subscribe, share with a neighbor, and leave a quick review too. We think you'll agree - the State of Our City is strong!

February 26, 202629 min

Where Competition Meets Community: SportsOhio’s Vision To Bring Dublin Together

Imagine a sports campus that feels like Dublin: green, welcoming and built for everyday joy as much as headline events. We sit down with SportsOhio General Manager Joe Bauserman and Sports Facilities Companies’ VP Scott Rodgers to share how this complex is turning into a premier destination where families play, adult leagues thrive and major tournaments fuel local restaurants and hotels. The plan starts with steady improvements—reopening soccer and field sports, polishing the driving range and par-3 course and sharpening the customer experience. Lindsay and Bruce then turn the conversation to scale and what the future looks like.Joe and Scott explain why a public, city-led model changes the playbook: more focus on service, access and programming breadth. They lay out practical ways to get involved now, from joining leagues to following updates, and hint at a wider slate of sports and events—lacrosse, long-drive contests, tournaments and concerts—that keep the campus lively year-round. Drawing lessons from cities like Naples, Florida and Elizabethtown, Kentucky, they show how a venue can be both a weekend festival of play and a resilient community resource that blends wellness, connection, and economic vitality.Woven through the story are personal moments: Joe’s path from MLB draft pick to OSU walk-on quarterback to GM. Scott’s decades-long soccer career at club and college levels, and their shared belief that competition brings us together, but joy keeps us coming back.If you care about youth sports, adult rec nights and the kind of “third place” that turns neighbors into friends, you’ll hear a clear vision: an athletic and recreation campus that belongs to Dublin and sets a new standard for how cities play, gather and grow. Subscribe, share with a friend, and tell us what sport or feature you want to see next.

February 12, 202615 min

Safe Rides, Saving Lives. How Culture, Tech and a Dedicated Community Are Shifting Behaviors

Big nights don’t have to mean big risks. Lindsay and Bruce sit down with Scott Neff, Chair of Safe Ride of Central Ohio and partner at Fado Irish Pub, to trace how a small trauma grant in 2007 sparked a movement. A movement that reshaped how Dublin and Central Ohio residents get home safely and keep streets safer for everyone in the process.Scott walks us through the funding leap from one‑time hospital dollars to pub‑led sponsorships, and how a simple $10 discount drove action. We dig into behavior change on the ground—bartenders helping guests apply codes, younger riders planning ahead, and the subtle redesign of a night out that quietly saves lives. We also talk scale: the role of Dublin City Council, rising redemptions as proof of impact, and the open invitation for more restaurants and neighboring cities to adopt this model. If your community can bring a budget, committed partners, and the will to make safety convenient, the template is ready! Subscribe, share this episode with your crew, and leave a quick review to help more people find it. Then do the simplest thing that protects you and everyone on the road: claim the code, plan the ride, and get home safe and sound.

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