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Season 01 Episode 30 In the 13 years since Colorado legalized recreational cannabis, the industry has exploded in multiple states across the country. With Ohio as the latest to open its doors to the cannabis industry, Frantz Ward Of Counsel Mia Garcia and Partners Thomas Haren, and Keenan Jones examine Colorado’s established cannabis industry and look forward to the expanding industry in Ohio. Hosts: Mia L. Garcia, Thomas G. Haren, Keenan M. Jones

Season 01 Episode 29 The new Trump administration has already implemented significant changes to DEI policies, EEOC enforcement policies, and federal contractor requirements. Join Frantz Ward Partners Megan Bennett and Andrew Cleves as they break down the latest executive orders and discuss new compliance obligations businesses should consider moving forward. Hosts: Megan E. Bennett, Andrew Cleves

Season 01 Episode 28 Artificial intelligence is reshaping how employers screen candidates and make hiring decisions—but with this power comes responsibility. Join Frantz Ward Partner Megan Bennett and Associate Stacey Sanderson as they explore the intersection of AI and employment law. Discover how AI is changing workplace dynamics, the legal implications of its use in hiring, and the risks of bias and discrimination. From real-world cases to emerging regulations, they provide practical guidance for employers looking to integrate AI into their hiring processes while ensuring fairness and compliance. Host: Stacey M. Sanderson Guest: Megan E. Bennett

Season 01 Episode 27 Cybersecurity isn’t just a tech issue—it’s a construction imperative. Join Frantz Ward Partner Brad Reed and Associate Brad Ouambo as they uncover the vulnerabilities within the industry and share actionable advice on defending against cyber attacks. Equip yourself with the knowledge to safeguard your projects and data. Hosts: Bradley N. Ouambo and Bradley D. Reed

Season 01 Episode 26 With the Federal Trade Commission recently issuing their “Final Rule,” this leaves employers facing a lot of unknowns along with impending questions about the state of their companies. Labor and Employment Practice Group Chair Brian Kelly and Andrew Cleves join host Mike Smith to delve into what kinds of non-compete clauses will be barred by this rule and what this means for employers moving forward. Host: Michael E. Smith Guests: Brian J. Kelly, Andrew J. Cleves

Season 01 Episode 25 In recent years, the number of OSHA Whistleblower complaints has been steadily on the rise, but why? In the newest episode of Shoveling Smoke, Frantz Ward Partner Christina Niro joins host Chris Koehler as they discuss current trends, how an OSHA whistleblower complaint gets filed and investigated, and how to prepare for and defend against them. Host: Christopher C. Koehler Guest: Christina Niro

Season 01 Episode 24 The labor and employment fields seem like they’re in a constant state of change. If you’re looking for an update, why not learn from the best? Labor & Employment Practice Group Partner Christina Niro joins host Chris Koehler as she summarizes some of the recent labor and employment updates that will be covered during the firm’s upcoming annual L&E seminar, “Avoiding Panda-monium in the Workplace,” happening June 14, 2023. Host: Christopher C. Koehler Guest: Christina Niro

Season 01 Episode 23 As businesses continue to face challenges in locating and retaining employees, it’s clear that a key to the growth and success of Northeast Ohio’s economy is the development of the workforce and talent to fill existing job opportunities and those on the horizon. Team NEO’s Jacob Duritsky joins Frantz Ward’s Chris Koehler to discuss Team NEO’s 2022 Aligning Opportunities Report, which provides data-driven insights into our region’s talent demand/supply gap. We address the results of the research and how businesses and employees can capitalize on those insights to close the gap to make the region more competitive and ensure prosperity for all Northeast Ohioans. Host: Christopher C. Koehler Guest: Jacob Duritsky

Season 01 Episode 22 Human Resources is an ever-changing field and the Pandemic only seemed to demonstrate this further. From updating guidelines, to updating technology, the evolution of HR in the last few years alone is enough to put even the most ardent of HR professionals through the wringer. Now more than ever, HR professionals are relying on their attorneys, both in-house and outside counsel, to partner with them to navigate difficult issues. To help better make sense of it all, Chief People and Human Resources Officer for Equity Trust, Amy Hall, joins the podcast to discuss the change and development of HR functions in 2022 and beyond. Host: Alannah C. Guy Guest: Amy Hall

Season 01 Episode 21 Will my family be taken care of when I am no longer around? Who will take care of me if I become incapacitated? Although these are questions we often don’t like to consider, the Covid-19 pandemic woke many people up to the need to have an estate plan in place. Frantz Ward attorney Rick Humiston joins the podcast to discuss the basic elements of Estate Planning as well as some additional planning suggestions for business owners. Host: Alannah C. Guy Guest: Richard C. Humiston

Season 01 Episode 20 As Pete Seeger said, "Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't." As world events continue to have lingering impacts on the transaction of business, some companies are learning the hard way that their contractual Terms and Conditions don't align with their current business risks and goals. Terms and Conditions are not "one size fits all," so it's important to evaluate them regularly and to tailor them to your company's current business needs. Frantz Ward attorney Alanna Guy joins the podcast to discuss the foundational elements of partnering with clients to evaluate and negotiate Terms and Conditions. Host: Christopher C. Koehler Guest: Alannah C. Guy

Season 01 Episode 19 Ohio recently modernized its laws governing limited liability companies through the Revised Limited Liability Company Act. The revised regulations apply to all Ohio limited liability companies, regardless of when organized, making it crucial for Ohio LLCs to understand the changes and their potential impact. Frantz Ward attorney Michael Gibbons joins the podcast to highlight the key changes and the impact those can have on LLCs in Ohio. Host: Alannah C. Guy Guest: Michael H. Gibbons

Season 01 Episode 18 Controversy regarding the claimed increased partisanship of the U.S. Supreme Court and efforts to change the Court's makeup by expanding its numbers continues to be in the headlines. So Shoveling Smoke thought it would be interesting to take a historical and constitutional look at how the Court's number was established, how it has been the subject of threatened changes in the past, and what the Committee established by President Biden had to say about the issue. Frantz Ward partner Greg Farkas joins the podcast to walk us through these issues and give us an idea of the practical pros and cons of what an expansion of the Court might mean. Host: Michael E. Smith Guest: Gregory R. Farkas

Season 01 Episode 17 Great things can happen when government and the private sector combine forces to address a problem that neither can effectively address on its own. Nick Fedor, Executive Director of the Shaker Heights Development Corporation, joins the podcast to discuss how his organization is doing just that by sponsoring a real estate development fund allowing private investment in order to redevelop an emerging commercial district of Shaker Heights. Frantz Ward attorney Karl May also joins to explain how they were able to navigate the securities and regulatory issues posed by this innovative investment offering. Host: Christopher C. Koehler Guests: Nick Fedor and Karl E. May

Season 01 Episode 16 As a business grows, a very exciting step is adding the company's first employees, but it is also one that should be very intentional and well-considered. Frantz Ward attorney Megan Bennett joins the podcast to discuss the importance of developing job descriptions, considering the terms "employee" and "independent contractor," and how to develop policies and procedures to ensure a legally compliant business. Host: Alanna C. Guy Guest: Megan E. Bennett