Skip to main content
Behind The Barrels

Behind The Barrels

By Ohio Dept of Transportation

Transcript Radio has become Behind the Barrels! Mike, along with new co-host Caraline, set out to strengthen the ideals of being One ODOT by introducing people within the organization, what they do at ODOT, and what they do outside of work that brings them joy.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

2022 Civil Rights Transportation Symposium

Behind The BarrelsMar 28, 2022

00:00
10:24
It's Clay Day!

It's Clay Day!

Environmental Specialist, Brittany Muncy does more than just work with dirt, she plays with it too! Pottery is her past time, and we were all too excited to hear about what she's got heating up in the kiln.

Do you want to tell us your story on a future episode? Do you have questions, comments or want to request a transcript of this episode?

Email us at podcast@dot.ohio.gov

Nov 27, 202334:06
Here's what's cooking at the Central Office cafe!

Here's what's cooking at the Central Office cafe!

This month's episode is so figgin' good! After months of pop up restaurants and food trucks, Central Office finally has a new, permanent resident in our cafeteria. Bleu & Fig opened at ODOT in April of 2023 and we sit down with owner, Chef Brooke to find out what it takes to make it in the food industry as a woman-owned small business!

Find out more about Bleu & Fig by visiting the lower level cafeteria or by going to www.bleuandfig.com.

Do you want to tell us your story on a future episode? Do you have questions, comments or want to request a transcript of this episode?

Email us at podcast@dot.ohio.gov



Sep 25, 202352:56
The Buzz on Beekeeping

The Buzz on Beekeeping

This month we headed to district 12 to speak to Todd Dykes and Brent Kovacks. These guys were the bees knees when it came to talking about their passion for beekeeping and were just sweet as honey to spend so much time with us, sharing their stories.

Do you want to tell us your story on a future episode? Do you have questions, comments or want to request a transcript of this episode?

Email us at podcast@dot.ohio.gov

Aug 29, 202301:04:21
A Country Girl Can Rock!
Jul 03, 202332:43
No Wrong Way to Write
May 29, 202344:31
Pound for Pound... It's Not What You Gain, It's What You Lose!
May 01, 202339:53
To Boldly Go... with Kathie Fleck
Mar 27, 202324:19
Life Is A Marathon
Feb 27, 202322:46
Bob Says "It's A Great Place To Work"
Jan 30, 202343:60
Holiday Message 2022
Dec 26, 202213:14
Take a Hike!
Nov 28, 202228:00
Get To Know Your Hosts

Get To Know Your Hosts

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves and interview all the lovely people of ODOT, we thought it might be nice to let you all know a bit more about us. Listening, you'll see very quickly why we thought we were a good match. 

Enjoy, and Happy Halloween! 

Oct 31, 202229:32
Play Ball!
Sep 26, 202223:37
Return To The Ohio State Fair

Return To The Ohio State Fair

After a three year hiatus, the Ohio State Fair is back, which means so is the ODOT booth in the Bricker Building. 

But that's not all! This episode also introduces our new co-host, Caraline Griffith! 

The Ohio State Fair is open now through August 7th.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com for traffic updates.

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov


Aug 01, 202220:07
The Four Pillars of Strategic Advance - Pillar 4 Positioned for the Future Benefit of Ohio

The Four Pillars of Strategic Advance - Pillar 4 Positioned for the Future Benefit of Ohio

We conclude our four part series, led by Director Jack Marchbanks, on the four pillars of ODOT’s strategic advance. This week, Director Marchbanks, talks about the ways that ODOT is Positioned for the Future Benefit of Ohio.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com for traffic updates.  

If you have question, comments or ideas, or would like to request a transcript of this episode, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

May 23, 202210:14
The Four Pillars of Strategic Advance - Pillar 3: Well Maintained

The Four Pillars of Strategic Advance - Pillar 3: Well Maintained

We’re closing in on the end of our special series on the four pillars of ODOT’s strategic advance. This week is Pillar 3, which is Well Maintained. Director, Jack Marchbanks, talks about everything from the funding to the smart pavement management that is needed to keep our roads well maintained.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com for traffic updates. 

If you have question, comments or ideas, or would like to request a transcript of this episode, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

May 16, 202212:12
The Four Pillars of Strategic Advance - Pillar 2: Accessible

The Four Pillars of Strategic Advance - Pillar 2: Accessible

We continue our special series on the four pillars of ODOT’s strategic advance with Pillar 2, Accessible. ODOT Director, Jack Marchbanks, talks about how accessible transportation is important for Ohio and its citizens.

Come back next week for Pillar 3, Well-Maintained.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com for traffic updates.  (that’s O-H-G-O.com)

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

May 09, 202210:15
The Four Pillars of Strategic Advance - Pillar 1: Safe

The Four Pillars of Strategic Advance - Pillar 1: Safe

This month we begin a four part series, led by Director Jack Marchbanks, on the four pillars of ODOT’s strategic advance.

ODOT leadership from around the state developed Four Pillars by which we will advance the department. And with these Four Pillars, come brand-new objectives that we call our Strategic Advance.

We start this series off, with Safe. Director, Jack Marchbanks, addresses specific safety concerns not just on state roads, but local roads as well.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com for traffic updates. 

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Apr 26, 202210:18
2022 Civil Rights Transportation Symposium

2022 Civil Rights Transportation Symposium

This month we are spotlighting the annual Civil Rights Transportation Symposium.

00:51  Lynn Stevens from the Office of Outreach tells how you can attend this year’s Civil Rights Transportation Symposium and what to expect from the event that runs April 25th and 26th.

05:22 To get us in the mood for the Civil Rights Transportation Symposium, Division of Opportunity Diversity and Inclusion deputy director Lauren Purdy as well as office administrators Deborah Greene, Katie Laplace and Lynn Stevens tell us what opportunity, diversity and inclusion mean to them.

07:16 Lauren tells us who can benefit from working with ODI and Deborah, Katie and Lynn expand on that by telling us who can benefit from working with their specific offices.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com for traffic updates. 

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Mar 28, 202210:24
Black History Month 2022

Black History Month 2022

February is black history month and we’re celebrating with two very special segments. We’ll hear from Director Jack Marchbanks from a recent Compto event and I speak to Traci Bell-Thomas from the Ohio Department of Medicaid about the importance of Historically black colleges and universities.

00:00 - Intro
00:40 - COMPTO Black History Month Webinar
10:44 - Benefits of an HBCU
28:45 - Outro

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com for traffic updates. 

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Feb 28, 202229:18
Jerry Wray Building Dedication

Jerry Wray Building Dedication

This month we focus on former ODOT Director, Jerry Wray. Earlier this month, the building that houses ODOT’s central office headquarters was renamed in Director Wray’s honor.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com for traffic updates. If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Dec 27, 202118:00
Ohio Advanced Air Mobility Showcase

Ohio Advanced Air Mobility Showcase

Welcome to the November 2021 edition of Transcript Radio. I’m Mike Lovins from ODOT’s central office communications team, and I’ll be your host. The sky’s the limit this month as we focus on the Ohio Advanced Air Mobility Showcase, which happened earlier this month in Springfield, Ohio. We’re going to follow along with ODOT’s Matt Bruning, as he talks to various contributors about the future of air travel.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com for traffic updates.

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Look for your next career at www.careers.ohio.gov

Nov 29, 202115:41
75th OTEC / National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Oct 25, 202129:33
Seasonal Jobs at ODOT / 33 Smart Mobility Corridor

Seasonal Jobs at ODOT / 33 Smart Mobility Corridor

This month we’re talking about the seasonal employment opportunities you can find at ODOT and how ODOT is involved in the 33 smart mobility corridor, the nation’s longest connected highway.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com (that’s O-H-G-O.com) for traffic updates.

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Look for your next career at www.careers.ohio.gov 

Sep 27, 202119:44
Walk Bike Ohio / Light’s, Camera, ODOT!

Walk Bike Ohio / Light’s, Camera, ODOT!

This month we’re talking about what ODOT and the state of Ohio is doing for those who use walking and biking as their mode of transportation and what happens when Hollywood comes calling?

Cait Harley, ODOT’s Safe Routes to School and Active Transportation Manager,  discusses ODOT’s Walk Bike Ohio initiative and also how it plays into the safe routes to school program.

Then I talk to Bill Garvey, the future President of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, along with ODOT's Amanda McFarland and Rhonda Pees, about how ODOT helps when Hollywood comes calling.

00:00 - Intro

Walk Bike Ohio
00:38 - Cait Harley

Hollywood Seeks Help From ODOT
14:29 - Bill Garvey
23:28 - Amanda McFarland
29:18 - Rhonda Pees
38:34 - Outro

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com (that’s O-H-G-O.com) for traffic updates.

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Aug 30, 202139:12
Chip Seal / Bridge Upcycling

Chip Seal / Bridge Upcycling

This month we’re talking about ways that ODOT helps save taxpayers money. From an often misunderstood road treatment to bridges that have county engineers beaming!

First. I talked to Chris Hughes, the district deputy director out at district 1, about a process called chip seal, that is routinely used to add life to a road before it degrades to the point of replacement.

Then, Muskingum county engineer, Mark Eicher, tells us about the benefits of bridge upcycling, the process of building new bridges with previously used beams.

00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Chip Seal
16:04 - Bridge Upcycling
23:57 - Outro

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com (that’s O-H-G-O.com) for traffic updates.

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Jul 26, 202124:30
Spotlight: District 11

Spotlight: District 11

This month I’m focusing on ODOT’s District 11, introducing you to some of its leadership and letting you know about projects in the area and fun events that you can take advantage of this summer.

First, I interviewed District Deputy Director Tom Corey and, as a former truck driver, we talked about what’s driven his career.

Then, I caught up with Public Information Officer Lauren Barrell, to talk about what makes District 11 so special.

Be sure to visit transportation.Ohio.gov for all things ODOT and know before you go, by visiting OHGO.com (that’s O-H-G-O.com) for traffic updates.

If you have question, comments or ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Jun 28, 202120:14
Ohio Find It Here! / The Map Man / Unusual Town Names

Ohio Find It Here! / The Map Man / Unusual Town Names

May is Scenic Byways month, and that’s the perfect occasion to start planning your Ohio summer road trips. In this episode I talk to Matt Maclaren, director of Ohio Find It Here, about some of the best places to road trip to in Ohio. Then I chat with Bruce Hull, the designer of the official Ohio map. Last, I talk about some of my favorite strange Ohio town names. 

00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Ohio Find It Here
15:12 - The Map Man
26:00 - Unusual Town Names
28:32 - Outro

If you have questions or story ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

May 24, 202129:03
Rides to Community Immunity / In the Blink of a Fly / Safety First in Auglaize County

Rides to Community Immunity / In the Blink of a Fly / Safety First in Auglaize County

Here’s what we’re talking about this month. We find out about a statewide program called Rides to Community Immunity, which helps those without means of travel get the Covid vaccine. We share a story about how distracted driving affected an Ohio family and they’re doing to spread the word about paying attention on the road. And finally, how an Ohio county garage keeps safety a top priority.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Please, DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE!

00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Rides to Community Immunity
07:44 - In The Blink of a Fly
15:40 - Safety First in Auglaize County
22:01 - Outro

If you have questions or story ideas, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Apr 26, 202122:35
Civil Rights Symposium / Dist 6 Deputy Director Lori Duguid / Ohio’s Litter Problem

Civil Rights Symposium / Dist 6 Deputy Director Lori Duguid / Ohio’s Litter Problem

This month we have a civil conversation about the Civil Rights Transportation Symposium, we meet District Six’s first female deputy director and we talk some trash about Ohio’s litter problem.

00:00 - Intro

00:38 - Civil Rights Transportation Symposium

11:15 - Meet District 6 Deputy Director, Lori Duguid

17:47 - Talking trash about Ohio’s litter problem

28:18 - Outro

If you have questions or story idea, email me at michael.lovins@dot.ohio.gov

Mar 22, 202128:51
ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks / Crash Trends in Ohio
Feb 22, 202134:25
The Premier!
Jan 25, 202139:60