Podcasts

This summer, a congressional staffer pasted raw chatbot output straight into an official amendment to the national defense bill, timestamp and all. Nobody caught it until it went public. In this launch episode for Frantz Ward’s new AI Enterprise Governance practice, host Jim Ickes talks with Chris McCarthy of OB.1 AI Solutions and Anthony Catalano of RSM US LLP about what that moment actually reveals: not that people are using AI, but that almost nobody can say who’s responsible for it. The trio covers what’s real versus what’s hype in AI right now, and the true story of a stolen API key that became a five-million-dollar bill that no insurance policy would cover.

Guests - Chris McCarthy, Anthony Catalano

Hosts - Jim Ickes

In this episode of Shoveling Smoke, Labor & Employment Associate Ben Kerns joins host Josh Friedman to break down what the DOJ’s move to reschedule marijuana actually means for employers. The discussion covers the narrow scope of the April 2026 order, Americans with Disabilities Act accommodation obligations when employees use medical cannabis, and why Department of Transportation drug testing requirements remain completely unchanged for safety-sensitive positions. They also address Ohio-specific implications for the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation drug-free workplace program, including the continued intoxication presumption and marijuana testing requirements for premium discounts.

Podcast First Aired: August 10, 2026

Guests - Ben F. Kerns

Hosts - Josh A. Friedman

Frantz Ward Associate and Host Josh A. Friedman sits down with Associate Ben F. Kerns to break down Cleveland’s new Pay Transparency Ordinance, which took effect Monday, October 27, 2025. They discuss which employers and applicants are covered, what the ordinance requires in job postings, and how restrictions on salary history inquiries will impact hiring practices. Josh and Ben also explore the enforcement process and offer practical compliance insights for employers operating in or around Cleveland.

Podcast First Aired: December 5, 2025

Guests - Ben F. Kerns

Hosts - Josh A. Friedman

In this episode, Labor & Employment Associates Katherine E. McLaughlin and Stacey M. Sanderson tackle one of the most common questions from clients in 2025: What’s going on with DEI? With host, firm Associate Josh A. Friedman, they break down the legal shifts employers must navigate following recent executive orders that impact DEI programs. The discussion covers new guidance from the EEOC and DOJ, including the increased risk of harassment and retaliation claims linked to DEI training, the scrutiny on employee resource groups (ERGs), and the implications of a recent Supreme Court decision that levels the playing field for reverse discrimination claims. They also offer practical guidance for employers reviewing their DEI policies and practices.

Podcast First Aired: September 29, 2025

Guests - Katherine E. McLaughlin, Stacey M. Sanderson

Hosts - Josh A. Friedman

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.

Podcast First Aired: April 17, 2025

Hosts - Mia L. Garcia, Thomas G. Haren, Keenan M. Jones

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.
Podcast First Aired: March 5, 2025

Hosts - Megan E. Bennett

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.
Podcast First Aired: December 5, 2024 

Guests - Megan E. Bennett

Hosts - Stacey M. Sanderson

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
Podcast First Aired: November 11, 2024 

Hosts - Bradley N. Ouambo, Bradley D. Reed

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.
Podcast First Aired: August 7, 2024 

Guests - Brian J. Kelly

Hosts - Michael E. Smith

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.
Podcast First Aired: August 1, 2023

Hosts - Christopher C. Koehler

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.
Podcast First Aired: May 9, 2023

Hosts - Christopher C. Koehler

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.
Podcast First Aired: December 7, 2022

Guests - Jacob Duritsky

Hosts - Christopher C. Koehler

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.
Podcast First Aired: September 27, 2022

Guests - Amy Hall

Hosts - Alanna C. Guy

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.
Podcast First Aired: July 12, 2022

Guests - Richard C. Humiston

Hosts - Alanna C. Guy

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.
Podcast First Aired: April 26, 2022

Guests - Alanna C. Guy

Hosts - Christopher C. Koehler

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.
Podcast First Aired: April 5, 2022

Guests - Michael H. Gibbons

Hosts - Alanna C. Guy

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.
Podcast First Aired: March 1, 2022

Guests - Gregory R. Farkas

Hosts - Michael E. Smith

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.
Podcast First Aired: November 9, 2021

Guests - Nick Fedor, Executive Director - Shaker Heights Development Corporation, Karl E. May

Hosts - Christopher C. Koehler

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.
Podcast First Aired: October 19, 2021

Guests - Megan E. Bennett

Hosts - Alanna C. Guy

The residential real estate market in Cleveland continues to boom, with home price values increasing by more than 10-20% in northeast Ohio over the past few years. So Shoveling Smoke thought this would be a good time to review the nuts and bolts of the residential real estate transaction and to identify the possible pitfalls that come with buying in a hot market. To cover those topices, we invited Frantz Ward partner Mark Rodio to give us some commentary on how the COVID pandemic is impacting how residential real estate deals are getting done.
Podcast First Aired: September 28, 2021

Guests - Mark L. Rodio

Hosts - Michael E. Smith

A fledging business doesn’t just need a solid business plan; it also needs a strong legal foundation. This foundation is not “one size fits all,” so it’s important to tailor your choices to your specific industry and your risk tolerance, long-term goals and budget. Frantz Ward attorney Alanna Guy joins the podcast to discuss the building blocks necessary to start a new business, from choosing and forming the appropriate legal entity, to preparing documents for managing the entity, to considering what other safeguards might be necessary to set your business up for long-term success.
Podcast First Aired: September 7, 2021

Guests - Alanna C. Guy

Hosts - Christopher C. Koehler

In light of the wide disparity of sentences for felonies across Ohio, the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission is implementing a Criminal Sentencing Database designed to provide judges with data to rely upon when crafting sentences. Supreme Court of Ohio Justice Michael Donnelly, one of the leading advocates of the program, joins the podcast to discuss the initiative’s importance to all Ohioans, and explains how the program brings more fairness and transparency to sentencing. Frantz Ward’s Managing Partner, Chris Keim, also Co-Chair of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s Racial Equity and the Law work group on Criminal Justice Reform, joins in the conversation to discuss the value of the program and report on his group’s role in its adoption by the courts.

Guests - Supreme Court of Ohio Justice Michael Donnelly, Christopher G. Keim

Hosts - Christopher C. Koehler

Cleveland’s profile as a destination city continues to grow and no entity is more responsible for that success than the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission. Shoveling Smoke welcomes guests David Gilbert, GCSC’s and Destination Cleveland’s President and CEO, and Christopher Keim, Frantz Ward’s Managing Partner and member of the GCSC Board of Trustees. Together, we discuss the challenges and rewards of attracting sports events – like the NFL draft, NBA All-Star Game and NCAA basketball tournaments – to Cleveland, the economic and intangible impacts such events have on our city and how partnerships with the business community and other city constituents make it happen.
Podcast First Aired: July 20, 2021

Guests - David Gilbert, President and CEO - The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Destination Cleveland, Christopher G. Keim

Hosts - Michael E. Smith

Frantz Ward is proud to partner with Team NEO, the business and economic development organization focused on accelerating economic growth and job creation throughout the 18 counties of Northeast Ohio. Bill Koehler, the organization’s CEO, joins the podcast to discuss the economic outlook for the region, how the public and private sectors are working together to both attract new businesses and help existing businesses, and the resources that are available to companies in their growth initiatives.
Podcast First Aired: June 30, 2021

Guests - Bill Koehler, CEO - Team NEO

Hosts - Christopher C. Koehler

Shoveling Smoke is pleased to welcome Former Frantz Ward Partner Kelley Barnett. Kelley has seen it all – from trying major felony cases as a Cuyahoga County Prosecutor to becoming a top commercial trial lawyer at Frantz Ward to serving in her current role as vice-president and corporate counsel for labor and employment at AmTrust Financial Services. In this episode, she sits down with her former colleagues to discuss the keys to success in her transitions to each role. She also provides insight as to how to build strong relationships between attorneys and their business clients.
Podcast First Aired: June 8, 2021

Guests - Kelley J. Barnett - AmTrust Financial Services

Hosts - Michael E. Smith, Christopher C. Koehler

Continuing our discussions about what the legal landscape may look like under the Biden Administration, Frantz Ward Labor and Employment Partner Christina Niro joins us to discuss what we can expect in terms of workplace safety initiatives and the work of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. We will discuss anticipated increases in OSHA inspections, new rules and regulations that may arise and the potential expansion of workforce-related programs. We will also check in to see how the ongoing COVID pandemic may impact this arena.
Podcast First Aired: May 18, 2021

Hosts - Michael E. Smith

Former Frantz Ward Domestic Relations Partner Katie Arthurs joins us to explain the divorce and dissolution process, to discuss the best strategies for navigating the difficult and often painful challenges that arise in a divorce, and to provide important insights on how you can best protect your businesses from being impacted by such events.
Podcast First Aired: April 27, 2021

Guests - Katie Arthurs

Hosts - Michael E. Smith

 Shoveling Smoke is pleased to welcome The Honorable Brendan J. Sheehan, Administrative Judge of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas and our first outside guest for the podcast series. We look forward to Judge Sheehan’s unique perspectives on several topics, including the judge’s personal experiences, court operations and trials during COVID, the status of the new jail/justice center project, and other services provided by the court system.
Podcast First Aired: April 13, 2021

Guests - The Honorable Brendan J. Sheehan

Hosts - Christopher C. Koehler

A new presidential administration and a shift in control of the Senate means changes in the legal landscape as well. In Part 3 of our series on the anticipated changes due to the new look in Washington, Frantz Ward Partner Matt Kadish provides a civics lesson and explains why it’s particularly hard to read the tea leaves on tax issues this year. But he has some predictions on what changes we are likely to see, when they’ll occur, and the variables that will affect the outcome.
Podcast First Aired: March 30, 2021

Guests - Matthew F. Kadish

Hosts - Christopher C. Koehler

In Part 2 of this three-part series discussing the anticipated changes in the laws and regulations we can expect during the Biden administration, Frantz Ward Partner Craig Haran provides insight on how things will progress on the health care front, discussing how the administration will handle implementation of policies and laws relating to the ACA, COVID relief, Medicare, Medicaid and other hot topic issues.
Podcast First Aired: March 16, 2021

Guests - Craig T. Haran

Hosts - Michael E. Smith

A new presidential administration and a shift in control of the Senate mean changes in the legal landscape as well. This three-part series will address the anticipated changes in the laws and regulations related to employment, health care and tax issues, and at the agencies responsible for enforcement of those laws. In Part 1, Frantz Ward Partner Brian Kelly guides us through the outlook on the labor and employment law front. Podcast First Aired: March 2, 2021

Guests - Brian J. Kelly

Hosts - Christopher C. Koehler

Frantz Ward Partner Melissa Jones provides insight on the new rules and regulations of the 2021 version of the PPP and gives some ideas as to how your company’s participation in the PPP might help your bottom line. Podcast First Aired: February 16, 2021

Guests - Melissa Jones

Hosts - Michael E. Smith

Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is poised for a more widespread roll-out, employers are finally able to develop plans to get their employees back to the workplace. But the vaccine will present employment law issues: Can you mandate that your employees get vaccinated? What do you do if they refuse? Frantz Ward attorney Megan Bennett answers those questions and more to help employers navigate the reopening of their businesses. Podcast First Aired: February 9, 2021

Guests - Megan E. Bennett

Hosts - Christopher C. Koehler

Understanding Premises Liability in the COVID world. Frantz Ward Partner Pat Haggerty provides insights on protecting your business from potential liability for claims from people supposedly contracting COVID while on your property. We will discuss the types of claims you may face and the preventive strategies that will minimize your risks. Podcast First Aired: February 2, 2021

Guests - Patrick F. Haggerty

Hosts - Michael E. Smith