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On October 6, 2026, we sat down with all four candidates for the 2026 Wyandot County Commissioner race, Jason Yeater, Kenny Beamer, Russell Smith, and Jon Hathaway, for a special episode of the Real Stories Podcast. Just under 100 people joined us in person, and our goal was simple: give Wyandot County residents the chance to hear directly from the candidates asking for their vote and learn more about their ideas, priorities, and vision for our county. We believe an informed community is a stronger community, and we hope this conversation helps Wyandot County voters make informed decisions about who they believe is best prepared to lead our county into the future. This is unedited. Early voting is open now, and Election Day is November 3rd. First-time listeners!!!! Please check out our library of interviews and stories, and consider hitting the subscribe button.

Jim Frye: A Life in Harmony tells the story of a man whose life has been defined by music, education, service, and an unwavering appreciation for the people around him. From his roots in Willard to his years at Bowling Green State University, Jim built a remarkable career as a band director and technology coordinator at Upper Sandusky Schools, inspiring generations of students both in and out of the classroom. Now, as he begins retirement, Jim reflects on the lessons, friendships, and memories that shaped his journey. Jim's story is one of passion, humility, and finding harmony in every chapter of life.

In this special America 250 episode of Real Stories, we sit down with Chief Billy Friend of the Wyandotte Nation for a powerful conversation about history, identity, sovereignty, and the enduring connection between the Wyandotte people and Upper Sandusky. Together, we explore the story of the only people living in the Upper Sandusky region in 1776, the legacy of the Wyandotte Nation, and the importance of preserving culture and community for future generations. From historical insight to modern-day tribal life, this episode offers an honest and meaningful look at a story deeply connected to our region and our nation’s past.

In this episode of The Real Stories Podcast, we revisit one of the most powerful winter storms in American history, the Blizzard of 1978, and its lasting impact on Ohio and the wider Midwest. Through a meteorological lens, we break down how this rare and explosive storm system formed, unleashing hurricane-force winds and paralyzing snowfall across the region. From a historical perspective, we explore how the blizzard brought daily life to a standstill, shutting down highways, stranding thousands, and prompting one of the largest emergency responses in state history. But at its core, this episode is about people. We share firsthand accounts from those who lived through the storm, stories of survival, resilience, and community in the face of overwhelming conditions. From families trapped in their homes to rescuers navigating impassable roads, these voices bring the blizzard to life in a way statistics never could. This isn’t just the story of a storm, it’s the story of the people who endured it.

In this final episode of The Real Story of Cynthia Pheil: The Red Slipper Murder, Resolution we wrap up the series with a tight, 25-minute sendoff that revisits everything, the key moments, evidence, and theories that shaped the case. We also close things out with a brief but important update on what ultimately happens to Roy. We hope you enjoyed this true crime story from Real Stories Podcast.

In the late summer of 1953, 19-year-old Cynthia Phiel was searching for a fresh start. In just 27 days, her life would end in tragedy. But before that, she lived with courage, hope, and heartbreak. The Real Story of Cynthia Pheil, Episode III traces her final month through letters, lies, and longing: from her red shoes and a new job at Cleveland’s famed Higbee’s Department Store to the quiet decision to leave everything behind for love. With haunting precision, we follow Cynthia’s path…the postcards home, the secret pregnancy, the manipulative letters from Roy. This episode brings Cynthia’s story to life, one bus ticket, one letter, one heartbeat at a time.

The Real Story of Cynthia Pfeil, Part II, The Red Slippers is back with a chilling dive into the 1953 "Red Slipper Murder" case that rattled Ohio and ultimately the entire Midwest. Join us as we recount the horrific discovery of a brutally murdered, pregnant woman in Ellen Matteson's woods and follow Sheriff Dean McCallister's determined investigation to uncover the slain woman's identity and ultimately track down her killer.

Cynthia Pfeil was born in 1934, and grew up in a quiet suburban neighborhood of White Plains, New York. Productive and independent, she swam, rode horseback, and sewed her own clothes with professional polish. Cynthia was an obedient daughter, decent student, and a reliable babysitter. Her father, a German immigrant and hardworking auto shop owner, instilled a strong work ethic, while her mother, Rose, maintained their home. Cynthia followed in her older brother’s footsteps to Ohio Wesleyan University in 1952, where she studied Home Economics and met Roy “Skip” Schinagle Jr., a charismatic, well dressed, god fearing momma’s boy from Mayfield Heights, Ohio. Their intense relationship would upend both of their lives and ultimately end in a Real Story followed in real time around the United States. This is Part 1 of our 3-part series exploring the Real Story of Cynthia Pfeil.

Welcome to the Dan Reid Road Show, a Real Story of family, music, friends, and above all else…Love. From roots that stretch back to Indian Mill and childhood afternoons watching Gilligan’s Island with his Grandma, Dan’s story is a rich patchwork of family, friendships, and the formative power of being loved. Raised by a kind-hearted teacher and a devoted, if sometimes worried, father, Dan soaked up as much small-town Ohio life as he could. Along the way, he got into some scrapes, stumbled into being a DJ, help start a radio station, burned a university president in effigy, and found love in a radio studio at Ohio Northern University. This isn’t just Dan’s coming-of-age story…it’s a time capsule of American life in the 1970’s and 80’s told from one of its own.

In this special edition of Real Stories Podcast, we had an opportunity to chat with our United States Congressman Robert "Bob" Latta. We put politics aside and focused on Bob's life here in northwest Ohio, his routine as a member of the House of Representatives, and the challenges and rewards of life dedicated to service.

This year marks the 10th Annual Wyanstock Music Festival, so we thought we would sit down with some of the founding volunteers to reflect and have a few laughs about its evolution. There are too many people to thank; the sponsors, bands, fest-goers, vendors, volunteers, photographers, sound & light crews, fairgrounds caretakers…the list goes on. This is a humble attempt to pay tribute to all those people. This is not our normal format as it is a bit more jovial than normal and has lots of voices coming at you...still we hope you enjoy this special edition Wyanstock, The Real Story.

This episode we sat down with Jerry Snodgrass and our discussion went all over the place. Whether he was fishing with Neumeister's dough balls as a child, coaching a legend, directing the Ohio High School Athletic Association through Covid-19, painting houses, or hanging with his grandkids Jerry sees the bid picture and finds the little lessons in life's simple moments. We hope you enjoy.

Today we sat down with West Point Cadet Ethan Collins. Ethan, a Yuk, spoke about what it takes to get into the United States Military Academy, cadet life, and what it means to uphold the motto; Duty, Honor, Country.

Today we sat down with Brett Montgomery and talked about his career on the golf course and more. Brett is a 4-time N10 Player of the Year, 3-Time Northwest District Champion, 2-Time All Ohioan, and finished 2nd at the 2019 State Golf Tournament.He attended Marshall University for 2 years and is now grinding it out trying to make a living playing the game he loves. We talked about competitive youth golf, game winning three-pointers, family, friends, and more. Mostly we discussed a real story of growing up golfing.

Steve Schertzer is many things; a father, husband, coach, teacher, mentor, and really cool dude. But mention his name around track & field fans and one thing comes to mind- the high jump! In the early 1970’s Steve held the world record (yes…world) for his age group in the high jump. He was a 4-time placer at the Ohio State Track Meet, 2-time state champion, he held the state record for a while, still holds the Upper Sandusky High School record at 6’9 and the Morehead State record at 6’10”. Following his high jumping career Steve taught and coached track in Florida for three decades. We are grateful that he jumped on the mic with us!